My Life as a Minister's Wife.

As I sit here at my computer tonight, I can't help but think about my wonderful husband and the life we are building together. If you would have asked me ten years ago if I thought I could be a minister's wife I probably would have told you no. However my Heavenly Father, had just that in my future. He has spent my whole life preparing me for His work with Kyle. I have prayed about and realized that my place beside Kyle, is as important as Kyle's place at the pulpit. We all look to our Ministers for Guidance and support. Well when you are the Minister you don't have anyone to turn to, except your Heavenly Father and your wife. I strive daily to be that support that Kyle needs so he can be the Minister that the church needs. Are there sacrifices I have to make, absolutely. Do I want all my husband's attention and not have to have him leave at a moments notice when a church member is in the hospital, yes sometimes. But it is in those quiet moments that my Savior reminds me that Kyle was His first and foremost, and whatever He needs us to do in His name is what we are required to do. Instead of the fishbowl that most people perceive ministers families to be in, I take my position "under the microscope" as a chance to to try and show God's love and mercy to as many people as I can, never forgetting that it is through Christ that Kyle and I have life at all.
As the old saying goes...
"I don't know what the future holds, but I know who holds my future." I don't know about you but that is all I need to know!

The loves of my life...

Life doesn't get much better than waking up next to these two every morning.
Some times God's sweetest blessings come in the form of Beagles, and their Daddys.

Better to see you with...

Ever since the day I was born, people have always commented on how big my eyes are. Unfortunately, in this case bigger is not always better. I have worn glasses since I was three and contacts since age seven. My eyes were so bad that my glasses were so big and thick, that my mom recently told me she cried the first time she saw me in them, and my brother thought that I wouldn't have any friends.

Don't worry I looked bad in my glasses, but the above picture is not an actual self portrait. I'll save myself that embarrassment. At the age of 7 my parents decided that I had enough criticism and took my to a pediatric contact specialist. I started wearing contacts that day and it changed my life. Before contacts I had to make extra allowances for my activities. I had been taking dance since age three and I used to walk the stage with my teacher before the recital and count out my steps so I knew how far I could go, because I didn't want my picture taken with my glasses glaring in the stage lights. Then at 12 I played in the Championship hoop it up game virtually blind because I had torn my contact and I was not about to wear my glasses.
Throughout out the years my eyes have gotten minimally better but I still can't see anything without my contacts. I always get so nervous when I know I have to take an eye test for anything. Recently, however my DR., the same one since I have been 7, told me about a new custom lens that could be formulated to fit my extremely rare flat cornea and hopefully help me see better. I will never see 20/20, and Lasik will not help, but I have come to terms with that. Well I went to the Dr. yesterday and tried on my new "eyes." TA DA I can see better now. I am still adjusting to the new fit but I am looking forward to the possibilities these new lenses could bring.

I read every sign to Kyle on the way home, just because I could. At dinner I read him the signs around the restaurant, again just to show off:) I hope I don't pass this wonderful trait on to my children, but I do take peace in knowing that the medical world is really making advances in vision correction, so maybe if they do get their Mommy's eyes they won't have to suffer for long.

Dinner and Dancing

Twenty-one months ago today, my life changed forever. On June 9, 2007 I married my prince charming, and best friend. Our wedding was everything I dreamed it would be, and so much more. Every month on the 9th I can't help but think back on what I was doing at that point on my wedding day; lunch with my bridesmaids, getting my dress on, pictures, or watching my moms face slowly turn to horror as my photographer took out two pedestals complete with candelabras on top, just about 20 minutes before our guest arrived. Never fear though mom came prepared with back-ups and not even a few busted candles ruined that perfect day.

So what am I going to be doing for this Anniversary you might ask? Dinner and Dancing of course.... OK OK before you all get jealous thinking I am about to have the most romantic night ever, let me explain.
"Dinner" will be cheerios on the couch, and "dancing" will be me watching Dancing with Stars in my PJ's with Lucy. I'm a minister's wife, not a celebrities', remember. Don't get me wrong I wouldn't trade my life with ANYONE in the world, because my marriage and my family brings me more happiness and love than I think most people are capable of comprehending. Besides my dance partner is going to be in Fort Worth until late, in class at Seminary. He has done so well, I am so proud of him.
I am looking forward to this season of dancing with the stars because I am a Big Shawn Johnson fan. I just think she is an incredible athlete and a true All-American girl. I am also looking forward to watching Melissa Rycroft, from the Bachelor, compete as well. Being from Dallas you know she has to be amazing.


Good Luck girls and I may have to bust out a few dancing moves of my own while I watch. Don't worry though only Lucy, not millions of people, will get the honor of watching me dance. According to Lucy that is probably best:)

Aunt Emmy's Angels

I know I have blogged about my nephew Easton a few times, but I also have Five neices and a nephew who live in Arkansas. I think of all of them as my little angels, the sunshine in my life. Easton Zane is my brother Eric's son, Rachel and Lauryn are Kyle's brother's little girls, and Jaselyn, Cheyenne, Blake and Ashli are Kyle's sisters kids. I wish they all lived close to us so that we wouldn't have to miss out on anything hapening their precious lives. No matter if they are close or far away, I love them more than anything and look forward to watching them grow up into beautiful young adults. I never knew I could love children seven kids so much, and I know that when Kyle and I have one of our own, that love is only going to grow stronger and deeper.

Emmy's angels...

Lessons I've Learned from Lucy

I have had many experiences in my life that I consider to be good "Life Lessons." From each mistake I have made I have "Learned," what not to do in the future. My faith, my parents, and Kyle have taught me so much about life, and how to live it to the fullest. I want to make each day better than my last and make as many people as I can happy along the way. My latest "Life Teacher" has come in the form of my Beagle, Lucy Belle. I have not adopted all of her habits (I.e. chewing on the carpet, stealing people's food, pottying on the floor, etc), but her spirit and her infectous happiness reminds me daily of the type of life I want to lead. Lucy has all the energy in the world. I like to think she is "Very Spirited" although the neighbors may have another verb for her. She is truly happy NO MATTER WHAT. I know that she does not have all of the Human stresses that we have to deal with, but she can make even my worst day better when I walk through the door. The unconditional love she expresses is overwhelming. She truly does not care how much money I make, what I wear, how smart I am, ect., all she cares about is that I love her and that's all she needs to know. She can't get enough of Kyle and I when we are home. You can tell by her face she is cherishing every minute. When we leave she has to stay in her cage but even then she trusts us and knows we will always be back for her. Most Beagles like to bury their bones in the back yard, well since we live in an apartment, Lucy will move the couch cushions with her nose, drop her bone and then put the cushion back. She also does this with blankets and hiding it in cabinets. She has adapted her life to ours and loves without ceasing. The only way she will go to sleep at night is if she is in our bed snuggled between Kyle and I. She knows then she is safe to sleep and everyone she loves is right beside her.
I know it might sound silly to want to be like my beagle so let me explain.
I want to love my family and friends unconditionally, not because of anything they have done for me, but because they first loved me. I want to be the bright spot in their day. The "Welcome Home Wagging Tail," that lets them know that I am proud of them, for just "being them." I want to cherish every moment I spend with my loved ones, never taking one breathe for granted. I want my family to know that although sometimes we have to get in "our cage" and wait for what's next in life, to trust in each other to always be there for encouragement. I want to be able to "bury my bone" and adapt to life no matter where the Lord leads me. And most of all I want to lay my head down at night and know the loves of my life are safe and know that no matter where we are physically, that my heart is "snuggled" with them.

Calling all Prayer Warriors

This past Friday my precious Great Grandmother, Granny, was taken to the ER after she began having heart problems during a routine test. I rushed to the hospital and got to see her, kiss her, and tell her how much I love her. She looked so sick I was afraid that would have been our last moments together.
My God and My Granny never cease to amaze me. Later that evening Granny began doing better. Now three days later she is sitting up and eating. The Dr.'s think she is still going to have to have a surgery to remove her Gallbladder, but otherwise she seems to be in relatively good health, for a 97 year old. My God is so faithful and His Grace will always be Enough for me. Please pray that Granny will continue to feel better and that her suffering will be minimal, but also that God's will and purpose for her life is fulfilled above all.