2 little girls now women....

I first met my friend, Carrie, when we were standing at the bus stop. The good old Middle School days.

She and I have remained good friends ever since. It doesn't matter how much time passes between visits, we are always able to pick up right where we left off.

Carrie has become one of my closest and best friends.

We have grown up together....from birthday parties, prom, boyfriends, bridal showers, weddings, and now baby showers, we have remained very close.

Last weekend was her baby shower, and I asked her,

"Where has the time gone? Just yesterday, we were two awkward junior high girls and now you're going to be a mother and have a daughter of your own."

Even though we are not biological sisters, I will always consider her my older sister...someone I truly admire and is always there for me.

Love you.

Starbucks date with Auntie Nikki

Last weekend I had a little visit with my newest nephew, Camden, and the mama.

Women love their coffee, so we met at Starbucks for a brief visit.

He makes me so incredibly happy.

I can almost imagine how new mothers feel when their child is born and they feel this instant love for them.

growing in your faith

I think one of the biggest steps a couple can make is attending Church together.

There is something to be said about two people growing in their faith...together.

I watch older couples holding hands singing hymns...

Men with their arms around their wives/girlfriends during sermons...

Hugs and gentle kisses shared between couples when asked to greet those around.

It makes my heart melt to see all of this love and faith shared between two people.

To me, Church is a big step in a relationship.

It is like meeting the parents.

It is something about singing together, praying together, and discussing the sermon after Church together on a Sunday afternoon over lunch that creates a bond like no other in a relationship.

You get to know the other person on another level.

It is important to me to grow in my faith with my significant other.

choose to get back up

On a quest to start a new life, you will face a lot of challenges and uphill battles that will try to bring you down. Fears will arise that will make you stumble and the only way to stop them is to face them. As a friend, I would like you to know life will knock us down, but we can choose to get back up. Remember to always be strong...root that in your heart. -Chemirmir

the little moments in life

"I'd rather fold laundry with her than go to the bar with the guys."

Enjoy those little every day life moments with your significant other.

This is just one thing I have learned from my interviews for my final paper about marriage.

I have experienced some very insightful and interesting interviews, but my aunt and uncle's interviews yesterday have been 2 of the most inspiring.

They are one couple I truly admire. They have been married for 18 years and together for 24 years.

It is their open and constant communication with each other and their friendship that has helped their marriage be successful.

Dream big dreams...

There is always time
Does it seem that there's not enough time? The fact is, at the moment, there is nothing other than now.

Time is something you look back upon or imagine moving through. Now is what you have to work with.

No matter how long you think it might take, what matters is what you are doing about it right now. Now is when you can make the effort, and now is when you can have an influence.

Everything that has ever been accomplished has been done by making use of a succession of present moments. You have just as much time as everyone else because everyone has this same moment right now.

Instead of putting off the effort, now is your opportunity to make it real and to make it happen. By making full use of this present moment, you make the next one more valuable.

Dream big dreams, then jump right in and live those dreams. There is always time, and it is always now.

-- Ralph Marston

http://greatday.com/motivate/100918.html

"Trouble" - Ray Lamontagne

I absolutely love this song.

I heard it again this morning on Pandora and it made me think about the interviews I have been conducting for my Marriage & Sexuality grad class final paper.

I'm writing about the qualities of a successful marriage. Ironic, since mine was not successful. Nonetheless, it has been extremely helpful for me...to learn, heal and move forward. I have really enjoyed the insightful feedback friends and family have shared with me over the last two weeks. I am more than willing to share my final paper with those who are interested.

This particular song came to mind regarding my paper, because of a message I received today from a friend. This person wanted to share just a little bit more regarding his marriage and the potential he realized in himself after meeting his wife. It made my heart melt.

"I got married because she saw potential in me that I was blind to. I stay married, because she gives me the opportunity to be the best version of myself. In turn, I challenge her to be the best version of herself and experience fulfillment seeing her embrace it."

A few lines from the song....

I've been saved...
by a woman
She won't let me go
She won't let me go now

She's good to me now
She gave me love and affection

I Said I love her
Yes I love her