Fathers Day 2011

 

SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011

Father's Day 2011

This post is dedicated to my incredible husband, Eric, it's Father's Day today, and as I write this, I'm thinking of him. I don't have a father to celebrate with, and neither does Eric, so we will celebrate with our children.

Eric learned to be a dad from his own father, who was so special to us.   Ray passed away a few years ago, and I'm telling you from the bottom of my heart, I loved him so much... he indeed was the only dad I knew. I felt so blessed when Eric and I started dating. I fell in love with his mom and dad. and Viola in my life; they were actual examples of unconditional love, not only for one another but for everyone they came in contact with--I love you both and miss you every day--If there was one woman I would like to pattern my life after it would be Eric's mother-she showed me how a mother loves her children. She showed me love every time I was around her. I heard a song the other day that said that if going to heaven were easy, he would pack up his kids and visit; I have to agree with that; the 1st people I want to see are Ray and Viola Williams. With parents like Eric had, it's no wonder he turned out to be such a fantastic husband and father to our children.
Have you ever felt a little proud of a decision you have made? One of the best decisions of my life was marrying Eric; he has blessed our family. My girls adore him; we also get a good laugh at his expense (sorry, Eric, but you make it so easy sometimes). Blake has grown to respect and admire his dad; not one week has gone by since Blake has been gone that Eric has not written him. Personally, Eric has supported me and loved me unconditionally through my cancer treatments, showing our children how to take care of his wife during such a crisis. Thank you, Eric, you have helped to change my life for the better; together, we have raised 4 wonderful children, and I could not have survived without you. I am blessed to call you the father of our children. Happy Father's Day !!

Today, we had "man food" for dinner--steak, potatoes, asparagus, and rolls- and Eric got his 1st pair of TOMS.  

Easter Pageant-I Know He Lives

 

THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2011

Easter Pageant - I Know HE Lives

The Easter Pageant Set

Me and the beautiful Jenna Allen

Me, Jenna, Brett Lewis, and the amazing Emily Holicky

Emily, Brett, and Jenna

Emily and Jenna with one of the cast members

Taylor Brown (I love this girl) and Haleigh as Virgins

Taylor, Me, Hales, and Daddy-O Eric

Haleigh and Chad

Brett, Hales, and Chad (both great friends)

Taylor, Brett, Haleigh, Jenna, Chad, and Emily

Brett and Chad are being silly.

Haleigh in full Costume-she was a foolish Virgin.

Ernest, Haleigh, and Shane -more good friends

Eric is the love of my life-notice his bracelet? He loves me

Today was not only my baby's birthday, but she also performed in the Easter Pageant. I can't think of a better way to celebrate her birthday than to support her tonight.
The show started at 8 pm, Eric and I arrived at 5:15 and saved some seats for Haleigh's friends.
The time went by quickly as we listened to the beautiful gospel music playing. Haleigh was able to come out in costume and visit with us before the show, she looked beautiful, and I was so proud of her, knowing how much she gave up volunteering for this incredible show.
I was overwhelmed with the Spirit in a few different places during the show. The first was when Jesus was healing the sick and afflicted, a father brought his daughter to Him; as Jesus took her in His arms, I was so engrossed the moment I began to cry; I immediately felt His arms embrace me like He had done so many times, for some reason tonight I felt that He was talking directly to me through the Spirit,  I could feel it from my head to my toes and a burning in my heart.

I Know He Lives; I can never deny what I know. When Jesus was denied three times by one of his closest friends and apostles, it literally made my heart hurt. I can't imagine denying what I know to be true... Jesus is the Christ and died for each of us. He chose to feel the pain of each one of our sins so that we could repent and be with Him again. Mary Magdalene was such an inspiration to me; I felt her love for the Lord. Her devotion and pure heart penetrated my soul, and I wondered if I had that kind of faith. Of course, my favorite part was watching my daughter Haleigh dance, but not only dance, but she also shined as she bore testimony through it. She has been dancing since she was 4 years old, and I have never missed one of her performances, but tonight I was more proud of her than ever before. I left tonight wanting to be a better person and more Christlike.