LAB

Summer Reading

2010-07-11T11:57:00.001-07:00

Summers are always a great time to catch up on some reading. If I am being honest...it's just too hot to do anything else! I have enjoyed some great books already this summer and I thought I would share them with you. I would love to hear what you are reading this summer too!

The House on Tradd Street by Karen White
The Girl on Legare Street by Karen White
Plantation by Dorthea Benton Frank
Lowcountry Summer by Dorthea Benton Frank
The White Queen by Philippa Gregory
The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory

You may notice my list has a lot of lowcountry stories. I just love reading books centered around Charleston SC. Having lived there for 7 years it holds such a dear place in my heart. It is fun to read books that talk about the city, the awesome restaurants, Sullivan's Island and the beaches as well as the culture that I grew to love!

So go on...what are you reading?

Heavy Heart

2010-01-27T11:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday a childhood friend of mine laid to rest her 10 month old daughter. I cannot believe that pain she must be going through. Her daughter, Lydia, had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). This type of leukemia is most common in children yet Lydia was in a high-risk category because of her age. I was able to keep up with Lydia through CaringBridge and was amazed at this little girls courage and fight. I was also inspired at the strength and love of her parents. I know that their faith was what kept them going as they put their little girl in the Father's Hands! God isn't absent during our times of crisis and I believe holds us in our times of need. My prayer is that He holds onto my friend right now and gives her peace and comfort!

I did want to share the website that they had posted for donations in lieu of flowers. I would love for you to visit it. Donate if you wish but familiarize yourself with this disease and learn how you may be apart of helping familes and children with Cancer. Children shouldn't have to deal with this nasty disease. The treatment seems so cruel for adults much less little babies. A cure would be amazing. The site is http://www.friendsofkids.com/. I love their mission statement; Helping Kids with Cancer...Be Kids!

You know for the past year Brad and I have been going through the adoption process. It has been hard at times and frustrating too but the result was pure joy. And today as look down at little Cooper with his toothless grin I am reminded that life is short. We must make the most of every minute and take time to let those who are close to us know we love them! So since today is my birthday...my birthday wish is that you take time to hug your children, your husband, your mom and dad and siblings today! Life is short!

IT'S A BOY!

2009-12-22T09:25:00.000-08:00

It almost seems unreal that our adoption journey came to fruition last month. On November 24, 2009 our son Cooper Isaac Bedingfield was born in South Carolina. He is a doll and an answer to prayer. Today Cooper is 4 weeks old. I cannot believe how time has flown by and have wanted to blog so many times since he came home. But as all moms know...your time is not your own!

Mostly I wanted to share with you how sweet our time was in South Carolina after Cooper's birth. We were able to spend time in the hospital after his birth and had special moments with the birth family. It was an emotional time for all but amazing to see God's hand working in and through all of our lives. I was so impressed and moved by the strength of the birth-mom as she made the final decision to relinquish her rights. She was committed to Cooper's future and what was best for him. It was a humbling moment to have someone entrust a child to you. To see their emotions as they hand over this precious gift and to feel the love as well as the joy at the same time. As we all held hands there at the hospital and prayed together, Cooper slept in my arms totally unfazed by all the emotion yet he had a contentment that seemed God sent.

I am forever grateful to this precious girl and her family for this little gift named Cooper! I am amazed at God's love and provision. And yes His faithfulness...2 Timothy 2:13 tells us that "if we are faithless, He remains faithful because He cannot disown himself". It is God's character to be faithful at all times and in all circumstances. And true to His character I believe this adoption is a picture of His faithfulness, and not so much for Brad and I but for Cooper. God has plans for this little one and He will be faithful to complete it!

"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

What to write??

2009-11-06T14:15:00.000-08:00

Blogging is hard for me. I think of so many things to write about during the week but don't have time to sit and put it into words and on my blog. Here are some things that ran through my head this week that may have been good blog postings...

Trusting God in the midst of circumstances out of your control!

Florida Football and why I think Urban Myer and Spikes got too much flak (is that a word?) for the whole eye poking thing. We all know that things happen under the pile in football.

How things are going with the adoption process and the hurdles facing us today.

Pet Peeves - why do lawn companies blow leaves into the road instead of raking them up? What are some of your pet peeves?

It's that time of the season when you shock yourself getting out of the car. And that that time of the year when you have to hold your nose going into Publix because of the stinky cinnamon broomsticks. Why do they carry those things??

The beauty of FALL and the leaves changing colors or the flood in Georiga and how we are now just drying out.

Why didn't I pay attention in English class and learn how to write well? What is a subject in school that you wish you would have paid more attention in?

Just so many things to write about. I guess I see this blog as a place to share my feelings about things. And sometimes...it's hard to put those feelings into words. But I am going to try. So if I get a thought or feeling at 1AM in the morning and think, "that would be a great blog", I am going to get up right then and write it. Stay tuned!

Limbo

2009-10-02T16:46:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel like you are in limbo? In the middle of 2 things....ending something and beginning something new? Transitional periods are so hard. I am in one of those right now. Looking towards something ahead but unable to fully act on it. I know this is the perfect opportunity to wait on the Lord. The only problem is, I am not that good at waiting. Waiting=Anxiety for me and that is not a good combination.

What comforts me is this...God is faithful, His timing is perfect and that He renews those who wait on Him.

Adoption and Fundraising!

2009-09-21T21:18:00.000-07:00

As many of you know Brad and I have been going through the adoption process. Well, we have finally completed our paper work and are now in what Brad has joked is the “gestation period.” For adoptions, that could be up to 18 months as we wait for the little one God is preparing for us.

In the meantime we are preparing our home and nursery and doing all the things anyone would do as they get ready for a new addition to the family. We have also been encouraged by our adoption agency to consider some fundraising during this time. Adoption costs can run extremely high. And although we had not considered any fundraising initially, the suggestion from our adoption agency as well as the encouragement from many friends has led us to pursue some fundraising options.

We have been humbled by the overwhelming support from everyone and wanted to share with you some of the ways we have chosen to raise extra adoption funds!

First is our Candles for a Cause Fundraiser - many of you know my company Celebrating HOME has a wonderful candle fundraiser. We have chosen to run with this product because we know it’s quality and feel it is a product that people can use in their homes or give as gifts for the upcoming holidays. There are 8 wonderful fragrances for the fall and the cost is $20 per candle or (2) for $35. We plan to run this fundraiser for the next several weeks. If you are interested in purchasing a candle all you have to do is email us at bandlb@comcast.net. I can email you a flyer with more details! Additionally if you would like to be a Fundraiser Flyer Hostess please let us know. We will send you a fundraiser flyer for you to take and share with your co-workers, family and friends.

We are also having an Adoption Fund Yard Sale - October 17th we will have a yard sale. There's no time like the present to clear out our home to make room for a new baby! If you have anything in your garage that you would like to get rid of and want to donate to our sale we would so appreciate it. Just give us a call at 770-427-2669 or email us at bandlb@comcast.net. We would be happy to come and pick up anything you have to donate! Of course if you live outside of Atlanta...we appreciate the support but you may want to consider the candle fundraiser:)!

Again we want you to know how humbled we are that you might consider joining us in this exciting journey. We appreciate anything you might be willing to do and look forward to keeping up to date with our progress.

Sincerely,
Leigh Anne (and Brad)

P.S. As I was preparing this note last week, we received a call from an attorney with a potential adoption opportunity. It seems now our waiting period may be significantly shorter that we had originally planned for. We may actually have a baby before the holidays. We will keep you posted. Thanks again!

Embrace

2009-08-06T12:20:00.000-07:00

Lately I have thought a lot about the word embrace. And actually decided that this was going to be the word to describe where I am in life. So I looked it up to check out its full meaning. The Merriam-Webster definition says that embrace means to take up especially readily or glady; to welcome. Another dictionary adds that it is to receive gladly; accept willingly. After reading these definitions I was convinced that this was going to be "my" word.

It is easy to get frustrated with our circumstances in life. And for me dealing with infertility and then all the paperwork etc with the adoption process was causing some frustrations. I felt uptight, moody, disappointed, indignant and a little depressed. Until one day I just thought about the word EMBRACE! I knew that if I would just accept this path with joy and gladness, that if I would welcome it then I would find some peace and a little grace to keep me going. I also felt I needed to tie the word embrace with surrender. It's not necessarily enought to just accept my circumstances but I needed to surrender them to the One who knows all my needs. So here I am, handing it over to God, trusting Him with the outcome and embracing it as I go!

One more thing though...can I share with you what else I found when looking up the word embrace? Its synonym...ADOPT! Coincidence? You tell me.

Feet in Sand!

2009-07-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

Ok...my blog is titled "Landlocked in Georgia, oh to have my feet in the Gulf Coast sand" so I thought I would give you a picture of me doing just that...feet in sand! And you get to see my fresh french pedicure to boot! This picture was taken in June on one of our trips to Panama City FL (my hometown if you didn't know). I do hope to sink my feet in the sand a few more times before September!

Sometimes you just have to claim it!

2009-04-27T20:37:00.000-07:00

Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalms 73:25-26

I love how God knows just what needs to be said to you and when. How He hears your inner struggles and gives you the encouragement that you need through scripture. Did you know that the Bible isn't just mere words or just "truth". It is living and active...it has breath. John 1:1 says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." God speaks to us through His Word! Today He spoke to me.

Fingerprints & Criminal Background Checks

2009-04-26T11:05:00.000-07:00

I said I would blog about our adoption process back in January. Well it is now April and I have had only a few posts regarding this which indicates the pace of this process. Today I am going through some papers that need to be filled out and mailed in. One is a release form for fingerprinting, the other is a form we will send to FBI headquarters with our fingerprints on it. Did you know that there is an "adoption unit" at the FBI office in West Virginia? You learn something everyday!

I have so many feelings right now about our home study. Mostly I feel like adoption is much too slow a process and thus begin to question the path we are taking. Should we be working with a different agency? Should we work with several agencies in different states so that we might have more options? What about international adoptions? Should we investigate that path as well? And where do you find the money for that??

It is amazing what adoptive parents must go through to have a child. Yet it seems any idiot can get pregnant (did I say that out loud?). Truly there are crazy people having babies! There are babies (teens) having babies, crack addicts having babies. And because they are the "birth" mother they have rights that seem to exceed reason. Just because you can have sex, get pregnant and have a baby does not mean you will be a good mother. It doesn't mean you are ready to have a family. However you can.

There is a bill going to the Senate right now that a friend emailed me about. It is called HR-20. This bill would possibly require new mothers to be screened by means of a list of subjective questions to determine if the mother is mentally fit to take their newborn home from the hospital. Now I know my friend sent this to me thinking I would want to join with her in opposing this bill. However as a woman without children and going through the adoption process, I liked the idea of having new mothers screened to see if they are "fit" to take a baby home. If I have to go through a FBI screening why shouldn't birth mothers go through a similar process to see if they are capable of caring for a child. Again, and this is my opinion, just because you can get pregnant and birth a baby doesn't mean you are automatically a good candidate to be a mother.

I know there are probably so many things wrong with having a bill like the HR-20 Mother's Act. I am usually not one who supports anything that infringes on any of our constitutional rights. But from my perspective it sounds kind of fair in light of all the screening adoptive parents go through. Let's make sure women are responsible people before going home with their babies. And in the mean time why don't we also make it easier for responsible people to adopt. Seems reasonable to me.

What?!?!? I am not in control???

2009-03-05T14:24:00.001-08:00

Well after 39 years I think I am realizing that I am not in control. Could it really be?? I do not have control over my life, my circumstances, my future??? Now I have to give myself a little credit. I know in my head that I truly am not in control BUT my everyday life doesn't always show it. Whether good times or bad I tend to think...if I just take control of this situation it will work out. Could be an event, work, a relationship, diet, exercise (or lack there of...still in my control), finances - at some level I am "in control".

BUT dealing with infertility? Well that has made me feel so out of control. Yes I can go to the doctor, take tests, pee on sticks, take medicine oh and have sex...can't forget that. LOL. All of this can be done and in my control but getting pregnant, not so much! I can't help but wonder about the lesson here. What is God showing me...what are His purposes in this situation. Even as we go through the adoption process...I am not in control! I had posted earlier that I finally found someone to help us with a home study. Two weeks later I finally get the home study packet in the mail...remember that the study takes 6-8 weeks to complete and I lost 2 weeks waiting for something completely out of my control.

Hmmm. I am not in control. Why do I want to be in control? Do I feel I can do things better than others, than God? Does it take something like infertility to shake me and say HEY LEIGH ANNE you are not in control of life...I AM. You may be able to make choices like whether to exercise or not or you may manipulate a relationship but you are by no means in control. I AM.

To a control freak like myself...it is hard to let go. To trust and say ok God you are right. You are in control and not just with infertility but with everything. And to trust like this is to trust that your future is safe with God. That tomorrow God is still in control and that His ways are best!

So I thought I would share a few verses with you that have been in my head a lot lately. I have known these verses for a LONG time but need to be reminded of them. Of the promises...that God is in control. He has a plan. His ways are perfect. He is perfecting me!

Isaiah 55:9-10
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.
"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Psalm 138:8 KJV
The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.

"Save the Date"

2009-02-17T12:54:00.000-08:00

I love the "new" wedding announcements called "save the date". What a creative way to get a note out to friends and family letting them know the date of your wedding so that they can go ahead and put it on their calendar. Formal invitations aren't supposed to go out until about 4-5 weeks before the wedding and with the busy schedules we have today...you need to know a little more in advance than that. Well Brad and I have 2 special weddings coming up this spring. And we received "save the date" cards and pictures. Both of these young ladies shown below were in our wedding 15 years ago. Can you believe that???? We have been married 15 years.

Anyway, the first picture below is my cousin Jennifer Frudaker with her fiance Cliff Myers. Cliff's parents are special to Brad and I as they supported us financially when we were on staff with Campus Outreach. The Myers are a wonderful Christian family and are getting a beautiful addition to their family with Jennifer. The next picture is our niece Katie Bedingfield with her fiance Brett. They are such a sweet couple...Brett is one lucky guy for sure! KatieB, as we call her, still seems like a little girl to me so I can't believe that she is about to tie the knot!

Here are a couple of pictures that I found from my wedding. Aren't the girls cute? Now both Jennifer and Katie get to experience that wonderful, expectant, BIG day for themselves. They get to be the princess - all dressed up, waiting for their prince. Wow, how that day comes and goes so quickly!

Pictured with above with Jennifer is my brother Charlie (now married and a daddy of twins) and Beverly, Jennifer's sister. Beverly was married last year to Jordan Myers (Cliff's cousin - keeping it all in the family:)). See picture below. Well, I have the dates marked on my calendar. I've "saved the date(s)". Don't you just love weddings? I DO. It's a day full of promises and hope. The love is pure, simple and ready to stand the test of time!

If I Stand

2009-02-14T08:01:00.000-08:00

Do you have one of those songs that just "break" you? One of mine is called If I Stand by Rich Mullins and yesterday while running (well mostly walking) it got to me. I was at Cheatham Hill trail bopping along, Ipod clipped in and listening to some good upbeat worship music when it hit. If you have ever heard this song you know it is more of a ballad but one that I can still move fast too. However, as I was walking down one of the long dirt paths surrounded by tall pines and hardwoods, I found myself slowing down...weeping and worshipping. Thank goodness it was late in the afternoon and there was noone on the path but me. But I couldn't help myself. I tend to get a little overwhelmed when I hear this song, it moves me. It reminds me how insignificant my temporary struggles are in the bigger picture of things. That God's grace is sufficient. That He gives us hope and a sure future! Boy did I need to be reminded of that!

And so...I just had to share this song with you. I encourage you to find it on Itunes or something and listen to it sometime. Rich Mullins is an AWESOME songwriter. His songs are so moving and have such a deep message. If you have never heard him you are in for a treat. I think Jars of Clay re-recorded this song. It is nothing like the original, nothing ever is really:)!

If I Stand

There's more that rises in the morning than the sun
And more that shines in the night than just the moon
It's more than just this fire here that keeps me warm
In a shelter that is larger than this room
And there's a loyalty that's deeper than mere sentiments
And a music higher than the songs that I can sing
The stuff of Earth competes for the allegiance
I owe only to the giver Of all good things

So if I stand let me stand on the promise that you will pull me through
And if I can't, let me fall on the grace that first brought me to You
And if I sing let me sing for the joy that has born in me these songs
And if I weep let it be as a man who is longing for his home

There's more that dances on the prairies than the wind
More that pulses in the ocean than the tide
There's a love that is fiercer than the love between friends
More gentle than a mother's when her baby's at her side
And there's a loyalty that's deeper than mere sentiments
And a music higher than the songs that I can sing
The stuff of Earth competes for the allegiance
I owe only to the Giver Of all good things

So if I stand let me stand on the promise that You will pull me through
And if I can't let me fall on the grace that first brought me to You
And if I sing let me sing for the joy that has born in me these songs
And if I weep let it be as a man who is longing for his

Finally

2009-02-12T12:28:00.000-08:00

Well I finally was able to talk to someone today about a Home Study. This is a study that couples who want to adopt have to complete that basically searches into every part of your life; family history, finances, home life, health...oh and my FBI fingerprint information is "in the mail". These studies take about 6-8 weeks to complete which is sad because as you know...time is ticking. I often wonder why we didn't start this process years ago. I don't know how often we talked about it but never put feet to our words. Maybe we (my husband and I) both felt a little insulted that our lives would be scrutinized just for wanting to adopt a child. I feel that way a little right now. So quickly we go on the defensive. Wondering if I have done anything wrong that would be a bad mark on a home study. What will our finances look like on paper? Is my house clean enough? I am however excited about starting the process...and a little nervous. Better late than never right? More to come...

TB Shot and HIV Test

2009-01-28T15:37:00.001-08:00

Well I mentioned in my 355 days left blog that I would be spending a great deal of time sharing about my (our) adoption experience. I didn't mention that on my birthday I had several medical appointments required of me for my adoption file. Why I did them on my b-day is oblivious to me but I did.

So...here I am at the Cobb County Health Center to get a TB shot on my 39th b-day. My doctor does't do them so I had to go to the health center. Boy do they sting! Then I was off to my girlie doctor for blood work (checking hormones AND an HIV test). Yes I need an HIV test for my medical file for adoption - TB, HIV, PAP, Urine Analysis...and the list goes on. But it is done. Now I am just waiting on my doctor to finalize a form, copy all my records and get it in the mail to the adoption center. Next up...the home study!

I share this because some wouldn't believe all the things you have to do to adopt. I understand the need to make sure people are healthy, have good homes etc. But how difficult does it have to be? There are children who need homes...who are sitting in state homes and/or floating around from foster family to foster family. Babies being born to crack addicts or a woman in California that already has 6 but wanted one more girl. Now she has 14 is bankrupt and living with her parents. What in the world? And you want to know if my colon is clear???

I guess the problem is that when you deal with infertility you deal with the unjustice of it all. You are frustrated and hurt and everytime you give blood, take another test or get another shot it reminds you that you don't have children and some do (whether biologically or adopted). So, you ask why? What did I do? This is unfair! Can you relate?

The fact is...we all have things happen to us that are unfair. This just happens to be my road that I am walking down. And hopefully as I move forward I will see God work through this "unjustice", give me peace, faith and maybe even answer a prayer or two!

355 days left

2009-01-28T15:34:00.000-08:00

I am 39. Only one more year in my 30s. That is a lot to take in because I am not sure what to think about the forties. I know many people in their 40s and they are great but I wonder about myself. What will it look like? Are the 40s the new 30s? Because I cannot see the future and the forties...I plan to milk my last days as a thirty something for all it's worth! You see I still have a few things I want to accomplish in my "30s". A few things I "hope" for...

First I want to play Tennis. I love tennis...volleying the ball back and forth over the net. The exercise. Just don't know how to "play" or who to play with. My husband is sweet and goes with me but I know I can frustrate him. He can't hit the ball as hard and play like a guy. So I need to search for a partner or maybe take tennis lessons? We have a team in my neighborhood so I just need to contact them and start somewhere. Only 355 days left...

Next thing is that I want to learn how to sew. I want curtains and cant' find anyone to help me make them. Seems like I bother people when I mention curtains (and you all know who you are:)). I had just decided that curtains must be very difficult because everyone ducks when I mention helping me. But that is ok. I will learn. I will conquer. And I will have curtains this year. Only 355 days left...

Another thing I want to do is run a 1/2 marathon. What an accomplishment that would be especially for me because I hate to run. Love aerobics, power walking, kickboxing but not running. However I think with a little training on how to breathe correctly while running and some tips I could do it. 5K first....10K next...and then we'll see. Robin you can train me for the 5K and 10K - I need to start somewhere and you are the perfect person to push me.

Last for now and most importantly...a baby! We have been trying for years and dealing with infertility issues (though nothing specific found). We haven't given up on having a child (biologically) but are focussing our efforts on adoption. And yes time is ticking, only 355 days left.

I will be sharing more about our adoption experience with you and my story and feelings through infertility. Maybe it will help some who read this. Please pass the blog on to friends or family members you know dealing with these same issues. In the meantime...though you are not able to fulfill what I want to do or accomplish or have in the closing days of my thirties...you can partner with us in prayer regarding adoption. That would be a great support!

Bunco

2008-12-17T21:06:00.001-08:00

Bunco. Have you played it? Well I hadn't either until I moved to Atlanta and I kept hearing about bunco. I didn't even know what in the world it was but I wanted to do it. So, being true to myself...if I want to learn something or participate in something I start it myself. So I started a bunco group and invited neighborhood girls to join. Needing to grow to 12 ladies we reached beyond our neighborhood and invited friends, co-workers, family. And 3 years later we are still playing.

The reason for this post is that last week at bunco I realized how much women just love together (of course a little healthy competition doesn't hurt) and socialize. After our game was done we gathere on my screened porch - drank wine and laughed so hard & loud that I am sure we kept up the neighbors.

I have to say that even though we have been playing for together for several years, this evening was special. With the holidays approaching we felt the need to just chill out, unwind and enjoy the company of friends. We learned a lot that night... first off Claudia has a big crush on Kenny Chesney, Patrice loves Sean Connery, Cheryl has a "friend" in Savannah that we can visit on our girls trip in January, Paula does a great impersonation of the "Nash Trash" ladies in Nashville TN, and I can't count worth a flip. However, I don't think it was the wine...I really believe I would hold up 6 fingers and say the number 4 on any given day of the week!

All in all I am so glad that I started bunco some years ago. Whether it is to win money, reduce stress, have a girls night out or just have an opportunity to try out that new recipe it is worth the committment.

I want to thank all my bunco girls for your laughter, commitment, friendship and so much more. Patrice, Claudia, Paula, Shelli, Cheryl, Beverly, MaryAnn, Shirley, Andrea, Donna, and our few subs...Have a Merry Christmas! See you in the new year...and I will be the last holding the dice!

Cold Weather and Oysters!

2008-12-12T11:55:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you but where I come from we start craving oysters this time of year. Right when the weather starts getting cool and crisp comes a strong urge to eat some good old Apalachicola Bay oysters. The problem is...I now live in Atlanta and it is not easy to get fresh seafood much less good oysters.

So I am starting to take names of friends in the panhandle that have trucks and come north once in a while to see if they can bring me a bag of oysters. In return I will offer them a warm place to stay as they are passing through or you can even stay awhile, spend a weekend in Atlanta.

Thankfully we are heading to home for Christmas where there will be a bag waiting for us as we pull in the driveway. We'll shuck them right on the back porch, make us some yummy homeade cocktail sauce and eat until our hearts content. I cannot wait - my mouth is watering as I write.

One of my fondest memories growing up was all bundling up and riding out to Gene's Oyster Bar in Millville FL. We would sit there and drink cold coke and have the oysters shucked right there for us at the bar. We left stuffed but always wanting more...so we would take a bag home with us!

You know...maybe that is what Atlanta (Marietta area) could use - a good old fashioned oyster bar. I am pretty sure there are a few people up this way with a palate for salty cold oysters. It would sure make me happy! I could be eating them tonight instead of writing about them. Guess I'll just have to wait 10 more days!

WAY TO GO GATORS!

2008-12-08T08:23:00.000-08:00

I just had to say it - way to go! What a great game. Thanks for all the congrats on my facebook page. I am hoping Tim Tebow will win the Heisman again this year. There are many other great candidates but Tebow is just a special player. The best football player in college. He may not have the stats but the trophy is for the best all around college football player - that is Tim Tebow!

Ok...my next posts will be girly, at least until January when we start getting ready for the championship game!

Gators and the BIG game!

2008-12-05T14:37:00.001-08:00

As you read in the "about me" section I am a HUGE Gator fan. Well we made it to the SEC championship game and I am so excited. I also have butterflies floating around in my stomach because I am a bit nervous. There are too many people believing that the Gators are going to win BIG tomorrow. Oh yeah...forgot to mention that the game is tomorrow - that is Saturday, Dec. 6th at 4 PM - just in case you want to watch. Ha.

You see, I don't necessarily like it when the masses pick your team to win. Does it make the team over confident? Do they not bring their "A" game because they think they will blow by their competition? Should I be the coach? I think I could teach them a thing or two. I can hear my husband laughing now with that comment.

Well tomorrow is the BIG day. I hope we win. If we do, we may very well go to the National Championship game and that would be great. Alabama is a good team but I (like so many others) believe we can beat them. But I think it is going to be a close game. We just need to show up and play hard! There is a lot on the line for both teams.

And to all you SEC east fans out there. Root for your region to win. Come on dawg fans and Tennesse fans, South Carolina, Kentucky, Vandie...you must want the SEC EAST to win! I hope to hear you all cheering us on!!!!

Starbucks Follow-up

2008-12-04T16:31:00.001-08:00

So today I had the Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate at Starbucks. I said I would and I did it. It was YUMMY! Probably 1000 calories or more but who cares. For just three dollars and some change you can have a party in your mouth. Can you believe that one small (or Tall as they call it) drink would cost over $3? Next drink...Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Christmas and Starbucks

2008-12-02T14:58:00.000-08:00

Well this won't be long but yesterday I had the most wonderful drink and needed to share it with you. It was the Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha from Starbucks. YUM! It is amazing what a sweet flavored hot mocha can do for your spirits. I am not much of a coffee drinker (well any hot beverage) but I am determined to try all the holidays favs at Starbucks. Next on my list...Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate. What's your favorite?

Shattered Dreams as Preparations

2008-11-23T16:26:00.001-08:00

I am reading this book called Shattered Dreams by Larry Crabb. Why? Well that is a blog for another day. The premise is that God uses shattered dreams (or even unfilled expectations) to bring us to him. What are those "dreams" or "expectations"? A husband, children, good jobs, health etc. All normal dreams and when we have them we feel "blessed". God is good! But what if those desires do not come true or we suffer loss? Is God not good anymore? Are we not blessed? These are hard questions, questions many of us will face. Dreams do shatter.

And when they do shatter our heart aches and is troubled. We find great conflict, conflict within ourselves and in our relationship with God. We may feel abandoned by God, angry, distant, and much more. Where is God we ask. We even look in within ourselves and ask...what did I do for this to happen to me? Why?

Larry Crabb states that sometimes life requires that we hurt and in our anguish abandon ourselves to God. In this troubled journey of shattered dreams we discover a desire for Him that is stronger than all other desires a bigger dream than what we could dream for ourselves.

You see on this journey the masterpiece is the man or woman who rather prefers to live elsewhere, who finds no deep joy in the good things of this life. The one whose desire here is to prepare to meet Him there. Jesus tell us to not let our hearts be troubled because He goes to prepare a place for us. The Jewish Engagement Custom helps us to understand this better. In this world, in times of trouble what is God doing? What should we be doing?

When a first-century Jewish man fell in love with a woman, he would travel to her home to seal the engagement. The engagement wasn't a "trial" period in which counsel would help the couple decide whether to continue on our break it off. It was like a legal contract, complete with a price paid by the groom to set the woman apart exclusively for him. They were immediately regarded as man and wife. There was a small ceremony and then the groom would return to his father's house for a period of 12 months.

The bride and groom would not see eachother during the 12 month period. Thebride had but one job - to prepare herself for her grooms' coming and for the rest of her life with him. All other activities revolved around that one ruling purpose. And while she waited she knew what the groom was doing. He was spending the year adding an apartment to his father's home in which they would live together. An honorable man would have an eye for no other woman and would not rest until preparations were made for them to be united. His bride would rest, secure in the knowledge that all the bridegroom's energies were directed toward their being together.

When the engagement year ended, at an exact day and hour that the bride did not know, the groom would gather his wedding party and, in a torch-lit procession, travel to where his bride was living. His arrival would be preceded by a shout from one of his friends, alerting the woman that her groom was arriving. And she was ready. She had no greater dream than his coming and was confident he would arrive to take her to be with him in the home he had prepared.

As I read about this custom I again found clarity in my purpose here on earth. To prepare and not let my heart be troubled. I'll close with an exerp from the book. I am listening for the shout!

With that custom in mind, as it was in the minds of the disciples, perhaps we can better hear what our Lord means when he tells us to live now with untroubled hearts.

"I know things are not now as you want them. I know many of your dreams are not coming true. I want you to understand that things are not as I will one day make them. I like neither the distance between us nor the pain you suffer.

Until I come to bring you to My Father's house, I am devoting Myself to only one thing: I am preparing a place for you. And My Spirit, on My behalf, is devoting Himself to only one thing - preparing you to enjoy Me and all that I will provide.

I have called you not to a secular journey in life where you must make everything in your life now as pleasant as possible. I have called you to the spiritual journey, to a process of enlarging your heart to desire Me above everything else.

Do not be troubled by all the dreams that will shatter while you remain on earth. You will feel deep pain. But every sorrow you experience will be used by My Spirit to deepen your desire for Me.

He will speak to you about Me. Listen for the voice. You will hear Him most clearly when suffering humbles you enough to want to hear Him, to know you cannot go on without hearing Him. This time of distance, when you feel such disappointment both with your life and with yourself, will awaken your heart to receive Me with great joy when I finally come. I will not delay. I will come at exactly the appointed time. My Father will give the signal. Listen for the shout."

COME...Thou Fount of Every Blessing

2008-10-17T09:37:00.000-07:00

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.

Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount (His name)! I’m fixed upon it,
Mount (Name) of Thy redeeming love.

Here I raise my Ebenezer;
Here by Thy great help I’ve come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.

Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood.

O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.

O that day when freed from sinning,
I shall see Thy lovely face;
Clothed then in blood washed linen
How I’ll sing Thy sovereign grace;

Come, my Lord, no longer tarry,
Take my ransomed soul away;
Send thine angels now to carry
Me to realms of endless day.

Through the Years!

2008-09-13T10:53:00.000-07:00

So here I am through the years...1960, 1970 and then 1968. Didn't get them in order. This is a fun site and finally I decided to play around with it. www.yearbookyourself.com. It is kind of hard to get your face lined up well. There is one photo that I will not share that is too funny...well maybe I will share later. One positive...I don't look as bad in glasses as I thought I would so if I ever need them I'm ok with it:)! I am going to work on Brad's pics now...can't wait to post those!!!

Oh no IKE!

2008-09-07T14:18:00.000-07:00

So in August we went to the Keys for a week to stay with Mike and Caroline Bedingfield. We have been home for over a month but I have to say I want to be back in the water. The Keys are on my mind as I watch the weather channel for what Hurricane Ike is doing. Growing up in PC I have had my share of boating, swimming, snorkeling etc. But it is completley different in the Keys. For one thing you don't anchor up on or near a beach. You tie up to a mooring and snorkel in 7-30 feet of water. Now that was scary the first time I did that...to float and look down at the reef 25 feet below is quite overwhelming...and beautiful. The water was amazing and the sea life incredible. Brad would scuba dive but I just snorkeled and stayed close to the boat:)! One of our last days we snorkeled and brought peanut butter on the boat to tempt the fish. It was hilarious. Hundreds of fish, all sizes just swarmed around Brad to get a little chuncky peanut butter. So many different and colorful kinds of fish were on this reef. It really was a treat to go there. The last night we jumped on the boat and went to dinner. We are taking the pic above right before we got on the boat. A storm was coming but thankfully it stayed a little north and all we got was some wind. The other pic is when just Brad and I went to an old barge and tied up to snorkel around it. There was another boat there looking for lobsters - ugly things those Florida lobsters are. We just went around checking out the barge. Brad speared some fish and fed the barracuda that was eyeing us while we swam. The barracuda are all over the reef and Atlantic off the Keys. They seem to come out of nowhere and just stare you down. After watching this one down a large angel fish I felt I needed to keep my hands and feet tucked under me. They have vicious looking teeth. Well...i hope Ike doesn't do much damage to the Keys. It is such a great place to visit. Hopefully next year I will be certified to dive:)! Still concerned about sharks though...

where have all the good men gone?

2008-09-02T22:11:00.001-07:00

"Brave men have fought and died building the proud tradition and fear of reputation that I am bound to uphold. In the worst of conditions the legacy of my Teammates steadies my resolve and silently guides my every deed.I will NOT fail!"

I was moved hearing these words and listening to the tribute of a fallen soldier named Michael Monsoor tonight during the Republican Convention. To hear of men that sacrifice their lives to save their fellow soldiers is sobering. Also, knowing that they are doing that for our freedom is humbling. The above quote is from the Navy Seal Creed. I would recommend reading it. The conviction and loyalty of these men and those before them are to be applauded. I also wish that more Americans felt this kind of commitment to their country and fellow Americans.

Instead we are polarized. Many people in our country are focussed on SELF and not others. They act like their opposition to the war is a commitment to our soldiers...they are liars. They want women to have a choice and not believe that there is another life to consider...they are blind and ignorant. They think they are pulling people together for "change" in a historic way...they use people for their own personal gain.

Well tonight I heard again of a man who endured 5 years of torture. Who put others first and valued life, who was loyal to his country in the face of death, who had faith in something bigger than himself. I was brought to tears thinking of what he must have endured and that he did not break. You know I am just really getting to know this man John McCain and what I continue to learn causes me to believe he will make a great President. Here is someone who knows how to bear up against difficulty and stay true to your principles. He is a man of character, he has determination, he has resolve, he stands up for what he believes. I hate to be negative...but if Obama cannot stand up to his own pastor regarding his dislike of Ameica and his racisim then how will this man stand up to foreign leaders?

Fred Thompson likened McCain to the warriors and heros of the past that helped us become The United States of America. And to the men throughout history who stood up for people and their country (and their women!). The kind of men you read about or hear about and think wow...now that is a man. Guys know them...William Wallace, Maximus Meridius (gladiator), Hector, King Leonidas, Patriots in the Revolutionary War. OK so I watch too many movies with my husband. But I think we can agree...these were men! John McCain may not look like Gerard Butler or Eric Bana or Russell Crowe but I think he has some of the same stuff as the real characters in history. And I think we need a little more of that in our society today.

Schools In

2008-08-11T06:51:00.000-07:00

While I was walking this morning I passed several neighborhood kids waiting for the school bus as it's the first day of school here in Marietta. Boy do I remember those days...excited about getting back to school to see all of your friends. Exchanging stories about what you did over the summer. I cannot believe that the summer is coming to an end - sooner for some than others.

We are actually flying down to spend a week in the Keys. Looking forward to going out in our boat...snorkling...catching lobster and eating lots of yummy seafood. And when I get back...the neighborhood pool will still be open and free from teenagers during the day:). Looks like summer doesn't have to be over so soon for me.

Sounds of Summer

2008-08-08T20:05:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorite sounds during the summer evenings are the Cicada Bugs, Frogs and Crickets. You know, those sounds you hear when there aren't cars on the roads or any "daytime" noises. We have our doors open this evening to the screened porch because it is cool out tonight (and it's August...go figure). So as I sit here checking my emails the rythm from those sounds are almost hynotic. Sometimes we all need to take a moment to be still and listen. Summer can be a time for that...maybe that is why I call these "sounds of summer". I think I am going to jump in the hammock for awhile.

Fourth Fun

2008-08-04T21:04:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite pictures. We were in Panama City for the 4th of July this summer visiting mom and dad. We all spent the day out on my uncles boat...road down to Crooked Island and back. Then we anchored up near the Panama City Marina to watch the fireworks. There were these 2 shrimp boats tied up together having a big party. Everyone was swinging on the ropes into the bay and it just looked like so much fun!

When it got a little darker you could see hundreds of boat lights dancing on the waves, it was really beautiful. About the time the fireworks were to begin everyone on their boats began honking their horns. We just sat back and laughed at all the different sounds of horns (I didn't realize there were so many) and BOOM the fireworks began.

You know there is nothing like watching the fireworks from the bay. A different experience all together. For one you don't have a big crowd of people right on top of you or all the noise and bright lights from the street and parking lots. Secondly, it's not as hot when you are out on the water - the weather was awesome! There was a bit of a chill in the air with the breeze coming off the gulf. Sure beats sweating in some chair on a street corner. Overall a great Independence Day for the Frudaker family (which also consists of the Powells, Justices and Bedingfields).

Retrieving Cat

2008-08-03T19:30:00.000-07:00

This is Zoe. She is a new addition to our home. We lost both of our cats last year, one the weekend before Christmas. I was so upset over the holidays and vowed not to get another cat. But my husband had other plans.

In January Brad would drop by the local animal shelter and look at all the cats and kittens. He would call me to meet him down there because I just had to see some new cat that had just been brought in. Honestly he wore me out going to the shelter.

But one day...there she was. This little furry mottled kitten. I knew right then I had to have her. So I signed my name to the list. Didn't know you had to get in line to adopt an animal these days but you do. I had to wait 5 days before she could be adopted and then had to show up at 9am right when the shelter opened to pick her up. I can't believe I went to all that trouble but I did. And I am glad I did.

Zoe has fit well into our family. Our German Shepherd Dogs, Bailie and Heidie, just love her. She is not afraid of them at all. And maybe it is because she has some "doggy" traits. She retrieves. One night we were watching TV and she brought her little mouse (pictured w/ her here) to us and dropped it at our feet. Well Brad picked it up and through it. She immediately gave chase, attacked it and then gently put it in her mouth and brought it back to us. How cute is that?

Why not?

2006-10-21T11:13:00.000-07:00

That is what I say about having a blog. Why not? A fun way to keep in touch w/ friends and family, share funny photos, get things off my chest like a diary....why not?

Will post again soon!