Kevin is HOME!

Yesterday was a bit of a blur for me. I was a nervous wreck because I knew I'd have to speak. And, yesterday the chapel was so packed that they had to bring in extra chairs. We were sitting at the front, so when I stood and turned around I kindof lost everything I wanted to say! ha!

It was a great day for Kevin. He was surrounded by childhood friends, family, and family friends. He had quite a group there to see him off into the real world. Four of his buddies he has had since high school came, his parents, my mom, his sister and her crew, and even parents of some high school buddies. The only regret I have of the day was that I didn't think to video him leading the song "He Arose" in the front of the church. Wow - he was really something! When his graduation video is posted to the John 3:16 site, I will share it with you. It really showed the growth and change in him from 6 months ago.

Look - here is the line-up for the day...Kevin's graduation!! hee-hee!

Once we got home, we went out to eat and then to the grocery store because for those that know me, you know the refrigerator was empty. Kevin laughed when he saw it and said I was a guy...I had Dr. Pepper, poptarts, and some french onion dip & chips. That's about it. LOL! But what was really funny was that we were tickled to just be grocery shopping shopping together! How's that for finding some appreciation in the little things...I normally hate grocery shopping! ha!

And, best of all, my wonderful food is back...here is my breakfast this morning...breakfast tacos. His breakfast tacos ROCK! *and, no, I am not at work today...I am sick...cough...cough!

Today is THE DAY!!!

I am up, and I am wired! No snooze button today!! I can't believe I actually get to bring my big bear home today!!! Yee-haw!

Keep us in your prayers as he makes the transition from a boot camp full of support to the ugly real world.

Now, I gotta go finish getting ready and do my happy dance!!!

Anyone else need a break?

I would just like a day to sleep in please!! ha! Sometimes life gets crazy busy!!
And, I am just trying to get things done (like papers graded and edline updated - all the stuff I won't want to worry with next week). Why? Because my man is coming home!!! heehee! 3 days peoples! 3 days! I mailed my last letter today!! woo0hoo! I also ate tamales out of a can tonight because when Kevin gets home, he thinks all that food is gross. I mean, I heated it up first...unlike when I eat pork and beans straight out of the can. ha! He hates that! So, I'm getting in the last of my "yucky, unhealthy" food. :-)
I am about to catch up on everyone's blog too. Last night, I had dinner with my friend with the twin girls. Adorable!! Although, I have NO clue how she keeps up with them at all. And, I don't think I am cut out for this Mom business unless I can order a 2 or 3 year old. Ha!
Ok...gotta check blogs...Thanks for any and all Audrey prayers. Check out her blog in my sidebar for updates. She has made it through her heart surgery with flying colors! Another woo-hoo!

And, last, a shout-out to my parents - Happy 33rd Anniversary!!! (on Friday) I love you both!! Aren't they cute?

In case you were wondering...

...there are only 6 more days until Kevin comes home. I know you are ALL counting down the days too (if only so I will shut-up about it!) It is going to be a little strange at first...I am jittery nervous like a first date or something. ha! We are so blessed to get to wipe the slate clean and start over fresh. (Not that anyone would want to go through what we did to get here! ha!) He has already asked what I want to eat the first week he is home. I am working on my menu...the weight is about to pack back on! ha! And, the grocery bill is about to go WAAAAY back up!! But it's all good! :-)

Now, I have to go put the finishing touches on my Master's project and be done with it! woohoo!

Don't forget to say a prayer for Audrey's surgery in the morning!

2 weeks!!

In two short weeks Kevin will be home! woohoo! I brought home the first carload of stuff today - yippee!! It was so good to see him...with me missing visiting last week because of the scrap retreat, well, it made for a long two weeks no matter how much I needed a girls weekend! The moment I saw him all my stress and worries were gone...he really is my bestest friend and soulmate and I am so ready to have his messy self home! ha!

On another note, only two more Saturday classes for my Master's class - thank goodness! I have one class on the 14th and a big project due that day. urgh! Then, April 4th is the final. I looked at the summer schedule and both classes I need to finish ARE being offered. Unfortunately, one is first session and one is second session, so I'll have to be class all summer, but I am going to try to get in because I am ready to be DONE! Wish me luck that they don't fill up before I get in!! :-)

In less than a month...

Kevin will be home!!! Yee-haw! March 15th!! I only visit two more times and then it's graduation!! After that, I will actually have someone to share the ride to Batesville with - woo-hoo!

Handmade Valentine's R the BEST!

*We are just going to hope that when Kevin comes home, he doesn't backtrack through the 'ole blog! heehee! If he does, I'm going to be in BIG trouble!! But, I happen to know through the grapevine that at least 3 of my letters have been shared with the entire camp. So...all is fair in love & war! LOL!

Here is my Valentine on a handmade "card" & I couldn't have asked for a better one!

Dear Lori -
I've thought about this letter all week. How do I explain to you what you are to me? I'm really not sure I can. You have stuck by me through my spiritual (and almost financial) bankruptcy, and you've brought me here where you've saved my life. I came here to salvage my life, but Jesus has restored it and given me a future. A future of hope, prosperity, joy, contentment, and love. I owe it all to Jesus and you.
I want to always put your needs above mine and serve you the rest of my life. I know what our future holds, and it is some good times. We'll have a rough patch from time to time, but that's when we seek and trust God and we can't lose. You are my world. You are my gift from God.
I love you whole heartedly,
Kevin

I just wanted to share this glimpse into our personal journey through alcoholism to show anyone who may need it - there is HOPE! They have to be ready and most of the time, they have to lose everything. Kevin did - if I would've bent just an inch, he wouldn't have gone to John 3:16. He didn't want to go in the beginning. It was too long. My advice to anyone dealing with an addict is don't cave. Stand your ground. You can love them and still be firm in what you know is right. I was able to talk to someone today about John 3:16 and their struggles with an alcoholic son. It confirmed to me that THIS is what Kevin & I have been put here to do with our lives - our purpose to help others overcome and give them HOPE. Without hope, we have nothing!

I shouldn't be blogging...

So, I'm just going to post this video and get back to work! This is a John 3:16 video that will show you how good Mr. Kevin is doing. Remember when these guys arrived at John 3:16, they had nothing to smile about and now look at them! Sit back, watch and just relax! (and yes, that is him in the first picture busting out a wall! heehee!)

I can't think of a cute title...

Moving on to my 4th book of the year already ... I hope I keep this up!! Thank you Jill for your fab idea to grade papers from 2:30 to 3:00 everyday and not bring work home. Now, I have time to do what I like to do instead of grade, grade, grade!!

See how behind I am ~ this is my shelf (and they sort of pile over onto another shelf too) of books waiting to be read: I am not going to lie to you, I am probably going back to a good old mystery after that last book I read (see post below). I have been really missing Kevin the past few days even more than I normally do. Reading a love story that makes me bawl at the end didn't help matters! I know we only have about 8 weeks to go, but I am ready to have my best friend back. It is almost bittersweet that he comes home in 8 weeks, because after a few weeks home, he is going back to Batesville for 2 months for a job that will allow him to give back to the ministry. Of course, I think it's great he gets to give back. And, I am grateful beyond words for what the ministry has done for us and for him. But, I can still have moments where I want him home to laugh with, watch tv with, piddle in the yard with, take road trips to nowhere with, cook with...oh wait, I mean him cook for ME! heehee! I just miss my Big Bear, and I miss him even more when I think about how it's going to be even better than before when he comes home.

Wordless Wednesday: My cowboy

Opinions Please!!

And folks, that means you can't just read it, you have to actually leave a comment with your opinion!! If you are really comment challenged, then shot me an email. Indulge me people!

Ok - this is a fun topic...well, fun to some I guess! Kevin and I have been talking about our wedding lately (gasp - what?!? Did she say wedding? Yes, she did! Now, before the gossip really kicks up, let me say this - we are not officially engaged or anything. We are kind of like that Dixie Chicks song "I shouldn't be wearing white and you can't afford no ring." LOL!) Ok - seriously, it is not a matter of if we get married but when. I mean really do you think we we've been through all this and stuck by each other for nothing? :-) Our love has done nothing but grow stronger with each trial that has come our way.

So...here's where your opinion matters (sort of - I mean you know we'll do what we want anyway! Ha!). What kind of wedding should we have? After all, it is a second marriage for both of us. But, then you gotta look at our history and all we've been through together over just the past 2 1/2 years...that doesn't even count us breaking each others hearts when we were 15 years old. He will, of course, tell you that I broke HIS...But, I am getting off topic...

Here are the wedding options we have come up with:

Option 1 ~ (Kevin's idea & a sweet one at that) We could get married in Newport at the church where we met & grew up in as little kids by the preacher we both loved as kids. Small, simple, very casual ceremony with close friends and family.

Option 2 ~ (my idea) We could take our parents on a trip and just get married on a beach somewhere barefoot in the sand...no stressful planning.

Option 3 ~ (Director at John 3:16 idea) We could get married at the chapel at John 3:16. Again, small, simple, very casual with close friends and family. No one that has gotten married there has gotten a divorce. (just a side note - ha).

**Note: When I say close friends and family, both our families are big. A family gathering with my family alone is 45 people and his family is about the same...I don't want big...how to do you make cuts? There are so many people who have supported us and I wouldn't want them left out. This is when option 2 looks good to me! :-)

Now...let's hear it. You have to choose 1, 2, or 3 unless you have a really cool idea. Oh, if there are any negative nellies out there who don't think we should get married, well, your vote doesn't count! hee-hee

It's Santa!

I've been traveling Arkansas again since Friday, so I'm going to backtrack and tell you about Friday first! :-)

Friday was a good day!! I had my most successful school Christmas party in 11 years of teaching - awesome room mom this year!! AWESOME! We had a craft station, a game station, and a food station. They rotated through in small groups and PARENTS ran each station - fabulous!! Plus, I got some really good teacher gifts! ha!

At 2:25, I breathed a sigh of relief that I had finally made it to Christmas Break! Woo-hoo! Two weeks off!! I loaded up all my loot and headed out of town. Stop 1 was the Christmas program at John 3:16 Ministries....and guess who was Santa for the kids???

Recognize that face? hee-hee! Kevin made a great Santa!! One kid was in such awe that he just stood in the aisle jumping up and down! ha! It was a great program and a good start to a holiday filled weekend.

After the program, I headed to Mom & Dad's to spend the night...tune in tomorrow to see pics of our Christmas Adventure...and an adventure it was!

Cranky

I am in a funk...a cranky funk...and I am going to let it carry over into tomorrow so I can be a "mean teacher" because my kids were horrible for the sub today! Why am I cranky you ask? Oh, let me count the ways...

1. I suck at crafts. How do people wrap presents with all those cool bows and ribbon? I thought I would try it today. It looks like a 10 year old wrapped my presents!

2. Christmas planning...urgh! It stresses me to even think about it. Usually it isn't such a big ordeal but with Kevin getting to come home for two days (but with restrictions) and me wanting to be where he is, well, it complicates things. Of course, there is the big question of what to do with the dog...you know, my spoiled, rotten, high-maintenance, dog aggressive, separation anxiety, scared of storms dog? Yep, gotta figure out what to do with him....jeez! I know there are those of you that are saying he is just a dog - board him or have someone come over and throw some food his way, but I refer you back to separation anxiety dog. Plus the fact that he is not just a dog to me. He is my only companion in life that has never, ever let me down. So, I try to return the favor.

3. Then, there is my class. I got a 2 1/2 page email from the sub today. The sub that I made special arrangements to have so they could have a nice day. I should've just left it to the system and let them have any old sub. This sub is a parent of one of my kids and was mortified at their behavior. They were so disrespectful. Oh....they will regret coming to school tomorrow, I promise you that! I can't believe how they acted.

4. And, lastly, let's just be honest for a minute. I didn't play hookie from school today to go Christmas shopping. Today was Kevin's court date for his DWI. I mean, I didn't come out and say to everyone (some knew) that he got arrested for drinking and driving, but I hinted at it. And, you had to know something serious went down for me to finally give him the ultimatum of 'moving out and it's over' or 'going to rehab'. So, today was my first time in a courtroom. I didn't like it and don't ever want to go back. He got a hefty fine, a choice between 10 days in jail or 20 days of community service, a 10 hour class on alcohol and self-help, and 2 year suspended license. Good times! You know I HATE drinking and driving, H.A.T.E. it! And, I am all for consequences for your actions. But my palms were still sweating and I was still nervous for him because I love him. Do I love him enough to drive him around for 2 years? Well, yes, of course I do. As long as he also rides a bike some and walks some! :-) Live and learn.... It could have been so much worse. He could've killed someone that night. That is something he couldn't live with and neither could I.

So there you have it, my very solid reasons to be in a cranky mood. Don't tell me to cheer up...I will tomorrow at 2:25!!

Pros & Cons

Well, the cat is out of the bag that Kevin & I are discussing a possible move to be closer to John 3:16. For those of you that don't know, John 3:16 is a 2 hour drive from where we live now. We decided to look into a few things this week and make a pro/con list of relocating. Basically, this is our list....(what is funny is that our lists were almost identical!)

Pros:
1. The biggest pro was being closer to John 3:16 (I gave this one a weight of counting as 3 pro's in one). By being closer a) Kevin has more support in his addiction b) we will both be able to give back to a place that has given us both so much c) John 3:16 is like an extended family
2. We would be an hour closer to our families. (As in, my Mom would be 45 minutes away and when kids come into the picture, I can easily call for help!)
3. small town atmosphere (We are both originally from a small town - actually the football rivals of the one we are debating moving to....hmmm?)
4. Cost of living is lower.
5. Crime level is lower. (Kevin argued this point, but crime has been on my mind lately.)
6. Dry county with a much longer drive to the nearest liquor store. We live in a dry county now but the liquor store is 2 miles down the road at the county line.
7. Job opportunities are better for Kevin because that community is SO supportive of the graduates at John 3:16. He already has job offers.
8. Kevin would have access to the concessions trailer at John 3:16, and we all know his dream is to cater and run concessions. (and I want to help him sling BBQ someday!)
9. We could have a fresh start!

Cons:
1. I would miss my friends BAD! (that includes family friends, work friends, scrap friends - everybody!)
2. I would take a BIG pay cut! (Anywhere from $10,000 to $12,000)
3. Selling my house (not a sellers market right now and I would miss my house).
4. Small town (yes, this is a pro and a con - you get it if you've ever lived in a small town)....no good restaurants, decent movie theatre, not sure if they even have Wal-Mart!
5. Quality of the school district isn't as good as where we are now.

So, there you have it! And, yes, Kevin did say today that I would be the one making all the sacrifices if we moved, and that he didn't feel that was fair. It would be easy for him to move, because the only thing keeping him here is me. That being said, I am the one who brought up moving, not him, because I feel a pull to give back to John 3:16. But, maybe we can do that without moving...no decisions are being made lightly or without thought and prayer.

Any thoughts? Be honest!

Wordless Wednesday

*Me and Kevin at High School Graduation (hee-hee!)

Favorite Moments...

Instead of some big long post about the Thanksgiving break, how 'bout we wrap it up nicely with a list of all my favorite moments from the past 5 days...(and with Friday's post! ha!)

**Getting to spend extra time with Kevin. We had all day Thursday and until 5pm on Friday.
**Looking through old family photos at Kevin's house from when he was little. I will have to post some later this week! I love old pictures!
**Getting a hug from my Mom when Kevin and I stopped in to see her on our way back to John 3:16.
**Playing sequence with Kevin's parents (even though we lost this time - totally my fault!) Rematch at Christmas!!
**Making our Christmas card photo...coming to a mailbox near you soon! :-)
**Sitting in a restaurant alone with Kevin and just talking.
**NO papers to grade!!!
**Getting into a whip cream fight at the family gathering with my cousin, Tanner. (although, I don't recommend this as it ruins whatever clothes you were wearing!)
**Going with my peeps to see Four Christmases after the family gathering. It was predictable but funny. I love me some Vince!!
**Last, but certainly not least, getting to laugh, hug, hold hands, talk to Kevin for 3 out of the past 5 days!!

Weekend Highlights...

Friday:
*You know it was scrap night...I got a major Christmas present done, and I wish I could share the details because I am SO excited about it!! But, it's for my Mom and she is a faithful reader. I'll have to tell you about it AFTER Christmas! :-)
*Other Friday highlight was the yummy deer chili that Peggy brought! YUM!!!

Saturday:
*Did a little Christmas shopping - stressed me out. I have no idea how I'm going to buy gifts this year!! I hate to charge them, but it's just going to have to be that...:-(
*Went to Copeland's for a cousin's birthday lunch (Happy Birthday Jared!). Got over Christmas shopping depression with an awesome dessert! ha!
*Went to see Bolt with my cousin's. Loved it!
*Finished my book. (review below - and I looked and I have averaged about a book a month this year - not bad at all!)

Sunday:
*Got to see Kevin for the first time in two weeks!! It was a good visit. We have had some issues come up in the past few weeks that we have needed to work on and today was our first day to get to talk rather than write. It was good for us, and our relationship just keeps growing! I can't explain the warmth and love I felt today from everyone. John 3:16 is an amazing place!!

Weekend Report

I had a great weekend!! I studied Friday night for my final and felt really good about knowing my material, but I was most excited about surprising Kevin the next day!! John 3:16 was having an event for Veteran's and guests could attend. He wasn't expecting me because with my final, I didn't think I could make it. Well, I found a way (thank you Jared for house sitting!).

Saturday, I burned up the Arkansas highways for sure - first I drove to Conway to take my final. A two part final! yuck! Oh, and I had a presentation. I HATE presentations!! But, I made it through (mainly because it was a group presentation!). Then, we started our final. I am a bit nervous because I was the first one finished. And in hind sight, I wish I had double-checked it. But, I really just wanted to get on the road to my next destination! ha!

So...I burned up the roads for the next two hours heading from Conway to Batesville and was so early, I had to stop and shop in Searcy to kill time!! LOL!

Here is the drive going into John 3:16 ~ They added the flags for the veteran's. Anyway...Kevin was SO surprised to see me. It was fun getting to surprise him. The other guys helped me out when I got there because he was in the kitchen and they acted like they needed him to come out and help them with something. When he opened the door, there I was and he yelled and hugged me so big, my feet came up off the ground! ha! I don't think we stopped smiling all night!! It was an added bonus that I got to see him two days this weekend!!

(this picture is from today:) The Veteran's service was really, really good!! They did a fantastic job of honoring them. You would have to have a very cold heart not to be moved by that service!! After the service, I spent the night at my Mom's since it's only 45 minutes away. Then, I got to go back this morning!! woo-hoo! If you can't tell by the pictures - Kevin is at about 34 lbs. lighter these days! This is him with his parents today:

I could keep rambling on and on...but I'll stop!! Just keep the prayers coming and keep him in your thoughts.
Check out their website if you have time - they have made updates: www.john316ministry.com

Fall

I love FALL! Fall is one of my favorite seasons (b/c I love Spring too!) Kevin and I both love fall though. I have really missed him more this week because the leaves are changing and we both take time to appreciate the beauty of it. We like to take road trips (like to the Buffalo) and hike, explore, and enjoy the scenery. We call ourselves old souls out for our Sunday drives. Sometimes, we don't even know where we are heading...we just head out and stop along the way at any flea market we happen to pass. I love it!

We also really, really like fall camping...the camp fires are so much better in fall! So...I've missed him a bit more as I enjoy the drives home and the gorgeous scenery. But, I know next fall, there will be plenty of road trips, so it's all good.

Fall also left me bringing in the last of our garden. Carrots anyone? I was so excited!! There were a BUNCH under all that green! I have one happy guinea pig!!This is what I love most about fall ~ look at the beauty just out the backdoor!
But, you know, what I hate about fall?? When those beautiful leaves fall, and I have to rake them up. So far, this year, the wind is treating me right and they are all blowing into my neighbors yard! LOL!

Today's Visit

Every time I see Kevin, he has grown spiritually more than the week before. And physically, has lost more weight (30 lbs. and counting...). He also has that twinkle back in his eye that I love so much. I didn't take any pictures today. We stupidly decided it would be cool to go out on the pond in the canoe. It was a bit windy - we really didn't realize it until we were out on the water. The water kept taking taking up to this far corner that looked like snake territory to me if I've ever seen it. Kevin was working like a dog to keep up out of that area. Let's just sum it by saying - it looks romantic in the movies, but not so much in real life! ha! We are both clumsy, so as Kevin would say I was "as nervous as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs!" I just knew we were going to tip over in that nasty water! ha! But, we didn't! :-)

Anyway - we had a great visit, but it goes by WAY too fast!! Next week, his parents get to come too. I look forward to the chocolate dessert Kevin's Mom is making...yum!!!