Why is it so hard?

Anyone who knows me will confirm that I am a complete Type A personality--a perfectionist that likes being in control at all times and is willing to plan everything to the "T". Well, I'm pretty sure God laughs at us Type A's on a regular basis. Why is it so hard for me to let go and understand that it isn't all up to me? Why is it so hard to trust in His plan and stand back out of His way so it can happen? I'm having a really hard time with this right now...pray for me, please.

The Second Big Snow of Winter 09-10

While I was away at the conference, Anna had a fantastic time with her Daddy all to herself. They had a blast playin' and playin' and playin'. Although it snowed, Daddy reported that Anna liked it for about 20 minutes and then was done. Here are some pics from their grand time...

Anna SO excited about being in her snow gear;).

Anna standing beside her first snow angel!

You gotta go swinging, even in the snow!

Women of the Word Conference

My mom asked Sarah and me back in October if we were interested in going to this Women of the Word Conference in Myrtle Beach in January. Myrtle Beach in January?? Spending time with my two favorite women?? Yes, please. Plus, the keynote speaker was Joanna Weaver, who wrote Being Mary in a Martha World, which is a fantastic bible study (for those who haven't done it). So, we registered and forgot about it. Then, Halloween, Thanksgiving, wedding, and Christmas happened. I had totally forgotten about the conference until a couple of weeks ago. It was the end of January already!!

The funny thing is that as Sarah and I were preparing for the trip to Myrtle Beach, everyone in the Triad was preparing for snow...again. The last time we headed to the coast was for Greg's wedding...and it snowed while we were there. This is not funny anymore...

Anyway, the conference was really good. Although Joanna Weaver is a precious person, we decided she was a better author than speaker. The praise music was phenomenal and we got to see some dear friends from Wilmington while we were there. The small sessions were our favorite part. We went to one on unity in difficult relationships, which was very much needed.

After the conference ended Saturday, we headed to the outlets in the rain and had a great time shopping. Then my dad drove down from Wilmington to meet us for dinner in Calabash (he had been pouting because my mom was getting to see us sans husbands and he was jealous).

Sarah and I were a little nervous about driving back with all the snow that had fallen, but luckily I-40 was pristine all the way home. And Will was quite happy to see us since he had been stuck in the house with a 2 and 1/2 year old and a dog for almost 3 days! Gotta love girls weekends!

The First Video Game

I know that our children's generation is going to grow up with computers and video games as a way of life. It's just inevitable. However, I was trying to keep Anna from, at least the video game part, as long as I could. (She already asks to watch Elmo and Skype with Mimi and Pawpaw on the "puter").

Well, I missed Will and Anna the other night and this is where I found them...

Anna's first exposure to Mario Kart. Will was helping her drive "Baby Peach" and she was loving it. So much for my valiant efforts:).

It's OK, Mommy

The other afternoon, the back door onto the deck was open so that Miller could go through his doggy door. All of a sudden, I hear the screen door open (since Anna is now tall enough and wise enough to open doors). I fly to the door before she can escape outside and ask her, "What is the rule about going outside?" She looked at me with her why-did-you-have-to-find-me look, and said, "Have to ask Mommy and Daddy first." Then, she immediately said, "Go outside, please!" I laughed, but sat down on the floor beside her. I explained to her that if she doesn't ask first, then I won't know where she is and I will get worried. She looked at me, concerned, and asked, "Mommy, you would cry?" So sweet!! I told her that I would cry if I couldn't find her. She started patting me on the leg and said, "It's OK, Mommy. Anna is right here." Bless her heart, how did she get so sweet!?!

Lazy, Rainy Sunday

Will had it made today--watching football with his two kids!:)

Christmas in January

Since Anna and I were deathly ill the week before Christmas, we missed the annual Carolina Girls Christmas Get-Together. However, after seeing two of the girls last night, we came home with gifts for Anna from Michelle and Melissa. As soon as Anna woke up this morning, we let her open them. She loved her princess accessories!! She couldn't get her shoes on with her PJ's, so she had to take them off. She does love those shoes ("with heels like Mommy"). Notice that the heart jewel on the crown even lights up! Thank you, Michelle!

Lawson gave Anna a cute set of butterflies for the bathtub and a bug net to catch them. She couldn't wait to get in the bathtub tonight! Here she is with butterfly net and princess crown. Thank you, Lawson (and Melissa)!