The Essence of Who I Am

A few Tuesday's ago we took Dylan to the zoo. It was his first visit there and he loved it! We saw all the exhibits, rode the train and carousel over and over, and then finished off in the Cool Zoo. I love seeing him smile and watching his eyes light up. I love when he is happy! look how pretty! we got to touch the elephant! I don't think he was suppose to go in there! lol but he did! wake up racoon! 

 my daddy,   my father-in-law,  and my husband! 

It's been a while since I've posted and I have sooo much to catch you up on! So . . . I'll do a few small posts soon to catch up! For those of you haven't heard the news . . . .  our oldest son ran away from home. We were devastated and searched everywhere, but no sign of him. Hopefully he is happy wherever he is and maybe just maybe he will make his way back home. I'm talking about Turt . . . I hope none of you were thinking that Dylan ran away! lol. Turt has been part of our family since August 2008. Paulette, my boss at the time, found him around her home and gave him to me. He's been part of the family since.  Check out this old posts about Turt: http://theessenceofwhoiam.blogspot.com/2008/08/newest-member-of-my-little-family.html http://theessenceofwhoiam.blogspot.com/2009/03/turt-is-back.html http://theessenceofwhoiam.blogspot.com/2008/11/turts-new-favorite-food.html We just recently moved into our new home and I set up his home in the backyard...

Five years ago today, I said "I do" to my best friend.  I made a promise to love, to comfort, to honor and to keep him for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, to be faithful only to him so long as we both shall live. I can still remember that day like it was yesterday. Walking down the aisle with my daddy, seeing Kevin waiting for me at the alter, the butterflies in my stomach. I had no last minute doubts whatsoever. I knew this was the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. 5 years later and I'm still feeling the same way. I couldn't imagine my life without Kevin. He loves me despite my faults. He loves me despite my flaws. He loves me for me.   Happy Anniversary to my handsome, amazing, loving, wonderful, awesome, comic, attentive, smart, good-lookin', God fearin' husband! I love you and look forward to growing old with you!  

Spring is here and that means that Summer is right around the corner! When I think of Summer I think of flipflops, suntan lotion, trips to the beach, swimming . . . the list can go on and on! Summer is my favorite season, but I love Spring too. When I think of Spring I think of fun and bright colors, blooming trees and flowers and picnics. Happy thoughts. The only not so happy thought I have when I think of Spring is spring cleaning! lol Spring makes me think of  growth. Growth slows in Winter. Winter is a season of little or no growth. But right after Winter comes Spring - from little/no growth to regrowth/new growth! I'm reminded of a lesson my Sunday School teacher taught when I was a teenager. Bloom where you are planted. Grow where you were placed. Don't let circumstance stunt your growth. We can choose to grow no matter what our circumstances are. Wherever we are, no matter how bleak, or sad, no matter how much of a mess is around us, no ma...