Backyard Landscape

About a month ago, we did a little more work on our backyard landscape. Most of the back is shaded due to all the trees, so it makes it difficult to get plants to grow. It's a work in progress...


BEFORE

AFTER

My Job

Those 2 words pretty much sum up why I have been MIA in the blogging world. Lately, I have been swamped at work and so tired when I come home that all I want to do is eat dinner and hang out with Clint. I don't even want to "look" at a computer after being on one all day. But, as crazy as it has been, I have loved every minute of it. Even dealing with hateful people at times. That's why I have been so sick the past week and a half.

When I started my job over a year ago, I signed a contract that stated I was hired with stimulus money received from the government. The contract was for 18 months and contingent upon funding. They did it could be longer if the money was there. If any of you work for a not for profit company, you understand. Anyway, I got word last week that our funding was low and we would be cutting back on our services to those seeking training. A red flag went up in my mind and I wondered if my job was going to be on the chopping block along with the programs we were halting. I have been deeply concerned. Especially, since my job is working with job seekers. I know better than anyone how tough the current economic situation is, at least in this area. Coupled with the fact that it was a little over a year ago that I was unemployed for 6 months. It truly makes me sick to my stomach to even think about having to look for another job. But, mostly, I have been so sad because I LOVE my job. I have found my niche with this type of work. I know now that I am a humanitarian at heart and desire to help people. I could care less about having a "prestigious" position at a big name company or working some job only for a killer paycheck. The feeling of making a difference in someone is unmatchable. I don't even mind all the paperwork (most days!). That's why for the first time this past Monday, I was dreading going to work. Not because of the mounds of files I would have to process that day or the hundreds of phone calls I would have to return. But because I was fearful I wouldn't get to do all of it.

Thankfully, I have an amazing husband who constantly reminds me that the Lord has taken care of us so far and not to worry. We both know that His plan is where we want to be and if it means me going through another period of unemployment then so be it. I wonder sometimes about my clients who don't have Faith. How in the world they make it through their hard times and depression from their job loss? They never have that sense of peace that only comes from Him. How sad for those who form their whole identity around their occupation. It can be taken from you so quickly and for those people, their identity is gone in an instant.

Today, I got as much confirmation from my boss as she could give me at this time. She informed me that as of now, her plan is to fight to keep me on board. And that hopefully, even if there is a layoff, that I won't be one of them. Her words did ease my heartburn some, but I had already found peace this morning when I found the verse below while doing my devotions. I know that if I do my part and be as prepared as possible, then God will be faithful.
" Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." ~1 Peter 5:7

What makes a Married couple happy?

Going from this size bed....

To this...

Ahh...So Nice!


Yes, we finally purchased a King size bed. After spending 3 years of marriage fighting for space in our full size bed, we decided it was time! I will say I held out on this one. Clint has wanted one from the beginning of our marriage. I was always afraid it would take up too much room, look too big, etc, etc. After having 2 weeks of blissful sleep, I will admit I was WRONG. Besides, isn't that what the bedroom is all about! We ended up purchasing a Serta mattress. It was not intentional, we just found it to be the best one for the money. Serta is now our favorite brand for more reasons than one. If you don't remember the other reason, click HERE to find out why. We are a Serta family for sure. Hands down, one of our best purchases so far!

One reason I love Summer

All the flowers! I absolutly love hydrangeas. I hope to one day find a suitable place to have them growing in our back yard. My Nanaw has the most beautiful hydrangea bushes. These came from her house. We have really enjoyed them. I thought they were too pretty not to share.

4th of July at Hatchie Bottom

Another 4th of July spent at our property near the Hatchie River in West TN. We had a blast this year, but certainly missed all those who were not there. See you again on Labor Day!

This is what the West TN heat does to me, not a pretty look! But I love that I don't have to fool with fixing my hair or putting on make-up! (with Annie and J.Leigh)

Love this picture. The oldest member of our family talking to the newest additions to Hatchie Bottom (Squ.Thomas, Clint and Abe)

Catching up on Family Time

He will do this anywhere!

Hatchie Bottom was a Coke event long before we were a Pepsi family.(We still use this for drinks!)

Frisbee Time

When I think of HB, I think of this...

And this!

Lastly, I could not resist posting this picture of my dad on OUR bed. This is what the West TN heat does to him. (And yes, he fell asleep with his arm up in the air!)

Bridget's Wedding

Last weekend, the last of my best friends got married. Bridget and Brandon were married in Cleveland, TN. Sarah and I went up on Friday for all the festivities and to help Bridge get ready for her big day. The wedding was beautiful! Only at Bridget's wedding could we get away with wearing pagent size earrings, so fun!

Beautiful Bride


Bridge and Brandon

My favorite dance partner

Sweet Savannah Getaway

At the end of May Clint and I took a weeks vacation and headed to Savannah, GA. We went to Charleston last year and loved it and knew it wouldn't be long before we visited this sister town. We stayed 3 days in Savannah in a loft over looking River Street. It was so nice to be able to step out on the balcony and watch the huge container ships coming and going. And if we got hungry, we just stepped out our door and headed down River Street for some fabulous fresh seafood. The highlight of our time in Savannah was taking a trolley tour and learning all the history and eating at the famous Mrs. Wilkes house. I have never, and I mean never, eaten such wonderful Southern food. A definite MUST for a Savannah Trip.
We spent another 3 days down the road at a B&B on Tybee Island. It was nice sitting on the beach catching up on some reading. But, hands down, my favorite part was renting bikes and riding them around the island all day. It was the best way to see the sights.

The view of the river from our balcony.

Forsyth Park

Mmmmm....

Our cute island B&B

Tybee Island lighthouse