Remembering to be thankful...

What a Thanksgiving!!  We had great food, the company of family....I am truly blessed!!  We had all the usually suspects for dinner:  turkey, corn cassarole (my FAVORITE!!), mashed potatos, sweet potatos, stuffing, gravy (NOT my favorite), the memory of cranberry salad (thanks, Dad, for dropping it in your car), and about a kazillion homemade pies!!  Needless to say, our bounty was full, full, full.  Not to mention delicious.  It took an entire day to recover from dinner!!  So needless to say, we didn't do all of the Black Friday shopping.  As much of a sucker I am for a great deal, I just can't get out and muster up the energy to push through the crowds of people.  So...I think it is worth paying the little bit extra just to save my sanity!!

Yesterday, we put up the Christmas tree.  It was such a joy to watch Samuel get so excited about the tree, and all the decorations.  I loved hearing him..."Mama, it's beeeaaauuutiful!"  Wait a minute.....click.....I just had to take a memory photo.  His little face was lit up with a smile from ear to ear.  It's just AMAZING when I think of what all God has blessed Brandon and I with.  I mean, we have been given the opportunity to raise and love on two amazing little boys.  Samuel and his little two-year old mind, and Jack, our 7 week old who is just precious.  What an amazing responsibility God has charged us with....to raise these boys in a way that Christ is their foundation.  WOW!!  But I am loving every minute of it.  I know that He will provide me with the knowledge and strength that I need to muster through it, and the sense to sit back, relax, and take it in when I need to.

On another note, I just came across a jewelry designer that I absolutely ADORE.  I think that her pieces are just beautiful.  I'm thinking I may have to wish real hard for one of these for Christmas this year...and may even have to pass a few hints along to B.

Her name is Natha and her stuff is great!!

Ya'll have a great weekend!!!  And remember everything that you have to be thankful for!!

Ok, ok, ok...I'm going to try this blogging thing - AGAIN. I've been following a few blog's of other women, and le me just say that I am a pretty pitiful blogger thus far. So, that being said - here we go....


As most of you who read this know...my husband and I started a church a little over a year ago - and what a journey it has been. Wonderful, interesting, and might I add a HUGE learning experience along the way. God has taught me so many lessons already, and I just know that he has many, many more to come. So, while reading posts of other ministry wives, I came along the blog of Lisa, a pastor's wife who lives in the south. She posted a "Scavenger Hunt" of sorts on her site, and I thought I'd kick off my new found commitment to blogging with it.

1. First Name.
Courtney

2. State and Country of Residence.
Texas, the Lone Star State, baby!!

3. Husband’s Ministry Title.
Senior Pastor

4. Length of time in Current Ministry Location. {IMPORTANT: There are several of you who may not be in a current ‘official’ pastorate/ministry, etc. That makes you no less a minister’s wife! You play along, girlfriends, and let us pray for you!}
Almost two years

5. Children? If yes, give gender and ages.
Two boys....2 and 6 weeks. Two of the biggest blessings God has given me!!

6. Number of unique homes in which you’ve lived during your marriage.
None really unique. We did live with my sister in a two bedroom apartment right after we got married. We have been blessed with our own home relatively shortly after that.

7. Cook Sunday lunch or eat out?
Are you kidding?!? Sundays are stressful eventful enough without trying to figure out and cook lunch.  We are for sure the eat out Sunday lunch type!!

8. Typically on time for Sunday School or not?
We don't have Sunday School right now. We are a church plant, that is still relatively new. But I am on time for church. Too much to do on Sunday mornings to be late. :)

9.  Favorite TV Show.
I must admit that I love Desperate Housewives. I know, I know...not a show I should probably be watching as the pastor's wife, but I find it wonderully entertaining!!

10. Something you watch/like/do that you would never tell the church people. (Except now you just did…lol)
Probably my viewing selection from above!!

11. Most annoying church-related pet peeve.
When people complain about how things are done, or that they aren't done they way they would want it to, yet they don't offer up any suggestions on how to change things.

12. One thing you need to throw away but can’t bring yourself to do it.
Goodness, probably a ton of things....but I can't pinpoint just one!

13. The one food you can not live without.
Sweet tea and peanut butter.

14. Parsonage or have your own home?
We've been blessed to have our own home. Besides, as a church plant, you don't really have the resorces for big item expenses.

15. Freak when the doorbell rings or always ready for a visitor?
Most of the time, I'm always ready for a visitor. And if my house is a bit messy.....I just hope people understand that I have a 2 year old, and a newborn.

I hope this gives a little insight to me, and where I come from. Ya'll have a blessed week!!