Hello again! For the cleansing of my soul (and more likely, my brain), and a little bit of reminiscing, I am already writing again! We've had several very busy weeks! My hubby's family was in town for almost a week at the end of June, we celebrated my hubby's birthday and my dad's birthday the following weekend, and we went out of town for the 4th of July. It was rather nice to have some vacation time! Charles took 1/2 day off on Friday, had off Sat., Sun., and Mon. with holiday pay, and took off thatTuesday as well! So, we had a 4 1/2 days off with only 1 1/2 days of vaca filed - AMAZING!!! As I mentioned in my last blog, vacation time, evenings home, and weekends off are a new thing for us and we will not take it for granted!! At the last job, the schedule changed daily and weekly, was spiratic, hectic, stressful, and I'll just put it out there - stupid. One day's schedule was noon to 10 pm; the following day was 7am to 6pm; the next day was 4am to 1pm; next day off; no, wait, nevermind... That was the norm with the "old job" and we are certainly enjoying new-found freedoms :)
On another note, our oldest daughter will be 2 1/2 on the 23rd, and our "baby" will be 7 months on the 24th! It's hard to believe that they are that big already and that Charles and I are getting ready to celebrate 7 years of marriage.

I knew when I was a young girl that I wanted a husband, and I wanted a family! I've always kind of wanted a large family (we're reevaluating that now, lol), but a family - me, with the love of my life, a dog, and a few kids... I never had any idea what kind of impact these things would have on my life, and they continue to surprise me and leave me in awe, everyday of my life.

I remember asking my mom when I was little "how do you know you've met the right person? the one you're supposed to spend the rest of your life with?" and she always gave me the same answer - "you'll just know." "BUT HOW DO YOU KNOW?" "you just will..."

When I met Charles, I was not looking for a boyfriend, nor romance of any kind, or anything else in particular, but he showed up in my life when I needed him most...

I moved away to college in August of 2002. Like many new college students, I found myself being a little... how would one say... rambunctious, maybe? I had finally graduated high school and wanted to live it up, so I did! I had a wonderful time; through the 1st semester anyway. I got really sick before 1st semester was over, and had to drop a couple of classes. I had a lymph node in my groin pop up to the size of an egg, saw multiple doctors, had lots of shots and labwork done, but no one could figure out what was wrong with me. I was convinced that I had cancer and was dying, until I visited a surgeon, who finally helped me. The lymph node itself was infected and had to be "taken care of." I won't go into details, but it was very painful and there was most definitely a recovery process that has left a scar on me; both my body and my memory. The surgeon suggested that I go see a gynecologist b/c it was possible that something else was going on... just what I needed at that time... something else wrong health-wise. I found myself falling into a dark place and had told my parents that I was moving home the next semester and was going to take some time off from school. Then, next thing I know, a teacher and dear friend of mine was killed by a drunk driver, on a trip that I didn't go on, because I was sick. There were several of us students that were in Randy's vocal studio that were very close to him, and we were all asked to come and help clean out his office. Possibly one of the hardest things I've ever done... The director of the music building opened his office door, and I started to cry. I was miserable and felt hopeless. I just wanted everything to be better; and then I felt it - arms around me in a warm embrace from, in all practical terms, a stranger. I knew who Charles was, and had met him in passing, but had never really spoken to him and I certainly didn't know him very well. When his arms were around me, I felt safe, like nothing could touch me. Charles and I were inseperable after that day. I thank God everyday for Charles and how we met, because he pulled me up from the dark place that was eating me. Soon after we started officially dating, I made the visit that the surgeon had recommended, and received "abnormal results" and had to make multiple trips for biopsies, cell removal, and check-ups over the next 3 years. Charles was my rock and still is! We started "officially" dating November of 2002, Charles asked my dad on Christmas day (2002) if he could marry me, the ring was purchased in January of 2003, the proposal/engagement February 15th 2003, and our beautiful wedding was August 30, 2003! Yes, your math is right; we did not even date a full year before we were married! Everyone thought we were crazy... but, I just knew... We miss Randy terribly, but he was the one who brought us together and has made it possible for me to have everything I've ever wanted - a wonderful husband and 2 beautiful children! We've been through a lot over the last 7 years, and that's putting it mildly - the cancerous cells were only the beginning of our windy path- but I wouldn't change any of it! I love you sweetheart and I love the beautiful babies we've been blessed with! Thank you for everything!
I hope you are all having a safe and fun summer! Cherish your loved ones and remember to thank God for them everyday! He knows what we need and He provides!
Much love,
Carrie