A little History lesson...

My friend, Jen, tagged me (yes, another tag, but this one is more than just little answers) to do this small history lesson...I've seen it on several blogs so I'm glad that Jen tagged me. Also, I have to say that I LOVE living in this part of the country that people come to for work, family or just vacation. I have gotten to see Jen and Laura (on the same day!) who were some of my club sisters at Harding and Jen was one of my campers from a long time ago at Florida Bible camp. The next week, one of Aaron's good friends from High School, Susan, and her cute little girl, Reagan came to spend the night. It was so great to see their smiling faces after so many years! And then, not 2 days later, my friend, Beatriz, came on a business trip and got to come over and have dinner with us! Beatriz and I went to HUF (Harding University in Florence, Italy) together in 1994 and we hadn't really seen each other since!! It has been a great few weeks of reunions!!

Now, on with my little history....

30 years ago...I was just 3 years old having a great time with my little brother Jeremy. We were always into some type of trouble, but what brothers and sisters aren't at that age? We spent many hours at my mom and dad's photography studio. We had our own playroom with toys and a TV so that our mom could get stuff done during the day. We really didn't like it when brides came to get their bridal portraits done, though...because they would get to use our playroom for their dressing room. SOOO, of course we would have to clean it up and what kid really likes to clean? I really don't remember much about being 3. I do remember my dad's office in the Admin building at Harding in the PR office. We spent many hours there...

20 years ago...I was13 and in the 7th grade at Southwest Middle School. We thought we were so cool because we were the big kids in the school. In Searcy, you go to Jr. High after middle school (8th and 9th grade) and High School is 10th-12th grade. So, I hung out with my school friends, mainly Rebekah Lowe, who has been my best friend since the womb, basically. I was born on the day she was due. So, I'm 2 weeks older...we loved school then. I was on the basketball team and I really liked that...I wanted to be like the "popular kids" and wear guess jeans and that year for Christmas, my parents got me a pair of guess jeans and a guess t-shirt. I thought I was too cool for school. I also remember being in the highest reading class and I was on the newspaper staff (that was a big deal then...) I remember crying when we were reading "Where the Red Fern Grows", although, I can't remember what grade exactly that was, I just remember it was at SWMS. Oh, to be a 7th grader...I also got contacts that year and that was a HUGE deal for me because I have to wear really think and ugly glasses! Oh, thank you Dr. Camp for teaching me about contacts and how to put them in the right way!!! :) :)

10 years ago...I was teaching first grade in St. Petersburg, Florida. I knew I wanted to marry Aaron, I was just waiting on him to figure that out, too!! :) We got engaged a few months later, I just really wanted it to happen at Christmas. Instead, we got a puppy. Oh well, life does go on and we did get married that summer. I loved living in St. Pete. I had a great class of kids that loved me even though I had not a clue what I was doing in that classroom. I spent almost every weekend in Gainesville (Florida, 2 hours from St. Pete) because Aaron was in his senior year at the University of Florida. There was a great family from church in Gainesville that would let me stay at their house and come and go as I wanted to...I love the Suggs, they soooo took care of me when I was a crazy and in love first year teacher and needed some extra TLC!! I had another family that I taught with the mom and their daughter was in my class (and in our wedding) that just loved me like I was their own and I'm soooo thankful for Carol and Frank or I really don't think I would have eaten that year...I was teaching at a private christian school and made, not kidding here...$13, 000 before taxes, and I had a new car and an apartment that I had to pay for...I was really just eating peanut butter and jelly and that was about it...for a treat, I would buy some off-brand Kool-Aid and that rocked!!

Now, I am just thankful that God loves me, despite me and my many faults. He keeps on loving me and that is why I am His child. I love my family so very much. Aaron puts up with more that I can even tell you!! I love that man to pieces, really, I do. My kids are the joy in my life (so is Aaron)...they keep me laughing and smiling all the time. Not that we don't have our frustration, but more smiles than tears and I love that!!! Life is great and I love it. I love my friends that we have made in the 5 million moves that we have made with Aaron's job. I have loved each and every place that we have lived because they have shaped me and made me a part of who I am. I am just so thankful. Thankful for life and thankful for my family and friends lives.

Now, I tag Mrs. Brownstone, Tammie, Reagan, Beckie, Mrs. TP and Dyane. I want to read some great stories from my friends, for real...(that other tag below was funny, but I want to hear some good stuff!) Love ya'll!!!!