Happy Birthday, Miss Ellie Mae!

Today our little fur-ball turns 3!

Ellie loves the fall too =)

I began the search for the perfect hunting dog for a christmas present to Lee in the fall of 2010. Being the thorough researcher that my mother raised me to be, I discovered a type of Golden Retrievers called English Cream. As if finding a well bred Golden Retriever wasn't hard enough, I added another factor to the mix.

Ellie's biological family

After being put on wait-list after wait-list from breeders across the country, I finally found a breeder not far from where I was currently located who still had puppies available!  I was ecstatic! I was first on her list for her future liter and thus was able to take the first pick of the liter. 

Click Here to Visit Heart of Gold Retrievers
[I would HIGHLY recommend this breeder to anyone in search of a well bred Golden. They will not disappoint.]

After multiple trips and lots of play time with the puppies, I finally selected Miss Ellie Mae (whom I named Bella for weeks until Lee changed her name to Ellie after receiving her--poor dog had an identity crisis) 

The day we brought Miss Ellie Mae home

Although Ellie is highly capable, comes from a topnotch lineage and is incredibly intelligent, her momma has spoiled her too much and thus she isn't so intrigued with putting a dead duck in her mouth. She's smart enough to realize that requires getting out of her bed WAY too early on Saturdays and having to swim in ice cold dirty water. Oops! Sorry Dad, maybe next time you'll get your hunting dog. Ha!

It's been so fun to see her change from her puppy stage to her adult personality. Ellie Mae is definitely part of our family and we wouldn't have it any other way.

Happy Birthday, Miss Ellie Mae! 

Oh Fall, How We've Missed You

One of my favorite things about football season is getting to see my family every weekend. With living farther away, and everyone's crazy schedules it is often times hard to get together throughout the year. However, thankfully my parents LOVE football and love coming to support Lee and I at our games. I love having them there helping me cheer on our Golden Demons to victory. Plus, I get my handy Dad to the house every weekend to help me with what I now call "Daddy-Do-Lists." Jackpot! My father is extremely handy and I have taken fully advantage of his talents lately. Bless his heart, maybe one day he can have a completely relaxing trip to see us- Ha! =)

And with football comes the FALL! Lee and I think this is definitely the best time of the year. Sweatshirts get pulled out of the closet, cow bells dinging at ball games and the colors changing in the trees bring smiles to all who see. With the sight of the holidays are just around the corner, how could anyone not love the fall? I also think our love for the fall has a little something to do with the fact that we originally met in the fall. Corny, maybe, but it's definitely brought even more fond feelings towards this time of the year in our home.

Our First Fall Together

Now that our house is becoming a home and boxes have disappeared, we are truly able to relax a little more with the small amount of time that we do have together at home lately. No more dreading unpacking in our "spare time." Hallelujah!

So for now, I'll break out the blankets, grab a cup of cocoa and enjoy the beautiful weather the Lord has blessed us with yet again. Hello Fall, oh how we have missed you.

When Trials Roar

Over the past week, our community has been struck forcefully. After feeling as if the world couldn't cave in any more, another football player received word that his mother had gone to be with the Lord. When my husband got the phone call my heart dropped-- "Lord, this is too much for these kids."

Text messages and phone calls have flooded our household this week with questions. Deep questions. Questions that I don't have exact answers for. Questions that only God can answer.

"Why do bad things happen to good people?"

"Why did God allow this?"

As my husband and I looked at each other trying to help answer questions together, all we could think to say was scripture. And that's when it hit me-- it doesn't matter what we say, all that matters is scripture. God's word is the only thing that can come close to answering the roaring questions that are swirling around.

The Lord is in control and will remain on His throne no matter how much our world seems to crumble. Although our minds can't wrap understanding around what the Lord allows to happen, I will remain confident that through it all, we will see His goodness. (psalms 27:13)

The Football Captains carried their fallen player's jersey out on the field for the coin toss in remembrance of their friend. In addition, one also wore his number throughout the game. 

My husband and I have only been a part of this community for a short time, yet I feel like we have known the people here for so much longer. When they hurt, we hurt. We truly are one big family.

Through trials and hardship, God's grace is sufficient and so much more evident. For how would we know joy if not for pain.

I ask that you please keep our kids and team wrapped in pray this next week as funerals begin and loved ones are laid to rest. May the Lord's lovingkindness be present and His goodness seen. I pray that through the darkest hours, His light shines brighter than ever to this group of young people.

And forever we will say, You're the Lord our God

Click here to read the News Report

Ranked in Top Ten

I was grinning ear to ear this week as I read the Daily Oklahoman. My husband's football team entered a top ten ranking after scoring two hard fought victories to kick start the season. In pre-season, we were ranked 34, but have quickly entered the top ten! I'd say that deserves some celebration!!  But not too much, as we have another tough battle quickly approaching this Friday night.

To read the Oklahoman's rankings, click here.

If you weren't able to make the first few games and would like to catch up with some pictures of the Beggs Demons, click here.

Heartache

I lay awake tonight as my heart aches for my Beggs family. The agony is real, the pain deep, and the burden heavy. The loss of a peer strikes young people like a knife- sharp and double edged. Many questions arise... with no good earthly answers to combat them.

"I have told you these things so that you will have peace of

heart and mind, Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows, 

but cheer up, for I have overcome the world." -John 16:33

Although life may see like a vapor, there is always a purpose. There are times in life when trials seem to be more than we can bear, thats when you let go and let God. He never asked us to walk this life alone. Instead He's walking us hand-in-hand through life's journeys till we one day see Him face to face.
Oh, what a joyous day that will be!

In the morning, when I rise... Give me Jesus

Photoshop Fun

Considering I've been keeping my Canon very active lately, I decided to start exploring in Photoshop. 

So this afternoon I took Miss Ellie Mae outside and played a little catch. She was more than eager to cooperate with my photo spree as long as she could play at the same time.

Here are a few glimpses into our afternoon of fun in the sun and a few photoshop edits to match.

Before: Original Image

After: Edited Image

Before: Original Image

After: Edited Image

I've never been big on editing my pictures, but it's never too late to start!

Before: Original Image

Edit #1

Edit #2

Just a little fun with my girl while the hubs is away at football meetings.