My 2010 Christmas Card

"I am not alone at all, I thought.
I was never alone at all.
And that, of course, is the message of Christmas.
We are never alone.
Not when the night is darkest,
the wind coldest,
the world seemingly most indifferent.
For this is still the time God chooses."

~Taylor Caldwell

And So The Journey Begins

Hmm...I can't believe this. The worst, most tragic night of my life happened one month ago. In some ways it seems like each and every minute of the day lasts an eternity. Yet it also feels like the wound is so fresh that it just happened hours ago. Ha, as I'm typing these words I have the sudden urge to throw this computer...this is so unreal. I'm trying to grasp that this is going to be my new normal - my new journey.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted,
and he saves those whose spirits have been crushed."

Psalm 34:18

I take so much comfort in this truth. I wish I could fully describe this feeling of calm that will wash over me when I get upset, anxious, or angry. I've been a believer since I was a little girl, and believe me, I've seen my fair share of difficulties, but never have I seen the hand of God as I have in this past month. It's amazing. It's incredible. It's true. It's constant. I have learned to trust and depend on the Lord in a whole new way. It's amazing what rock-bottom will teach you. He has met me in my darkest hour and given me the peace to know that even though He never promised me an easy journey, I know my destination will be worth it.

______________________________________

Many people have asked me, "How is Dallas doing?" Well, the little love sponge is starting to act like himself again. He has enjoyed being around lots of friends and family.

It may come as no surprise, but Brad was the disciplinarian. He had lots of rules for Dallas, which is most certainly why Big D is such a well behaved pup. And it's probably no surprise to know that Dallas doesn't mind me for squat. I always said I was the fun parent, aka the push-over ;)

I have felt so bad for Dallas, that I've slipped up on one of the major rules. Dallas was NOT allowed to have table food/people food/call it what you want.

Ummm.....

Let's just say Dallas had a VERY HAPPY Thanksgiving :)

Dallas loves his Uncle Justin and Auntie Kristen and Auntie Taylor. Sweet lil' Tay has given up the comforts of her own bed to sleep with Dallas and I everynight. He gets a massage from Tay until he falls asleep.

And then of course there is the extended make-out sessions he has with Kristo. Her poor little face was raw from all the full faced tongue baths she received.

Dallas is going to be okay. I'm going to be okay. We've got one heck of a journey ahead, but together, my fuzzy sidekick and I, we are going to make it.

At Rest in the Arms of Jesus

Bradley C. Hatton
July 29, 1981 - November 7, 2010

I'm not sure I can put this into my own words yet. I can't think, I can't comprehend. My best friend, my sweet and handsome husband went to be with Jesus suddenly on Sunday night, November 7th. I am absolutely heart broken, but I have hope. I have been shaken to my core...the depth of this hurt and trauma I can't even describe. The only way I am able to put one foot in front of the other right now is from the amazing out pouring of prayers and support our family has received. My God is carrying me.

Two days after Brad passed away, I randomly opened my Bible to this verse I had highlighted a long time ago:

"I will never leave you nor forsake you. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified. Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
-Joshua 1:5&9

"You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times.
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you.
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry,
Is how long must I wait to be with you?

I close my eyes and I see your face.
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place.
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow.
I've never been more homesick than now.

Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways.
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know.
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
Cause I'm still here so far away from home

In Christ, there are no goodbyes.
And in Christ, there is no end.
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again

And I close my eyes and I see your face.
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place.
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow?

I've never been more homesick than now."

-Mercy Me

Can I just say...

Alicia is all work and no play, I'll live to blog another day...

Like BigDogs

My most precious MeeMaw taught me so many life long lessons:

1. Always have on matching bra and panties
2. Diamonds are a girls best friend...and junk jewelry
3. It IS important to have the best yard on the block - and neighborhood - maybe even town
4. In her own words, "Always have some cover-your-a$$-money"

(I'm realizing I can list another 500 things off the top of my head)

5. One of our favorites is the importance of "Bunkin up" and "Layin' in the bed like big dogs"

Therefore we always make an effort to bunk up like big dogs
{that would be Taylor, Kristen, Mom, Dallas, and I}

Bunking up gets intimate for Kristo and Dallas
Definitely french kissing...

Busted - still posting pics from May...I'll get to June eventually.