ONE Weekend 2013

WOW!!!!!!! This past weekend had a major impact on me, to say the least!

So, let me give you an insight to what ONE weekend is. Youth students grades 6-12 are the only ones that attend. It is a weekend for them to worship, praise, learn the word all while having a BLAST! Obviously, the devil was working overtime this weekend to try to make it as hard on all of us as he could. Brett and I signed up to be a "support family" meaning we would give the kids rides back and forth to the house they stayed in. Also, we had to supply and make breakfast and dinner Saturday night. We thought no biggie we have this! Holy smokes! So, let me start at Friday night and go from there.

Friday I was SO excited, pumped and ready to go! Only to get a text from Brett at about 4:45 pm (mind you we were supposed to be at the church by 5 pm) saying that he got a nail in his tire. Ok well easy fix go to WM and have them patch it. Right? WRONG!!!!! The tire was in the exact spot where they couldn't patch it, go figure. So Brett was stuck at home :( The devil was TRYING to win.... Needless to say he LOST :) So, Friday night also consisted of us taking the luggage to the "host home" mind you there were 9 6th grade girls so they had A LOT of luggage ;) I hated the fact that Brett was at home and not enjoying this! However, I scrambled up some help and was able to find someone to help transport the girls and got to pick Brett up and he was able to enjoy the rest of the weekend with us. Friday night nothing real crazy happened we met the family we would be supporting and they turned out to be really, super nice and cool! We clicked right away! Now on to the good stuff!

Saturday was a crazy-fun-exciting-moving-exhausting day! So, Brett and I had to be over to the "host house" by 7:45ish to start breakfast. ONE weekend all revolved around a schedule and we tried our best to follow it. On the menu, was pancakes, sausage and scrambled eggs, it was a hit for the girls! They had to be back at church around 9:30ish to begin their full-crazy-activity-filled day and it was exhausting HAHA!! To start the day they had a service to attend, Brett and I decided to stay and listen and worship with the girls. The band (Refuge) and the preacher (Bob Witte) were both AMAZING!!! Bob is from the college of the Ozarks and man he was inspiring. Then, at 11:30 was lunch (Brett and I left to run errands and eat lunch) which by the way we made a total for 5 trips to Wal-Mart that day... HAHA! We come back to the church and the students are in a race which consisted of the following activites: One girl would stand on a chair blind folded and the other girl would lay on the ground with a cup in her mouth and they had .The teams had an assortment of condiments like ketchup, mustard, ranch and whatnot... As you can imagine it was ALL OVER the kids face HAHA! Next, they had a blour of flour and it there was a piece of gum they had to put their face in the flour and get the gum with no hands. Then, they had to drink a 2 liter of Dr. Pepper, sounds easy enough, only catch was they had to use someones sock that they were wearing and put it over the top of the bottle and drink through the sock.... LOL... Also, one girl had to chew up tootsie rolls and someone else on the team had to mold the chewed up tootsie roll into the Statue of Liberty. It was gross!!!! Our girls didn't win, but they had a blast! Then it time to head home, clean up and eat dinner. We did a taco bar it was delish!!!! Of course, it was time to head back to church about 7 pm. Brett and I dropped the girls off and headed home because the girls were going to be ready to be picked up until about 1 am. Later that night at about 11 pm was scheduled to be a talent show and Brett and I really wanted to watch, so we went back to the church at about 10:30 pm. Walking through those doors I had no idea what I was about to witness would bring me to tears and know that no matter how tired I was, how much money went into this weekend and the miles we put on my car it was ALL worth it. Peeking in the door I saw ALL the kids bowed down before a cross. I immediately begin crying, it touched my heart like it had NEVER been touched before. That imagine will forever be stored in my head. I was speechless. I finally was able to get inside the room. The Holy Spirit was SO strong in that room, God's presence wasn't even questionable and moved so many teenagers that night. Right then I knew youth ministry was the direction I wanted to go. So, I talked to the Director over youth ministry and I will start my journey this week. I am so thrilled and know this is my calling. Later that night, to end ONE weekend, of course we had a RAVE, how else would you end this amazing weekend?!?! LaCrae started blaring, glow sticks starting being thrown around and kids started moving! It was amazing!!! Later on our way to take the kids to their "host house" Brett and I were excited to hear the girls' thoughts on the night. The first thing they said was "It brought me to tears, and I'm not much of a crier." I know God touched those sweet, innocent girls that night. I know He drew them in, I know He "lead them to the cross" and I have no doubts they were well on their way to be deeper followers. THAT made this entire thing ALL worth it.

Sunday morning we go get the girls' for the last service we would attend together. Bittersweet was my feeling that entire morning. As the sang worship together I seen their little arms fly up and praise Him. Tears were falling from some of their eyes, I knew God was still strong and they were still embraced by Him.

This weekend was simply amazing and I'm counting down the days until ONE weekend next year.....

Praise the Lord!!!

Hey everyone!!! This blog is a little more personal, but I'm definitely not afraid to talk about it openly :) This is more of a rambling blog FYI....

So Brett and I have tried to make God our foundation in our marriage and with there being a lot of obsticles for Brett and I, its the smartest decision we have made. With us getting married so young, remotely fast and there being a child involved use your imagination and I'm sure you can think of some obsticles LOL... God has done some GREAT things for Brett and I while also giving us challenges to strength us in our relationship with each other and with God. I wasn't exactly sure of Brett's outtake on God or praying when we first got together and KNEW that I wanted a man that would serve HIm just as I would... I'm by no means saying that I am perfect by NO MEANS!! HAHA!! But I wanted to get a better and closer relationship with God and I wanted my lifelong partner to help me. Brett has done JUST that. He is one of the strongest men I have ever met in my life. Brett has had a CRAZY rollercoaster ride called "life" and NOTHING gets this man down. He seriously is my ROCK and my ANCHOR. Last night I realized exactly why God put Brett in my life... I NEED Brett, usually I would never admit that, but I feel secure and comfortable with knowing that I need the man I married. Brett is one tough individual when I'm mad all he does is comfort me he doesn't get mad or upset. When I need time to cool down Brett does JUST that, he gives me my space. When I need him to tell me he loves me, he does JUST that. I wasn't exactly sure why God placed him in my life until last night when I realized I need someone just like Brett in my life. Anyone who knows me knows I am a spoiled brat at times and I get my feelings hurt VERY easily, Brett appreciates those things about me not sure why, but he does. I am truly his princess and he is my prince. Last night Brett and I did one of the most powerful things a couple can do (in my eyes)....... We prayed together.... Holy smokes!!! It moved me in a way I have never felt before. It took our marriage to a new level and made me fall even more in love with this man. I have never doubted Brett and I, but I for sure won't now. If you are a spitual couple just try it. Normally when I pray that is mine and Gods time, so Brett and I just said the Lord's Prayer and held hands, I still feel like Brett and I need that "moment" with God ourself, but I am SO glad we found something to pray together as a married couple. I know now our marriage and faith has NO boundaries. Brett and I can make it though anything as long as God is "our" rock together.

However, with taking a spirtual based "marriage" class like we are and becoming members of our church, Brett and I are patiently waiting for the devil to come make his attack. We both know it is coming so we are praying extra hard for us to overcome it. So any extra prayers you want to send our way would be appreicated!!!

Christmas Time!!!

Ahhhhhh my favorite holiday ever!!!! So, this holiday we got to see everyone!!! Brett and I hosted Christmas at our house!! We plan for this to be a tradition from now on! We all had a good time. When the guests' started to arrive the house filled up quickly! When my dad arrived we broke out the Uno and played like a bunch of kids! Tons of laughs and memories were created this year! We had Rylan and it SNOWED so we had a white Christmas at the Reynolds' house this year =) SInce we didn't get Rylan until the day after Christmas we celebrated Saturday the 28th... We had TONS of food, both families and tons of fun...

As exhausting as it was it was worth every bit of money spent and time spent to try to make this the BEST Christmas we could for Rylan... Needless to say, that kid is SPOLIED!!! He got tons of gifts including trains, clothes, T-Ball set, skates, baseball glove, more trains and more clothes =)

On Christmas Brett and I did our exchanging of gifts: I got a BEAUTIFUL pandora charm that is Rylans' birthstone and a card that I balwed like a baby over!! I have the most thoughtful, caring, supportive husband ever and he never ceases to amaze me... I of course got Brett Black Ops the gift that keeps giving and a game that he can save the world on ;)

Brett and I recieved beatiful ornamets from his mother and gift cards to go shopping WOO HOO!!!! From my parents we got a gift card!!  We were really just thankful to have all the people inside under 1 roof!!! The holidays were amazing this year and went out with a BANG!!

Mekenna....

So anyone who REALLY knows me knows I love my neice (8) more then anything in this world... Well that precious girl has been with Brett and I for a whole week... Needless to say, is it time for her to go home yet!!! LOL... No we have had a great week! She is however getting home sick and missing her mommy really bad! She has NEVER been away from her this long. As the week went on we had a blast!! Brett and I adore Mekenna and we played the Wii and many other games :) We did have to treat her though for doing chores and what not so she picked for us to go eat at Red Lobster!!! We had a blast and cant wait to have her over again SOON!!!

Thanksgiving Maddness

Hey ya'll!!! I know I haven't wrote anything and now thaty things have kind of slowed down I'll get you guys back on track with my crazy life!!! Thanksgiving was VERY fun and exciting!! Although this was the VERY FIRST year I didn't get to spend it with my side of the family, it was great being with my new "married" family! Brett and I went to Kansas City on Wednesday before Thanksgiving and stayed with my Mother in law. Obviously, I felt pretty home sick and MAY have cried a time or 2 when I was alone, but they made me feel right at home and I am slowly adjusting to this "married life" and having to share holidays with BOTH families :) Give me a little time and I will be fine :) So anyhow the trip was fun and A LOT of laughs were laughed this Thanksgiving....

So, Wednesday night of course my poor Mother In Law didnt sleep at all and if she did it was a few cat naps Im sure :) She made a GREAT meal and it was very appreicated!! My brother in law deep fired a turkey and although I am NOT a fan of turkey I have to give it to him it was pretty good :) I got to meet a few of Bretts aunts that I haven't been able to meet yet...

That night Brett and I went Black Friday shopping and shopped the night away! We ended up getting a fire pit and clothes for ourself :) We went with his brother and his girlfriend Kate... We always have a blast with them!

We ended up staying until Sunday which was game day for us!! We went and watched the Kansas City Chiefs play and of course they LOST.... But it was a good time!! The weather was perfect and we tailgated a bit before hand.. We had a GREAT Thanksgiving and ate A LOT!!!

We were missing someone very special to Brett and I, our little Rylan! But, we did get to call and wish him a happy Thanksgiving and tell him we lovers him bunches!!

Our wedding next year!!

So with Brett and I deciding to "elope" this year (October 19 2012) he made one little promise to myself and my daddy, that he promises I could have my "dream" wedding next year! With all of the family on board and proudly accepting and standing behind Brett and I, on the decision we made, we have decided to renew our vows next October 5th, 2013 at 5:00 PM. SOme details are not panned out yet but Ill give the ones that are final!

Matron of Honor: Racheal White (My sister)
Bridesmaid: Tabitha Talburt (My best friend)
Bridesmaid: Mekenna White (My Niece)
Bridesmaid: Amanda Keller (Best Friend)

Best Man: Brandon Reynolds (Bretts Brother)
Groomsman: Drake Reynolds (Bretts nephew)
Groomsman: Josh Talburt (Bretts best friend)
Groomsman: Joey Wiltgen (Bretts best friend)

Ring bearer: Rylan Reynolds (Bretts Son my step-son)

Flower girl: Pa

Usher: Tony White (My brother in law)
Usher: Dylan Reynolds (Bretts nephew)

We have a few places in mind of where it will take place but its not final so I wont say just yet :) Ideas appreicated!!!

Colors: Teal and Purple (the theme is a secret tho :))

The wedding will be "renewing vows" but it is MY wedding and will go JUST like a wedding and have a reception afterwards :)

Any helpful tips and hints are all appreciated and I know it is going to be AMAZING :)

Tough times

Laws SUCK!! Brett and I KNEW that we wanted to get married and we knew it was going to probably be sooner then later :) Little did we know we would only date a short time and get married! ALthough rumors flew that I was pregnant and I was asked DAILY if I was, rest assure I'm not and thats NOT why we got married. #1 we got married because I for one know I CAN'T live without Brett. He is my soulmate and my best friend! I can tell Brett anything in the world and he is the one person I know without a doubt understands me and will NOT judge me! #2 I can't WAIT to spend the rest of my life with his guy! We laugh ALL the time, we are comfotable with each other and he ALWAYS wants me to sit on his lap (I lovers how mushy gushy we are :)) I couldn't imagine life from the day I met him without him. Im not really sure why God made me wait so long to find him!!

Having a step kid can be VERY tough at times; its confusing, heart wrenching, amazing, awesome so many emotions.... At the end of the day though it is worth it and I have accepted and learned to love Rylan as my own!! He is blast and it wasn't easy at first and, Im not saying it wont be hard ever, will probably always be a "test" to me. But although I struggle with it Rylan doesn't seem to mind and he has accepted me full throttle! Kids are a lot smarter then we give them credit for! Rylan gives me hugs and kisses and tells me in his most sweetest voice "I lub you angie" and it melts.my.heart! My family has accepted Rylan and they ADORE him and LOVE him to pieces!

Having a step kid also means you get to enjoy him with his BM (birth mom) and step dad! Im not going to lie that has the hardest step I think, for ALL of us! However, I put my big girl panties on and became an adult?!?! Geeze.... With a lot of prayers and hard work from both me and Rylans mom I an now say we get along! Which makes life SO much easier!! Shes a good person and her husband is in the military so, as you can imagine, shes alone A LOT!!! It makes life so much easier if everyone can get along! So know that it CAN be done :)

We finally got our visitations all sit up with Rylan, and with him living in Kentucky we get Rylan 1 week out of every month! Usually the first week of the month :)

So at the end of the day being a step-mommy to this beautiful 2 year old isnt so bad after all! Rylan is slowly teaching my patience and that its ok to let the house get dirty, its ok to get water ALL OVER the bathroom floor when its bathtime, its ok to get so super messy when its spaghetti night or its ok to let your hair down and justy enjoy time with family!! Im learning here so dont hate on me, yet!! Its fun and a challenge!!