It has been a crazy week for me. This past Saturday I received a phone call from my mother telling me that my grandfather had been admitted into the hospital and that the doctors were saying we needed to get there. Basically, they were going to try to keep him alive until our family arrived.

Needless to say, my weekend plans went out the door and I ended up heading down to South Florida with my brother and his new bride. Luke came on Sunday due to the fact that he had a TON of stuff to complete in our house with the whole remodeling project and he had church plans for that Saturday night that he could not back out of.

Anyway, by the time I got to the hospital, grandpa was on a breathing tube and was basically out of it. I held his hand until his body just gave out. It was very sad. I don't even think he knew I was there. Needless to say, lots of tears where shed and lots of thoughts centered in my mind about death.

Luke and I ended up spending the week helping the family out and attending the viewing and funeral. We got back into town last night and have been non-stop ever since. So, if you think about, please say a prayer for us!

Until next time!

Well, it's Thursday night and I figured it would be a good time to send an update. Luke is working hard on our master bedroom and bathroom. We decided a bit ago to "remodel" the two rooms being that they were in desperate need of remodeling. First off-the carpet had to go! It was driving me crazy! It's the same carpet we have had since we moved into the house 4 1/2 years ago. It's also the same carpet that our "children" AKA-dogs, "used" as puppies-if you know what I mean. Needless to say, it's time to upgrade. We also decided to get rid of the nice purple color on our walls. And lastly, we could not do these changes without upgrading the bathroom. So, we (actually Luke) will be installing new flooring, new shower doors, new mirror, new paint color, and we are getting one of those closet organzing systems. This will be great!

So, I say all this to help remind me of what the final product will look like instead of what a mess my house looks like right now. Our bedroom is in our living room, and Luke and I are camping out in the guest bedroom. If you know me, I tend to be one who does not like disorganization. So, I just keep thinking about the final product!

I figured I would blog also because the reality is, I don't want to think about my doctoral assignments that are due this weekend, along with the massive amount of reading I have to do for work. I must find time to accomplish everything!

Last but not least-I must confess! Do any of you struggle with trying to plan everything out? I know I do! I'm one of those people who like to have my ducks in a row and you know what, God doesn't always work that way. Case in point-Luke and I do plan on having children one day, if the Lord will allow it. But silly me, wants to have all my ducks in a row before that child comes along. And as we all know, that never happens!

I've had some great women friends of mine encourage me to not even think about the following:

* Finances
* Time
* Child Care

Every woman I have talked to has said, if it happens, God will take care of you and in some mighty way, God will provide for your every need. So, that's where I'm at. I've got to learn to let go and let God. I can't think about whether or not we will have the money, how child care will be provided, etc. If God brings it about, we will be provided for.

So, as I lay my heart out here, all I ask is that you pray for me as I work through this! I must stop planning! And no, Luke and I don't know yet when we will begin trying! Maybe God just needs to impregnate me! Our school staff has already forwarned us that they are praying for twins or triplets! GREAT!!! Won't that be fun!

Ok, I'm off to check on Luke!!

PS-Enjoy the pictures from my brother's wedding along with the "before" pictures of our room and bathroom remodel!
And oh yeah, I just can't resist posting this picture-I must admit-I have a HOT husband!

I really can't even begin to believe that July is upon us! This summer has flown by. June was a very busy month for both Luke and I. We were literally gone for part of every week in the month of June. We had family visits, went to Nashville for a conference, and were a part of my brother's wedding. Oh yeah, we have also been working at the school all summer.

It's hard for me to believe that my little brother is a married man right now. His wedding was beautiful and as he was taking his wedding vows, I have to admit, my eyes watered a bit. The girl he married is wonderful and my prayer is that they will have many happy years together. I pray that the Lord would keep them safe in everything they do and that they would have many blessings poured out upon them. I also pray that they would be an example of Christ in all they do and say.

In addition to everything that has been going on, Luke and I are also busy with three of our doctorate courses this summer. The good news is, we have only one more course to take in the fall. One course and dissertation and we will be officially done! Can you tell that I am counting down the days?

Other than that, we just continue to thank God for the many blessings He's poured out upon us and the fact that he has given us another day of life together. As I think about everything in my life, I can't help but be thankful for what God has done. He has truly blessed me with so much more than I could have ever of imagined. A wonderful husband who loves me despite my shortcomings, a beautiful house, a great job despite an economic crisis, the pursuing of a degree that I always wondered whether I could do it or not, two amazing dogs, an amazing family, and so much more. We are truly blessed. God you are so good!

I hope each of you are doing wonderful and when you get a free moment, remember to thank God for the many blessings in your life!

Jen