GO BENGELS!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, the news is in!! WE are MOVING to Cincinnati, Ohio.. within the next few months! I have been flooded with emotion.. from excited to scared.. anxious to sad.. the list goes on! But, what I do have is PEACE. I know this is the Lord's will for Matt, Presley, and I.. and that gives me much NEEDED comfort. We will be finding out more details within the next week or so.
We have been in contact with a sweet couple via facebook.. and I read this the other day on her blog.. And I know it was meant for me.. It really has helped me.. so thanks Lindsey!
from her blog..http://theliferearranged.wordpress.com/

Home July 1, 2009

Filed under: faith — lmckown @ 12:42 am

A year ago today we moved from Grand Rapids here to Cincinnati. Though exciting, it was a tough move for me. We moved with our 5 week old baby 6 hours AWAY from my family….that seemed a little backwards to me.

I’ll admit there were some hard moments….in fact, I look back and I think I may have been living on autopilot the first 6 months we were here (sad, I know). I think all the changes at once affected me more than I knew at the time. Plus, I have always lived near the Great Lakes and lots of nature (Michigan) or mountains (Tennessee). Cincinnati had neither. It wasn’t a beautiful place to me. Sounds crazy, but I actually really struggled with that. It was hard to call this my home.

A year later I can say that I’m more alive and I love my life here….and I’m not just saying that, I promise! There is no where I would rather be. In fact, we have been doing a lot of traveling this summer visiting friends and family (in beautiful places) and I am always so happy to come back home. I feel settled. I have been making some amazing friends. I am involved in activities and different ministries that bring so much life to me. I love my church. I love the weather. I’ve found beauty here……in the great parks that Greyson and I go to at least a few times a week, in the people I’ve had the privilege to get to know, in the way God has been moving in myself and others lately. I’ve found beauty in our church that welcomes people with open arms, loves people deeply, tells the story of Jesus week after week, and allows God to work….and, as a result, countless lives are being transformed.

Like I said, it’s been a year long journey for me to get here. Everything isn’t perfect…but, I’m content. And, if you know me, you know contentment has always been tough for me! I am one who often wonders if the grass is greener on the other side. Well, guess what? The grass is pretty dang green here!!

I’m in a good place. I’m finally HOME.

~~This is just what I needed to read! So I am going to be excited.. Excited for the great opportunity for Matt's career, but also.. just for us.. to explore the a different part of the world:)

Super happy they have one of these!! http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/



~Gotta start loving chili.. Chili is one of the things Cincinnati is known for~
http://www.skylinechili.com/ These are EVERYWHERE!

Also, I am super excited about this

http://4cornerschurch.com/ Great church to visit :)
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=79
http://hydeparksquare.org/index.html
Great shopping LOTS OF OUTLETS
http://www.pki.com/index.cfm Kings Island.. Great Amusement Park
http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/6016611/0~2377475~6016611 Nordstrom Rack.. yes!!


Just a few things to get me happy about the move!!

I just love a good bargain!

There is one thing I just love about shopping... BARGAIN SHOPPING! The other day, we went to the mall and I remember that I had a gift card to Dillards for $10.. it was left over from Christmas.. so while at the mall.. I see huge signs saying 40%off everything on sale.. Pretty cool.. Presley is growing fast.. so I always am looking for deals for her--I went to the little girls shoes--and low and behold, 2 pairs of stride rite shoes, size 5 1/2 --she is a 5 now.. so we will be getting their soon. I look at the reg. price.. One says $30, one says $25.. but on sale for super cheap and with the 40% off.. I got 2 pairs of really great shoes for a whopping $1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The total was $10 something! And with the Gift Card.. I only had to pay $1!! Presley just loves shoes.. it was one of her first words.. so she was THRILLED :) and I was, too! WE also had a great lunch with my sister, Nikki and sis-in-love, Brittney ( niece Isabella, and nephew, Jackson) Tried to get a few pics of the 3 kiddos..It isn't easy at this age..
LOVE THESE TWO!!!!Before leaving.. Presley told her Daddy, "Bye, Bye." I just had to snap a few pics of my two favorite people.. Just love these two!!!!! More than words!!

Play dates..

Presley was excited to PLAY :)



Now, that I am a stay at home mommy, Presley and I jump at any chance to have play dates with other babies and their mommies... Today, we went over to an old friends house.. a friend that goes way back, Meredith. She has a sweet little girl named Laney.. The girls had so much fun, and we loved catching up and meeting each other's little girls.. It was so funny b/c I had to pass the Middle School, Mt. Pisgah to get to her house.. this is where we meet in the 5th grade!! All these years later, I am driving 10 min down the road to have our baby girls play together! ( so cool) Presley had the best time and really LOVED all of Laney's toys esp. her sweet little dollhouse tent.. It was great to catch up with sweet Meredith and meet her beautiful daughter, Laney! As you can see Presley had a great time.. and if we stay in Memphis.. we will be visiting often:)

Cleaning out closets...

This is a very hard post to write.. As I am writing it.. tears begin... Why you ask?? I have been in prayer for this for 2 years now.. it is one of the hardest things that Matt and I have prayed about.. but God has been so good to us every step of the way.
WE thought last year (at the beginning of the year) we would be moving to Cincinnati, Ohio.. but because of the economy.. "Carmax" chose to hault growth for the year.. I think it was God answering my prayers of begging to stay in Memphis.. since we were about to have our 1st baby.. and the thought of no family.. seemed IMPOSSIBLE.. but God was so good!! He let us stay a little longer... This week, however we are cleaning out closets.. We are most likely getting our house appraised within the next few weeks.. And this will be the BIG FACTOR.. if they can give us what we owe on our house.. We will be moving.
I have no details about when, but for now I will continue to pray God's will for our future. This time.. however, I do have a peace.. IT will all be ok.
This will be my prayer
Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
And I read this passage doing part of MOMs bible study.. and thought it was strange how much it sounded like a sales manager.. like Matt.. guess God works through the BIBLE in many different ways..
James 4:13-15
4:13 Come now, you who say,

"Today or tomorrow let's go into this city,
and spend a year there, trade, and make a profit."

4:14 Whereas you don't know what your life will be like tomorrow.
For what is your life? For you are a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away.
4:15 For you ought to say,
"If the Lord wills, we will both live, and do this or that."
Also, I meet this sweet family through facebook.. and we have so much in common..I just LOVE her.. It is so hard to explain, but I know God put her in my path for a reason.. In fact, I emailed her today.. and she was just a sweetheart.. If we do move, she will be my first contact for sure Also, her hubby is one of the pastors at a great church we would for sure visit.. http://4cornerschurch.com/
Could this be our next close friends..or continue to be via facebook??? Aren't they just too cute!! I will just do my part, continue in prayer, seeking His will..and be a supportive wife:)


On a brighter note, we got to go to Carter's 1st birthday yesterday.. It was so much fun.. Presley really enjoyed meeting new baby friends and playing with Carter mans toys:)

Carter and Presley

Courtney and CarterMatt (half smiling:) and Presley

Lanier and Presley
Presley was sad to go.. bye Carter, Happy Birthday!

Some oldies but goodies...

Matt gave me a very special gift this year for Valentine's Day..Along with a sweet card, and Dove Chocolates ( my fav.) He got me the CD from our photographer who did all of Presley's newborn, and six month pics.. YAY!! I am super excited to get some of them printed.. WE talked and as much as I love her work, I being a SAHM, simply can't afford her.. Here are just a few of my favorites... She did a great job.. I am so happy I can print them however, whenever:)
FYI.. That book I am reading was Matt's favorite book as a child.. Thought it would be sweet to surprise him with that one:)

Sick little Valentine

Poor Presley...was sick for Valentine's Day-- we ended up going to the Dr. and it was a bad sinus infection, beginnings of an ear infection- that was causing Conjunctivitis ( pink eye) It was so sad to see her with 2 red swollen eyes, running nose, and just not herself..
So glad we went to the Dr. so they could start her on antibiotics.. (Augmentin) is Presley's best friend this week! I can see a huge change.. and so excited about it!! Dr. Miller at Laurelwood Peds. is so sweet, I just couldn't be happier with her!
Here are a few pics of her opening her Valentine.. Matt picked it by himself.. so cute that he picked Hello Kitty:) This was pretty much all she was up for.
Matt and I did get to go grab some Sushi for lunch.. then had dinner at Bonefish Grill ( LOVE that place!) When leaving for dinner.. Presley blew us kisses and said, "Bye, Bye".. making us smile and melted our hearts all at the same time. WE are so blessed to have this little ray of sunshine..
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17Matt and I at Bonefish.. My 2 Valentines.
"I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers." Ephesians 1:16

I am ready to have this little ANGEL back.. Sinus bully and pink eye monster.. PLEASE LEAVE!
By the way, Gigi was kind enough to make her a little spring dress using one of her Gap shirts that was so short.. I think it turned out SUPER CUTE, don't you?? Thanks again, Gigi! I can't wait to learn how to sew myself.. I kindof need a sewing machine, 1st huh?? :)
It only $ grew on trees:) but then saving wouldn't be so rewarding would it!?

Presley, someone is thinking about you..

All of these came in the mail today.. all together.. for Miss Presley.. I just love it! Grandparents are the best!!

Today, I was in the kitchen most of the day.. Thankfully, Presley took long naps today.. and was sweet enough to help me in the kitchen, too. We made lots of things today. Since Matt is off on Valentine's Day-We will be going out to eat- Yay, date night for us! So I thought, I would make him lots of goodies for tonight... I made the Hershey Bar Pies, Heart Shaped Sugar Cookies, Homemade Salsa and guacamole- then for Dinner made this King Ranch Chicken and Spanish Rice. WHEW! It was fun, but time consuming! Presley helped a little :)
I found the sunglasses I was looking to get Presley for Valentines; but they didn't have the swimsuit at the store I went to.. maybe at another store they will.. It is just too cute! I did however, find her another one at a consignment sale for $6 with the tags still on it! SCORE! I have a feeling we will be at the pool a bunch this year.. so it will be nice to have more than one! Also, I was a little hesitant to put her in a 2 piece, but it was just TOO CUTE. I had to! I'm sure she will wear the other one more.. but for $6.. it was a steal! Here are some pics of us whipping up our goodies in the kitchen.. Check out P in the background.. totally playing and not helping:) I am looking forward to making cookies with her lots in the future!Gotta love how she is playing with her toys in the background.. Cooking just isn't here thing :) Eating, however different story! :)
Love how these 2 hearts came together.. Told Matt that was his special cookie, to represent us! LOL
My little Model for the day.. Gotta love the Elvis impersonation in the lower left corner.. I mean her name is Presley, right? Gave Presley a very small cookie.. She LOVED it!
This plate was a wedding gift, and I just LOVE it.. Everyone needs one. I am excited to start using it for Presley for special occasions.. It makes me smile:)
Now, I am no betty crocker.. but these cookies were GOOD.. Homemade with love!
Oh, and sorry the pics aren't the best.. I am currently saving us for one of these: