The Power of Prayer

Yesterday was our 7 year Anniversary of our first date from high school. Wow, it sure doesn't feel that long ago, yet when I look back at pictures it looks that long ago! We were young, immature high schoolers just simply dating because we found a friend in each other. Stan claims he knew I was "the one" back then, but I didn't know until later on in college.

THEN- high school













NOW-



















My mom shared with me the other night that when I changed schools in 11th grade and went to Oakwood Christian School, she prayed I would find a sweet, Christian guy to date. She wrote the date of her prayer in her bible and it was in September 2001. The following month is when we met and had our first date...and the rest is history.

It's amazing how the Lord answers our prayers and not only answers them but so perfectly beyond our comprehension. I read The Power of a Praying Wife last year in a bible study at our old church in Oklahoma. This book not only changed our marriage but taught me about the power of prayer. I refer to this book weekly and it is continuing to change my prayer life. After thinking back this week to 7 years ago, when my mom prayed for me and 1 month later I met Stan, it confirms my thoughts even more on the power of prayer.

Anniversary

It's hard to believe our Anniversary is here! It seems like yesterday we were married in Anderson and were anxious to hear where the army would be sending us. Little did we know we would be heading to Oklahoma and then back to the South on the coast! Sometimes when I think about what all we've done this past year it seems much longer!....we've lived in 3 different states (SC, OK & GA) in 3 different houses- wow! Even though we've had many moves and adjustments in our lives this year, I'm thankful the Lord gave it to us and allowed us to spend it together. Next year he will be gone on our Anniversary, so we wanted to make this year special.

DINNER CRUISE ON THE SAVANNAH RIVER-- Saturday, he made reservations for us to take a dinner cruise on the Savannah River. It was a neat little boat experience! It had excellent food and gave a spectacular view of the city and river.





TRIP TO JEKYLL ISLAND-- He took a pass for Monday so we decided to head down to Jekyll Island for the day! We enjoyed relaxing on the beach. It was very peaceful and there were only a few other people on the beach near us. One time while in the water, I told him I thought I saw something behind him... And sure enough as we were leaving someone in the water yelled- SHARK! We all spotted a shark in the water about 10 yards from the coast. I'm glad he wasn't hungry! Our day ended with swinging by Crystal (his favorite fast food!) to pick up hamburgers. It was a beautiful day with perfect weather.



EATING CAKE-- We ate the rest of our wedding cake later that evening. We didn't realize it was red velvet until we opened it and it sure was delicious!! Can you tell he got a little too much sun at the beach in these pictures?! He said he was hungry and could have eaten the entire cake...

The Journey from Oklahoma

Our journey from Oklahoma to Georgia began early Thursday morning at 12:00am. (Stan couldn't leave until midnight.) We traveled ALL day and arrived in Anderson, SC right before midnight Thursday. What a day, but we were so thrilled to be in the South again. When we crossed over the state line into South Carolina we honked the horn really loud. =) We spend a few days in SC to visit family, and then headed to Fort Stewart in Savannah, GA.

Pictures from our trip...

This was taken about half-way in Arkansas. I was already asking, "Are we there yet?" at this point! "

Stan was such a trooper! He drove most of the way, I only drove for a few hours in Alabama.

The is how full our Nissan was when we left Oklahoma! It was slammed packed!! The movers had taken almost everything but we had some things to bring ourselves.

The Last days are bitter sweet.

We're about to start a new chapter in our life...new location, new community, new home, new jobs, and new relationships. This can be overwhelming, especially since we have moved around a lot since graduating last May and because the military life can bring obstacles, but we know the Lord will take care of us. He has already proven himself to be faithful during our challenges and new life here in Oklahoma, and we know He will continue to do the same. Even though this may mean challenges will come our way, we are comforted to know we are in His hands through it all.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone soon as we drive through SC on our way to GA!

Field Artillery graduation

Tuesday was the day of Stan's officer graduation. We were all so proud of him. I'm thankful our parents were able to be there to attend this important ceremony. Stan was one of 120 Lieutenants to graduate.

Stan walking on stage when they announced his name and duty location.

Our parents visit Oklahoma!

Our parents arrived this past weekend to visit with us and attend his graduation on Tuesday. Sunday we went to church and took it easy. Monday we were able to do some sightseeing! We visited the Museum at Fort Sill, Geronimo's grave, Wichita Refuge, and The Holy City. We had a busy day but our parents enjoyed exploring the area. Below are some photos of our journey throughout the day!

THE MUSEUM AT FORT SILL:

Atomic Annie- it was used to test the Atomic Bomb. Very cool!


Looking at all the old Field Artillery Howitzers.


VISITING GERONIMO'S GRAVE:




WICHITA WILDLIFE REFUGE:

We decided to travel a little further in hopes of finding our parents some more buffalo and boy we did! We found an entire herd. My parents posing in front of them.




Next, we found some elk. Very neat!


I tried to get a picture of the Prairie dogs. They were everywhere!!

My last days of working...

Since we will be moving in three weeks and because our parents are coming to visit next week, this week is my last full week of working. Since I am at three schools during the week, Wednesday was my last day at one of the schools- Sullivan Village Elementary. These children are like my own and they are precious to me. Some of my most challenging children are at this school, and leaving today was tough.


This is a special group to me. Many of them are military kids as well. They are a DDK (developmentally delayed kindergarten) class. They've touched my heart in more ways than one.

The school gave me a gift. They are so thoughtful.

AC's Formal!

Tonight was the AC's Formal! The night began with us going through a receiving line and meeting the Colonel's and their wives. Later we ate finger foods and mingled with the other Lieutenants and their wives.

Photos are below of our fun night:

RAPPELLING at the Refuge!

We decided to go back to the refuge this weekend, but this time we were a little more brave. We took our rappelling gear and thought it would be fun to go rappelling!


We ran into a buffalo on our hike and took a picture with him.


Almost to the top... I guess this is why they call these mountains the beginning of the "Rocky" Mountains because there are rocks everywhere.

We finally got to the top and began getting our gear on. This is me with my harness on.


And, I did it- I survived my first rappelling experience! It was exciting!!