"Det up, Bear"

Suddenly saddened by the truth that Saturday the 14th, 2009 was my last Valentines Day with the family, I rushed out of the house. I was on my way to the Mothership for college kids, homeless people, and moms all over the country: WalMart. The only place that was open at such a late hour. My mission was to surprise my family with a Valentine's Day Brunch when they woke up. As I somewhat groggily rolled the buggy up and down the aisles, I grabbed anything pink or red. My vision of the next morning grew more elaborate withe every new item I threw in the buggy. I could just see Gracie's face as she saw all the balloons and food.

One hour turned into two, and my eyes became heavy. Before I realized it, it was three am. Just before I decided I had enough, a familiar voice said hello. I recognized it right away. It was Professor Brasher. If it had not been for my uncanny fashion sense, I would not had been embarrassed. But there is something not right about standing in front of a grown man wearing Victoria's Secret pants that may or may not show your underwear through them. My hair was a mess, I had no makeup on, and I was wearing uggs. Perfect. I'm sure my face was a little red.

After that slightly awkward run in, I decided it was time to leave.

The rest of my night was followed by setting the table, hanging streamers, and painfully blowing around thirty balloons. As I sat on the floor with my legs sprawled grasping for my last breath of air that would be blown into the last balloon, I closed my eyes. I almost fell asleep right there on the floor. It was five am.

I woke up to Gracie's voice. "Happy Vat'nines Day, Bear. Det up." I smelled bacon. It then hit me. The food was already made. My morning brunch didn't go exactly as planned, but I think they still enjoyed it. Casey came later and we took Gracie to the park. She's growing up faster than we all think. She wasn't interesting in the playground much - she wanted to hang out with Casey and me. Time for the teenage years, I suppose.

Casey and I went to Starbucks later and it was great. We were laughing and cutting up - just like we were when we first started dating. We have both been stressed lately so it was good to get out by ourselves and drink our favorite mocha. I love him.

He had to work later, but I had my evening planned already. Savannah time! I drove straight from starbucks to her house. We had planned to see "The Crucible." Once we got to the play we were having such a good conversation that we sat in the car until we felt it was time to go in. Then we saw several people waiting near the ticket booth trying to get in. We ourselves didn't want to see it that badly, so we sold back our tickets and went to Little Cucci's. It was a time of talking, encouraging, being honest with each other, and laughing. We also continue to be amazing at how similar we are, and how similar our spouses are. Funny how God works. We visited Casey and Ben (I got two hugs!) and were off to see "Seven Pounds." I loved that movie. She hated it.

When we finally made it back to her house, we decided to put in the tape of her wedding. I can't wait for mine! I got to see Casey give his speech and it was adorable. <3

Yesterday I woke up and called Casey to remind him it was Sunday School day. He sounded half asleep! I asked him if he knew what today was, and he said, "Saturday?" Ugh! He had slept in. He said he'd be there in twenty minutes. Because I knew he would be late, I decided I'd sleep in too.

As it turns out, he was just kidding. He came into my room about three minutes later. The nerve! =)

Sunday school was good - Casey finally answered a question and gave a thought. He said that people should look at things they need to fix in themselves through marriage and do it, not ignore it. I was proud. And although we still haven't opened our Bibles, yesterday's topic was about conforming to Christ through marriage. It was good.

We had another date at Panera afterwards, and when we returned home, Bob asked me to go with him to pick out a ring for Claire. I was happy! I drove with him to the mall and we went to Kay Jewelers. We saw a couple we liked but decided to visit the other, more expensive places. When we learned exactly how rare it was to find prices that were in our budget, we made our way back to Kay. =) The ring he picked was very pretty. Casey came to but mysteriously left while we were browsing. As it turns out, he had gone to buy me a surprise. As Bob and I were leaving the mall, he called and told me to wait at the door for him so he could give it to me. =) I'm wearing the surprise right now.

Since I thought "Seven Pounds" was so good, I took Bob and Casey to see it as well. After a short stop to Dollar Tree to get candy to smuggle in, we were at the theater. It was good even the second time around.

Babysat Isabella that night. I had to drive another women home as well, who told me of homeopathic medicine. Perhaps Casey and I should look into that. Isabella and I arrived to her house and she showed me her hamsters. She is precious. =) We played games, read the Bible, and stayed up a little too late =) When I said her goodnight prayers, I was surprised. She not only prayed longer than I did, but she prayed for an array of people, including Janet. It was very encouraging. I want my kids to pray like her.

After getting lost trying to get home, I finally made it to bed. I am now at work and have just planned another lunch date with Amber and Eric at Thai 99. Casey is working and hasn't texted yet. I'm a little overwhelmed with life right now, but God is good.

Casey and I are still trying to decide many things. We have a lady calling us about signing a lease on a house and although we would hate to lose the house, we are hesitant to sign due to the fact we have no clue if we'll be in Lynchburg or not. At Panera we tossed around many possible scenarios, from working in Lynchburg, to volunteering in PA, to living in Ireland. So many options. Lord, give us wisdom!

I need to be focusing more on my grades, as Dad reminded me last night. So hard to do when I'm so distracted. My life right now feels like a million balls tossed in the air, all waiting to come right down on my head.

Casey texted me finally. He slept in and missed his shift - for real this time. I told him I felt dumb as well, because today the Bible Drive started and I forgot all about it. Buck put a couple boxes out for me, but it wasn't much. They don't even have signs. I'll do better tomorrow.

Prayer request would be for wisdom, for guidance, and for a clear pathway for Casey and I. It would also be for Ben and Savannah as they are also trying to figure out whether to go to FL or not. Dad and Mom need encouragement, and especially Bob. Bob has been down lately. Buck needs guidance as to what career path to take. Ashley Neal needs the prayer of contentment anew everyday. Dr. Kelly needs the joy of the Lord in a fresh way as well as the strength of the Lord.

Lord, thank you for being so great. I can't fathom why you choose to save me, but you do. I am so grateful for that. Fill me with you, Lord. Make me into the person you want me to be, no matter what that means. I lift up all the prayer request I just mentioned. I love you.

Amen.