20 years in the minefield

Dear Steve,

20 years ago today, I walked down the aisle on the arm of my daddy towards you...a man I had only know a few short months. However, I knew in my heart of hearts that God had sent you directly to me, for me. I was right. There is no greater joy for me than to love you.
Though the last 20 years have, at times, resembled a minefield, I've felt confident walking through it with you. You have been with me through many rough patches, but we have also experienced great joys. Those are the times that I choose to focus on today. You are the man I choose to continue to love, honor, cherish,and respect today.
At the end of your portion of our vows you asked me one question....Patty, will you be my wife? I said yes that day, and I'd say it louder and with more enthusiasm today. Because, without a doubt, I'll always be YOUR wife. The one who loves you more than any other.
My prayer today is that we have many, many more years together surrounded by family and friends, filled with God's love, and most importantly, the ability to always find our way to each other at the end of the day.

You are my best friend, and I love you.

it has arrived!

My camera, that is (mine is red). I'm so excited even though I haven't really had a chance to use it yet. I had to tell Steve from the get-go that I would actually like to use it. That man loves gadgets....a little too much, if you ask me. I knew that if I didn't stake my claim, I'd never get to hold it, much less take a picture with it. I don't know what it is about electronics, but he seems to think that if it uses batteries (like the remote), has cords and plug-ins (like the computer) then it is his and his alone.

I know, I know...those of you who know both of us don't believe me! However, it's true....I swear! Most of the time, I really don't mind letting him do all of that kind of stuff, but this time.....THIS TIME....I actually wanted to put my hands on the darn thing since I was the one who wanted it, who researched it, and who ordered it. I waited patiently for it......the box arrived......and then, you gals know what happened! I had to go running, yes, running (causing a minor earthquake, I might add) into the living room to grab the box from him. He looked so innocent, I almost felt sorry for him. I say almost because I knew that was his evil plan!

Hopefully, the weather will clear up tomorrow and I will take it out for a stroll (no more running for me...I've had my quota for the week). Then, I'll actually get to sit down and edit and post some pics! He won't be here tomorrow night, so I am pretty darn sure no one else will fight me for that privilege (since Luke doesn't care and Stevie will be with her dad).

our weekend

Shea surprised us last Thursday evening by calling to say she was coming to see us. It ended up being a good weekend for since we already had several things planned. She had just spent the week at Disney with her "alternate family" and since she had a few days left of her vacation, we were the beneficiaries of those. It's okay, though, we don't mind the leftovers!

On Friday, Luke got out of school early for what was suppose to be a teacher workday, but ended up being a teacher furlough day. Poor teachers.....they don't get paid enough as it is, and now they have to take time off without pay :( I hope they all left and went home and didn't hang around working for free!

Anyway, we had already decided to use that day to take advantage of our zoo membership. The weather was a little cooler so the animals were quite active. We got to see several of them up close and personal as evidenced in these pictures:






We then went to see Couple's Retreat. Well, Stevie and Luke went to see Toy Story which they liked. However, Couple's Retreat? Just. say. no. Not funny at all, really and I generally like Justin Bateman, but his character was just annoying with his paralysis of analysis.

Saturday was a sad, sad, day. Georgia got beat......AGAIN. Come on, Tennessee? For real????
LSU lost............hate Florida. Enough said.

Sunday was homecoming at our church and we had a wonderful service, great crowd, and good meal. When I finally pulled Steve away, we headed out to McLeod's Farm to go to the corn maze and eat peach enchiladas. Although, now they have apple crisp so I will have to try that next time. We didn't buy apples, but we should have. They are the best place to get fruit, and their prices are great! The corn maze was not really hard, but it was fun. The weather was perfect as I have really been missing the Fall temperatures that we have grown use to!

We had a weekend to remember. These are the times in our lives that we cherish--family, friends, and good times. Life doesn't get any better does it?