As close as brothers...

Last night was the first night that Jett has ever spent the night with us - Nikki & Eric had a date night. So we took the boys to Chick-Fil-A to eat and play. After Kevin told a little girl to hit another little girl back cause she hit her first (in the face mind you) and the little girl DID IT! We had to go! The plan WAS to take the boys to the park after dinner, but after a quick trip to Target oh and one to Wendy's to get Jett a frosty - day light was about gone... Thus my hubby came up with the idea to take the boys to Geren Rides {don't judge - there isn't anything to do in this town} The boys, all three, of them had a GREAT time...See that SMALL speck at the the very top that looks like a little boy - yep, that would be my child... can you say heart attack?

Here they come.... Can you see Athen's hands in the air...?

WHEW! made it!

Athen picked this ride ( its was one of the few he could ride)

This just note the irony in this - This ride is one Jett picked for them to ride (so Athen could ride, so sweet of you Jett to think of your little "brother") - Airplane. And then Athen picks a Boat.... um, I guess Eric really is Jett's Daddy and Kevin really is Athen's....

This would be the "Big Boy" ride... that they rode, twice! I don't know how had more fun, Kevin (who REALLY shouldn't be on it due to his back) or Jett....

So after the "Best Day Ever" as Jett said... We got up and I took the boys to play at a local school play ground - cause you get all this cool play ground equipment ALL TO YOURSELF... well that is until the police come and tell you that you have to leave - that's a bit of a downer.

Yep, he's about to fall, again.

This is typical Jett and Athen - Athen doing something "animated" and Jett climbing on something...

We had a great time with you Jettie-Man!

I hope that the two of you stay as close as brothers - cause y'all sure fight like them =)

Update On Diezel

Poor ol Diezel has to stay at the doggie doctor another night... He is doing better the vet said but there is still blood. Therefore he wants to keep him and watch again today and thru the night. Vet said that there wasn't as much blood as there was before which is a GOOD sign....

Diezel

Diezel has to spend night at the doctor's tonight (and possibly tomorrow night) cause he' is "ick" ((sick)) He's been throwing up over the past week and is now passing a lot of blood. It could just be that he ate a frog or something, it happens we when have had a lot of rain.... Or it could be something worse, just don't know let... Say a special little prayer?? Thanks!

Have To vs. Get To

Just some encouraging thoughts... mostly for me, but feel free to use them as well =)

Instead of saying " I have to go to church" say "I get to go to church" instead of saying "I have to get up and go to work" say "I get to get up and go to work" - meaning not only do you have the physical ability to do so, but you also have a job to go to. With the times as they are, it is very important to be thankful and grateful for the jobs that we have. Although it may be trying at times ((but what isn't?)) we really must stop. take a breath. and be thankful. We could be implement this in many aspects of life... Just something I have been thinking about a lot lately....

Colors, Letters, and a Shout Out to Aunt Ninnie

Let me narrate for you... Athen answers the questions "Uh, _____" that's what he is saying before the correct answer, "Uh" as in the has to think about it =)

{you will note in the video below what he's using to name his colors - see post below}

In this one below at the Athen is saying "N" for "Ninnie" "Find 'N' "

{It took me literally an hour to upload these, am I doing something wrong???}

Thanks Aunt Ninnie!!!

He really is my child with that HAIR, Huh Bev???!?!?!

Here are a few pictures from Athen's last photo shoot. He is a) a toddler and b) all BOY and c) is a bit familiar with the photographer... and Nikki STILL managed to get some great photos of him, now that's talent!!!

My Boys

Not too much going on in our neck of the woods... Kevin is waiting to hear on yet another job so KEEP the prayers coming, please! As you can see we had a fun fill family Easter... Athen's favorite part? The little plastic cups you can get in a egg dying kit... He carries them around and tells me the colors of them, plays with them in the bath... he would eat and drink out of them if I would let him. "Maw" got him some peeps.... now if you know me, you know I am NOT a fan of the candy/sweets... thus I haven't let him have them yet.... I am thinking I am going to have one big mess on my hand if/when I do. But she's already called a couple of times and asked me if Athen got the peeps Maw got him... So I guess I will HAVE to let him have them huh??? Oh and btw, I got a new camera... Call me a creature of habit, but I like my old one better...

You will not that I haven't blogged about the book in a couple of days...There's a reason, I am not sure how "sound" this book is. Therefore I would NEVER want to put any false teaching out there... I will continue reading privately and share some good points and verses every now and again...

I am off to cook dinner.... Home made chicken strips, yellow rice, corn and green beans.... and if the boys are lucky - blueberry muffins...

Thanks Babe!

I love my husband so good!

{and no, its not my birthday or our anniversary, its just cause =) }

Athen and Devyn

Im telling you, these two are going to get married!

Look REALLY close....

...and you just may see the Easter Bunny!!!!

Happy Easter!

Today after church we went and had Easter dinner with Kevin's family. Athen got to play with his cousin Leiland and hunt Easter eggs....The Bradford's Easter 2009

{note to Aunt Ninnie- we really could use some professional family pictures =) }

Found One!

Half the crew....

...the other half...

((Athen telling Grandma Becky "Bye"))

Behind, I know...

I know I know... I am a bit behind on my love dare days... How is that you have a day off from work and everything seems to get BEHIND...? That doesn't make sense! =)

So I am going to do a abbreviated version to get caught up...

Day Eight: Love is Not Jealous
On this day of course it talks about how in a marriage there are people that your spouse may come in contact with that that can cause you to have a sense of jealousy... But it also talks about, which I found more key, that you can be jealous of not just people but THINGS... Such as could be jealous that my husband L-O-V-E-S to fish, he would spend ALL his free time doing it if he could and sometimes does... To be honest, it really doesn't bother me all that much... He works hard and its something he enjoys doing.... The way I see it, he isn't out in some bar, so what's the harm? However, I can totally see where a spouse could/would get jealous over a hobby...
Anyway... Today talks about how jealousy is selfishness and if each other display a act of love that is not selfish and does things for one another thinks of the other first, then there would be no reason to be jealous. Good thought, hard to apply though....
And this just doesn't apply to your marriage relationship, again, it can apply to all relationships in your life. It comes down to you should be jealous of anyone or anything. Just because someone may have something you don't have or a life that you wish you had. Remember, God is in control, thus it is pointless to be of a jealous heart...

For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. James 3:16

Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. James 4:1-2

Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.
Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned. Song of Solomon 8:6-7

Day Nine: Love Makes A Good Impression
This day talks about how you greet your spouse... How you talk to them, touch them, say "Good Morning", "Good Night" to them and so on...
Your tone, touch, and attitude can really make an impression on people, and how better to make a good impression on than your spouse...?

Here are a few key verses...

Greet one another with a kiss of love. 1 Peter 5:14

For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother. Philemon 1:7

Day Ten: Love is Unconditional

I believe I will reserve my opinion on this one for a later date... I will have to do some more research on it, as I am not totally use I agree with the book 100%... I must dig in the Scriptures myself - as we all should do...

Find Egg???

Today was my families annual Easter egg hunt... This year we did it at "maw's" yard cause its so big and cause that is where Nikki and I use to hunt eggs when we were the boys age... They had lots of fun. Athen kept saying "Find Egg?" He was SUPER excited when it had candy in it...it really is a TREAT for him...

I think he looks Big here!

This is Athen's future wife, Devyn

2008

2009

2008

2009

A toddlers hand can double as an easter egg

This year I thought I would be "brave" and color eggs with Athen... Here are our results... {and yes, that would be bunny ears on his head =) }

sorry!

If you tried to get on the blog and was blocked... SORRY!!! I had put it on "me only" while I was working on it... =)

Much to Blog About...

First, How cool is my NEW layout? I FINALLY got a three column layout!!! WOOOHOOOO!!! I am so proud of myself! I have been trying to figure it out. Since I added the "Prayer Request" section {see left} it was way unbalanced with just two columns... It took some doing and some googling but I GOT IT!

Next, Tonight we went to a Young Professional {side note, do you have to be a "professional" to attend, if so.... sorry Kev, you will have to stay home =) } Devotional at church tonight. It was really nice. Kevin and I are trying to make an effort to be more active in the church.

Also, wanna give a big "wooohoooo" to me being off tomorrow and an even bigger one for my mom keeping Athen tonight and taking him to day care in the AM. You know what that means???? YES! I get to do my ALLLLL time FAV thing - SLEEP!!!

Last, Please say an extra prayer for Dede Leon, she's a co-worker of mine and is having her appendix removed right now... Don't know any more details than that, but I am sure she could use some prayers.

I think I will reserve my "Love Dare" for tomorrow.... Its late and I want to be focused when I blog about it.... I know, so many of you are so disappointed, No worries. I will be back at it tomorrow... I will post days tomorrow AM and then tomorrow's dare tomorrow nite...

Oh wait, there's more..... So, If you think that a digital camera can with stand 30+ lbs... well my toddler put it to the test.... and no, it can not. Thus I will be searching tomorrow for a new "cheese" and Athen calls it.... I HAVE to get a new one cause we are going to dye Easter eggs and that is a must to catch on "film"

Happy 31 years {and one day}

You would think that I would have been the first to post a shout out to my parents.... well, I kinda forgot... =( I was going to try and find a picture of them and well... I don't have any.
Anyhoo! Matters not.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MOM AND DAD!!!
Kevin and I are so truly blessed to have you as parents. You two are a great example of a loving christian marriage. I hope in 25 years I can be where y'all are today. In today's world is not often you have parents who are still married... I am thankful that we do.
I will have to agree with Nikki's post... You two are the most loving and giving people I know. Kevin and I both know that if we need anything we can come to you two. It truly is a blessing to have the two of you as parents to us and grandparents to Athen. We love you!
Love ~Kevin, Tiffany, Athen and Diezel

ps....Happy 10th {and one day} Birthday Abby Cozart!!!!

Love Dare: Day Seven

If I skip around or repeat myself its cause I read the day's dare the night before and sleep on it and then start fresh with implementing for the whole day, and then sometimes I don't get to blog about it till that night before I read the next days dare... gets to be a bit confusing ((to me anyway))

So, I think I have already talked about day six - Love is not Irritable.

Love Dare: Love Believes the Best

This days (today's or yesterday's however you wanna look at it..) was really good, I thought. It talked about "rooms" in your heart and how you have a Appreciation Room and a Depreciation Room. And how we tend to "visit" the depreciation room more often than the appreciation room. Talks about divorce is plotted in the depreciation room, how violent plans are schemed there... I think of this as where my vindictiveness is at... I visit that room often, I am praying for that aspect of me to diminish.... ((please pray for me as well))
Today's dare also talks about how everyone has unresolved issues, hurts, and personal baggage. I am pretty sure its called being human. We can understand that in ourselves but not so much in other, especially the ones we love, the ones we hold to a "higher" slandered. I do not think that we should lower the bar or God's standers, but understand when our spouse falls short as we ourselves so often do. I often say... "The most faults we are so quick to point out in others are the ones that are most prevalent in ourselves..." So true if you stop and think about it... I for one need to really work on loving and not judging... However, there is a BIG difference between judging and expecting one to do what is right, what God commands us to do...
I may have ventured off subject.... anyhoo, I will end with some key verses...

{Love} Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 1 Corinthians 13:7

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

Bad Hair Day

*yawn* Life as a toddler is hard....

Love Dare: Day Six

I didn't ask for a grade from Kevin last night... so I don't know how "well" I did. But I did try extra hard to "hold my tongue". However, I don't usually get to "lippy" with Kevin... therefore I tried to implement it with others... Hard, very hard.

Day Six: Love is Not Irritable
This is another one I need to work on ((seems like they all have been thus far, hmm.....))
Side note: Kevin sent me a text today... "I love you UN-IRRITABLY" he makes me laugh, I love him so good!

When under pressure, love doesn't turn sour. Minor problems don't yield major reactions. Love does not get angry or hurt unless there is a legitimate and just reason in the sight of God. ((ouch, that is a hard pill to swallow!))
Today's "dare" also talks about the "Sabbath" (aka Sunday) being a vacation day... to just rest and worship. -But don't be doing one while doing the other =)
I think that is key, to just slow down and take Sunday "off" I try and LIVE my this rule... Sunday is NAP day, just ask Kevin.

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long suffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. Colossians 3:12-14

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void to offence toward God, and toward men. Acts 24:16

Love Dare: Day Five

Day Five: Love is not Rude...

Again, I think these are great lessons that you can apply not only to your marriage but in life and they way you treat people in general.

Here are a couple of questions to "test" yourself... they could apply in any relationship...

-How does your ________ feel about the way you speak and act around them?

-How does your behavior affect your ______'s sense of worth and self-esteem?

-Would your_____ or ____ say you're a blessing or that you're condescending and embarrassing?

I think most people would agree that we tend to mimic and take on the personalities of the people we are around... this is not always a "good" thing. Its important to stop and think about these questions, putting your spouses / loved ones feeling ahead of your own selfish ways is key.

1. Guard the Golden Rule. Treat your mate the same way you want to be treated
2. No double standards. Be as considerate to your spouse as your are to strangers and coworkers.
3. Honor requests. Consider what your husband or wife already asked you to do or not do. If in doubt, then ask.

Today's dare: ask your spouse to tell you three things that cause him or her to be uncomfortable or irritated with you. You must do so without attacking them or justifying your behavior. This is from their perspective only.

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. Luke 6:31

The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. Ecclesiastes 10:12

It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house. Proverbs 25:24

___________________________________________________________________

the difference a year makes....

Athen reminds me of Jett in this picture... Jett gives that look too... I think some call it the "Walker Look"....?

Happy Birthday Kevin!!!

HAPPY 27th BIRTHDAY KEVIN!

((I think Athen looks like him in this picture...))

Today marks Kevin's 27th Birthday!

Here are 27 things you should (any may not want to) know about Kevin...

1. He's always been "healthy" he weighted almost 10lbs when he was born.

2. He is from Naylor, Ga

3. He is an only child

4. He's always had a pet-dog.

5. In high school he was obsessed with the color yellow... to the point that his mom dyed his socks yellow... ((I guess that's why he also dyed his hair yellow as well))

6. His favorite past time is fishing and then hunting...

7. He's whole world changed in 2001

8. and again in 2003

9. and yet on more time in 2006

10. Kevin has never meet a piece of chocolate that he didn't like

11. Is just as picky of an eater as I, if not more so...

12. His Great-Grandma is still living

13. He's been to jail for night hunting

14. He has a Associates Degree in Radiological Technology. ((**still needs a job!**))

15. Has three tattoos

16. Has his ears pierced, although he hasn't wore his ear rings since we got married

17. Had a tongue ring

18. Has had 10+ trucks since we have been together

19. Has had 20+ set of tires for those trucks...

20. Is a great husband, much to some people surprise, but I KNEW it was in him....

21. Is a great daddy, Athen just adores him

22. Would be a pro bass fisherman if he could for a living...

23. Was a pretty cute kid

24. Was a WILD teenager

25. He is a Lanier Co. High graduate

26. He has come such a LONG way in the last six years...

27. He is loved my all who knows him. You can't help but love Kevin.... I know I sure do! Love you baby!

Birthday Roundup - We had a GREAT Birthday weekend... Friday nite dinner, Saturday Morning breakfast and then Kevin fished all day, and Sunday Church, of course, and then a BIG ol Birthday meal at mom's - Kevin's surprise- a made from SCRATCH Red Velvet Cake!!! Kev's FAV!

On Monday night, Kevin had dinner at his mom's with her, his grandma and grandpa... Steak with all the fixn's!

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR MAKING KEVIN'S DAY SO SPECIAL!!!!

Love Dare: Day Four

First, day three... Kevin gave me a 10 out of 10 for day three... not cause I bought him something but because we were suppose to go fishing together and instead I told him that he and Eric should go since Eric had a afternoon off and he really wanted to go ((plus its Eric's boat =) )) So.... I am not real sure that I complete the "dare" or not... but I guess its what Kevin thinks that counts...

Day Four:Love is Thoughtful
Contact your spouse sometime during the business of the day. Have no agenda other than asking how he/she is doing and if there is anything you could do for them...
Now, being how today is Sunday and we are together all day, I may have to apply this one tomorrow...
As Kevin told me last night, you don't have to do the dare to the letter... its the thought process that counts. We are not only trying to implement these lessons into our marriage life but in life and people in general...

How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee. Psalm 139:17-19

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you. Philippians 1:3 ((this is my FAV verse!))

Love Dare: Day Three

Lets start with day two... Kevin gave me a 9 out of 10, but that's just cause he was being nice... I really didn't do anything unexpected, well I did invite his daddy and his wife to dinner with us, so I guess that would count...

Today's Dare: Love is Not Selfish - Buy your spouse something that says "I was thinking of you today"
Whatever you put your time, energy, money into will become more important to you....thus do this for your spouse... Its hard to care for something you are not investing in.

Today ask yourself these questions:
-Do I truly want what's best for my spouse?
-Do I want them to feel loved by me?
-Do they believe I have their best interests in mind?
-Do they see me as looking out for myself first?

Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder James 3:16

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves Philippians 2:3

Bu love "does not seek its own" 1 Corinthians 13:5

Love Dare Day Two

Well, last night Kevin read day one and day two.... I asked him to grade me on day one.. I got an 8 out of 10... not too bad, again - always room for improvement...


Day Two: Love is Kind
Today you are to do at least one unexpected gesture as an act of kindness.... I am not sure what I am going to do yet, I have been thinking on it.... We are going to dinner tonight, but that's not unexpected and its for his birthday so I don't think that will really count... hmm.... must think.

What is desirable in a man is his kindness Proverbs 19:22

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:3-4

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. Proverbs 31:26

Update...

Here's an update on my Sugardoodles...
His back is doing MUCH MUCH MUCH better... I would say he's about 85%. He's been fishing so I know he's feeling better =)
No word yet on a job.... ((*If anyone knows of one.... let me know* ))
Please keep praying for his back and for him to find a job.

This Sunday is his birthday, I have planned dinner just the two of us tonight, Day trip tomorrow, and dinner with the fam on Sunday, mom is cooking all his FAV's - cubed stake, butter taters, mac and cheese, brown sugar beans, rolls... hmm! ((and if you know my mom's cooking, you know that's some kinda GOOD!)) and baking him a little something special... =)

Take Care and have a GREAT weekend!

Love Dare...

If you have seen the movie Fire Proof, you know what I am talking about... and if you haven't seen it - SEE IT. Not only if you are married, but even if you aren't it has some really good thought provoking points that make you stop and think about how you treat people in your lives in general. After seeing the movie and being on this journey of bettering myself, what better way than to start with my marriage. Not that we have a "bad" marriage... but there is always room for improvement, always.

I would encourage any married couple whether you have a "perfect" ((by the way, there is no such thing)) marriage or one, like my own, that may need a little WORK ((that's KEY)) watch the movie WITH your spouse. Then read the book....

Anyway, the book is set for 40 days... ((side note: odd how that number 40 is used in the bible as well...)) each day is a different "dare" today, day one is patience's... boy oh boy, now that's a HUGE one for me... I am NOT a patience person. My mom always told me "God is going to teach your patience" Of course, you were right mom. So the "dare" for the day is to be patience with your other half. To be slow to speak. To only speak kind words and if you have no kind words to hold your tongue. So far... so good. ((Its only 12:20)) So that is my mission for today. To be patient with my hubby.

Galatians 5:22
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

1 Thessalonians 5:14
14 And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

James 1:19
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.

*update on Diezel*
He had his stitches out today and got a good report from the doctor. Everything is healing up fine and his going to be alright! YAY!!!

Annoucment....

you heard it here first... Athen is going to be a big brother!!!!


Watch the video to see Athen's reaction...