It's A Love Story Baby: Military Proposals

When Your Man Put A Ring On It! That's right my friends, we're sharing military love stories & proposals!

Though I prefer the TBS version, An Officer and a Gentleman (SWOON) quite frankly could have the best movie ending--EVER! Don't believe me? Watch my friends. Watch and swoon with me.

What could be more romantic than being carried by a man in uniform? That's right my dear readers, not many things. Hollywood writes about romance, even acts it out with a bunch overpaid pretenders. But true love stories are all around us. Today I want to introduce you to several Army Wives, and let them tell you their ultra awesome love stories and sweet proposals, that put Hollywood's finest attempts of love and romance to shame. Get ready for some major swooning!


"Shaun and I met through a mutual friend 17 years ago. It was a only a phone call at 1st. He had a very appealing voice and our conversation was great. Through many phone calls and learning how much we had in common, we decided to meet. We have been together ever since. He proposed when I went to visit him in Ft. Sill, OK after his AIT in 1997. We got married May 2001 (long engagement, I know  ) and he didn't go active duty until 2003. My name is Laura and we are currently stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC"


"David and I met in 11 years ago. He was helping my roommate move in. David was really funny and not shy at all. I love about him. We had been together for 3 years when he proposed. He wanted to join the army and didntwant to leave without me, so he asked me to go. We have been married for 8 years and are currently in Fort Jackson, SC." ~Jenn



"Chuck and I went to school together but met through my brother. There was lots that attracted me to him: his personality, humor, and looks. He proposed to me October 7, 2005 on our couch after I said Yes. When he proposed, I wanted him to do more than show me a ring. That's when he popped open the ring case and said "I'll love you forever, will you marry me?" We got married December 31st , 2005. We've been in the Army 8 years."
~Megan, Fort Carson Colorado and on our way to Fort Belvoir, VA.



"Matt and I met in Augusta, GA at Chili's while he was going through AIT at Ft. Gordon. I knew he was THE ONE when he went with me to meet my father at the nursing home where my Grandmother was. He spent a whole Sunday afternoon here and at that point we had only known each other a few weeks. Also he was kind of cute! We met in July 2004. At Christmas, he was going home, Maine, before coming here (Ft Campbell) for his first duty station. He wanted me to meet his family, so I flew solo for the first time in my life to spend Christmas with his family. He wasn't flying up until a couple of days later by the way. He proposed on Christmas Eve. It wasn't really a surprise since I helped him pick out a ring, but as soon as Christmas was over he was headed to Ft Campbell and I was headed back to GA. He put the ring on my pillow before I went to bed. When it was time for bed I saw the ring and he came in and popped the question! We got married on May 28, 2005 and by the time you post this will have celebrated our 8 year anniversary! Although I guess you can't really celebrate it if he's not here "    
                 ~Jenny



"[Kris and I] met through an old high school friend who was in RIP together with my husband. I knew the minute I met him and shook his hand he was "the one"! He was cute, funny, kind and smart. (I would later find out that he had the same exact thought the minute he shook my hand too! Kismet!) He proposed 7 months after we met, in New Orleans. It was kind of a meeting point and special place for us while he lived in Georgia and I was in Louisiana. He spent the day asking where my favorite places were in the city and when I brought him to my favorite spot, he got down on his knee and proposed. He is going on 10 years now in the army, while we have been married for 8."  ~Katie, Fort Benning, GA

"My husband and I were set up on a date by his brother's girlfriend during his 2-week R&R from Iraq. The first thing that attracted me to him was his soft, kind eyes. They made me melt! During our first-date dinner conversation, I became attracted to his odd sense of humor that's just like mine, as well as his intelligence and clear sense of integrity. My husband proposed at the same restaurant where we went on our first date. Of course, this was on the last evening of his pre-deployment leave before another year in the desert. Andrew has been in the Army for 11 years, and I just separated from 6 years in the AF last November, so the first 3 1/2 years of our relationship (and one year of marriage) were long distance."  ~Heidi & Andrew, Ft Meade, MD

I would love to hear from you! Share your love story, and or proposal with us!

Fun in a Hayloft: Local Sites and Scenes For Family Fun

The Hayloft gives new meaning to the phrase, "born in a barn."

On my quest to find budget friendly family activities, my daughter and I stumbled upon this little patch of heaven--a barn. But not just any barn--The Hayloft Barn sale barn! This amazing wonder looked as if Pinterest had exploded inside!Think flea market on craft steroids!

My words cannot do this place justice! Take a gander at the pics below!

                                     

HOME MADE MARSHMALLOWS!! Kid Approved, Mom approved and DELICIOUS!

Visit kerflufflesmarshmallows.com to order your own today!

 

YUM!

Local Vendors: Meet "Those Girls." Every bone in their body is crafty! Click here to see more! 

Some of the Crafts that Caught My Eye

An Extra Splash of Cuteness!

More of the Scene for You to Enjoy!

Meet local Author Christie Jones Ray. Visit Christie at Christiegrammyhouse.blogspot.com

Live music from local Musicians!

I'm trying not to covet this chandelier! 

And More to Behold!

Meet local Artist Kellie Montana! Fabulous Art! Click here to visit her site!

I hope you enjoyed the pictures as much as I enjoyed searching the scene! :) Feel free tell me about any local venues you came up on. Have a blessed day! Now go find yourself a barn to play in! 

On Days When I Need A Laugh

image from www.allposters.com

Like Today.

Is it just me or do all the kiddos seem to be rowdier than usual? Ah. It must be the end of the school year! I dare say this time of the year is almost equivalent to the excitement felt at Christmastime. I feel the pool calling my name. But before I can sink my toes in the cool waters of a community pool, I need to make it until Memorial Day Weekend. I'm praying I can make it, but with one hyper child bouncing off the walls with a condition known as "can't-wait-for -summer-itis" and the other having torrential melt-downs because something doesn't go her way, I just don't know if I can hold on!!

Besides busting out my fav Bible verses, giving myself pep-talks, and deep breathing, I've also included laughing in my prescribed remedies for crazy stressful moments/days/weeks when I feel as if I'm gonna explode.

I've discovered that laughing really does help lift my mood, and ability to manage my stress level! :) It also works with the kiddos...I just need to remember to help to turn their screaming into laughter. :)

So whenever I'm feeling stressed, or grumpy, I yell for the kids (in a pleasant tone of course, :) ) and we check out our favorite youtube videos that have us hee-hawing within minutes! If you have a few minutes to laugh, check out our top picks are sure to bring a smile to your face, if not a hearty chuckle. ENJOY!

That song was my ringtone forever!

I think that goat can really hit the high notes!

FUNNY, FUNNY Guy.

This Church, Vintage Church, put out videos about the misconceptions of Jesus and Christianity. So funny and true! BUT it's  the kind of that funny you feel sort of guilty for laughing. 

Guest Blogger:Musician/Worship Leader Jamie Worley

Jam'n With Jamie! 

Music! We love it, can't get enough of it! It's rocks us to our core, pumps us up, and takes us back in time. God knew what he was doing when He thought of music. Today we want to talk with a musician that uses his talents to lead worship at Hilldale Baptist Church in Clarksville, TN. Everyone welcome Jamie Worley!

Jamie, thank you for joining me on my blog today! 

 Privileged to say the least, Honored.

Let’s go ahead and dive in so we can get to know you better. Who is Jamie Worley? What are you about? Jamie Worley is a 40 year old man just trying to figure out Life. I try to learn everyday how to be a better Follower of Christ, Father, Husband, and friend. I’m an Army Veteran. A Musician, and a Massage Therapist.

 Tell us how you became a Music Leader:
      10 years ago my life was stagnant. I had a steady job, living with my girlfriend (now wife) and two small girls..... Basically just "doing life". I was a believer but seldom attended church (hit-n-miss). I only prayed or sought the Lord during times of trouble or when I wanted things to go my way. Jesus was more of a "Santa like" figure to me, and I certainly didn't treat him as my Lord (insert coin, hope for prize). I was as Craig Groeschel would say, a "practical atheist". I technically believed in God, but I behaved immorally most of the time. I was one of those ones destined to be "spat out" after I died.        
        In the summer of 2003 my Mother called me from S.C. to inform me that my younger and only sister Tami Worley, had committed suicide. Tami's 15 year battle with severe Bi-polar Disorder ended in tragedy. The pain was more devastating to me than any other painful event in my 30 years, and I've had plenty. My entire life I had treated Tami very bad, I disliked her....even hated her during our adolescent years. So, I carried the guilt, and it chipped away at me. Her death haunted me.

       The days that followed brought me to the lowest point of my life. Her death however became a crucial and pivotal point for me. I began seeking the Lord fully. At first it was to find answers and to help cope with the pain. Needless to say this began a Love affair in my soul with the person of Jesus. 

         Soon after that, the people in my church began to realize that I played guitar and the next thing I knew I was playing in the praise band. Romans 8:28 says: and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to HIS purpose. After many months I was asked to lead a song, "What, you want me to sing, I don't know how"? Yikes! But I did it and to my surprise, I am still doing it today. 

        So, 10 years ago I began a new journey. This began with leading Worship for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! My life has never been the same. I am passionately enjoying & growing in my faith and very interested in where God is going to take me!

Wow, Jamie. That's an incredible testimony! Tell us, what is the mission for the music you play?
       My Hope is that I can somehow create an Atmosphere where individual’s hearts connect with their Creator, Jesus Christ. I want to help people know, they were Made to Worship, and that missing link…that feeling that can’t be filled by no other means…..has a voice and a name. Which is Jesus

Do you have an audio or video sample you could share with the viewers?
      My cd is on ITunes and each track can be heard at www.jamieworleymusic.com 

Do you have a life verse that inspires you?
      Proverbs 1:7. This was my first memory verse. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction”

Do you agree or disagree with the following quotes:

     1: Without music, life would be a mistake. ~Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (I don’t know who that is, lol)

         I would have to disagree with The German philosopher Nietzsche. We have a Deaf community in our church and they seem to think life is pretty good. I would love for Nietzsche (who coined the phrase “God is dead” to hear Crowder sing, My Gods Not Dead, He’s surely alive”

     2: Music is what feelings sound like ~Author Unknown (And I obviously don’t know who that is)
            Songs are born out of feelings sometimes, so maybe

Now I’m going to ask things I wonder but would never ask out loud, lol :
    1: In your opinion, what would Jesus listen to? I know He likes all types of music, yes, yes, I get that. BUT…in YOUR opinion, what would be on Jesus’ iPod? Lol 

    I think he has Holy, Holy, Holy on shuffle. Seems to be catching on around the throne.

   2: Sometimes I hear a Christian song and feel guilty for not liking it. Ugh, I know. How can I not like a song about God, right? That’s why I feel guilt, especially when I “skim” past the bluegrass Gospel station (sorry guys, even though I’m from Kentucky, I can only handle so much twang and banjo before my eyes cross). Do you ever hear a Christian song and feel guilty for not liking it? 
    Not at all. God has created us for likes and dislikes. He made mushrooms, but I don’t think it bothers him that I don’t like them. Culture tends to dictate that in all of us I believe.

   3: An English Teacher friend of mine had her students create a soundtrack of their life and write about why they chose the songs. I have since secretly thought about my own life soundtrack. I like to think mine begins with the Forrest Gump theme, then morphs into the Rocky Theme…somewhere along the way ACDC pops in with Back in Black because it’s awesome, and then I switch over to some DC TALK old school style when I feel my life call’s for some rap. Of course the folk sounds of string guitars, fiddles, and banjos make their debut in the soundtrack of my life when I’m driving back roads. What would the soundtrack of your life sound like?
     It would start with some 70’s singer-songwriter stuff. Since I was born in 1972…hints of James Taylor, Carol King….disco Bee Gees….Earth wind and fire…..then 80’s RUN DMC, I was a break-dancer. Then Metal years……lots and lots of metal Van Halen, then Punk Rock and Grunge, then finally Psalms……..the heart of the matter.

Fun with Jamie:
1: A song that makes you cry (Ugh, Safe in My Arms by Plumb makes me weep like a baby!): Eden by Phil Wickham


2: First instrument you learned to play: Guitar


3: Finish this Sentence: Music is like ___Syrup__________. It makes my heart ___sweet______________.


4: Musicians that you dig (I won’t judge you if you mention “secular” artists, lol )
Josh Rouse (friend from back in the day), Dave Matthews Band, Jon Mayer, James Taylor, Jon Foreman, Phil Wickham


5: The food you would most love to write a song for: Avocadoes


6: The book of Psalms is a BIG book of Songs. Do you have a favorite one? Psalm 150 (why do people freak on the dancing part)


7: What color would music be? White, it’s all the colors mixed


8: If you weren’t a musician, what would you be? Rapper…no pun intended, Ha! 


9: Do you play music for your wife? (If not, then you may want to start…I’m just sayin’. ) Yes, she tells me when it sucks, ha!


10: Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself: 
I have many tattoos. They actually landed me on stage with Kevin James (comedian) he did a bit on me because I had the most in the crowd.
I hate Chalk or anything that has that feeling, like the white powder stuff on Balloons, I will stop breathing if I get that feeling!
I’m very hard on myself

Thank you Jamie for being here with us again! Feel free to contact Jamie and tell him how awesome he is! His info is below. Be sure to check out his site and download his music. :) 

Contact Jamie:
Facebook: Jamie Worley, and Jamie Worley Music
Website: jamieworleymusic.com 
Email: jamielovesguitar@yahoo.com

http://www.jamieworleymusic.com/

Pornography Wreaking Havoc on Marriage

Shhhh. We don’t talk about that.
Well today, we are.

Pornography. It’s a dirty little secret that no one admits to viewing, but the industry is booming. Someone’s looking.

Every second over $3000 is being spent on pornography. Do you know what I could do with $3000? A LOT!  Every second over 28,000 viewing it and every 39 seconds a pornographic video is being created in the US. Good grief, that's insane!

It’s no secret that the divorce rate is right at 50%. One of the biggest reasons for divorce, under adultery, and financial problems, is addictions; the most common of which are alcohol and pornography. Pornography is literally killing our marriages.

Let me get real honest with my married women readers, especially my Military Wife readers. It is NOT okay for you or your husband to be viewing pornography, nor is it okay for you to send your husband pornography while he is deployed, overseas, on a business trip etc.

                                                                           View my thoughts on 50 Shades of Grey.

I've heard women tell me, “Well, at least he’s not cheating.” Um, how is he NOT cheating?  If your spouse is getting sexual gratification from someone other than you, it’s cheating.

I've heard women say, “Well, he’s deployed. It’s difficult for him to go without sex that long. I can’t expect him not to look when pornography is everywhere.” Why is ‘not looking’ such a high expectation for your husband? Yes, it has to be difficult for our husbands to go without sex for that long. It’s no joy ride on our end either. However, to keep our marriage strong, and to protect our spouse from spiraling out of control, because pornography isn't an innocent little problem, refraining from pornography doesn't seem too much to ask.

Why not solve his dilemma by sending photos of yourself . Yes, I totally said that. No matter how awful you think you look naked, your husband loves you, and your body. Just want to clarify--do not send pictures via a military email address. Just needed to cover that. :)

Take pictures. He’ll thank you.

                 Interested in having “special” photos taken for your husband? Visit www.hannahpadgett.smugmug.com.

Study after study proves the negative effects of viewing pornography. It’s said to be a stronger addiction than cocaine. It diminishes real sex, and replaces it with some warped version of  what God meant it to be between a husband and wife. Viewers have reported devaluing their spouse  after looking at pornography. Because who of us can compete with some young chick with a photo-shopped image? It also desensitizes the viewer to sex to the point where he/she can become bored with their spouse, sex in general, and seek more graphic images in order to get that thrill they are looking for. Can we say, "Hello, Ted Bundy?" None of those things are beneficial for marriage, or mental health.  

Stay away from porn my friends. God says to “be holy, because I am holy (1 peter 1:16).” There is nothing holy about pornography.

References:

http://www.focusonthefamily.com/lifechallenges/love_and_sex/pornography.aspx

http://simplemarriage.net/3-reasons-to-beware-of-porn/

http://www.familysafemedia.com/pornography_statistics.html