Life Lately

     I have been experiencing some exciting changes in my life. I know this little blog is usually a showcase for fashion, recipes, my kid's face, and fun, sometimes silly, stuff. But it really is my daily journal (that I share with the world - weird!) so I thought I would get a little real today.
     I grew up in a Christian home. Probably didn't appreciate it very much in my teenage years but it did give me a good foundation for choices I was going to make in my life. Did I make good choices? I would say the majority of my choices were ok but I made some big time mistakes. I was really struggling Sunday morning with those big time mistakes and how they haunt my memory. I am working on really being able to release those memories, through God's help, of course.
     It is just really amazing to me when I look at where I came from and where I am now. I am in awe that I have made it this far! I was risky. I gambled a few times. I don't want to go into too many details since this is the internet - hello! But I do want to praise God for not letting me go. He was, and is, that good friend that will keep calling you even after you've let the machine get it time after time. He will send you flowers for no reason at all other than He loves you. He's is NOT that frenemy that will remind you of all the times you've screwed up and what you owe them. He bakes you cookies and leaves them on your doorstep with a little note that says, "Just thinking about you! Call me soon. I look forward to talking to you." Used to, I would scarf down all those delicious cookies and never call Him back. But you know what? He's not angry that I ditched him more times than I can count. Other friends would've just deleted me off of facebook. He is glad I finally called Him! He's glad!
     I am so ready to start this chapter of my life. I feel so light! I don't feel that heavy burden anymore. It's unbelievable because I was so so so resistant. I mean re.sis.tant. Can I make that any clearer? I really did try to do all these other things to see if I could finally be happy. And the funny part was that I would always wonder why I wasn't finally happy. Like it was some kind of a big mystery or something. Ha! I laugh at myself. I love myself! I love myself now. Thanks to Jesus.

Ya'll have a great day!!!!!!!

Jessica

photo source

Happiness

My son was head over heels for his glow in the dark wand. Loved it.

I miss him terribly every weekend he goes to his dad's. Hopefully he can feel my love that I am sending to him right now.

Goodnight little bug.

One Girl's Boy

Hi sweetie. I just wanted you to know that I was thinking about you. Remember this picture of you that I love? It makes me want to cry and squeeze you tight each time I walk by it in the hall.

You are the love of my life. I am so glad I met you and that you enjoy my company. Hey - I can't say that about everyone! :)

 Here's a few more of you that are A-DORABLE

This Man Named Brian

I should tell you a little bit about why I love this man Brian. He means so much to me and I want to share my happiness with the world. He unselfishly and kindly takes my outfit photos and listens to my little bits of "this and thats" without a sour face. I new when I met him that there was something special about him. We were friends for a long time and then we blossomed into lovers. He is the sweetest most gentlest man I have ever known. There are so so many things I love about him...I love how he is exceptionally talented at camping and building the perfect campground. He has all of the bells and whistles that make it seem like a pioneered homestead in the middle of the forest. I love that he rides a motorcycle and looks so good doing it! He has big thick shoulders and is amazingly tall. He has a beautiful smile and sea green eyes. I feel in awe when he goes on his solo rides for days. I love how he enjoys live theatre. I love how he is willing to try any new food from any country at any time. I love how we can agree on any restaurant at any time. He is ready to go at a drop of a hat if I say "so and so just called - can we go?". He has taught me a lot about love and a lot about patience. He has seen me switch moods, whine, become intensely frustrated and has remained steady and strong. He reaches to kiss me and dips me low and deep. I love how he automatically knows that we take my car on a night when I don't want my hair to blow in the jeep. I love his jeep. I love how he likes to take me on long rides to nowhere on a Sunday afternoon. I love that he went to a fashion show with me. I love that he cares so much for his son and has been a successful single father. I love how he likes to watch documentaries after documentaries with me. I love how he is spontaneous and surprises me as to where we are going whether it be a few miles down the road or the next town over. He once pulled over in the jeep while we were driving on a long hot ride just so I could have some shade for a bit. He knows of the neatest spots and most romantic little places. I love this man and I cherish him like a hidden treasure that I have uncovered and keep close to me at all times. Thank you Brian, for being a extraordinary man.

The Big Day

Valentine's Day is fast approaching and if you are one of the ones out there that either
1) loves to celebrate it because you are addicted to hearts and candy
2) required to celebrate it because your significant other will tear your eyes out if you don't
3) loves a reason to craft cool cards and gifts
4) guininely love your partner and want to share with them a romantic holiday

then...Let's Get Started!

I was thinking about some nifty things that you could do for Valentine's Day that might be a little sweeter than waiting 3 hours in line only to eat dinner standing up because there aren't any seats left. Note: Food good. I will wait long time for good meal. Anyway, here are a few ideas that you could blurb about to your partners, friends or whoever you might be with after the glorious weekend of Superbowl 44!

1) French Broad Chocolate Lounge: take your sweetie, or just yourself!, and munch on some decadent chocolate desserts. This location is much more inviting than the Chocolate Fetish. Try the Canela Picante, bitersweet chocolate ganache sprinkled with cayenne pepper, for a smoldering finish to your romantic evening. http://frenchbroadchocolates.com/

2) Fondue Massage for Two: Take the chocolate idea and bring it on home. This is one of those classic things to do on Valentine's Day. But it seems as though we keep trying to outdo ourselves each year and sometimes you just have to go back to your roots. Grab a fondue pot or just use a double boiler on the stove. Grab some dipping buddies for the chocolate like sliced banannas, angel food cake, blueberries, strawberries and marshmallows. Nosh on some fondue then break out the massage oil. Or get creative and use that melted chocolate like it should be.

3) Read to Me: Have him or her read a good book to you. It is so relaxing. You can take the sexy route and make it a steamy read or be inventive and woo him with the dictionary.

4) Fix Me Something Good, Baby: Choose a gourmet recipe that you have never made. Shop together for all the fun ingredients, choosing cheeses, breads while stealing kisses. Get started on the meal and keep it fun. Use food in ways that...well...you may have never used it before. Hey! Keep it clean kids. http://www.epicurious.com/recipesmenus/gourmet/recipes

Of course you don't need me to tell you that there are a zillion places to gorge yourself silly in Asheville and nearby. Plenty of places to get your romance on. Plenty of spots to escape to for the weekend. Whether you take the classic route or become your own party planner, enjoy!