Precious Moment...

I used to collect Precious Moment figurines when I was young. I loved their innocent, angelic look. I was so excited to bring Hope to the Precious Moments Museum in Carthage MO. We were so thankful that some friends were able to come with us. It was amazing and gave me a whole new appreciation of the artist behind the label. He is not only a remarkable artist, but did his work to bring recognition to our Creator. When I told Hope we were going she didn't think it would be fun to drive to "stare at a bunch of statues"! But all three girls loved it and wanted to stay longer!

At the Chapel they gave a free tour and explained each painting.

The murals inside the chapel were all painted directly on the walls by Samuel Butcher. He even painted the ceiling.

A play house he built for his grandchildren!

The Sculptor, Bill Piel (Samual's Partner) and Samual Butcher

One of my favorite which I received as a wedding gift!

I LOVE this one!!!!! Just take the Roy and Dale off the hats and replace with Charlie and Michelle! How romantic to ride off into the sun set with my man!!!! Charlie is not a horse person, but he has ridden a couple times for me! Thanks Handsome! I Love you! PS. I love you Roy Rogers and Dale Evens, too!

A Precious Moment!

Rain, Rain Stay Today....

"You must first go through the storm

in order to see the rainbow."

That wonderful saying has been at the forefront of Charlie and my relationship. We heard it when he left for basic training after our first year of dating and we have clung on to its promise. Charlie was gone for a year before we were married. The storm of falling in love with the barrier of states between us, then the rainbow of our wedding and the start of the rest of our lives. We have had many more storms of separation throughout his military career, but we have always made it through with the anticipation of the beautiful rainbow arching over us.

I have recently read another wonderful saying that reminds me of life and finding the good in every situation.

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass,

it's about learning how to dance in the rain."

This one also brings a smile to my face because we love dancing in the rain! Some of the most incredible, memorable days in our lives it has rained and we have danced!

For both Charlie and My outdoor graduations it had rained!!! The stadium of onlookers covered in a rainbow of umbrellas while the graduates danced in the droplets.

December 1, 1996 Charlie proposed to me. We went for a picnic at our favorite outdoor area, Ravine Gardens State Park. After our meal we walked along the bottom of the ravine near the trickling stream. We stopped on a small bridge and he pulled out a letter he had written to me. As he read those beautiful words the rain drops started falling from heaven. I remember seeing them drop one by one on the paper he was holding. Then on one knee he pulled out a ring. Of course I said yes!!!!!

(Thirteen years later I would still say yes to my amazing man!)

And we danced!

May 18, 1997 Charlie and I were married at the same park that we were encaged! Being an outdoor wedding we had a alternate if it were to rain, but secretly I didn't care if raindrops were our wedding crashers. I still wanted to get married outside where our memories were created. God was so good giving us a spectacular sunshine filled morning. After the wedding and reception Charlie and I left together joined forever and as we did little wet splashes started appearing on the windshield.

Thank you Lord for the sun shower on our wedding day! :-)

December 23, 1999 our beautiful daughter was born. While I was in labor, I remember Charlie trying desperately to help me through my pain. He told me to look out the window. Out side the little hospital window there were frozen rain drops floating gracefully to the ground bringing a smile to my face.

Whenever it rains I always want to remember to DANCE!!!!!