Simone Says....

John A. Simone, Jr. said it best when he said, "When you're in a bad situation, dont worry it'll change. When you're in a good situation, don't worry it'll change." There are so many things that are going on right now in my life, my fiance's life, our life together, my family's lives, our jobs and careers, our schools, our homes, our cities.. Everything seems to be changing- for the good and sometimes for the bad.

Rickey and i are here in cleveland, waiting on his graduation, praying for jobs in LA so we can be closer to our family there.. We are waiting on our wedding, which is 57 days out. My sister is moving to Jackson to start nursing school in June. My OTHER sister is moving to Baton Rouge in May. Baby Benjamin is due in July. Trying to find places for Rickey and I to eventually live in a possible 6 month plan is hard, and getting ideas for jobs and schools for us is a challenge in itself when this is only a plan B. Working a schedule that constantly changes is leaving me exhausted.. So many changes. SO LITTLE TIME. So much to think about and swallow.

Change happens. It's inevitible, i understand that. Sometimes I get so frustrated with situations, it can be so hard to stay positive and focus on the change that will come- whether that be bad OR good.. There are things that I WANT to happen, and things that I PRAY happen.. But seems like more and more the things that I want and desire just aren't happenin.. Then I stop and realize, that there is a bigger plan in store and I just have to keep focused on the main purpose I am here to serve. I feel like that purpose is to love people and give to others more than giving to myself. That purpose is to lead a life that others would see as an example and to follow the faith that I am focused on. What is meant to happen WILL happen, for sure. Rickey and I have some great destinations in store, I know that in my heart. I just have to realize that it's not MY job to plan it out- its MY job to be patient and follow the road that I am supposed to travel down, just as a vessel while im here on this earth. Part of being human, is wanting to be in control of our own lives. What I have learned, is that we arent in control at all... and when we try to control our lives- the curveball is thrown and the changes arise.. It's a play that the Lord uses to prove to us HE'S IN CONTROL.. In the baseball world, we would almost call this play a sacrifice bunt, where we give up our control and what is best for US for a better move ahead..I pray for patience for the changes that are happening, the GREAT changes I am excited about and some of the bad changes that have disappointed me. In due time, it will all reveal itself.. Where Rickey will coach, where he will teach, where I will work, where we will both further our educations, where we will live, etc etc... and those changes will all be great! And the great changes now- having a new nephew, Brittany doing amazing in a field that I am proud of, Candice moving to a new city and starting a life that I KNOW she has always wanted to start, and being able to MARRY the man of my dreams that totally changed my life- all these great changes are exciting and amazing.

In due time.. In due time...

Avec tout mon couer,

Lace

Denham Springs Shower

Rickey and I were so excited (and lucky) to be thrown a bridal shower at the Amite Baptist Church in Denham Springs, LA last Sunday. Since I didn't really know everyone, Rickey thought that he might just tag a long to see what a "bridal shower" is all about. Needless to say, he was an absolute HAM and had a fun time. It was also so nice for all the ladies of the church who threw the shower for us to get to me US, he and I, and spend time interacting with us both. We were soooo fortunate to be able to have a fun filled afternoon, laughing and joking with everyone, opening some fabulous presents, and eating some yummmmmmy food!

Along with some of the great gifts, I got to open a gift from Rickey's mother, Mrs. Dana, who is the most wonderful person in the world. She gave me a set of pearl earrings and a bracelet that she had restrung and set in white gold clasps. Naturally I got emotional, since the present was so beautiful. Only did I learn after I opened this gift- that it was Rickey's Great Great Grandmother's pearls - his Mamaw Cornett. This was the most special gift I have ever recieved, other than Rickey asking me to marry him with my engagement ring. I have the best family in the world, great friends, and the most fantastic support system. I am a blessed girl.

Here are some pics of the shower! I will have more when Candice sends me the ones she took. There are from Ms. Teresa Brian.

Avec tout mon couer,

Lace

My Little Helper Elf

In my mind, I think that Abner has decided that he likes wedding planning. Here recently, as we are closer to saying our vows, we have started to recieve some packages in the mail. UPS, FedEx, and the post man are all fluent with our mailbox and front door. When the doorbell rings, Abner has learned that usually someone is here to visit, and he might be bringing a BOX. Something about doggies and the small things in life I guess. They love boxes, sticks, shoes, string. You can buy them a $12.00 doggie present for them to nibble on or a $20.00 frisbee, but if they have a choice, they will choose the piece of rolled up paper on the floor and play with that for hours.

Abner KNOWS when I open the door and there is a big, square, brown thing sitting on the ground that we are about to have a blast. I bring the package in the house as he wags and trips over his own feet in excitement. His eyes and smile just scream, "MOM! What is THHATTT!" and the howling begins.

Today was one of those days. There was a Ding-Dong! at the door and Abner went a runnin'. We got the package in the house and I proceeded to open the box flaps to find the little morsel popcorn-packer things. I dug around, while abner was in amazement, and pulled out a beautifully wrapped Silver gift with a bow. I unrapped the box, leaving the bow and paper on the floor and ran to the bathroom, not thinking ANYTHING about that box or Abner... And upon my arrival back in the living room... This is what i saw.

Abner Loves to open wedding presents. And especially loves the bows. Candice told me that however many ribbons you break when opening wedding gifts, are the number of children that you will have. Lets not leave this up to Abner....... :)

More pics to come as soon as I get some time. Dinner is ready.

Avec tout mon couer,

Lacey Marie