Four beautiful years

Four years ago today,at this very time 11:13 am I was sitting in a hair salon with 9 of my closest friends. Preparing to see my groom. That day was the best day yet of my life. I am honored to be Adam's wife. Mostly because of who he encourages me to be. Adam is strong, dedicated, merciful, loving and loyal.

One of my favorite memories from that day was seeing him for their first time. I was so excited. Hours before he came to the room I was getting ready in and the photographer took that picture of the groom and bride with a door between them. When I heard his voice I melted. I couldn't wait to see him, to hold his hand and become his wife. After the ceremony you couldn't wipe the grin from his face. We were finally bound together in Christ.

Now four years later, we have been blessed beyond recognition. God has truly given me someone who challenges me with love and honor.

Adam, I cannot wait for the next forty years. We have a long ride ahead and lots of firsts still to come but I can't wait to share them with you.

God Tube

a frenzy

This past weekend was a blast. Sally Ann was presented to society (hehe) as a debutante. Something all of us Hopper grand girls have been apart of. The whole Hopper clan was there. Dressed to the nines and ready to party.

Sally Ann was absolutely stunning. She and my Dad waltzed beautfully and stole the show. Adam was her escort and they seemed to be a high light as well. Adam is not much of a dancer but he has embraced the fact that I love to dance and think it should be a daily activity for everyone. He even did the Cupid Shuffle. If you don't know what this is please go to www.youtube.com and search the Cupid Shuffle. Its another Cha Cha slide basically. Pictures are posted so enjoy them.

There has been so much going on. We have started playing softball at the church. I am not coordinated when it comes to throwing a softball or catching or batting but I try. My first game Adam pitched and had me catching...yes me! I was terrified. Some of these men show up in the baseball pants and gloves, swinging the bats like pros. Then you have 5'4 me, frail behind them squating. I will try to get a picture soon. A batter hit a foul pop fly, which apparently I am supposed to try to catch. Well, I scream at the top of my lungs, "I am not getting it!" Adam swoops in and catches the ball. Talk about my hero. I had the umpire rolling with laughter. I will let you know that I was able to hit the ball. I did however get out at first. Plus, I could throw the softball back to Adam everytime from behind homeplate.
Huge accomplishment. I will try to update you each week on my role on the softball team.

Graduation took place last week at NGU. It was such a fun time. Two of my favs graduated, Emily and Joe. It was wonderful to watch them walk across that stage and know that they have grown in their walk with our Lord and they are ready for life outside of NGU.

We are currently looking to buy a new car. Long story about the one we just bought. Here is a summary: We bought a car, had it 11 days out of 25 and we got our FULL money back. The car was a lemon, I am told. So, Friday we are going to possibly buy one that I love. If all goes well, the VW dealership will check it out, and we will drive home new car owners again, for the second time in a month.

Getting to know you

Here is a little tag I picked up. Enjoy getting to know my Hubby a bit better.

1- How long did you date?
Adam and I dated for 4 years.

2- Where did you meet?
We met in July of 2000 at camp in Panama City, Florida. I will spare you the high school details. :) But it was definitely the ideal love story.

3- What attracted you to him?
Lets see...he was 19. Tall, dark, HOT. I think that would be how I described him at 17 when I came home and told my Mom all about him.

4- How old is he?
Adam is almost 28 years old.

5- Who eats more?
Most of the time him but I do give him a run for his money on ice cream.

6- Who said I love you first?
I did! At his Mom's house at like 3 in the morning. We were always staying up talking really late. Since we hardley ever saw each other, we made good use of our time by staying up all night.

7- Where was your first date?
Haywood Mall, in Greenville, SC. We went to Ruby Tuesday and Adam ate his food so fast. I ate like 3 bites because I was so nervous.

8-Whose taller?
Adam by quite a few inches.

9- Who sings better?
HAHA Adam. My kids may cry when I sing.

10- Who is smarter?
I am going to go with Adam. He is so interested in everything. I tend to take your word for it and he has to prove it.

11- Who has a worse temper?
Me...by far. In fact through the years he has calmed me. Made me more aware of chosing my battles. In Adam's words, " some hills aren't worth dying on babe."

12- Who does the laundry?
We both do.

13- Who sleeps on the right side of the bed?
He sleeps on the right side. Always between me and the door.

14- Who pays the bills?
Dave Ramsey Jr.or Adam pays the bills and manages the budget for us.

15- Who cooks?
We both enjoy being in the kitchen, especially together.

16- Who drives?
Adam

17- Who is more stubborn?
I have to go with Adam on this one. Loving but stubborn.

18- Who kissed who first?
Do you know the old horror film Christine? About the car that eats people. Anyway our first kiss was around 1am, watching this movie on the couch. Ok, so we made out...

19- Who admits when they are wrong?
Adam

20- Who proposed?
Adam did. Its a long histarical story for another post.

21-Who has more siblings?
Adam- I will try and explain. His mom married Randy. Nena, Adam's mom has Kayte and Adam. (Pay close attention to spelling of names it will help) Randy had-Ashley, Katie, and Adam. So when they married they had-Kayte, Adam Burgess, Ashley, Katie Barnett, and Adam Barnett.Now they are all married. Kayte is married to Kevin. Adam Burgess is married to me. Ashley is married to...Adam Beam. Katie is married to Michael. Lastly Adam Barnett, the youngest of the group is 18. You can imagine what Christmas is like.

I hope you enjoyed getting confused and learning more about Adam and I. I would love to hear about your husbands too!

It's Official!

Adam and I are going to proud Aunt and Uncle once again. Adam's sister is pregnant with her first and she and her husband are pumped! Here is the fun story behind this pregnancy.

I dreamed about a month ago that I was at Kayte's apartment, that I haven't seen yet. She was VERY pregnant and I was her birthing coach. Since I have been present at two births in my life time and thoroughly LOVE the experience. I sternly told her that she couldn't have that baby in the recliner to get up and walk around.So, I took her to walk in the woods while the boys played football.

When I woke up I couldn't quit laughing I had to call Kayte. She laughed it off not knowing they had a bun in the oven. I however was shocked to learn they have woods behind their apartment complex. Grin.

So, last week when she called and told me she was pregnant I could not get over it! Watch out. I may dream you are pregnant. If I do I will be sure to let you know. The above picture is all of my "in laws". Ashley we are the only ones left to reproduce anytime soon. All I know is the grands better hold on when all these cousins start appearing.

Refining

I have been trying to find a way to start his blog for a few days. Lately I have had such surges of emotion that I can't seem to grasp. I hate the way this makes me feel and I HATE hiding it. I don't like keeping things from anyone and I can't keep anything from Adam. Here are my main struggles.

I hate feeling away from Jesus. He seems so out of reach right now. I hate letting Him fall by the way side while I continue own my way.

I hate not being content. Lets cut to the chase. I want babies and I have wanted babies for awhile now. Basically since Pastor Joel said, you may now kiss your bride. Its just not our time and while I am trying to wait and live my life to the fullest and in His will, others are having my babies. It is really petty to not be fully happy for somoeone just because they are doing what you want to be doing.

I hate not loving my husband to the fullest. With this surge of emotion I have not been extra nice to Adam. He is so patient and kind, loving, and joyous, no matter what I may be behaving like.

I long to love and live to fullest. I long to serve Jesus with an open heart, mind and with all my strenth. I want to pursue him like I seem to pursue the world. Sometimes I wonder will I ever please Him? Do I make Him smile daily with my actions? One of my dearest friends ever, Amber (you can view her blog thru mine) lives in Texas. We have not seen each other since a sad night in August 4 years ago, when Adam and I left NC for SC and they left for TX. Adam and Jeremy were best friends in the Army and Amber, Jeremy's wife, welcomed me in with open arms. If you were at our wedding, the sang the duet. She amazes me, she always has. This is from her blog. It blew me away.

scripture:
Proverbs 21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

He said picture every word that you say being a seed and it's either a seed of death or a seed of life. It really made me think about what I say and if I am bringing life or death with my words. Andrew was saying that how can your words bring healing to someone if you say things you don't mean all of the time or that you don't believe all of the time.
Oh what seeds have I been planting and sowing. I don't know when to shut up and I have probably stuck my foot in my mouth today. Filling someone with doubt and worry instead of lifting them up.

Lord, I have so much to let you perfect. Please beging a work in me. Stop me from trying to fix myself. Take over my insecurities and shortcomings. I love you Lord.


PS If anyone knows of any small group Bible Studies I could plug into in the Greenville area, let me know.

Why I love my sister

I love Sally Ann because...

1- We may look completely different but our personalities are quite a like. We are both shy when we meet new people, we love Lynard Skynard, and snort when we laugh.

2- She is tall. Something I wish I was.

3- Her gentle and loving spirit teach me knew things each and everyday.

4- She is a talented dancer and teacher.

5- She makes me smile.

I am so proud of my sister and I know many blogs are coming with her upcoming graduation. This is her spring break and I am going to get to spend some quality time with her. I can't wait.