Happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary, Brian Paragi.  Twenty three years ago I walked down the aisle to meet you.  We said our vows.  Vows that I meant, but at the time had no idea what they truly entailed. We looked lovingly into each other's eyes as the vocalist sang "Everything I Do."  That has to be the longest song ever and I think we did more giggling than we did looking lovingly.  

I have learned a lot in these years.  The one thing we have always agreed on is that we were not the "only one" for each other.  We believe that, as long as God is center in our lives,  marriage to any of those "others" could have been successful.  We had the freedom to choose anyone.  But, we chose each other and because of that we ARE the only one for each other for the rest of our days.  Once we chose it was forever.  Quite honestly, I can't imagine it any other way than 'Brian and Philisha."

Our view on marriage is hard for some to understand.  As I sat down to write about it, I struggle to find the right words.  This is my feeble attempt.  It is actually pretty simple. 

Brian could have married someone else. I could have chosen a different man.  But how we met and why we chose each other is  not as important as our daily choices to continue to choose each other.  

It's not easy.  It's not pretty.  And it certainly isn't perfect.  We don't have all the answers.  We are human.  We argue.  We are prideful.  We dig our heels in.  We sin.   I am thankful for the grace and mercy that God grants me daily.  Because of his love for the Lord, Brian offers me grace and mercy also.  

So, Brian, I pledge to continue to choose you daily.  Thank you for loving me as Christ loves the church.  

Band Concert

Tonight was the 5th grade band and chorus concert.  The students did a great job.    I was really impressed. 

Lizzie playing her decorated trumpet.

She was so excited!

I am amazed at how many fifth graders are in band.

I am glad Lizzie decided on playing an instrument.  She truly enjoys it.  

And Six Years Later

Six years ago this month I was waiting on a final diagnosis.  I felt much better but still had numbness and tingling in my arms.  My arms would still "seize" up periodically and I tired easily.

Today I had my annual follow-up with my neurologist.  On the quick look, he said my brain looks great and no new lesions were seen on my spine.

The office exam of gait, balance and reflexes indicated that I look like a "million bucks."  Essentially, I continue to have "wussy MS."  I left there today with a big smile on my face and tear of relief in my eyes.

When you have a disease like MS, you live in the constant knowledge that at any point it could be devastating the mylein in your brain and/or spine.  However, I have learned how to live with that knowledge without letting it control who I am or cripple me emotionally.

I think back to six years ago and what do I remember?  I do remember the feeling of anxiousness.  Sure I was scared, but what do I remember most?  The people who walked with us through that time.  Those who brought me meals, helped me clean my house (even my distaster of a closet), drove me around, brought us groceries, cared for my children, called, texted, listened to, hugged and prayed for us.

I have not forgotten you and all you have done for me and my family.  Thank you!

The Highs and Lows of Life

This past week has been full of highs and lows.

We are on a high when we returned from meeting my nephew.

We are on a low when Lizzie started vomiting that night.

Another high...Lizzie is better.

Low...Jacob started vomiting.

High...Jake is great

Low...Brian has it.

High...Philisha gets to go to work for a full day and a half.

Then the lowest of our lows hits...my Mamaw Wellman passed away.  I am not sure that I have the words yet to describe that feeling of low.

Then another low...the morning we are to leave for Indiana Zach gets ill.

However, while continue to sting with the low of losing my grandma, we experienced some highs.

Seeing and playing with cousins.

Visiting with family we don't see often.

Seeing friends from "way back when."

Last night brough the highest of highs we have experienced over the past week and a half.

We attended Zach's Fall Sports Banquet.  Each team gives out a "Bulldog Award" to one of the players.  The winner of the Bulldog Award exemplifies what it means to be a Bulldog - character, sportsmanship, leader, true team player, etc.

Zach received that award last night as well as recognition for being all conference.  He received the same award last year.  Last year they talked about how he never quit being a team player and leader even though he had a season ending injury.  I cried then thinking of how his season was cut short and the character he showed through it.

Last night, I held back tears as I heard coach relay a comment from an assistant coach regarding Zach.  He said, as he pointed to Zach, "I wish I had five of him."  To me that is one of the highest compliments you can give my child.  They recognize his character, leadership, athletic ability, coachability and much more.  I see those things in him daily.  It is nice to know that others notice as well.

We are proud of Zach.  Because he won an award?  No!  Because of the man he has become.  One full of integrity, character, Christ-likeness and leadership.  We are proud of him because he is that person when people aren't looking as well as when they are.  We are proud becuase of his concern for his teammates and others.  We are just flat out proud and excited to see where life will take him in the next few years.  

Receiving the Bulldog Award from Coach Gwinnup for the 2nd year in a row. 

Trip To Indiana

Lizzie and I took a girl's trip to Indiana this weekend.

First we stopped and had a great dinner with Dad and Karen.  We enjoyed out time together and like always, we left with a few things to giggle about.

Then we headed down to meet the newest member of the family, Curtis James Leo Gilstrap.  He did not disappoint and was absolutely perfect!  

Lizzie got lots of cuddling time with the sweet guy.

 They were quite comfortable together.

 Sweet kisses for a sweet little guy.

We also got to spend time with all the cousins.  We went Trunk or Treating 

and enjoyed our time together.  

We had to get our picture with cousin, Ivy.

All dressed up and ready to go.  We were well protected with lots of superheroes and a Zombie hunter.  

 Eating hot dogs at the Trunk or Treat

 A baby and a bat

 The potato sack race

 We went back to the Trunk or Treat to visit with Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Lydia.  These kiddos love their aunt and uncle!

They even shared their nose with Kacey

And no trip to Indiana is complete without a picture of Lizzie and Max.  He is such a gentle giant. 

Happenings of Late

We took some Senior Pictures of Zach this weekend.  He was a good sport and I think he even ended up enjoying himself.  We were beyond blessed to have a good friend take them.  It was a good time to just spend time with her while she snapped pictures of my sweet senior.  I have a 1000 pictures to go through.  I have no idea how I will pick just a few.  They are all so good.  

Here are just a few of the pictures.

Tonight we carved our pumpkins.  

Well. . . Zach carved his.  

Jacob and Lizzie told Brian what they wanted and he carved theirs.  What a  good dad!

This little guy watched every move we made.  

 When he wasn't chewing on Jacob! 

They did scoop their own pumpkins out.

Even if they thought it was gross.

We lit them tonight even though it was raining.  I hope to get better pictures tomorrow.