Girl Time!!!!

It was that time of year again!  Time to take off and visit Emily for a long girls weekend.  I visited for the first time last October and we decided then and there that we would make this an annual trip.  I had a very busy month, but finished it off in New Hampshire.

I boarded my plane early Thursday morning, with a layover in Newark on my way to Manchester, NH.

I purposefully chose my seat on the right side of the plane so I could watch the sunrise.  And boy was I thankful.  Such a beautiful morning.  The bad part was that as we flew into Newark, New York City and the Statue of Liberty was on the OTHER side of the plane.  Oh Well!

I had a 3 hour layover and wished I could have gone and explored NYC but there wasn't enough time.  The people watching at the airport proved most interesting though. 

I landed in Manchester and Emily picked me up.  We had a late lunch/early dinner and just enjoyed being able to actually talk face to face instead of on the phone.

Late Thursday night we make all the preparations to spend the day in Boston again.  It's much easier to take the public transportation than to try and maneuver it all ourselves.  So Emily checked the bus schedules and I figured out what subway lines we needed to be on.  We woke up early Friday and headed to the bus station feeling much more confident than last year because we had done it before.

 We spend the day wondering all over Boston and finishing the Freedom Trail Tour that we began last year.  This time it took us to the North Church, where the lanterns were lit.  "One if by land, two if by sea!"















Fortunately I didn't miss the Fall colors!  Boston was so beautiful.

Paul Revere's House

U.S.S. Constitution or "Old Ironside"

After a stroll through The Boston Common, we headed back to Cheers.  We ate here last year and it was so good that we decided to go again.

After dinner, we decided to go on a hunt to find Mike's Pastry.  We had been seeing lots of people with boxes from there so we assumed it was good.  We had to check it out for ourselves.  This meant some more exploration on the subways.  Last year, I didn't want to look obvious so I avoided taking pics but this time, having more confidence, I didn't care.

Besides - it's just so cool.  At least to this Florida girl anyway.

And it comes with it's own entertainment while you are waiting!

We made it!!!!  Wonderful Italian bakery!  Definitely a must if you are in Boston!

We found a spot in the park and enjoyed our desserts leisurely.  After all, Emily had checked the bus schedule and we still had plenty of time.

We hopped back on the subway and headed back to the bus station.  We took our time as it had been a long day of walking.  We arrived at 9:35 - a full hour before the LAST bus was to leave.  Or so we thought.  As we checked the schedule on the screens in the bus station, I could not find one leaving for home at 10:30.  I could only find the 9:30 bus.  It had just left. I looked at Emily - she checked the schedule in her hand again and it said 10:30.  We headed to the ticket counter go get it straightened out.  One the way, Emily discovered that she had been looking at the wrong line the ENTIRE time.  UGH!!!  The bus arrives HOME at 10:30 - not that WE arrive at the bus station at 10:30.

We missed the last bus home from Boston!  We were stranded!

All I could do was laugh.

I could totally throw Emily under the bus here - but I can't - it already left!!  She was horrified - I thought it was funny!  But - she won't live this one down for a while!

So - What now? 

We asked the guy at the ticketing counter - he said we could spend the night and catch the next bus in the morning or take a bus into another town.  Hmmmm.

Emily called Bruce.

His first question, "What did you do?"

Ugh - poor Bruce.  He had to come get us.  We two crazy girls stranded in Boston.

We sat in the bus station for over an hour and all we could do was giggle.  I think it will be a long time before Bruce can laugh about it.  We were very thankful for his rescue.  

We arrived back to Emily's around 12:30 am.  It was a day we will always remember!

On Saturday, we took off for Deerfield, Mass.  This time we had Emily's van AND the GPS!!  Bruce had already given us instructions that he was NOT coming to get us!

We were in search of the HUGE Yankee Candle Store there.  We spent the whole day and closed it out at 8:00 that evening and we each took one of these little guys home.

Isn't he cute?

By Saturday night, Russ was calling and telling me I needed to pay better attention to the storm that was approaching.  When we got home that night I got on the computer and realized that I needed to head home early.  My original flight was supposed to leave Manchester on Monday at 5pm - the exact time that the storm was to hit the area. 

I spent 3 hours on the phone - on hold - with the airlines.  No luck.  Never did get through. Sunday morning, I packed my bags and we headed to the airport.  I was willing to take any flight out that day.  They were predicting that Emily and Bruce would lose power and it could be out for days and expecting all of the airports to close.

The lady behind the counter worked and worked.  I got the last seat on the only plane out of Manchester on Monday morning.  The flight would take me over the storm to Charlotte and then home.  

Since I wasn't leaving until the next day, Emily and I hit the mall and made the best of our last day together.  That night, I made cupcakes for the boys.  Yep - I sugared them up and then left the next morning!

Bruce took me to the airport EARLY Monday morning and when I walked up to the counter EVERY flight was cancelled - except mine!  God is good.  My flight left on time - took me up and over Sandy and I was home by 1:00 in the afternoon.  So very thankful.

Emily wound up with cancelled schools, a lot of wind and rain, but they kept their power.  I came home exhausted and with a cold.  But an AWESOME time was had by all.  Well - maybe not Bruce.  Hopefully he will let me come back again next year.  

Apparent Project Open House

Are you ready????  It's going to be awesome!  You have read all about Apparent Project on my blog for two years but haven't seen this stuff in person yet - aren't you a little curious?  Here is your chance!!!!!

 

Drop by - bring your friends, your family, other church members.  Come check it out!  There is no obligation to buy but I bet you won't be able to help but walk away with something fun!  This stuff is unbelievably amazing!  Pictures don't do it justice!  And remember 100% of your purchase goes directly back to Haiti - helping the artisans to feed, clothe, shelter, educate and most importantly KEEP their children!!!!

If this option doesn't work for you - here in another location and a few different dates - CLICK HERE.

You cannot go wrong with these Christmas gifts!  It's a WIN/WIN for everyone!  I originally got started with Apparent Project because I wanted the money I spent on Christmas gifts to count - to matter - to help.  This totally does that!  I post new photos HERE every day of the items that will be at the Open House.  Stop by and check it out.

Contact me with any questions!

Returning to Haiti

Remember this post?  I asked you to pray with me regarding my returning to Haiti.  Well, God has answered our prayers and has given me very clear direction.

I'M SO EXCITED!!!!!

Apparent Project has grown since I was there in February.  The guest rooms that were in the back of the artisan house have been remodeled to be used for the artisans to work in.  They needed the space.  That's a good thing!

They have been able to rent a new Guest House just down the street and Shelley contacted me a few weeks back and asked me to return and to bring a group with me!  Aaaaahhhhhh!!!!!  I'm thrilled and nervous at the same time.  I went alone last time, which seemed easy to me, but now I am in charge of a team.  Because I have already been there, Russ has put me in charge of all the organization of the trip.  God is once again stretching my faith.

The other exciting thing is that both Jarod and Russell are part of the team.  When I was praying before, I had also been praying about including Jarod in my trip.  He's at the age where I think he would do well and it would be a good experience but I wanted it to be a "God thing".  As his mother, I didn't want to force the issue.  God has given us a peace about him going and I am beyond excited to take everyone with me and introduce them to the Clay family as well as the artisans.

If you haven't figured out by now, Apparent Project is my passion - my hearts desire.  God has used it to radically change my life in the last two years and now He is using it to mold and shape my family.  I know that I know that I know that it is my God assignment - my calling and I am overwhelmed to see how God keeps using it to stretch and grow me and how he allows me to speak about it and continue to sell the jewelry.

We are heading back to Haiti from March 22 - 29, 2013.  This will allow us a full week to work in the Artisan House, volunteer at an orphanage, do some activities with the children and see some of the more rural parts of Haiti.

I know that God has called us to be a part of this trip and we are inviting you to be a part as well.  We need people to commit to pray with us faithfully through our preparation and our time there.  But there is also an opportunity for you to be a part of our personal financial support team.  We need to raise $1950 to cover our airfare by November 4.   The total cost for the 3 of us is $2700.  The remaining balance is Jarod's Passport, our vaccinations and other necessities.

If you can help in ANY way, please email me here and I can give you details on how you can contribute AND it will be tax deductible.  We are thrilled about this opportunity and trusting God to help provide for it.  Will you pray about how you can be involved as well?

Thank you soooo much!

I CANNOT wait to tell you all about what God is going to do!

Celebrations!

What a whirlwind my life is right now.  I am literally going out of town 3 weekends in a row.  Two down, one to go. This doesn't leave much time in the week to keep up with my normal stuff, let alone being able to sit and blog.  But - before I go out of town AGAIN this weekend, I will sit down and document the last two.

Our Anniversary Getaway

What a wonderfully, relaxing weekend!  It was much needed for both of us.  We have decided that two nights just isn't long enough - next year we want three.  Remind us of that - we always seem to forget.

 Almost sixteen years ago (on Oct. 15), Russell took me to Jekyll Island, Georgia to propose.  I was absolutely clueless.  Oh, I knew he was going to be my husband.  God had already shown me that very clearly - but I had no idea he was going to propose that night.

We decided to return and actually stay a few nights to celebrate our 15th Wedding Anniversary.  It was awesome.  It may become a regular place for us.  Why didn't we think of this before?  So close to us (an hour and a half) - and yet we felt so far away.

 Beach where Russell proposed.

 This was the view from behind our condo.  So nice.

 We didn't know this place even existed!  Thanks Chuck and Karesa for the great tip!

 On Friday, we rented bikes and rode all over the island.  So much fun - and so relaxing!

 Jekyll Island Club - gorgeous hotel.

 Russ loved visiting this chapel

 Sunset after dinner - gorgeous!  God is so good!

One last visit to Driftwood beach before we leave.

We absolutely LOVE our times away together.  So thankful to be married to my best friend!  Happy Anniversary my love - I can't wait to see what the future holds......

Amanda's Baby Shower

Sasha has loved on my children from day one and now she is finally going to be a Grandma!  My cousin Drew and his wife, Amanda, are due to have a baby boy in December.  This past weekend was the shower.  So Anne and I packed up on Friday and headed to New Port Richey to help with all the preparations and to celebrate the coming of baby Max!

I love the name!  Max was our Grandfather's name.  Russ and I had that name picked out if we were to have another boy.  Our baby days are over so I am sooooo thankful the name will be used in our family.   

Max Henry

 I was asked to make the cake for the shower - such an honor!  How cute is that?

These were so fun!  I made them as party favors - so many monkeys!!!!

Me and Amanda - adorable baby bump!!!!

Ashlea, Amanda and Tricia

Ashlea, Sasha, Tricia, Me and Anne

Can you tell we are related????

Max Henry - Greatest Ruler of the Home 

They are in trouble!  LOL!

Anne helped with the gifts - I loved this picture!

 Ashlea and Colin - they flew in from New Jersey

 Tricia and Jim - they came up from Miami

Drew, Amanda and Max

It was soooooo great to be with my family this weekend.  It's rare that we all get to be together and we really had a lot of fun catching up and just hanging out.  Such a wonderful time to celebrate!  Can't wait for little Max's arrival!

Congratulations Drew and Amanda!  

You guys are going to be awesome!!!!!

Until next time.......

Celebrating 15 Years

Being a Calligrapher, I deal with someone's wedding on a regular basis.   I have lots of Wedding Vendor friends and I follow them on Facebook as well as different wedding blogs.  Don't even get me started on Pinterest - the bottomless pit of ideas that sucks you in for hours and hours as you browse through all these amazing photos of what other people have done.

Weddings today, in a lot of ways, have become fancy productions.  Gone are the days of simple church weddings with the reception in the church Fellowship Hall.  Well, at least with the vendors and clients that are among my circle.

Sometimes it is hard to look at all the "stuff" and not compare what we did at our wedding.  I came across our wedding video the other day and stuck it in the VCR - yes, we still have one of those.  I knew I hadn't watched it in several years and I was excited.  My excitement soon turned to rolling of eyes, some regret and then ultimately laughter.  After all, you can't go back and change anything so you might as well just laugh.

Hiring a videographer was kind of new when we got married.  We did focus on a photographer and I  LOVE my pictures.  My album still sits on my coffee table and it gets looked through often.  But the video, well, we left that to a friend.

Today the videos are done in HD and they are put on DVD and they are edited to look like your own Hollywood feature.  I watch "Trailers" made from my videographer friends and am amazed.  The bride and groom become stars for the day as bits and pieces are set to dramatic music.  So obviously when I put mine in the other day, I was disappointed.

It can be so easy to get caught up in the new and the flashy.  To think about things you would do differently if you could do it all over again.  But you know - at the time - I really did have the wedding of my dreams.  We only spent about $5000 for a wedding with over 400 people in attendance.  We cut things here and there because we didn't want to cut people.  We paid for the wedding ourselves and God provided "exceedingly abundantly above all we could have imagined" (Eph. 3:20) over and over again.  So many times He just blew us away.  So many friends and family helped me that day. They worked hard.  It was truly a celebration of what God had done in our lives and all the glory went to Him.
 
But most importantly, I married my best friend that day.  No matter what kind of decorations were up, whether or not we remembered to blow out the unity candle, how the video ultimately captured everything or the other quirky stuff that went wrong, I walked down that aisle to the man that God had made specifically for me and committed to a life of loving, serving and honoring him.  And he, in turn, committed to me.  And in those few moments, we committed ourselves, our future family and our marriage to God and we asked Him to use us.


That was 15 years ago - tomorrow.

15 years of Laughter.  Tears.  Struggles.  Joy.  Decisions.  Children.  Death.  Moving.  New jobs.  Ministry.  Financial difficulty.  Passion.  Disagreements.  Forgiveness.  Service.  Sacrifice.  Growth.  Change.  Learning.  Love.

15 years of  Life. 

So - would I really do it all over again?  Absolutely.  Would I change anything.  Probably not.

It was perfect for us at the time and the memories are priceless.  God used that time to show us HIS provision.  To make the seemingly impossible happen because our funds were low.  Because of that journey, on that day, I placed Russell's ring on his finger and on the inside I had inscribed "Eph. 3:20" so we would always remember all that God had done to bring us to that place and how He would continue to take care of us in the years to come.  Oh how He has.

I am truly honored and blessed by my Lord to have the husband - to have the marriage - that I have.  I know that in today's age - it is rare.  I do not take that for granted one second.  We surrendered our lives to the Lord from the beginning and He has blessed it "exceedingly abundantly above ALL that we could imagine."  It hasn't always been easy as there have been very difficult times.  But we learned early on that if we press through them, instead of giving up, God has great things to do with it on the other side. Each difficulty has only made us stronger and closer.

God has proven to us that HIS plan for marriage is perfect.  We are reaping the blessings and the benefits of following Him.  I am so very thankful.

Tomorrow we take off for our "Anniversary Getaway".  We return to Jekyll Island, GA, where Russ proposed nearly 16 years ago.  We treasure these times - away from our responsibilities with no distractions but each other.  At some point, we will chat about where we've been and how far we've come and we will dream of what lies ahead.  We will question our parenting and our rolls as husband and wife.  We will talk of ministry and our great God that has truly blessed us with the gift of each other. 

Tomorrow just can't come fast enough.