This Love Is Ours

As corny as I am, considering I did name the blog "This Love Is Ours," I just had to put the song on here. If you haven't previously read about the new relationship I am in my previous blogs, I suggest that you take a moment and do that now, otherwise you will have no idea who this incredible man is that I will be talking about. :)

I want to tell you about our first Valentine's Day together, INCREDIBLE!

Daniel and I were both scheduled to work that day, I was to get off at 12:30 and he was at 5. I wanted to really go out for this date with the outfit that is. It took me about 2 hours to get ready and if you know me, that isn't like me at all. I had on my little black dress and I curled my hair. Again, not like me to curl my hair. I was out the door by 3:30, on my way for a surprise Valentine's Date with Daniel. I was so excited and had been looking forward to it ever since we started talking about spending it together. I roll into his house about 5:30, he kisses me, gives me my favorite bouquet of flowers - daisys and by 5:35 we are on the road to some unknown place that he would not tell. He is looking INCREDIBLE as well. We are just INCREDIBLE together, but thats just me.

So picture it, driving down some highway, that makes me think of Alcoa Highway and Daniel tells me to put something in his glove box. I do as I am asked and shut it real fast. He tells me to open it back up, I am all confused and even says what? There is a note laying completely infront of my face that says "Look Under," instead of looking under, I flip the paper over. I have no idea what I was thinking. So I lay the paper back down where it was and he says "really honey?" Laying directly underneath the note that says, "look under" was a little black squared box. I get really nervous, I open it up and it is a beautiful heart necklace from Kays. I could not keep from smiling. I didn't care how retarded I looked when I wasn't looking under what I needed to look under. I love this man, he done so INCREDIBLE!

And the night continues to get better. He made reservations for us at MiMi's Cafe in Turkey Creek. I had never been there, but it was really good and very tasty. As we are sitting there, we are talking about the new movie that just came out called The Vow. He knew I had been dying to see it and wanted to see it on Valentine's Day. I told him that we had better find out when the movie was playing so we wouldn't be late and so that we wouldn't have to wait in line. He just kept on looking at his watch, like it was no big deal. We leave the restuarant, we do not go to the theater, but instead he takes me to his old old navy that he used to work at and then to a Chrisitan clothing store. When we finally get to the movie, we were able to bypass the line because Daniel had ordered the tickets online. I love this man, he done so INCREDIBLE!

Daniel made my Valentine's Day something special. A day that I will never forget. I am truely blessed to have Daniel a part of my life and I am so excited to see what the future holds for us.

The First and The Last

Like I've said before there are just some things that you think will never come true for you. Then one day when you least expect it something happens or someone comes into your life and changes it forever. 14 years ago this September at Camp Overton my life was changed. The day I realized I was living with an emptiness in my heart and there was only one person that I knew that could fill that void. His name is Jesus and He is very much alive in my heart today. Granted I've done what some Christians do in their walk, I sometimes took the other road and ended up completely lost and in the dark, but by God's promise Jesus was there to light my way and guide me to the path I needed to be on. Jesus has helped form me into something I sometimes doubt about, He helped mold me into a woman after God's heart, a woman who in her own weakness finds the strength through Him to help her achieve great things, a woman who was called into the youth ministry by Him and to this day still feels that passion for the calling.

Where is all this going, you may ask? 13 years and 1 month later I was introduced to Daniel at Camp Overton. (funny don't ya think?) In the previous blog, I talked about how we met so I will definitely spare you those details. This blog I wanted to tell you about our first date, in my eyes.

Amazing!

The whole day I had originally planned to bring my nephews and my cousins to the Smokies Stadium, but since we had done everything almost every night that week, I thought it would be okay if they just stayed home. They all had other agendas for that evening anyways. I had planned on meeting Daniel anyways that night, but when I found out I was coming alone, I told him. He planned our first date. Amazing! He started off by asking if I liked seafood. I am not a big fan, so I said no. I really had no idea what he had up his sleeve and he would not tell me. He knows I am into surprises, so with him not telling me anything made it that more Amazing!

We met at Bass Pro, I told him to meet me next to the aquarium. When I got to the aquarium I couldn't find him, I started getting really nervous, but then I finally saw him where he was looking pretty dang Amazing! We walked around for a bit then we ended up at the shooting range game thing on the second floor. Why I went first is beyond me, but I did and I did bad. I mean so bad my brother would definitely be ashamed. I call it being nervous, but my brother would call it an embarrassment. Daniel just laughed, he done so much better than I did, naturally.

Our next stop, well he never told me. We jump in his truck and he takes me thru Pigeon Forge, I am asking lots of questions like where we were going. He said "I was going to take you to Bubba Gumps, but you said you didn't like seafood." Since I had never been to Bubba Gumps, that is where I wanted to go. We had so much fun there, we talked, I laughed, it was a perfect date thus far and I was happy. As we are sitting there, he tells me there are three surprises awaiting. Bubba Gumps was the first of the three. All the hint he would give me was, we had talked about it before. Daniel and I have talked about a lot of things, Daniel and I had talked about so much I had forgotten all the things that we had talked about.

Surprise number 2: The Thomas Kinkade Gallery. I wasn't able to buy anything, but I did make a wish list while I was in there. I absolutely LOVE Thomas Kinkade and for him to think about what I liked and would like to do, meant a lot. Amazing!

Surprise number 3: Foothills Parkway, I believe is the name of the place. I'd never been there either,  for those around my area picture being on Viking Mountain at night, but with a more incredible view. It was beautiful up there. I am a sucker for star gazing and looking at anything God created, so again Amazing!

This blog wasn't as detailed as I am normally would do, but there are some things that I want to keep just between Daniel and I. This was the best first date I had ever been on and one that I will never forget and cherish for a life time. Nothing will ever beat this date. Each day with Daniel is a new experience. Daniel is someone I never want to disappoint and he helps me grow with my walk in Christ. Daniel is a very special man in my life. I was so blessed the day God intervened and brought the two of us together.  I also thank God that 14 years ago September, God made Camp Overton special in my life and then 14 years later, another special thing became a part of it too.

At last...

Ever imagined how many people are in this world that are the opposite sex? Well there is a lot and ever wondered how in the world God was going to set you up with that perfect match, that He crafted, that He created just for you? No? Okay, well I questioned it a lot. And if you know me pretty well, you know when I begin questioning, I begin doubting, and then that leads to worrying. It is like a downhill spiral. It's not that I intentionally do it, I just do. Part of it is from the relationships in my past. I started doubting God and His ability to create me the perfect man for me so that I could live out that princess fairy tale I had always dreamed of. You can ask anyone about me and my feelings about princesses. I longed for that prince, the feelings that all of the princesses had when that one prince, that one knight in shining armor would come and sweep her off of her feet. I even had signs in my room that I made that said "one day my prince will come." After one bad relationship those signs came off the wall and have never went back up. I am not one to completely ignore God and His choice of mate for myself, but you know how humans tend to be, we want what we want when we want it, regardless what anyone says. So therefore some of those relationships I was in was just because I wanted it and I thought I could see the future in the other person, but I wasn't seeing thru God's eyes. God had someone in store for me and I wasn't being patient at all. I am 100% sure, if I was supposed to be in those other relationships, He would not have sent friends or even family members to say things that caused me to question the relationship I was in, since I was completely ignoring His signs. I have always wanted that relationship where God was the center, I wanted the relationship where I wasn't the leader, I wanted a relationship where we would not argue about going to church together, or argue about not hanging out with family.  I wanted a God centered relationship, lead by a man after God's own heart, family - oriented, church going, kid loving, athletic, and someone who understood that people make mistakes. That isn't just something I thought I wanted, but it was something I needed. God knew that, my friends knew that, my family knew that, I knew that I was just being stubborn and believing the lie that even though I had dreamed of that fairytale ending, it was never going to happen to me. But now I am here writing to say, I am living my fairytale. It is better than any author could ever write about. Surprisingly this is better than I had ever dreamed of it being. I never knew I could be in a relationship this incredible. I knew it could happen, but never dreamed it would happen to me. So who is this prince that has made such an imprint on me and this post?

They call him Daniel.

See he even has a biblical name, now God is just teasing me for being so stubborn. :) Daniel and I have grown up in church since we both can remember, I was a little further behind with my walk in Christ just because his family grew up in church while I didn't start going until I was in the 2nd grade. We were both active in our youth groups going to State Youth Conventions, Youth Rallies, and Fall Retreats. We saw each other in passing, but never introduced ourselves. He was a kid to me and from a "city." He hates when I say that cause he really isn't, but that is what I thought of him at the time. So years pass, we both come in and out of relationships, we both still attend church, and then a big change happened to the both of us around the same time: His youth pastor left his church to follow God's new call on his life and joined the church I went to. As Josh arrived at our church, I was hesitant about Josh, but I finally warmed up to him and now I'd do anything for him and his family in a second and Daniel would still do the same. So you think this is how we met? nope. We actually, me included, really wanted one of my friends to get to know Daniel. I still thought he was a "kid" at this point. So at Fall Retreat, Josh would loudly say things that would embarrass this poor girl and Daniel being the outgoing person he is would just go along with it. Nothing ever came about the two of them, because as time would tell Daniel had a girlfriend. It wasn't until 2011 that Daniel and I officially met and that was solely because God wanted us too. I was asked to help at the Children's Fall Retreat held at Camp Overton, I was just going to help plan and not go, but when they sent out the registration forms and at the bottom it said co director beside my name, I thought oh hey, I should probably go. I am not 100 percent certain how Daniel ended up there, but it was something like his dad usually takes his little brother to Fall Retreat, but this one year, his father wasn't able too so Tim asked Daniel too. Tyanna went with me to help me out because I tend to get stressed easily, so of course we arrive late on Friday night to the retreat. Saturday, Daniel and I met. Ever since then, not a day has went by that we hadn't text or talked on the phone. December 29th, we went out on our first date and he made it wonderful, it was one of the best first dates I had ever been on. Daniel knew I loved surprises so everything was a surprise (I'll post our first date in a new blog) I just wanted to introduce him to you now.

Daniel is so different than any man I had ever dated: he is kind, loving, compassionate, God seeking, family oriented, church going, advice giver, helper, strong, supports me and my calling, and forgiving. I know this blog is a little wordy, okay a lot wordy, and I know I can probably write a chapter just about how I feel about him.

Therefore the main points: Be patient, everyone deserves the feelings that I have with Daniel. Your prince or princess is out there, just wait and let God bring the two of you together and He will in His timing. I am very blessed and very thankful that God has answered my prayers. And the saying is true, "when you know, you just know."

And there we are, I feel like one of the luckiest girl in the world.

Day 3: My first love

My First Love. I know this is not the kind of love you were expecting when you decided to take a peak at who my first love would be about. Even though this picture was taken most recently, my brother and my mother were my first loves. I loved my mom and my brother more than anything in the world. When I had night mares I'd crawl in bed with my brother and when he'd kick me out, I'd go to my mom's room. When someone said something about me at school, I'd tell my brother. Not that he ever did anything about it, but just telling him made me feel better. When something went wrong and I needed advice I went to my mother. If I needed someone beat up, I went to my brother. He never beat anyone up either, but like I said having a big brother can be very intimidating. My brother bought me my first Honda. What kind of brother buys their sister a car? Who helped my grandparents put me through college? My mother. God blessed me with an incredible brother and mother. I don't know how I could truly tell them how I felt about each of them. They both have taught me what sacrifice really is, right from wrong, the meaning of what true love is, what support from family means, and that no matter what my mother and my brother will be behind me no matter what situation I find myself in. Love You Jeremy and Momma!

Day 2: Meaning behind your blog name

These are my grandparents and this man is why my blog has the name it does. A Farmer's Granddaughter. I have always taken these two people for granted, especially when I was little. I remember if I ever got in trouble or if I ever needed something, I would think, well I'll just tell Mammaw and she will fix the problem. As I become older, she still fixed the problems, I could still count on her, but I try to return all those favors she did for me as a child. My brother was always my Pappaw's pet, Jeremy was the one who would always get to go on the road in Pappaw's feed truck on far away trips, but the times he spent with Pappaw and the moments I was able to spend with Mammaw, we will never forget.

 Just the other day we were all sitting around the table talking about our favorite memories of our grandparents. I remember Pappaw and I would always watch the 6 o'clock news, Dan Rather, Wheel of Fortune, and at 7:30 whatever else he could find, he wasn't a big Jeopardy fan. I remember the night that the big snow storm came, the cable was out for days, so I thought it was my job to entertain, so I did. At 6 o'clock, I gave Pappaw his news: I showed him the weather forecast, sports, and even the headline news. I was crazy back then! OK, maybe I still am, just a little. I also remember the many "tall tales" that Pappaw would sit in his recliner and tell. Somehow his stories always were about "Chicago, rabbits, and bears." To this day, he still tells those same stories and those stories have been retold by my 4 year old nephew, which makes it even more precious and even more funny. I also remember long before I would wake up on Saturday mornings to go to my basketball games or to watch "One Saturday Mornings" my Pappaw would already be up and off working on the farm either loading cows to take to the stock pin, mowing hay, or working in the tobacco patch all with the assistance of my brother of course.  

So THANK YOU Pappaw for teaching me the value of a dollar and that it is okay to tell "stupid" stories. :)

I was Mammaw's right hand girl. Where she was, I was and if I wasn't, I was crying so I could be. She spoiled me and still does to this day. Mammaw made the best pancakes, every now and then I still ask her to make me one or two. I remember coming home from college, waking up early just so she could fix me a pancake. She was always so supportive in everything I did, from sports, to following God's call on my life, to just about anything. Mammaw was my Girl Scout Leader, I was very blessed to have her as a leader because she taught me so much just in those few short years. 

As I get older I am beginning to see some of the things my grandmother does that I have picked up on thru the years. My Mammaw kept God close to her heart and would memorize scriptures, right before we would go to sleep at night, she would always tell me a story about her childhood followed by 2 or 3 bible verses that she would challenge me to memorize. It took me a week or two, but I can honestly say, if it was not for my Mammaw I would not have memorized Psalm 23. 

So THANK YOU Mammaw for helping me hide these words in my heart, so I can take the devil down whenever I feel discouraged. 

Day 1: Introduce, a recent picture of yourself, w/15 interesting facts

1. Kristy LeeAnn, born July 24, 1986 in the mountains of East Tennessee.

2. Named after Kristy McNichol, an actress in my mothers time and Lee after my great grandmother and Ann after my mother. That is why there is a capitol "A" in my middle name.

3. I am a Youth Minister, I graduated in 2009 with a BS degree in Bible with a concentration in Youth Ministry.

4. I have dipped my toes in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

5. I secretly want to be a famous dancer and singer, but I have no talent in any area.

6. I have a dip in my hip from sterioid shots the doctor gave me for poison ivy when I was little.

7. You may think that I am an open book to anyone, but I only have a handful of friends that I actually trust.

8. When I was in Elementary School, I was in an Academic Pageant held in Nashville, TN.

9. To my knowledge, I was the first to graduate from a College in my family.

10. I tend to bottle up ALL my emotions and cry about it when I've had enough.

11. I am addicted to Carmex and Baby Lotion.

12. I eat popcorn and pickles when I watch movies usually.

13. I can eat Cool Whip straight from the bowl if you'd let me.

14. When I was little I used to eat butter from a spoon, by itself.

15. You may think I have it all together, but I really don't.

I know it said only 15, but here is a few more just for fun.

16. By the time I was 3, I had already wrecked 3 vehicles.

17. My heart breaks everytime I hear about a child living in a broken home or a bad environment.

18. I love being outside, especially at night, around a campfire, watching the stars.

19. I love going to concerts, except I am the one who just likes to sit and listen.

20. Amusement Parks are my favorite!

21. I am very protective over my family and friends.

22. The picture above is of me and Tyanna (my lil cousin) at the Rogersville 4th of July Celebration.

Well folks until tomorrow, enjoy! Comment back and tell me what you think!



30 Day Blogging Challenge

In order to help get me started on blogging daily, I though I would begin by doing a 30 Day Challenge. Here is a hint at what you'll be reading in the next month! (I'll do my best!)

Day 1: Introduce, recent picture of yourself, 15 interesting facts
Day 2: Meaning behind your blog name
Day 3: Your first love
Day 4: Your parents
Day 5: A song to match your mood
Day 6: A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 7: Favorite movies
Day 8: A place you've traveled to
Day 9: A favorite picture of your best friend
Day 10: Something you're afraid of
Day 11: Favorite tv shows
Day 12: Something you don't leave the house without
Day 13: Goals
Day 14: A picture of you last year - how have you changed?
Day 15: Bible verse
Day 16: Dream house
Day 17: Something you're looking forward to
Day 18: Favorite Place to Eat
Day 19: Something you miss
Day 20: Nicknames
Day 21: Favorite Picture of yourself ALL TIME Why?
Day 22: What's in your purse?
Day 23: Favorite Movie
Day 24: Something you've learned
Day 25: Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs
Day 26: Your Dream Wedding
Day 27: Original Photo of the city you live in
Day 28: Something that stresses you out
Day 29: 3 Wishes
Day 30: a picture of yourself this day and 5 good things that happened since you started the challenge