Melted our Hearts

Yesterday was a great day at school. We had our black history program which everyone in the school is involved in.  This is one of the best days at our school because we do not have very many assemblies. Not near as many as we did when I was in school. So, I was pumped, the kids were pumped but we had no idea what a great show it would be.
First of all, I was a cheerleader. I know all of my friends right now are laughing because let's face it, I can't do a jump or a cartwheel or a flip of any kind. But honey, I cheered my little "Jacket" heart out in front of the school. My kiddos said they loved me. This is what they said, " Mrs. Willinham( yes that is how they pronounce it) you was the best!"

 We were not the highlight of the show. These precious children were. These children are from Uganda, Africa and have been in the United States since January. They travel around all across the US to share God's word through song and dance. Let me tell you, these kids can move. I have never seen moves like these before. They were awesome.

They sang," He Know my Name" first. We were all in tears because we were told these kids have nothing. No TV, not many clothes, they literally have nothing, they live in an orphanage, they have nothing and nobody, except the wonderful people who take care of them and each other. They eat corn mash all year long except for Christmas and Easter when they get a treat- chicken.
They have nothing yet were singing and praising God with a smile on their face. Precious!!
What was so great about this children's choir, is that some our students, who are usually the ones causing trouble, broke down. For the first time ever, something had touched them and affected them like never before. Our students were truly touched and we saw sides of some kids we had never seen. And for that I am thankful! You can check out their website http://www.penniesforposho.org/ .
We take for granted so many things. God reminded us all yesterday how blessed we are!

I said Yes...

4 years ago today Jay asked me to marry him. I know many of you have heard this story but it is worth retelling.
Jay and I had decided to go to the Cheesecake Factory for our early Valentine's dinner. We decided to stop by Cheaha on the way and go to Bald Rock to take pictures- my idea of fun. So Saturday, about 2:00 Jay came and picked me up at my house and we set off. We stopped by Moore's on the way because Jay said, " I have got to get something to eat. I have not eaten all day long." I thought that was strange but did not think anything else about it. He got a piece of pizza and we went on our way.
When we got to Cheaha, we walked to Bald Rock took some pictures and walked back to the truck. It was very cold-not unbearable.

 We got back in the truck and drove down to the Pulpit Rock trailhead. Jay suggested that I put a jacket on and then my puffer vest over that for extra warmth because it takes a little while to get to Pulpit Rock. Looking back, that was not the best advice Jay ever gave me because I looked like the Pillsbury Doughboy while he proposed- oh well.

We get to Pulpit Rock and the view is very pretty- better than Bald Rock any day. Jay walks behind me. He hugs me and says, " You know I love you." I said, " Yes." As I turn around, he gets on his knee and says, " Will you marry me?"

I would love to say that my initial reaction was yes followed by tears of happiness. Instead, I screamed, " Are you serious? I don't understand!! When did you get this? Are you serious? " In the mean time, I am backing up, closer and closer to the edge. My legs were shaking uncontrollably- I promise they were moving on their own. Finally, Jay, still on bended knee shouts, " Ollie, you are going to fall off of this mountian. Will you marry me?" I screamed, " Yes!!!" He put that beautiful ring on my finger and I kissed my fiance for the very first time.

I was so excited and wanted to tell everyone right then. Instead of going to the Cheesecake factory, we headed back to my house to tell Mom and Dad. I spent the next 2 hours on the phone calling people and then we went to his parents house. I talked to all my friends that day.

We ate our engagement dinner at Applebees- the Cheesecake factory would not see us for another year.

I am thankful for so much in my life but especially Jay. Thank you Jay for loving me and knowing how to love me. I love coming home to him everyday and even though he drives me crazy sometimes; life would be so boring without this man. If I had it to do again, I would not change one single thing!!!