The Simple Things in Life

I have been thinking about starting a new blog or at least redesigning this one. Whenever I was thinking about the design on this one, I wanted to go simple and keep the name So Live Your Life. Someone said "You know that's a Rhianna song?" Yes, I am very aware of that. But listen to the lyrics. I still have to make the paper, but I live my life. There are some rough patches along the way, but overall, I enjoy my life. Tyler has saved me from leading such a sheltered life. He has opened my eyes to new things. Things that I might not have been exposed to without him. I am thankful for each and every moment that I have spent with him. Even the not-so-good moments. They have all been learning experiences.

I just wanted to take some time and list things that make me smile on a daily basis. The things that keep me going are the small...simple things in life.

• My kids. The funny things they say. The look on their face and the excitement in their voice when they accomplish something and learn something new.
• Tyler. He is always able to make me laugh with the random and funny things that he does. He has a contagious personality. He doesn't even know how funny he is.
• My cat. Same goes with him. He has a wonderful personality. He entertains himself half of the time. He is also the most photogenic animal I have ever seen.
• Kristen. She been there unconditionally for me I don't know how many times. She is a true friend and a blessing in my life.
• My mom. She is always there for me. My life would be horrible without her. I don't even know if I could live life like this without her.
• My sister. She is one of my best friends and is always there if I need to talk. I can't imagine my life without her either.
• I like reminiscing on funny memories, looking at old videos, looking at old pictures, hearing old stories (involving and not involving me).

Needing prayers

Friday evening I came home and Tyler informed me that his aunt called and told him that a very close friend of mine, Amber, had been in a bad car accident along with her 8 year old daughter, Jailey. Tyler's cousin text me yesterday and gave me an update. Not what I wanted to hear, but I was thankful for receiving an update. For those of you who haven't ever heard me talk about Amber, I think very highly of this lady. She has been the biggest support for us since Carter passed away. She is what a friend is supposed to be. Nothing less. She never gets annoyed when I talk about something. She always checks on me whenever she feels something isn't right. She met me and my best friend to go up to Carter's grave to decorate and clean. I have never heard anyone say a negative thing about her. They'd be lying if they did. Her daughter is the cutest and sweetest little girl. They didn't deserve this. Why do bad thinks happen to good people? The update I received last night said that Amber would be in ICU at St. Vincent's for 3-4 days and remain in the hospital for a few weeks following. She has internal injuries. Liver related. Jailey was at Children's for a broken back, a broken thumb, and a large cut on her face. She was able to come home today. We have been told that Amber is going to be okay. We just want everyone to keep them, their family, and close friends in your prayers. God will watch over them and work his miracles. We have to trust that. God is good.

We love you Amber & Jailey Garner <3

Thanks To Those Who Serve Us.. & Their Families

My dad has been really heavy on my heart today.  I miss him everyday, but some days, his absense hits me hard.  I know that sounds weird to those who know me, because only 2 of my friends knew my dad.  Which obviously meant he wasn't around... ever!! But he is my dad, nevertheless, and I miss him.

My dad was a wonderful poet.  He was always writing.  It was his special talent.  I only have a few poems that he wrote, though.  One was personalized to me.  And the other one, we had published in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette for his final Christmas present.  He didn't really know what we had done at this point, but we thought it would be a nice thing to do. 

My dad wasn't in the armed forces, but he was a soldier.  He fought his battle of cancer for several years.  Fought until he couldn't fit anymore.  I have a few friends who have family in the military, all branches, and I thought they might like to read this.  He wrote this poem for the ones who fight for us and help us keep our freedom.

"They Gave Their Lives"

Some of our Veterans,

Fought hard and died.

Just to show,

They had some pride.

They fought for us,

High in demand.

To protect us,

And our land.

Some come home,

Others were lost.

Many bad feelings,

Many tossed.

God be with their families,

Kids and wives.

It was for us,

They gave their lives.

-David P. Long

Picture courtesy of Google Images

Thanks to all that serve our country and to the families who support them.

We truly ARE the "Home of the Brave."

GOD BLESS

February

This month is going to be CRAAAAZYYY!!

Week 1 of the month of February is National Baby Week... How ironic!! Olivia is due this Saturday, the 5th.. Today, the 1st, Carter would have been 11 months old.. Wish he was here!!

Today is also a good friend ours' birthday.. Happy 20th Drew!!

Valentine's Day is less than 2 weeks away, and I have to get everything ready for that..

The trial for Carter's death is in 3 weeks, & things are pretty iffy.. Here, emotions are running high, and thoughts about it are all over the place.. We don't know!!

Kayla is due to have Riley anywhere from 3-4 weeks from now..

Other things, remain untold, for now ;)

Season of Thanks

Well, the Christmas party was fun. New friends joined us, which was good. A few bones were almost broken. Lol. But overall, a very good night. I love this time of year. Minus the freezing cold. But I love all the decorating, sitting on the couch all curled up watching a movie with no lights but the Christmas tree on. It's great. This is also the time of year where I start to miss those close to me though. I wish all of my family was close. But I am blessed to have them, close or far. I lose sight, a lot, of what matters most in my life. I think about it more when it's constantly being mentioned. And now, it is. I am thankful for the basic necessities, but mostly this year, I am thankful for my mom, sister, Tyler & also for my second family. We may not talk very often, but they accepted me very quickly. Made me feel like I had been part of the family for years. I am also thankful for my friends who have really shown their love and support for us the past several months. I am thankful for my JJ, too. Always a happy spirit. He is annoying and unruly sometimes, but he's my little love. And my best friend on 4 legs :). And this morning, my little bubba, daniel, wrecked his bike, and broke his collarbone. It coulda been a lot worse. I am thankful it wasn't. And I'm thankful it didn't happen on the interstate or something. Basically, yeah, I am thankful for the "little things.". THE SiMPLE THiNGS iN LiFE!!!

A TRUE FRiEND

A good friend is hard to come by. Too many 2 faced people in the world. Too many bold faced liars. Too many cheaters. I say this first off, and i mean it til I die,

"I can be your best friend, or your worst enemy. You choose."

It's crazy how many people out there call Kimberly Shaw, that's me, their friend. Hadn't sat down to count in a while, but I know I don't have THAT many friends. Over the past year, I've learned who really has the honor of being on my friend list. Don't get me wrong, I don't not have a lot of friends because there is something wrong with me. I chose not to allow certain people into my life. Who needs a pool of fake people in their life to drown the ones who matter? I certainly don't. I don't think people realize that there is a difference between a friend and an acquaintance. I guess because we all would sound kind of stupid saying, "Kelly is an acquaintance of mine." We live in the south, we can't sound to sophisticated or we'll ruin our image. But using the reference as friend gives people false hope. I don't know.

Anyway, I said all that to say this. Thanks to all the ones who ARE true friends, and those who stuck by Tyler and I through everything. You mean the world to us. And it's not enough to call you friends. Your family!!

Sister by Birth... Friend by Choice

I've always had a best friend. And since December 22, 1991, that best friend has been my sister. She has always loved me unconditionally. Never a question about whether she would be around to listen. Always there. Always a shoulder to cry on, for 19 years. Not many ppl are this close to their siblings. But i love hanging out with her. We can be our goofy selves without feeling stupid. Unless she's working, already out, or really sick, she's there. Its never "I don't really feel like it." Its a great feeling knowing that someone is always there. Thanks, Whitney. I love you so much, little sister.

The Season of Love

Just wanna start by saying that being married to your best friend is AWESOME!! We couldn't be happier!! Saturday was just an amazing day.  And getting to celebrate with our family and closest friends was great!! I enjoyed every bit of it, even on 3 hours of sleep.  It doesn't feel much different, I guess because we were always together.  But the stress is gone.  It was so much fun and the best day of my life!!!                                                                                                 

Now were just preparing for Christmas.  Discussed with mom last night, and we're having Christmas at our place this year.  I'm so excited.  We put up our tree last night and it is so cute!! Financially permitting, we're also having a Christmas party this year!! I've always wanted to have one.  And I think this year, we should!! It's just gonna be an awesome rest of the year, and I am so blessed to be able to spend it with such wonderful friends, family, and my amazing husband!!!

Today is my Mom's 50th birthday... For 21 years, she has hands down been the best mom!! She was never one to severely discipline; she always knows how to handle a situation without getting irrational.  She does everything in her power to make sure her kids are taken care of.  She works hard, and never stops.  Basicially being a single mom, she has done an amazing job!! She is such an inspiration to my sister and me.  Tyler isn't ever legally her son in law yet, and she has taken him in as her son.  She loves hard, and is loved hard.  She wears her heart on her sleeve, and does everything good she can for someone.  I can't say much more without talking in circles... Bottom line... She is just an AMAZING person!!! I don't know what I would do without my best friend here to guide me!!! We love you so much mom!!!