Saturday

Yesterday was my dad's birthday, so we were actually celebrating on Friday night as well! He opened a few presents a little after midnight, which was fun :)

Collage I made in honor of the day :)

Yesterday when dad got home, he opened the rest of his presents and we all started getting ready. Last night we went to this restaurant called, The Orange Blossom, with my grandpa. Such cool name for a little country place like this! It's about an hour and a half away from us, but it was really cool. Any chance I get to go out of town, I take it. It was quite a drive but I kept taking pictures of the scenery to pass the time and we were talking, so it was fun. Dinner was really good. I had this Chicken that was in Orange sauce on top of a sweet potato cake! I was so full after, but it was totally worth it. They also had live music; there was a band playing in the corner, which made it a really fun atmosphere. I guess the restaurant is closing pretty soon (they're turning it into a concert hall of some sort), so I'm glad we got to try it before it does.

Not the outfit exactly, but close enough for Polyvore!

Dessert! Dad's on the left; mom and mine on the right-Lemon raspberry something =SO good!

After dinner, we drove around the town a bit and then headed home. It was a great night spent with family and I'm glad my dad had such a wonderful birthday! :)

That's all for now,
Shelby

The 1920's-What A Beautiful Era

Ah, the 1920's. What an era! Glamorous clothes, furniture, swing music, classy cars; I could go on and on. When I see pictures from this time era, I can't help but wonder what were they thinking? What were their lives like back then? What kind of house did they live in? What type of person were they? As I was starting to make this collage, a few pictures of my grandma came to mind and what I was about to write took a very different toll. She was also from this era. My grandma was born in 1928, and these are questions I wish I would've asked her while she was alive. I wish I would've listened more to random things she said, or asked her more about her life from her perspective, rather than just what I saw of pictures. 

When I was making the video for her funeral, my uncle sent me a bunch of old pictures of my grandma when she was younger. For some reason, that just made me cry that much harder; thinking about her as a baby and fast forwarding about 60 years to the inevitability of her death. It all just seemed too hard to handle. But, in those moments I learned even more about her and it reminded me to get to know the people around me while they're here! She was a beautiful woman with heart for Jesus and a wonderful sense of humor. She was fun to be around, and I can only imagine what she was like during her kid/teen years. It reminded me not to wait until we're all at another funeral, hearing stories of who they were and what they were like for me to realize I never got a chance to witness that for myself. I was really close to my grandma, but I think sometimes we tend to focus on people in our family as just labels or for what they are now. It's like we put them in this bubble, and forget that long before we ever came they had this completely different life that we didn't know about. I think we should get to know as much as possible about them, because all too soon, we're saying good bye! 

That's all for now,

Shelby

We Are Family!

I've told you guys about my friends (and I hang out with them the most so I have a lot of stories to tell), but I haven't necessarily gone into great detail about my family (at least that I remember)! We are quite an interesting bunch, let me tell you. I don't think I laugh harder than the times that the entire gang is all together. I feel bad for the people that wait on us at restaurants...HAHA JK!! I have a great relationship with each family member and some better than others...but I love them just the same! No matter what happens or how much we get on each others nerves, we go through it all together.

Introductions:

Well, it all starts with my parents, of course! They're two of the most amazing people I know; they've been with me from the very beginning obviously. They've given me more love than I know what to do with and have always tried to give me the best life they possibly could. They've taught me so many life lessons and have raised me to be the woman that I am today, and I don't know where I'd be without them. They've had more patience with me than I think I'll ever understand, because I'm not always the most easy going and don't always have the best attitude. My dad has always encouraged me to dream big, live life to the fullest, to not be afraid to ask questions, and to just have fun in life. My mom has taught me how to be strong, to not worry so much, to believe in myself, and how you can be friends with your daughter, without losing the "mom" role. They raised me in church, taught me about God and would pray with me and have always taught me to set my eyes on the Lord and His plans for my life. Some of the best times in my life have been with them, and I know that no matter what happens in my life, they are always there to fall back on! :)

My uncle's-David, Bobby, and Paul (My dad is the one on the far left)

These are some of the funniest guys I've ever known, and most of the time they're not even trying...which makes me laugh that much harder. Over the past couple years, I've been able to have a little bit more of a relationship with them on my own and have gotten to know them a little bit more individually. My uncle David is the one we all go to for all things computer/astronomy. My uncle Bob is the one we'd go to for a little humor and anything fishing related. And my uncle Paul is the one we go to for all things history/ancestry like. When they're together it's so funny to see the relationships they have; it would've been great to see them as kids. Now, they're all grown up and are still just as close, which is great. They're all in church and serve the Lord, and have passed that mentality down to their children :) 

My aunt Debbie is amazing! Not only is she hilarious, she's incredibly loving, and always makes sure that everyone feels right at home, and is comfortable :) And let's just say I've written a lot of things that she has said down in my quote book ;) Haha. 

My Aunt Cara is another amazing woman! She is always available anytime you need her and will help out with anything! She has helped me lots of times with math, especially! She has the heart of a servant, and is a lot of fun to be around. 

My cousin, Carissa! We've always had an interesting relationship I guess you would say. We've always been close, but because we're so different we've butted heads at times and gotten on each others nerves. Through it all we always have each others backs and love each other; that's what family does. She's been there for me so many times to cheer me on to sing the national anthem or to just hang out with and make random videos. She's also the one I brought with me to the Evening with One Tree Hill...if that's not love, I don't know what love is ;) LOL. She's spunky, lives life to the fullest, and isn't afraid to be herself. She has a lot of energy and reminds me to have fun and relax, when I get a little uptight . She loves to travel and serve God at church through various outreaches, etc. She's definitely the life of any party. 

My Aunt Tami! I've always been really close with her. When I was younger, I used to call her all the time and I'd go to her house during the week. Now, my mom and I go to lunch and shopping with her 1-2 times a month or so.  She's really strong, kind hearted, and just an all around fun/amazing person to be around. She's always there for me and has always supported me, and that means the world to me. I'd say we're probably the most alike too :) 

This is Brooke and Brittany(cousins)! I don't get to see them as often as I'd like to, but whenever we're together we have a blast and make the most of the time we do have together! They have such big hearts and love to have a great time. Brooke is so creative and talented with makeup and just about anything artsy. Brittany is the mom of two beautiful and fun little girls. She knows what she wants and she goes for it! They're both incredibly smart and have so much to offer the world! :)

I don't have a picture of my uncle David and Aunt Tracey, but that would be Brooke and Brittany's parents. I don't see them as much as I'd like to either. 

This is DJ and Nicholas (also cousins)! And yes, I realize this is not the most attractive picture of us, but what are you going to do? They like to have fun. These guys are hilarious! They make me laugh and though I don't always get to hang out with them or talk to them much, they've always made me feel safe...like they've got my back. They both have extremely big hearts and would do anything for the family! They're great guys and they have their heads on straight.

This is my grandpa! He's the one I did an interview with a couple months ago. He's a retired pastor and has a passion for spreading the word of God. He loves being with his family more than anything, and still likes getting together with his friends from church here and there as well. He likes taking pictures, traveling, and reading His Bible/praying daily. We talk here and there through the occasional email, and we get together quite a bit with the rest of the family for dinners and special occasions! 

I don't have a picture with my grandma, but she is an incredible woman! She's the hostess of most of our gatherings; loves to cook, loves decorating her house and keeping it cozy and welcome for company. She'll help anyone out with anything and has a really big heart. 

This is my cousin Tiffany. She has the heart of a missionary and a passion for serving God. I don't know if I've ever known a more giving and loving person than this girl right here. In everything she does, she does it for the Lord and doesn't expect any praise in return. She's fun and beautiful inside and out, and I've always really admired her for not only her faith, but just for being who she is. We don't get to talk as much as I'd like, but I know she's always got my back and we have a blast when we're together. Vegas will always stand out in my mind for sure...long story! ;) I'm also convinced that one day she'll marry Tim Tebow and he will become my cousin-in-law. I'd be okay with that too! 

I don't have a picture with my cousin Stephanie, but I'll tell you a little bit about her as well. She's a lot of fun and is a lot like Carissa! She's married and has two kids and spends most of her time doing the  "mommy" and "wife" thing. She travels around a lot with her husband who is in the air force; they're very adventurous and love trying all kinds of new things. She's incredibly strong 

Going through each of my family members reminds me of how different we are from one another, but how we all somehow blend together. It's funny how each of us have a different relationship with the other, and how it just all somehow works out. All families are dysfunctional and have their problems, and ours is no different..but I wouldn't have it any other way. It keeps life interesting and entertaining. There used to be a time where I wished we were this way or that, but instead of trying to change everyone else, I've started changing me and I'm content with who they are now. I love all of them to death and each of them has been part of making me into the person I am today; in some way or another they have inspired me, encouraged me, prayed for me, helped me grow in my relationship with God, taught me valuable life lessons with the typical everyday things, or has just been there for me during a tough time when I needed someone to talk to. Rain or shine, I know they'll always be there. They've seen me at my worst and at my best and they've still stuck around. I thank God for placing me in the family that He did, because He could have put me with anyone...But, there's a reason I'm with these guys. They all want to help others and are all some of the most selfless people I know. I love that we're all able to serve the Lord as a family and use our talents for His glory.

Even though we're all spread out throughout the country, or just don't get to see each other a lot due to schedules, I know they're never too far away. In time of need they always come back! Families are for life. With the passing of several of my grandparents, it reminded me to treasure time with each of them more, because no matter how much time you had with them...you don't want to look back on time of regret. I want to get to know each of my family members as much as possible if I don't know them so much now. I want to forget about our differences and just have a good time; life's too short! 

That's all for now,

Shelby

xoxox

Interview with my Grandpa

My grandpa is an incredible man of faith. He loves God more than anything in the world, and loves to share the gospel. He attended North Central Bible college in Minnesota, and was a pastor for many years. He is now retired, but still loves living each day to its fullest. He has four sons, a beautiful,loving wife (and my grandma) and has plenty of grandchildren to spread the love around to. I love him very much! I learned a lot about him from these questions and I hope you do too :)

What was your favorite memory of your childhood or something that stands out to you about growing up?
A: Being trained on the farm with parents that were loving, honest with integrity, hard workers; to build character and respect.

What was your dream or an ultimate goal of yours when you were younger?
A: While growing up on the farm, I always wanted to be a farmer, but time began to change on the farm. As I grew up I began to want to fly in the air force but when I was about 8-9 years old, I found out I was blind in the left eye and it could not be corrected.

What is the accomplishment in your life you are most proud of?
A: I finished high school in Morven, Georgia at the age of 18. I worked one summer in the local tobacco warehouse in Hahira (Georgia), inspecting the tobacco of a company from England that was buying the very best of 'smoking tobacco'. And my oldest brother Wallace and I went on up to Smithfield, N. Carolina following the market as it moved north. Finished there, and we came home and I went to Miami, FL, and got a job in construction work, til December, 1949, and I came home for Christmas, and daddy told me I was about to be drafted in the military, during the Korean War. I certainly did not want to go into the Army, so I joined the Air Force, and took 3 weeks of "Boot Camp" in San Antonia, Texas for my basic training and in about four weeks they shipped me to Rapid City, S. Dakota.
I was very home sick there, so far from home and not knowing anyone, but began to regularly go to church in a town called Bethel Temple Assembly of God, and I loved it there. On Good Friday in 1951 we were in a revival and I got saved.
I was beginning to grow up and become a real man. Soon I met Eleanor (my grandma) and in about two years we got married. God was now working in my life as I was filled with the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in Wichita Falls in Texas in November 1951. That's where I was going to Airplane and Engine Mechanics school for seven months.
I finished the Air Force  12-1954 with an Honorable Discharge, and I felt the Lord calling me to go to Bible college in Minneapolis, Minnesota, full time for almost four years.
It's a long story in the Air Force, but the Lord was really working in my heart to go into ministry. My studies in college was pastoral theology. By the time I finished college, three boys were born. Paul was in Rapid City before I got out of the Air Force, and Bob and David were born in Minneapolis, and Andy (my dad) was born in Fitzgerald, GA as we moved there and started a new Assembly of God church. It's a beautiful building in the southern pines now.
And writing two books that I am proud of, for I've gotten many many compliments for them both.

If you had a chance to re-live a certain moment your life, what would it be? Would you want to change anything about that moment?
OH! YES! It would be the sins I've committed since I've gotten saved, and believe you, I've prayed and prayed and asked God for conviction of the Lord, which He certainly has. But, oh I've hurt and would not want to share them personally with any of them.

What is the legacy you hope to leave behind or the one thing you want people to think about when they think of you?
That I have been an honest man of integrity, that the four sons God has given Eleanor and I will lead a great life for their children. That they would all be loved by all of their friends, be saved, and filled with the baptism of the Holy Spirit setting a pattern of the life of Christ.

What advice would you give to your younger self?
I'm going to give you what I wished that some spiritual mentoring person would have given me at your age. To answer this question, I want to answer what the leading of the Holy Spirit has given to me. That is to give you and everyone that I can make contact with to do in the later part of my life. And these are the scriptures that would keep me in the perfect will of the Lord. I would encourage you to study hard of these up coming scriptures to get them in your soul, spirit, and body.
Know the correct methods of Bible study-2 Timothy 2:15
The discernment of our hearts-Hebrews 4:12
The eternal word of God-Isaiah 55:11, Psalm 119:71
Spiritual malnutrition-Isaiah 50:2, Psalm 32:8-9, Proverbs 3:5-6, Proverbs 1:33.
Now, there is so much more words of wisdom that will be of help and you get hungry for the word and study it daily.

That's all for now,
Shelby

I Love My Family

I love taking pictures and making videos with family whenever they come over, whether it's a holiday or we're just hanging out. My cousin, Carissa and I make music videos all the time from Katy Perry to Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber. It's always so funny to watch them back and see how goofy we look ;) Here's a Katy Perry song we did!

"I have been blessed-I thank God for all I've been given at the end of every day!"

(Lauren Conrad's blog)

Thanksgiving was a blast! My dad and I went bike riding in the morning, watched the Macy's Parade, my grandpa came over and visited awhile before the rest of the family came over (my aunts, uncle, and cousin). We ate, we talked/laughed, went to Walgreens and Wal-mart with my aunt and mom, and I even worked on my speech I'm giving on Wednesday.

Jello salad

My new Thanksgiving sweater (Urban Outfitters)

We played Family Feud before eating dinner

Thanksgiving feast

What I did after dinner....

Played Wii bowling

Thanksgiving Tradition: Turkey Dinner

Music I listened to on the way over there

We had to make a turkey...

We played Old Turkey (also known as Old Maid)

This was my favorite card ;)

Hot Potato

Every year, the week before Thanksgiving, my aunt and uncle's church has a Thanksgiving dinner. It's always a fun time to hang out with my family and meet some others from their church. We had dinner, and played some games. I even won a Starbucks card from Hot Potato, although I still think my Aunt won ;) lol. Good times for sure!