Get Ready, Get Set, Read

I suggest that you get a cup of coffee, sit back, relax and learn a little more about ME! Here are 100 things that you may or may not have known .

1. I am an only child (and I love every minute of it)
2. I am a book worm. I enjoy picking up a good Nicholas Sparks, Danielle Steel or any other smut book with a warm cup of coffee and sitting on my back porch when the weather is just right. I also enjoy reading Christian books that deal with Marriage, Children, Leadership, Spiritual Growth and EDUCATION! *Since we don't have cable t.v. and have been traveling I've been reading A LOT!*
3. I am a daddy's girl thru and thru. No denying it!
4. I have a shoe and pajama addiction...not for me but Clarke-Man.
5. I don't let my son watch t.v. shoes such as Sponge Bob Square pants or the Cartoon Network in general. I do let him watch shows such as, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Little Einsteins, Dora, Deigo, Blues Clues, Backyardagains, Baby Einsteins and Veggie Tales. If they are not some what educational he doesn't watch them. ALSO he is a LIMITED t.v. watcher!
6. I consider my mom to be the very best of friend a girl/daughter could ask for.
7. I have several "groups" of friends. I have my best girlfriends in Alabama (Rexy, Min & Ames), my group of friends from my days at the Kelly School of Dance/Patti Rutland Jazz, and lastly my group of besties from here in Germany (Erin, Kari, Rebecca and Sara's). Love you all :-)
8. I take great pride in all types of Art; photography, drawing, music and most of all DANCE.
9. I danced from age 3 until I was 17 years old and also taught until my 8th month of pregnancy with Clark. I will be teaching again come August 2008 at the KSD.
10. I am a Thrift Store junkie. When my mom and I are together we go every Wednesday!
11. I crave ranch dressing from Mama Rosa's.
12. Labamba's Mexican Restaurant is my favorite place to eat Chimichanga's, drink sweet tea (Crack In a Cup) and Margarita's!
13. I am a lover of Auburn Tiger football, but my husband is a die-hard Florida Gator Fan. Poor Clark he's just stuck in the middle.
14. I like to drink Coffee in the morning to get me going.
15. REALLY, I love to drink coffee at any time of the day especially if it's with good friends!
16. I have been married to my best friend for 3 1/2 years.
17. I became an Army wife on Jan. 17, 2006.
18. I hate being so far away from my family.
19. But I love the travel advantages of being in Germany!
20. My favorite food to eat here in Germany is Jagerschnitzel with Fries and extra gravy!
21. My friends are the Host of C4: A Christian Companion's Combative Creed and I love to listen.
22. I lived in Wicksburg, Alabama all but 4 years of my 24 1/2 year life span.
23. I became a Child of the King on April 1st, 2001 I was baptized on April 8th, 2001.
24. I love being an aunt to Jason, Jackie, Stephie, Chris, Jessica, Alex, Logan and Jeffrey.
25. Wes hates for Clark to sleep in the bed with us, but when he's gone I do it anyways :-)
26. I LOVE to eat my Uncle Tim's hot wings. They are better than any you will ever eat.
27. I feel like something isn't right if Yahoo Messenger/AIM/SKYPE are not open on my computer.
28. I am addicted to the following web-sites, Blogger, Confessions of a CF Husband, Myspace, Facebook, Rickey Stokes News.
29. I hate for people to call me on the phone unless they need something right away. I prefer e-mail (I AM quick to respond)
30. I collect Willow Tree Angels
31. On November 1st I'm ready to decorate the house for Christmas...Wes always says NO.
32. I plan the meals for my family from the 1st-14, 14-30(31) every month and I hate to change.
33. I enjoy drinking fine wines from around the world. (Italy, Hungary, Germany)
34. I attend a lot of wine tastings and always leave with at least 3-8 bottles.
35. I love the people of Burkina Faso, West Africa and Missionary Lynn Kennedy
36. If Wes would let me go back I would go in a heart beat.
37. I dream of someday owning my own Dance Studio/Karate School.
38. There is this little house across from Hollis Dairy in Wicksburg that is old and abandoned that I would LOVE to own someday or have a house built to look almost identical too (maybe a tad bit bigger).
39. I always complain about doing Laundry but really it's one of my favorite things to do. WHY? Because I can do it MY WAY and nobody else will complain! I don't normally let Wes help, unless we have like 10 loads.
40. I am always moving around the furniture. I'm never satisfied.
41. I enjoy taking Clarke for walks to the German bakery for pretzels.
42. I hate to get "Ready" to go anywhere.
43. I wear make-up only when I have to leave the house or when someone is coming over.
44. I really hate when people drop by unexpectedly. Please call first.
45. I have the best hairstylist ever. Go by and see Rexy at Mane Lines for a new doo!
46. I HATE playing Guitar Hero/Rockband but I love to watch my husband and our friends play. 47. I love to see Clarke loving on his Daddy. It just melts my heart.
48. Caffeine...I do not know what I would do without it.
49. I enjoy sewing, but I don't get to do it very often. I'm not very good but I am learning.
50. I am married to a man who loves music and was called to the Music Ministry, but is currently in the Army (he does sing in the praise band at church).
51. Every time he sings my heart overflows with pride!
52. I clean everyday, but my house is not always spotless.
53. Don't make me mad, I have a bad temper.
54. I prefer cloth napkins over paper, but Wes thinks its too much trouble.
55. I LOVE taking Clarke to the Pediatrician (Dr. Head) back home. He was my Dr. too. (I do hate it when he is sick though!
56. I am member of the European Region Protestant Women of the Chapel.
57. I am currently the acting President for our community.
58. I like to intentionally aggravate my in-laws (ALL of them) by dressing Clark in Auburn attire.
59. I eat mild Banana Pepper rings straight from the jar.
60. I love to cook, but I hate cleaning up afterwards. I do it anyways, like it or not.
61. The smell of a Charcoal Grill makes me feel like I should be back home with my daddy
62. The do not like to eat Chicken unless its the only option available (unless its FRIED!)
63. I hate it when my husband has to go away on field business..especially for 12-15 months at a time. (Not yet, but its coming soon for that long)
64. When I don't feel like cooking dinner I send Wes down to the Doner stand in Bad Windsheim!
What a yummy treat!
65. I have a dog that lives with his Grammy in Alabama. He is a toy Dachshund and his name is Tinnamen "Baylee" Brezina.
66. I have Attention Deficit Disorder really bad. (I keep wondering when I will be done with this)
67. I am a worrier. Sometimes I can't sleep because of worrying about little minute things.
68. I was born June 27, 1983 in Dothan, Alabama at Flowers Hospital.
69. My mom wanted to name me Katie, but my dad wanted to name me MAGEN. My dad wasn't sure of the spelling for the birth certificate so it's now spelled MEGAN. (for you Min)
70. Someday I will learn to smock.
71. I have attended 3 different churches in my life, Methodist, Freewill Baptist and Southern Baptist. I now claim to be a member of the Southern Baptist Convention.
72. I attended college (and will return soon) at the Baptist College of Florida.
73. My major is Christian Education with a minor in Leadership.
74. My husband and I are members of his home church; Northwest Baptist Church in Gainesville, Florida.
75. I still have that precious 2-3 hour "Mommy Time" while Clarke naps everyday...Soon that will demolish I am sure.
76. I collect cookbooks and LOVE old recipes. Church cookbooks are my favorite.
77. Paula Deen is my biggest inspiration when it comes to cooking.
78. I love to drink coffee from a "Mug" especially one that's been personalized by Mrs. Angie Bailey.
79. I love sleeping in the middle of the day. I usually ALWAYS take a nap.
80. Sometimes I can be scattered brains.
81. I sometimes start things and forget what I am doing. Hours later I remember and go back to finish.
82. I hate to go to the bathroom on public toilet seats. I'd rather hold it until I get to MY house.
83. Tomorrow I am going to my very first Military Ball and boy am I excitied.
84. The beach is my very favorite place to be on a nice day.
85. Wes proposed to me in Panama City Beach, Florida in 30 degree weather!
86. I can't wait for Clark to be big enough to enjoy the beach.
87. I should say I hate to go IN the Ocean but I love to sit BY the ocean.
88. I paint my toenails year round whether you can see them or not.
89. I feel God has called me to serve in Ministry to Women and Inner City Children.
90. I tend to be a negative person (or so my mom says) and I am working on getting better at that.
91. I have a Lion/Beaver personality, Wesley is a Retriever. Opposites do attract. I
92. Some may think i am an extrovert, but really I'm mostly an introvert.
93. Sometimes I am a little to serious about things that are really close to my heart
94. I am a home-body.
95. I am very picky about who babysits Clarke. I'd rather stay home and keep him myself than leave him with someone he hardly knows.
96. I'm moving back to Alabama in 4-5 months.
97. I am a pro at International Flights.
98. I serve a risen Savior.
99. Because of his amazing grace I am a sinner saved by Grace.
100. I am FINISHED after almost 3 hours of back and forth to the computer.

I am tagging my niece Stephie over at "Silent Goodbyes" to do this now!

I've Got Sunshine!!!

Today I woke up and the sun was already shining outside. Boy, was I ever excitied. For the first time since we've been back (March 20th) it's not a dull and dreary day. I've spent the day with the shutters raised and the windows open filling our home with some fresh air. Clarke is napping right now, but just as soon as he wakes up we're going to go for a nice walk/ride in his new stroller. Clark loves to go to the German bakery the "Handelshof" to get fresh baked pretzels. We haven't had one since before we left to go to the states 4 weeks ago so I think today of all days deserves one!! I'll post pictures once we return!!!

P.S. Maybe we'll stop at TEDI the 1 Euro store too!

Did I Mention....

Clark and Elijah trying to figure out what to get into next!

Elijah giving Clarke man some Love!

That I hate the Snow!

I did do as I promised today and I took Clark out to play with his friend Elijah this afternoon! Elijah, his mom and his 4 year old sister have just returned to Germany after an extended stay in the states. Clark and Elijah adjusted well to one another real and we're playing like the best of friends!!

Oh, What A Morning

It's been another one of those days for me. Yesterday I did a lot of nothing because it was just too cold outside for me, but mainly for my sick little monster. It wasn't really snowing yesterday but towards the evening the flurries began. This morning I woke up around 6:30 to look out the window and what did I find.....The ground covered in snow. I immediately turned into a panic, but then slowed down to realize that God was going to begin my day with a nice little examination of my faith in him. You see I've NEVER driven in snow, Wes isn't here right now to drive like he normally would and I had to be at PWOC this morning for a meeting. I jumped right into the shower for a nice long talk with God about the circumstances of me attempting to fight the snow "This is how it's going to be" kind of conversation. I spoke to my friend Erin and she encouraged me to "Just Do It!!!" so I decided I would and there was nothing going to stop me. Le I finished getting ready, took a nice little nerve tablet, got Clarke up and ready and off we went. LUCKILY by the time I got in the truck to leave the snow on the roads had already melted. Pshhhh, I felt a little relief. A 10 minute drive to post took me about 25 minutes and the roads weren't even that bad. From looking at the pictures it doesn't look that bad, but for me it seemed like a nightmare. It could have been worse (like it is tonight). I made it to chapel in one piece, back home and back and forth to the chapel again later this evening. I was so proud of myself that I had to call Wes to tell him so he could be proud too. My friends that are from the North think I am absolutely nuts because I am terrified of and hate the snow. That's what you get from a girl that was born and raised in Southeast Alabama!!!!

Now, if the snow sticks like it is tonight then me and Clarke are going to have a mega snowball fight tomorrow morning when he gets up. I can't wait (I do like to play in the snow SOMETIMES). He wanted to play in it this morning but I wouldn't let him. Poor Kid! Hopefully I'll have more photo's to share tomorrow.

P.S. WESLEY'S COMING HOME TOMORROW!!!!!!!!

My Life As an Army Wife {Part 1: Seperation}

*My hubby and I on our first Vacation in 2 years*
Gainesville, Florida March 2008

I've decided that for the next, well however long I feel like doing it, I will try to blog every Monday about my life as a Army Wife. There are so many people out there that have NO idea what it's like to be married to a Soldier, so I'll tell you what its like for me to be married to Wesley.

Here's a little bit about our situation. Wesley and I married in July of 2004 at Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Dothan, Alabama. I was attending the Baptist College of Florida and working at Andrews Bridal Shoppe (both FULL time), Wesley was working at Sam's Club full time during the night and attending school 3/4 time during the day. Needless to say, it was very hard on both of us, especially as newlyweds.

In October of 2005 Wesley informed me that he had been to speak to a recruiter and was thinking/praying about joining the Army. I'll be honest with you, I did not like the idea at first, but that was just my gut. Once I had some time to pray about it I was at complete peace with his decision and I immediately gave him my 100% support and PROMISED him that I would support him throughout his career. He said he knew that this was going to be a better future for us as a family, and indeed it has been. He had known since he was a teenager that God had called him to Serve in the U.S. Army, but choose to attend BCF to Major in Church Music. Thank goodness he did, or else I wouldn't be calling him "My Beloved" today!

Move ahead to Jan. 17, 2006 when Wesley left for 6 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 12 Weeks of School at Ft. Eustis. We sold our house on February 2nd and I found out that we were going to be parents on February 5th. (Keep in mind during basic training our only form of communication was through snail mail and the occasional (if he was lucky) telephone call.) I wrote him a letter informing him that he was going to be "My Baby's Daddy!" I kept him updated as best I could of my pregnancy through the mail and he saw me with my baby bump for the very first time when he graduated from BCT the end of March. From April 1 thru July 28th, 2006 while he was in AIT we were able to talk almost daily and I was able to go spend some time with family for a few weeks on the same post he was in school on and was able to spend some time with him on the weekends (I snuck to see him twice during the week too). We found out my due date was October 4th around the middle of July, but in the same week Wes received orders to relocate to Illesheim, Germany on August 17th. Wes graduated from school on the 27th of July and flew into Dothan for 2 weeks of Hometown Recruiting. I loved every minute of him being home with me within kissin' distance (and I still love it) but our time together would be short and I would at this point be completing my pregnancy with my parents.

We were not sure if Wes would make it back to the States in time for Clark's delivery. At 38 weeks I was informed that I would more than likely need a c-section (RED FLAG). My Dr. sent a letter to Wesley's commander whom immediately granted him Emergency Leave starting at 39 weeks. Well friends he made it home on Tuesday (VERY LATE) and Clark was delivered on (Thursday) the afternoon of September 28th 2006. 6 days later Daddy was on his way back to Germany. We would be apart this time until we received Clark's passport, social security card, and birth certificate. By the grace of God things moved along rather quickly and on the day Clark turned 6 weeks old we got the call that his passport had arrived and we were free to fly the next day if we wanted to.

I've been an army wife for 2 years now and I think that it has prepared me well for what will come within the next 4 months. The times of Separation have not been easy (especially with pregnancy hormones), and they will never be on my list of favorite things. I think as an Military Wife separation is just something that you grow accustomed too. It's like if your spouse is not gone for 100-plus days out of a year for training then something just isn't right. I'm getting the hang of him coming and going gradually. I've said it over and over again, I do not know how a single mother does it. Thanks be to my Heavenly Father for blessing me with a good baby!!! Jeremiah 29:11 has become my life verse when dealing with what the Army hands me. I've learned to hold fast to the promises of Christ Jesus and to not be swayed by Satan's evil schemes. We are preparing for a time of change in our lives that you will hear more about closer to time, but because of God's goodness and mercy in our marriage I firmly believe that we will be just fine. Separation can only make us long to be together even more. We started out GREAT as newlywed and 3 1/2 years later we're still going at it stronger than we've ever been before. I truly believe that God doesn't give us more than we can handle at one time. He does give us a variety of things to see if we will do with them as he has directed us too.

P.S. My friends say "We're married to our husband's but the Military oversees our Marriage"

Alex's Easter Miracle

Here's is an update on Alex from his Mother's blog from my post on 20 March;

"Friends, our miracle did not come today. We were prepared and ready. Alex had a new shirt, tie, and pants...and they were pressed and ready to wear. However, this was not God's time, and even though we are so disappointed, we are claiming the verse above. God does not make mistakes, nor is He late to perform His works. And even though we were ready to see a great work in Alex's life, it was not in His time. Do I think we were wrong to ask and expect a miracle? No, I think we are to be ever looking and planning for Him to step in and make things better. Am I angry, because He failed to work? Not angry, a little sad. I do have a mother's heart and want so desperately for my boy to be whole. But, I KNOW this...God cares for me and my feelings, and He cares for Alex. He WILL work His plan. And Alex will be healthy. I will stand and testify to you today that God is great and powerful and His way alone is perfect. And, though I am anxious and impatient...and want healing now, His timing is always right."

Please join me as I continue to pray for a Miracle in the life of Alex Owens.

I'm Dreaming of A White Easter

Checking Out what The Easter Bunny left him

This is for Mrs. Tonja over at "Gatherings"!
What do you get when you give a 19 month old BLUE Peeps?
A STAINED face :-)

This was the view from our car on the way to Worship this morning.

See these nice new Yellow Box flippers?
It's too cold for me to wear them
and that is not typical for me. I wear flippers YEAR ROUND.

Soooo...needless to say I am definately NOT in Southeast Alabama on this joyous Easter Sunday. Yesterday we attended an INDOOR Easter Egg Hunt because of inclement weather and this morning I woke up to get ready to attend worship to SNOW on the ground. UGHHHH...I hate the cold; I'd rather be sweating in 90 degree weather. I contemplated not attending the services this morning due to being up majority of the night with a jet lagged baby, and because it was just too dern cold outside. I was also a little disappointed that Clark was getting to wear his new suit to church this morning and it was too cold for me to wear my new Easter Dress. It is 3/4 sleeve but knee length and I didn't really think it would be appropriate for my legs to match the snow on the ground. Wes is also away at Convoy Live Fire Training so I was also a little bummed that we wouldn't be worshipping together as a family, which is one of my most favorite things to do.
I DID get my self out of bed and got me and the monster ready to go. We had an excellent time of Praise, Ch. Drew brought forth a beautiful Sermon, and then we took part in the Lord's Supper. Let me add that Clark for the very first time sat through most of the service like a big boy. We are home now feeling refreshed and reflecting on the fact that I DO serve a Risen Savior. Clark's napping and I'm going to do so myself.

Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail

Before we left to go see the Easter Bunny

Clarke Man and the Easter Bunny

Mommy and Clarke with the Easter Bunny

Just thought you guys might like to see some photos of the Monster's visit with the Easter Bunny. Never seen an Easter Bunny that looked as silly as this one did.

I WANT A MIRACLE TOO

Ian, Adam and Alex Owen

Ladies and Gents I want to ask you to join me (and my hometown and many around the world) in praying for a sweet young man Alex Owens. Along with Alex's parents I am praying "I WANT AN EASTER MIRACLE" for this precious young man.

Mrs. Tonja (Alex's Mother) says on her very own blog "Gatherings", "When Alex was 13, we discovered that he had a degenerative brain disease. He suffers great pain, loss of balance, uneven walking, loss of most vision, and other complications. So again, my nursing skills are called into play. As, we have not found a treatment for Alex, he's 26 now"

Please check out the links for more information on how to pray exactly for the Owen's Family and for more of Adam's story!

For Nate, Tricia and Baby Gwyneth

Here is a list of "I Can't Waits" for the Lawernson family to experience together as a family;

For Nate and Tricia to stand before their church dedicating their precious baby to the Lord's Care and saying "Yes Lord, we will raise this child in your ways".
(even though I am sure you've already done this personally, just a public profession)

Gwyneth's first trip to church on a nice Spring/Summer Sunday Morning.

Gwyneth's first trip to the park for playtime and a picnic.

To be riding down the road listening to Nursery Rhymes or Bible Songs and singing as loud as you can together.

For the first time Gwyneth looks at her mommy and daddy and says "No, No, No"!

Enjoying reading THE Christmas Story together as a family for the first time.

Finding this little one in her room diaper off sitting on top of her dresser.

Watching her walk around in her mommy's high heels :-)

her first trip to the beach with mommy and daddy in her polka dotted bikini

Most importanly mommy and daddy witnessing Confession of Faith and her Baptism.

Please join me in praying for Tricia and Baby Gwyneth (and also for Nate). They are still not out of the woods. This adventure is one that will continue on for sometime. If you want to know more about Trician, Nate or baby Gwyneth please read more here Confessions of a CF Husband .

I've Been Pimped

*Clarke and cousin Logan*

Hello Friends and Family,

I hope you have noticed the new design of "Scattered Fruits".

A BIG thanks to my newest friend Jennisa over at "Once Upon A Blog" for fixing me

up and making my blog look a little more attractive. It definately fits me to a tee.

On a more personal note, Wesley, Clark and myself are all on vacation away from Germany for the first time together since we moved there in November of 2006. We are currently in Florida at my in-law's house enjoying some much needed time with the fam.

I got to meet my nephew Jeffrey for the very first time on Tuesday and he is absolutely beautiful. My SIL Vicki is an amazing mother! Tonight the rest of the family will be coming into town from Springhill, Florida and all 4 of the Brezina kiddo's will be together for the first time in 3 or 4 years. We will be going to Sears tommorrow to have our family photos made. PRAYR FOR PATIENCE WOULD BE APPRECIATED!

I also want to give a HUGE thank you to my bestest Rexy . She gave me the best haircut and color that I have ever had. If you need one yourself you should go by the "Mane Lines" and let her bless you with her amazing talent! I felt like a new woman when I walked out of the salon.

Photos to come I promise!!!