Roll Tide... but not really

Life happens and I don't blog for a while. I'm sure you've all been on the edge of your seats - bahah.

It's finally happened. I'm losing sleep. We're nearly at the 3 week mark, and I literally have so much on my mind that: 1. I literally cannot get it all out because words aren't working. 2. I have begun to lose sleep (which for me, never happens).
No trouble actually falling asleep at night, but rest assured (no pun intended) an hour and a half in, these eyes POP open. I'm literally so exhausted that I can't sleep. Once I get back to sleep, the hour and a half process starts all over again... until the dreaded alarm clock goes off.

I have a theory that it could be any number of things making this happen. One of the major reasons, I fear: my puppy. Mugzy is 2.5 years old, and from 8 weeks old until Sunday night, he has slept in my bed with me. I really didn't forsee this being an issue for anyone but him once this time came, but I'm starting to think I was wayy more comforted by his presence than I thought. He is a snuggly little guy...




This is Mugzy Bubba Pankhurst (soon-to-be Floro)

 That's exactly the face I get every night, when I have to make him lay down in his doggie bed on the floor.
"Mommy, WHY are you doing this to me??"
Please, don't scold me. I am doing the best I can. I've heard all the lectures, and yes, my marriage is more important. It just breaks my heart.


In spite of my tossing and turning, I did wake up smiling this morning. I had this commercial stuck in my head.

Jordan likes to make fun of Alabama fans when he sees them out and about by nodding and saying "roll tide" as he passes by. Actually, with his funny little yanky accent, attempting to sound southern, it comes out more like "rowl tod." I love him. And I love that he makes fun of Alabama fans. 

...and just in case you were wondering, this commercial is not too far from reality. They seem to all say it the same way too!

Anywho... I can't make any promises that I'll be posting before the wedding, but I sure will try. If not, until next time, happy trails, God speed, drive safely, and "rowl tod."

Melissa

Let's Get FIT(ted)!

A lovely blue gift bag greeted me as I walked into my cube this morning. The card attached said, "Melissa, thank you for all your support and patience." Inside the bag? An adorable little tower made of notepads (pretty ones) and a matching pen.

I thought, "Aww, how nice! And... random!"

Apparently today today is Administratvie Assistant appreciation day...or is is Admin Assistant appreciation week? Or both?

Anywho, although I am not technically an "admin assistant," it's so nice to be appreciated once in a while! :-)

I'm warning you now that this post may be a tad random. I have lot's on my "to do" list this week! Most of it is SUPER fun stuff, too! I have 2, yes, TWO bridal showers this week, and my 2nd gown fiting is in fact, tonight after work!

My little heart has been fluttering all day. This is the fitting that I get to try everything on together. My seamstress stressed the importance that I see myself in the whole get-up so that if there is something that I do not like, I still have time to change it.

I CANNOT IMAGINE being displeased with any of it, but we shall see. :-)

It's all so surreal. I haven't seen my gown since I left it in Martha's hands back in early March. She's already fitted the bustle and is going to teach Mama how to fix it for the wedding. It's possible there may not be any more alterations that need to be made after this fitting!

No doubt, Jordan shall be on pins and needles. Not to mention that the poor dear had less than 3 hours of sleep last night... 38 more days, and he can feast his eyes out on this gown he's heard nothing about (except that it has pockets) for months and months! (P.S. he told me a long while back that he was going to google "white pocket wedding dress" in order to find a picture of my gown. Boys are silly.)

I'm off in about a half hour. Later taters!

Melissa

Thing(s) I'm Loving pt.2

I hope you all had a blessed Easter! I had a great, relaxing weekend full of good food, family time, and reflecting on the great sacrifice that our Lord made for us over 2,000 years ago. (SO thankful) Also, missing my hunny. He was with me to celebrate last Easter. School's almost over though, we can make it.



Now, you'll notice that the "s" in the title above is in parentheses. I have plenty of 'things' that I could share with you today that I am indeed loving as of late. One, as of late is ranked much higher - therefore deserves it's very own post.

1. ViSalus

 http://mjpankhurst.bodybyvi.com/

Last year was one of the most diffucult years I faced in my life - physically, my body felt like I had aged probably 10-15 years if not more. I spent 9 months and ALL my vacation time in bieng passed from doctor's office to doctor's office, undergoing sleep studies, hearing the words, "I really don't know what's wrong," from way to many medical professionals to count. I was exhausted 24 hours a day. I had ZERO energy. I felt like a lazy failure. I was depressed even in the midst of what should have been the happiest time in my life.I was frustrated. To say the very least.
I finally came to a point where I gave up on the doctor's appointments, test running, and prescription drugs that never worked. I was racking up medical bills with no answer in sight, and I needed a break.

Confession time:
My entire life I have eaten what I wanted when I wanted to. No matter how bad it was for me. If I craved fast food, I got in my car and satisfied myself with a trip through the drive-thru. I became addicted to satisfying my every whim for food. I LOVE food. And because as a "youngin," I never gained a pound - what did it matter that I was living such a self-destroying lifestyle?
Did I ever consider the fact that this lifestyle was catching up with me, and may be what was causing all these issues that had become medically undefinable? Yes. Did I listen to that ever-looming reality? No way.  Trust me, it is embarrassing to admit such a thing. But I'd wager that more than half the individuals that will read this post will more than be able to identify with this.
So now, it is very important that you listen to what I am about to tell you...

About 3 months ago, my Dad came to me with a request. He was going to begin a challenge program with a company called ViSalus. I had heard of this program, in fact, there were several people that I knew well who were apart of it as well - but like anyone who had been through what I had... I was more than skeptical. What surprised me was, Dad didn't seem to be at all. He asked me to go on this challenge with him. He needed to lose at least 30 pounds for the sake of his heath, and for me it was just something to try that might help make me feel better. What did I have to lose, right?

As of last week, Dad is 27 pounds lighter and feeling amazing. As for me, it's been a bit tougher to stick to the program since I don't have his "pitbull" personality, but do I feel better? Holy moly, do I! I honestly cannot remember ever feeling better in my enitre life. I have the energy I need daily, with some to spare, and you know why? Because I am giving my body the nutrients it needs to function properly! This isn't about dieting. It's not about some heinous work out program that only an olympian could even try to accomplish. It's about replacing the JUNK that you put into your body now, for something that will fuel your body to do what it is supposed to. AND it costs less than you would spend going to McDonalds, or dare I say it, Chic Fil A to fill your body with junk that only makes you feel tired and slow.

The link above is my challenge website. Curious? Go on and just watch the videos. There are tons more stories like mine and Dad's. And, of course, if you'd like more information about taking the challenge as well - Ask! What do you have to lose?

Melissa

Happy Birthday, Liberty!

My very favorite little girl is turning a whopping 5 years old today! I can hardly believe it, and it almost makes me want to cry!

Liberty Rachel Pankhurst was born on April 21, 2006. I remember being SO anxious to see her - so excited to be an aunt for the very first time. When she finally decided to come, all it took was one look at that chubby, round little face and we were all immediately smitten. As she grows, she amazes everyone with her intelligence, wit, and caring personality. In her 5  years, Liberty has welcomed 2 younger brothers whom she cares for with such enthusiasm. She gives the greatest hugs, and her little giggle is so infectious - the meanest of meanies couldn't resist smiling at that giggle! She has certainly captivated her new uncle, Jordan as well!

One of my favorite pictures of Libs. What an imagination she has!

Liberty,
Sissy and Jordan love you very, very much. We can't wait to see how much more you learn and grow as you start school this fall - you will make so many friends and have a blast! More than anything, we pray that you will continue to learn about and love Jesus. Always follow Him, and tell others about His love! We are so proud of the person you are becoming, sweet girl. Happy 5th Birthday!

Love

Jordan and Sissy

Christ Our Joy and Strength

I must have listened to this song a dozen times this morning. Over and over again down I-95 on my way to work.

My Sister-in-law, Sarah will be having surgery this morning to remove a mass that was found in her abdomen earlier this week. Although our hearts are heavy, we have hope and joy because we know that no matter the outcome - Christ alone is our Joy and Strength. I am confident that God knows what He is doing, and that the Drs and nurses in that hospital will be changed by the peace they witness in Jared and Sarah.

Please pray for them today, and their kids, Liberty, Lucas, and Riley. God is in control, therefore, joy is in our hearts.

Melissa

Slacking

Helloooo!

My goodness, another week down! We're at 7, on Saturday in case you were wondering - just 51 days! Eeep!

I just realized that neither of us have posted in a week - shame, shame! (Ha - like you all have been on the edge of your seats wondering where we were all week. Psh.) I should have updated sooner, because my family could have used your prayers this week greatly. My sweet Mamaw has been ill since January, and her doctors have had a really tough time figuring out just what is causing her to feel the way that she does. Safe to say we discovered it late on Sunday night when she woke my Aunt complaining of not being able to breathe. She ended up in the ER at Mayo around 2 AM, and it was discovered shortly after that her lungs were over half full of fluid. No wonder she couldn't breathe! Poor thing has been in the hospital there all week, and we really don't expect her home by the weekend either. Draining this fluid is a slowwww process, all while trying to keep her blood pressure from sky-rocketing, causing her to go into cardiac arrest. From the looks of things, she is out of the woods, but is still struggling to breathe normally. So, please do keep her and the rest of my family in your prayers. We've all been on rotation spending time with her in the hospital, and trying to keep Papaw from completely wearing himself down from the hour travel from Callahan to Mayo.


Jordan would certainly also appreciate your prayers. As I'm writing this blog he just text me and told me he's hitting a writing block in a major paper he must complete for graduation. Pray for endurance these next 2 weeks as he finishes up. Pray that I can be the encouragement he needs also...

He'll be heading to Lynchburg this weekend to tie up some lose ends before the big move in May. We have found the place that we are confident God has led us to, to live. Jordan's Mama will be accompanying him on my behalf to make sure that everything is just right, and God willing, I'll be reporting to you that it's officially ours on Monday! (P.S. THANK YOU Deana, for making sure you're boy finds me a nice place to reside!) She looks out for her soon-to-be daughter-in-law (that's alot of hyphens!). I'm especially thankful, because although I trust my sweet, sweet fiance, he has lived in the oldest, nastiest dorm on campus for 4 years. I've only heard tales of the greusomeness that resides in Bruce hall.


In other news, all invitations are officially out! The RSVPs are flowing in daily - we can't get them opened fast enough! Make sure you send yours in, too and we'll see you all in June!

Have an incredible weekend everyone!

Melissa

Things I'm loving...

Hello again!

Told ya Jordan's posts would be AWESOME, didn't I?!

I've got a few prayer requests for you all. It's been quite an eventful week for us on the making-our-move-to-Lynchburg front. I've had a couple of departments at LU show some interest in me this week, and one ask to do a phone interview! That will be at noon on Monday, so if you can, mark it on your calendars and be in prayer for me at that time. Also, we think we've finally found the place where we will be living - not only is it PERFECT for our situation, but God led us to the woman we will be renting from. She is actually from Florida and went through the exact same seminary program that Jordan will be starting in the fall! How insane is that?! God is definitely showing himself mighty, and I'm now wondering how I ever worried that this would happen. As always, our prayer is that His will be done, and that He be given glory for all of this, so we ask that you would pray the same for us!

As Jordan has told you, we're excited to be participating in a wedding this weekend. So, in the name of all things wedding, I thought I'd share some of the things that have helped me in this planning process... I plan on making this a frequent post, and I'm calling it, "Things I'm loving." Enjoy...

1. etsy.com
I have definitely become an etsy.com bride! It's incredible the things you can find on this website! I have bought everything from my flower girl's dress to our guestbook, to my jewelry on this website. Most everything is handmade by folks who are truly great at what they do - and everything I have ordered has turned out fabulous! The best part? All at reasonable prices! I'm in love.

2. Eco tools loofa facial sponges
These have been a lifesaver! I first spotted them on the little kiosk at the check out in Ulta a few months back. They were only a dollar, so I figured, why not? All I can say is, WONDERFUL. For a person who has struggled with adult acne, they make my skin baby smooth! I use them just once a day when I cleanse at night (so as not to irritate my skin because it is very sensitive) and it removes all the dirt, make up, and gunk that builds up! Great pre-wedding skin regemine.

3. weddinggawker.com
Another great website! This is the place to snag ideas from just about any wedding blog in existance. AND I equally, if not in greater fashion love it's sister site that just happens to be my #4 thing that I'm loving...

4. foodgawker.com
I have always enjoyed cooking. I got the opportunity to do a little more while I was living in my apartment, but quickly realized how difficult it is to cook for one person. Typically, I can get in ruts an cook the same things over and over again. I quickly becaome aware of the fact that I have a football player to feed very soon! I found foodgawker.com and went nuts. Delicious recipes are posted every day from again, just about any food blog you could imagine. I think my recipe count is over 200 since finding this wonderful website. I can't wait to start cooking for my "hungry man!" :-)

5. Gel nail polish
I seriously am in love with this stuff! It's a bit more to pay for a manicure, but it lasts for 2 whole weeks! I'm completely anti-fake nails. I wore acrylics for years and completely destroyed my natural nails. It has taken me over 2 years to get them back in shape. Manicures are wonderful, but nail polish has a way of chipping off natural nails within hours of applying it. Not gel! This stuff is amazing, and doesn't damage the natural nail underneath. Definitely the way to go for your wedding mani/pedi!

6. My ipad!
This probably should have been first on the list. Admittedly, I don't know half the things this device can do, but boyohboy to I love me some fruit ninja! I've also been using it to track my wedding addresses and sending of thank you notes and invitations. It was my wedding gift - and yes, Jordan has one as well. I can't wait to be sitting on the deck of our fabulous honeymoon cruise, sunglasses on, ice cold coca-colas in hand, reading books on our ipads while we tan away! 59 days till we sail! Come quickly!!!!

Well, there's probably a plethora of things more that I could add, but I will have to save them for the next issue of "Things I'm loving." This post has gotten wayyyy long.

Have an incredible Thursday, everyone!

Melissa

etsy
weddinggawker
foodgawker

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean. . .

I hope the Lee Ann Womack lyrics didn't throw you off!  I must say, I am a sucker for cheesy songs that are played constantly on "Love Songs with Delilah."

With that said. . .

What a day today has been!  Just when I thought things couldn't get any busier, they did!  That's just how things go sometimes I guess.  Tomorrow, my room mate and one of my best friends, Brian Alexander will be making a trip with me to Jacksonville.  We are driving down to celebrate the wedding of David Thornton and his fiancee, Candice Rutherford on Friday night.  David, who grew up in Fernadina Beach (which is conveniently only about 30 minutes from Melissa's house) has become a lifetime friend of mine and I am honored to be apart of his wedding and excited that he will be a groomsman in mine.

This trip celebrating David and Candice's marriage also means a small mini-vacation for me away from dorm life for a couple days.  Melissa and I have constantly been trying to get to the beach during one of my trips and I believe that this weekend is our time!  I absolutely love going to the beach!!  There is no stress that is too big when you stand in the sand, look out over the unending ocean, and realize that the God who holds it all in his hands is the same God who loves us and cares for us.

And so, going into this last trip to the Jacksonville area before the big day, I'm just reminded how much bigger God is than the stress and overwhelming busyness we face on even our toughest days.  It is going to be an amazing weekend of celebrating the love of David and Candice and an amazing weekend of spending time with my best friend, Melissa Jaynellen Pankhurst.  God is so good and His blessings are far greater than anything I could have planned on my own!

Be blessed and bless others; for God is SO good to His people!

Jordan

The Economy of Time

Hey bloggers!

Jordan here. This is my first appearance on this blog other than helping with the design. I am in the middle of what anyone would call "crunch-time!" today marked exactly one month before I walk across the NGU stage and receive a college degree! Time is most definitely flying by! I should have known. Everyone warned me it would. With graduation quickly approaching and projects and papers being turned in left and right, I have been keenly aware of my time and how I spend it.

I find myself constantly trying to stay focused on my studies. The workload seems insurmountable at times. I find myself feeling guilty for time that I spend outside of being productive with my schoolwork; however, one of my guilty pleasures is TED. TED, if you've not been introduced, is a website that puts up different talks from very smart people from all walks of life. Al Gore discussed global warming, Rick Warren discussed The Purpose Driven Life, many PhD types shared their dissertations and why the world is going to turmoil. Among all of these videos I found, Jake Shimabukuro.

Jake Shimabukuro, from Hawaii, opens by stating his belief that if the entire world played the ukulele, there would be much more peace in the world. He went on to play an incredible rendition of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" using only four strings and two octaves.

Being the time nut that I am right now, my first response to this incredible performance was, "wow, what an incredible waste of time." Out of all of the things this guy could be doing with his precious time, he decides to learn "Bohemian Rhapsody?" At that moment, I got it..

Shimabukuro truly believes that if more people played the ukulele, there would be much less violence in the world. It was obvious he believed it because of all that he had invested in learning to play the ukulele. It made me think. Is what I'm using my time for evidence of what I believe can change the world? Is my personal training in godliness such that I am influencing those around me to seek after Christ or am I just like everyone else?

I am convinced that if I were to invest my time more fully on God's word, my sphere of influence would broaden and lives would be eternally changed; much more so than a guy playing a ukulele.

With my growing appreciation and much respect for Jake Shimabukuro, I hope someday I can learn how to play the ukulele; who knows, if someone gets one for me for a wedding gift, it might help some of our newlywed disagreements! (hint, hint lol)

Enjoy for yourself, Jake Shimabukuro's rendition of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody!"

2 Months and Monday Blues

Happy Monday, y'all!

I never quite understood why folks at work always say that. Who is ever really happy about it being Monday? Not me! Monday always seems to be the toughest day of the week for most people - especially the ones that work. Monday only means that the precious, precious weekend is over. It means that you've got another 5 days to make it until another weekend - only to be met by, you guessed it, another MONDAY. Bummer, right??

Let's take another look at it, shall we?

I'm really trying lately to have not just a positive outlook on things, but to look at life for what it truly is. Let's face it, anyone can pretend to be a ray of sunshine. If for no other reason, just to annoy those around them. ;-) BUT I think we can all agree that is fake, fake, FAKE! Have you ever been around a person who never seems to have anything go wrong? You ask them how they are, and without fail, every time they answer, "I'm wonderful!! Everything is great!" If you're like me, your initial thought is, barf! After a while you may even start to believe that there must be something wrong with you for ever having a problem! I have to be careful of spending too much time around folks like this. They make it all too easy to listen when Satan then attempts to fill my heart with lies...

"You're a terrible Christian, Melissa. Christians don't have problems. They don't get down. You let things bother you way too much to ever be a positive influence in those around you..."

Do you ever hear those lies? The trick is recognizing them for what they are - LIES. How do you recognize the lies, though? Get this: Jesus promised that we'd have problems!


"I have said these things to you, that you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. but take heart; I have overcome the world." John 16:33 (ESV)

We all have problems! Jesus had terrible problems of His own. How great is that?! But if we look at the 2nd part of that verse, we realize that Jesus didn't wallow in his problems because He saw the bigger picture. He IS the bigger picture, actually. "I have overcome the world." How encouraging to know that no matter the issue in our life right now, Jesus has experienced it and overcome it so that we can have life, and everlasting joy! Here's another passage from earlier in the same chapter to encourage you further...

"Truly, truly I say unto you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you."  John 16: 20-22 (ESV)

Funny, Monday doesn't seem so bad anymore, huh? What are you joyful about today? Me? Besides the overwhelming fact that I have new life in Christ, and that He's never given up on me; I am one more Monday closer to being Mrs. Floro! We officially have 2 months to go until our BIG day! That's 61 days, 9 weeks and 5 days... however you want to look at it, things are flying by!

Jordan and I literally have something going on every single weekend until our wedding. It's a bit more fun for me, as most of these things are wedding related. Jordan on the other hand is prepping for graduation, which will happen 1 month from tomorrow. It's crunch time for him, and amidst loads of course work, he is working as many hours a week as possible, spending time serving a local church, and as a chaplain for NGU's atheletic ministries, which is why he's not had much time to post yet. But he will soon, and you'll love it because he's an incredible communicator. MUCH better than I. :-) Keep him in your prayers this month as you remember. I'm soooo proud of him, he's amazing!

I'm a wimp, and work 9-5 weekdays, then get to go home and chill every night. On the weekends, this is what I get to do:

Glorious, isn't it? I stole this from my friend, Sarah. I will post more soon, I promise.
My very best pal hosted a bridal shower for me on Saturday. She did a marvelous job!


Be encouraged,

Melissa

We Ain't Foolin'!

Hello Blog world!

First off, Happy April Fool's Day!!!! I can honestly say that I have not fooled anyone today, nor have I been fooled...yet. (I say yet because I just KNOW Jordan will get me by the end of today, somehow.) But aparently some of my loved ones have been hard at work fooling others today. I got a text from my sister-in-law, Sarah that said,

   "Jared (my brother) told me you and Jordan were breaking up for April Fools. It really upset me so now I    need revenge! Any ideas?"

Poor Sarah. I can imagine how upset she must have been! So I immediately informed Jordan that we must help her get Jared back. His response?

   "Aw, man! I was totally going to pull the same thing on my sister!"

I won't mention what he actually did get his sister with later on in the day. All I can say is, boys...sheesh! I hope you are all at least being kind in your April fooling escapades today. Don't give anyone a coronary!

Now, for the sake of redundancy, this blog is no fool! I am excited to start this. Be sure to give us lots of feedback! Enjoy!
Melissa