Dear friends

Last week we were given some heartbreaking news. Our dear friends and neighbors are moving away. Matt said, not too long ago, that we always believed buying our house was God's blessing. But, we soon realized the true blessing was the friends we came to know and love just down the street from our new house. That would be the Todd family - Bill, Jody, Kaleigh, Hannah and Liam. It would be difficult to imagine our neighborhood, our church and our lives without them, alas, God has called them away.

Bill recently accepted a position at Bellevue Community Church in Nashville, Tennessee. That's about 2 hours east of the college Matt and I attended down there. While we are excited for them, our hearts are saddened by the news. Bill and Jody have become dear friends, friends I truly consider family. And, just like the absence of a brother and/or sister, they, along with their 3 wonderful kids, will be missed. I know we're not alone. There are many in the Woodcrest family who will feel their absence. They have become ingrained in our little community of believers.

We'll have the opportunity to visit them. But, it hurts to think that they won't be down the street anymore, the happy little bunch that is the Todd clan. I miss them already just thinking about it. Who are we going to watch the UFC with? Or, hang out for no good reason? And, who's gonna play Gears of War 2 and Guitar Hero with me?

Good luck you guys and may God bless you in the new chapter of your lives. We love you!

The niceties of life

I can't help but think that I'm a lucky woman. I'm married to a man who still holds value in the gentleman mentality. Something that is losing merit as our society progresses. I think about the little things he does that are a sign of respect for me and for women in general. Little things like holding the door as we walk in/out of a building, opening the car door as I get seated, and waiting to eat only when all the women are seated at the table and have themselves began to eat. Yes, these niceties that I worry my daughters will never experience for themselves from someone other than their father.

I know it's something that isn't in my hands, but God's. But, being human, I still tend to worry about my daughters missing out on the niceties. Isa, my oldest, is only five years old, and I wonder if other boys her age are being taught these little things. My father, for example, knew and understood these gentlemen attributes, but never was a gentleman himself. As a result, my brother, the only male sibling, never learned what it means to be a gentleman. In fact, I recall a specific moment when I visited my family last in which I was enjoying a meal with my dad. My brother and his girlfriend joined us not long after. As they prepared to eat, she got up to grab a drink and he began to chow down on his food. I looked at him and said, "you know, you should really wait until she gets back before you start." He looked at me with this puzzled look on his face. "Nuh uh," he retorted. I continued to tell him that it is rude to begin eating before your woman is ready. He looks at my dad, who responds, "well, you're supposed to." He was surprised by my reaction, but even more so by my dad's response. He gently put his fork down and waited for her to return.

Of course, I consider myself spoiled sometimes because of what my husband does. For example, I couldn't tell you the last time I pumped gas in any of our vehicles. Matt has made every effort to make sure that when I get into our truck or car, that they have sufficient gas for my trip that day. Of course, I think he's going out of his way now because of my current physical state. I'm 32 1/2 weeks pregnant. Still, I appreciate his efforts and make sure to thank him for everything he does.

I understand that a woman's independence is held in high regard nowadays. I really don't have a problem with that. I mean, as a woman, you have to be able to take care of yourself. But, there's nothing wrong with letting your husband be a man and take care of you and the family.

Diane Sawyer learns a little something from Clark Howard and Dave Ramsey

Good Morning America's Diane Sawyer learns about the four walls from Dave and Clark. What are the four walls? Food, shelter, transportation, and utilities.

Mortgage - $744, Grocery budget $400, Look on Dianne Sawyer's face when she finds out to pay credit cards last - priceless!

Check it out for yourself.