Cherish Every Moment

Today while I was at the grocery store I noticed so many young women shopping with their grandmothers. It made me think about all the times I would go shopping with my Mamaw to either Greer's or Delchamps. I used to love going shopping with her because it would be just the two of us and we could talk about anything. Today as I saw those girls shopping with their grandmothers I wanted to stop them and tell them to cherish every moment - even the everyday moments. It's weird how it's the little things that make me miss her so much. It's hard to believe that it has been a year since she has passed away, but I know she is in a much better place and I choose to celebrate that and her life.

I know it has been a long time since I have blogged, but I am still here. We had a nice summer and are enjoying our fall now. This summer my youngest sister, Katie, got married and it was really beautiful.



Some amazing women in my life




More amazing women in my life



Matt and I also decided to add another member to our family this summer. We love our sweet rescue puppy, Rusty, and knew we wanted another rescue puppy. We contacted the Brittany Spaniel Rescue group and met Emily or as she is known, Bella. (I do love Twilight, but she is not named after Bella from Twilight. Anyone that knows me knows that I am on Team Bella Sucks.) She is very different from Rusty, but we love her so much. She and Rusty are getting adjusted to each other and doing well.







I will try and blog more, but before I go..... WAR EAGLE!!

Happy Mother's Day

I have the most amazing Mom ever!! I look up to her so much and hope to one day be as great a mom as she is. Looking back now, I do not know how in the world she raised the 4 of us, went back to college, and kept up with the house and every day stuff. When I was in 5th grade, she went back to college to get her degree in Education and she hasn't looked back since. She has since gotten her Masters and Administration degree in Education and I could not be more proud of her. Her love for her job is amazing and I hope I am half the teacher she is.

I talk to my Mom often and love sharing stuff with her. Matt often makes fun of me because we talk so much, but I am just so blessed to be able to call my Mom my best friend. She is the only one who will tell me to suck it up and quit feeling sorry for myself or just let me cry when I need to cry. I honestly do not know what I would do without her in my life.

My Mom is so brave and I learned that first hand this past Fall while I helped take care of my Mamaw. My Mom stayed strong and did everything she could to make my Mamaw feel at peace. I know my Mamaw appreciated everything my Mom, Aunt Debbie, Uncle Tim and Uncle Steve did for her. My Mom learned how to be a great mother from the great mother she had in her life. I know today is very hard for her as it is for all of us, but I know my Mamaw is looking down and smiling. I hope today that my Mom sees a beautiful butterfly. I love you Mom and I hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day!

Infertility Awareness Week

This week is National Infertility Awareness Week and it has made me think about the journey we have taken with infertility. I never thought that we wouldn't have a baby right now. I imagined us taking our baby for walks in the afternoon, visiting with family and friends, and just being busy parents. But, I have learned that God has a different plan for us. I know that this journey has made Matt and me grow closer as a couple and we have a deeper bond because of it. I can't believe that this time a year ago, we found out that our second IUI had failed. We just knew that this one had been "the one". But then life happened - like my Mamaw being diagnosed with a fatal brain tumor and me losing my job. So, I know that there is a bigger plan for the Voughts. Do we understand it? Not right now, but we will. Do we understand why teenagers get pregnant so easily? Do we understand why people who aren't even married get pregnant so easily? I don't understand it and I guess I never will. Every time I see someone who isn't married announce they are pregnant, it hurts my heart. I know that I might be stepping on some toes, but I don't think it is fair. We want a baby so badly and yet it has not been given to us yet. But other people are allowed this gift. I guess I just needed to share how I was feeling and I appreciate anyone who is reading this. I want to share a video that just speaks to me so much.

I'm still here....

I know it's been forever since I posted, but honestly there has not been much to post about. Our family did get some exciting news in March! My youngest sister, Katie, got engaged. She and Ben are getting married here in Birmingham in July and we are all so excited. I still can't believe that she is getting married. I think I will always picture Katie as my baby sister walking around in her purple sweatsuit with her monogram on it. She has grown into such an amazing woman and I know she and Ben will love married life. I am so honored to be a part of their special day and can't wait to share this day with them.




Katie and Ben the night they got engaged




Katie's beautiful ring




How I will always picture Katie :)

Matt is still working on our kitchen renovation - I have honestly lost track of how long it has taken him to do this. It does look really good and I can't wait to see what it looks like once it is finished. He will work on our bathroom once he's finished with the kitchen and he promises it won't take that long at all. Sure! I have heard that before. :) I am impressed with all that he can do around the house. He is very handy! Once the kitchen is finished, I will post pictures for everyone to see.

Hope everyone enjoys this beautiful weekend!

30 Day Shred

For the past 3 1/2 weeks I have been doing the 30 Day Shred. I needed to get back in shape and had a feeling that Jillian would be the person to help me. Well, I was right. The first day kicked my butt, but now I am loving it. I am on Level 2 now and sometimes I think I am going to pass out, but it's worth it. I have lost about 5 pounds and I am pretty excited about it. I am looking forward to losing more weight and being able to wear shorts this spring.

A New Year

Well, we made it through the holiday season and I am glad to say that it is over. Don't get me wrong I love the holidays, but this holiday season was hard for me and my family. I missed my Mamaw so much!! My mom and I went to her grave and it was surreal to see her name and the dates. The last time I had gone there, it was just her name. My mom and Aunt Debbie did a wonderful job of decorating Mamaw and Pawpaw's grave - they would have been proud. Also, we went to my White-Headed Mamaw's grave as well and realized that the last flowers put there were by my Mamaw. My mom and I could not believe that it had been 12 years since White-Headed Mamaw had passed away, but the rain didn't let us forget. The day of her burial, we couldn't have the ceremony because it poured! Of course when we went, it poured rain the whole time, but we put a beautiful poinsettia for her. I know Mamaw was smiling down on us. Even though this was one of the hardest holiday seasons I have ever been through, it made me so grateful for my family! We have stuck by each other and I don't know what I would do without them. They give me strength and lots of laughter when I think it's not possible. Christmas Eve was very different without a certain laugh and smile, but I know she was glad that we were together. Here are some pictures for you to enjoy. I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Years.



















Katie and Ben on her birthday.



We especially missed this family on Christmas, but loved seeing pictures and talking to them. We love you!




Sweet Kam




Precious Karissa




Adorable Evan


I know that this year has been one of the most difficult years I have had in a long time, but I know I made it because of my faith and family. My Mamaw always said, "Leigh, God does not give us anymore than we can handle." Well, we have handled it and I know that 2010 is going to be amazing and hopefully this year I can add proud parent to my list of accomplishments. Thank you for all of your support and comments, they mean the world to me.