Our Love Story...

This is kind of a lengthy story but its a good one. And it ends well. ;) This is the story of how Matt and I met and became who we are today. *I must note that a couple names have been changed in the story because my memory is not the best and though I remember the correct names perfectly, I may not remember the exact words or details that took place so many years ago. So, to avoid misquoting or mis-telling the story, I changed the names. You know who you are if you are reading this.  ; ) Enjoy...

It all began the summer of 2001. That's when Aaron, my boyfriend, introduced me to his best friend, Matt. Matt and I became fast friends. We spent more time laughing and talking with one another than anyone else that summer. In fact, people started to wonder whether I was dating Aaron or Matt. The chemistry between the two of us was unmistakable. However, I would never cheat and Matt would never betray Aaron's trust. There was no denying though the attraction was there.

Just a month into my sophmore year, I began to see a different side to Aaron. It seemed as though we were more brother and sister than boyfriend and girlfriend. We were fighting constantly. Aaron and I decided it would be best to break up and remain friends than to continue fighting the way we were. Aaron was going through a lot. His dad was ill with cancer and I wanted to be there for him. I thought of Aaron's family as part of my own. So, we remained friends.

With Aaron and I no longer dating, it was kind of expected for Matt to ask me out on a date. He never did though. We remained friends, but that was it. Matt had told me once that he didn't feel right dating his best friends girl. I was kind of disapointed but relieved at the same time. See, I thought that what Matt and I had was special. I didn't want to lose that. However, no matter how strong my feelings for Matt were, my fear of being alone was stronger. I began dating again not long after that. Matt was always happy for me. But inside everyone knew he was jealous. I thrived on the jealousy. I wanted Matt to want me. And he definitly wanted me.

Matt's senior prom was approaching and though I was already dating someone, he just couldn't see himself going to the prom with anyone but me. So, he asked me to be his date. I was hesitant. I didn't answer for several days. But one day as I was headed to 5th period I passed Matt in the hallway. Just seeing him reminded me of how much I longed to be with him. He wasn't asking me to break up with my boyfriend or anything. He wanted to go as friends, with a group of friends. I didn't see the harm in that. So, as they passed, I turned around and stood on my tiptoes. I hollered as loud as I could across the sea of teenagers to where Matt stood and simply said, "Yes, I will go with you." Matt turned and smiled his irrestible smile that he saved just for me. I knew that smile well.

April 2002 Prom had finally come. Though I kept telling myself that we were only going as friends, I couldn't seem to get rid of the butterflies flittering around in my heart. Little did I know that Matt was thinking of more too. He picked me up early so we could meet the rest of the group for pictures. He brought a pink rose and a beautiful pink rose corsage that matched my dress perfectly. And as he escorted me to the car, I saw that he had borrowed his dad's pick up for the evening. See, I was a country girl. I was crazy about trucks. Matt thought that I would much rather ride in a truck than any limo in the world. He was right. My heart melted. The evening went wonderfully. Though it seemed more like a real date than just two friends hanging out. Matt even fed me part of his dinner. It was as if the other three couples weren't even with us. That it was just Matt and I.

I knew after prom that it wasn't fair to anyone to continue dating when my heart so obviously belonged to Matt. So, I broke it off with my boyfriend. Wanting so badly for Matt to realize that we were more than just friends. Matt did finally get up the nerve to ask me out. After thinking about it a few days, I said yes. But it wasn't as great as we had thought. Suddenly shy around eachother and completely terrified of losing our friendship, we quickly broke things off. Neither of us, were happy about that, but the friendship continued.

Late that Summer, we both went to Tennessee to help our friend's sister move. It was a beautiful night with an abundance of shining stars in the Tennessee sky, when I said I Love You for the first time. Suddenly, things got quiet. Matt retreated inside the house where he spent the rest of the evening reading and not saying much to anyone. Meanwhile, I was freaking out. What had I done? Why did I tell him? The next morning we both wanted to talk. After, a long sleepless night, I went first. I told him that we should probably remain friends. It would be better that way. Right? Though, I really didn't believe it. All I wanted was for Matt to say I love you in return and swoop me into his arms. Instead he angrily packed his bags and drove home. Leaving me to catch a ride with our friend. Things were just never the same after that. We started going to differnt churches and hanging out with different people. Matt poured himself into God and I ran away from both of them.

Now, let's fast forward to the year 2005. Matt and I have only talked to eachother a couple of times over the years. Though the feelings were always there. Neither of us were brave enough to try again. But something happens in my life that has me suddenly thinking of Matt more than ever.

I had been dating, Clay for two years. It was our anniversary. I knew that tonight he was going to propose. It was what I wanted, what we had talked about. But when the time came the first word I thought of was not yes, or no...it was Matt. I said yes anyway, wondering why I thought of someone I hadn't seen or spoken to out of the blue and at a time like that? But what made matters more confusing is the lack of joy coming from Clay as well. What were we doing? Did either of us want to get married?

Clay disappeared a couple weeks later. Said he just needed some time. Aaron shows up to take me to lunch to cheer me up. He asks if Matt knows about Clay. Suddenly, I can't hide my feelings anymore. I beg Aaron not to say anything to Matt. Embarrassed I ask Aaron to take me home. He simply looks at me and says, "One day I hope someone will love me like you love him." I couldn't believe what I heard. Did I really love him that much? After all these years? Does he even think about me anymore?

A few months pass and Clay shows back up. Wants to try to work things out. Since I have convinced myself that Matt is too good for me and he will never come back. I decide to give Clay another chance. But quickly discover that he is lying to me and living a completely different life than I want to lead. Now, I am faced again with deciding whether we should break up.

A few days before my 20th birthday, I get an unexpected phone call. It was Matt. He wanted to ask me to lunch. Said he thought we could catch up. I was almost certain that Aaron must have told him about Clay. Why else would he have called? I haven't heard from him in so long. Why now? But I would never turn him down. So, we plan to meet the next day.

Both of us are a bundle of nerves. It doesn't take long to know that all the old feelings are still there and stronger than ever. Matt was more talkative than he had been in the past. I couldn't believe all the things I was hearing. He said that he had been thinking about me. Then Aaron called and said that he should call me. So, he did. I told him about Clay. How we had gotten engaged and broke it off but are now trying to make it work. He told me he was happy for me. He talked to me about how I deserved happiness. I deserved a man that would cherish me and love me unconditionally. He described the type of man that I saw in him. It was not long into the conversation that I realized that he was talking about himself. He was fighting for me. Just like I had always hoped he would. However, this time I was already taken.

We left the lunch not knowing what would happen. Not knowing if we would be friends again or if there was a chance for something more. But I knew I owed it to myself and to Clay to try to work things out. So I prayed. A lot.

Another month passes, more lies are revealed and it is evident that the relationship between Clay and I is not going to make it. I am a bundle of nerves the morning I prepare to say goodbye to Clay. While praying and asking God if I am doing the right thing I get a text from Matt. Not having talked to him since my birthday I can only assume that the timing was a God thing. The text simply said, "Good Morning, beautiful. Hope you have a wonderful day. I love you!"

Wait...What?? Was that really from Matt? Did he mean to send it to me? Maybe he had a girlfriend and just hit my number by mistake. My coworkers convince me to call Matt and simply ask him if he sent the text. He says yes he did send the message. I say, "ok, thanks. Talk to you later," and hang up on him! Seriously in shock from the content of the message, the timing of the message, the anxiety over the break up that is due to take place in just a couple hours, I can't even think straight.

To shorten this sweet story...Clay and I broke up that afternoon. Matt continued to text me. Letting me know that he was praying for me and sometimes stopping by to say hey. After a couple weeks, I finally asked him if we would ever be more than friends. He simply replied, "I don't want to be your rebound." This caused me to laugh,because what he didn't realize is that Clay was the rebound. Matt was the one I had always wanted. But I simply say, "I'll wait."

November 4th, 2005, Matt finally told me that he loved me and he wanted to be more than friends but that he couldn't date me. God had already told him that I was the one he was meant to marry. So if I wanted to be with him, I had to be ready for forever. I obviously said yes. Matt kissed me for the first time that night and the friendship that we had cherished for so long was finally a love story.

One month later, Matt proposed to me. And that is the beginning of our happily ever after....

Wow! Time for an update?

So, where should I begin....
Matthew is still at Ross Bridge. Still working hard. Still providing So well for his family. (Love ya Babe!) He and I both are trying to lose weight right now. (Not fun!). Matt had a birthday! He is now 27 years old! In honor of him getting another year closer to 30, I threw him a Super Mario Brothers party! lol. Let's see, other than that not much new in Matt's life. He is still AWESOME!

Kaylee... well, Kaylee is still growing up WAY too fast. She is breathtakingly beautiful and smart. (But I may be a little biased.) She has developed a little more attitude than I would like, but I really can't blame her. She didn't stand a chance in this family. ;) She did fall a few weeks back and hit her face pretty hard. It knocked her front tooth back and we were nervous we were going to lose the tooth. It turned grey, then black, but now is turning back to normal! :)

Cade is going through some stuff right now. Most of you already know that he has chronic diarrhea. Well, after three years we are now testing and trying to find out what is the cause. He went for a Hydrogen Breath Test at Children's hospital last month and was unable to complete the test. He started throwing up in the waiting room. It was a combo of nerves and an empty stomach. So we rescheduled and tried again this past Friday. He was able to complete the test and we should know that results of that today.(Hopefully). What we are looking for is lactose intolerance. If it is not that than we will look at Fructose/Glucose intolerance, or food allergies. Its been a crazy few months in and out of labs and doctors offices but he is such a trooper.

I am doing well. I have had an emotional year thus far, but I am just AMAZED at how God is working in my life. I lost my dear cousin, Brandon a couple months ago. He was Such an amazing man of God. I truly miss him. I have had to let go of some relationships along the way this year but praise God I have made new ones! I have seen God provide for every need this year. For every loss/hurdle I have faced, He has provided. I am So blessed!

That's about all I can think of for your Keenum Family Update! Please stay tuned for a special love story edition in honor of Matt and I's fifth wedding anniversary!! :)

God Bless!!!!
Kim

Fall 2010

   So, though I did manage to get a Thanksgiving post in I have not updated you all on the life of the Keenums in a while. Where to begin...
   Well, Matthew is now the Head of the AV department at Ross Bridge. It is a lot more responsibility for a smidgen of more pay. But I am super excited for him! He likes it so far. Although, his first week on the job he was asked to let go the only other AV guy there who also happens to be a good friend. That was very upsetting and a very difficult position to be put in. He struggled with that for many reasons. Thankfully, the Lord quickly provided a great job opportunity for his friend and we believe strongly that God has big plans for him and his amazing wife! (We REALLY do!) Anyway, he is really starting to get the hang of the new department and is enjoying his new role at Ross Bridge. During the holiday season he is also working part time at Costco. It has great pay! And even though he still works too much, it has been a blessing. I am so proud of my husband for being such a devoted provider for this family.

Let see, who's next...
  
Well, Cayden had a birthday! He is the big 3! We now have to pay for him to go to the movies with us, lol. He has really shown a new attitude for this year of his life. Not quite sure its a good one. ;) He is much more boy now! I LOVE that! He is chasing cars, scaring his sister, and unfortunately shooting his "laser" at people. He is making me feel much more at home, as I grew up with two older brothers. Don't get me wrong I just love my little girl. But there is nothing like having a boy in the house to make life interesting.
  
 Kaylee is growing so fast. She amazes me everyday with how intelligent she is. I am worried she is about to surpass me already! ;) She is going to turn four in just four short days. I sometimes wonder if she is turning 14! She has some mood swings, but she is the best sister and daughter anyone could ever ask for. She loves helping me with anything, but mostly loves taking care of the boys. She has learned she can pick Hudson up. Which, will not last long as he is almost caught up to them in height and weight. She will make a great mommy one day... a VERY VERY VERY long time from now. Ha!

   Both the babies celebrated their birthdays on Thanksgiving weekend! We had a joint birthday party for them. The theme was Alvin and The Chipmunks! They had a blast!
  
   As for me... well, what can I say. Life is about the same. Still at home with my babies (all three of them). The only thing that has changed for me lately is that I had some health issues going on. I have been in and out of the doctors office all fall. But I now know that the medication I was taking was causing all my "problems" and after a rough, rough "detox" (for lack of a better word) I am a new woman! The doctors did give me a scare a few times in the process though. First they said they thought I had Thyroid problems, blood work came back clear. Then they did a MRI and found two pituitary microadenomas. Made me wait over a month before finding out that they are not even an issue. They are not producing any hormones and are so tiny they are not causing any other problems either. So they will check them in a year to make sure there are no changes but nothing to worry about! Hallelujah!

   That is about all the news for the Keenums. Wish I could give you more, but we lead simple lives. :) I can say that I am beyond blessed. I just look around my home and see countless blessings that I never deserved. I am so grateful for all that I have and for my children to grow up in a wonderful home with plenty of food and toys and a father who truly loves them and cares for them and plays with them. Oh, I am teary eyed just thinking about it. God has truly blessed me.
  
Hope everyone else is doing well! God bless you all! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Thanksgiving 2010

I am grateful for my God, for the mercy He bestows, for the grace He pours, for the blessings He showers down, and the lessons He teaches me along the way.

I am honored to be Matt's wife. I am blessed to have his love, to have his protection, his support, and his friendship. I am grateful for his hard work.

I am so thankful for my wonderful children, for the ability to stay home with them and watch them grow everyday. I am grateful for their hugs and kisses, their games and silly faces. I am thankful for being their teacher. I am humbled to be their mother.

I am grateful for my extended family, for Mom and Bob, for Dawn and Don, for Tamara, David, Meredith, Steven, Dad and Lynn. I am thankful for the support emotionally, physically, and even financially at times. I am grateful for the chance to spend time with them and to share my children's lives with them.

I am thankful for friendship, for the late night phone calls, the girls night outs, the Facebook status updates :), the advice, and the love. I am grateful to be myself and still have friends.

I am beyond blessed to have the life that I have. I am highly favored. I would like to show my gratitude by giving God all the credit for everything you see. He did this for me! Praise the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me praise His holy name!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

A special shout out to those who made 2010 a little brighter: Alicia Barnett, Amber Couchman and Christina Shelton (so glad I found you!) For an Awesome church family at Westwood Baptist (you guys rock!), for Nicole Jeffers (I love you girl!!) For Mitchel and his two adorable little girls, for Tonya Hooie, for my dearest Aunt Debbie (You are amazing!) For my sweet Hudson who just keeps me smiling, for Bryant and Lauren for being the best neighbors anyone could ask for, for Chris Ball (because you missed me! Thank you!) for reconnecting with Andrea, Jessie, Amanda, and so many more through Facebook, I could go on and on. Thank you everyone for being a part of my life! :)

♥Mattie♥

It will be four years next week since Matt and I shared our vows to one another.  I can't help but feel like a love struck teenager whenever I think about him. From the day I met Matthew I knew that we had a special connection. Though we remained "just friends" for years, we always knew that there was more to our future. I praise God everyday for sending Matt into my life in His perfect timing. I am who I am today because of the love this man has given to me. I feel joy from my head to my toes everyday when I wake up and realize my dreams have come true. Other than two amazing and beautiful children, Matt has given me a precious gift that I could never thank him enough for. He has given me confidence in myself, confidence in God, and a love that is unconditional. I can't even put into words the many emotions I feel. I know that now when I look in the mirror I feel beautiful. He makes me feel beautiful. He makes me feel wanted and adored. I pray that my children will someday find the love that God has given to Matt and I. I pray that they settle for nothing less than God's perfect match for them. Trust me God definitely knows better than we do what we need. He has proved that to me everyday. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, God for bringing my angel into my life.
Happy 4th anniversary Matthew Steven! I love you!

♥Kim♥

Just another day in Paradise!

Hello everyone!

So I am a horrible blogger. You would think that I would be better at this. Seeing as how I always have so much to say. lol. Oh well!

So, to update since last post we are doing WONDERFULLY! :) I really, really am blessed. I will try to give you a short version of everything that has happened lately.

Let's Start with Matt. Well, he had a birthday! He is now 26 years old! We are kind of in shock at the rate we are aging these days. ;) He is still working at Ross Bridge. Been getting in some great hours. Been thinking about going back to Southeastern Bible to finish his degree. So, keep that in prayer if you would that God would open the doors and provide a way for him financially. That's about it for Matt. Um, except to say that he is still the BEST husband and father EVER!! Hehe! I just LOVE him!

Kaylee Anne, hmm, where should I start? She is three going on thirteen. Same old independant Kaylee. We just love her to death. She is always so entertaining. She loves singing songs that she makes up on a whim. Last night we all played Hide and seek in the dark and she was telling us "scary" stories. lol. It was so much fun! She is fully potty trained and passy free. We are having some sleeping issues with her right now, but other than that is developing great! She has been taking swim lessons at the YMCA (thanks Mee-maw!). She can now swim from one end of the pool and back. (50 yards total!) She is so awesome! I look forward to pool time this summer. She may be starting T-ball here soon. I will let you know. I know she would rock at T-ball.

My darling Cayden is doing well. He is PASSY FREE!!! So awesome! I took him shopping for a new toy and told him to pay for his new toy with the passy. So, he picked out a Sheep stuffed animal and handed his ziplock baggy of passies to the cashier (who thought I was crazy) and never looked back. Seriously, not one complaint from that boy. He is so grown up! And his speech is improving. He has been talking for a while but now he is able to pronunciate a lot better. Sometimes I have to turn around to see who is talking he sounds just like Kaylee. :)

Well, I guess that leaves me. Hmm... I don't really have anything new going on. I just sit at home and watch the kids, clean house, and eat. lol. I do have to say that I am enjoying those tasks a lot more these days. Even cleaning! I just love the look on my husband's face when he comes home to a clean house. I love making him proud. We have a lot more time to spend together as a family. It is just wonderful. :) I have made a promise to Mattie to not shop for anything other than groceries until September! Aaagghh! I made this promise about a week ago, and I am struggling. I had NO idea how addicted I was to shopping. lol. I think really its the whole "wanting what you can't have" syndrome. Anyway, you can hear all about my shopping woes at AdorablyRandom.blogspot.com

Well, that's all for now. I will try to update a little better. As you can see though, you haven't missed much. Love you all! :)

Prayer Request For 2010!

So, here are my prayer requests for 2010! Notice, if you will, that I did not call them my new year's resolutions. The reason being that I always make resolutions and nothing happens. But when I pray the Lord answers! (Can I get an amen?!?) So, with God's help and His blessings, this is what I want to accomplish this year!

1.) Have a DAILY quiet time

2.) PRAY with my children and for my children

3.) Lose 21lbs! (I can do ALL things through Christ who Strengthens Me!)

4.) Exercise more-- ok I guess I should say exercise period. Cause, any exercise would be more than I do now.

5.) Find peace financially. "...give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise I may disown you and say, 'Who is Lord?' or I may become poor and steal and so dishonor the name of the Lord."

6.) Serve God in my church and grow the First Touch Ministry.

7.) Show my unwavering support to my husband as he grows in wisdom and favor with God.

8.) Clean house more often!

9.) Say goodbye to the Pappy and Diapers! (FYI: Kaylee is no longer in diapers! PTL!)

10.) Omit the phrase "I want..." from my daily conversations. Replace with "I am blessed!"

May my friends, family, and facebook fans (lol) be with me in prayer this year. May the Lord work his miracles. I know some of these request may be hard but nothing is hard for my God. God bless each and everyone of you this new year!