Our "Little Soul" .....Ryver Owens Simmons

Oh my, it's been forever since I have been back on :/ so sorry!!!!!! I'm sure everyone knows that I am back in South Carolina and Ryan is coming home soon from deployment. We are expecting our first child, Ryver Owens Simmons around March 15th, 2011. I have posted some pictures of the monthly check-ups and also of my dad and I. He has taken Ryan's place with the childbirth classes at Anmed (: What and AWESOME Dad I have.......I love you, Dad and thanks so much!!!!

God has really blessed us and I want to thank everyone for the prayers, love and support. I have to say this has been harder then I thought, but God and our love for one another has really kept us strong. We can't wait for everyone to meet little Ryver and I'm getting really excited to have my soldier back home with us (: Again, thanks to everyone and really hope to keep this updated through the holidays. We love ya'll and God Bless!!!

Hope, Faith and Love

All I can say is wow...what a couple of months in Texas will do to ya (lol) We have enjoyed the time here at Ft. Hood and in the past couple of months a lot has happened. As you can see, we are expecting (: We are super excited and what a blessing God has blessed us with!

You know, I was starting to wander why all of the sudden I was so hungry and at PF Changs I cleared the table (haha) The story is pretty awesome....I didnt even know of course but had concerns if I should take a preg. test. So one weekend I did and it said I was not pregnant.....so Wednesday rolled around and something just told me I needed to take the other test that was left in box to just make sure. Ryan was at PT and when he came home I was in tears....WE ARE PREGNANT (: and we both just cried. We just knew this day couldn't get any better so of course I called my family, his family and my close friends. I made an appointment at the Women's Clinic here on base and they said it was 100% positive so we were all just so happy. You know how sometimes people say don't let the devil steal your joy?? well.....Ryan went back to work and came home with orders for an earlier deployment. My heart stopped and I couldn't believe it......why in the world on such a happy day like this - can it just be torn apart? I couldn't ask questions, I just had to be strong for Ryan. So the deployment we thought was for September was actually now scheduled in 10 days for him to leave. We were so devistated and heartbroken but knew we were a team and had to stay strong. We took those ten days we had left and made the best of it.

As most people know, Ryan left today and will be gone for awhile. He is lucky cause he doesn't have a long deployment like some but still will be gone long enough. He said he wanted me to move back home to be with both families, church and friends. I made an appointment with the doctor for first checkup so I had to be back before that date. My mom flys in this week and we will be driving back home. So please pray for us as we travel back and for Ryan's safety.

This morning when I dropped Ryan off was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I couldn't go with him to the airport :( I just had to look at him in the dark early morning and say you are STRONG...see ya soon and I love you. I'm going to miss him so much but I know we can get through this because we did it before. He was gone for 4 months for basic training in Missouri but I tell you being away from someone you love so much is the hardest thing to do. Especially with me being pregnant, not knowing what will happen or when I will talk to him next. I have never cried so much in one day but I do want to thank ALL who have sent us messages, texts, emails, calls etc. - it has meant the world to the both of us. THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone for all the prayers and love. (Also to our awesome friends Erica and Cruz Vasquez-- thank you so much for yall being there for us...we love yall so much and praying for Cruz's safe return home.) I will end this story by saying I know God has a plan and is protecting us both. We are a TEAM and our love and faith will never fail. HOOAH!

To the friends and family of Ft. Hood, Ryan and I have had a great time meeting everyone. We will be back of course soon and I just want to thank everyone who has opened there homes to us and loved us. It's so hard to move somewhere totally different from where you from and not know what to expect. We have been truly blessed with each and everyone of yall's friendship and we love you guys very much. btw::(Julie, Jim and Jordan Frost....ya'll are family and we will miss ya'll. Thanks so much for EVERYTHING you guys have done...we love yall very much and look forward of coming back!)

Thanks again to everyone who has supported, loved and prayed for Ryan and I. Please continue to pray for us and especially for our precious gift God has blessed us with. Thanks ya'll and goodnight.

Prayer of the Army Spouse

Dear God, I am proud to be wed to one who defends freedom and peace. Mychallenges are many and I pray for you love and guidance to meet them....Special to me are the symbol of my religous beliefs and the source of mystrength. Because my life is full of change, I cherish the solid and constantspiritual foundation that you provide. Help me Lord to be an example of yourteachings.My national flag represents freedom. Let me never forget, or take for granted,the hope it shows the world. Bless those who have made sacrifices for freedom.I pray also we are spared the ultimate sacrifice of duty to country.As I enter the gateway to military community, guide me to reach out to othersand keep it a wholesome place. May my charity be given without thought ofpersonal rewards. My wedding ring represents eternity and never ending love.My house is a symbol of our family and its unity. It is the place where weshare memories of the past and build dreams of the future. Make willing myheart and hands to do even the smallest task that will make our house a betterhome.Thank you God for being with us daily as we live in the Army. Please grant usyour continued blessings, increased strength and infinite guidance, as we liveto your honor and glory. Amen


Praying for Brazil Team for Bountyland Baptist......ya'll are all in my prayers!

A Bittersweet Goodbye.......Hello Texas!

Hello from Ft. Hood, Texas....yes we did make it here safely and things are going well. The trip here was exhausting and with my nice little fall in Alabama......just funny! I tell you to be 30 years old and with a mom who has a brain aneurysm and dad who is getting older (sorry dad lol) I have been truly BLESSED. My dad drove the Penske truck and my mother drove her car all the way to Texas in two days and 20 hours of driving. I honestly don't know a lot of parents who would do that for their child. My dad took off work, my mom prayed God would give her the strength to get her baby settled.....it was the most bittersweet moment in my life. As I left Fairplay, our neighbor was outside pretending to water her flowers even tho it was raining (lol) but she came out to the car and gave me a BIG hug and cried. Peggy if you read this please know I think of you all the time and miss all the chats.....you and your family will always have a special place in my heart. I love ya'll and miss ya'll so much.

Everyone down our street put out yellow bows for Ryan and I as we left. To Peggy, Jack, Molly, Don, Cybill, Aunt Bonnie, Uncle Don, Jacque, Haley, David and my Mom and Dad......THANK YOU so much for the love and prayers. We love ya'll soooo much and miss ya'll more than anything!

As the days went by I just was trying to take it all in and finally we got to Texas. My parents helped us out so much that I can't even put in words all that they did. From moving, cleaning, buying, traveling, praying, giving, loving and caring for us....Ryan and I can't thank them enough- they NEVER ask for anything in return but to live right and love them. That's definitely the kind of person I want to be.....give but ask nothing in return but love. They are truly, truly a gift from God. If you do know them personally then you know that they are good parents, friends, and people...if you don't know them then read this blog all the way through and you will understand what they mean to me and to sooo many other people. I have been blessed- we have been blessed......I love you Mom and Dad!

I have always been taught that a home is what you make it. My mother & father helped us so much and gave us their table (expensive nice table btw lol) couches, and wash/dryer machine, bought our first groceries, and made sure we had everything we needed and plenty of it ..-again they gave and asked nothing in return.

Our house looks very nice I think with it being so OLD lol and onpost. We have done well and one thing that will not change is the CLEMSON FLAG hanging out our door PROUDLY ;)

GO TIGERS!!!

Texas here we come.......

Omgosh I'm so slack....sorry guys for anyone who reads for updates ---it has been craaazzzzzzy here and I hope I can have some more down time (like today)--to write ;)

Ryan and I found out that our first duty station will be Ft. Hood, Texas for 3 years. Ryan leaves on April 28th -with out me ;( but we were told it could be up to two weeks or more till he can come back and get me. I wished I could go with him when he leaves but the Army says "NO"......but no worries because I will get there eventually (lol) Everyone has asked us if we are nervous and I will be completely blunt ---YES we are very nervous BUT it's bittersweet too ;) God has blessed us so much in the past couple months and we know this is the next step for us. Ryan has been talking to soldiers and preparing them for Basic Training every Thursday. He was told by an E7 that if he keeps up the attitude he has and the motivation that the Sky was the Limit for him in the Army. I'm very PROUD of my husband and I stand behind him 10000%. We will, We can, and We are a military family........that's our motto ;) never give up in life and always strive for the best!!!!


I joined a group for Military Christian Women and have chatted with the most awesome military wives. I'm PROUD to mention that Meisha, Miralis, Julie, Jamie, Randi, Tiffany, and Tonya have been such a blessing to me in the past couple of months. THANK YOU for your frienship and love.....means the world to the both of us and we can't wait to meet ya'll. I also have others who have been great support as well.....Erica, Kimberly, Lauren.....luv ya'll too!!!!!


So if everyone could whisper a prayer for us, we would greatly appreciate it. Texas is a BIG state and nothing like Fairplay SC (lol) I know with our God that we serve we will be just fine and that he watches over us every step of the way. I will keep everyone updated as much as I can. O and I have to have an epideral of the spine/neck hopefully next week so maybe I can write again in my down time.......ehhhh I pray ;) Thanks again for everyone praying, supporting and loving us! We Love Ya'll and God Bless.

The Soldier's Spouse Creed
The Soldier's Spouse CreedI am in love with a United States Soldier. I will support him in his defense of the Constitution of the United States of America. And I will understand that he must obey the orders of those appointed over him. I represent the true backbone and fighting spirit of the Army. And for those who have served before me I salute you with all the strength and loyalty my heart can muster. I proudly stand by the one I love with Honor, Courage and Commitment. I am committed to support my soldier and the United States Army.

The Best Birthday EVER ;)

So turning the BIG "30" wasn't so bad after all ;) I had several friends, family and my awesome hubby to make it the best!

So starting off I will say if ANYONE is looking for a Wii......well GOOD LUCK lol. My bday present from my parents was the Wii but it took them driving all the way to Spartanburg Walmart. They told me a couple of weeks ago that I was getting one but the only problem was they couldn't find anyone who had them and even called Nintendo!!!! I honestly wasn't going to die if I didn't get one (hahahaha) BUT the trouble my parents went through was just really nice and we have ALL enjoyed it so far. They also took us out to Longhorn Saturday night for a wonderful dinner but my birthday wasn't all we celebrated.......Ryan past his PT test to go Active Duty and we were all so excited! My family had everyone in the neighborhood, our immediate family and friends praying for Ryan (even people at the dentist office were praying lol) We are now ready and waiting to see where they send us. Please continue to pray and a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to my wonderful husband for a job well done! My mother and father told him when you work for things in life......YOU will rise to the top! We are so PROUD of our soldier ;) ...........Also for my birthday, Ryan got me a reallllllly nice pair of Costa Del Mar sunglasses!!!!!! I LOVE them and they are so nice. I found out today that he also got me the Wii Fit Plus (well we are on the list for when they come in next haha) and he bought the Mario Cart ;) To top off this great bday week and past weekend-----Christine Caine from Hillsong Church (which Hillsong is my FAVORITE Christian artist group) came to Newspring Sunday. She will be there again next Sunday as well and I was so excited to hear her speak.
AWEEESOOMMMEE and o aother thing Ryan got me was the Hillsong newest CD called : Hope Faith and Love.......I LOVE IT!!!!!

I'm going to be having surgery on Thursday and I'm really nervous ~please pray it goes well and the pain goes away ASAP lol. I'm sure the Wii will be played a lot when I get feeling better ......don't ya think? (that thing is so addictive lol)
Also please pray for my cousin Michelle who had another tubular preg this past week and for the whole family. Hopefully the doctors fixed and she will be back on her feet soon.

So as I end this blog I want to say thank you so much to everyone who made the BIG 30 for me the BEST birthday ever. I'm so lucky to have the most AWESOME husband, parents and friends.

This is CHURCH.......The Best Is Yet To Come!

NewSpring at Bilo Center-Jan 24, 2010

If you missed the Newspring service yesterday at the Bilo Center........wow, there is NO other words to subscribe the feeling we ALL experienced. It was an AMAZING service and to see the Bilo Center PACKED out!!!!! In this blog today I just want to share some pics from the service. The best is yet to come-- -and I can't wait to see what God will do next at NewSpring!

This was a real church service and you know 15,000 people were there to celebrate what God has done. This is something Ryan, my dad and I said we would NEVER EVER forget!!! What was so neat was they had videos of different preachers on all of the screens thanking Perry for what he has done, not ginving up and being a mentor to all of them. They had the preacher from "Hillsong" leave him a message and many others........just so AWESOME!!!!!! Trust me....pictures can't explain what we saw. When you have 15,000 people in one room praising and worshiping our AWESOME God.......it is breathtaking.

***The new location was also announced......so please come visit us at any of these locations:::: Anderson, Greenville, Columbia, Florence and the new CHARLESTON locations ;) My life changed in 2008 for the good.....I will never be the same because Jesus lives in me!!!***

To Know Your Name

Our church and the AWESOME God we all serve has totally changed my life and my family. Tomorrow, NewSpring Church is having their 10th Anniversary service which I'm so pumped up about. I remember my first time at the church and thinking ....."Wow, this could be me, I can change my life... and that God had me there for a reason ----the baptism and going public is something I will forever cherish. My really good friend Kristy gave me some excellent advice and I'm so glad I have her as a sister in Christ ;)

(Baptism Feb 2008 ----NEWSPRING CHURCH ANDERSON)

***I hope all of ya'll take the time to listen to the video I put up by Hillsong. It talks about how Jesus died for us so we could live.......and we didn't deserve it but HE took our place, knowing He would be crucified ----but He loved a people undeserving.*** I'm sure I have posted these before but Feb. 2008 --I got baptized at NewSpring. I received Christ in 1995 and honestly did not live my life right. The lost Amy I was is not the person I am now. I'm so thankful for my church and all the people who have helped me along the way. THANK YOU so much!!!!

(Life Changed at Newspring Church Feb 2008)

Today I just want to THANK God for loving me, dying for me and showing me how wonderful LIFE can be. I'm so lucky to have the parents, great husband, family, friends and most importantly and AWESOME GOD whose love NEVER FAILS. Please if you have no plans tomorrow......come to the Bilo Center for NewSpring 10th Anniversary (doors open at 9am and ONLY 1 service starts at 10:30am) Don't hold back what I did for so long.......come and celebrate the lives and MY LIFE.......that has changed~ forever ;) Thanks and God Bless.

Love Dare, The BIG 30, NewSpring 10th Anniversary and Prayer

My parents gave Ryan and I the "Love Dare" for Christmas!!! We are on day 16 and this devotional book we highly recommend for any engaged or married couple. We have learned so much already about our marriage and every night before we head to bed we do a bible study and the dare for the next day. I have seen the book on sale at the local Christian book stores and places like Barnes and Noble & Books a Million. Above is the copy of both devotional books......I promise if you own, you and your spouse/mate will LOVE!!!!!!!

My birthday is coming up in 15 days and I will be the BIG 30!!!!! My parents got me a Wii and I can't decide which one I'm more excited about (lol)----the Wii or turning the BIG 30! I'm not sure what the plans are yet but I would love to go to Cafe and Then Some. I really enjoy going to the shows and since I'm such an old woman now........ lol-----then I must go!

Today I packed all of our wonderful wedding gifts that we got from ALL the showers and family. When we move it won't be such a hassle and WOW do we have a lot to get started with ;) Thanks again to everyone......we are truly blessed. On a small note- we are in the process of going Active as we met with the commander on the 12th. Please just keep us in your prayers as we take the next steps in our lives.

For anyone who is reading this--this Sunday is the 10th Anniversary of NewSpring Church. Ryan is going with me and of course my family to worship Sunday morning. Im really excited and can't wait to celebrate the lives who have been changed! As a lot of ya'll know- I re-dedicated my life at NewSpring in 2008 and really LOVE going there. Not only has my life changed but I have seen so many who now know Christ and what better way to celebrate. NewSpring will be at the Bilo Center (YESSSS I said BILO CENTER lol) on Sunday -January 24th - only at 10:30am......so get there early!!!!!

*****Please continue to pray for Jordan, Cruz, and Tyler as they are at war in Afgh. ----(my good friend Kimberly (Tyler's Wife) just found out she is pregnant and hubby just left for Afgh. (lil one is due Sept 10th) and for Sarah Shelton's grandpa who just found out he has cancer. Keep all of these people in prayer....thanks and God Bless.