Hi there! I’m Melody and this is my husband, Rob and our two kids, Caleb and Avery. Together we make up the Dillard Family. Should you choose to read our blog, you can expect to see how two city girls and two country boys enjoy doing life God’s way.
The idea of our blog originated totally out of necessity to help create a little excitement about a book I have been working on. I’m sure you’re familiar with the age old question “which came first, the chicken or the egg?” Though I am not sure if that has ever been completely resolved, I now pose the question, “What comes first, the book or the blog?” After a lot of research (ok, a little research), I decided for an unknown author, it has to be the blog. So, here I am… an unknown author blogging. However let me warn you, whether you are looking at our life or simply reading the words I type, I promise there will be plenty of mistakes!
My plan is to give you a glimpse inside our world and how we handle the good, bad and the ugly that life throws at you. Some stories will be inspirational, some sad, some may be about parenting, there will be plenty of embarrassing ones… but all will be honest. Rob and I dont pretend to have all the answers to life (or even a handful of them), but we do know the one who does! Much like you, most of our days consist of work, school, dinner, laundry, church activities, dance lessons and sports. Finding a balance in all the craziness of life is sometimes very difficult. I have found ( the hard way) that things go much smoother when I put God first and let Him direct my day.
Here’s a little info about each of us…
I will start with Rob, my husband of 23 years. I can’t imagine life without him. He helps to keep me in check when I become consumed with projects and chores. Rob’s great sense of humor brings so much laughter into our home every day. For twenty two years, his real job has been in sales and while I would definitely say he is a natural born salesman, deep down Rob is really a cowboy at heart. He loves animals and works tirelessly around our 68 acre farm. We have 3 dogs and 3 horses currently, but that is subject to change on any given day! Rob loves trail riding and he and our son spend a lot of time team roping. Team roping is an awesome family sport and is currently keeping my teenage son out of trouble!
I am Caleb and Avery’s mom, cook, taxi driver, etc… when I am not taking care of them a lot of my time is spent shopping or faux finishing furniture for clients. I am an interior designer in Richmond, Virginia and I love helping clients bring new life to an existing room or create a totally new one when the budget allows. In January of 2012, I decided to try my hand at writing. My sister has been asking me to write this book for the last 10 years. Rob and I have faced some pretty difficult trials during our marriage, some we handled good and some not so good. While I have always agreed there was a story to tell, having only read maybe 30 books in my whole life, I felt just a tad under qualified! Surprisingly, I have completely fallen in love with the writing process… and no one was more shocked than me!
Caleb, is my 6’3 little man! I can’t believe he just turned 17! I thank God (almost daily) that we have a teenager we love being around! He makes me laugh until I cry and has totally perfected the art of getting me to do most anything he wants. He amazes me with his wisdom and convicts me with his honesty and willingness to forgive so easily. He loves the Lord and isn’t afraid to share that with anyone. God has blessed him with an amazing musical gift of playing the guitar and he is using it to bring honor to Him. For a mom who thought she only wanted girls, I wouldn’t trade him for a million bucks!
And last, but certainly not least, there is Avery. She is my miracle baby (see the book for more details). When I prayed and asked God for a little girl He really outdid Himself!! She is a girl in every sense of the word. She loves fashion, make-up, spending time with her friends, dancing and, of course, listening to One Direction! She keeps us in stitches with her quick wit and she has also been blessed with a musical gift. Avery has an amazing voice and I love listening to her and Caleb sing together. I waited 12 years to finally get my little girl, and she was totally worth the wait!
We are, without a doubt, a family blessed far beyond what we deserve! We are also a family that loves Jesus unashamed and apologetically. And though we are still very much a work in progress, we are finally allowing Him to bring perfect order to our otherwise totally chaotic life.
Well, I guess that’s a good start. Welcome to our life…buckle your seat belt and enjoy the ride.
on May 31st at 6:57 pm
I thoroughly enjoyed reading “About Us”…looking forward to keeping up with you…
on Jun 4th at 7:45 am
Thank you so much Helen! I am thrilled you are taking time to look at my blog. I miss seeing you and so many others from Southside!
on Jun 9th at 3:43 am
Hi Melody! It was greatly meeting you today at the Relay’s Vendors for a Cure and your first Book Signing! I am already thrilled with reading your blog and can’t wait to get my curled up in my favorite chair and start reading your book! I will be looking forward to your posts! Again, it was a GREAT pleasure meeting you today! God Bless……Melissa
on Jun 9th at 10:49 am
Thank you so much Melissa! Everyone was so kind yesterday and I feel so blessed to have been able to be there.
on Jun 9th at 2:16 pm
Mel, we met many years ago thru a mutual friend Robin Burns. I have enjoyed your story and find great strength
on Jun 10th at 3:51 pm
Hey Allie! I remember you girl:)) How are you? I am so glad you are reading…as women we all survive something at some time and we need to know others are in the same boat! I hope you will keep reading and maybe even subscribe!!
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on Jun 27th at 10:38 am
thanks!!
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on Jun 27th at 10:39 am
Thank you… and thanks for stopping by!!
on Aug 17th at 12:50 am
I am blessed out of my mind reading about your family (all of whom I know) and each one of your entries. You are one gutsy woman who absolutely wants to seek and do the desires of God. You are a blessing to me and so many.
on Sep 22nd at 2:32 pm
Hello Melody – Caleb was in my kids small group at Southside. I can’t believe he’s so grown up now! He was such a joy then and sounds like he still is now. Please tell him hello for me. I enjoyed reading your blog. The ‘Last’ first day of school brought tears to my eyes as my son is also a senior this year. I pray that both of our boys continue to walk with the Lord.
on Sep 25th at 1:04 am
Thank you so much Teresa…I will tell him! They do grow up way too fast! My daughter just turned 12 on Friday and I am really struggling with that! Thank you so much for checking out my blog…I have not had much time to post with trying to market the book.
on Oct 10th at 2:09 am
Melody – I ran across your story today on Facebook. I knew Rob MANY years ago (Lake Gaston). Your story is an inspiration and I look forward to reading your book. A good friend of mine was recently diagnosed with breast cancer; she will have a mastectomy next week. I want to buy a copy of your book to send to her. Thank you for sharing your story.
on Oct 10th at 3:30 pm
Oh how cool, Kristi! I will tell Rob. Thank you so much for your interest too. It seems like every week or so I hear of someone else who has breast cancer! I would love for you to get a copy for your friend! It is a really good book for anyone though…not just cancer survivor’s. After all, we are all survivor’s of something!! Have a blessed day!