Embracing and being embraced

On the 12th day of Christmas break...

2011-12-30T18:21:00.000-06:00

This should be the official last day of the Christmas break thing, but I'm so thankful that it's not the real end to Christmas break.

I wanted to end the the 12 days of Christmas break fun with a bang. So we went to see a movie that I had been looking forward to for quite a while.

We Bought a Zoo...

Oh my goodness...what a great movie. Even the kids enjoyed it...although I would not categorize this as a kid's movie. It's a heavy subject matter, but one that my kids are acquainted with. Grief and the loss of a parent is so hard, I was a little worried in the first few minutes that this movie might not be a wise choice for my kids. But they both loved it. I would definitely recommend it. There is a bit of language though, and it is not really a movie little kids would enjoy. Just my opinion thought. Great movie.

After the movie, we used our restaurant.com gift certificate to get all this Chinese food....

We got $35 worth of food for about $10. An excellent score!

It was definitely a great way to end our 12 days of Christmas break tradition!

On the 11th day of Christmas break....

2011-12-30T18:08:00.002-06:00

I slept till 10am. I should confess. I've slept till 10am several times this break. This does not bode well for next Tuesday when I head back to work and the kids head back to school.

Oh well. It's been wonderful to not set an alarm.

The kids are still at the grandparents, so I got up and decided to watch more 24. Of course. What else would I do with all my FREE time? Certainly not clean!

Oh, I kid. I did end up taking down all the Christmasness AND I rearranged the living room. All in between episodes.

The kids came home and Grace sprinted off to have dinner with some friends, so Caleb and I hit the mall for a bit until it was time to pick her up.

Not a very exciting day, but I'm finding that it's good to have a few "chill" days mixed in with all the activity.

Here's Caleb with his gargantuan gumball from the machine at the mall...it's the little things that make us happy.

On the tenth day of Christmas break...

2011-12-30T17:53:00.000-06:00

My dad and stepmom asked to spend some time with the kids this Christmas break.

They went fishing, had a picnic, made cookies, watched movies, and my son shot his first squirrel.

Yes, he did.

And we have proof.

While they were gone on Tuesday, I took a little time to take care of things I'd been putting off (oil change) and do a teeny tiny bit of after Christmas shopping with gift card money. That's the best kind.
Sadly, this is the only picture I have. I snagged these "slippers" at old navy for $6...75% off. I've worn them constantly and I've decided that if they have hard soles (and these do), they qualify as "real" shoes. So I'm wearing them everywhere.

I came home and had some leftover taco soup and watched multiple episodes of 24 (it's a Christmas break tradition) and did a little Pinteresty project. I'm excited about my project and I'm hoping to succeed and write a post about it. I'll admit it's not really a little project. It's pretty big for me, and I have a tendency to botch the big projects...but hopefully this one will turn out good.

Day Nine: Christmas break...

2011-12-28T09:11:00.000-06:00

The day after Christmas...

At our house this day means...

Pajamas.
Leftovers.
No bedtimes.
No TV restrictions.

So basically we've been lazy bums all day, and I. LOVE. it.

I've watched multiple episodes of this...

Wrote the last 6 or 7 posts that you have read....

And generally lazied the day away.

It was another good day.

On the 8th day of Christmas break...

2011-12-28T07:55:00.000-06:00

It's Christmas!

I'm gonna let the pictures do the talking...it was a great day!

After opening presents, we headed to have Christmas with my mom's family.

Mom, Mema, and sweet little Kinley...the newest addition to our family.

Uncle Richard and Aunt Kasey....

Nana and Kinley....

Grace's scarf and my belt crocheted by my Nana!

Nana and Grace in her scarf...

Our new family tradition of Bingo!

And last but not least...Christmas tuna for our cats!

And Grace's new default position...

On the 7th day of Christmas break...

2011-12-27T07:39:00.000-06:00

Christmas EVE!!

We spent the morning CLEANING, CLEANING, CLEANING! This was the first year we had ever had anyone over. My brother and sister in law and kids came over for lunch of taco soup, games, and presents!

Here are a few highlights of the afternoon:

The Halloween afro wig got some mileage!

After they left, we got ready to head to our church's Christmas eve service. This was my favorite evening of the Christmas activities. Such a sweet and sacred spirit...

I'll let the pictures do most of the talking...

After the service, we took our candles home and continued the worship.

We finished up our sweet evening piled together on the couch watching The Nativity Story for the first time.

Easily my favorite evening....

On the sixth day of Christmas break....

2011-12-27T06:44:00.000-06:00

The sixth day of Christmas break can be summed up in one ~~possibly made up~~ hyphenated word! Bake-a-thon!

We were headed to my mom's/Meme's for our first Christmas outing that evening. Our responsibility was to bring desserts. I ~~handed off~~ delegated this to Grace since she loves to bake these days. Sadly, I took no pictures of the baking extravaganza, but here are a few of the recipes she's made over the past several days. (I've helped a little but she is in charge these days in the kitchen, and I. LOVE. IT.) Also, none of these are our pictures...I swiped them online, but you get the idea, right?

Brownie cupcakes...we actually made these with the mint truffle kisses and then added piped on cream cheese frosting. I so wish I had taken pictures. They were so cute and yummy. Score: A

Grace made her very first buttermilk pie. Score: A

And this coca cola cake...yum! Score: A

These lemon bar thingies we saw on Pinterest that were made using only two ingredient. We did not like these at all. They turned out too spongy yuck. Score: D

Grace is becoming a pro at sweet potato pie making. Score: A+

And last but not least: Christmas popcorn! This stuff is addictive and easy to make. A recipe for disaster if you're looking to eat healthy. Good thing we aren't concerned with those things. At least not until January 1st! Score: A+

We ended our Eve of Christmas Eve at my mom's...

where I continue my streak of taking as few pictures as possible.

On the fifth day of Christmas break...

2011-12-26T18:00:00.001-06:00

It was hard to top as fun a day as we had yesterday, but I knew we need to do something. We decided to get up and out early...for us on Christmas break. A local theater in town was offering 10am showings of The Polar Express for $1 all this week. That is my kind of deal.

Sidenote: This guy kind of scares me a little.

So we gathered up our $1 popcorn bucket and all three of us went to the movies for a total of $4! Oh, I almost forgot that Caleb bought us a $4 drink to go with our $1 popcorn...from his own money. Sweet boy!

After the movie, we were too full of popcorn for lunch so we headed home. Caleb went to his mentor's house for a little Christmas festivities while Grace and I did some last minute Christmas grocery shopping.

We stopped by Salsarita's on the way home to use our Seize the Deal...our total OOP was $1.48...
We love their humongous small burritos. I can't imagine what a large burrito looks like.

Later that same evening our sweet friends came over bearing gifts and I didn't get a single picture. Boo on me! What a great day we had though. This has been such a fun break already.

On the 4th day of Christmas Break....

2011-12-26T17:34:00.000-06:00

The fourth day of our Christmas break was the BIGGIE. Sadly, I don't have many pictures to commemorate the event, but it was, for sure, one of the kid's favorites.

We started the day out bright and early when our friends met us and we drove to Frisco for a day of fun. We took the kids (my friend has a daughter my daughter's age and a son my son's age) to ice skate there in the mall. We enjoyed the day immensely...the kids ice skated and shopped...then skated some more. We just shopped. :) I am too old and afraid of falling on my booty!

I did take a picture of Grace drying her hands. See that cute bow she's wearing? I made that. :)

And one more picture...getting ready to skate.

I also upgraded my phone while we were there! Merry Christmas to me!

On the third day of Christmas break....

2011-12-26T17:23:00.002-06:00

Well, I've fallen woefully behind. It's my trademark. But I just pick up where I left off and it's all good. :)

On the third day of Christmas break,

We went to the drive in. We absolutely love the drive in...especially when they show two movies that we want to see. It's a great way for us to see movies on a budget since they charge a flat rate of $6 for adults and $4 for kids. We can also bring in our own food. Score!

We stopped and got Chick-fil-a and took it out there with us along with our own popcorn and candy.

It was very cold, but that's how we like it. We just bring plenty of blankets and pillows.

It' so hard to get good pictures at the drive in...

Before the movie, Caleb decided to do a little dancing in the dark.

We saw the new Chipmunk movie...

followed by Arthur Christmas....both were cute, but I sure was glad I didn't pay to see them separately in the theater.

Overall it was a fun night...and I got to wear my sweatpants. That's always a good thing.

On the 2nd day of Christmas break...

2011-12-23T10:08:00.001-06:00

I'll admit. I've fallen behind. As usual.

We've done some fun things over the past few days, so I hope to get caught up today and tomorrow. Before Christmas.

On the 2nd day of Christmas break...

We started a new tradition of taking the...

DOLLAR TREE Challenge!

My children will tell you that this is their new favorite tradition.
Here's how it works:

Each person gets $6 (since there are only three people in our family).
Each person is responsible for buying 3 items for the other 2 people in the family.
But the catch is that they must explain why they bought those items...so no buying your sister something you know she'll hate just so that you can have it.
Each person is required to really think about the other person and what they might like.

It was so fun! We snuck around the store like spies trying not to let the others see what we had in our baskets.

When we returned home, we each hid our sacks behind us and took turns presenting our gift to the other person AND explaining the reasoning behind it. You would have thought it was Christmas morning and we were opening everything we had asked for.

So for $18 (well, I cheated a little and bought them each 4 things), we came away with a fun experience of thinking of others and a whole bunch of loot!

Here are a few of the fun things we ended up with:

Caleb: a magnifying glass, a pretend bowie knife (as evidenced in the picture, it was a hit), an air horn (thank you so much, Grace <--sarcasm), and an unbreakable, untearable roll of toilet paper.

Grace: Sour Patch kids (her fave), Hot Cheetos (another favorite), her own "design your own" travel mug (so she won't always steal mine :), and a celebrity word search book with Bieber on the cover. Score!

Me: bubble gum, chocolately strawberry lotion (they know me so well), a loofah for the shower, and some raspberry lemonade chapstick that they knew I love!

It was a great new tradition that I know we will continue. And this last picture needs some explaining...My son has decided that photo bombing is his new hobby, but he's not very good at it. So we premeditated the photo bomb seen above...which kind of defeats the purpose, But I absolutely love this picture.

Oh, and my daughter wants you to know that she is VERY excited about Fred Savage in her word search book. And let's go watch some more episodes of the Wonder Years!

On the first day of Christmas break....

2011-12-20T10:25:00.000-06:00

Back in 2008 (I had to look it up), I implemented a little family fun tradition we call the "12 days of Christmas break". I was convicted at that time that my kids did NOT need more stuff. What we needed was to enjoy our time with one another.
Since that time, we've implemented the tradition...I just haven't really blogged much about it.
I'm hope to be more disciplined this season and post aboutour fun adventures. I have warned my children that, as always, money is scarce and that we will need to be creative in our "fun making familiness". (Yes, I dust made that up, but it suits our silliness, I think.)

So without further ado, ON the 1st day of Christmas break:

I gave my children these...

Open at EXACTLY 3:04!

Here what the inside said:

In case you can't read the fine print...it says:

What does this mean? You ask...

Well, here are some hints:

Pajamas

Pizza (make your own)

Popcorn

Pillow (bring your own)

And.....Potter!!

This will be a positively pleasurable place to be!

Meet me at 8:04 in the kitchen and let the partay begin.

Here is a progression of our fun pizza making gone horribly wrong.

I'll let you try to figure out where it all went wrong...

Did you happen to notice what the pizzas were on?

That's right, wax paper. I put our pizzas in the oven on waxpaper.

Silly mama...

I tried to redeem it by fashioning these pizza muffins but it sadly didn't work out as planned.

SOO I made the hugest tray of nachos my kids had ever seen

AND they learned a valuable lesson about being flexible.

No pictures of the nachos...we gobbled them up too fast.

We ended the night with popcorn and this handsome fellow....

All in all, it was a great evening to kick off our break!

I LOVE Christmas and Giving STUFF away!

2011-12-16T00:05:00.000-06:00

Edit: This giveaway is now closed! AND the winner is Awamiba!! I'll be sending you an email in just a few! Congratulations and Merry Christmas!

How's that for an original title? But it's how I feel today. My ~~Christmas~~ Jesus tree is up. School is out (today)! And I'm feeling especially festive.

About a week ago I came home to a box on my front porch. It was not a great day for me. The holidays can sometimes be a bit lonely for this single mom. BUT I cannot express how giddy I get when goodies are left on my porch. I love it. This time... Dayspring sent me some goodies to use in my home this Christmas, and I can't help but share them with you.

I've been in love with the advent calendar for quite some time now...so I was thrilled with the opportunity to review it for Dayspring's inspired deals. I've decided to be more intentional this year about making Christ alone the central focus of this holiday season. This advent calendar fits right in with that purpose. (AND it's on sale as of right now for $13.99!)

I love that my ten year old son has taken it as HIS responsibility to move the heart each day.

Here are a few of the details:

As a fantabulous bonus, they also sent these two beautiful coffee mugs...
How did they know that, since purchasing my ~~Keurig wannabe~~ Mr. Coffee K cup dream machine, I've become a collector of coffee cups of all shapes and sizes?
I love these though...they're my new favorites...
Especially the tall one (more coffee)...

This mug is on sale for $4.99!

I love this little detailing in the bottom of the small cup.

As I promised in yesterday's post, I'm hosting my first ever GIVEAWAY courtesy of Dayspring!

The Prize: A $20 coupon code to spend from Dayspring

(The Fine Print: The winner will still be responsible for paying the shipping on their order.

There is also a minimum purchase of $20 for this code to work properly.

The coupon code will expire December 31, 2012. )

So, I know you are asking yourself...How do I win?

It's really simple. I'm not going to ask you to "like" anything or jump through any kind of hoops.

Simply leave me a comment with your favorite way to prepare your heart for Christmas.

That's it. You'll be entered.

(Oh, and be sure to leave a good email address since that's how I'll contact you...if you win.)

That's it. Start commenting. Tell your friends.

This giveaway will end at 1:00 pm central time on Monday, December 19, 2011.

Disclaimer: Dayspring sent these products to me FREE of charge in exchange for an honest review of the products.

Finally...the Christmas tree post.

2011-12-15T21:30:00.001-06:00

I've been meaning to write this post for over two weeks. I'm finally finish with the final exam madness...now if only my professor would post final grades. That would be so lovely.

Back to the topic at hand, though. Our Christmas tree. Back at the beginning of November, I made a ~~crazy, hasty, "I'm poor and need money"~~ decision to sell almost every stitch of Christmas decor. It was a bold move, I will concede. But I'd been contemplating a change for a while. For a while after I purged, I had these horrible "OH NO, WHAT HAVE I DONE?" feelings. I mean, what if I couldn't afford to buy new Christmas decor when the time came? All of Christmas hung in the balance. (<--- That is sarcasm, right there.)

To make a long short (hopefully), it worked out and I LOVE my ~~Christmas~~ Jesus tree. And all of my Christmas decor for that matter.

I got the idea for my Jesus tree from a local Barn Sale, and I actually bought the tags there along with several of my ornaments...It's been such a fun experience, though, to look for things that symbolize all these names of Jesus. I thought I'd share some of my favorites. I know this tree will be a work in progress for many years to come. (There are 60 tags! Only a fraction of those are actually on my tree this year.)

Love these "pearls" to symbolize the PEARL OF GREAT PRICE.

I scored this little church ornament at the barn sale for HEAD OF THE CHURCH.

Another barn sale find...I love this vintage ruler for RULER OVER ALL.

Also from the barn sale, my sweet new tree topper.

I haven't seen these in ages, and I love using these green stamps to symbolize Jesus as our REDEEMER. (Also found at the barn sale.)

This burlap/lace light garland was a spinoff of a Pinterest find. I saw something very similar at a local event...so I decided to give it a try. I love the result, but, let me tell you, this thing ended up being VERY time consuming and expensive. I underestimated the amount of eyelet lace I would need for my 100 light strand.

My THE WORD paper chain...easiest ever. I looked for pages in my bible that meant a lot to me, and laid it out on the copier. I LOVE THIS. I think it might be my favorite element on the tree.

Dollar Tree toy for LION OF JUDAH.

Okay...so I saw this amazing ruffle no sew tree skirt on Pinterest, and, feeling ambitious, decided I would tackle it. I bought all the supplies, and immediately cut the canvas the wrong way. Ruined the entire project, or so I thought. I decided to play around with the materials I had (burlap and muslin), and this is what came of it. I like it. I would like it more if it was a perfect circle...but oh well. Also, to all you Pinteresty friends, those ruffles are a tedious nightmare. At least they were for me. I might feel this way partially because I burnt a huge hole in my finger in the process. Yeah, that might be why I feel the way I do about the ruffles. Probably.

I wasn't sure how these would turn out, and I 'm still trying to decide if I like them. I bought these at IKEA for the fabulous price of 2.99 each. But I did so when my plan was to go with a black, white, and silver theme...so I wasn't sure how to translate them to my new theme. I think I like them with the burlap initials. I think I do.

Another little element of decor that makes me happy.

I'm officially obsessed with bunting. I'm trying to restrain myself from covering the entire house with it.

This picture doesn't do these justice. I scored these at the Dollar Tree and added some of the eyelet from the light garland project. Super cute.

This is a view of my tree late at night after the kids have long been asleep. I love to sit on my "new to me" FREE couch (that's a whole other post in the making) with all the lights out except for my tree...with a hot beverage in hand. PURE BLISS.

I reused this ornament from years past for MY SONG.

Used a green army man I snuck out of my son's room for WARRIOR.

I saw a version of this bunting banner on (of course) Pinterest....this is my version using the stuff I already had and I LOVE IT. I used felt, leftover muslin strips from the tree skirt, pinecones and pompoms from Dollar Tree. Cheap and cute!

That's just a bit of our decor for Christmas....I would love to hear all about yours. What do you do to make your home festive for the holiday?

P.S. I have another post coming tomorrow about more of our decor PLUS my VERY first GIVEAWAY!
Yeah! Excitement!

Let's talk about nothing in particular.

2011-12-09T20:02:00.001-06:00

I will preface this post by telling you that its purpose is an act of procrastination.
I'm trying to wrap up my last class of this semester. In case I haven't shared recently, I'm now a part of Letourneau University's adult program. That means that I take one class at a time, all online, and within a five week time period. That's right. I cram a semester's worth of work into five weeks, but I like it. It's nice to only have to focus on one class and its topic at a time. It seemed like before when I was attending a local junior college taking four classes each semester, I would have all my tests on the same day. That's exhausting, and while this is exhausting as well, it's way more manageable.
The class I'm taking now is The Teaching of Reading, and I love it. But it's a lot of work. This is the last week, and I've got an (open book) final exam AND a flexible reading groups final project that are both due by Tuesday at midnight and another assignment to do a sample writing analysis by Sunday at midnight. Whew.

But I needed a little break. I've been pinning teaching ideas on Pinterest like a crazy fool. So fun....

Also I'm watching The Santa Clause on ABC Family with the kids.

Here are just a few of the thoughts running through my mind at this very moment:

*I'd really rather be crafting it up with some of my pins...
*I love my "Jesus" tree this year, and all of my decor for that matter. I promise that I'll post about it soon.
*Can't stop eating chocolate. It gets me through the studying.
*I really want to be through with this class, so that I can once again read for pleasure. Hunger Games books 2 & 3, here I come!
*I really want to learn to knit and sew over the Christmas break and in the new year. That might be a bit ambitious considering my goal to sleep in as much as possible, but it's still a goal. :)

Well, I guess that's it...I really should get back to work! (And not go do crafty things...I'll try to restrain myself!)

What're You INTO?

2011-12-01T23:57:00.001-06:00

I'm copying this idea from my friend Liz over at her own blog, Liz's World. She copied it from someone else. And I'm sure that that someone copied it from someone else. Who knows where it all started?

But it looked fun, so I thought "why not?" Here it goes....

On my nightstand:

Well, this is going to be boring, because I just did a massive overhaul of my room. Mission declutter times 10!
So there is very little on my now minimalist nightstand.
One bottle of water.
One charging iPhone.
One charging camera.
Tube of burt's bees lip balm.
My fantabulous canary Scentsy warmer with the Whiteout scent warming...love.

In my book basket by my nightstand, though, it's another matter. Lots to talk about:
Teaching Children to Read
Operation World
Jesus Calling for Kids
One Thousand Gifts
Coupons that need some clipping
BIBLE

Movies I've Seen:
Let me see...
On DVD/TV recently, we've seen:
Home Alone 2
Santa Clause 2 (Lovin' some 25 days of Christmas on ABC Family)
Captain America
Pretty in Pink
Elf
Elf
Elf (Oh, that's just how many times we've already watched it this Christmas ALREADY.)

ON TV:
I should watch less TV and do my homework. That's the lesson learned from this list.
New Girl (I officially declare that Zooey Deschanel is my very favorite.)
Once Upon a Time (I'm obsessed with this show. Like LOST/24 obsessed.)
No Ordinary Family (on Netflix Streaming)
The Wonder Years (again...Netflix streaming. This show...love.)

In MY Ears:
My preschool kids are singing at a local bank in two weeks, so we've been practicing the songs like crazy...
so often I'm finding myself humming those.

Also ALL Christmas music.
This includes the new TOBY Mac Christmas album, which my kids have listened to 500 times in the past week. I am not exaggerating.
I also heard this song last night on the radio and remembered how much I loved it last year:

In MY Kitchen:
Oh, there's a little bit of food in there. But really you might need to ask my daughter, since that's her domain as of late. I love her. She's pretty great.

Looking forward to:
The end of this class next week and a month long school break!
Not being woken up by that annoying alarm!
A full month of making Pinteresting things!
Christmas parties!
Lighting the Advent candles!
Watching Elf again!
Being done with this garage sale I'm having on Saturday!
Jesus's Birthday...the best ever!

That Dang Elf on the Shelf

2011-11-28T22:41:00.001-06:00

I made a huge mistake today. I mentioned the Elf on the Shelf to my children. They were all over it. My 13 and 10 year old. Really? Come on now. Aren't we a little old for that?

I guess not. So I've been doing a little investigating into the Elf on the Shelf phenomenon, and I've decided that it is CREEPY with a Capital C. Apparently parents are supposed to hide the Elf for their children to find, but the children CANNOT touch the Elf or he loses his magical abilities. Also the Elf is merely an informant watching every move the child makes so that he can report back to Santa. Oh, yes...Santa. Who my children have decided to believe in once again...in an effort to receive more presents, I presume.

Back to the Elf. Have you seen it?

There's just something about this untouchable Elf that gives me the heebie-jeebies. I wish I could figure out what it is...

But even beyond that, there's the not so minor issue of the price tag. I'm sorry, but I can't bring myself to pay the full $30 for this elf and his book. I just can't do it. Maybe if my kids were 5...

So I think I'll check out the dollar tree...and see if I can come up with something equally as engaging.

I think it just came to me why I have this Elf aversion. Seems a while back I read this story about how Elf on the Shelf was on a mission to steal Baby Jesus' thunder. We can't be having that...

Check it out for yourself here: Leg Dropping Elves (or the real meaning of Christmas)

What's Pinteresting this Week...

2011-11-25T21:48:00.000-06:00

So I've been on Pinterest for about six months give or take, and I've decided that it's of the devil. There's no earthly way to accomplish all that I want to short of selling my soul to Hobby Lobby in exchange for craft supplies.

I'm trying to pace myself, but there are so many Christmasy crafties that I want to do...

Here are just a few that I've already procured the supplies for....

I've been making bunting like it's nobody's business. Felt bunting, paper bunting, you name it...I'm becoming slightly obsessed with the bunting.

This is my next bunting project...

Slightly ambitious and probably gaudy? Perhaps, but such is my life. I always say go big or go home...well, I don't really say that, but it seemed like it fit here. I think maybe Bob says it on Biggest Loser. Who knows?

The kids and I are going to make cinnamon applesauce ornaments some time this week, but we are going to make them in the shape of Africa for all our PCM staff and friends.

Definitely my most ambitious attempt...I'm very determined to conquer this No Sew ruffle skirt. I'm trusting that my crafting skills will serve me well in this endeavor.

This is actually not a Pinterest idea, although it's a knock-off of something I've seen there. I actually saw this at a local fancy schmancy craft/high end Christmas sale we have here locally. My daughter's jazz band performed, so I paid my $8 to get in to hear her play. They all did a great job in spite of a lack of music stands. :) Around the stage is my next project: the burlap/off white lace light garland. Mine doesn't look exactly like this, and let me tell you...this was way more expensive and time consuming to recreate than I had originally assumed. In fact, I'm still in the process. I'm only doing one hundred count strand of lights...otherwise I might go crazy. But it will look FABULOUS on my Jesus Tree.

What's a JESUS tree you ask? That's for another post. ;) As soon as my tree is put together, I'll do a whole post on it. I'm VERY excited about it.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T11:43:00.001-06:00

I normally like to have a clever title for my posts, but seeing as I am late for Thanksgiving dinner at my dad's I think I should settle for the tried and true.

More than anything, I am thankful for this amazing life I get to live. God has blessed me tremendously.

But I'm also thankful for Pinterest and its amazing images and ideas...

Here are a few of my favorites for your Thanksgiving viewing pleasure. Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!

Who is Ike anyway?

2011-11-24T00:47:00.001-06:00

I'm embarrassed to say that about a year ago I signed up to participate in the Booksneeze program where bloggers can review various books on their blogs...in compensation they receive a free copy of the book. At the time I signed up, only a few books were available. Lead Like Ike was one of those few. At the time, I was contemplating changing my major to business administration, and this book seemed like a perfect fit.

I read about 2/3 of the book, and then got busy with school and work. I forgot that I had even committed to write this post. I have since pulled the book from the shelf and aim to rectify the situation.

Lead like Ike is one of those books that I would not naturally gravitate toward. I tend more toward fiction and bible based nonfiction. I am glad, however, that I gave this book a chance.

I began reading this book with very little knowledge of Eisenhower and his administration. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more of the history of this time and Ike himself. I also found that the parallels drawn between Ike's leadership methods and today's business practices to be very informative and helpful.

I would recommend this book to those who have an interest in history and/or business, but I do fear that others may not enjoy this book as much.

Note: I have since decided to change my major back to education, but I still think that many of the topics addressed in this book can be applied.

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Family Pictures 2011

2011-11-23T21:28:00.001-06:00

About two Saturdays ago, we had a mini photo shoot with a friend of mine. She does amazing work and was offering a fabulous special. I knew we were long overdue for a family picture. We are so happy with the results...

I, however, realize that I need to get back to running/exercising/laying off the late night snacks. Nothing like a lovely picture of your rump to motivate you into action.

My boy, of course is as handsome as always.

And, this girl. Gracious. She is so beautiful it's ridiculous. This pose tickles me though...So stylish, but not as easy as it looks to hold that pose.

We were trying to go for a bit of a bohemian type look, hence the PCM headband. We had seen a cute pose on Pinterest...well here you go...this is it....

How adorable is that??

I even got an individual picture that I don't absolutely hate out of the deal.

This is my FAVORITE. All my loves in one picture.
This one will be hanging in our living room soon. soon. soon.

This is the kids' favorite and describes our family's personality so very well!

If you are local to my area and looking for someone fabulous to do pictures for you, check out my friend Lori at www.photographybyLLC.com.

Rwemikoma Love

2011-11-06T23:09:00.001-06:00

This will be just a quick little post, but one i felt i needed to share before i drift off to sleep.

Today was a beautiful day.
Today I was privileged to tell others about something so near to my heart. It has been four months since I returned home from Uganda.

Tonight I was reminded of why I love this ministry so very much. Seeing one goal, one mission on the hearts of so many is nothing short of amazing.

I love these children as my own, and it never ceases to convict me, encourage me, spur me on, and drop me to my knees in thankfulness to seeing the joy and peace on the faces of these beautiful Ugandan boys and girls.

Jesus Christ makes the crazy impossible totally possible. He can do anything. We just can't even begin to fathom what He can and will do with those who are willing to be completely totally His. He has proven that over and over again in my life, and He's doing it in the ministry of PCM.

Find out more at pcmonline.org or
Send me an email @ shnada@pcmonline.org!

Posted From My iPhone

It's been awhile.

2011-11-02T14:55:00.001-05:00

It's been quite a while, hasn't it? I might just be talking to myself at this point. Be that as it may, I decided to make a little video to play catch up. Y'all, this is so far out of my comfort zone (posting a video of me just talking)...so that's why I did it. Sometimes we need to do these things that are a little bit outside the box of what we normally do. Anyhow, I was forced to use my webcam to post an intro video for one of my classes, so it seemed like a great time to catch up the blog. Who knows? Maybe I'll start video blogging more...it was certainly quicker for me. :)

24 hours..

2011-06-21T18:02:00.000-05:00

In 24 hours...I'll be leaving for Uganda. I can hardly believe it's finally here. I remember sitting at Salsarita's way back in October with Christie talking about the POSSIBILITY of me going on this trip. If I'm honest, the idea that this would ever even happen way back then seemed slim. I couldn't imagine how I could ever come up with the huge chunk of cash it would take to get me there...much less what I would do with the children!

But God always has a way of taking what I deem impossible...and making it the crystal clear REALITY.
He threw off every excuse, every obstacle. He provided over and above what I needed...all in a matter of 30 days. He is GOOD. Don't ever buy into the lie that HE isn't.

So what will I be doing while I'm there? Well, I could write for days about what I expect to experience in Uganda. Instead, wouldn't it be better if you just followed along on our journey?

You can do that by read our trip blog. To subscribe, go HERE and scroll down to enter your email address. We will be posting to the blog daily throughout the trip...and let me tell you, it's amazing how addicted I've become to hearing more and more about this amazing ministry that I get to be a part of!

What we Did: 7 of 80

2011-06-14T00:18:00.000-05:00

**Note: I'm way behind on posting daily, but I hope to get caught up in the next couple of days. Day 7 was actually last Thursday.

Today was the last day of VBS...and notably one of the busiest, craziest. Our main teacher was out with pink eye, and the babies were certainly NOT happy about that! We ended with a bang! I absolutely loved being with these babies this week. I feel sure that I will do it again next year.

We came home for lunch, and I ended up taking a longer nap than I had intended! After I woke up, we packed a bag and headed to Rosewood to spend the night at Grandma and Grandpa's.

Yummy yummy potato soup for dinner! Grandma is a fantastic cook...
I started a new book at bedtime and could hardly put it down. I haven't read much fiction lately, and had forgotten how easily it can pull me in. I actually started this book in order to see if my Grace was actually ready for it, since it's a "teen" book. Jury's still out as to whether she will read it.

Africa's been in my heart for a very long time.
he passion I feel when I imagine what God wants for the orphaned and impoverished...well, I have no human words to describe.

I was thinking the other day back to a time that seems a part of another life.
When I was married.
When I was not where God wanted me.
When I was afraid of everything.

My husband came home from work. Sat me down at the table. Told me God had placed Africa in his heart.

I didn't believe him. Why wouldn't God put us in his heart? Why Africa?
"I am NOT moving to Africa."

Lord, help me.
Isn't it funny how God can bring something full circle?

Africa is in my heart.
I know I'm meant to do something.
I know I'm meant to go there.
I know I'm meant to be changed by what I experience there.
I know that I need Africa more than Africa needs me.

What we did today: 6 of 80

2011-06-12T09:02:00.001-05:00

Since I didn't write my post the last few days, I decided to make this super short and sweet.

Here's the day's highlights (and lowlights) in list format.

1. VBS babies are the best.
2. All babies napping and happy make me happy.
3. First swim day of the season with friends = perfection
4. Sunburnt for the first time in 2011. Boo. But worth it. Totally worth it. :)

-- Posted From My iPhone

What we did today: 5 of 80

2011-06-07T22:41:00.000-05:00

We started our day off with Vacation Bible School once again. The baby room was perfectly wonderful today. Taking the babies for a buggy ride, getting them all to sleep at the SAME time, and, best of all, very few tears.

Until around 11 when they brought Caleb to my room. Evidently while playing a game at recreation, he tried to capture a bandana, but instead grabbed hold of the poor kid's belt loop. As the kid pulled away, Caleb's finger did a fancy little trick it was never meant to do.

We ended up at the doctor's office after lunch to confirm that there was no breakage. Thankfully the xray returned with good news that he had not broken it, but only hyper extended. It might be sore for a few days, but other than that, we are good to go. So thankful. Especially since we have a fun swim date tomorrow afternoon.

Meanwhile, Grace was enjoying a swim date with a friend. After she came home, I had intended to go to the grocery store to grab a few things to make some crock pot meals. I am determined to make most of my meals in the crock pot and doing some freezer meals. But I never made it to the grocery store...I ended up cleaning out my pantry to avoid buying duplicates. As I was cleaning out, I found several pancake mixes...so one thing led to another and I ended up making a gazillion pancakes to freeze. Lots of breakfasts in the freezer...that make me happy.

Oh, and I should also note that I've had way too many of these already this summer! They're just so good and make me feel all nostalgic. :)

AND Caleb and I watched our very first episode of this show this afternoon, and it's safe to say that we've found a new favorite...even if it will give me nightmares. It's just so fascinating. (If only they didn't have so many beeped out words. I guess it's good that they beep them out though.) Can you guess the show?

What we did today: 4 of 80

2011-06-06T20:55:00.001-05:00

This might be super short. It's 8:42, and I'm in the bed attempting to keep my eyes open. This is what comes of insomnia and 2am bedtimes.

Today was a busy fun day with the beginning of VBS. The babies were precious in spite of all the tears caused by separation anxiety and nap refusals. I can already tell that it will be a fun and exhausting week.

After VBS, we headed home for lunch, and then I left to do a little PCM work.

Have I mentioned how much I LoVE PArental Care Ministries?

Came home, ate dinner, baked some of the homemade cookies that I had frozen in premade dough balls, AND made homemade ice cream in a bag! I hadn't done this in quite some time and had forgotten how easy and fun it is. Not mention the yummy factor!

I took some pictures, but they're on my camera. I'm typing this on my phone and I'm absolutely too tired to go deal with it right now. I'll try to add the pictures tomorrow...

For now...it's bedtime...at 8:53. Something I never thought I'd say. I must be getting old.

Oh well. Good night folks.

-- Posted From My iPhone

What we did Today: 3 of 80

2011-06-05T21:22:00.000-05:00

It's Sunday, so of course we were worshippin' worshippin' yeah. Sundays can sometimes be the busiest days of the week for our family, and today was probably one of the busiest.

Sunday mornings are for leading small group with 7th grade girls at our church. Love those girls. Today I was the only teacher there...which translates to mean I led 21 girls all on my own! And I survived! It actually wasn't so bad. Then off to worship...

After church, we headed home for a snacky style lunch, and I headed out to Walmart for a few necessities (and of course I can't leave that dang store without a few non-necessities thrown in). That's the #1 reason why I dislike that store so much.

I went by to check on my mom's dogs on the way home. My step-dad has been in the hospital since LAST Friday. I would love your prayers for him...he was just diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver. So needless to say, it's been a little chaotic for my mom. Especially with my aunt (her sister) going home to be with Jesus AND my step-dad's medical issues and hospitalization. Pray for her as well.

The afternoon was all about the meetings. Grace had a meeting for VBS which starts tomorrow. She's helping with 3 year olds and is super excited about it.

But not as excited as I am about my assignment...I get to rock babies. I'm in the 6 - 12 month class. I can't wait.

We then headed over to the student center for Grace's mission trip info meeting. She'll be going on her mission trip during the first part of my trip to Uganda.

So now the kids are bathed and watching a little P & F before bedtime, and I'm writing this post. Ready to head to bed soon...it's been a busy happy day. :)

What we did Today: 2 of 80

2011-06-05T00:46:00.000-05:00

Today's post will be short and sweet. We slept in a bit...which is always good.
I spent most of the morning cleaning out the bathroom closet in a quest to determine what I need to purchase in preparation for the packing extravaganza that's about to take place. Can you believe that in 17 days I'll be heading to Uganda? I can hardly wait!

Around lunchtime we headed out to FRESH for Taste of Texas. Fresh is a new fayncee grocery store here in town that I often say I can't afford to love as much as I do. But love it...I do. Today was special for the simple fact that we were able to fill up (aka make a lunch out of) on samples throughout the store. It was beauty to this frugal momma. We did end up purchasing a few tacos to eat out on the patio.

Someone obviously did not want her picture taken!

We then headed out on a few errands before turning homeward. Can you guess what we did when we got home? The pool, of course! I'm amazed at how much my kids love being in that little pool. Such a great $20 investment.

After we'd had our fill of outside time, we headed in for double feature movie night with one of my all time favorites, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, followed by a new movie we picked up at the library called Spy School. It was just alright. Nothing special to me...but the kids loved it.

Now they're in bed, and I'm watching Monk (my newest TV obsession now that ALL the episodes are available on Netflix streaming) while I'm working on PCM stuff. A great way to end the 2nd day of summer!

Kids, I Know what we're going to do TODAY! 1 of 80

2011-06-05T00:27:00.000-05:00

Just in case you've been misled by those crazy guys on Disney Channel...there are NOT 104 days in our summer vacation. But I'm willing to take what I can get. 80 days of no school is a beautiful thing...especially when it applies to me as well. The first part of summer last year was a flurry of stress since I was taking Speech and Economics. But not this summer...Hallerlooyah!

Another blogging friend is chronicling her summer, so I thought I might share some of our summer "adventures" too. Even if noone reads, I'll be happy to journalize our happy summer.

Day 1

I spent the whole day thinking it was Saturday. It always throws me off when we have a Friday off.
Anywho, we were just thrilled that we had finally made it to SUMMER!

We spent the first part of our first day of summer taking care of business. Caleb was in desparate need of a haircut, so we headed out to Sport Clips. Then more errands with my boy...with a stop to the library to get new books and movies. We especially love our church's library during the summer when we have more time to devote to recreational reading and movie watching.

We are also very excited about purchasing a pool. It's nothing spectacular...just an easy set 8 ft x 30 inch pool with an inflatable ring around the top, but we are VERY happy with it! It's just right for our family. I can't believe I didn't get any pool pictures, but I'm sure I will soon.

We spent most of the afternoon in our little pool until it was time to get ready for the CIRCUS!
I couldn't wait. I had originally thought I wouldn't be able to go, since I was supposed to drive home to sit with my Mema while my aunt (who she lives with) was attending her granddaughter's graduation. At the last minute, I found out that I wasn't needed.

I'm grateful I got to go the Circus of the King. It was pretty spectacular, especially considering this was our family's first circus experience. I loved the message of Chagy the clown's testimony...so powerful. I'm not usually a fan of clowns...they tend to creep me out. But Chagy was actually one of my favorite parts of the whole thing. Some of the acts were painful to watch...like the tight rope and the 12 year old in the Globe of Death! Pure craziness!

I wanted to share more pictures, but I'm having way too much trouble with the uploading process.

We finished off our night with friends at McDonald's where we indulged in fourthmeal. My kids loved it...being at Mcdonald's at 10:30 at night. It was definitely a FIRST and a pretty perfect way to kick off Summer! :)

Dear Chris...

2011-05-28T21:32:00.000-05:00

Today I did something. Something that you and I always considered silly. I drove myself to the cemetery, sat in the grass, and had a full blown conversation with a big slab of concrete with your name on it. I don't know why. Maybe because this earth just lost my dear Aunt Linda. Maybe because life is ever-changing, and for this moment in time, I wished for the changing to STOP. Maybe because I feel the tug of something new and wonderful and dangerous and completely God-ordained. Maybe because I am seeing a dream of yours become a reality in my own life in less than 24 days. Maybe because I miss you.

If I admit the full and undiluted truth, I wish you were here. Your daughter just turned thirteen. Your son, ten. They are ever-changing...growing. And I don't like it. Not one bit. Sure, I know it is necessary. I even know it's good.

Honestly, I don't even have a purpose to this rambling. I just feel the strongest need to talk to you. I know you're busy with Jesus and all the worshipping. But maybe I just need to do this for me. I wonder if you'll know Aunt Linda when you see her. I've always wondered about that. I imagine that in the presence of JESUS, everything else fades. I wish I were there. I really do. I long for heaven some days, and I imagine that most of my friends here on earth would consider me CRAZY. But not you...you know what I'm talking about. My life is not horrible, it's not. This life I get to live on earth is beautiful and full of the fingerprints of our Father. But as much as I love it, I know I was created for another place. And you get to be there now. So does my Aunt Linda. So does our sweet middle baby. He/She would be eleven this year.

I find comfort in Jesus and knowing that we will all be together again someday doing the one thing we were created to do...giving HIM glory.

I guess that's all I need to say...

Oh, and I'm going to Africa. Can you BELIEVE it?? Me...in Africa! After that fuss I gave you that time you came home saying that God had laid Africa on your heart. I wonder if you would remember that if you were here. I was adamant that I would NEVER live in Africa, and now...well, let's just say that I'm ready to do anything and everything HE wants me to do. Even if that means moving to a foreign country. Isn't that crazy? Seriously... I'm a single mom. How's that going to work? But it seems that the more excuses I give God, the heavier HE lays it on my heart. And the more He confirms, "Hey, I'm GOD and you are most certainly NOT."

Grace likes this guy named Justin Bieber (you would hate him, just sayin'), and he sings this song "Never say Never". Your son says that makes absolutely NO sense whatsoever, because every time he says "I will never say never.", well, he's saying it. TWICE. (He is definitely your son, isn't he? :) )

Every time I hear this song, I think to myself that this is the story of my life. I've had all these "NEVERs" in my life. Never be divorced. Never send my kids to public school. Never eat sushi. (I did that the other day, and I actually liked it! Can you believe that?)

Everything I say I will never do, I do. And here I am finally grabbing hold of your heart for Africa 12 years after the fact. Knowing full well that God has called me to serve and love these precious children of Uganda, whether it's here or there. Isn't God good?

Of course, you already know that. ;)

I guess that's really all I have. It's nice to get all that off my chest.

Good night, and I love you bigger.

{1/90: A Change in Plans}

2011-05-22T21:58:00.000-05:00

A few weeks back, I blogged about my AMBITIOUS reading list for the summer. I still hope to read some of the books on that list, but over the course of the last few days, I've been feeling some heavy conviction about my commitment to God's Word. I made a commitment back in January (much like I do every January) to read the entire Word of God. It's one thing to say that the Bible is my favorite and most important book. But I realize that it is an entirely different thing to actually live that out through my actions.

So I've decided to do something a little crazy. I've decided that this summer is the perfect opportunity to really soak in God's Word. I have a measure of freedom this summer that might not come along for quite some time. With no classes and flexible small jobs, I am able to do things I wouldn't normally be able to.

So I've decided to read the entire Bible in 90 days. Crazy, you say? I don't think so. It works out to be roughly 12 pages a day. There are times that I finish an entire book in one sitting. If God's Word is what I claim it is in my life, 12 pages a day should be a joy.

I do realize that many argue that reading the Bible in this way forces one to at best skim the surface. I'll admit that this will not be some sort of in depth Bible reading. Rather, it's a chance to really grab hold of the BIG picture that God has for us within these pages. My pastor recently preached on the scarlet thread that runs throughout God's Word. He even referenced a 5 hour message by W. A. Criswell that deals with this topic.

That's what I'm after in this endeavor. I want to see the Big picture of His love for us, His glory running through the entire breadth of His Holy Word.

I'll be honest, though. I'm hesitant in even sharing this here. I'm often a great starter, awful finisher. In fact, I could be called a quitter. In an effort to offset that tendency, I'm going to attempt to blog the process.

It's obvious that in reading 12 pages a day, I won't be able to blog about everything. Rather, I'll hit the highlights...the Words that stood out and spoke the most to me in that day's reading. Some days it may be short and sweet. Others might be lengthy. Some days I won't be able to post...like during my trip. But I hope to journal during those times.

This is doable. I'm convinced of it. I look forward to what God is going to do through this process.

Here's my thoughts from day 1:
1/90
Today I read Genesis 1- 16. I'm reading on YouVersion for my iPhone, and I really like that as I'm reading to can bookmark the verses that speak to me the most.

-I love the beautiful picture of God's provision in the Garden in Genesis 1:29. From the very beginning, He provides for their needs.
-Shame has been a major issue in my life. I've worked through so much of it, but every so often it rears its ugly head. "And the man and his wife were both naked and were NOT ashamed." Gen. 2:25 That is a powerful picture of what life can be when we are NOT in bondage to our sin.
-First sin- Gen. 3:6- The sin of discontent, of wanting more, of desiring that which will never fulfill. I don't know about you, but this is a sin I deal with on a regular basis.
-Powerful words- Gen. 6:6
-But Noah- Gen. 6:8
-Promises believed- Gen. 15:5-6 I wonder how often I've been guilty of questioning and doubting whether God will truly keep HIS promises? I want the faith of Abram when he believes the Lord and it is counted to him as righteousness.

Where You Go...

2011-05-21T23:56:00.002-05:00

Not quite too long ago, I came home to find a lovely package on my front step from a company I've grown to love over the past few months. Dayspring has brought so much joy to my life through the Incourage blog and Bloom book club. Now that I have joined the Blessings Unlimited team, I feel as if Dayspring is a part of my family. It seemed only natural that I might share it with my bloggy friends.

Back to that lovely package...just look at what was in it! These tiles are just my style, and I just love that the message they convey is exactly what God has been teaching me over the past months. I've been in this place of not knowing exactly what God is up to or what HE wants for my life. And the crazy part of it all: I think this is exactly where HE wants me. HE wants my heart completely surrendered and trusting in HIS perfect life. HE wants to know that I will say "YES, Lord, Where you go, I will go, and where You stay I will stay."

Part of that involves Africa, of course. I am thrilled to pieces that in less than one month I'll be setting my feet in the country of Uganda...loving and hugging these children that have found their way deep deep down into my heart. I cannot wait for what HE is going to do in these coming months. I'm saying "Yes, Lord." to it all.

I would love for you to visit the Dayspring store for yourself to see all the lovely ways you can incorporate scripture into your home. If you are even the slightest bit like me, you will love the pieces they offer. {You may also visit my Blessings Unlimited page for even more wonderful ways to bring blessing and scripture into your home.}

{Just to note: I received this product FREE to review. But the words and opinions you find here are completely and 100% my own. I am so grateful to the Dayspring family for this opportunity}

Where You Go...

2011-05-21T23:55:00.000-05:00

{Just to note: I received this product FREE to review. But the words and opinions you find here are completely and 100% my own. I am so grateful to the Dayspring family for this opportunity}

Rejoicing over answered prayer.

2011-05-14T07:27:00.001-05:00

This is a prayer I wrote on December 13th of 2010. Six months ago. I was not in a good place in some respects, but looking back on it I realize that I was learning the value of humility. I thank God today for what He has done in my heart over these past six months, what He has shown me. This is a prayer that i will probably pray for the rest of my life. But today I thank God for answered prayer, for doing in my heart what only He can.

December 13, 2010 2:19 am

Lord, I love you so much, but I'm horrible at showing it. I want to follow You in everything, but then I allow myself to get distracted from what is truly important. I know that your plan for my life is amazing. I know that once I truly give up control of it all that you will do your thing. I'm trying, Lord. But I'm failing. I can't seem to bring myself to a place of full surrender. I'm afraid. And I know you've not called me to act out of fear. But out of power, love, and a sound mind. Please give me a sound mind. Give me focus. Show me the way to go. I'm so worried about finances. I don't know how we are going to survive. I need direction. I need provision. I need to learn to trust you completely. I need to learn to love you above all else. More than people's opinion of me. Lord, I pray that I will not put others on a pedestal. I pray that I will not allow what others think of me to consume my thoughts...my life. I want to be Yours. I want to want what You want for me. Guide me. Mold me. Shape me. Into the thing that will bring You the most glory. I desire You above anything...everything.

You are so good even when I'm not. Give me that peace that goes beyond all understanding. I need your peace right now father.

Give me what you want for me. Less of me and more of you Jesus. That's what I need. Surprise me with Your best. I will live in expectation of what You are going to do.

Show me the difference between guarding and hardening my heart. Thank You for what You are already teaching me about this. Remove the fear of love from me. Lord, I desire Your best not what I think is best.

May I press in to You now more than ever. May I be secure in the fact that I am Yours. That my heart belongs to You and You want full control over it. May I believe that You will take good care of it. That You will guard it from those who might not be right. I trust You. You are so much better at this. You know what I need a million times better than I do. I love You so. I trust You.

PURE delight.

2011-04-28T23:48:00.000-05:00

My heart is so full at this very moment that it just might explode.
I am so in LOVE.

And I wonder..."How did I live before?"

Or "Did I really live at all?"

"Am I just now beginning to fully wake to the God breathed life that's been mine all along?"

This ONE. He is...enthralling, captivating, worthy, pure delight.
I wish I could give words to my heart. This English language limits.

Perhaps I shall dance out my joy...in the tradition of my Ugandan brothers and sisters.

I fear that living in this "bless me, bless me" land of the "FREE (but not really)", I've grown calloused, hard hearted, somewhat immune to joy.

You know, JOY? Do you know what I speak of when I speak of JOY?

Do we even really know JOY?

We are "FREE" and we are "BLESSED", but not really.

Not if we don't know JOY.

Not if we ascribed JOY as the result of success.
Not if our JOY originates from circumstance.

For HE is PURE Delight. JOY unspeakable. The English language with all its words can't contain or define the SHEER bliss that is I AM.

For whether I live or die, whether God bless America or not, HE is worthy. HE is the ultimate source of all JOY.

And I will live and die DELIGHTING in HIM.

Blessings Unlimited- A New Adventure

2011-04-25T12:21:00.000-05:00

Our Motivation is Ministry

Our Method is Business

Our Message is Jesus

When I read that this was the motto for Blessings Unlimited, I knew it warranted further investigation. Over the past 10 years, I’ve dabbled in the world of direct selling businesses. While I’ve enjoyed the flexibility, my heart beats for ministry and service.

Most of you who know me personally know that I have recently taken the leap of becoming a full time college student. I’m also a single mom to two beautiful children. I’m always looking for ways to earn income while being available for my kids and staying committed to my studies.

In addition, over the past few years, God has put a passion in my heart for missions…specifically on the continent of Africa. Though our income is very limited, God has called us to give and now to go. I will be travelling to Uganda this summer for two weeks to work and serve alongside others ministering and loving orphans and needy children. The income I earn through this venture will help support those efforts.

I pray that this business/ministry might be a way to earn additional income, glorify God, and send me to Africa both now and in the future. I don’t know exactly what God has in store for our family’s future. All I know is this: “Yes, Lord” is my response.

Blessings Unlimited seems a perfect fit for my family. Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my website. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to call or email.

What is Blessings Unlimited?

Blessings Unlimited is a direct sales company offering Christian and inspirational products for sale by Independent Consultants at home parties that we call Gatherings. At Blessings Unlimited, our Mission Statement is "To pursue the heart of God and bring blessings to others." We are a company which operates upon Christian principles for the purpose of Christian ministry, not just a company that sells religious products.

The name "Blessings Unlimited" and our tagline are based on the Scripture in John 1:16 that says, "From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another." Our tagline, "From God's heart, to your heart, to the hearts of others" represents our desire for God to reveal Himself to us and through us.

I would love for you to take a look at the beautiful products through my personal website with Blessings Unlimited. You can find it by clicking HERE.

Thank you!

Africa, of course.

2011-04-22T21:47:00.001-05:00

I wrote this last year and somehow never posted it. Now reading it makes me so happy. Knowing that this dream and passion God put in my heart so many years ago, that it's about to culminate into something beautiful...well, that brings me pure joy. So here it is...a post from last December:

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I'll give you one guess...

I know I talk about it a bunch lately. You'll hear no apologies from me for that though.

Africa. Uganda. Mbarara. Parental Care Ministries.
www.pcmonline.org

There are many things I'm not sure of in life. This is NOT one of them.

I have no doubt that God alone has placed this passion in my heart for this ministry and these people.

I can't wait for the day I will go there and see them with my own eyes, hug them, serve them up close and in person. It's gonna happen. I believe that with all my heart.

Fully Awake

2011-04-22T00:19:00.000-05:00

I wonder.
Would I sleep?
Or would I pray?

Even now.
Do I sleep?
Or do I pray?

My life.
Lived numb and asleep?
Or fully awake and alive?

These are the thoughts that I think on this historic night...this night of bloodshed sweat and snores.

Do I snooze in the face of His sorrow?
Do I grow weary and numb to those things for which I need be fully awake?

Father God,
Make me fully awake.
Awake to beauty and pain.
Awake to the sunrise and sunset.
Awake to blue skies and rainstorms.
Awake to the very best of all...YOUR glorious presence.

Why I Sponsor

2011-04-19T23:14:00.001-05:00

This is Herbert

He lives in Uganda.

He dreams of being a pilot.

His favorite subject is Social Studies.

He has needs.

Needs like me. Needs like you.

He has a need for food, water, clothing, shelter, and a good education.

But for as much as he needs food and water, he has another need as great.

The need for love and care...parental care.

Just like me.

Herbert is really no different from you or me.

This is Juliet.

Juliet with just a tiny bit of a smile for the camera.

Juliet whose smile is now a goal of mine.

Her prayer request is that God may give her oranges.

Juliet.

Who needs care and love.

As much as she needs food and water.

Juliet.

Who has planted my heart halfway across the globe.

Juliet and Herbert are why I sponsor.

When I see their faces, when I read their stories, when I hear that Juliet wishes to be a teacher when she grows up, when I think of their needs that go so far beyond only physical...

How can I not sponsor?

How can I not pray till my knees are numb that God will do for Juliet and Herbert what only He can?

When I think on parental care and what it really means...

I come to an understanding that sponsorship is NOT only about sending a check every month,

But about making a commitment to love them, to pray for them as my own.

So, yes, I'm a single mom.

Yes, it's tough.

Yes, money's tight.

But Herbert and Juliet....

They're more important than Starbucks every week

Or cable TV

Or new apps on the iPhone

Or a new book

Or even that trip to Disneyworld.

That's why I sponsor.

You can too, if you wish.

www.pcmonline.org

Summer Reading- The Ambitious List

2011-04-18T00:49:00.000-05:00

I should be studying right now. I really should. Instead, though, I'm half-heartedly watching In Search of the Castaways with the kids. The windows are up, the fans are on full blast, and I'm dreaming of summer.

I don't know exactly what my summer holds. I know Uganda. I know Pinecove for my kids. But beyond that I just don't know. I'm feeling that I may need to work some this summer to supplement our family income. I've decided to visit a few daycares in the next week or so to get on their sub list. That seems to be the best alternative. I can say YES or I can say NO. No major obligations.

But that really isn't the purpose of this post. I've made a commitment to turn off the TV as much as possible now and through the summer. I know that sounds contradictory considering that we are in the midst of a movie as I write this, but we really have watched very little TV over the past few days.

I really love to read. In the past, I would devour books at an alarming pace. Lately, however, I'm lucky to finish a book or two every month. I tend to let other things creep in. Namely, this computer I'm typing on at this very minute and the TV.

I have so many books that I've collected over the years with the best intentions of reading. And yet, they sit on my shelf collecting dust. I'm not buying another book until I've read through some of these.

This is the AMBITIOUS list. It's slightly unrealistic to think that I will read all of these. And my past history with reading challenges only serves to prove the previous statement. But, nevertheless, here it is. This is me being ambitious and slightly unrealistic. :)

This one's been on my shelf for a couple of months...

Would like to finish it and pass it along to my daughter.

This one is in the mail and on it's way to me as we speak.

I'm very excited to tackle it this summer. I'm preparing myself though.

I also ordered the DVD with the teaching session.

I feel sure that this one will stretch me to the max.

I received this book as a giveaway.

I've known of and read Crystal's blogs a long time...I absolutely love her heart.

I've actually almost finished this one, and I know that it will be a book I refer to over and over again.

Definitely a much needed resource on a topic that tends to be taboo.

Loved the movie, know I'll love the book.

I want to read everything JP writes. Especially about missions.

This one's on it's way too.

This one's been in my TBR pile for a while...

I don't actually have my hands on this book yet...

But I know I want to read it.

We'll see if it happens by summer's end.

Another Jon book I want to read, but don't actually have.

Maybe I'll be able to find a friend to borrow from...

Have you noticed a trend yet?

I'm somewhat obsessed at this present time with

missions-minded books, especially those with a biographical slant.

And it absolutely doesn't hurt when the author is Elisabeth Elliot.

Love her.

Another missions book...

This one I received free from Gospel for Asia.

Another Piper book...but this one's by Noel, John's wife.

Seems right up my alley. On it's way now.

Awe-Full {Frederick Ohler}

2011-04-17T21:34:00.000-05:00

Great and holy God
awe and reverence
fear and trembling
do not come easily to us
for we are not
Old Testament Jews
or Moses
or mystics
or sensitive enough.
Forgive us
for slouching into Your presence
with little expectation
and less awe
than we would eagerly give a visiting dignitary.
We need neither Jehovah nor a buddy-
neither "the Great and Powerful Oz" nor "the man upstairs"
Help us
to want what we need...
You God and may the altar of our hearts
tremble with delight
at
Your visitation
amen.

{Frederick Ohler}

Family Scripture Memorization

2011-04-11T00:24:00.003-05:00

From the overflow of this life being turned upside down, I've found myself more and more not wanting to waste my time on the things that really don't matter. We even unplugged our TV.

We started this week with something I wish we had been doing as a family all along. We are going to memorize scripture...TOGETHER. Every week we will work on a verse.

This week's verse:

So excited about this new journey...more than anything I want my kids to find their ultimate joy in Christ...for the desire of their heart to be to make MUCH of HIM.

Life Upside Down

2011-04-10T00:23:00.000-05:00

Posted this on Facebook just a bit ago:

Have you ever had your life turned upside down in a way where you realize that there's really only ONE thing worth living for and you realize that you may never be the same and you can't stop crying because you want so desperately for God to use you to make His name famous and you can't sleep because there are so many people in this world who have NEVER EVEN heard the name of Jesus?

I'm not at all sure that I can even talk about this, but I'm going to try. I really do feel as if my life has been turned on it's end. No one event or circumstance can be pointed to as the cause of this.

I could say that it's because Uganda is just on the horizon for me.
I could say Passion did it. (More to come on that.)
I could say that it's the result of seeing prayers answered.
I could say that it's all emotions and things will eventually be back to normal.

But none of those come close to the truth of the matter.
My life's been turned upside down by JESUS.

He's turning things on end. What I long for is changing. How I view life...changing. My passions...changing.

I don't know the big picture of what HE's up to...but I know I like what He's doing in my heart and in my life. I feel fully alive in a way I've not experienced much. I certainly don't feel numb. Even the tears are good. Healing. Cleansing.

Truth is...it's not until I find my fullness of joy in HIM that I really have JOY at all.

Psalm 37:4 says "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." Could it be that when I truly delight myself in Him, HE becomes the desire of my heart?

Pining over The Vintage Pearl

2011-03-31T10:25:00.000-05:00

For as long as I've known of The Vintage Pearl, I've loved it. They have this necklace that I've been pining over in the worst way.

Isn't that just what I need? I absolutely LOVE it.

Or this with all the sweet children in my life (Grace, Caleb, Herbert, and Juliet)....

Imagine my excitement that they are doing this fabulous birthday giveaway...how awesome would it be to win?

Check it out (maybe you'll win too!): The Vintage Pearl giveaway!!

Counting Gifts of March: Part One

2011-03-25T18:23:00.002-05:00

Oh, counting gifts, so many...
I had planned to wait and post at the month's end, but I can barely stand to wait.
So I won't. :)

I've taken to listing my gifts on my iPhone, and as a result can jot it down anytime...anywhere. Since I seem to have my phone with me most all of the time.

No. 27
Amazing new friends...studying a most amazing book by an amazing woman.

No. 28
Observing Lent for the very first time.

No. 29
Crowder and LeCrae. (On the SAME track!)

No. 30
Affirmation from Christ ALONE.

No. 31
New refrigerator sent from HEAVEN.

No. 32
PINECOVE scholarships!!

No. 33
Wisdom.

No. 34
Silence. Sweet sweet silence...

No. 35
Operation World- my new most favorite book after the Bible.

No. 36
Facebook messages from across the sea.

No. 37
Elisabeth Elliot

No. 38
FRESH

No. 39
Two straws in one drink.

No. 40
Veggietales and the fact that my children still love them.

No. 41
Sunshiny days sweeping the clouds away.

No. 42
St. Patrick and all the he stood for. (HINT: it's not the green beer.)

No. 43
Drama free days

No. 44
First snowcones of the season.

No. 45
Double digits. :o)

No. 46
Lamentations 3:22-23 (in the Amplified version)

No. 47
Writing on the mirror.

To "Lent" or Not to "Lent"

2011-03-09T17:46:00.001-06:00

I have attended Baptist churches all my life, and didn’t really know what Lent was until a few years ago. To be honest, this is really the first year I've even attempted to learn more about this ancient practice.

This year will be the first year I observe Lent. I’ve decided to participate in Lent 2011:Relentless Acts of Justice through World Vision Acts. I’m excited about what God wants to do in my heart through this process.

But I’ll be honest…Lent makes me a little nervous. I grew up with lots of legalism. I don’t want Lent or anything else I do to come out of obligation or as a means to check something off my list. I want it to come from a heart desiring Jesus MORE than ANYTHING. I want my motive to be pure, or else, it’s just another thing I’m doing in my own power.

Over the past few hours, I've navigated the internet for more insight on Lent. I'll include the resources I found at the end of this post.

I received my first email today from World Vision Acts today, and this video was included. May it speak to your heart as much as it did to mine.

Lent 2011: A Franciscan Blessing from World Vision ACT:S on Vimeo.

Lent is Good Religion- from Relevant Magazine
The Value of Lent and Good Friday- from Christianity Today
Ash Wednesday and Lenten Lights- by Noel Piper
And this one is by far the heart of why I will observe Lent this year:
Why a Failing Lent Actually Succeeds- by Ann Voskamp- blows me smooth away...

"Lent gives me this gift: the deeper I know the pit of my sin, the deeper I’ll drink from the draughts of joy." - Ann Voskamp

The Ever-Growing TBR pile

2011-03-08T02:41:00.001-06:00

Yes, it's another TBR post.

I keep coming across books I want to read. So many books, so so little time. Here are two I'm reading over spring break...well, I'm going to read as much of them as I can!

5 Conversation you Must Have with Your Daughter by Vicki Courtney
This is one I've had on my shelf for a while. I'm hoping to read it over spring break and take some notes to share here on the blog.

Preparing Your Daughter for Every Woman's Battle by Shannon Ethridge

I love Shannon and her work. Every Woman's Battle was instrumental in my growth and healing process. I've read most of this book, but it's been far too long.

I love my children. Really I do.

2011-03-07T16:11:00.000-06:00

I've had an amazing weekend. Without my children. Don't judge. Periods of kidlessness enable me to parent effectively. And it's true. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder.

I'm ready for them to come home now. I do miss them. Grace has been gone on tour with her middle school choir and will return in about three hours. Caleb's been gone to kid's camp with our church and I pick him up in just an hour. :)

"What are going to do with yourself this weekend?"

I've heard this question approximately a million times over the past couple of days.

My answer:

"Whatever the heck I want."

Ahh, sweet freedom.

Here are the highlights:

SLEEP

Ate cake for breakfast

SLEEP

Clean my kitchen. Like really clean my kitchen.

Two books read

Starbucks

Passion Messages

Park, Blanket, Strawberries, Bible, Jesus...BLISS

SLEEP

Shopping

Beth Moore

Chinese Take-Out

Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy

Starbucks

The King's Speech

SLEEP

Quiet

Solitude

Rejuvenation

Africa: In my Heart & Under My Feet

2011-03-07T02:08:00.004-06:00

I've wanted to write this post for the last couple of weeks. For some reason, though, every single time I would sit down to write, I would be at a loss for the words to perfectly capture what's in my heart.

I'll just spit it out. In less than 4 months, I'll set my feet on the continent of Africa. I'll hug the ones my heart has grown to love. I'll see God do something INCREDIBLE. In the hearts of HIS people.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I need Africa more than Africa needs me. I believe, without reservation, that God is doing something AMAZING in Uganda. I believe, without reservation, that HE wants me to be a part of that.

Expect many, many AFRICA-themed posts in the coming months.
It's in my heart, and I can't get it out. (Not that I want to.)
I can't wait to share more and more of the beautiful devastating truth God is bringing into my life through this journey.
I can't wait to tell you all about Parental Care Ministries, the ministry I'll be travelling to Uganda with.
I can't wait to share with you every little provision God makes for this trip.
I have no doubt that God wants me in Uganda.
I have no way to get myself to Uganda.
It's an awfully vulnerable place to be, this place of trusting God to COMPLETELY provide everything that is needed.
BUT.
He wants us in this place. So often, we try to make things happen. We scheme and plan and work our way toward what WE want. We tell ourselves that there is nothing we can't accomplish if we work hard and believe.
We neglect to ask HIM what HE wants. That's where I've been for so much of my life. Assuming that what I want is what HE wants.

Something's changed. Something deep, deep down in my heart. I find myself begging and pleading for God to replace my desires with HIS.

HE put AFRICA in my heart. HE WILL put it under my feet.

Of this, I am convinced.

Isaiah 61: 1 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because the Lord has annointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and freedom to the prisoners."

Counting February's Gifts : No. 2 through 26

2011-03-06T00:08:00.001-06:00

Counting gifts.
Everywhere.
He is not just good.
He is not just great.
He is so much more than our silly little words can define.

No. 2
Warmth....inside and out.

No. 3
Restraint given.

No. 4
sugar rushes & silly singing

No. 5
flea market scarves

No. 6
Laughter way down in my belly...

No. 7
SNOW!!

No. 8
a broken heart...that God loves...

No. 9
TRUTH tellers...even when it's not pleasant.

No. 10
Psalm 34:18

No. 11
Lisa Gungor and her xylophone.

No. 12
Plan Bs.

No. 13
Sick day cuddling.

No. 14
Messages that melt my heart.

No. 15
13 years. Sniff. Sniff.

No. 16
The feeling of serving beyond what YOU are capable.

No. 17
Pastor Emmy + America = answered prayer

No. 18
The ability to breathe.

No. 19
Doctors and Pharmacists

No. 20
The writing on the wall.

No. 21
Messages from Uganda = Permanent Smile

No. 22
sponsored kids

No. 23
Elisabeth Elliot

No. 24
Unexpected provision.

No. 25
FUEL

No. 26
WORDS that are ALIVE.

Passion and Purity

2011-02-23T22:41:00.000-06:00

I read Passion and Purity for the very first time the summer of 1994. I was 17 years old. Never been kissed. Never had a boyfriend. Feeling as if I might never be kissed. Might never have a boyfriend.

I was wrong.

I wish I could say that during the years since I turned the last page penned by the dear Elisabeth Elliott I have put into practice all the wisdom shared in this book. I don't really think I "got it". I wanted to "get it", but I'm sure that my age and maturity level made it very hard.

Even so, after all these years, this book beckoned me back. Itsmessage definitely made a profound impact on my life. I initially ordered it thinking that my 13 year old daughter might benefit from the wisdom of Elisabeth.

Two days ago I picked it up to read through the first chapter to see if it might be age appropriate. Oh. my. Goodness. I haven't put it down since.

Truth is...I need this book right now. The tag line for this book reads: Learning to Bring Your Love Life Under Christ's Control.

What love life you might ask? Exactly. I don't have a love life. At least not the type that people are aware of. But deep deep down...I am still that 17 year old girl about to embark on a new adventure wondering if maybe...just maybe...there might be someone.

I love this book. I love that God knew I needed to revisit the wisdom of this Godly woman right now during this season of healing I'm in.

Here are a few snippets that spoke to me:

The deepest spiritual lessons are not learned by His letting us have our way in the end, but by His making us wait, bearing with us in love and patience until we are able honestly to pray what He taught His disciples to pray: Thy will be done. Acceptance of whatever that means is the great victory of faith that overcomes the world.

"If my life is broken when given to Jesus, it is because pieces will feed a multitude , while a loaf will satisfy only a little lad." -Ruth Stull

My heart hurts.

2011-02-16T12:57:00.001-06:00

I sit in my chair.

I write.

I hit delete.

Indecision.

To post or not to post.

To share or not to share.

When the pain is deep and the hurt seems more than I can bear...

Writing's a balm to my soul.

In the dark of the night

When all's quiet

Children slumber

I lie awake

Wondering

Pondering

Weeping

Grieving

Waiting for the other shoe to drop.

But in the midst

When all's pain

I AM

Here with me

Here in me

Holding

Comforting

Reassuring

Pressing

Tugging

Molding

Shaping

Pruning

Perfecting

Into His image

Into who I really am

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

We named her Grace.

2011-02-08T08:45:00.000-06:00

2011-02-06T00:01:00.002-06:00

These are just a few of the internet treasures that I've happened upon this week.

What really happens when you give to the poor- This is an absolutely beautiful post from the beautiful Ann. So often does she speak my heart.

Haha...I posted this on Facebook after seeing it on another friend's wall.

Watch this one...even if you click on no other link. Parental Care Ministries and these precious children have stolen my heart. The footage from this video was taken during last month's trip to Uganda.

All's Grace- a new song by Shaun...absolutely powerful.

TBR

2011-02-01T11:37:00.000-06:00

TBR= To BE READ

Welcome to my virtual bookshelf.
These are the books that I hope to read in 2011.
If I can pull myself away from this screen periodically.
I'm sure this is a post I will add to frequently as I love books and will never possibly read all the books in my ever-growing TBR pile.

You can click on any of the books and be taken to Amazon.com for purchase and/or reviews.

The Bible
I desire so greatly to read the entire Bible this year. But not just read it, but eat it. To be hungry and thirsty for what God wants to say to me through this love letter He's written.

The Matthew Henry Commentary
I just downloaded the Kindle version of this to my computer. I want to know and grow and understand as I read God's Word this year.

Radical by David Platt
This has been on my TBR for a while and I am currently halfway through this book. I'm determined to finish this one first. Life-changing!

Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot

Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot
I read this back in college...and I'm thinking a reread is in order. I'm also hoping to share it with my daughter.

Churched by Matthew Paul Turner
This one's been in my TBR pile for way too long.

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp
I am very excited about this book that I just ordered. I've loved Ann's blog for quite some time and will be reading this book as a part of a book club. You can find out more and/or join us by following this link: Bloom book club.

Counting Gifts

2011-02-01T09:54:00.000-06:00

Oftentimes, I am prone to wander from the truth.
The truth that this life I live; it is a gift.
A gift I often take for granted.
A gift for which I often feel a sense of entitlement.
Instead of treasuring this gift, I often squander it.
I am oftentimes numb.
Asleep.
In a world of gifts given.

Today I am remind that this life is full of gifts.
That this life itself is a gift.

Juliet reminds me of that.
She is most thankful for life.
That she is still alive.

As I begin this journey of counting gifts...
I count the first.
1. That both I and my dear Juliet will breathe the deep sweet breath given freely from a God who loves us deeply and sweetly.

A thing I'm Good at...

2011-01-31T00:15:00.001-06:00

In the past, when people started talking about talents and gifts, I would always get nervous. Or you know when you fill out an application for a job or even to volunteer for something? They always have a section for you to list any special talents and abilities. That always makes me uncomfortable. I never know what to put there. I can sing, just not well. I don't play an instrument...we've already established that musical ability skips a generation. I do love children and I love working with them, but how do you put that? Special talents: I like kids. I know how to change a diaper in under a minute.

Somehow I don't think that would go over well.

But there's something that I'm really good at. Something that I've taken for granted, but I'm now seeing as something God given...

I'm quite resourceful. I LOVE finding and sharing things. Great deals out and about town. An amazing website that I just know a friend will love. FREE stuff. CHEAP stuff. Events that haven't been publicized adequately, but should be.

So I'm resolving to use this gift that I'm now seeing as God given. Starting now.

Here are some things I feel like sharing with the few of you who read this blog. I love y'all.

Here's the message from John Piper at Passion that completely messed me up in the best possible way. You should really let it mess you up, too.

Go read this blog. Do it now. And bring some tissue. This is the ministry that I'll be going to Africa with this summer. Can't wait to hug me some Ugandan children.

And now for your viewing pleasure...I am in love with Gungor. I can't stop listening to their "Beautiful Things" album. It's one of the few albums that I don't skip a single song. I love the whole dang thing. And the following video gives me hope that someday I might be allowed to join a band. I could be the hand clapper/tree stomper. But only if I grow a fancy beard.

This next one is the song that plays in my brain even when my ear buds are out. I even dreamed it last night.

101 in 1001: Updated. THE END.

2011-01-29T00:01:00.002-06:00

Update: This thing was set to end on January 16th...and, honestly, I had decided to let it pass without much fanfare. I didn't succeed at a whole bunch of these. But I've decided that's okay too. I've already created a 20 before 40 list. Seems a little more realistic for me. Below is my 101 in 1001 original post creaated in 2008. I've edited to show what I finished with occasional notes as to how it went. Several things I decided were things I actually didn't want or need to accomplish...I've made note on those.

Original post:
So, this is one of those ideas I have seen on so many other blogs. It sounds like something right up my alley. I love, love, love to make lists.

Here's the premise: Make a list of 101 things you want to accomplish within the next 1001 days. 1001 days equals out to be roughly 2.8 years.

My start date will be April 19, 2008.

My end date will be January 16, 2011.

Now I am hoping I will rapture outta here by then, but you never know.

Why am I doing this? I think I often go through life just trying to make it through the day. That is fine and dandy, but what I don't want is to look back on my life and regret not doing something I really wanted or needed to do. (subtle nod to The Bucket List)

So without further ado, here is THE LIST:

1. Road Trip with Kim. Did it. Twice. Summer 2008.
2. Pay off all debt and be debt free at the end of this thing. This is the thing I'm saddest about. I am free of credit card debt, but I did have to take on a note for another car after having my paid off for only three months. Boo.
3. Visit a catholic church for mass. This is one that I still want to do.
4. Finish reading the whole Narnia series. Why haven't I finished those last two books, dangit?
5. Eat at-home prepared meals only for a week. Did it. May 2008.
6. Study all other major world religions. Still going to do this one too.
7. Go dark for a week- no twitter, no blogging, no facebook. Did it. August 2008.
8. Take the kids on vacation to Disneyworld. Well, I took myself, but I guess that doesn't count. We've reevaluated and decided that this is something that needs to wait. More important things we want to do...like Africa and orphans.
9. Write a short story or article and submit to magazines. Still going to do this one...I promise.
10. Study in depth the books of 1 and 2 Peter. Studied all of 1 Peter, but not 2 Peter.
11. Upload all pictures to Flickr and journal about them. Did it. January 2010
12. Spend no money for an entire week. I did it. May 2008.
13. Watch the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy from start to finish. I just can't seem to make this happen!
14. Paint Grace and Caleb's bedroom walls. Not needed anymore!
15. Get my passport. This is happening next month, for sure!
16. Own a laptop. February 2010
17. Support at least two children. Juliet and Herbert through Parental Care Ministries.
18. See my vision for Parent is a Verb become a reality. This is one I decided not to pursue...just not the direction I feel He's leading me right now.
19. Have at least $1001 in saving account at the end of this thing. I will have this at the end of January.
20. Visit at least 25 different churches on The Body Journey. Fifteen total visited. Going to visit several in the DFW area in March.
21. Learn to take really good pictures. I feel like I've done this, even though I just have a simple point and shoot.
22. Successfully grow some organic tomatoes. Did it. Summer 2008.
23. Have a picnic in the park. I did it. May 2008.
24. Camp out in the backyard. Did it. April 2009.
25. Read the newspaper or watch the news everyday for a month. I should really do this.
26. Study in depth at least 5 books of the bible. Did a couple...but not five in depth. Lord, I want more of a hunger for You and Your Word.
27. Drink nothing but water for two weeks. Did it. May 2008.
28. Do themed family nights every week for two months. These have fallen by the wayside. Kids just aren't as interested in the theme stuff. We just like to have fun and be silly.
29. Do a half-marathon (run/walk). Did it. May 2009- Relay for Life- 16 miles. Actually completed four half marathons and I have the medals to prove it!
30. Run in the Race for the Cure. Scheduling issues, but I did do the Azalea 10K.
31. Unplug TV for one week. Nope, sad to say this hasn't happened yet.
32. Have Carol teach me to can. She did. June 2008.
33. Get a spa pedicure.
34. Run a mile without stopping. September 2009
35. Read the Bible through at least once. This is on my list this year. Again. Lord, I want to hunger and thirst for your Word.
36. Read The Pilgrim's Progress. It's still on my neverending to be read list.
37. Learn some sign language. did it...Fall 2008
38. Replace my living room furniture. February 2010
39. Eat only "slow" foods for a month. Okay, so maybe this will never happen.
40. Begin video diaries to give to the kids when they are grown. did it...May 2008.
41. Use public transportation. November 2009
42. See a movie at a drive in. Did it. July 2008.
43. Lose 20 pounds. Did it! May 2009.
44. Unplug the computer for one week. Did it. August 2008.
45. Exercise for 30 min. 3xweek for 6 months. Did it. 2009.
46. Visit another country. This will happen this year!!
47. Pick my own blueberries. I did pick blackberries. That should count.
48. Buy a formal dress and find somewhere to wear it. Nope. Didn't happen. Maybe I'll buy a wedding dress someday.
49. Go on a date. This one's just sad. I don't want to talk about it.
50. Why is 50 empty? Hmm.
51. See a Broadway musical. I did it.
52. Commit 10 random acts of kindness. I'm sure I did this, but just didn't keep count.
53. Organize and clean out filing cabinet.
54. Vote. did it...November 2008
55. Go to the Four Winds Faire. We decided not to do this. Too expensive.
56. Find some good male mentors for my son. did it...October 2008
57. Lose 15% of my body weight.
58. Take the kids to SeaWorld.
59. Go back to school. did it...Summer 2010
60. Get new glasses. did it....February 2009
61. Be silent for 24 hours.
62. Read Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. In the TBR pile.
63. Rock out the show. I did it. Twice.
64. Watch the sunrise. Did it. May 2009.
65. Take Grace on a coming of age trip. This is happening this year.
66. Go canoeing. well kayaking...did it...Summer 2009
67. Take a class or learn more about early christian history. Nope. Didn't happen.
68. Have a really good family portrait made.
69. Take my mom to lunch at the Potpourri House. did it...spring 2010
70. Send a gift to Dad and Carol on their birthdays. Not a very good daughter, am I?
71. Blog consistently for a year. Close enough... did it...2009-2010
72. Track the food I eat on sparkpeople for one month.
73. Go to an indoor waterpark in the winter.
74. Tube down a river. Do Lazy rivers count?...did it...summer 2010
75. Take my kids out on individual dates at least once a month. I mostly did this.
76. ??
77. Upgrade home computer.
78. ??
79. Visit the Fort Worth Zoo. did it...summer 2010
80. Visit Irving Bible Church. Happening in March...
81. ??
82. Make homemade ice cream.
83. Buy and learn to use Photoshop well. Nope. Didn't happen.
84. Eat watermelon at least once a week during the summer. Did it. Summer 2008.
85. Develop a versatile wardrobe.
86. Get rid of anything unneccessary. Declutter.
87. Experience the Roundtop Antiques Fair. Nope, didn't happen. Probably won't.
88. Learn to worship in at least three unconventional ways.
89. Learn to lay hardwood flooring. Didn't happen. Probably won't.
90. Go to the dentist.
91. Take Caleb to mother/son conference at pinecove . I'm sad this hasn't happened yet.
92. Build relationships with 5 people outside the church.
93. Go to a wine tasting. Nope.
94. Experience communion as a family. Christmas Eve 2010
95. Ride a rollercoaster.
96. Eat at Julian's. January 2010
97. Keep up with laundry for at least 2 weeks. Did it. September 2008.
98. Go to the doctor. did it...February 2009
99. Spend a weekend without kids at least every 6 months. I'm pretty sure this happened...didn't keep track.
100. Learn to speak my kids' love languages. Still working on this one.
101. Donate 10 dollars for every uncompleted task on end date. To www.pcmonline.org.May have to pay it out! :)

I will not plug my ears, close my eyes, and sing "Jesus Loves Me".

2011-01-28T00:15:00.006-06:00

Sometimes, I go to the movies. I love movies, and I especially love to make it in time for the previews. But, every so often, a preview comes along that is completely inappropriate, and, if given the opportunity to invade my brain, will leave me with nightmares for weeks. So I plug my ears, close my eyes, and sing "Jesus Loves Me". Quietly, of course. My daughter does the exact same thing. But she's more liberal with this policy...in fact, she used to do it every time a commercial for LOST would come on. She is easily scared. It's a smart plan, if it's something that I don't want to have invade my mind and imprinted on my heart.

But lately, I've been smacked over the head with some truth.

I do this with reality, too. A bit of news flashes on my TV screen that makes me uncomfortable, I flip the channel. I skim over news on my phone that is sad. Because the needs of others in this world seem so overwhelming, I choose sometimes to plug my ears, close my eyes, and sing "Jesus Loves Me".

But wait. Doesn't Jesus love them, too? If we believe what the Bible says is truly true, He loves. Not just the people we love either. Jesus loves the orphans dying for lack of medical treatment. Jesus loves the sex trafficked 12 year old. Jesus loves her pimp.

Uh oh. Did I just go there? Yes, I did. It's painful to hear it. It's horrifying, really. But it's the reality. It's happening right under our noses. But I'm guessing most of you are like me. You plug your ears, you close your eyes, and sing about how Jesus loves you. Because it's painful. It's beyond uncomfortable. It makes you squirm in your seat with a sickness in your belly. It's overwhelming. It's not something we want to see.

But if we never acknowledge it, it will NEVER stop. We are HIS hands and feet. We are the way He chooses to show LOVE to the world. He came and made MUCH of us, so that we could MAKE MUCH of HIM in this world. It's not just about getting into heaven. It's about a living, amazing relationship with HIM that spills out on this world.

So I'm done. No more plugging my ears, closing my eyes, and singing about how He loves me. At the exclusion of the hurting and dying masses.

I'm praying fervently that God will continue to break my heart into a million little pieces. That He will pour out His love and provision for the nations. And that He'll use me as His funnel to do that very thing.

I'm praying the exact same thing for you, too.

Here am I, Lord.

What I'm Embracing: Part 7

2011-01-27T10:24:00.002-06:00

I used to do these "What I'm Embracing" posts all the time, but lately I've gotten out of the habit. You might wonder why I'm starting back now. Well, I'm so glad you asked!

I'm realizing that I have so much to share. But I'm also realizing that Facebook is not always the best place for me to do that. It's not that I'm leaving Facebook or anything. It's just that I'm convinced that God's pulling me back. I'm not sure exactly what that's going to look like in the future, but for now this is what I know:

I refuse to spend more time on Facebook hearing what others have to say than I do digging into God's Word and hearing what He has to say.

Facebook has definitely become WAY too much in my life. WAY more than it should be.
That's all I'll say about that.

Back to the point of the post. What I'm embracing right now....

1. Passion- Now I know, I know. I'm a broken record, and that's completely okay by me. God used Passion in such an amazing way to draw me back into the kind of relationship with Him that I so desperately need. I finally broke down and bought the All Access pass with all the main speaker sessions plus the album when it releases on March 8th. I can't wait for that! There is some amazing music coming out of this movement. And guess what?? I've signed up to volunteer for Passion Ft. Worth April 1-3!! I'm so excited!
I'm really hoping to volunteer in the GO center...

2. Financial AID!! Yes, I am embracing the fact that I now have FINANCIAL AID! Last semester was an utter debacle...I applied for aid, was awarded the money by the government, and then was told by my school that I would not receive it. I'd been on suspension for the past eight years. Not because of bad grades, I promise. Eight years ago, Chris died, and, to be honest, I didn't much feel like living...much less like going to class. I dropped all my classes, and I was on a grant. SO...I think you can figured out the rest. I'm sure there were things I could have done to keep from being placed on suspension. But, truthfully, I was barely functioning during that time. Paperwork was not on my to-do list.
Long story, I know. I had it all planned out this time though. I had been told that all I needed to do was to take and pass two classes on my own, and they would lift the suspension. I did that this past summer. HOWEVER, when I went to find out what the hold up was...I was told that I needed to take THREE classes (not TWO). Ugh.
We have been struggling for the entire last semester. It's been a financially gruelling time for our family, BUT, praise God, we made it through. And now, Financial Aid is in, and SURPRISE, I'm getting not only aid for this semester, but the aid from last semester as well. I feel like we can finally breathe a little.

3. SCHOOL. Yes, I am embracing school...even though I attend a junior college where the students refuse to smile. I might be exaggerating a little. I've had classes for the past two weeks, and I feel like I'm beginning to settle into a good routine. I'm not sure what I was thinking when I signed up for three math courses in one semester, but it's all good...so far. I'm taking Finite Math 2, Human Biology, Financial Accounting, and Statistics.

4. My Broken Heart. I'm embracing my broken heart, because I realize that only when my heart is broken am I TRULY in a place of humility and awe for God. I want to MAKE MUCH OF HIM. He didn't come to make MUCH of me and that be the end of it. He came and made MUCH of me, SO THAT I could MAKE MUCH of HIM. That's what I'm here for. To carry HIS name.
And as I've been in this broken state, HE's been bring to light an absolutely indescribable LOVE. LOVE for HIM. LOVE for the nations. LOVE for the broken. LOVE for the slaves. LOVE for the outcast. LOVE for the orphans. LOVE for the students. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.
I'm afraid that my blog may begin to look differently. Because this LOVE...it's spilling out. I can't seem to contain it. It's on my mind when I wake, and in my heart when I can't keep my eyes open. It overflows into my conversations...and I make no apologies. It's a little bit radical to some...a little extreme. But shouldn't our lives look like that? Should we look and act just like everyone else? Should we just have conversation Should we be calm and cool and collected when we are recipients of the GREATEST LOVE this world has ever known (or has yet to know)??

5. I can't decide what to put for #5. I've got a lot more things I want to share, but I selfishly want to spend a whole blog post on each one....
Let me tell you about something I started at the first of the year with my dear friend, Beth... (along with 8,000 other women). Oh, I kid. But I do feel as if I know her.
I've been reading and commenting on her blog since she began it several years ago. I remember when she gave us our name, Siestas...and though there have been seasons where I didn't read as often, I still feel a sense of community and connection with all these women who love and follow Jesus with their whole hearts. This is my first year to participate in the Siesta Scripture Memory Team, and I'm thrilled to be a part of such an amazing group of women. How it works: every 1st and 15th of the month we post a scripture that is personal to us that we want to commit to memorize over the next two weeks. At the end of the year, everyone who has stuck with it will celebrate in Houston with Beth. How fun is that??!!

Here are my nifty little Siesta memory cards that came in the mail this week:

For my first verse of the year, I chose Proverbs 4:20-23 NIV.

"My daughter, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.
Do NOT let them out of your sight; keep them within your heart.
For they are life to those who find them and health to one's whole body.
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

And for my second January verse, God had me all over Isaiah 26:8, the Passion key verse.

"Yes, Lord, walking in the way of Your laws, we wait for You.
Your name and renown of the desires of our hearts."

That is some GOOD stuff, right there!

My clock was ticking...so HE did something about it.

2011-01-14T00:01:00.001-06:00

I'm going to step out on a limb and confess something to the internet. I hope that limb doesn't break and leave me tumbling to the ground and crippled.

My biological clock's been a'ticking away. The ticking has been growing louder over the last few days. It might have something to do with filling in at the preschool I previously worked for. It might have something to do with being surrounded by 12 of the most precious little huggy toddlers you will EVER lay eyes upon. Who knows what it has to do with?

It's insanity. A baby...now? That's crazy talk. I mean...do you realize that might daughter will graduate before I turn 40? Do I really want to start over? But the fact remains...I'm 34. I'm gettin' on up there. In three weeks, I'll be the mother of a teenager. I've had moments of thinking...time IS running OUT!

But in case you haven't noticed or you just googled up something random (like "How to embrace someone") that brought you here, I'm missing a KEY ingredient. ( Side note: I'm praying for you, O person who doesn't know how to embrace someone.)

I have NO MAN. No husband, to be exact. And it is my conviction that there be a ring on my finger before there's a baby in my belly. It's GOD's opinion too. And being the Creator and Author of all the living and non-living, HIS opinion really is all that matters.

Lately, I've been thinking things through like my dear friend Beth Moore implored us to at Passion...

What if I approach this desire of my heart differently?

Truth is...I don't know what God's gonna do. I'm asking HIM to make HIS desires my desires. I'm begging for that from HIM.

But you know what? If I never marry again, HE will still be ENOUGH. If I never have another baby, whether it be born of my body or in my heart, HE will still be ENOUGH.

I'm good with that at this moment (because it's a moment-by-moment decision to trust HIM). Because truth is...I'm here to make much of HIM. And not the other way around.

When I say to did something about it in the title of this blog post...I did I prayed and prayed and prayed. And I'm still praying. But, in the midst of all the praying, God led me to do something.

Our family sponsored a young man. Through Parental Care Ministries. To find out more about this wonderful ministry, click on the blinky little button at the top left of the sidebar.

And I'm going to see him this summer along with 500 other Ugandan orphans who are so in need of parental care and love. It's like HE's birthing a love in me for these children.

God is a God who meets each and every need. He knew about my ticking clock, and He did something about it.

I know I'm not in their demographic, but...

2011-01-12T22:00:00.000-06:00

Passion 2011 rocked my world upside down, melted my face, and shattered me in the best possible way. (I might be a little over-dramatic. Just a little.) Thanks to a live feed, I felt as if I were there. I worshiped right in my bedroom...fell on my face for an audience of ONE. I'm learning everyday more and more what worship really is. And I love that I can worship completely unhindered and undistracted by anyone or anything all by myself.

I have a spiral full of notes that might only mean something to me, but I feel so strongly that I'm meant to share them here.

**I didn't take notes for the first session with Louie Giglio, and I only caught about half of it. But the overwhelming message is still seared in my mind. There are no circumstances in life that can keep me from living FREE and FULLY ALIVE!

**On Monday morning, Beth taught from Romans 12:1-2 on being transformed by the renewing of the mind.

"We can't know the will of God for our lives without the continuous renewing of our minds."

"Whatever He has called you to do, YOU are incapable of doing." He will call us to do that which only He can do in us...

She spoke of a young man named Derek Amato. Click on his name to find out more of his story.

"Our minds have the potential/capacity for sheer brilliance. Our minds also have the potential/capacity for utter darkness."

Scriptures to reflect on: 1 Corinthians 2:9-10, Luke 24:45, 2 Timothy 2:26, Psalm 119:133, 1 Corinthians 6:12, Psalm 27:4, Luke 2:18-19.

"What has dominion over you?"

Mary thought it through. She pondered and treasured- this is the ability to think beyond the obvious.

"Amazing won't change your life.

Thinking it through...pondering will."

Jeremiah 29:11 in NKJV

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

**Francis Chan spoke on Monday evening, and somehow I've misplaced my notes from that session. I'll try to edit this post if I find them. The gist of it was our living in a manner worthy of the gospel...

**Andy Stanley spoke on our appetites.

Our appetites will either rule us or we will rule our appetites.

The obvious appetites: food, sex, money...

The deeper, root appetites: progress, respect, love, responsibility, acceptance, fame, recognition, to be envied, stuff...

These are never going away!

1. God created them, but sin distorts them.
2. Appetites are never fully and finally satisfied.
3. Your appetite always whispers NOW...never LATER.
"Trade the ultimate for the immediate."

Genesis 25:29- Who would trade their birthright for a bowl of stew? Umm. Me.

When your appetites are jacked up, these things happen:

IMPACT BIAS- takes a simple appetite and MAGNIFIES it out of proportion.
FOCALISM- focuses our minds on one thing and everything else blurs out.

Appetites change your life.

You have no idea what hangs in the balance, or what God might do if you surrender your appetites to Him.

1. Reframe
Journal out: Five years from now....
What's your bowl of stew right now?

2. Refrain
Are you wishing for something that isn't His best?

I have to tell you that out of all the speakers...John Piper messed me up the most. Every time I listen to him, my head hurts. My stomach hurts. Not that that's a bad thing. He always challenges my thinking...forces me to go deeper. To really think.

"Do you feel more loved by God because he makes much of you or when He enables you to make much of Him?"

Affirm- God does make much of those who are in Christ.

All of our joys have a foundation....except one! The One that has no foundation.
"What is at the bottom is who you are. It will either be making much of self or making much of God."
You must force a ranking at the bottom. Is it self or God?

New birth is fundamentally about an exchange at the bottom. Trading self for God. Making Him the bottom.
Conversion is not about having the same meal with a different butler.

Everywhere in the Bible, His loving us is designed in such a way that makes Himself the bottom/foundation.
Ephesians 1:5- Love towards me so that He will be made much of.

Luke 2:10- I'm being loved and saved on Christmas by this Saviour being born...so what do the angels say..do they say, "WOW, that John Piper is worthwhile and worthy of praise."

No, it's "GLORY to GOD!"

I'm LOVED, LOVED, LOVED for His sake!

2 Corinthians 5:14-15
John 17

Six ways God makes much of US:
1. by being pleased with us and commending our lives
2. by making us fellow heirs with His SON who inherits everything! Romans 4:13
3. by having us sit at tables and HE serves us.
4. by appointing us to carry out the judgement of angels. Daniel 7:10
5. by ascribing value to us and rejoicing over us as treasured possessions. Matt. 10:31
6. by granting you to sit with Christ on His throne.

Self, no matter how glorious, can never bear the weight of being at the bottom.

**The last session was with Louie.
Read Acts 9.

Companies, rock stars, celebrities, are counting on you to carry their name or they go broke.

Whose name are you going to carry?
Are you going to carry the name of Christian...no, Just Jesus.
I love Jesus.
I follow Jesus.

The world isn't dying to hear the name Beth or Louie or Francis or David.
It's dying to hear the name of Jesus!

Don't be the mules of this culture...carry the name of Jesus!
Memorize Isaiah 26:8, Colossians 3:17.

*I also want to add that the new songs coming out of this movement are truly amazing. God spoke to me just as much through the worship as He did through the speakers.

Let heaven roar and fire fall.
Come shake the ground with the sounds of revival.
My GOD's not dead.
He's surely alive.
He's living on the inside.
Roaring like a LION!

All my fountains are in YOU.

To YOU our hearts are open.
Nothing there is hidden.
You are our ONE desire.

Narnia...when the White Witch is in Power.

2011-01-12T10:26:00.002-06:00

We are a little obsessed with Narnia. So when we passed this on the way home from school yesterday, the words of this post title were the first words to come from my children. So we stopped and took some pictures. Because it's Narnia, y'all.

It Snowed.

2011-01-11T10:15:00.000-06:00

That's a big deal in Texas. So we played in it. We ate it. And I took lots of pictures.

2010- A Year in Review

2011-01-01T13:54:00.000-06:00

Every new year I plan to do a review of the preceding year...and I never get around to it. But this year is different. It's actually happening. Woohoo.

January

Oh, January. This was a traumatic month for our family, which could explain the lack of pictures taken. December of 2009 brought with it the burglary of our home. God was so good to us, and His body tremendously generous. But we were still left with an unsettled feeling. We found out mid-January that we would need to move. Our landlord had decided to sell the house we lived in. We quickly found a new place to live...God answered my prayers, and the kids were able to stay in their same schools. But our rent went way up.

February

God gave Grace the best birthday gift ever: A Snow day in Texas! That doesn't happen very often...so it was especially special that it happened on Grace's 12th birthday.

February was also a month of getting unpacked and acclimated in our new home. Grace and Caleb were creative with all the empty boxes. :)

March

March was an exciting month for us! Thanks to an anonymous person I was able to travel to Orlando and run in the Disney Princess Half Marathon. Back story: Before all the drama of being robbed and having to move, the kids and I had planned to go to DisneyWorld on vacation. But with everything that had happened and all the expense of moving, the trip had to be cancelled. The only money I couldn't get back was the non-refundable registration for the half-marathon. Someone anonymously gave $300 to pay for my plane ticket and hotel room to go for the weekend and do the race. I went with my awesome children's blessing! God is good always.

Not the greatest picture, but I don't even care. Running through the castle was one of the most memorable moments of my life!

March also marks the month that I started my 365 project where I took a picture every day. Sadly I tapered off during the summer and haven't gotten back into it. Hopefully I'll pick it back up in the new year. Here are a few of my favorite photos from March:

First picture taken...on the playground of GABC.

Happy Birthday, Caleb! I'd go to the ends of the Earth for/with YOU!

April

April was a decision making month for me. I officially registered for summer and fall classes. I changed my major from Elementary Education to Business Administration. And I decided to quit my job. I registered for my 2nd half marathon. I also decided to quit shopping at Walmart. For the whole summer. Could it be done?

Here are a few highlight pictures:

Tired feet after a five mile run at the ROC...

Redefined Girls' Weekend 2010

May

Is it wrong that the first thing I thought of to characterize the month of May 2010 was the deep sense of loss I felt at the ending of LOST AND 24? It was a sad, sad week for me.

Other things happened in May as well. I started the month out with a weekend trip to the Big D with Kim so I could run in the Heels and Hills half marathon. We stayed in a swank hotel and just enjoyed our 24 hours of kidlessness.

May was also the month that I was hit in the gut by the glaring truth that my little girl is turning into a beautiful young WOMAN.

The very first LAKE day of the summer season!

I grew some tomatoes...

And dug some potatoes.

And I just had to share this one. It's a favorite.

June

I said goodbye to over 10 years of teaching preschool. There were tears. There are still tears. That's all I'm gonna say about that.

We served at the East Texas Food Bank on a 6th grade mission day.

I....um...studied...

We celebrated Father's day remembering....

We went on vacation...Six Flags

And the Fort Worth Zoo.

July

July was a busy, happy month...and I have pictures a plenty to prove it. It was great mainly because summer classes were over!!

Family Fun day at Green Acres was FUN.

What's a 4th of July celebration without fireworks AND firearms?!

And sweet cousins....

We were so blessed with scholarships to Pinecove this summer! Caleb went to Base Camp at Grace Community. His counselors were Walk It and Boat. He cried when the week was over. These counselors made such a Godly impact on his life.

Grace at Band Camp...she left immediately after this for Breakaway Camp...

And while she was gone, Caleb and I road tripped with Kim and Ethan to Galveston. We had a blast going to the beach, shopping on the Strand, and stopping at NASA on the way home.

Grace came home from BreakAway with battle scars. Apparently volleyball nets are more dangerous than originally thought.

We saw her for approximately 24 hours before she headed off for her week at the Ranch at Pinecove. We truly are so blessed!

As a back to school treat and to celebrate my birthday, we spent the night in a new local hotel. For FREE!

The end of August marked the beginning of a new school year and my failure to taking any more pictures.

September

Did September even come this year? I have little evidence that it did.

I did make some cute headbands and put them on a cute girl. :)

Oh, and Caleb and I saw a dude breathe fire. That was cool. So I guess September did happen this year.

October

Honestly...October is a blur for me. Thank God for Facebook and the few pictures I took.

We went to the pumpkin patch and bought pumpkins that were too expensive. But, in defense of that, this may be the very last year my kids will humor me by going to the pumpkin patch.

I took Grace and a friend to see Hawk Nelson in concert. Fun times. Fun times.

Both Grace and Caleb marched in their very first Rose Parade, of which I was not impressed. The Yamboree parade is way better.

Our whole family shot a gazillion free throws to raise money for Parental Care Ministries through Hoops of Hope.

Oh, there was Halloween and too much candy and the the obligatory vomiting in October as well.

November

This is quickly becoming the longest blog post ever...so I'm going to keep it quick. November was emotional. The holidays always are at our house.

I cut my hair off in November. I know you all care about that.

We all three served Tyler from A to Z. My service: decorating Breckenridge Village's fence that never ends.

Took my girl out on a date...which is always an adventure.

We decorated the tree.

I decided to go here this summer.

And last but certainly not least, I went shopping on Black Friday with my mom and two aunts. One of my aunts is blind. And no, we aren't crazy. We've done this for many years and we've always survived.

December

I'm not going to share much from December, because I feel like I just posted about that recently. I'll give you the highlights though. God is so dang good to us. So much better than we could EVER EVER deserve. He always provides. And always goes way beyond what we could even hope for.

Our first Christmas to truly celebrate and observe Advent.

Caleb performed and acted in the Christmas musical at church, Camel Lot. So proud of him!

God is good. Caleb got more than he even asked for this Christmas.

Oh, and we made snow since it was 80 degrees outside.

2010 was a good year, for sure, but I can't wait to see all the amazing things God is going to do in 2011!

My Prayer for 2011

2010-12-30T01:20:00.000-06:00

I originally posted this in the comments of the Living Proof (Beth Moore's) blog, but as I was writing it, I realized I didn't want it to be lost in a sea of comments. I want to be able to come back here this time next year and be amazed at what God did in 2011. Probably more than I ever have in my entire life, I am EXPECTING amazingness in this coming year. I'm EXPECTING for GOD to move mountains. I'm EXPECTING life change. Not because of ME. All I can do is SURRENDER.

Deeper in me than I am in me, Jesus be.

Father God,

To say You are good seems inadequate. If there’s one thing I’m sure of, it’s that what you want for me is infinitely more fabulous than anything I could conjure up for myself. The more I press into You the more I realize that it is not in your plan for me to be alone. For so long, I’ve convinced myself that I was happy being single…that this was your plan for me. The truth…it was my plan to keep myself from being hurt. I have believed for so long that no man would ever want me again, and rather than face that rejection, I convinced myself that I didn’t even want it. But You are changing me. That much is clear. 2011 will be a life-changing year, not because I’m on a husband hunt. It will be life-changing, because I am finally willing to admit the truth. You’ve brought me to a place of sweet surrender. And I am convinced that you have amazing things in store for my family. Things my feeble and limited mind can’t even begin to imagine. I can’t wait for what You are going to do. I love you so…

They will know we are Christians by our tshirts.

2010-12-29T02:05:00.001-06:00

I've had this post sitting in my phone for quite a while now. Now seems as good a time as any to post it.

A quick trip to goodwill can be so entertaining.

-- Posted From My iPhone

20 before 40.

2010-12-27T20:00:00.003-06:00

I enjoy making a list. I enjoy having goals to look forward to. My 101 in 1001 list will be ending on January 16th, and I've only completed about half the goals on my list. So I'm thinking that a list of 20 things I want to complete in over the next six years might be more realistic.

DISCLAIMER: Above all, I want to want what God wants for my life. So all of this is subject to change based on what HE wants. Because if I know nothing else, I know that what He has planned for me is infinitely more fantastical than anything I could come up with.

Here it goes:

1. Read the entire Bible. (It's gonna happen this time.)

2. Complete a full marathon. (Not 2 half- marathons...a FULL marathon.)

3. ~~Go to Africa at least once~~. Preferably more than once.

4. Take the kids to DisneyWorld. (Surely I can make this happen in the next 6 years.)

5. Publish something. (Not a blog post.)

6. Graduate from college.

7. See Grace graduate from high school.

8. Marry an amazing Godly man. (Yes, I said it.)

9. Take Grace to NYC.

10. Maintain a DEBT-free status.

11. Attend Catalyst.

12. Hug as many Ugandan children as possible.

13. Write my life story.

14. Drive across America with my BFF.

15. Get at least FOUR stamps in my passport. (Note to self: ~~Get a passport first~~.)

16. Set foot in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and/or Haiti.

17. Complete a triathlon (or at least, a dualthon).

18. Adopt, sponsor, and/or foster children. (Could I be any more general?)

19. Find a job that I am PASSIONATE about and work at it with my whole heart.

20. See modern day slavery abolished.

All the Christmasness.

2010-12-26T21:38:00.000-06:00

Christmas is officially done in our house, and my goal for tomorrow is to get all the Christmasness packed away and out of the house. I love it, but when it's over, I'm ready to get things back to normal. But before we move on to regularly (or irregularly in the case of this blog) scheduled programming, I thought I should share some of the highlights and lowlights of our family's Christmas season of 2010. These are definitely in no particular order since Blogger is being obstinate....

This might be my very favorite picture of 2010.

It matches our family personality so perfectly.

This is us trying very hard to be normal and take a nice picture.

Grace is completely in love with her "new" "Ipod Touch".

My gift was this message.

Caleb literally cried on my shoulder when he opened his new DSi.

He didn't think he would get one since money has been so squeaky tight around here.

But God is good, His Body is beautiful, and a DSi was provided.

I think this picture adequately portrays his feelings, don't you?

We LOVE Narnia. No, we really LOVE Narnia.

Once again, we were provided the money to go see this movie.

God is so good to us.

Decorating our happy little white tree. :)

Our cat really loves Jesus. She does everything she can to be near Him.

Dress Rehearsal for Caleb's Christmas musical at church.

I'm so proud of him. He auditioned and was given the part

of the "rich man". This was such of big step from him.

Rudolph, the Red-nosed Gracie

This was our first year to truly celebrate Advent.

We didn't do it every day, but it's something we will continue in the coming years.

It definitely helped us keep our focus on the truth of Christmas.

Every year we kick off our Christmas festivities at

Breckenridge Village for the "Lighting of the Village".

Grace performed with her Elevate middle school choir,

and Caleb and I enjoyed having our picture taken with a camel!

Hard Christmas

2010-12-24T23:51:00.001-06:00

I hesitate to write this post. Oh, might as well say it. I hesitate writing almost all of my posts.

It's 11:30 pm on Christmas eve, I'm watching a Christmas story on TBS for the very first time, and imagine that, by the time this post is complete, it will be Christmas.

I love Christmas, and this Christmas has been an especially tender one for me. Every Christmas is hard financially. This one has taken that to a whole new level. I honestly didn't have any clue how I would get anything for anyone this year, or even pay my bills. But as of this moment, there are gifts under the tree for my children and nothing has been shut off or repossessed. God provides once again. He's faithful like that.

Beyond being a hard financial Christmas, it's been an emotional time as well.

Change is always emotional, and I have no doubt that God is preparing my heart for the process of change. I have no doubt that 2011 is going to be a life-changing year for our family. It's exciting to think of. It's scary too.

Change is something that I imagine most women struggle with. We like security and stability. We like knowing what tomorrow holds.

I don't know the full plan, but I do know that He knows the full plan. And He's said it's a good one full of hope. My future is in His hands and I must make the choice every single day to surrender my will to His plan.

Literary Vomit

2010-12-21T21:01:00.004-06:00

Lately I've wanted to blog. I really have. But every single time I come to Blogger poised to write what's in my heart, I become EXTREMELY overwhelmed. I feel stressed about it to the point that I can't get the words out and onto the screen. I don't know what it's about, but I've decided that it has to end NOW.

So, in an effort to move past this, I'm giving you the equivalent of literary vomit. Whatever comes to the surface flowing out onto the screen. I'm really sorry if that's too graphic for you or if you have a weak stomach. I'm guessing that the few of you who are reading are moms...and you've dealt with your fair share of vomit.

Most of what I've considered sharing here leaves me feeling way too vulnerable. I've struggled a great deal over the past month...and I'm just now beginning to feel normal again. God is teaching me so much about the difference between guarding my heart and hardening my heart. That's a whole other blog post though. Just know that I've had a hard time guarding my heart as of late. Nothing I need to go into great detail over, but I will say that I am the world's worst at convincing myself that what I want for my life is what God wants for my life. And that's not always the case.

So my prayer lately has been "Lord, I want to want what you want. Give me your desires for my life. The truth is that I am selfish. I see something I want, and I convince myself that it's what you want for me too. When the truth is...what you have for me is a million times greater than the thing I'm willing to settle for."

For so long, I've convinced myself to settle. Settle for what I think I deserve. Settle for the lowest common denominator. Settle for being single and (dangit) happy about it.

That last one was hard to write. The more I press into Jesus, the more I become convinced that He has someone amazing around the corner for our family.

But for so long, I've pretended that I didn't want that. I didn't want a relationship. Relationships are messy and dangerous and complicated. Throw a couple of kids and cats into the mix, and you've got a potential disaster on your hands. That's how I reasoned it out.

It still feels scary. What if it doesn't happen? What if I open myself up to someone, and they reject me? It's happened. I told you guys. Literary vomit.

All of it ultimately comes down to an issue of TRUST. Trusting Christ that HE knows what I need a gagillion times better than I know myself. Trusting that if I surrender my plans, desires, dreams to HIM...HE will replace them with HIS perfect plan. HIS infinitely greater dream for me. It's something I'm doing. This thing called surrender. I wish I could say I have it together. But I don't. I struggle and ultimately am left with a choice each and every day, no, hour to lay down my plans and desires in an act of surrender. Knowing that HE is able and willing to do great things if I get out of HIS way.

The List that is my Life today.

2010-12-07T19:45:00.000-06:00

Haven't blogged in a while. But BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: School is almost over for the semester! One more final on Thursday and then I'm FREE until January 18th. Hallelujah!

In honor of the joy of NO school, I would love to bless your lives with a short LIST. Because I know you all know how much I love LISTS. Unless you've just now found your way here via google, in which case you probably have no idea where you are or what you are doing here...especially if you're the one who googled "Can I homeschool and send my kids to daycare?" If that is you, I am so sorry. I do not have an answer for you. Except to say, I think it might defeat the purpose. Now on with the (very random) LIST that is my LIFE today:

1. I am loving this new song I heard the other day...it's on the new Chris Tomlin album, Glory in the Highest. I think this may very well be my favorite song of the season. I'm so prone to wishing that God would just bowl me over like a hurricane. But that's not always HIS style. Lately it seems that HE's all about the soft and quiet and slow with ME. This song speaks to me so personally...

2. Lady Gaga. Horrifying. I was on YouTube the other day, and since so many of the girls at church like her, I decided I should check out a few of her videos. Ohmygosh. If you are a parent of a child who's into Lady Gaga, please educate yourself.

3. Guess what happens when you google 'What I've learned from Twilight' or 'lessons learned from Twilight' or even 'lessons twilight'? I'm not sure how I feel about that. A good 75% of my traffic comes here from that.

4. Christmas this year is slim. Slimmer than it's ever been. Like slim as in ONE present and probably very few stocking stuffers. But it's actually okay. On the way home from school today, sweet Caleb said, "You know, there are a lot of kids who don't have a DS. There are even a bunch who don't even know what a DS is. I can be one of those kids. It's okay. Besides Christmas is Jesus' birthday anyways." Let's all say it together...ready? Awww...isn't that amazing? I love him so much. (He is getting the DS...thanks to a sneaky and generous person.)

5. A friend posted this on her Facebook and I just had to share it somewhere (I'm trying to back off of Facebook a bit). This speaks to me...I needed to hear this:
"If she's easy, she won't be amazing. If she's amazing, she won't be easy. If she's worth it, you won't give up. If you give up, you're not worth it."
Isn't that great?

Plan A was marrying her a long, long time ago.

2010-12-04T21:08:00.001-06:00

I was watching some Office episodes from season 6 this evening. Niagra Part 2 is truly the most awesome. I want a Jim. Well, minus the whole having a baby out of wedlock and all that. You know. Cause I'm not down with that.

Pray for me.

2010-11-25T22:07:00.001-06:00

I have no facebook.
I have no twitter.
I have no 3G service.
I have no cell phone signal.

I am in the Siberia that is the home of my childhood.

There is uncontrollable shaking.
Wailing and gnashing of teeth.
The withdrawals are fierce.

I need a pill.

-- Posted From My iPhone

It's time to stop being afraid.

2010-11-23T10:35:00.001-06:00

That's what God keeps whispering in my ear.

Time to stop being afraid, Shanda.

Afraid of the future.
Afraid of what God wants to do.
Afraid that He won't give me what I want.
Afraid that I'm not enough.
Afraid that if I do that thing He wants, I'll fail Him.
Afraid that somehow I won't measure up.
Afraid to speak.
Afraid to stay silent.
Afraid to die.
Afraid to live.

Kick it to the curb.
Throw it away.

-- Posted From My iPhone

Following

2010-11-22T16:15:00.003-06:00

This song does something to me. Something good. I saw a friend post the lyrics on FB (back in the day when FB was a part of my life...I don't want to think about that.), and after that I would hear it at the weirdest times. As I was putting my son to bed. As I was walking to class. Sitting in my car debating whether or not to go to class. Everytime I heard it, something happened in my heart. I wanted this to be my life's cry, but it really wasn't.

In order to really mean it when I'm singing along at the top of my lungs in the car, I've got to be so in sync with Jesus. People should not be able to tell where HE ends and I begin.

HE's working on that. And for that I am so thankful.

Favorite line: If this life I lose, I will follow you.

I will live for YOU alone
You're the ONE I seek
Knowing I will find
ALL I need in YOU alone.

Africa in my heart.

2010-11-22T09:00:00.001-06:00

If you've been reading over the past few weeks, then you are probably aware that I'm undone. And it's a good thing.

I'm crying. A lot. But they are good tears. They are cleansing tears. Healthy tears.

They are the tears of the broken heart that God so desires.

Being undone means that I need HIM.
When everything's going great, I am prone to wander.
I'm likely to think I have no need of HIM.
I've got it covered.

My broken heart is a very good thing.

In this broken state I currently find myself in, God is doing an amazing work.
He's placing these dreams, passions, crazy ideas in my heart. Some of these have been around for a long time.

Africa comes to mind.
Africa's been in my heart for a very long time.
The passion I feel when I imagine what God wants for the orphaned and impoverished...well, I have no human words to describe.

I was thinking the other day back to a time that seems a part of another life.
When I was married.
When I was not where God wanted me.
When I was afraid of everything.

My husband came home from work. Sat me down at the table. Told me God had placed Africa in his heart.

I didn't believe him. Why wouldn't God put us in his heart? Why Africa?
"I am NOT moving to Africa."

Lord, help me.
Isn't it funny how God can bring something full circle?

Africa is in my heart.
I know I'm meant to do something.
I know I'm meant to go there.
I know I'm meant to be changed by what I experience there.
I know that I need Africa more than Africa needs me.