Jessica is Losing It

2nd Trimester

2011-11-09T14:35:00.003-06:00

Oh Happy 14 Weeks! I just wish this cold would go away so that I can bask in my feeling well...not sure if I am there yet, but I am sure claiming that!

Dr. appt next week and that gets us another week closer to finding out if it is a boy or a girl (we are all convinced of the latter). I guess only time will tell.

The baby is about the size of a lemon right now. Even as I type, this moment I am feeling what I am pretty certain is the baby moving. Justin doesn't think it is possible yet, but I know those bumps and thumps are not normal digestive movements!

Life around here has been pretty shaky lately. We have had a total of 4 earthquakes in the last week. Two of which I felt (one seemed to last FOREVER), and two that I slept through. Everyone is talking about the earthquicks (as Cori likes to call them.)

Coming in Early May

2011-10-25T14:10:00.003-05:00

Cori's little brother or sister! (She is convinced it will be a girl!!!)

labor day bbq

2011-09-05T19:09:00.000-05:00

Made bbq chicken for the first time! We loved it!

Welcome Fall!

2011-08-31T18:22:00.001-05:00

My favorite time of the year! Come on Fall, football, and FUN!

My New OSU Wreath

2011-08-30T23:14:00.004-05:00

Super easy! Just the big "ribbon" from hobby lobby, painted the letters and hot glued them on.

Home Management Binder

2011-08-24T20:01:00.003-05:00

If you missed my post about missing Meet the Teacher night click here to see my Epic Mom Fail!! As a result, I am striving to be more organized. I am working on it bit by bit...(don't look in my closets yet)

I discovered a Home management binder! Why didn't I think of this?? Whoever did must have WAAAAYYYY more time on their hands than I do...but I digress...So I created one for our family. It is a simple clear from binder that has tabs. I found through "pinterest" an amazing website by someone who has the gift of organization (I really think it must be a spiritual gift...one which God gave me the desire for, but not the natural talent in!) If you want to see where I got the idea click here. There are some great links to the printables that I used to help improve my organizational skills.

I pray this will help me to never miss a beat, and have everything at my fingertips when I need it.

Quiche the cook!

2011-08-21T17:05:00.007-05:00

Our first attempt at making quiche. We didn't have milk or cheese, so I just used sour cream and hoped for the best. It was excellent.

First Day of Pre-K

2011-08-19T14:56:00.003-05:00

What a big day! She was so excited. Can't wait to pick her up and see how she did!

Epic Fail

2011-08-18T12:10:00.001-05:00

So...my first school utter MOM FAILURE! I had the wrong time for Meet the Teacher Night...so we didn't get to. Note to self...always double check the time!

Back to School

2011-08-17T10:35:00.002-05:00

My little girl is starting school on Friday. Tonight is Meet the Teacher night...so I crafted last night. I made a clipboard for her teacher. We won't know her name until today, but I have zebra stickers on stand by to add to the apple on the back of the clipboard.

Already had a request for one to be made...it was by my sister who is also a Pre-K teacher...but I think it counts...don't you?

God's perfect timing

2011-05-11T11:10:00.003-05:00

I love Lysa TerKeurst. God speaks the most timely words through her blog for me time and time again. Go here to see what I mean.

Today is especially a day when I need a little extra encouragement. When I am feeling blue, I want to EAT!

Dreary rain, and thunderstorms are heavy in the clouds. I have been very fatigued, and just don't feel well...and that makes me want to EAT!

I tried to run yesterday but only got less than 3 miles done. That doesn't necessarily make me want to eat...but it does make me feel a little disappointed.

I kind of feel like the If You Give a Mouse a Cookie books. The circle of "this-causes-that" which leads to me eating is crazy when you step back and think about it. I don't want to let my emotions control my food. I want to follow my plan and not have emotional attachments to my good,

When I feel tempted to throw our my plan and eat whatever I want, I will remember this from Lysa's blog:
"God’s provision sustains life. Satan’s temptation drains life.

God’s provision in the short-term will reap blessings in the long term. Satan’s temptation in the short term will reap heartache in the long term.

God’s provision satisfies the soul. Satan’s temptation gratifies the flesh."

Thank you Jesus for telling me just what I needed to hear!

Fast

2011-05-04T15:52:00.004-05:00

Fast
adjective, -er, -est, adverb, -er, -est, noun
–adjective
1. moving or able to move, operate, function, or take effect quickly; quick; swift; rapid: a fast horse; a fast pain reliever; a fast thinker.
2. done in comparatively little time; taking a comparatively short time: a fast race; fast work.
3. (of time)
a. indicating a time in advance of the correct time, as of a clock.
b. noting or according to daylight-saving time.
4. adapted to, allowing, productive of, or imparting rapid movement: a hull with fast lines; one of the fastest pitchers in baseball.
5. characterized by unrestrained conduct or lack of moral conventions, especially in sexual relations; wanton; loose: Some young people in that era were considered fast, if not downright promiscuous.
6. characterized by hectic activity: leading a fast life.
7. resistant: acid-fast.
8. firmly fixed in place; not easily moved; securely attached.
9. held or caught firmly, so as to be unable to escape or be extricated: an animal fast in a trap.
10. firmly tied, as a knot.
11. closed and made secure, as a door, gate, or shutter.
12. such as to hold securely: to lay fast hold on a thing.
13. firm in adherence; loyal; devoted: fast friends.
14. permanent, lasting, or unchangeable: a fast color; a hard and fast rule.
15. Informal .
a. (of money, profits, etc.) made quickly or easily and sometimes deviously: He earned some fast change helping the woman with her luggage.
b. cleverly quick and manipulative in making money: a fast operator when it comes to closing a business deal.
16. Photography .
a. (of a lens) able to transmit a relatively large amount of light in a relatively short time.
b. (of a film) requiring a relatively short exposure time to attain a given density.
17. Horse Racing .
a. (of a track condition) completely dry.
b. (of a track surface) very hard.
18. quickly, swiftly, or rapidly.
19. in quick succession: Events followed fast upon one another to the crisis.
20. tightly; firmly: to hold fast.
21. soundly: fast asleep.
22. in a wild or dissipated way.
23. ahead of the correct or announced time.
24. Archaic . close; near: fast by.
25. a fastening for a door, window, or the like.
26. play fast and loose. play
27. pull a fast one, Informal . to play an unfair trick; practice deceit: He tried to pull a fast one on us by switching the cards.

So many different definitions for the same word. And I am learning so much about it.

I will keep you posted.

Signed up!

2011-03-15T23:32:00.002-05:00

I have registered for the 10.3 mile race to honor Lillian Grace! I am so excited...and so ready to get over the flu so that I can start working out again. Gotta get my miles up so that it doesn't take me 5 hours to go the 10.3 miles.

I am so excited...and so amazed that I am attempting 10.3 miles as my first race. I mean, when we do something, we do it all the way...that is for sure.

Did I mention that I am so exited???

He he...can't wait to put up pics of before and after the race!

Happy Heart Day

2011-02-14T10:37:00.003-06:00

This morning as I was having my quiet time I decided to read 1 Cor 13:4-7...
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

I know that it seems like a tired reading that we hear at every wedding we attend...and we can certainly rattle it off without thought at times, but today I saw it with new eyes. I saw it not only as a wife, but as a mother. I pray that God will continue to actively help me be patient and kind, not rude, or demanding my own way, not irritable, to be always hopeful, and enduring. I pray that God will help me to continue to become love, in my all areas of my life.

On that note, Happy Valentine's Day!

White as Snow

2011-02-09T12:43:00.004-06:00

It is snowing here again today. We had just recovered from Snowmaggedon 2011, and now it has hit us again.

I have been singing the song, White as Snow--in my head of course...don't want to disturb my coworkers by singing it out loud.

"White as Snow, White as Snow,
though my sins were as scarlet.
Lord I know, Lord I know,
that I am clean and forgiven."

That song is just stuck in my head. It is so amazing what snow can do...It blankets, it covers, it makes a fresh setting. Where the ground is rocky and disturbed--when it is covered with snow it looks smooth. What a perfect picture of what Jesus does for us!

Just wanted to share!

10 lbs down...10 miles to go

2011-02-07T23:17:00.007-06:00

I haven't wanted to say anything (because that would make it official, and more people would hold me accountable) but my dear husband and I are one month into our healthy living journey. I think I have hit a milestone that is worth posting about for myself...and I am ready for more accountability too I think...I am down 10 lbs...and making more and more progress every day. My clothes fit better, I feel better, I have more energy, my face looks skinnier, and people are noticing the difference--and telling me, and that really makes me feel good.

I first started this blog as a weight loss journey, hence the title--Jessica is Losing it--but haven't really kept it up--but will try to do a better job.

One of my biggest inspirations and motivations has been the study that my accountability partner and I are doing together called Made to Crave. You can find out more at www.madetocrave.org. It is something that has helped me realize that food is not an acceptable thing to go to, and that I need to turn to God when I am stressed, celebrating, tired, bored, etc. I highly recommend that you do the study...it will really make the book sink into your heart and soul, by asking the tough questions. Not only has it helped me strengthen my physical body and health, but my spiritual body and health as well.

I started working out again...and by again I mean the last time I went to the gym I was 7 weeks pregnant, and my little girl just turned 4! You can do the math. I am now running a majority of a 5k on the treadmill at the gym and am increasing my running vs walking time each time I work out. I am working hard training for running a 10 mile trail run at the end of April. If you are interested in the race, leave me a comment and I will give you some info about this very worthwhile, dear to my heart foundation that is organizing the run.

"The Warrior Princess Trail Run proceeds will benefit babies diagnosed with T18 & T13 chromosomal disease and their families by providing assistance, support and resources as needed. The race is in memory of Michael and Chrissy's daughter, who was diagnosed with T18 sixteen days into her life.

Lilian Grace, Warrior Princess, soared above and beyond what was expected of her life. Her first breath was supposed to be her last. She lived 103 glorious days on this earth before earning her wings. God gave us the reason why she was here through the following scripture: “So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through FAITH. And I pray that you being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the LOVE of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the FULLNESS OF GOD.” Ephesians 3:17-19"

Big things are happening, not just with my health, but with my heart. I am so thankful and can't wait to keep sharing with you.

Two Milestones this Week

2011-02-06T21:45:00.003-06:00

I haven't had much to "say" lately...been busy trying to work on my diet, exercise, bad habits, cleaning my house, and any number of other things that have kept me from blogging...but this makes the 100th blog post!!

There was another milestone for our house this week. One a little more important than 100 blog posts! Our little girl turned 4! We can't believe it. Seems like a moment passed from the time she was screaming for hours after being born to her screaming with excitement with the perfect little girlie scream she has now.

It is like she "got big" over night...she uses phrases that just crack us up sometimes "they won't even recognize us"...she comprehends stuff that I am amazed by, and she does it with the perfect little attitude of a sassy little 4 year old.

Oh how we love her...and have loved these four years of helping her grow up!

For a Season

2011-01-06T09:26:00.001-06:00

In the past God has really shown me "words" for a season. It hasn't necessarily been for the year...but it is just something that keeps repeating, kind of like a theme for that time in my life. When I first started going to life group and Justin and I started going to Lifechurch, the word that kept repeating everywhere I turned was righteousness. Something I needed to learn and accept. After a really dark time with God was followed up by serious redemption, the theme for me became Grace. Right now, my theme is "portion."

God wants me to make him my portion, instead of relying on unhealthy "portions" of food. Very clever God! I have been feeling this draw for a while...and now I will begin my study of the word portion.

Last night I sat down to read my Bible (for the first time in I don't know how long) {{shaking my head in shame}}. I prayed for what God wanted me to read. He just spoke into my heart and led me to Acts--to find out about the beginning of the Holy Spirit...the one who is with me as my strength and comforter when things are hard with this new lifestyle. I love when God shows me just what I need right at the perfect time.

Fall Festivities

2010-10-20T22:39:00.005-05:00

What a fun fall we have already had, and it isn't over yet!

Here are a few of the festivities we have participated in and still have many more to go.

This is the best weekend of the year...well, next to Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Okay, so it is a pretty good weekend of the year. It is Homecoming, and we are host to the world's best homecoming celebration. Walkaround on Friday, the Game Saturday, Church Sunday! Next weekend is jammed packed and Tuesday is the Halloween Festival, Thursday is Justin's last football game. He is 7-0 and looking for that final win for his first undefeated season!!!!

What a great time of year.

I don't wanna grow up

2010-10-11T22:14:00.003-05:00

Made my own 30 by 30 challenge

2010-08-18T21:22:00.004-05:00

I am losing at least 30 lbs by my 30th birthday!!!

I joined www.fatsecret.com and made up my own challenge. There are mini challenges within the challenge.

Check it out here. You can join fatsecret and be a part of it, or you can follow along without joining.

I am pretty pumped. Join it if you want, or be encouraged to do something for yourself.

Let me know what you think of the challenge! Here is a before picture from July of this year.

Rough night

2010-06-21T22:25:00.005-05:00

First off, Happy Summer!

Tonight we were going to start a new family tradition. Snowcones on the first day of summer. I was so excited and so in need of a wedding cake with cream. A quick trip to Wal-mart quickly ruined our new family tradition. It wasn't quite Wal-mart that did us in...but it was the terrible attitude of our three year old. Oh how she is trying our patience lately.

Tonight we took a stand and it was really hard. Oh the tears nearly swayed us, but we realized that we couldn't give in. It was so difficult to not do what we wanted to do as a family. Instead of creating a happy summer tradition, we regrettably came home with a crying kid. That was really hard. But now we know that she understands that we mean business when we ask for her cooperation. Hopefully us putting our foot down tonight will help her obey and cooperate.

Another blog I follow posted just today about raising your children with discipline and it was just another confirmation to me that we made the right decision tonight by sticking to our guns. Maybe we can go for a snowcone tomorrow.

Our Secret Garden

2010-06-09T21:19:00.009-05:00

Hold onto your hats, I am going to post twice in the same week.

I just had to share what I found tonight. It was a garden, although not really too secret.

In our back yard there is a raised flower bed. A few weeks ago when I looked there were things in there that didn't look like weeds, but I wasn't sure what they were. Tonight however, after Justin dumped dirt from the holes for Cori's swing set in there, I looked closer and saw those things were not weeds at all, but looks like a vegetable and herb garden. I am excited that I get to reap the harvest!

Tonight I discovered what I think may be green beans...

and what I am guessing in basil...very strong smelling and hairy leaves...but my mom just informed me is actually sage...

and what I thought was green onion, but turns out to be garlic!!!

There are some plants underneath all this dirt somewhere...We have to get the dirt off and see if we can salvage them.

Getting some flack

2010-06-08T19:15:00.007-05:00

Okay, so I have been reminded that I haven't posted in almost two months. We have had a busy two months. We moved out, were homeless for 10 days, and then moved into our new house and have been busy ever since.

May found us homeless. We lived in a less than desirable hotel for a week, and spent the weekends with family. It was actually a fun adventure. Then, we closed on our new house and the adventures haven't stopped.

The end of May found us nicely settled in our home, Cori done with daycare until the fall, Justin being Daddy Daycare, and the most fun was Cori's dance recital.

I will be doing some before and after, and then after after when we get things painted and get everything complete with the house.

For now we are loving our new house, enjoying the summer, and just having fun. Isn't that what summer is all about?

Meet my new niece and nephew!

2010-04-12T14:50:00.002-05:00

What a wonderful day! The Lord has blessed us with two beautiful babies! Madelyn Lillian was born at 9:15a. She weighed 6 lbs 4 oz and was 19 1/4 inches long. Jackson Ryan was born at 9:19a. He weighed 6 lbs 10 oz and was 19 3/4 inches long.

What a weekend!

2010-04-05T22:01:00.006-05:00

This weekend was Easter! We spent Saturday night at our church to start off the weekend. Cori got to wear Easter dress #1.

Then Sunday morning after the Easter bunny visited--and Cori put on Easter dress #2--was the baby dedication for our neice and nephew at their church. (pics to follow...I did't get any on my camera) After that we had a wonderful celebration lunch and egg hunt, and then we went to OKC for the Thunder game. We had awesome seats thanks to Aunt Brooke.

Cori got to meet a Thunder Girl, \

And Rumble the mascot

But the best part (other than the popcorn, cotton candy, dip and dots, and lemonade) was that Cori got a little stuffed bunny from Rumble. She had to sleep with it last night, and even take it to school today.

We had a blast!

Dear Bathroom Scale--Part 2

2010-03-17T23:54:00.002-05:00

I am writing this to let you know that I would like to clear the air between us. It seems that since my last weigh in, I ~~said~~ wrote some things that may not have been very nice about you. I just want to take the time to formally apologize. I know that it must have been very hurtful to ~~hear~~ read. I am sorry.

So, I understand why you--in turn--decided to retaliate by adding another pound to my weigh in on Monday. I have to admit...at first I was really upset. You obviously knew that it hurt the first time, and you still added that extra pound. It was spiteful to say the least. It has taken me a few days to get over it, but I do want you to know that I forgive you.

Now that we have cleared that up you can start moving in the right direction!

Thanks you for your understanding and forgiveness,

Jessica

Dear Bathroom Scale,

2010-03-08T08:26:00.000-06:00

I am writing to inform you that you are no longer my friend. Not that you really have been for a long time anyway...but this morning made it official.

Do you know what I have been through the past week? I had a horrifying stomach thing, and had two days of only eating saltines and pudding. I have not been eating anything after dinner time, and only partaking in 100 calorie snacks in the afternoon at work, that is after my low calorie breakfast, and sensible--however not the greatest tasting--microwave lunches. I have been trying hard. I have not been eating candy or ice cream or all the things that got me to the state I am in right now.

And you, you just sit on the bathroom floor waiting to ruin my morning...and possibly my week for that matter. And quietly you just glare that nasty little (well actually not so little) red number at me. And it was bigger! I know that they say you don't lie, but I really feel deceived right now. How could I have gained a pound???

Well, now I am just going to have to get even more serious. So, you, my unfriended bathroom scale--you better watch out. Because this won't happen again!!!!

Respectfully,

Jessica

The Challenge starts today!

2010-03-04T12:28:00.001-06:00

Justin and I weighed in last night (at more than we have ever weighed) and we are starting the diet today.

Let me tell you...it was hard saying no to the freshly baked cookie someone brought into the office, but I did it. Even as my neighbor (and close friend) made yummy noises while she devoured her creamy, warm, chocolate chip cookie, I stood my ground. And I am proud of myself.

So, 20 lbs to go by June 6th (Justin's birthday). I am kind of excited.J

Gussy Giveaway

2010-03-02T14:09:00.004-06:00

So I am home sick for a second day in a row. This time yesterday I was just getting up for the day, so today I am thinking I feel a lot better since I have been up since 10 and am doing okay, but I am still not yet 100%.

I did feel good enough to check my blog, and I found a great giveaway on one of the wonderful blogs that I follow. Check it out here.

I also added the button for Gussy to my blog at the right.

Gussy makes the cutest, totally girlie girlie products. I can't wait to get the laptop bag. I have been looking for something that isn't so black and just like everyone else, and I totally found it here. Check it out and enter the giveaway yourself.

Shattered Dreams

2010-02-22T12:47:00.001-06:00

Well, it happened. The thing we have been fearing for the past month (or a little longer). The thing that I didn't want to speak about, but my husband couldn't stop talking about. The house we wanted, the house we put our home on the market for, the house we have been dreaming of, was sold out from underneath us.

But, even though my dreams of living in that house, with the adorable kitchen, and huge rooms have been shattered (and my heart is a little shattered too) I know that everything happens for a reason.

God's word says there is a season for everything under the sun. God's word says that He knows the desires of our hearts--and He will give them to us. God's word says that all things work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. I am choosing to put aside my hurt feelings. I am choosing to let go of the house that I became attached to, even though I said I wouldn't. And I am choosing to walk in the promises of God.

I know that He knows what is best for us. I know that He is taking care of us. I know that He has a plan for our lives. And I am trusting in Him.

My Little Cheerleader

2010-02-11T21:16:00.007-06:00

Cori had a ton of fun cheering at her first basketball game tonight. She even did some jumps! Oh what Fun!

This isn't the post that is supposed to be here

2010-02-07T14:36:00.003-06:00

Today I was supposed to be posting about the wonderful birthday party we had for Cori's third birthday. I was supposed to be posting amazing pictures of her very adorable fairy party. The party I have been working on for months--months of ideas, months of planning, and months of gathering items for the party. And it will have to wait for two more weeks.

Cori's party got cancelled because of a fever virus! She got a fever the Friday before her birthday party! What are the chances of that???? Poor little baby. Thankfully she didn't really realize what was happening when we had to postpone her party, otherwise I think she would have been really upset.

She did get to open her present from Aunt Brooke. She got just what she asked for...a wedding dress complete with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. She has been wearing the dress all weekend. That definitely eased the disappointment for her...but not so much for me.

Snow Day

2010-01-30T14:01:00.009-06:00

Getting Ready

We love snow!

Trying to make a snowball

Snow slide

Snow Angels

Snow Dog

Snow Shoes

Doing it all over again...praying third time will be the charm!!!

2010-01-11T21:50:00.003-06:00

We have some news! Our house will be up for sale for the third time...in almost as many years. We really want to move to a bigger house. We are in a position right now where it will be extremely beneficial for us to move, financially, and spacialy! We have outgrown our little starter home. It really pains us to leave it, especially since we have done so much to it. (See my post this summer about the amazing swingset my husband built for our dear daughter.)

This is how the story goes...We happened to drive by the house we fell in love with the last time we had our house on the market, and there was a for lease sign. We called the realtor (and by we I mean my husband did all the work) and found out the house will be going up on the market in March...so we wanted to know if they would sell it now. And they will. So that means we had to bust it and get our house ready to sell, NOW. This was something we were not even expecting to talk about, much less even dreamed we could get our house ready for sale in one weekend. But with the serious help of my in-laws, and the amazing feats of strength from my husband...our house is perfect and ready for market.

We looked at the house we love one more time, and decided we really did love it still, and now we are working up papers with the realtor and those should be ready tomorrow. So here we go again. And we need your prayers...big time.

Keeping your house completely spic and span every second of the day is not easy...especially when you have an almost three year old little girl who has a very determined spirit. But we are determined to do it, and we know that we can.

But this time it will be different. Before we were so ready to move, and then we got very emotionally attached to the houses we wanted, and when they would come and go, we were devastated...especially as our house sat and sat on the market. Since two years ago when we had our house on the market the 2nd time, we have really updated a lot, and we do really love our house, even if it is tiny. So we will be okay to stay, but we do want a bigger and newer house. So we are not getting emotionally attached.

We just want to walk in God's will and move where he wants us to be in his timing. So we will be having showings, and we will be cleaning, but we know that God will bring the right people at the right time.

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T23:23:00.002-06:00

What a year! We have a new set of twins that will be growing up in 2010 and another set coming in 2010! What an exciting year! I can't wait for the things that are in store for this year.

I am so thankful for the blessings that God has given us this past year, and for what God has in store for us this year.

When I think about everything that has come to pass this year it brings tears to my eyes. God is good all the time!

Peppermint Mania

2009-12-24T16:32:00.005-06:00

I love peppermint bark. I learned how to make it last weekend, and whipped up a big ole batch of it myself today. It is SOO easy.

Here is the recipe:
1 pkg white almond bark
1 dz candy canes, crushed
peppermint extract

Melt the almond bark per the directions on the pkg. Add crushed candy canes, stir, add peppermint extract, more or less depending on your taste. Pour mixture on a wax paper lined cookie sheet. Put in fridge to cool. Break up bark and enjoy. Way easier than pie!

Blessings to You

2009-12-23T14:35:00.001-06:00

God bless you and your families this Christmas season.

Merry Christmas!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2009-12-16T11:53:00.002-06:00

I love my birthday, and I love all the people who have already made my day special. Tonight I get to go to an NBA game with my hubby-not quite the suprise it was going to be, since he told me--and out to dinner at someplace special which still remains a secret.

What a great day!

What is better than a Christmas Give-away???

2009-12-14T10:05:00.003-06:00

So, I have been following this blog for a while-- Like a Warm Cup of Coffee--the button is on my sidebar. Love it! And they are doing a give-away for Down East Basics-the coolest clothes company!! They have the cutest clothes, and they are so affordable. And if you know me at all, you know I am all about that.

Go here to see the giveaway.

And since this is my birthday week I think I should get a little extra luck to win the giveaway, but you should go ahead and enter too!

Baby Day

2009-11-24T10:43:00.004-06:00

The twins are coming today!!! Can't wait for Kate and Ryan to be here!! What an amazing day. I have to work this morning and have been tearing up all day long!! What an amazing, special day for the whole family.

Can't wait to kiss their little heads. We have been praying for them for so long, before they were even a twinkle, and now, the day is here and we get to see what all our prayers brought forth.

God is so good!

Been a while

2009-11-06T10:12:00.002-06:00

So it has been a month since I blogged. I don't have much to write about. Not that nothing is happening--maybe it is because too much is happening and I can't sort it all out into words.

We haven't had a weekend home in months...literally. Football keeps us busy and now it is over for Justin and almost over for OSU. Thank God. October also had pumpkin patch visits (two for Cori and Justin), hayrides, carriage rides, Trick-or-Treating, a sick day home with a fevery kiddo, several football games--Justin's and OSU, and NO time at home to clean my house.

Please don't come over. I won't let you in the door.

But this weekend that will change. We will be at home, with a tv game in the afternoon, and the whole weekend to scrub and clean. Can you tell I am excited? I started last night by cleaning out my bathroom drawer and underneath my bathroom sink.

I should have taken before and after pictures. You would be amazed.

October

2009-10-05T22:09:00.003-05:00

The best month of the year.

I love everything about fall.

I love the weather. I love the leaves changing colors. I love football being in full swing.

I love the food. I love apples, and pumpkins, and the breads that go with them. I love caramel apples, and candy corn. I love soup. I love Sunday roast. I love fall!

I am not really into Halloween, so that isn't really the highlight of the month for me.

I love Homecoming. I love the Walk-Around. I love the best homecoming celebration in the nation. I love Fall Break.

I love the pumpkin patch. I love hayrides. I love cool autumn nights.

I love fall and I love October.

Midnight Muffin Madness

2009-09-17T22:56:00.003-05:00

Well...it isn't quite midnight, but close enough. And I am baking muffins. Why you mght ask? Well, a food day at work on short notice + muffin mixes in my cupboard= midnight muffins.

I set them on the kitchen counter earlier this evening so that I wouldn't forget. Because I am certainly not going to get up at six am and make muffins. So after Cori was asleep, laundry was washed, Survivor was over, and while I was taking my nice, wonderfully hot bath, reading my adorable Parents magazine, I remembered. "Oh, my muffins."

So, I am waiting for the timer to go off, so that I can get the muffins out of the oven, cool them, and pack them in tupperware to take to work in the morning.

And, of course, baking in my house would not be complete without our super-sensitive smoke detector screaming at nearly midnight while my precious daughter went to sleep only an hour before. And, it isn't like it went off when I was mixing the muffins and the oven was preheating. No, of course not. At that time I would be able to set aside my fork and mixing bowl and fan the ear splitting contraption. That would be too opportune. No, it starts going off when I am pulling my perfectly browned, beautiful muffins out of the oven.

I know you might have been thinking that the muffins were on fire. Sorry to disappoint, but nothing was on fire. Nothing was smoking. Nothing was even smelling burned. So I hurriedly set aside the muffins and took my oven mit and fanned the smoke detector. Cori didn't awake so I was in the clear. One more batch for the oven and I was in the home stretch.

Ring, ring. The last batch just finished. And what do you know, another perfect batch of muffins, and another fire alarm sending me running across the kitche--oven mitt in hand. Gotta love when that happens. Luckily the second alarm of the night didn't alarm Cori and I am able to get those muffins ready for the morning.

Oh, isn't life grand. Midnight muffins and a screaming smoke detector finish up what wasn't too bad of a day. I guess.

Crazy Love

2009-09-14T20:42:00.004-05:00

Have you read this book? Francis Chan is amazing. He is truly a spiritually gifted author. He spoke during One Prayer at our church and I really fell in love with his style of speaking. I didn't know who he was, nor did I know at that time that he was a gifted writer with a mega selling book.

www.crazylovebook.com

Well, I am reading it, and I am amazed, and ashamed. It is really eating me to my core. It is making me really think about the life I live. Not just my Sunday life where we pretend that we didn't fight all morning getting ready for church. Not my Monday night Bible study life where we have our little group that is so close and trusting. But, my life at work, at home, the way I speak to my husband, the way I speak to my child, the way I talk with my sisters. Do the things that I do, think, and say--do those reflect Christ?

Last year I got Cori a little picture for her room that says, "Let those that know you and don't know Christ, come to know Christ because they know you." That is certainly a desire I have for my child, but has that been a desire I have for myself? Well, it certainly should be.

I don't just want to know that love of Christ and keep it all to myself. I want to reach out to those around me and show Christ. It is hard to get over myself, and my little fleshly desires to be rude to those who are rude to me, to answer insult with injury, to give and not expect anything back.

But, Christ is working in me. I am setting myself aside and letting the Crazy Love of Christ renew my heart and mind.

Oh, and if you are interested in reading the book, the bloom button on the right of my blog has the book discussion that I am a part of...

My little cheerleader

2009-09-10T22:25:00.004-05:00

Justin had his first home football game. It was a rough game, in the rain, with a lot of points on the wrong side of the scoreboard. But the highlight of the night was Cori getting to go on the field and cheer with the 9th grade cheerleaders.

Since it was raining Cori didn't get to wear her cheerleading uniform, but she did get to be a part of the "team" for just a little bit.

That made the game loss a little bit more bearable.

Next game she will have to wear her cheerleading outfit and hopefully it will be the luck we need.

Just call me Martha!

2009-09-02T22:17:00.007-05:00

I am so proud of myself.

I crafted some really cute stuff my my new niece and nephew who will be coming late this fall! We had the shower this weekend and it was a blast!

I wanted to make sure that the gifts were unique, two of a kind...he he... and memorable. So...I made them crosses with their names on them, an adorable tub for their toys (thanks to my sister for the idea...she made one for Cori), and had onesies embroidered one in pink and one in blue that say "i'm a miracle".

I have also been collecting some books for a while, especially the beautiful Twelve Gifts of the Birth, in Spanish.

Included in the toy tub were also two OSU pacifiers, and a shadow box with a very touching poem Twin Hearts. My very crafty sister Amy did help me with the shadow box tho.

It was so much fun being able to make stuff!

Cori also got the twins a little Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. She said they can sleep with them. Now we just wait patiently for the twins to come...and we certainly won't rush them.

Are you a Baker?

2009-08-26T22:45:00.002-05:00

Or do you aspire to be??

I can't wait until the next time I have a party to plan for, which may not be too far away because I found the most amazing place from a blog a follow. I might just have to throw a party just so I can make some super cute cupcakes.

The site is www.layercakeshop.com and it is AMAZING!

There are so many things I can't wait to order and try!

And if you want to enter a Giveaway for this site, go to http://partyperfectblog.blogspot.com/ and enter.

A change will do you good

2009-08-24T23:27:00.003-05:00

Oh how I wish I could believe that right now.

Some things are changing in my life right now that is very exciting. Some things are a straight answer to many years of prayer. Thank you Jesus. Some things bring tears to my eyes because God is so good.

Some things I have to look very hard to see the good. Some things are just hard right now.

But God's word says, "We know that in all things God works for the good, for those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Rom 8:28

This is the verse I am claiming right now.

It is hard to stay focused on God when everything around you is so unsure. It is hard to stay focused on God when you don't have a moment to yourself to think, much less spend time in the Word, spend time meditating and memorizing scripture, or spend time on your face seeking God, not for what he can do, but just for who He is.

That is where I find myself right now. Something big happened and it has sent me into a tailspin. Things are very up in the air, but I am believing that God's word is true, and that he will work all things for the good for me.

As far as filling my schedule too full to spend time with God, I will have to work on that. I need to prune out things that are not fruitful in my life. That is very painful. Some of the things I know I need to get rid of in my life are going to hurt. Some things are going to be easy to drop...but oh, not the things I love that I need to let go of. That will be hard. But I can do hard. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

Thank you Jesus for renewing my focus on you. Thank you for helping me see what in my schedule needs to go. Thank you for being constant and unchanging, when things around me are so unsure. Amen.

One boy, one girl.....

2009-08-13T20:42:00.002-05:00

...two hearts beating wildly.

And those hearts are big and strong and the babies are safe, and healthy and there is one of each!!!

Last night I spent my online time searching for twin presents and didn't stop to post. Now that we know what that we are expecting a niece and a nephew, we can start shopping...and that is soooo much fun.

God is so amazing and we are so grateful to see our prayers answered.

Tomorrow is an exciting day

2009-08-11T23:24:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is the big day! Tomorrow we find out if we are having two nephews, two nieces, or a nephew and a niece!

Cori's votes are a girl and a boy, and Justin and I say two boys.

We have been praying and waiting and hoping for this for a long time.

It is finally here. And it is even more of a reality. We have been watching the babies grow from the outside, and now we get to see a peak on the inside.

God is answering our prayers right before our eyes and it is very amazing.

I just had to share.

I am a Widow

2009-08-11T00:20:00.003-05:00

A football widow that is...

Football practice starts tomorrow. At 7 am my sweet coach will leave home (earlier than he even gets of out bed on any given day) and he will head to a very soggy football field. He will start with 42 players and 8 games ahead of him.

Then we have high school games on Friday night.

Then we have college games on Saturday nights.

Then we have NFL games on Sunday and Monday.

Then there are some Thursday night games too.

And so here I am, and here I will be many, many nights.

But, I don't mind. In fact I really love football. I love watching games on TV, I love going to games, and I love everything about football. It is a lot of fun to be a part of the sport. I love being a football wife.

And now it begins. And I can't wait to see how it will be at the end of the season.

To go or not to go--that is the question

2009-08-07T22:10:00.003-05:00

My ten year high school reunion is this weekend. It is very low key, just lunch, a tour of our high school, dinner, and then meet at a hotel that wasn't even built until last year.

It doesn't quite have the same bit of nostalgia for me that it does for people who moved away and are just coming back to visit. I grew up in this town, I graduated in this town, I went to college in this town, I met my husband and married in this town, and I settled down in this town and have a home and a family and a career.

I didn't like high school much. I had a very close group of friends, and I wasn't a cheerleader, or into sports, and I didn't really care for all the cliques that were so very important at that time.

I have only really stayed close to one of my friends from high school. In fact, she is my sister-in-law now. My close friends moved away and went to college and we fell into different circles and lifestyles and didn't keep in touch like we should have.

But, I don't really care to go to see a bunch of people that I didn't really like, and they didn't really like me, and just do the small talk thing. I hate the small talk thing. I don't feel like telling 100 different people what I am doing right now. If they really care, they can befriend me on Facebook.

Is that mean? I just don't understand the point.

Instead we are going to go to a water park and hang out with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law and have a great time. There will be no small talk, no telling the same stories a hundred times, there will just be fun! That is my kind of Saturday.

Being Intentional

2009-08-03T22:36:00.004-05:00

We had some very good friends who lived about 5 houses away and they moved last year at about this time. They have a 1 yr old and we have not kept as good touch as we should have. We see each other occassionally, but they have a life just as busy as ours, with grandparents to see, things to do, and professions to keep.

Today they were able to come to town for a few hours and we had dinner and they came over and we got some time to catch up. I really made me miss them and want to stay in better touch.

It is crazy the things that are so important to us that we just let slip away, day after day and week after week. It makes me think of how we treat our relationship with God. We can be going very, very strong and then gradually, sometimes without our even knowing it, we let it slip away.

Just like with our friends when we have to make it a point to keep in touch, we have to do the same with God. We need to be daily reading in the Word, meditating on scripture, thinking about things above, consulting Him with decisions we make throughout the day, turning to Him when we have a problem, and not just calling up or texting our friends. We need to be purposeful in our relationships, with our friends and with God.

Justin and I started reading our couples devotional. I bought it in November, and for weeks it sat on the dresser in our bedroom. We intended to get to it, but just kept putting it off until "tomorrow night". Then the book got moved into the closet and off the dresser and we didn't give it a passing thought. Well, we are being intentional about it now. I am ready to start being intentional.

This week in the First Place study we are learning about balance, and I think that being intentional about important things are also about balance. So, starting this week Justin and I are intentional about our relationship with God and with each other. And now we will be more intentional with our friends too!

Cori Cracks me UP!

2009-07-30T21:53:00.002-05:00

Today when Cori got out of the tub, she says, "I have been married ALL DAY!"

I don't know where it came from, but marriage has been on her mind a lot lately.

She has been obessed with our wedding pictures in the hallway. She tells Justin "daddy, you married mommy." She is so very into it right now. I can't believe it. It makes me short of breath to think about her being grown up and married.

Just had to share.

Our prayers are working!

2009-07-28T10:41:00.000-05:00

Stellan is doing better, but not completely out of the woods. Please continue to pray that the meds will work, the side effects will be minimal, and that he will break out of SVT for good.

MckMama's recent blog made a plea for help. Not for her family, but for families that we can touch. This makes me think about the ministry of the church and our place to help families in need. Our hospital here doesn't have a NICU, so we don't see those families who are distraught with worry, worn out, exhausted, and sick over their ailing infants, but we do see it in the waiting rooms, and hallways. There are things that we could choose to see each day. There are things that we can do.

I encourage you to keep in touch with your local church, keep your eyes open for prayer requests for families dealing with illness, and do what you feel led to do. It may be to make a home cooked meal and take it to the waiting room, it may be a video for the family to enjoy together that can take their minds away to a fairytale land for a brief time, it may be a cookie bouquet to brighten the room, it could be money, it could be volunteering your time at the local hospital or clinic or any number of things that God will lead you to do.

I am so thankful that I haven't faced having a sick child and I pray that it is something that I don't have to know the heartache of, but I do know that there are people who need us, they are praying for us to meet that need for their family. God will use you, if you open your heart, mind, and schedule and let Him.

Please Pray for Stellan

2009-07-27T12:17:00.002-05:00

On the right is a button to pray for Stellan. That will take you to MckMama's blog and you can get the details for the situation right now. Please be praying. She is watching her little baby slip away. God is a God of miracles and He can heal this situation. Please, please pray.

At The Movies Set

2009-07-14T17:56:00.001-05:00

Want to see what our church looks like for our current series AT THE MOVIES? We don't do VBS so I guess this is our version. The pastor takes current movies and gives them Biblical perspective. This is something draws so many people to our church. They come to visit just to see what it is all about and then they decide to stay.

Our theme this year is Wizard of Oz and they have gone above and beyond this year. Enjoy.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/randycolemanphotography/sets/72157621394191480/show/

It is so amazing!!!!

Check it out if you are in the area of a Lifechurch. There are churches in Owasso, Tulsa, Edmond, Oklahoma City, Stillwater so there are lots of options in Oklahoma. And they even have Saturday night church. We went to the lifechurch in Tulsa on Sunday. Their set is Transformers and it is equally as awesome.

Proud of me!

2009-07-07T20:38:00.003-05:00

So my husband, kiddo and I went on a 5k walk today for the second day in a row!!!! Today was a much bigger struggle than yesterday. I also didn't think about praying when things got hard and I wanted to sit down. I have to get into the habit of that.Tonight we had beef kabobs for dinner. They were awesome and even better...we got to eat them outside in the beautiful 85 degree weather.

Last night we watched a movie and I didn't get started on my Bible study, but I will get caught up today.

I did find a really great free website to track EVERYTHING you would want to track when working out, dieting, etc. It is www.fitday.com. I think I remember this from years ago, but the format is totally changed and amazing.

Now we just have to get all the beginning settings set up and we will be on a roll. I have set a long term goal for my weight loss by my birthday. It is not more than 2 lbs a week, so it is definitely doable. I am ready, willing, and able....even though I don't feel like it sometimes.

Today is Day 1

2009-07-06T10:09:00.003-05:00

We started a new Bible Study today! It is a Summer First Place Bible study called Healthy Summer Living. It is a 6 week study. Complete with recipes, memory verses, and everything you need to get in shape physically, spiritually, and emotionally for the summer.

I am so excited. This will be a good time to get into the swing of things by working out, and having a good time doing it. I know I have a few weeks to lose a little weight before my dreaded 10 year reunion...oh I don't want to go, and I especially don't want to go fat! See included before picture! YIKES!

The summer has flown by and we only have a few weeks left until school starts. I would like to be down 15 lbs by the beginning of school.

We have a private blog to track our progress....so I will probably only be blogging milestones here, but I may double post if I come across something super inspiring. Pray for me!

Independence Day

2009-07-03T22:54:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to wish everyone a happy, healthy, and Blessed 4th of July.

What a wonderful blessing we have to live in a country where we can live, work, and worship in the manner we choose.

Speaking of Losing things

2009-06-26T00:51:00.002-05:00

We got this amazing little camera right before Cori was born. She is two now. We filled the camera up the first day she was home from the hospital. And we couldn't figure out how to get the movies off. So the camera has been in a drawer, forgotten about. But with my fancy new laptop I figured it out today. And I am pretty excited about it.

And so today we got to see the most wonderful movies of when Cori was two days old. So crazy to see her so tiny and helpless. Now she can ask while I am downloading the movies, "Mooooommmy, what are you doooooooin?"

It is just so amazing the difference two years can make. In our lives it doesn't seem like so much changes during that time period. We probably still work the same place we did two years ago. We might weigh the same as we did two years ago. We probably even still wear the same pj's we wore two years ago. But for a child, two years is a life time. Two years is the difference from being a tiny 6 lb helpless baby, and a 30 lb princess who insists on wearing high heels that are 10 sizes too big.

From being the size of a football, to being able to throw a football.

I am so amazed at the change in my life that tiny little girl brought about. Being a mom is the best job in the world. Having her was an amazing miracle. It was amazing to see her when she was so tiny. I remember saying that I would never forget when she was that tiny. Until I saw it in the movies--I had. She was so tiny.

I see that and I thank God for the amazing blessing of Cori. Justin and I just sat and reflected on how amazing she is (like we do every other night.) But tonight it was even more special.

Purge baby Purge

2009-06-24T00:34:00.003-05:00

So, after finishing our study Me, Myself, and Lies this week I decided not only do I have to do a job of cleaning out my thought closet, but I needed to clean up my clothes closet. I hold onto clothes forever. I attach memories to my clothes, and that makes it hard to get rid of them. So tonight, after serious urging from my husband...I did it. I threw out (rather put in the give away pile) clothes that I haven't worn in years, or maybe never wore.

It felt good. Now I have a visual reminder of the things that I learned in my last study. Out with the old, and in with the new. When I start thinking those dumb old thoughts that Satan likes to throw at me, I will remember purge baby purge. I will throw those out like all the ill-fitting clothes from yester-year. I am not keeping onto stuff anymore. I am not pulling up bad memories, but I am claiming the promises of the Word.

I am focusing on truth, the truth of the Bible, and the true things that God says about me. And I am focusing on the truth of what fits me and my life right now. Old things are put away and the new (wo)man is alive in me.

Oh, and my sweet husband promises me that I can buy new stuff if I get rid of old stuff! And so when I lose the extra weight I have been carrying around with me since high school, I will be able to have wonderful new clothes, to make new memories in.

Pretty exciting day. Now I gotta get some sleep!

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T13:51:00.004-05:00

I found a picture of Justin with all his kids in the picture. Meggie-the dog, Bedlam-the cat, and Cori-the kid! What a great Dad!

I am so thankful to be married to a great father. I am so thankful that I have a great father myself and that Justin has a great father to show him how to be a great father. But I am most thankful for my heavenly Father---and the salvation I have through his son, Jesus.

Today church was amazing. The pastor preached on "God is Father." He told the story of the prodigal son, through the eyes of the father. I will update the link to the sermon once it is posted on lifechurch.tv. Quite an amazing sermon today. It is part of the One Prayer series that over 2000 churches are a part of.

I am so thankful that we are children of God and that he has given so much to us. I am thankful that we don't have to be good enough, or smart enough for God to love us and give us salvation. It is a free gift to us. He is the ultimate Father, and we are his children whom he loves. He is patient with us, He is forgiving, and He is intimate. He is strong, powerful, and gentle. Do you know Him?

Wednesday Update

2009-06-17T23:05:00.006-05:00

So....things were going great today. I had a great day at work, albeit long. I made a fun dinner of breakfast (gotta love that). And I was on my way out the door to help with youth at church. Cori was standing up on her chair at the table, and I saw a red mark on her leg. She had paint on her hands and leg and so at first I thought it was paint, but then upon closer inspection there were HUGE welts on the inside of her thigh.

I was immediately concerned. She could have "rug burned" it on her new slide. Or since the heat index was triple digit here today I was afraid she got a true burn. But then I looked closer and it looked like bites. So, off to the urgent care we went...after a quick call to church let them know that I was not coming.

I had told Justin it could be a burn or a bite, but didn't say what kind--I didn't want to alarm him (see my previous post about his OCD). In the car Cori says she had a spider bite. I couldn't believe it. We kind of laughed, but then realized since we were going to a different Dr. we really had to start prepping her that it wasn't her wonderful pediatrician, but a different Dr. and she would have to show the new Dr. her leg. She said she would after being bribed with gum.

We got to the Dr and she was so inquisitive, and thought everyone she saw was the Dr. She seemed scared at every bump she heard in the hallway, but then she said she would talk to the Dr. When he came in she said, "Hi Dr." She was very chatty and cute. The Dr. seemed very impressed. He said it could be a slide burn, but he thought it was a spider bite instead.

After a quick visit at the Dr., two different pharmacies to get the prescriptions filled, and a Dora sleeping doll as a prize, we made it home, took a bath, and went to bed.

Poor little girl with a spider bite.

Oh, and her swing set is almost done. Finished pics to come soon.

What a Sunday

2009-06-14T17:44:00.003-05:00

We have the incredible ability to watch out church online at home if we choose. The only time I have done this when I was actually at home was when I was at home with Strep and my family went to church without me.

This morning we woke up to a raging thunderstorm and decided we would just shut in for the morning and watch church online. Well, I guess we learned our lesson because we had technical problems and missed the service. What a bummer. We were able to spend time together as a family, Cori and I got to take a nap, and Justin worked on the swing-set more.

It is really amazing to see the change in our backyard every day. What was once an empty space is now filling with a structure that will cause countless moments of joy. And those moments have already started. I got some good pictures last night of Cori getting to use her slide for the first time. She was so pleased. She turned to Justin and said, "Thank you Daddy!" It may or may not have been prompted but it was truly genuine. I have to get the camera software loaded onto my computer before I can post some pictures, but when I do, I will update the post.

Oh and the best part about this weekend, is that Cori started eating again. She had gone weeks only eating breakfast food.

And, I made the best food Saturday night. Chili-lime chicken with roasted squash, zucchini, red and vadalia onions, potato salad, and french bread. The first two items on the list were home made and the last two were store bought. I am getting much more brave with my cooking. I even toasted coconut for my easy coconut cream pie. My meal really impressed Justin and my sister. It made me feel good.

Now Cori and I are watching Aladdin. It is pretty scary in the beginning. Cori thinks the genie is funny tho. Gotta figure out dinner now.

My Husband Rocks Friday

2009-06-12T13:52:00.002-05:00

My husband is obsessed. For those who know him he has lots of obsessions. Football, Cori, really any thing sports related, OSU, and the list could go on and on. (He also has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder...but that is a different issue entirely.)

When he gets an idea he has to complete it. This isn't really a bad thing when you want a change around the house, but sometimes he gets a little overboard.

Right now his obsession is building Cori a wooden play tower/swing set. He has this idea in his mind and he will accomplish it.

He searched and searched the web, and read review after review, and price compared for weeks. He knew he could do it himself and make it sturdier, cheaper, and better than the things you could buy.

I saw him at home staring into space this week. I asked him what he was thinking about. The reply was always, "just trying to figure out the swing set."

Baseball sized hail stopped him this morning from getting everything he wanted to accomplished. But he can't wait to get it finished. He loves giving Cori everything he can to make her happy. She was telling one of our family members on the phone, "Daddy is going to build me a swingset."

My Husband Rocks because he won't rest until he is satisfied that he did a job that will make me, Cori, and himself proud.

And I will post pictures of the swingset when it is finished.

God is always right on time--especially when I need Him

2009-06-11T19:05:00.004-05:00

So today I was struggling at work. But God has been showing me that it is my pride that is the problem--let me tell you that is not easy to admit. Today I was having an especially difficult day. To top off my bad day, I left my Zune (for those who don't know it is like an ipod but cooler) at home. Justin, the loving and wonderful husband that he is, brought it to me at 1pm, just when I needed it the most.

Last night I downloaded a bunch of new podcasts (Joyce and Lifechurch.tv sermons) so I had been looking forward to listening to my new stuff and my disappointment was great when I realized I was going to have to work this afternoon with nothing to listen to, except for the thoughts in my head....which are better than they used to be, but not where they need to be.

Well, I turn on Joyce via her podcast when I got my Zune and the title of the message is Humble, Gentle, Meek and Lowly. Four things I am certain would not ever be mentioned about my character--yet. And 4 things that someone with a pride problem really needs to hear. Let me just tell you that she ate my LUNCH! I mean, she even talked about being a supervisor at work and how you need to change your personality when dealing with people. If that wasn't a word from God especially for me today, I don't know what is. I listened to all 5 of those podcasts over and over. I will make sure that they stay in my zune so that I can listen to those lessons whenever I start thinking of myself more highly than I ought.

I am so thankful that God has given me friends, family, and a wonderful boss who can help me through this rough patch right now. I am going to keep my ears open and my heart soft so that I can be ready to take in whatever God is trying to teach me.

If you have the opportunity to get a podcast (through your zune, ipod, iphone, or another compatible player) I recommend going to Joycemeyer.org and check out subscribing to her podcast. You can also get it through the itunes store, or zune.com.

Maybe the next podcast will have a word for YOU!

Just when I needed it!

2009-06-09T09:25:00.001-05:00

Last night while having Bible Study at my house (we are doing Me, Myself, and Lies by Jennifer Rothschild) Cori and Justin were there running around and hanging out in the guest room. Cori threw the remote to the fan against the wall--then later told Justin she was cold. Justin put her in time out, and then she spit (you know like the cute little raspberries babies do but this was not so cute.) Of course us ladies were in the living room trying to contain our laughter. Then Cori went even further. She got out of time out, run into the room, and spit her pacifier out at Justin.

Did I mention this jaw dropping behavior is coming from a 2 year old? It was a little comical to see her act out like that, but then I got concerned. Is this an indication of her future behavior? How do we take care of this now so that it isn't something that will haunt us forever?

Then low and behold! I find this site this morning!

http://christinnjon.wordpress.com/2009/06/09/duty-of-discipline/

They are doing a series on exactly what I need to hear right now! It is amazing when God does that. And even better, there is a giveaway. I challenge you to go, read, enter the giveaway, and then stay for the series, also on http://likeawarmcupofcoffee.blogspot.com/2009/06/training-discipline-techniques-for-your.html and learn how to effectively train your child in a Godly way.

Obviously what the world has been doing for so long isn't working. My husband and I see this first-hand volunteering for our church youth. I have never met a youth group with so much disrepect for God, the church, and adults. It is heart breaking and we have vowed to train up our child (and future children) differently!

My Husband Rocks Friday

2009-06-05T08:09:00.003-05:00

It has been a while since I posted a my husband rocks Friday, but today I have the best reason. My husband is a school teacher, so naturally he is at home in the summer. This does cause a little dissension because I have to work year round.

Today, my husband is at home, playing with my 2 year old....and her three year old cousin. Two little girls who are all-princess, all-adorable, and all-about-me. They are very sweet to each other, and love to see each other, but really fight like sisters.

My sister and bro-in-law came to town yesterday and we just decided we would keep my neice over night. With a quick trip to wal mart to buy some extra clothes and the only food my neice will eat (mac and cheese) we made it home, and the fun started.

Today there is a wagon ride planned, something fun for lunch, and who knows what else. All while I am at work...not having fun. My husband can handle it all, and he isn't scared. That is why my husband rocks.

I am not "computer stupid"...

2009-06-03T10:21:00.002-05:00

...but boy do I feel like it lately.

It takes a lot of time and work and effort to get things on track when you get something new, but at least my new laptop is nice and shiny!!

The following are the list of questions I have for the maker of my laptop:

Why do you not include instruction manuals? Really? If you are having problems with your computer how on earth are you going to be able to read the online manual?

And...why don't you give me information specific to my system? Why do I have to search through 17 FAQ's to not get my question answered?

Don't get me started on chat technical support? Why do you possibly need to know the serial number of my laptop to tell me how to make my bluray player play on my tv?

So, I haven't gotten to blog from my bed yet, but someday I will get to bed early enough that I can.

I finally got my new laptop!

2009-06-01T18:35:00.002-05:00

I can't believe it. It only took a worm virus crashing out Microsoft office for us to finally get one. It is the most beautiful thing. And the best thing about it....the BluRay player inside. I can't wait to try it out.

I am very impressed with the easy set up. It is basically just plug and play.

Now I have to head to Life Group, so I won't get to play all night, but I still will play when I get home. Thankfully there is no TV to watch in the summer. I just have to make sure that I am not neglecting my family (from today on) in order to play with my wonderful toy.

Now I can blog with the best of them....if only I could figure out the web cam...

Have I told you lately how much I love my husband?

2009-05-20T22:31:00.003-05:00

How do I love him? Let me count the ways...

4. The number of years we have been married on May 21st (about an hour and a half from now).

2. The age of our most precious prize in the entire world, our little girl

9. The number of years we have been together (well, in October it will be)

1,000,000 and counting... how many times I have thought about him since we met

1460. that the number of times we have kissed if we kissed once a day since our Wedding day

10220. that is the number of times I guess we have kissed (doesn't seem like that much huh?)

Now--I wonder what his numbers would be.

Maybe they would be like...

7. the average number of times I email him during the day to see what he is up to and to tell him I love him (and to give him his honey-do list)

13.5. the number of hours I was in labor to bring forth previously said precious prize

71. the number of years we will be married if he lives to be 100.

3. The number of times a night I ask him to get me something when I have already settled in with Cori

I am so thankful that even when I was very young, and didn't know any better--God knew exactly what my life would hold. I am so thankful that He brought me the most amazing man in the world. Justin is an amazing husband, a precious father, and a pretty good cleaner (I know you are jealous). He gets me water at night when I forget and I am drying my hair and need a drink. He loves to spend time just him and Cori, and I love that. He cleans the kitchen and the living room every night before bed--and I really love that. He is more than I could ever have asked for. He loves me unconditionally. He loves me for all my faults and for all my goodness. He is the greatest husband and I am so happy he is mine.

Thank you Justin for an amazing 4 years, and here is to the next 67!

The best ear buds in the world!

2009-05-16T22:50:00.004-05:00

I got the most amazing things this week. My awesome friend gave me a pair of Kicker ear buds! See www.kicker.com. They are amazing. When they are in your ears, even with the music off, you can barely hear people around you. This is awesome for me at work when I am trying to concentrate and get my work done and keep people from interrupting me.

My dear hubby tried them out and he fell in love too. He is excited to try them when he is mowing the lawn. That way he won't have to turn his ipod up to the highest volume to hear the music while he mows. This might save what is left of his hearing.

Also, it helps me keep the volume down about two or three notches when I am listening. The sound quality is amazing. Like nothing I have ever heard before. If you are looking for some new ear buds I totally recommend ones from Kicker. They know sound, so it makes sense they would have the best ear phones.

Reparation

2009-05-05T00:00:00.003-05:00

Reparation: compensation, making amends

This is a word that has been running through my brain all day long. It came from reading Isaiah 40 today. Now, that word is not directly used in that passage, but that is the major impression that I got and I can't stop thinking about it.

Our God is a God of reparation. Both good and bad. He promises reparation for our sin and for our faith. He sent his Son to make amends for our sin. He paid the price we should pay. He also tells us that our faith will also be rewarded, compensated.

1 Samuel 26:23The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. The LORD delivered you into my hands today, but I would not lay a hand on the LORD's anointed.

Proverbs 14:14The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good man rewarded for his.

Isaiah 61:8"For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and iniquity. In my faithfulness I will reward them and make an everlasting covenant with them.

Hebrews 11:6And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

I am thankful that I serve a God who is rewarding to those who earnestly seek Him. I am thankful that a good man is rewarded. I am thankful that my God makes an ever lasting covenant for those who are just. I am thankful that Jesus paid the price for my sins, but I also want to make sure that I am faithful, that I am just, that I am good, and that I earnestly seek Him.

Things have been difficult in the lives of so many around us. People at work cringe when their phones ring, wondering if their husbands are calling to tell them they have been laid off. Health issues, infertility, loss, death, money problems, plagues (have you heard of the swine flu?), earthquakes, tornadoes, and the list goes on and on and on; these are the things that we Christians face every day. Can you imagine facing those things and not having Christ in your life? Can you imagine going to bed at night, and just staring at the ceiling without hope. Can you imagine not praying? Can you imagine not knowing a God that you know hears you, loves you, is with you every moment of every day, and promises to one day dry the all tears from your eyes?

I can't believe that I haven't done more to share Jesus to those without Him. I can't believe I have been so selfish that I use God for myself and don't tell everyone I meet about Him. I can't believe that I don't do more. I can't believe that there are people in the world who are killed for their faith, and I don't even share mine, in a country where I am free to do so.

I know this blog doesn't make much sense tonight. But it does to me. It is all the things that I am feeling and thinking. The thoughts are just pouring off my quickly typing fingers onto the computer screen. I don't even know what made me decide to blog tonight. It has been nearly a month since I even logged on. I have just been so busy with myself, and my agenda that I haven't even thought about sharing my thoughts and feelings.

I just feel like I have been holding my breath. For months. For years. Holding onto something, afraid to let go because it might all fall apart. I am breathing deep tonight. God is an amazing God. He has blessed me beyond measure. He has saved me. He saved me from myself. He saved me for eternity. I owe Him my life. I should die as compensation for my sin. Jesus saved me. I owe Him my life. I need to start living like it. Reparation. Repayment. I owe and now it is time to pay up!

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T12:39:00.004-05:00

He is Risen!

Thank you Jesus for paying the price for my sins that I might have salvation and eternal life.

Me, Myself, and Lies

2009-04-11T08:44:00.003-05:00

I am so excited to be starting this study! I got a little bit of a head start and it is really quite amazing, I really love the idea of the thought closet that Jennifer Rothschild introduces. I have had filthy rags in my thought closet and I want to have beautiful dresses fit for who I really am, a princess, the daughter of THE KING.

What has impacted me the most is the idea that God thinks about us. While I was doing the study, I stumbled (not accidentally I am sure) across the verse Psalm 139:17. "How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered." The Bible states in many places, not only that God thinks about us, but that His thoughts about us cannot be numbered!! Can you even fathom that? That our God thinks precious and wonderful thoughts about us. All day long.

Have you gone an entire day where all your thoughts were consumed with God? I think that it is safe to say that I haven't, ever. But God does it all day every day. That is the amazing thing about God being timeless, omnipotent, and omni present. He can be with each of us, all day every day. His thoughts are consumed of us.

Now, immediately my first thoughts pondering this revelation are, naturally (since that is what I carry in my thought closet) guilt, failure, etc. But just as immediately, the Holy Spirit calmed that --and showed me that the verse was not so I would feel guilty, but so that I would see the amazing personality of God. He cares about me. He thinks about me-- and not because I keep screwing up and he is disappointed, but He thinks good and precious thoughts of me.

I have really been aware this week of thinking thoughts about God. There are days where I know I didn't give a thought all day to God. There are days when I would lay in bed and realize I didn't pray all day. I just can't believe that I could ever get to that point in my life. I hope to never go back to that place.

This study seems to be pretty involved, but it really is speaking volumes to me. I am very excited to be starting this new study, and I am even more excited to clean out my thought closet!

My husband is so great, so why don't I treat him like it?

2009-03-23T23:46:00.003-05:00

Check out this site. http://www.titus2atthewell.com/2009/03/are-you-born-supervisor.html

What an amazing principle she shares today! I have visited this site before, but didn't start following it until today.

First off, let me just tell you that todays post was written just for me. It could have had my name at the top. "Jessica, Are you a born supervisor?" Am I proud of that?--well, I thought I was, but I am seeing that what may be good in my position at work, is certainly poisonous for my marriage and my home.

It is not my job to check off a list if my husband is performing satisfactorily. Why do I think that I can talk to him in a way that I would never speak to my co-workers, or even to a stranger? Why is it so easy for those things to pop into my head and even worse for them to come out of my mouth?

I know that he loves me unconditionally. I know that he wants to be with me forever. So why don't I treat him like it. Perhaps as it is written in the post, it is because I don't see all the wonderful things about my husband.

So, when I think of my husband, I am going to become verbally thankful for him. I am going to tell those around me how great he is, instead of only giving voice to the things that he does that drive me crazy.

So, here is the start of my list:
I love my husband because:

He takes care of the house
He does the dishes
He cooks dinner
He keeps my dear daughter so that I can go to weekly Bible Study
He loves our daughter so deeply
He is a neat freak

This is something that we were challenged to do when we were part of The Vow on http://www.lifechurch.tv/ and I am going to continue to do it.

Oh, and did I mention we are starting a marriage class at church. I am so excited about it. I know that it is going to do amazing things in our lives. Things have been really good lately and just keep getting better, and I know this marriage class is going to take things to an even higher level.

What a great day! And then a sad one :-(

2009-03-15T22:10:00.003-05:00

I forgot to check the mail yesterday. I love checking the mail. Usually the mail is just bills, junk, or stuff for my husband, but on the rare occasion, something will be for me and I love when that happens! Oh, and there is always my secret hope for money or a check that I am not expecting, but that doesn't happen except around my birthday, and that is not anytime soon.

My husband grabbed the mail out of the box before church and today I had a great mail day.

Let me give some background: someone (on a blog I am sure) told about a survey you could take and upon completion, the thank you was a year subscription to Martha Stewart Living. I love that magazine. I love surveys. So, I took the survey and ta-da, they came through and yesterday I had the March and April issue of Living in my mail box. It makes me kind of sad that it sat in the mail box all night, all alone. But I am so glad that when I finish this post I am going to run a bubble bath and sit in the tub soaking up all the craftiness that I can only read in awe about and not actually attempt.

It is a beautiful magazine and I am so happy about it. I then told my husband how sad it was that so many magazines are going out of business, and I hope that Living is okay because it is wonderful and makes me so happy.

I then began thumbing through the rest of the mail....bill, bill, junk, junk....oh wait, that one has my name. It is from Wondertime Magazine! The best kids magazine I have ever seen. At first I got a little perturbed because I just paid my bill and thought they can't be trying to get me to renew again already. I check out the postcard. Dear Ms Wondertime Lover, we regret to inform you that you will no longer be receiving Wondertime magazine because unfortunately we have folded. WHAT? Another paper product in this ever-more-paperless world has fallen victim. So heartbreaking. What a great publication. It had beautiful pictures, stories, and the best ideas for things to do with your kids. I couldn't wait until my daughter was old enough to enjoy the things that were in the magazine. Tears might have started brimming from my eye lids, I am not going to lie.

Sad day. RIP Wondertime.

But, hey, at least I have my Martha Stewart Living magazine to keep me warm at night.

Finally finished the Shack

2009-03-06T22:58:00.003-06:00

I don't want to give away the story, but I do so recommend you read this incredible book. Check out their website.

www.theshackbook.com

Here are the main themes that I really picked up from the book, but again, I recommend you read it and figure out your own impressions.

The biggest thing that really made an impact on me, is that God is not disappointed with us. He knows what we are going to do, so how can he be disappointed? If I truly understood the character of God I could get this deep down in my heart. How can he be disappointed with a decision He already knows we are going to make.

Also, I really like that God doesn't have expectations of us. He wants a relationship with us. He doesn't want us to live by a set of rules, He wants us to love Him.

I was also very touched and had a deep understanding that God doesn't allow "bad things" to happen to teach us a lesson or get our attention. I was in a mindset for a while that whenever something happened that wasn't my way, it was God teaching me a lesson. A close friend of mine told me about a year ago that not everything is a "lesson." That is something that is LIFE CHANGING for me.

It really took me a while to get through this book, and for those who know me, they know that not many books take me a while to read. I really let fear stand in the way of hearing God's heart in this book, because of what some of the subject matter was. I thought it would be difficult to read a book about a little girl, since I am a mother of a little girl. It was very easy for me to put myself in the main characters role and feel "The Great Sadness" because facing something like that in my life is a huge fear of mine.

That is all I want to talk about because if you haven't read The Shack I really encourage you to set aside some time, spend time in prayer asking God to soften your heart and reveal Himself to you through this story, and then get ready for a wild ride. Oh, and if you are like me, keep a box of kleenex handy.

Goodness Under Pressure

2009-03-03T08:28:00.001-06:00

Today I wanted to share my daily devotion from the Proverbs 31 Women.

We all need God's goodness under pressure. During this time, it seems like everyone I know is facing the threat of something dire: job loss, relocation, serious illness, major financial problems, infertility, and the list goes on and on. I think that we have to make sure that we are keeping our eyes open and our ears listening and our hearts soft so that we can recognize the when God is revealing His goodness throughout each and every day.

Goodness Under Pressure

3 Mar 2009

Micca Monda Campbell

"Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life." Psalm 23:6 (NIV)

I didn't know it then, but before my husband's accident, God already had a plan to care for me. I was far along into my pregnancy with my first child when my dad approached Porter and me with a heartfelt concern. With a new baby on the way, Dad advised us to invest in life insurance. It was a great idea, but we just couldn't afford it. Under the circumstances, Dad felt compelled to pay the premium until we could pay it ourselves. Porter accepted. Little did we know what the future held. Just two short weeks later, Porter tragically died. What would my son and I do now that our sole provision for food, shelter, and clothing was gone? The pressure was on as I tried to make sense of it all.

Sometimes God allows us to become pressured - not to terrify us or cause us undue pain but to purify our character. It's interesting that God uses pressure in our lives this way. In the same manner, pressure is what makes a diamond pretty, precious, and priceless. Diamonds are treasured stones that many desire. God wants you and me to become His treasured stones that shine with His glory. He uses the pressures in our lives to create in us a thing of rare beauty that many desire. When we allow the stress of life to purify our nature, we permit God to work for good and His glory.

Just when I thought I had to put my newborn son in daycare and find a job, it happened. It was nothing short of a miracle. It was God at His finest. Although the life insurance policy had only been signed two weeks before the accident and was still in the probation period, the company decided to honor it. Because of God's goodness, I was able to stay home with my son for a while longer. Sure, the pressure of my trail was hard, but learning to lean on God's goodness had its rewards. I saw a promise come to pass, my character and faith were sharpened, and I had the privilege of experiencing God at work in my life.

It may be different for you. God's goodness under pressure may show up in a job offer that you weren't expecting. It may be as simple as someone buying you dinner or offering to baby-sit so you can have some time to yourself. Whatever the form, it's His goodness showering you with care in your time of distress. Acknowledging these acts of kindness, which flow from God's heart, builds our character and our faith. Before we know it, our life shines with the brilliance of a diamond that draws others to our God. And that, my friend, is a good thing.

Dear Lord, sometimes my stress feels so heavy I think I can't go on. I have no breath or life left in me. But Your Word says that You make me lie down in green pastures. And Your goodness and love will follow after me. Oh, how Your Word refreshes my soul and renews my spirit. Be my strength; be my rest; be my ever-present help under pressure. With You, I can make it through. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

An Untroubled Heart: Finding Faith that is Stronger than My Fears by Micca Campbell

His Princess: Lo ve Letters from Your Prince by Sherri Shepherd

Visit Micca's blog

Application Steps:
Recall each and every time God has shown goodness to you under pressure. Thank Him by writing out a prayer, song or poem. Keep it so that the next time you find yourself under stress, you can trust and watch for a sign of goodness.

Reflections:
What causes you the most stress: home, job, raising kids, etc.?

How do you lean on God's mercy during times of pressure?

How can trusting God with your stress bring peace to your life?

Power Verses:
Psalm 23:1, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want." (NIV)

Psalm 23:2, "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters..." (NIV)

Psalm 23:3, "He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake." (NIV)

© 2009 by Micca Campbell. All rights reserved.

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Welcome to Hollywood! What's your dream?

2009-03-02T17:23:00.004-06:00

Like the line in Pretty women says, "Everyone who comes to Hollywood got a dream, What's your dream?"

I just discovered Motivate Me Monday.
http://likeawarmcupofcoffee.blogspot.com/2009/03/motivate-me-monday-giveaway.html

Check out this website. This is the place where I got the 31 days to clean that I posted about earlier. Oh, and now would be an appropriate time to mention she is doing a giveaway too!

She is talking about putting the denim on your dreams and working to get what you want! LOVE IT. My dreams have kind of been put on the back burner, but I am letting them come alive in my heart again. I know that I need to get busy and do the work to get things moving if I am every going to see my dreams turn into reality.

I have been very hesitant to share with many people what is in my heart, but I know that God has planted a dream and vision in my life and I haven't really done anything about it. Well, what better time than now! I know there are some things I need to be cutting out of my life, to make room for other things, and that is where I plan to start. My dear hubby and I have already cut back our tv viewing by a considerable amount. I mean, seriously, if you knew how much TV we used to watch you would be ashamed for me!!! I just have to do it, and stop giving excuses.

I am putting the denim in my dreams, and doing the work to see them turn into reality!

31 days to CLEAN!

2009-02-26T23:56:00.002-06:00

Look what I found and I am starting March 1st.

http://likeawarmcupofcoffee.blogspot.com/2008/06/31-days-to-clean.html

What an amazing thing! I am ready to get started, and I am sure my dear OCD hubby is ready for me to get some extra motivation too.

After having our house on the market for nearly a year last year (9 months to be exact), and having to keep it perfectly clean for all the fabulous no-shows, when we took the house off the market, and football season got into full gear, our house got really out of shape.

We have been slowly working our way back to a show-ready house for our own sanity, but it has been difficult trying to keep up with two full time jobs, a two year old, a daily-puking cat, and a dog who likes to get in the litter box for some "cat snacks." Time and our busy schedules have gotten the best of us, but we are getting back on track.

If you are going to join me, give me a comment, and then follow the link and let's devote March to clean!

The Oscars

2009-02-22T23:50:00.002-06:00

Seriously, I was in awe at the Oscars tonight! Have they finally listened to the people and cut out all the things no one on earth cares about?

They didn't introduce us to the super-attractive (wink, wink) accountants that had briefcases handcuffed to their wrists. They didn't have long drawn out performances of the originals scores for movies. They didn't have long speeches of people going on and on and on about things we don't care about....well, maybe one in particular but I won't name names.

I thought it a little tasteless that they kept showing Brad and Angie while Jennifer Aniston was on stage, but I guess I would have been missing it that if it were lacking, but seriously once would have been enough.

Good clean humor. Check.
Good clean presenters. Check (well, Ben Stiller didn't really count against them.)
Lack of druggie jokes (unlike the Golden Globes- except those idiots from Pineapple Express, but whatever). Check.
Short, sweet, to the point, and entertaining. Check, check and double check.

I was very moved by the Oscars. I have to admit, I don't think I have seen any of the movies but the Dark Knight. I was moved by Heath Ledger's family accepting his award. I was moved by the 5 previous winners giving the intros for Best and Supporting Actor/Actress. I thought it was just a very tasteful show that was entertaining, not boring, and showed a beautiful picture of what an awards show should portray (unlike the Golden Globes.)

I love the Oscars and I always have. I am glad to see they have shortened it, cleaned up their acts, and maybe, just maybe listened to the people.

Oh, and I didn't know that Michael Crichton, Paul Newman, or Charlton Heston died this year. I need to watch the news more!!

~My husband rocks Friday~

2009-02-20T13:50:00.003-06:00

My husband is amazing. A few weeks ago, an opening came up at my office that would have been a promotion for me. Immediately he told me I had to apply, and not applying wasn't an option. I knew I could handle the job, so I applied.

He was more nervous about the job interview than I was. He was more on edge waiting after the interview than I was. When I got the promotion this past week, he was more excited and proud than I was! He is so supportive and loving and does so much to help me be the best mother, wife, and new boss I can be. That is why my husband rocks!!!

Oh, how crafty am I???

2009-02-11T23:47:00.002-06:00

Anything that has a surface that is easily adhesive I think I am going to modge podge it. Seriously. I am looking around my desk trying to figure out which picture frames can be modge podged easily.

I am getting obesessed. I went to bed at 9:00 last night when I put Cori down, but not before I had time to modge podge a frame that I have had since the wedding, sitting on my desk at work all these years-- well, really only three, but it feels like longer. I thought to myself...that frame could be black and white to fit my "theme" in my cubical. I even walked with my family to Hobby Lobby (or Hobby Hobby as Cori calls it) for the sake of "exercise" but really I wanted scrapbook paper that I could glue on something.

I know that it is merely elmers glue in a wide mouth jar that the crafters sell for $7. I know it is ridiculous to try to figure out the adhesive-bility of every object that I see. I know that I am the least crafty person that I know, but everything in my body screams for me be crafty lately.

What happened to me? Did my one weekend at Affair of the Heart change me? Am I now a crafty, Martha Stewart-like mom??? I guess something had to happen because my husband sees these women who craft or scrapbook and asks me why I don't. Now I do!!

If you come over to my house, and my HD tv is modge podged, please hide the evidence before my husband comes home and we can just tell him we were robbed.

God's Accuracy

2009-02-10T09:24:00.002-06:00

This is an amazing picture of the Awesomeness of our God.

Evolutionists want us to think that things just happened this way. Nothing as complex as the eye, just happened…..Not once, but twice.

How incredible to think about the way our Creator God planned everything so carefully and perfectly, everything with a plan. As His highest creation, 'we are fearfully and wonderfully made.'

God’s accuracy may be observed in the hatching of eggs.

For example;

The eggs of the potato bug hatch in 7 days;

Those of the canary in 14 days;

Those of the barnyard hen in 21 days.

The eggs of ducks and geese hatch in 28 days;

Those of the mallard in 35 days.

The eggs of the parrot and the ostrich hatch in 42 days.

(Notice, they are all divisible by seven).

God's wisdom is seen in the making of an elephant. The four legs of this great beast all bend forward in the same direction. No other Quadruped is so made. God planned that this animal would have a huge body, too large to live on two legs.

For this reason He gave it four fulcrums so that it can rise from the ground easily.

The horse rises from the ground on its two front legs first.

A cow rises from the ground with its two hind legs first.

How wise the Lord is in all His works of creation! God's wisdom is revealed in His arrangement of sections and segments, as well as in the number of grains.

Each watermelon has an even number of stripes on the rind.

Each orange has an even number of segments.

Each ear of corn has an even number of rows.

Each stalk of wheat has an even number of grains.

Every bunch of bananas has on its lowest row an even number of bananas, and each row decreases by one, so that one row has an even number and the next row an odd number.

The waves of the sea roll in on shore twenty-six to the minute in all kinds of weather.

All grains are found in even numbers on the stalks

The Lord specified thirty fold, sixty fold, and a hundredfold - all even numbers..

God has caused the flowers to blossom at certain specified times during the day, so that Linneus, the great botanist, once said that if he had a conservatory containing the right kind of soil, moisture and temperature, he could tell the time of day or night by the flowers that were open and those that were closed!

Thus the Lord in His wonderful grace can arrange the life that is entrusted to His care in such a way that it will carry out His purposes and plans, and will be fragrant with His presence.

Only the God-planned life is successful. Only the life given over to the care of the Lord is safe.

*Author unknown

if I can make it, you can make it

2009-02-08T23:06:00.004-06:00

Look what I made for my office. Well, I say office, but I really mean cubicle. I am changing my "theme" to black and white and red. on the inspiration of Affair of the Heart this weekend, I made my very own memory board.

I am very impressed with myself! My mother in law told me how to do it, but I did it all by my very own self. I thought I had a frame that I could frame this with, but it is the wrong size so it will be unframed for now, but I plan to get a beautiful silver frame. I need to take a detail picture of the buttons. They are really pretty.

Can you tell I am proud of myself? My husband is too. He always wanted me to be crafty. I guess I was and just never knew it.

Fireproof

2009-02-04T13:20:00.002-06:00

We finally saw Fireproof. It took us nearly a week to find time to watch it, but we did and it is AMAZING. It is something that can be impacting on your marriage, no matter what state your marriage is in. We were very moved and impressed. We will be purchasing the movie, not only to own it and watch it when we need the spiritual kick-in-the-pants it offers, but also to support the movie makers. We need more movies like this in the main stream media. We need more stories of Biblical restoration. We need more talk of salvation and hope and peace.

I think that "during times like these"--where things are difficult--people are looking for something to turn to, and we need to be offering them Jesus. We need to be making sure our lives and our marriages reflect Godly values and principles. We need to make sure that we are showing and sharing Christ and not just living our lives trying to get by just like everyone else.

And, more on the Love Dare. I kind of misplaced the book--but will find it and do it, but now my cover is kind of blown since he saw the movie with me. I don't think he put two and two together yet tho! But, I bet he will now.

Check out this Giveaway!

2009-02-04T13:14:00.000-06:00

Not Quite Martha Stewart and www.YouCanMakeThis.com are giving away a $50 bundle of DIY Craft Instructions that even the most "craft-challenged" person can follow.

www.YouCanMakeThis.com was created by a mom who wanted to provide downloadable instructions on how to make just about anything from children's boutique clothing and jewelry, to handbags, home decor and more. What makes the site unique is that these instructions are written by everyday moms who have an expertise in an area. They are written in a way that makes you feel you have a friend sitting right next to you, telling you what to do next. They all have detailed instructions and step-by-step full-color photos so even the most "craft-challenged" person can make these items for their homes and families.

Please visit their sites and enter the giveaway. With the economy in the shape it is, homemade products and gifts are more relevant than ever!

I took Pound for Pound Challenge

2009-01-20T23:29:00.002-06:00

I pledged to lost 20 lbs. If I do, 20 lbs of food will be donated to local food banks. All because I decided to get healthier.

I can do it. I know I can. It makes the deal a little sweeter to know that while I am doing it I can help donate food to those in need. What a great thing!

I added the challenge to my blog so check it out!

Biggest Loser Our Way

2009-01-20T10:05:00.002-06:00

So, my sisters and my husband and I are part of a Biggest Loser Our Way challenge. We have challenged each other to a weight loss competition and we are going to be blogging together privately, since we are all in different locations.

Weigh in day in Monday and we will be recording our challenges and victories together.

I am very excited and can't wait to see how we do next Monday!!

The Love Dare

2009-01-08T14:42:00.003-06:00

So....I think this blog is going to be taking a different direction. Let's just say I am not really feeling the food diary thing. I know when I eat good and bad and I know that I need to be moving my body....and I will be talking about that too....but something is going on right now and I just have to have an outlet for it.

I am doing The Love Dare. I love it!!!! It is speaking to me so much and even after three days it is really changing things in my marriage and in the way I look at my spouse.

One thing I am noticing: It is getting a little easier to see how much my darling husband does. And I am making sure I am conscious and I am not pointing out all the stuff he doesn't do. And I am learning to ask things of him instead

I discovered last night when I did the dare about giving him a gift---that I miss surprising him with presents like I did when we were dating.

He is really in love with the Indiana Jones crispy mint M&M's---for those of you who don't know, they are like a candy coated girl scout thin mint cookies, but they are M&M's. They are awesome. I found some for his stocking at Christmas at one of those discount outlet stores and he was remarking the other night about how much he loves them. So when the Day 3 dare was to buy your spouse a present I knew just what I would do. I-- of course-- forgot on my way home, and I ran out suddenly and told him I would be right back. So I ran to the store, found the M&M's, some super comfy and warm slippers (his were shot and he has been wearing mine) got a cute Valentine's day bag, and wrapped it all up and presented him with the present.

He actually jumped up and down over the 5 giant bags of M&M's. I forgot how much fun it is to surprise someone and do something super special for them.

Today's dare is hard, and with the big football game I might actually have to wait until tomorrow, but it is to ask him to tell me (without any rebuttal) 3 things that I do that really iritate him....ouch. I can take it and I will work on it.

This is so fun....and the best thing is that he has no idea what The Love Dare is. He has seen the book around the house, and has seen me reading it, but doesn't really know what it is. I will be found out soon enough when Fireproof comes out on video and we watch it and he figures it out tho.

Whatever....I am having fun. It is making me fall in love with him all over again. And helping me get over my cranky, ol', do-it-my-way-or-else self.

Today's Meals

2009-01-06T13:02:00.001-06:00

I am still feeling pretty tired, and trying to push fluids. My throat is not as sore today so that is good. Still kind of emotional...I am just feeling a little down, but that could be from being sick so I am hoping things will get back on track soon.

Last night I was able to relax, read a Christian magazine, and spend lots of time doing my Bible Study (I am almost caught up), and I am going forward with the Love Dare. I am on day two. Pretty excited about it. I think I might blog about that in this blog too. My relationship with my husband and my weight loss could go hand in hand....at least the emotional eating thing would be contained a little when everything is smooth with us.

Breakfast:

1 cup Cinnamon Life cereal

1/2 cup FF milk

2 cups coffee with sugar free hazelnut creamer

Lunch:

1 oz cheese

10 pretzels

ham/ff cheese sandwich

1/2 cup applesauce

Dinner:

will be 2 or 3 slices of canadian bacon pizza

mixed veggies

apple

What a hard day!

2009-01-05T20:34:00.002-06:00

So strep is a lot harder to recover from than I had expected. I am having some side effects from the penicillin shot and they are not so fun, and really not contributing to the fact that I am probably still dehydrated. And, to add that today is a very emotional day and the cry is only causing me more fluid loss.

So my friend, was diagnosed with MS....well, not full blown, but the beginning of it, and of course there are more tests that have to be done, but basically they said "this is what you have." Finally a diagnosis!! But certainly not an easy one to face. So....in light of that, I think...what the heck is wrong with me!!! I am perfectly healthy (or will be in a few days) and I am too lazy to work out and take care of my body, and too stuck in my own carnal ways. I like to eat what I like to eat, and don't really care to change my eating habits and eat healthy.

(Not that I am only thinking of myself....but since this blog is basically my diary to myself....I am really the only one reading it....I am getting a little introspective here.)

We only get one body. One set of lungs (I haven't been kind to those in the past), one brain (if only I could have those brain cells back), one set of organs (okay, so how much can you really do to your spleen) and I am already two down as far as organs go since this past year.

So...I gotta be good. I gotta take care of my body. I need to guard my heart and my mind. I need to work out and do the things that make me feel good. I need to be working on my spirit man and my body.

Yeah, I know it is going to be time away from Cori to go to the gym, but 45 mins three times a week now is sure better than years down the road, when she is up at night with a colicky baby and thinking....boy, I wish my mom were alive so I could call her and ask her a question.

So today I did really good on food.

Breakfast:
fruit bar 3 points
coffee

lunch:
chicken Chinese food thing 4 pts

snack:
goldfish crackers
tiny twix

dinner:
fettuccine Alfredo with chx and broccoli
garlic bread

did good on water today.

I am really fighting the urge to eat right now, but I am going to have some sprite zero instead.

New Year, New Me

2009-01-04T15:10:00.002-06:00

So my new year didn't start off so well. I got strep throat and was as sick as I think I have ever been. I am recovering now, but didn't get to start off with a bang, like I thought I would.

So, today is the 4th. My current weight is 172--still down 10 lbs from October, which is awesome since I didn't watch what I ate over Thanksgiving or Christmas. I plan to work out in some shape or fashion at least 2 times a week over the next 6 weeks.

I might join the gym, but I am not sure how that is going to work. It would put me getting home pretty late in the evening or working out later at night. Maybe Justin and I can find a happy medium so that we can both work out at the gym. We both really miss it and would love to go back.

I am going to get back on the eating right plan, instead of eating whatever I feel like plan. That means serving more fruits and veggies to my family, and staying away from chips, crackers, and all those food with little nutrition and lots of calories or fat.

I have a high school reunion this year, and I don't want to be another one of those girls that just got fat. Plus, we have one more year until we are planning to try to have another baby, so I would like to be in shape to help combat my risk factors for pregnancy induced hypertention (or pre-eclampsia)--which I faced in my first pregnancy.

So, here goes. Happy New Year and Happy New Me!!!!

10 LBS DOWN

2008-12-03T09:13:00.002-06:00

Well, I was 10 lbs down and didn't even blog about it.

It has been Thanksgiving, and I think I was showing 2 extra lbs on the scale but that is okay, I am buckling in and getting serious.

I want to do the Remember the 10 run around campus in April. Justin and I talked about it. How fun would it be to run a race? I don't want to just lose weight, I want more of a goal to look to. A race that I have to train for is an awesome goal. The run doesn't change. I can't say....oh, I want to run around Boomer Lake and have an infinite amount of time to do it, because I will never get done.

I have to join the gym. It is hard to think about having fewer hours with Cori, but I have to get in shape for both myself and for her. I don't want to be an overweight mom. I want to be fit and healthy and live a long happy life.

So that is my goal. I just have to get started.

Wahooo!!

2008-11-03T10:32:00.002-06:00

Today's weight: 174

I have lost 8 lbs since the 1st of October!! I can wear jeans that I couldn't even button before. I feel so great and it is really fueling me to do more.

So the food logging...i know that people who log their food lose more weight than those who don't but I am finding that I don't have time to do that. So....I may just keep a point total for the day on here instead of blogging it all.

And, my physical therapist recommended cardio for my headaches...and since this week is going to be so nice weather-wise, I will try to get in at least one walk around Boomer lake (5k) and at least two other outside walks that are not including my break walking at work.

Wednesday October 29

2008-10-30T16:35:00.001-05:00

Okay, so Wednesday sucked food wise so I am not even going to do it. I blew my points for the entire week, but I did enjoy the carpet picnic with my hubby and kiddo.

:-)

Tuesday October 28th

2008-10-28T12:24:00.001-05:00

Today's Meals:

Breakfast:

Blueberry fruit bar: 3 pts

coffee: 2 pts

Total: 5 pts

Lunch:

Salad with ranch: 5 pts

cottage cheese: 2 pts

toubuli: 2 pts

soup 2 pts

Total 11 pts

Activity-- walk 15 mins - -1 pts

I really don't feel too hungry all the time like I used to when I would "diet". This time I know that I can do it and I am determined. Also, I know that God is behind me and the Holy Spirit is guiding me. I know it will be hard to be "good" with all the candy and food coming up, but I know that I have self-control and that I can say no to the things that I do not need and that will not benefit my body.

Today I have no energy at all. I am very tired and didn't sleep well. I think the steroids are contributing to that. I took the last one today so hopefully that problem will stop and I will be able to sleep and have energy to move.