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Dr. Visit

2011-10-07T14:36:00.002-04:00

Wow...its been a WHILE!! I haven't felt much like blogging lately but I have been reading and keeping up with the awesome fall decorating ideas out there! I have been feeling so bad lately....and I finally put on my big girl panties and went to the Doctor today. I actually had a list made of all of the things I have been feeling.....my sweet Dr. laughed at me and thought it was great.......she actually took my list to keep in my file. I was really anxious about going, but thanks to my husbands nudging, I went. Come to find out I have another really bad urinary tract infection...so I have another appointment in 2 weeks to follow up with that..and if it is not cleared up, I will be sent to a specialist to have further testing done. One of which is a cancer test, to rule that out. The Dr. did a full hormone panel, a full thyroid panel and vitamin panel to see what could be causing some other problems I am experiencing. Will be several days before I hear back about that. I have been EXTREMELY exhausted, having trouble with my memory and concentration, cold all of the time, weight gain, all over body aches and several other things. So, I am hoping to find some answers...I mean, I don't want there to be anything wrong with me, but I know something is out of whack for sure. I have been wanting to pull out of everything just cause I feel so bad. I try to hide the pain I experience everyday. My poor family, they see how it is affecting me..and it affects them :( Anywho...say a prayer......that we can get it resolved and I can start feeling good again......too young to feel like this....haha!!!

my beautiful babies

2011-08-26T12:40:00.002-04:00

The older my children get the more centimental I get!! I just love them so much and finding it REALLY hard to believe that I am about to have a teenager!!! These are pics from last years beach trip.

My daily ABC's

2011-08-08T09:02:00.002-04:00

One day... as I was writing in my journal my daily prayer request.....I started thinking of what I needed to remind myself of DAILY to keep my walk with Christ close! I think I wrote this down around March 2008. I often times will go back and re-read my journal entries or prayer lists, to see how things turned out! So, here is a simple list to help keep me in line....although I couldn't think of anything for x...so if you think of one...let me know!!

A- Abide: John 15:4-6 V:5 For without me, ye can do nothing.

B- Burden: Psalm 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the Lord.

C- Compassion: Jude 22 Some have compassion, making a difference.

D- Daily: Luke 9:23 Take up his cross daily

E- Example: 1 Timothy 4:12 Be thou an example of believers

F- Faithful: Proverbs 28:20a A faithful man shall abound with blessings.

G-Gracious: Proverbs 11:16a A gracious woman retaineth honor.

H- Honor: 1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule be counted worthy of double honor.

I- Instant: Romans 12:12 continuing instant in prayer

J-Joy: 2 John 12 Our joy may be full.

K- Kindness: 2 Peter 7 Brotherly Kindness

L- Labour: 1 Thess. 1:3 Labour of Love

M-Meek: Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the word of God

N-Neighbor: Matthew 19:19 Love thy neighbor as thyself

O-Obey: Colossians 3:22 Servants, obey all things

P- Prepare: 1 Sam. 7:3 Prepare your hearts unto the Lord

Q- Quiet: 1 Thess. 4:11 Study to be quiet and to do your own business

R- Repent: Matthew 3:2 And saying-repent ye.

S- Seek: Psalm 63:1 Early will I seek thee.

T- Trust: Psalm 62:8 Trust in Him at all times

U- Uphold: Hebrews 1:3 Upholding all things.

V- Vessel: 2 Timothy 2:21 He shall be a vessel unto honor.

W- Wait: Psalm 25:4-5 Wait all the day

X-

Y- Yield: 2 Chronicles 30:8 Yield yourselves unto the Lord, and enter into his sanctuary.

Z- Zeal: Revelation 3:19 Be zealous therefore, and repent

Come to Jesus

2011-08-06T16:07:00.001-04:00

A year ago in March, the day after my birthday, someone whom I loved dearly passed away suddenly. Around the same time, I had been sent a CD with this song on it(sung by Sons of Jubal). To this day, I can not listen to this song without crying. I had been asked to sing at the funeral and was going to sing this song, but could not go through with singing it. I knew I would not be able to make it through. I love the words to this song. It is kinda of an entire brief view of the Christian life. First, realizing you are a sinner. Secondly, repenting and asking Jesus to be your Savior. Times of struggle and times of triumph. And in the end spending eternity in Heaven. I cry when I hear it...because my grief for this loss is so deep. Deeper than any other grief I have had in my life. I truly miss our Great and think about her often. Thankful she was part of my life, thankful she influenced me, thankful she loved me, thankful she loved my husband and my children. Her memory will live FOREVER in our hearts!

P&L Engagement Session

2011-07-24T21:00:00.004-04:00

Verse Cards

2011-07-11T09:08:00.003-04:00

Sweet Cousins

2011-06-16T21:03:00.003-04:00

Vicarious Faith

2011-03-06T16:47:00.005-05:00

–adjective

performed, exercised, received, or suffered in place ofanother: vicarious punishment.

taking the place of another person or thing; acting or servingas a substitute.

This morning my pastor preached a sermon that really struck a chord with me. I find myself always learning from him and his wisdom because I truly believe he seeks the truth and is a true man of God. Today he spoke on "Vicarious Faith". Exercising MY faith for the benefit of OTHERS. He posed questions like.....when was the last time you fasted for someone else? when did you last petition God to send whatever blessing HE had in store for you, to send to someone else? when was the last time you spent more time begging God to supply someone else's need above your own? WOW......when was the last time I truly wanted to see God use me for the benefit of someone else? For His blessings to flow to me and THROUGH ME. We read in the bible where the four men that took their friend to see Jesus to be healed. When they arrived, they couldn't get into the door to see Jesus, there were so many people there. They didn't give up. They thought outside of the box.....they wanted God to use their faith to heal their friend. So what did they do? They came in through the roof....Jesus healed their friend. That man benefited from their faith, their determination. Did they gain anything from it, other than getting to witness their friend being healed....NO!!! Matter of fact, they are nameless in the Bible.....because the only recognition that is important is GOD's!!!!

I do pray for others. I do beg God to use me.....but I am challenging myself to truly have vicarious faith. I want God to use me in a way that benefits others for HIS honor and glory....not for the praise of man.

writing on the wall

2011-03-04T17:37:00.002-05:00

okay...well the other day I was wishing for things to be simpler....ya know....written out on a wall for you....WELL......I believe one of the decisions I was facing was basically answered for me....

I am so thankful I can trust GOD and know that HE will answer my prayer.....whether or not it is the way I had wanted or not.

There are going to be some very exciting things happening soon and I can not wait.

lately

2011-03-02T14:28:00.003-05:00

Okay....so lately I have been feeling confused.....pulled in many different directions......and questioning am I being stupid or wise?

I don't like being 35(tomorrow) and feeling so overwhelmed with decisions. Truly don't know which path to take......about a couple of different things going on right now. Sometimes I wish the Lord's will was written clearly on a wall somewhere. Really needing some guidance and direction.

Also, I have a praise.....they were able to remove ALL of the cancer from my dad's arm. WOOTWOOT!!! But now we have another prayer request.......my dad has been experiencing some severe abdominal pain for a few weeks now. Well, he went to the Dr., they ran some test and as of this morning, he was told he has an enlarged liver(which can only be caused by one of 3 things. Either liver disease, cancer, or heart problems) He is being sent to a specialist to have more test run and hopefully a diagnosis. Please continue to pray for him. He will be turning 68 in April!

So, as I mentioned above......I turn 35 tomorrow. Last year on my birthday I received a horrible phone call about our "GREAT"and they day after my birthday, our Great died. I am feeling so sad.....and don't feel much like celebrating. I miss her so much and just the mere thought of her, makes me cry!

Anywho......I am just so thankful, I have my Lord and Savior to take the petitions to! For HE knows the way all I have to do is follow!!!

I Just Want To Please The Lord

2011-02-23T09:10:00.001-05:00

I can't help but listen to this song and cry every time I hear it! My heart aches at all of the many times that daily I let HIM down. I want to please MY LORD. I have the desire to please HIM through being a good wife, mother, teacher, church member, friend, daughter and in every other role in my life. Far too long, I have taken these roles for granted and I don't want to do that anymore. It is an honor to be where God has placed me. I think we spend too much time being BUSY with things, that we do not take the time to WORSHIP Him. To sit at His feet and be in His Presence. I want to teach my children to have a heart for God and the heart of God. Truly LOVE Him. Our movement gets so wrapped up in the outward appearance of man and the works of man that we forget about the HEART. Listen to the words of this song......I pray it will touch you like it has me!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

2011-02-14T16:14:00.001-05:00

Here is the "card" the kids and I made for daddy for V-day!! It is a "message in a bottle". The kids and I each wrote him a sweet note and we rolled it up and put it inside. There is sugar in the bottom for the sand!! Turned out really cute!!!

I am so in love with my hubby!!! He makes me a better me!!! He is my BEST FRIEND and my SOUL MATE!!!

I LOVE my kiddos beyond what I can say!!! Tyler....and Emma!! They are truly my heart!!!

Snow....AGAIN.....

2011-02-10T09:00:00.003-05:00

Well, this is what we woke to this morning. It is beautiful and peaceful....BUT......I am MORE than ready for spring.

Need a laugh today.....

2011-02-03T14:43:00.002-05:00

Here are some church bulletin BLOOPERS!!!!

* Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community.

*The concert held in Fellowship Hall was a great success. Special thanks are due to the minister's daughter, who labored the whole evening at the piano, which as usual fell upon her.

*Potluck supper: prayer and medication to follow.

* Don't let worry kill you off - let the church help.

* Pastor is on vacation. Massages can be given to church secretary.

Longing to sit on the sand and listen to the ocean waves.......

2011-02-03T13:03:00.003-05:00

I want to be sitting under one of those umbrellas!! I am so over cold weather. I truly love the beach and hopefully will get to go this summer!!! I have a lot on my mind and my heart today....and I have so much I could say.....but will refrain from writing it all down....the Lord really is the only one that needs to know about things, so I am going to keep things between us!!!

I would like to ask you to pray for my dad. He found out yesterday that he has carcinoma.....he will be having surgery on the 15th. Please say a little prayer for him. Six years ago, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and he had a radical prostectomy done, so anytime we hear the word "cancer" we get a little apprehensive!! Thank you in advance for your prayers!!

Vera Bradley giveaway!!!!

2011-02-03T12:40:00.001-05:00

Head on over to Kristen's Palace and check out her blog and her AWESOME Vera Bradley giveaway!!! The prize....a Vera Bradley bag of her choice and it will be filled with goodies....CHECK IT OUT!!!!!

http://kristenann11.blogspot.com

Why are we fault finders???

2011-01-31T19:53:00.002-05:00

I think we...as humans...better yet, as Christians are fault finders in others. We can't wait to point out someone else's flaws, sins or faults! Why is that, I wonder? Sad...isn't it? I am so sick of Christians thinking they are better than others. Yes, we should be separated. We should not "fit in" with the world....but how are we going to win the world if we go around acting like we are better than others. That is prideful.

Proverbs 16:18

PRIDE [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 29:23

A man's PRIDE shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

Treat everyone fairly.....

James 2:1-10

¹ My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, [the Lord] of glory, with respect of persons.

² For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;

³ And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:

⁴ Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

⁵ Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

⁶ But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

⁷ Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

⁸ If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:

⁹ But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

¹⁰ For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one [point], he is guilty of all.

We (christians) of all other people should be the kindest to others. We should be complimenters not criticizers. We have Christ within us. We can win someone over a whole lot easier with kind words rather than a sharp tongue.

We should humble ourselves. James 4 v.10 says "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."

I am going to work on myself. I need to compliment people more. Stop the criticizing and critiquing. Stop the fault finding and LOVE people WHERE they are HOW they are!!!

Unspoken

2011-01-31T15:39:00.001-05:00

We have an unspoken prayer request! Please say a little prayer for us! Thank you!! God is GOOD!!

One lump or Two....how to teach kids how to handle the injustices of LIFE!!!!

2011-01-28T14:20:00.001-05:00

Here are some helpful thoughts regarding letting my kids handle life's lumps, whether deserved or not.

1. Teach your kids that when you mess up and it's your fault, "take your lumps."

Don't whine about it. You deserve it. Take it.

2. Teach your kids that sometimes you "take your lumps" because life is difficult.

It's no fun, but you aren't Job. Get over it. It's just God's way of allowing life to toughen you up. You can't control who your parents are, where you go to school, your looks, etc.

3. Teach your kids that sometimes you "take your lumps" because you are mistreated.

This is the hardest one to deal with, but Jesus understands your pain. He dealt with the same thing.

4. As a parent, I don't have to make sure that everything that happens to or for or concerning my kids is fair.

5. Realize that not everything is about your kids.

6. I was treated unfairly at times and survived (with very few ticks and glitches:).

7. I was treated unfairly and accepted both the pain and the mistreatment as part of life.

8. I am allowed to let my kids be treated unfairly and not do anything about it.

9. I do not have to let it fester or get bitter.

10. If I handle the situation without bitterness, then almost always, so will my children.

11. If I overreact as a parent, it will usually end up as a bigger problem than the original problem.

12. If my kids feel like the world is against them, it is my fault through either my bad example, or lack of training them.

13. If I feel like I've been an underdog all of my life, then my kids probably will too.

In other words, before I can show them how to handle it, I must deal with my own issues first.

14. When my kids are mistreated I have the opportunity teach them several lessons:

a. Maybe the other person misunderstood the situation.

b. Maybe you misunderstood the situation.

c. Maybe the other person is in the wrong. (We didn't expect perfection, did we?)

d. The other person can handle something wrongly and still be a great person.

e. The other person can handle something wrongly and that doesn't mean they're out to get you.

f. The other person can handle something and you perceive it wrongly and it had absolutely nothing to do with you.

g. Only shallow people think that how the other person treats us is the measuring stick to determine whether they are a great or horrible person.

15. If I run to the aid of my kid, I'm teaching them to depend on me, when the very purpose of my training them is to make them incrementally less and less dependent on me.

2011-01-28T13:29:00.004-05:00

Ephesians 6

⁶Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

⁷ With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

dirt

2011-01-28T13:12:00.003-05:00

"Worry about the dirt on your own front porch instead of the dirt on mine"

If we all could be more concerned about the sin and junk we have in our own lives instead of worrying about jack and jane's sins.....maybe we could actually clean up some things in our own lives.

2011-01-27T10:55:00.002-05:00

Often times when I find myself weak....it's because I haven't been in the book that keeps me STRONG!!!

Are you a stepping stone or a stumbling block?

2011-01-27T10:16:00.006-05:00

"Some Christians are stumbling blocks to the world when they should be stepping stones."

So this quote leads me to think about what I am and who those are around me that I associate with?

I, as a Christian, know that I am a sinner and have to ask forgiveness everyday for either my actions, my words, my thoughts or things I didn't do that I should have. For the bible teaches us that knowing to do something and not doing it is a sin as well. Therefore, knowing these things about myself.....what am I to people?

step·ping–stone

noun \ˈste-piŋ-ˌstōn\

Definition of STEPPING-STONE

: a stone on which to step (as in crossing a stream)

: a means of progress or advancement

stum·bling block

noun \ˈstəm-bliŋ-\

: an obstacle to progress

: an impediment to belief or understanding :

So here I have the dictionary definitions of what the two mean. Not that we didn't know, but sometimes we need to see it on paper. So am I a stepping stone or a stumbling block?

Let's see......stepping stone....means of progress or advancement.....okay.....is my testimony what it should be in order to help someone progress in their Christian life? Is my testimony strong enough to help a lost soul come to KNOW Christ as their personal Saviour. Am I that stone that they can step on to be able to go where they need to go? Am I an encourager to the down in spirit? Am I a provider when a need arises? Do I help my church and church family when a something needs to be done? Sometimes in order to get from point a to point b...you have to cross over.....sometimes what lies beneath you is hard and dangerous....maybe it's the rushing water with strong rapids...in which you need some heavy strong stones to step on in order that you make it across. Am I that stone for someone to step on? Sometimes we must be USED......and spent. So these are some thought provoking questions. If we are honest, we will take these questions and ponder on them and prayerfully ask the Lord to help us to be a stepping stone for others. I truly have a desire to be a stepping stone......even though sometimes getting stepped on HURTS.

Stumbling Block.....an obstacle!! I guess we could apply the same list of questions from above to go down here. An obstacle. Am I standing in someone's way? Is my "Christian" life discouraging someone because I am a FAKE? Am I hurting the cause of Christ? Am I trying to encourage someone to do wrong? There are many Christians out there living a lie.....living like they are saints on Sunday and Wednesday night, but throughout the rest of the week.....live like the devil. Am I "ONE" of those Christians? Oh how dangerous it can be to be a stumbling block to someone. Am I leading someone down the wrong path by tempting them to do something that is wrong? Is my attitude an obstacle...does it get in the way of someone trying to do the Lord's will?

There are SO MANY things that we must ask ourselves.....truly be transparent and ask ourselves. Are you surrounding yourself with people that are stumbling blocks or stepping stones in your life? There are folks that I know that try to put on this holier than thou attitude, but truly are stumbling blocks in my life. Often times I get so frustrated.......but my Lord knows all about it. God sees the heart of a man......and judgment will come by HIM..in HIS time, not mine.......and I will be judged as well for the person I am. Oh Lord, help me to die daily........if I am hindering someone from being a better Christian......help me to move from in front of them to underneath their feet.

Where are we going? CRAZY!!!

2011-01-26T13:49:00.008-05:00

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

Boy......sometimes I sure do feel like I am going to go insane. When we get in the car, Emma often asks me where we are going and I always answer her.....CRAZY!!! We are going crazy!!! Not only do I feel insane, but man, so many times I feel like such a bad parent!!!

Today has been...ONE of THOSE DAYS, ya know....the ones momma said there would be...haha!!! The kids have been at each other's throats today and it started from the moment they woke up. Tyler said something to Emma....Emma went balistic and where does that leave me.....in the looney bin!!! So, punishment, NO TV, NO XBOX, NO KINECT. CHORES AND SCHOOL ONLY!!! And, the worst part.....they aren't allowed to speak to each other AT ALL today. I am hoping by not being allowed to speak to each other, they will in turn realize how much they need each other and enjoy each other's company. Most days in my home are so peaceful but wow.....not today at least not this morning. Things have been better since they haven't been speaking and boy, the house sure is quiet.

I feel like a failure more times than not when it comes to parenting. I hope and pray that my children turn out in spite of me. I am thankful though that with the Lord failure isn't final and with HIS help, we will be able to raise well adjusted, healthy, happy children.

So, I will go now.....and put back on my straight jacket and sit in a corner and pray.....I need some solitary confinement where it is just me and my sweet Lord!!!

the love of my life...

2011-01-24T13:47:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to take a little moment to post about someone who is SO SPECIAL to me. This man is not only my best friend, he is my wonderful husband. Coming up this April we will celebrate our 14 year anniversary. He is one of the most caring, loving, selfless men that I know. Hard-headed....yes....haha, but wonderfully imperfect and I love him more and more with each passing day. He can make my blues go away with just the faintest of smiles and the corniest of jokes. I often times feel he is misunderstood and I wish folks could know him the way I know him. He truly sees the BEST in everyone and is one of the most positive people I know. He makes me a better person. We have been thru trials and he is always so strong. I love the fact that the Lord gave me such a godly man. A man who truly desires to have the heart of his FATHER. He is the spiritual leader in our home and I am thankful for that. He takes care of me and our wonderful children in every area of our lives. He is hard working.....and so many times, I just wish he could get a break! Brad is an encourager to me and others. He is an awesome daddy. That is one of the reasons I wish he had a different job...so he would be able to spend more time with them. He misses seeing his kiddos!! As this valentine's day approaches and our anniversary, I just want him to know how much I adore, love and respect him!!!! I love you Bradley!!!!

Thank You Lord......

2011-01-24T13:16:00.003-05:00

For making the sun to shine. Putting the stars in the sky.
For the flowers that bloom, the ocean so blue. Thank you Lord
For every sparrow that sings and makes sweet melody
For the River that flows. The rain and the snow thank you Lord

I just want to thank you Lord. I just want to thank you Lord. For everything you've done for me thank you Lord. I just want to thank you Lord. I just want to thank you Lord. For making me whole, saving my soul thank you Lord.

For my whole family, For the joy my children bring. For shoes on our feet, plenty to eat thank you Lord. For the church where I worship and pray. For the freedom I have today .For your spirit I feel. Your presence so real. Thank you Lord. I just want to thank you Lord. I just want to thank you Lord. For everything you've done for me thank you Lord.

I just want to thank you Lord. I just want to thank you Lord. For making me whole, saving my soul. Thank you Lord.

For being a friend so dear. Giving my sad heart cheer. For holding my hand when I could not stand. Thank you Lord. For giving your life for me on a cross at calvary. For taking my place, mercy and grace. Thank you Lord.

Home is where Heart is........

2011-01-20T13:24:00.003-05:00

house (hous)

n. pl. hous·es (houzz, -sz)

a. A structure serving as a dwelling for one or more persons, especially for a family.

b. A household or family.

home (hm)

1. A place where one lives; a residence.

2. The physical structure within which one lives, such as a house or apartment.

3. A dwelling place together with the family or social unit that occupies it; a household.

a. An environment offering security and happiness.

b. A valued place regarded as a refuge or place of origin.

So let me start off by saying that I AM SO THANKFUL!!!!! Truly from the bottom of my heart....thankfulness is overflowing. We have been "down here" in the basement for a year and a half so far. It is nice, it is clean. It is a roof over our heads and warmth to our skin! Hey, let's face it.....we didn't even know that a tornado was 5 miles from us when it touched down. The saying Home is where the heart is.....is true. I truly believe I have made every place I have ever lived in.....HOME. I take pride in every place we have ever dwelt and treated it like my own. With all of that being said.......the fever to have my own home has hit me!!! I can't wait to find our own place and truly make it ours. I have been praying that the Lord opens some doors for us and provides us with a home of our own! This is my hearts desire!!! Thank you Lord for all you do in my life!!!

defeated

2011-01-17T13:02:00.004-05:00

Okay....so I totally just wrote a post that I completely blew off some steam and as I went to publish the post, I deleted it. I know I don't have many followers on this blog.....but would totally not want to offend any one that happened to be reading, even though the post was completely about me my feelings.....things could have been taken the wrong way.

So let me just say......I am feeling completely and utterly defeated!!! Like the picture above.....I feel people think my photography is a joke. Truly thinking about hanging up the camera straps and just doing photography for my enjoyment and capturing the memories of my kiddos....for I know they won't critique me in a way that others do!

People and people I know well......confuse me. People hurt feelings and don't seem to care! Sometimes wonder why I even bother!

So enough said.......

~NUFF SAID~

2011-01-13T11:45:00.002-05:00

Not just a window........

2011-01-03T19:04:00.004-05:00

Did you know how precious a window is? When you open one up, you can feel the cool breeze on a fall day. You can smell fresh cut grass and hear the crickets in the summer . In the winter you can sit by the fire, sipping hot cocoa and watch as each precious ornate snowflake falls slowly to the ground. For those of you who have windows you probably don't think twice about them(unless it was about complaining because you had to clean them). I really never gave them much thought when I had a house full of them. Now that we live in a basement and do not have any windows......I now know what a blessing it was to have them and I now will Never Ever....take having windows for granted in my house.

Having had sickness in our house the last couple of weeks.....OH HOW I WISH I HAD A WINDOW to open up and let some fresh air in and let some of this stale sick air out.

I know this is a simple hole in the wall covered by glass and a pane that can be beautiful when decorated with a gorgeous tapestry or window covering...........it can let in SUNSHINE........So right now, go to your window....open it and BREATH IN!!! See, enjoy what you have for one day it may be gone. We should find simple pleasures in our lives to enjoy. Just a window.........just a window!!! *SIGH*

A few of my favorite things....

2011-01-03T12:35:00.001-05:00

So here are a few of my favorite things. They are not in any particular order and there was no way I could list all of them........hope you enjoy!

I think this is one of the most relaxing enjoyable things to do. I LOVE to sit on the beach. Number one, I just get overwhelmed by the enormity of the ocean and that I am a child of the GOD that created that. Number two.....is there anything more beautiful. The sound, the smell, the feel of the wind. Ohhhh.......I just love to sit on the beach!
Okay....so don't laugh, but sometimes......okay....most always.......when I am taking the warm clothes from the dryer......I bend over and lay my head on the warm clothes and just breath in their aroma. CRAZY...I know. What can I say.....I love WARMTH and things that smell good!
Sometimes us moms just need to stop what we are doing and LISTEN. Listen to the sweet laughter of our children. I love to hear my children laugh.
I can't think of anything more lovely than a sweet hug from a child. I love when my children hug me. They hug with all they have and they love you with out condition.
So this is one of my most favorite things to do.......to cuddle up on the couch with my sweet hubby and watch a movie. I love being in his arms. I love his smell and his warmth....OKAY.....I will shut up now!
Okay.....I don't know what it is, but I LOVE me some party food!!! BBQ little smokies, chips and dip, meatballs, chicken fingers.......oh the list could go on and on.........
I love grilling. I love the smell, the sound......the TASTE!!!! Mmmm....if it were up to me, I could eat grilled food everyday. I love sitting on the porch with good friends, enjoying a nice meal and a glass of sweet tea!!!
I love the smell of fresh cut grass. I especially love the smell of fresh cut grass and a summer rain.......
I love STORMS. I don't necessarily like to be out in them, but I do love the sounds and smells of a good thunderstorm.

I don't know what it is, but I love staying at a hotel. Even if it is only for one night. I guess the thought of being some place different even for a little while.

A Daily Dose of Humor.......

2011-01-03T10:11:00.003-05:00

There were two blondes, and they had just came from a store.

The blonde that owned the mustang had locked her keys in the car. She was trying to pick the lock when she stopped to rest for a second.

When she sat down, her friend said, "Hurry up, it's starting to rain and the top's down!"

Count your blessings......name them one by one......

2011-01-02T21:08:00.003-05:00

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
- Refrain:
  Count your blessings, name them one by one,
  Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
  Count your blessings, name them one by one,
  *Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
  [*And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.]
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

I love this song. There have been times in my life when I have felt less than faithful, and certainly less than grateful. I sing this song often to myself when things just don't seem to be going the way "I" had intended for them to go.

I have SO MANY blessings in my life and sometimes you just have to sit down and COUNT them....and I promise you once you start counting them, you will realize you probably can't count that high.

I love the last verse....so amid the conflict whether great or small: do not be discouraged GOD is over all.

MY GOD knows all about my conflicts and trials in my life. I am THANKFUL to HIM and ALL of the COUNTLESS blessings I have in my life!!!!

Have you counted your blessings today?

Just Say No.....

2010-12-28T08:37:00.003-05:00

Just say NO.......easier said than done...right??? For a couple of months I cut out chocolate(which I love) and a lot of sugar in my life. I lost about 13 pounds and was starting to feel better about myself and how I looked and how I felt...........UGH!!!!!!!! AND THEN...........I FELL OFF OF THE WAGON........I KNOW.........HORRIBLE!!!!!! I have eaten my weight in sweets over the holidays and I am sick of it...NO MORE!!!!!! As of today those days are OVER....that's right CHOCOLATE......I'm done with you, we are officially broken up. Leave me alone......I do not want you to find me. I do not want you to haunt me in my dreams. I am OVER you!!!!!! I seriously feel like I have a relationship with sugar...LOL. So here goes......I am starting my new year off right.....MORE WATER, NO CHOCOLATE. I am telling you CHOCOLATE...it's for your own good and safety...for when you come around, I would only eat you.....you wouldn't have a chance to melt in my hand!!!!

P.S. I still love you

Christmas 2010

2010-12-27T10:57:00.012-05:00

We had a great Christmas other than the fact that Tyler was and still is sick with the FLU. This will be a year he will always remember or rather one he would rather try to forget!!! Poor guy....felt so bad for him. Even through all of the hard times....I truly LOVE my life.....I wouldn't trade it for anyone else's. I am thankful for a husband that loves me, wonderful healthy, happy children. Parents who always take care of me. Wonderful brothers and their wives. Terrific nieces and nephew. A great church with a wonderful pastor. Awesome friends!!!

Year in Review 2010

2010-12-27T10:28:00.002-05:00

WOW...I can not believe how fast this year went by. I must say though, I am ready to see it go. The last 2 years of our lives have been filled with many ups and downs. I am so very thankful the Lord has allowed us to be where we are and to be surrounded by the people we are surrounded with. We have truly learned throughout these times the friends that are truly ready to go to bat for us and have our back and are there to pick us up when we fall. Brad and I have learned a lot about each other and I truly love him more today than I did a year ago. We have experienced heartache like no other this year with the passing of "GREAT", Brad's grandmother. You know you expect in someway for your grandparents to die due to old age and sometimes I am sure for some that creates some sense of comfort knowing that they lived a long fruitfull life. Charlotte who we called "GREAT" was like no other woman I had ever met. Her death was harder on me than any other death I had experienced in my lifetime. I am tearing up just thinking about it. She was beautiful, she was kind, she was generous, she was caring, she was matter of fact, she was honest, she was hardworking, she was GREAT!!! I don't take for granted the 14 years I was priviledged to have been her granddaughter in law....although, she NEVER made me feel like an in law......if you were to ask all of the inlaws......they would all say the same thing. I am so thankful both of my children were loved by her. I am thankful we have so many wonderful memories of her to carry us through this life. Great, you are missed with each passing day!!!

This year has also brought some disappointment with Brad's job situation. We are still praying the Lord's will be done in our lives. We are diligently seeking HIS wisdom. The Lord knows all about it and we are trusting in HIM....although sometimes we ponder why?

WE are BLESSED beyond measure and truly know where our treasures are.

With this upcoming New Year just a few days away....there are SO MANY things I want to improve on and there are some goals that Brad and I want to attain. I am going to list some of them so I can keep myself accountable.

1. Become a better wife and mother. I strive at this daily...but fall so short in so many areas. My husband and children deserve for me to do better. I think a lot of this can be attained by becoming a better steward of studying God's word.

2. Be a better soul winner. I need to REALLY get REAL and serious about so many people dying and going to HELL and it is my obligation to tell them.

3. Be a better teacher to my children with homeschooling.

4. Be a better friend. I need to worry more about being there for others and being a blessing to them than to worry about being blessed.

5. Continue to lose weight. Really get focused again and be fit and trim by summer....and KEEP IT OFF.....also to encourage my husband to lose some weight.

6. Be MORE organized.

GOALS:

1. Become more financially stable

2. Purchase a home

3. Brad find a stable job ( I would love for him to find one he enjoys........I know selfish....but I want him to be happy)

4. Really build up my photography business!!!

Well....there are a few things to strive to be better at......I've got my work cut out for me because I know who I am dealing with....ME!!!

Take care and be thankful for each and every day the Lord hath made!!!

H@PPY BIRTHD@Y EMM@!!!

2010-11-30T10:46:00.006-05:00

We celebrated Emma's 5th birthday and it was WONDERFUL!! She had a great birthday! I can't believe my BABY is the BIG 5. She truly has been a joy and pleasure to have. I thank God every day for the gifts of my children. I can not imagine my life without them and I have completely forgotten what it was like before I had them. OH, the JOYS of parenting!!! Friday, we get to celebrate Tyler's birthday, he will be 12!!! My oh my how time flies when you're having fun!!!

2010-11-28T12:59:00.003-05:00

WOW....it has been TOO long since my last blog!! LIFE has been Busy with a capital B!!!

Speaking of life...it has been great! The kids have been healthy and we are now enjoying this Christmas season. Emma will be 5 tomorrow and Tyler will be 12 on Friday.......I CAN'T believe my babies aren't babies anymore. Makes me feel sad :( Anywho.....Emma always keep us laughing with her comments....here are a couple that she has said the last few days....

For some reason she now is so upset at the possibility of getting married....I have no idea where this thought came from. But the other night, as we were snuggling on the couch, she held me real tight and in the saddest voice said,"I don't want to get married, I want to stay with y'all FOREVER." Of course, her daddy was ALL OVER that idea like butter on a biscuit!!

Friday night she comes to me and tells me that she is hot and needs her temperature checked. She likes having it checked because she can read the digital screen that either has a happy face or sad face. So I proceeded to take it and I said,"Emma, you don't have a fever, do you feel bad?" She said, "No, I don't feel bad, I just feel.....OLD." LOL......really? wow, oh to be turning 5!

Anywho...she is our little entertainer. I love my babies so much...even though Tyler is just a couple of inches shorter than I am. (although, that is not saying much either,lol).

Well, I do want to tell you about an AWESOME offer that shutterfly is offering. I love shutterfly and use them regularly for my personal photos.

For bloggers, they are offering 50 free greeting cards. I know, right? Awesome deal!! I just signed up to receive mine and they should be sending me an update by email in a couple of days, so I will keep you posted. http://bit.ly/sfly2010 go to this link and sign up to get yours today!!!!

I will be updating with pictures from this weeks birthdays! Hope everyone has a BLESSED day!

BEACH BOUND BABY!!!!

2010-06-18T09:30:00.002-04:00

Well, we will be headed down to Panama City on Sunday. We leave on Saturday night when Brad gets off work to head to my mom's and drop off Bella~Boo!! Then we head over to Great's house to have a Father's Day breakfast with him and then to the BEACH!!!! You have NO idea how excited I am just to get away and forget about the stresses of life for a week and most importantly to enjoy being with my hubby for an entire week!!! WOOHOO!!!! He works SO hard and SO many hours, he totally deserves this vacation and it is a long time in the making! Can you tell I am excited????

Tuesday, a limb fell on our car during a storm and busted out the windshield, thankfully, they came out yesterday and fixed it. I predicted this would happen.....but NO ONE listened to me!! LOL!!!

I have had a pretty good week....really busy, but good!!! Thankful ALWAYS for the Lord's provision in our lives. I am praying daily to be in His will and for Him to lead us where He wants us to go. Most times I get in the way of what HE wants and I do the things the way I want to do them and I am learning DAILY to depend on Him and stop relying on my own power. I love my Jesus!!!!

Well, folks, I reckon that is all that is going on in my world!!! Please keep praying for Erin Raffield........33 year old, mother of 2 babies with stage 4 colon cancer!!! She starts CHEMO on Monday! I am so thankful the Lord has protected our family from a tragedy like this. Will be back in two weeks. I will definately post pics of our vacation!!

See you soon!!

My beautiful daughter.....a true blessing and gift from above!

2010-04-16T20:34:00.005-04:00

Seriously, the Lord has blessed my life with two of the most precious children. Each one of them is so special to me in their own way. I wanted to take a little time to tell you about my sweet Emma~loo. Not only is she beautiful, she is precious. She truly lights up my world and blesses my heart. She has her daddy wrapped and I must say, she's got a hold of me too!! She is funny, witty, a little sassy(LOL) and just an all around good child. She has a little more personality than Tyler did at this age. She LOVES her TyTy. He is her best friend, her buddy!! Tyler loves her just the same. I just can't imagine my life without my children. I thank the Lord for them everyday, for their health and protection from this wicked world. As soon as I get new pics of Tyler, I will post some. He is at that age where he could really care less about pictures. This is only 4 of the 60 pictures I took of Emma today. Every single one of them turned out beautifully and it only took us about 15 minutes. She is a natural. Thank you Lord for your mercies.....your grace.....your forgiveness and the MULTITUDE of blessings you send to me everyday! I am BLESSED!!

2010-03-19T15:30:00.002-04:00

Today the weather outside is GORGEOUS!!! I can not believe how beautiful it is!! So, I've been away for a while, not that it much matter, not sure many, if any, people read my blog...LOL!! I need to do a better job of keeping up with it, but I fall short for sure on the updating thing.

It has been a sad couple of weeks around here. Still hard to believe that our sweet" Great" is not with us any more. I am a better person for knowing her!! She is a true inspiration to me and to all that loved and knew her!

I have got to get on track and lose some weight. The last year for us has been difficult and my body has paid the price. I guess that is what stress will do to you!! I have gained about 15 lbs in 9 months...OUCH....I know!!! I can so tell too.....in my clothes, in my attitude and other areas in my life. I need encouragement and prayer.

I am also SO READY for school to be OUT!!!! I would give anything to be able to send Tyler off to a GOOD, CHRISTIAN school. Not because I don't want to teach him, but because I feel I am failing him as a teacher, and a mom. This year has been so hard and demanding on me and I feel so much pressure......I feel like I am about to explode! Tyler has done great, it's been me!! Poor little guy!! He's a trooper and I love him so much.

Speaking of school, I was going to get started with little miss priss this year and haven't done near what I had wanted too.

UGH!!! I really could use the prayer. I want to be a better EVERYTHING!!! You name it, I am probably failing at it and I want to do better. My husband and my kids and my SAVIOR deserve more from me!!

Well, I know this blog was a little whiney and pity party 'ish.......but I really do need some prayer. I feel at times as though I feel like I am caving in with one arm stretched out for help.

Heartbroken

2010-03-03T14:47:00.003-05:00

Sometimes when there is nothing left to say, when the tears have been flowing all day....all you can do it sit down and write. Today is my birthday and it has been one of the saddest days of my life. The highlight of my birthday is when the phone rings first thing in the morning and the first person's voice I hear is that of Brad's grandmother, Charlotte. Well, today, I didn't get that phone call. We received a devastating phone call instead. Charlotte and Jack were at their condo in Panama City and she got up this morning with a headache and then got sick. She collapsed and went unconscious. Needless to say from this morning until now, she is on life support. She had a brain embolism. They did surgery to drill a hole in her head to relieve the bleeding, but the Dr.s aren't hopeful. There is no brain activity. We are heartbroken and devastated. We are wanting to be there right now, but are trying to wait to see what the rest of the day holds. We are so close with her and she and Tyler have such a special bond. I just can't stop thinking about her and already missing her tremendously. Please pray for her, our family as we embark on these next few days. We can't know the future, but we know who holds the future. Thank you Lord for Charlotte and all that she means to me and so many other people.

Snow Day

2010-02-13T14:33:00.005-05:00

We have had so much fun today! Yesterday as the snow began to fall, I just couldn't wrap my mind around that fact that each and every delicate snowflake is different and unique! Can't comprehend how many snowflakes have to fall to build up several inches. Our God is so amazing. He shows us His glory in so many miraculous ways. Today, the kids have had such a blast. They are back outside playing as I type. To hear them laugh and giggle is the best sound. Brad tried to go to work this morning and didn't make it up the hill, but has since given it another try and he made it! Here are a few pics for you to enjoy!

CONTENT

2010-02-03T10:20:00.003-05:00

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. philipians 4:11

Everyday I am humbled by what the Lord is teaching me. I think I am an easy going, patient, kind person....but then when I really take a good look at myself, I can be up-tight, easily aggravated and mean.

I had a "moment" yesterday of these unattractive personality flaws and I am ashamed.

Yesterday, on Brad's day off we spent the day together just enjoying being a family. Went to the mall, had lunch together. Tyler and Brad worked on batting, throwing and catching for Tyler's baseball tryouts. And then, there it was, a GORGEOUS house for rent. I mean......my dream house!!! I begged Brad to stop by and go look at it and he complied. We didn't go in, but we could see in almost all of the windows, and the porhes...and the pool. I mean this was one beautiful home.

I had all of these thoughts about where I could put things and how I could decorate.....KNOWING GOOD AND WELL WE COULD NEVER AFFORD A HOUSE LIKE THIS. That's when I heard my husband say, "I should've put my foot down and said NO, we are not going to look at it." "I should've known better." This is when I began to tear up and the ugly came out. I immediately became depressed and started to have a pity party. It lasted a couple of hours and let me tell you, I physically felt terrible. I thought I was going to be sick.

I then had to walk into the garage, down the steps and into the place that I live.......someone else's basement. You talking about a slap in the face.

My husband didn't fuss, didn't get aggravated, he only said." I am sorry, I have failed as a provider, and I live with this everyday."

Brad left with Tyler to go to baseball and I felt so ashamed. Here my husband who had been through so much this last year. And the blessings we had received and I have a roof over my head and food on my table. I have healthy children, a husband who loves me and serves the Lord. I decided right then and there to change my attitude. It was amazing how much better I felt and by the time Brad got home, I was "CONTENT". I apologized to him, but couldn't take away from the feeling of failure. He still feels like he has let me down.

We as woman have to be so careful what we say and how we say things to our husbands. They need us to uplift them and encourage them. They have enough on their shoulders to bear without having a contentious wife at home.

Thank you Lord for showing me your love and your scripture. I still want a house of my own, but I am content with what God has provided us with. I am thankful!!

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. philipians 4:11

I should have been Crucified......

2010-01-29T14:49:00.002-05:00

Here are the word to a song that I sing in a ladies' ensemble. Just read the words!! He took MY PLACE.......

I was guilty with nothing to, as they were coming to take me away. But then a voice from Heaven was heard that said, "Let him go, take me instead."

I should have been crucified, I should have suffered and died, I should have hung on the cross in disgrace, but Jesus, God's son took my place.

A crown of thorns, a spear deep in His side and the pain should have been mine. The rusty nails were meant for me, yet Christ took them and let me go free.

I should have been crucified, I should have suffered and died. I should have hung on the cross in disgrace, but Jesus, God's son took my place!

When I survey the Wondrous Cross

2010-01-29T14:39:00.003-05:00

I am guilty!!!! I am so guilty of singing these beautiful hymns without paying much attention to the words. We get in this habit of singing with our head from memory and not with our heart! My brother Scott reminded me today of what an AMAZING song this is. " When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" We need to regain an appreciation for these well written songs and truly think upon the words of the song. Oh, how we forget that God sent His ONLY son to DIE on the cross for OUR sins. Jesus is just not a baby that lay in a manger at Christmas time....He is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. The Prince of Peace, Our Father, My Savior!! He was, He is and He is to come. WOW......just read the words to this song. If your heart doesn't become stirred after reading, then......Hmmmm? Thanks Scott for the reminder!! Love ya!

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o’er His body on the tree;
Then I am dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

To Christ, who won for sinners grace
By bitter grief and anguish sore,
Be praise from all the ransomed race
Forever and forevermore.

It's Friday!

2010-01-22T15:07:00.002-05:00

It's Friday!!! Brad works 1~9 today, so we will be staying in tonight! Just cleaning up around the house and enjoying my children. Emma keeps pulling out toys and making a mess! Not much going on this weekend. I have to clean the church tomorrow and Tyler will be having some friends spend the night tomorrow. We have Maren tomorrow as well! The house should be busy tomorrow with 5 youngin's running around! Church on Sunday and then back to business as usual on Monday!!

Today I am so thankful for all of the countless blessings in my life. I am one blessed girl!! I am so thankful I don't have to measure myself to worldly standards, only biblical standards. I am an heir of the KING!!

I had trio practice last night and we are working on "Then Came The Morning" for Easter! WOW, what a powerful song. Gives me goosebumps. Just listening to the words! DEATH had LOST and LIFE had WON!! My Saviour LIVES!!

Cough, Cough......sneeze!!

2010-01-15T10:12:00.002-05:00

Whatever this dreadful virus is we have, I am SO OVER IT and ready for it to be gone!! I have had many colds before in my lifetime,but this.....takes the cake!! I am well on my way to week number 2 with this stuff. I can deal, ya know, but my sweet kiddos have it now and I feel so bad for them. I can tell I am getting better. I still have so much congestion and still sound like a man. Poor Tyler is hit with it bad right now, he is in the beginning stages, which might I add.......hit hard and furious! There has been no building up to a cold, it is just happens full blown! Emma is struggling as well! My concern was it turning into pneumonia for me, since I have had it twice before, but hopefully I have managed to keep that at bay! I am so ready for some warm weather! We have cabin fever. Since we live in a basement, it can get really bad. We have no windows to see outside and it can get very closed in! So warm weather is what the Dr. ordered! Well, now that I have gotten that off of my chest, I feel better!!!

I truly love my life. EVERYTHING about it is so great! I have a wonderful, hard working husband. Two adorable, well behaved children. Great family, friends! God has truly taken care of us.

On my heart today........all of the horror over in Haiti! What utter desperation and despair! Parents searching for children, children searching for parents, people trapped in fallen buildings. No water or food! Dead bodies riveting the streets!! I can not imagine. I am brokenhearted when I watch the news! A country already so poor!

Well, I need to get busy with school! Did I mention, I am also ready for summer break??? Tyler is working really hard and I am proud of him! I know it's not easy having me as a teacher and his dad as his principal.......but the kid takes everything with a grain of salt!! Hope everyone has a TERRIFIC FRIDAY and a great weekend!!!

Happenings in my world!!

2010-01-11T17:02:00.002-05:00

I am thinking......how I can't wait to feel better!!

I am thankful......for wonderful friends! All of the love I have felt this week, friends offering to cook, clean, run errands and then for the meds that were brought to me. I have felt loved!

From the kitchen.....not sure.....still having a hard time standing for long periods of time without getting winded! My house is mess, hasn't been cleaned since last Wed.

I am wearing......turtleneck, denim gauchos

I am hearing.....poor little Emma coughing and sniffling. I gave her this awful JUNK :(

Around the house......just me and Emmaloo......quiet! Tyler is at work with his daddy!

The rest of the week.....hopefully well enough to go to church on Wed., school and gotta get this house back in order!

Handmade Gifts!!!

2010-01-08T16:15:00.008-05:00

I thoroughly enjoyed making these gifts for Christmas this year. Some people bake, some sew, but I love to craft. Give me a glue gun, ribbon and scrapbook paper and send me on my merry way!! I would love to make these and sell them, so if you know anyone who would like one of these initial wall plaques, then give me a hollar~~

It's SNOWING!!

2010-01-07T22:47:00.005-05:00

I know, I know!! You northerners are laughing really hard right now! It started snowing about 2 and it is now almost 11 and it has almost stopped. There is a nice ground cover, but I am certain it is probably less than an inch!! Wish it had snowed just a little more so the kids could go out and play in it. Emma really wants to make a snow angel!! I am feeling a little under the weather. Not sure where this chest pain and cough have come from, but they have arrived. I am getting sleepier and sleepier by the minute because the NYQUIL I took is starting to take effect. The kids are in bed, but Emma is complaining that she doesn't feel well. She has had another headache the entire day, so that concerns me somewhat, but hoping by morning, she is as good as new!! Well, tomorrow I am going to be cooking Potato~Corn Chowder for the first time......let's hope it turns out!! A good cup of soup sounds SOOOOO GOOOOOD right now! Everyone take care, drive safely and have a blessed night~~

Happenings in my world!!

2010-01-07T10:03:00.004-05:00

I read another blog and I so enjoy her weekly updates. It's simple, but I like simple.

I am thinking........about all of the things I need to accomplish today and how much I dread going out in the cold to get it all done!

I am thankful........for my wonderful husband who works so hard to take care of us. I am forever grateful and am praying for a teaching job to become available this next school year!

From the kitchen........homemade pancakes for breakfast, coffee. On the counter, a pork tenderloine thawing out for tonight.

I am wearing.......gray fleece bottoms, a red turtleneck and warm socks. I truly can not stand to be cold.

I am going........to party city today and then to church

I am hearing........Tyler turning his spelling book pages and reading allowed his spelling words and definitions.

Around the house.......fairly quiet today. Laundry to do and I need to make beds.

Plans for the rest of the week........Keeping Marebear this weekend, church on Sunday.

2009-12-27T13:18:00.001-05:00

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!!!! Let's make this new year GREAT!!!

Jesus is the Reason for the Season!!

2009-12-17T13:27:00.003-05:00

I hear the Christmas music and I see the lights all a glow, but there seems to be a missing Christmas spirit this year! With Christmas being only a week away, it just feels weird. I find myself even not feeling so festive. I love this time of year and really love the feeling it brings,but something seems to be missing. Maybe because this season seems to be pushed right out the door as soon as it arrives. Christmas items are being put away and spring decor is hitting the shelves. Maybe its the realization that everyone is struggling and people are going into some serious debt to provide for their children this year. I guess a bad economy is bringing everyone down. I am so thankful that the Lord provided Brad a job. 7 months being layed off was truly a testing. I am thankful for my family. Healthy, happy children and a Christian husband that leads us in the right direction. I am so thankful for parents that gave me a Godly heritage and brothers that love the Lord and are serving Him. I am thankful for my Lord and Saviour, for with out Him, nothing would be possible! Jesus is the reason for the season! He is my reason for living, my reason for giving, the song in my heart. Christmas is not about the presents, it's about being in His presence! I wish more people would realize this and we should have the Christmas spirit 365 days a year. For with out this day, our Saviour would not have been born, to die for our sins and to save us from an everlasting Hell. We should be giving of ourselves, our time every day,not just the week of Christmas!! Christians should be the happiest people on the face of the earth. Even if my life were horrible every single day, I should be rejoicing because I will get to spend ETERNITY with Him. Christians nowadays don't show the world anything "different" in us. We are depressed, unhappy, sad, negative....why in the world would I want that? I want to be "different". I want the world to know that I am a Christian and it will be hard, there will be trials and devastation, but I have the Lord on my side. So let's celebrate......God gave is HIS son, Jesus gave us LIFE!! Praise the LORD!!

2009-12-03T08:28:00.002-05:00

So here it is!! My hubby purchased this comforter for me. I am so excited!! I think it will look so good with the black and cream toile I have in there!! I hope I get it SOON!

It's begining to look a lot like CHRISTMAS!!

2009-11-29T10:46:00.012-05:00

Entry room, play room!! Santa was a gift, so we had to display. Not big on putting out Santa's, but for the playroom, I felt it was appropriate!

Emma's cute little pink tree

Peacock feathers in the topper!! LOVE IT!

Table in kitchen

Here are a few pics from our Christmas decorations!

Bedroom quick re-do

2009-11-29T10:30:00.008-05:00

I am a creature of change. It's true! I love to re~arrange things and redecorate. There is only ONE BIG PROBLEM. I don't have extra $$$ to spruce things up the way I would like, so I use what I have and re~purpose it if you will! As you already know, we live in a basement. Let me say, it is a VERY NICE basement. 3 bedrooms, large play room, living room, eat in kitchen, nice size kitchen, laundry room, walk in closets, nice big pantry, ceramic tile, burber carpet. There are only 3 drawbacks.......NO DISHWASHER, ONE BATHROOM and the privacy issue! But I can deal...trust me!! So anywho, I wanted to move the furniture around in our bedroom and I did. I cut a toile drapery panel that I have had for 7 years and cut it for a table cloth, fabric for the vanity dresser and for some art work. We have a huge room and my king size bed looks small because I do not have a headboard. But I think it turned out great. We really would like a new comforter set, but that will have to wait. I do have one picked out, so when there is a little extra $$, maybe I can get it!

P.S. The pillar candle holder and the wall sconce, came from goodwill.....I just spray painted them black! Total cost of re-do......$0.96 9the cost of the black spray paint)

Emma loo's 4th birthday

2009-11-29T10:21:00.005-05:00

Well, today 4 years ago, we were in the hospital awaiting our sweet daughter's birth. How time flies. I miss her in the baby stage so much, but love this time in her like right now, when things are being learned and conversations with her are absolutely hilarious! She is such a joy in our lives and we are so thankful God has blessed our lives another year with her. The sad thing is, she is SICK and doesn't feel too much like celebrating. It is Sunday and I am having to stay home with her. :( She was sick a week ago with this weird headache/fever thing for 5 days and now she has a full blown terrible cold (which I have now contracted). She got up this morning, ran into our room, we said Happy Birthday and she began to cry........I guess she doesn't like getting old. LOL!! Anywho, we got her into the living room, and Tyler brought her a little cake and we coaxed her in to opening her presents. She truly is an angel and we cherish every second with her. Here are a few pics form this morning. Now to get ready for Tyler's birthday in 4 days, he will be 11!!

WHIRLWIND!!

2009-11-27T09:18:00.002-05:00

That's right!! This was us sweeping over the small town of Bainbridge during Thanksgiving!! We left Tuesday evening, drove into the night and got there about 12:30 or so!! Spent Wednesday visiting great friends, Thursday visiting family and back home Thursday night!! It took us about 6 hours to get home on Thursday. As usual it was too quick of a trip and we didn't get to see a lot of our loved ones, but none the less, it was a great trip. Emma has had 2 MISERABLE nights, which means I haven't slept in 2 nights. She has a full blown cold! She was sick last week and now this. I feel so bad for her. I have the beginnings of a cold, but feel pretty good other than the sleep deprivation! It is freezing in our house. The heat is not working and the landlord is out of town!! Being in a basement, makes it A LOT colder!! Brrrrr!!! Anywho.....Emma's birthday is Sunday, Tyler's birthday is Thursday and I have NOTHING planned for either of them. With Emma being sick, having company over for her is up in the air right now!! I really want to go shopping today, but have no one to watch my kiddos. I REALLY need to put the tree up and get my house looking like CHRISTMAS! Brad is working 12 hours today and tomorrow!! I know this post is completely jumbled and really has no purpose other than for my sake to write everything down that needs to be taken care of. Did I mention it is COLD?? Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and counted each and every one of your blessings!! Have a GREAT and BLESSED day!!

THANKS~giving

2009-11-24T09:04:00.004-05:00

I can not believe Thanksgiving is this week. I absolutely love this time of year. I am so very thankful for so many things in my life. Things I take for granted every single day of my life. This morning, outside is cold, damp and foggy, but I am warm and toasty in my house (basement..LOL). I have a hot pot of coffee on and my sweet children are sound asleep in their beds. My hubby has already left for WORK....praise the LORD! Just right there in that sentence, are blessings beyond measure. GOD is so good and always faithful to me!

I never gave an update about our ladies meeting. It was AMAZING! We had around 300 ladies in attendance and the spirit was so sweet. I did not get to hear all of the sessions,but from what I have heard from everyone else, they were incredible. I always love to hear Mrs. Hyles. This was our 4th year having her speak. She is so beautiful. I had the pleasure and honor of photographing her and Mrs. Cathy Berry. They were both so gracious to me. They both were so complimentary to me. Mrs. Hyles made me feel so special when she hugged and thanked me as I walked off the platform from singing. I KNOW right?? Having to sing in front of Mrs. Hyles....she is an amazing singer!! Anywho, I am so glad the Lord led me through that one!! Everything about the meeting was perfect. The decorations were simply breathtaking. Mrs. Sue ALWAYS out does herself . Georgia did a FANTASTIC job decorating and hosting the Pastor's wives. I could sit here and name so many ladies who gave of their talents.....let's just say......It was the best year ever!! Already looking forward to next year!

Well, we will be heading out tonight for South Georgia!! It will be a quick trip, but we are excited none the less. We will get to see my parents breifly before they head out for Mississippi and then I will get to see one of my dearest friends and then we will spend the day with the Williamson side of the family. Hope you all have an amazing week. Be thankful for EVERY blessing!

Christmas? Really?

2009-11-16T12:00:00.003-05:00

I can not believe Christmas is seriously just around the corner. I LOVE this time of year, but man it sure comes around fast. Today is the 15th of November and I have to admit......the Christmas decorating bug has hit me. I always decorate the day after Thanksgiving, but I thought why not start now. I just put up a little tree in the dining area. It is too cute. It is a charlie brown tree and I spray painted a flower pot black, put the tree down in it and put moss to fill in. It is adorable and I don't even have the lights or bow on it yet!! I think I may wait on Brad to help me get some boxes unloaded...seems I have done something to my back and it HURTS!!! I just put on the crystal doorknobs (that came from my parent's 100 year old house) onto the shutter I have in the entry way. It makes a beautiful rack to hang things on. I will be sure to post pictures later. Sine we live in a basement.....(I am thankful, the LORD provided), I want to make it beautiful. One of my most favorite things to do is decorate for Christmas and it makes me a little sad this year that I do not have our house anymore to decorate. This will be the first time in my married life that I do not have a mantle to decorate....I know, ridiculous to be sad over this, right??? I know the Lord has a plan for us and I am so very thankful where we live and to not be stressed out about a huge house payment. Nevertheless, one thing I have ALWAYS strived for is to have our house feel like a HOME, wherever we live. Anywho, Brad had a REALLY good month in October at work. It would be amazing if he could do that every month....we'll see. Sure am proud of him!! Well, I guess I better get back to life. Just needed a minute to forget about laundry and dishes. Hope you all have a BLESSED day!!

I believe.....

2009-11-13T19:46:00.001-05:00

I believe.....

1. Jesus IS the only way to heaven.....despite what Oprah says!

2. people make salvation too complicated....you only need chiild like faith!

3. in being a witness for my Lord and Saviour, even if it makes me an outcast

4. in tithing

5. in my life being about God and not about myself(although "I" get in the way too many times)

6. that being an adult is overrated....

7. that if you need alcohol to have a good time, something is missing from your life

8.people who don't have children (by choice, not by circumstance) are missing out on the greatest blessings and gifts one could ever have

9. in true and everlasting love

10. good music soothes the soul

11. pride cometh before the fall and an haughty spirit before destruction....

12. pride ruins great a many things

13. in friendship

14. in being a good steward of what God gives you

15.in simple things

16. when you tell someone you are going to pray for them...you really do it!

17. I believe every woman looks better with a little makeup!!!

18. a hug and a kind word can make a difference in someones' life

19. in being a kind person

20. laughter is the best medicine

21. as kacee said perfectly...a black and white picture can sometimes say so much more than a color picture.

22. a picture is worth a thousand words and more

23. the essence of a child is in their smile

24. in using the talent(s) God gives you for HIS honor and glory

25. in having cookouts

26. that sometimes conversations need no words at all

27. in standing up for your friends

28. in FAMILY

29. in eating at the table together for EVERY meal

30. a wife's purpose is in her home(that doesn't mean you shouldn't work outside of the home)

31. in communication

32. in hand wriiten notes and letters......oh how we(this generation) have lost this art.

32. in raising the bar for the generation to come

33. in giving ALL of myself

34. in kids playing outside.....

35. in making things for people

36. character counts

37. in sharing

38. in forgiveness

39. in admitting when you are wrong

40. in biting your tongue

41. in having FUN ( good-clean fun)

42. in making your husband number one after God

43. children have a voice

44. in spanking

45. sometimes life isn't fair

46. having a stomach virus is the WORST kind of sick!

47. coffee without creamer isn't really coffee...is it?

48. you should fall in love with your husband more and more everyday

49. children need to see their mom and dad hug and kiss

50. not everything is black and white

51. the sound of the ocean is calming

52. the smell of fesh cut grass gives me a rejuvinated feeling

53. that a person who hurts a child or a man that beats a woman is a COWARD!!

54. a dog really is man's best friend

55. life is good and I should count my blessings every single day of my life!!

Now, write about your beliefs. How many can you come up with?

Random Facts!!

2009-11-13T10:20:00.003-05:00

I love these simple questionaires.......helps you get to know people!!

Where is your cell phone? In front of me on the desk

Your significant other? My handsome husband Brad. April will be 13 wonderful years as husband and wife. He is hardworking, loving and a great father!!

Your hair? Dark Blonde, straight, baby fine

Your favorite thing? I have lots of favorite things.......my camera, coffee, stationary, monogrammed things.....the list could go on and on

Your dream last night? I do not remember!!!

Your favorite drink? Soda----root beer, other than that, sweet tea

Your dream/goal? My dream is to one day own my own photography studio.

What room are you in? The play/catch-all/entry/room

Your hobby? photography

Where you want to be in 6 Yrs? Settled in a house and with Brad a good job!!! Times have been tough for us!

Where were you last night? Running around like crazy. Wal-mart to buy birthday gift, took Tyler to the birthday party, grocery store, came home, cooked supper, took Brad supper, picked Tyler up from the party.....WHEW!!!

Something that you aren't? I am NOT into sci-fi movies

Muffins? Strawberry Cheescake

Wish list item? A new camera!!! It is more than a wish, it is a NEED!! I am just about $4000 shy of getting one....LOL

Last thing you did? Kissed my hubby goodbye!!

TV? 18 and counting, CSI, most of the home decor shows and the cake decorating shows

Your pets? 1, a pastel calico named Callie

Friends? I have some great friends. Some of which have been LIFE LONG friends!!

Your life? Busy, Full, Blessed beyond measure

Your present mood? Feeling kinda mellow today.

Missing someone? Yes, I miss my mom!!!

Drinking? a cup of coffee with VANILLA CARAMEL BROWNIE creamer!

Your car? 2008 Honda Civic....

Something you're not wearing? earrings

Your favorite store? Hobby Lobby.

Your favorite color? PINK

The last time you cried? Saturday, when I saw Mrs. Valerie cry!!

Where do you go to over and over? church.

Favorite place to eat? Fast food~~~ Zaxby's, Chick-fil-A, Wendy's

Okay now it is your turn!!!

2009-11-13T10:02:00.002-05:00

Well, the ladies meeting was a HUGE success. We had about 300 ladies in attendance. There was the sweetest spirit there all weekend. I didn't get to sit in on all of the sessions, actually, only got to hear Mrs. Hyles once. But my task that weekend was something else, so the Lord knows! The decorations were probably my favorite out of all of the years. It was simple and elegant. I heard great things about Mrs. Cathy Berry. I just love my church so much and am thankful to have a pastor that hosts wonderful meetings like this. Mrs. Hyles is always a pleasure to see and hear. She is a true "Picture of Grace". Can't wait to see what next year has in store. The Lord really blessed. On Monday prior to the meeting, my Pastor's wife, Mrs. Valerie, got laryngitis.......a serious case of it. I prayed for her so much(as did many others) and by Friday, although not 100%, she was able to sing and speak....incredible!!! She was feeling bad on Sunday(probably a mixture of sickness and shear exhaustion), but she is a trooper!! I am just so thankful and give GOD all of the praise and glory for a wonderful weekend!!

2009-10-30T20:28:00.002-04:00

Sweet Baby Mykenna! Congratulations Tim and Becky. Thank you for letting me photograph your precious little girl!!

FULL STEAM AHEAD!!

2009-10-30T14:38:00.003-04:00

full steam ahead

Fig. onward with

determination.

full steam ahead

with all possible energy and enthusiasm

FULL STEAM AHEAD!! Seriously!! From today until after November 7th, my life is going to be super duper busy (in a good way).

Our Fall Ladies' Conference that our church host every year is next weekend. I love this time of the year. I love getting together with my friends and Sisters-in-Christ. I love being renewed and refreshed.

This year, I have the great honor of speaking to the teen girls. I am honored because I, by nature, am not a speaker. I will be speaking on Friday night as well as on Saturday. I am overwhelmed with humility and just pray I can be a blessing to those I will be talking to. I only want to bring honor and glory to my Heavenly Father! I also am pretty excited about the photo shoot I will be doing for the teen girls and for the Pastor's wives, along with singing in the ensemble, trio and solo, decorating and preparing to speak. Whew!!!! A lot to do!!! This year's theme is "PICTURE OF GRACE". Our colors this year are black, white, silver and purple. I am decorating the teen girl's room in black, white and fuschia. I am already preparing my heart for the LORD to do something great at this meeting. I need the LORD to work in my life and I pray right now for the LORD to soften every ladies' heart that will be in attendance. This year's speakers are Mrs. Beverly Hyles and Mrs. Cathy Berry! I will be sure to post an update!!

"How skillful the hands of the artist, who painted this picture of me, He saw with the eyes of a Master, how beautiful my LIFE could be. Where once was a portrait of gloom and despair, this MASTERPIECE hangs in it's place. It's signed with HIS BLOOD and it's framed with HIS GLORY, this beautiful PICTURE OF GRACE"

Senses!!

2009-10-21T13:05:00.001-04:00

Today, I was thinking about all of the wonderful blessings I have in my life. I take for granted every single day all that God has given me. I thought about all of the material earthly riches I have and the Lord has been good to me and then I thought about all of the little things that I have that clearly mean so much more to me than a new house, car or a big diamond ring. There is certainly nothing wrong with having those things. I truly believe God wants us to have the desires of our heart! For me, though, I sat and wrote down the things that I have that cannot be taken away by a bad economy or situation. Things that truly bring peace, contentment and happiness to me every single day. The wonder of our FIVE senses. We use these amazing abilities everyday and I dare say not a one of us truly think about this amazing miracle God equipped us with. Today, I want to share with you my favorite "5" things for each of my "5"senses. I would encourage you to do the same. It truly makes you appreciate what God gave us!!!

2009-10-21T13:01:00.003-04:00

The Sense of Smell

1. I love the smell of fresh cut grass.

2. I love the smell of rain.

3. I love the smell of fall.....pumpkin spices and candles.

4. I love the smell of fireplaces burning in the winter.

5. I love the smell of new babies. They all have that sweet aroma!!

2009-10-21T12:57:00.002-04:00

The Sense of Taste

1. I love the taste of chocolate!!! Not dark, but milk chocolate!!

2. I love the taste of a good cup of coffee (with flavored creamer).

3. I love the taste of a steak and baked potato!

4. I love the taste of spicy, mexican food! I love flavor!

5. I love the taste of a good ole' glass of southern sweet tea!!

2009-10-21T12:52:00.002-04:00

The Sense of Hearing

1. I love to listen to a thunderstorm and rain. Strange how something so dangerous at times can be so peaceful.

2. I love to hear my children laugh. I think laughter is the best medicine and it brings joy to my heart when I hear their laughter.

3. I love to hear the words, "I Love you!" Whether it be said by a family member or a friend, those words, I never take for granted when I hear.

4. SILENCE!!! Sometimes, I love to hear nothing. Sometimes we need to quiet our spirit so we can hear the LORD!

5. I love to listen to piano solos, acoustic guitar, or a string quartet.

2009-10-21T12:44:00.002-04:00

The Sense of Seeing

1. I don't enjoy seeing someone cry, but I do thank God for the ability to see someone cry. I know that often times tears come from sorrow, guilt or fear. I always want to keep my sensitivity to someones's tears.

2. I love seeing the sun rise and the sun set. The beginning of a new day and the close to another day God gave me breath!

3. I love to see the ocean and it's vastness. It is beautiful and I can't wrap my mind around it.

4. I love to see the faces of the people I love. I try to memorize every detail.

5. I love to see people in love. It makes you realize how precious it is to have someone who loves you.

2009-10-21T12:38:00.002-04:00

The Sense of Touch

1. I love the touch of my husband. The tender way he holds my hand.

2. I love the touch of comfy, warm socks on my often cold feet.

3. I love the touch of a baby's soft skin and wonder how anything can be so soft.

4. I love the touch of a my children. The way the pat you when they want you. The way Emma says,"Hold you!"

5. The touch of my mom. I love when my mom hugs me, even in my 30's, I love to be hugged by my mom.

2009-10-14T15:24:00.003-04:00

The previous post is from my friend Holly!! Check out her adorable blog and sign up for a chance to win a fabulous prize from her and Molly Lou!!

2009-10-14T15:24:00.001-04:00

100th Post Giveaway!

Well I never thought I'd make it but here I am...100 POSTS!!! To celebrate I am having a giveaway and it's with my wonderful friend over at Molly Lou Gifts!! She's partnering with me to give one of you lovelies a $50 shopping spree to her adorable site @ Molly Lou Gifts. She has FABULOUS stationery, personalized items, children's gifts and monograms and decals!! I will pay the shipping and handling so the entire $50($25 from me and $25 from Molly Lou Gifts) can go towards anything on her site! :)
All you have to do is...
1. Go to her site and come back and let me know what your favorite item is and you're entered!! (#1 is REQUIRED)
2. I will give you an extra entry if you are a follower or if you become a follower of my blog AND an extra entry for already following or becoming a follower ofhers!! (OPTIONAL)
3. TEN extra entries if you post this on your blog!! (OPTIONAL)

I will choose a winner on Monday 19, 2009 but the deadline to enter will be midnight Sunday 18th. You can leave just one comment but please let me know how many of these you did. You have to let me know what your favorite item is @ Molly Lou Gifts or your entry will not count.
GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!!

2009-10-01T12:59:00.001-04:00

Well, I finally did it!! I finally purchased studio lights for my photography. I have not worked with lights in over 8 years, so I have a lot of remembering and learning to do. I still will specialize in outdoor/natural light photography, but purchased the lights to help broaden my horizons. Recently, I photographed a private school and it was pouring down rain. I so wish I had lights as a back up plan. Still took the pictures outside and they turned out, thank the Lord, but what a stressful morning that was. Well, if anyone has any tips or tricks....I could use all of the help I could get!!

Check it out!

2009-09-24T15:22:00.001-04:00

Check out my photo share site.

http://capturinglifeinpictures.shutterfly.com

God's Been Good

2009-09-24T10:02:00.002-04:00

God has been so good to me!! I hope you take the time to listen to this song. When I look back over the last 7 months of my life, I can honestly say, I wouldn't have changed a thing. The valley was long and rough, but my Lord was with me all of the way. He taught me things that I needed to learn. I want to have the same relationship with Him when I am on the mountaintop as when I was in the valley. There are several good things about being in the valley. One is the closeness you feel to your Lord and Saviour. Oh, how often we forget how much we need Him when things are going our way. God has been my provider, my protector and He has proven himself over and over again in my life. I can't imagine going through life with out Him. I would love to hear how good God has been in your life. God's been good in my life!!!

2009-09-23T17:14:00.000-04:00

I Stand Redeemed!!

I Love this man!!

2009-09-18T20:33:00.005-04:00

I often am humbled by what an amazing life I have and I know it is only by the GRACE of GOD!! Why HE has blessed me so when I am so undeserving. I guess compared to the world's "standards" we may not have much, but according to God's standards, we are RICH!!! We see His mercies each and everyday. Brad recently started working again after being laid off for 6 1/2 months. It was hard, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I have always known my husband was a man a character, but during this valley in our lives, he really proved to be the man I knew he already was. He is strong and smart and dedicated. He is honorable and humble. When I think about what a good husband and daddy he is, it just melts my heart. He loves me and I know it!! I just wanted to yell it from the mountaintops that I love him and am so proud of who he is!!

ONE NATION UNDER GOD

2009-09-11T09:49:00.003-04:00

Eight years ago today I was in Tallahassee, Florida attending classes in photography school. One of my classmates was outside talking to her mother when she ran in and told us a plane had hit a building in NYC. We had a small TV in one of our rooms and we scurried to find a channel that would work to see what was happening. We finally found one that was barely visible. Through the static, we could see one of the most horrific scenes I had ever witnessed thus far in my lifetime. Just then, plane number 2 hit! I literally thought I was going to be sick. I felt such a sense of doom and despair. Within 20 minutes, school was closed and we were all sent home. I had an hour commute back home and I cried the entire way home. I was all alone in my car and I couldn't wait to see my husband and hold my son. Although, this was many miles away from me, this was on our turf. My country!! The country I love, the country that stands for freedom, justice and liberty!! I remember the rest of the day and the next I sat GLUED in front of the TV watching and replaying the graphic scene over and over again. People crying, mourning, stunned, angry,scared, praying. Our country had turned for the most part to God. Attending church, praying, feeling more patriotic than ever before. Eight years later.......... 2009............our country isn't doing that so much anymore. Today I fear for our country, but not so much because of terrorism. I fear how our country will be when my children are adults. Oh, let us not forget those who have died for our freedom. Let's not forget those who are telling their loved ones goodbye. Let's not let these fallen heroes die in vain. AMERICA NEEDS ANOTHER AWAKENING!! We need to pray for our country that was once "IN GOD WE TRUST", that once was a CHRISTAIN nation, that now our own President won't even put his hand over his heart to pledge allegiance to the flag....the flag that was bought with blood!! I pray for our President!! What a great task he has on his shoulders...............HE NEEDS CHRIST OUR LORD to help him make wise decisions, decisions that will help our country, NOT HURT!!!! Our country is heading down a road that is going in the wrong direction! GOD has shown much grace and mercy to our nation! We live in AMERICA!!!!! The greatest country in the world! Where is Patriotism in our country, in this generation??? Last week in our neighborhood, the street was lined with flags. A soldier was returning home. There was a banner and ribbons. As we rode through and honked our horn and waived to him thanking him, I told my son who is almost 11......."Tyler, those are the REAL heroes." Not the baseball players, the football players, the actors.......NO, son! The ones that have given their lives for our freedom!!" As you think back to where you were on that faithful day 8 years ago........remember to say a pray. Our country needs to go back to it's roots. Our country needs to go back to being "ONE NATION UNDER GOD"

2009-09-01T10:26:00.005-04:00

My little Emma is so artistic!! Her coloring and cutting are incredible!! She has excellent fine motor skills. I hope and pray she takes after my mom and brother artistically. The other day I gave her a picture of a turkey and set out her paints and left her to it!! When she finished, she ran into the room showing off her work(which she seemed to be very proud of). She had painted the turkey with all of these colors. I love this picture. Enjoy!!

2009-08-16T15:44:00.003-04:00

It's that time of year again!!! Williamson Academy is now open for business. Tomorrow is officially our first day. We are excited to get started. Tyler will be in the 5th grade and I will start Emma this year. Emma is beside herself with excitement. God has been so good to us in allowing us the priviledge to homeschool. What an honor to stay home and teach my children. I pray daily for wisdom and guidance. There is a huge weight on my shoulders preparing my children for the future. Who knows what kind of future they will face. We are living in crazy times and I want them prepared in every possible way. First and foremost, I want them to love God and serve Him with all their heart, everything else will fall into place!! God is SO good!!

My Very First Cake made with FONDANT!!!

2009-08-13T10:47:00.007-04:00

Well, I have been wanting to decorate a cake with fondant icing for like forever. I love those cake decorating shows. So here is my little 4 inch cake I made for a dear friend of mine. I think it turned out cute. I wish I had the proper tools, it would have made things a lot easier!! But anyways, here it is!!

Picnic in the Park....

2009-07-26T10:47:00.008-04:00

Well, Brad and I have had so much on our minds. We have been consumed with worry about him finding a job, we were seriuosly starting to feel physically sick. Brad came in the room Saturday morning and said,"Let's go on a picnic today." I was all over that idea. I said I can worry tomorrow, today, we are going to have fun!! The kids were super excited. Isn' t is amazing how we can get so wrapped up in the worries of life....we lose sight of what is most important. I mean, don't get me wrong, having a job is important...but just look at these pics of my healthy, happy kiddos!!! That is what it is all about!! We went to Suwannee Towne center and enjoyed our day!! Tyler and Brad played ball, Tyler and Emma played soccer, and Emma went to play in the spray grounds. We just relaxed and had a nice lunch!! GOD IS SO GOOD!! Did I mention I have a wonderful husband? Friday night he came over to me and gave me the biggest, sweetest hug and said...."You look like you could use a hug" Awww, I love him so much!!

2009-07-26T10:43:00.006-04:00

We had the opportunity to attend Josh Lee and Heather's wedding in Opelika, Alabama. It was a beautiful ceremony. They are the cutest little couple!! The reception was outside and it was HOT!!!! Here are a few pics I took....

He sendeth the springs

2009-06-17T16:48:00.006-04:00

"He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills."

Psalm 104:10

How many of us would say we are going through hard times, trials in your life, tribulation, a valley? I will be the first one raising my hand, saying YES!!! We have been going through this valley since February. Recently our Preacher (the greatest Pastor ever) gave this lesson and it has stuck with me and I would like to share this to be an encouragement to those who read this who are going through a valley.

First off, the Lord never said the Christian life would be an easy one. He never promised hard times would not come. He did however promise that we would not have to go through trials alone.

You know, when we are standing on the mountaintops (when things are going good) we forget what it feels like to be in the valley. When we are on the mountaintops, we look down at others in the valley and somehow lose the compassion that we so desperately sought after when we were down there. Things are going our way and nothing can touch you, meanwhile, you have loved ones or friends who are hurting and struggling and you don't even seem to be bothered that they are down there. My point here is, when the mountaintops come to you, don't forget how those valley's once felt and have compassion on those that are going through them.

That was just a little side note. Now here is what is exciting. God's word is filled with so many amazing things. We forget that He has given us an answer to every problem. Just a few little tid bits of some blessings I would like to share. Okay, so most of you know that Brad was layed off in February. Still no job and we are well into June. Well, along this journey in the valley, we have received countless blessings. Money in the mail sent by someone I hadn't seen or spoken to in over 15 years...literally cash in the box!! A check in my purse that had been there for 2 weeks that I found when I really needed it. Money left in my car by who knows who. There have been too many blessings to name them all and to GOD be the glory for every single one of them. Because of those blessings we have been able to stay afloat!

Well, those blessings have been SPRINGS in our valley. A spring that you can come to when your thirsty and tired and you can get a drink and rest and get refreshed. God promises to SEND springs in the valley. Little refreshers to keep you going, to not give up. If you stay in the valley too long, you can become bitter and angry and start blaming God and others. So even if you have to crawl to that spring to get you to the next spring....you must keep going.

When our pastor laid it out so plainly a light bulb went off and I was like"YES!" IT is so true there have been days when we were concerned about things and kind of a bit down and then BAM, a blessing or rather a refreshing spring, and yes, it does help you get through the next little while.

You don't have to work on the height of your mountains, be more concerned about the depths of your valley. Are you being a good testimony when you are in the valley? You can really see a person's character when things aren't going their way. It is better off to raise your valley than to seek the mountaintops. Once again, if you stay in the valley too long without that refreshing spring you can get bitter, angry, discouraged and disillusioned. If your not patient and wait on the Lord, you may miss the spring He sends.

"Yea though I walk through the shadow of death, I will FEAR no evil., for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me!"

When you are in the fire, you are not alone!

There is a spring just being in His Presence!

Get on your knees and stay on our knees. No better place to be than in the presence of the Lord.

There is a spring in His Promises!

Isaiah 54:17

Standing on the Promises!!

I hope this was an encouragement to you as much as it was to me!!

Moved but not 100% settled!!

2009-06-04T10:42:00.004-04:00

Finally, we are all moved. 2 rooms still have boxes in them, but when you move from a 4 bedroom house to an apartment......you kinda of run out of room to put things. I thought I was going to have plenty of space, but not so much!! Anywho, God is good and we are giving HIM all of the glory for providing for our needs. He always has the perfect timing and always knows best. The apartment is good. Have to get used to the noise above us and hope we don't cause too many disturbances. Emma loves to high pitch scream when her and Tyler are playing (or fighting). We still have to finish the playroom and our room and paint the play room and stair well. Here are a few pictures of what we have done so far. It is a basement apartment, so we only have 1 window and the backdoor has a window, so it can be pretty dark. In our room,you have absolutley NO idea what time of day it is....great room for sleeping in!!

Lately.....

2009-05-20T08:35:00.002-04:00

I have been doing a lot of thinking.....LATELY! I know, surprising, huh? Seriously, I think I do too much thinking or maybe I should say too much overthinking, which is not a good thing. We are 2 days away from being completely moved and I have all of these emotions and feelings that I am not even sure I can understand. I am overwhelmed, I am consumed, I am relieved(or will be), I am scared. These are just to name a few. I guess I am so confused as to why I feel all of these things yet still have peace in that I know the Lord will provide. The Lord has provided for us these last few months in ways that are unbelievable and I want all of the glory to go to HIM. I am so ready to be settled. For those of you who know me, I like to be secure, settled. I can't stand clutter and living out of boxes! I am over thinking the why's and how's of it all when I should be just breathing easy and thanking the good Lord for providing a roof over my head! Brad has an interview coming up May 28th for a teaching position, please pray! Sorry for the babbling.....don't really know how to put down how I am feeling into words!

2009-05-06T08:15:00.001-04:00

Holly who is doing the giveaway down below...is one of the sweetest and kindest people I know...check out her blog and her sister-in-laws blog as well

2009-05-06T08:14:00.001-04:00

MHOLHY V3RY FIRST GIV3AWAY!!

Okay, so 3 is my favorite number, it's May 3rd and this is my 33rd post so I've decided to have a GIV3AWAY!! YAY!! Why now? Just because and I love this blogging community so much and have made so many new friends, that's all! :D I have also won a couple of giveaways already so I feel it's my turn to give something away! To be entered for this giveaway all you have to do is:

1) Leave me a comment telling me your favorite item from this site. (1 entry)
2) Follow my blog. (3 entries)
3) Post this giveaway anywhere on your blog. (10 entries)
Just let me know in 1 comment how many of these things youHo did.

2009-04-13T09:17:00.003-04:00

Wow, what a quick trip we made this weekend, but well worth it!! This past weekend was the Haire reunion down at Panama City Beach. We had been praying about being able to go...there were several reasons. We knew how important in was for Brad's grandmother. Well, the Lord answered our prayers and we were able to go and spend some time. I think the entire trip was about 48 hours and 17 of those hours were spent traveling. The kids were great and never once complained. We made the most of our time. It really was a funtrip. We met people I had never met before and that Brad hadn't seen in 20 years. Everyone loved meeting the kids and of course I was proud to show them off. We got to spend some time with Brad's dad and that was nice for Brad and the kids. Well, I have lots of pictures, but I will only post a few. I truly thank God for giving us a loving family on both sides. Although through the years there have been ups and downs, heartaches and sorrows, we are a blessed family to have so many people who love us!

Initial Project

2009-03-19T11:28:00.005-04:00

Check out these adorable initial frames I made for a friend of mine. Aren't they the cutest. I can't wait to make some more. It was so easy and adds such a personal touch to any room. These were made for her 2 girls. They have adorable bedding and the walls are painted that lime green...precious!!

I found pink buttons in my sewing kit and I glued those down the center of the green ribbon on the "M". I didn't think of it until after I took these pictures!!

Life is like a box of chocolates...

2009-02-21T11:56:00.002-05:00

Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are gonna get.......
How very true that statement is! You know those chocolates from the boxes are one of a kind, taste like no other. My favorite is milk chocolate with the chewy caramel center, how I love those. Far too often the paper that tells you what kind you are getting mysteriously disappears. So you think you are grabbing a milk chocolate filled with yummy chewy caramel that just about pulls your fillings out and you bite into this horrible coconut center or this bitter coffee cre'me. Yes, life is ironically like that. For the most part my life has been that milk chocolate with the caramel center, but every now and again my life has had a few nuts in the mix and few bitter sweet moments. As bad as those moments are, I would not trade those bites of bitterness for anything....you know why? Because it truly makes you appreciate the good stuff! Over the past few weeks, we have been faced with something which now hundreds of thousands of other people have been faced with....a lay off!! But what makes me think I am the person who should get all of the good chocolates....somebody has to eat the bad ones...right!! The Lord has been good and oh so faithful to us, his meek and lowly followers and you know what, for some reason He keeps sending down chocolates with caramel centers...which I don't deserve. What I am trying to say it that the bad times make you appreciate the good times and makes you appreciate those wonderful gifts around you, like you family and friends.. Life is good and I will gladly take that box of chocolates whenever it comes my way!!!

2009-01-13T10:38:00.001-05:00

For those who don't know, check out my photography blog. williamsonphotography.blogspot.com

2009-01-13T10:12:00.000-05:00

2009-01-12T14:25:00.004-05:00

I have started taking some of my work and adding scripture to them. I love this one.

I would like to make an entire collection and then have them printed as note cards. What do you think?

Year in Review!!

2009-01-02T17:51:00.003-05:00

I really find it hard to believe that 2008 is over. Brad and I were talking and we both agree this was probably one of our toughest years since we have moved. I know for many people this past year was not so great financially. That is where we were definately hurt the most. Nevertheless, God proved Himself faithful once again! He always has a way of doing that! We have endured some harsh things this year all of which have made me feel so blessed. Although I don't look forward to the valley's of life, I know that the valley is surrounded by mountaintops. Our preacher has been doing a series of sermons of the mountaintops and I have learned so much. I feel this past year, I have grown more in my christian walk, still very far from where I need to be. I have fallen more and more in love with my husband. I truly honor him and admire his hard work and his willingness to do whatever it takes to support his family. I have learned to just enjoy my children more this past year. I don't want them to grow up and my heart literally hurts at the thought of it. I have seen so many changes in Tyler this past year. Not bad changes, just "I am growing up, mom" changes. He is such a blessing to our lives. He truly wants to please the Lord in everything he does. He loves the Lord because he wants to , not because he has to. Little Emma is growing so fast. She has so much personality. This past year Emma finally got potty trained....Amen, Hallalujah and Amen!! She is such a cutie pie and she keeps us so entertained. We are so blessed. Brad and I don't deserve one minute of our lives. Our lives aren't fabulous, or glamourous, but they are definately filled with love, laughter, and they are OUR lives!!! I am excited to see what the Lord has planned for us in 2009!

2008-12-27T16:32:00.001-05:00

Hope everyone had a terrific Christmas. Thanks to all of my family who traveled to come and spend this time with us. It was great seeing all of the kids together!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-22T12:43:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Well another year has almost come and gone. For the Williamson Family it has been a pretty good year. We of course, like many other hard working Americans have felt the hurt of the economy. Nevertheless, we are blessed beyond measure. Blessed to live in this wonderful country that is "free" to me, but definately bought with a price by many others. I hope all of our men and woman serving our country have a blessed christmas. I can't imagine being away from my family and children during this time. I am also blessed with the gift of salvation. Something that was also "free" to me, but bought with a heavy price! I thank God he sent His only Son to die for my sins, past, present and future. I hope everyone takes the time this week to step away from the "commercialized christmas" we have around us and truly take hold on what a miracle this season really is. Jesus truly is the reason for the season! Happy Birthday Jesus! May all of our friends and family have a wonderful Christmas. We love you all!!

The Williamson Family

Christmas Decorations and Party

2008-12-14T15:51:00.006-05:00

Here is the tree. Since this picture I have added brown glass balls, glitter brown snowflakes and blue glass balls, all gifts from my sweet friend, Valerie! So all the "bare" spots are beautifully filled in now!

Here is one of the many ornaments I made for the tree this year. It was done it brown, blue, amber and gold!

This was the beverage jar Valerie let me borrow, I filled it with sweet tea, it was beautiful!

The table with all of the fabulous food!

Here are a few pics from the Christmas party I hosted at my house for the ladies of my church. We had so much fun and the food was incredible. The house really looked pretty and everyone looked fabulous in their UGLY christmas sweaters(which was the theme of the party). It is really cold here and I am really getting excited to have my family come for the week of Christmas. On a somber note, my pastor's wife, Mrs. Valerie, is going to be having surgery on Tuesday to remove the 2 masses in her colon. Please remember to pray for her and her family! God is still in control!

w

Dr. Visit

my beautiful babies

My daily ABC's

Come to Jesus

P&L Engagement Session

Verse Cards

Sweet Cousins

Vicarious Faith

vi·car·i·ous

writing on the wall

lately

I Just Want To Please The Lord

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Snow....AGAIN.....

Need a laugh today.....

Longing to sit on the sand and listen to the ocean waves.......

Vera Bradley giveaway!!!!

Why are we fault finders???

Unspoken

One lump or Two....how to teach kids how to handle the injustices of LIFE!!!!

dirt

Are you a stepping stone or a stumbling block?

step·ping–stone

Definition of STEPPING-STONE

stum·bling block

Where are we going? CRAZY!!!

the love of my life...

Thank You Lord......

Home is where Heart is........

defeated

~~~NUFF SAID~~~

Not just a window........

A few of my favorite things....

A Daily Dose of Humor.......

Count your blessings......name them one by one......

Just Say No.....

Christmas 2010

Year in Review 2010

H@PPY BIRTHD@Y EMM@!!!

BEACH BOUND BABY!!!!

My beautiful daughter.....a true blessing and gift from above!

Heartbroken

Snow Day

CONTENT

I should have been Crucified......

When I survey the Wondrous Cross

It's Friday!

Cough, Cough......sneeze!!

Happenings in my world!!

Handmade Gifts!!!

It's SNOWING!!

Happenings in my world!!

Jesus is the Reason for the Season!!

It's begining to look a lot like CHRISTMAS!!

Bedroom quick re-do

Emma loo's 4th birthday

WHIRLWIND!!

THANKS~giving

Christmas? Really?

I believe.....

Random Facts!!

FULL STEAM AHEAD!!

Senses!!

100th Post Giveaway!

Check it out!

God's Been Good

I Love this man!!

ONE NATION UNDER GOD

My Very First Cake made with FONDANT!!!

Picnic in the Park....

He sendeth the springs

Moved but not 100% settled!!

Lately.....

MHOLHY V3RY FIRST GIV3AWAY!!

Initial Project

Life is like a box of chocolates...

Year in Review!!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Decorations and Party

~NUFF SAID~