A Time of Thanksgiving

It's been a while since I've had time to blog.  Life is so busy right now with work, basketball games, and just life in general with three boys.  Yesterday we celebrated Thanksgiving and I loved scrolling through my Instagram feed seeing all the food and family gatherings.  Lots of pictures of big families getting together.  Growing up, it was just my mom, my dad, and me.  We moved away from family when I was just a year old.  We are eight hours away from everyone so we were never together at Thanksgiving.  In fact, the only time I was really around family was for a few days at Christmas and a few days each summer.  I looked at those Instagram images and for a moment I was just a little jealous.  I told my husband how awesome I thought it would be to have a huge family over each holiday and he told me someday I probably will.  I sure hope so:-) 

Now, on to my Thanksgiving list.  I have lots to be thankful for this year.  I have a great family, three healthy kids, and all the necessities that many in the world would consider luxuries.  I have a job at a time where many do not.  I have had opportunities in life that many are not afforded.  I grew up in a stable home with parents who parented.  If you had or have that, let me tell you....you are indeed truly blessed.  I have a wonderful church family who has loved me as one of their own since I was 6 years old.  I miss the ones who have gone.  They poured wisdom, concern, and love into my life.  They sowed seeds that were watered and are now beginning to grow.  I was blessed to know them and I'm grateful for the difference they made in me.

I'm so very thankful for a Savior who's mercies are new EVERY morning.  Every. Single. Morning.  Thank you Jesus!  If anyone needs new grace and mercy everyday, it's this girl.  God is far too patient with me.  I fail Him time and again.  But He never gives up on me.  He never stops loving me.  He never stops believing in me.  He never stops working on me.  Philippians 1:6 gives me great hope.  God will complete the work He began in me one late night in September 1987.  I am thankful for this above all else. 

Stress & Philippians 4:13

This may be the last post I'll have time to write for some time.  School is back in full swing and football season is  underway.  With a pee wee football player and a 7th grade player (who is also in band), we are super busy with practices and games.  It seems that Brantley will be extra busy this year.  Not only will he play football, but he will be playing drums at all the Jr. High home games.  He is really growing up on me.  I am seeing a glimpse of what high school is going to be like and it makes me a little sad.  He is becoming more and more independent and is extremely embarassed by his really cool parents;-)  What is happening??

I am taking my first class for my Master's degree. I am pursuing a degree in Health Sciences and this particular course is focusing on health education, different philosophies involved in that, and the application of those philosophies.  It is actually interesting and relevant to what I do, but I am a bit rusty in APA format (actually, don't know that I've ever used it).  I have my first assignment almost completey done and it's not due until September 10th hso I'm feeling ok.

I volunteered to lead my ladies Bible study this Thursday.  I'm not sure if I had a momentary lapse in my sanity or what, but I opened my big mouth and offered to do it.  I haven't had the time I would have liked to prepare, but it pays to be a preacher's daughter in times like these!  I have some commentaries and some advice from him and I think I will get through it.  I made an outline last night of the points I want to cover so I've made progress, right?

At the beginning of last week, I felt completely overwhelmed.  I went from summer vacation with zero responsibilities to full time work, after school activities, and online class work.  Just a bit of a shock to my system.  I have been praying and asking God to give me grace to get through and as always, He has.  I can only take one moment at a time.  I have found that when I look at everything I have to accomplish, it scares me.  It's too much.  I can never get it done.  But, if I take one thing at a time, calm down, and focus, things become more manageable and I find my days more productive.  I was watching Joyce Meyer yesterday and she used a paraphrase of Philippians 4:13 that I love:  I have everything in me that I need to do whatever it is that Christ wants me to do.  That really put things into perspective for me.

I did have something exciting happen to me this week.  I entered the Project Hope Raffle a couple of weeks ago.  I left my comment, but the procrastinator that I am....paid my fee at the last minute.  Probably a couple of hours before the raffle was closed.  I was at the dentist's office for a braces consultation for my 10 year old (can you say more stress!!!) and thought I'd check to see who the winner was.  I COULD NOT believe it when I saw my name.  I'm sure the people in the waiting room thought I was nuts, but I was super excited.  I won some great prizes and I was glad to be part of a great ministry.  Check it out at www.bitsofsplendor.com

I hope everyone has a great Labor Day.  I'm trying to enjoy the last holiday I'll have for a while.  I'm linking up with Laura @ www.bitsofsplendor.com
Be sure to check out her blog.  Lots of exciting things happening there!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Baby!

Gavin,

I can't believe it's been three years since you changed our world.  The past three years have been filled with fun, lots of adventures, and immeasurable joy.  We are so blessed to have you and can't even remember what life was like before you came.  Your boundless energy and contagious giggle fill our hearts with love.  I admittedly spoil you.  And I won't apologize for it.  You are my baby.  You always have to sleep with mama at night, along with your security blanket which you have named "B Bear."  I know that isn't popular, but I figure the day will come much too quickly when you will no longer want to sleep with me.  So I am going to enjoy these days now-having your warm little body snuggled up to me in bed.  Excuse me for a moment, while I make some "choc" (chocolate milk).  Ok, I'm back:-) 

You insist that you're still 2 and part of me would like that to be true.  I love the hugs and kisses you give me.  I love the way you call for me in the house when I leave your sight.  Sometimes I can barely take a shower or put on my make-up without your help.  But that's ok.  You love me and want to be everywhere I am.  One day that will all change.  So I want to enjoy these moments while you are still my sweet baby. 

You love Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Caillou, and watching tractor videos on YouTube.  You can work the ipad like a pro:-)  You love to sing "He Ain't Never Done Me Nothing But Good" in the car and you think your brothers hung the moon.  You love to put on their shoes and clothes.  You really want to be so big, but when I ask you say you're still a baby.  And that makes my heart smile. 

Happy Birthday Gavin!  I love you more than words could ever say. 

Mama

August 23, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gavin's 1st Birthday

 

 

Gavin's 2nd Birthday

 

 

 

My 3-year-old baby

 

Farewell to Summer

I can hardly believe my first official summer break since college is over.  It was a glorious 13 weeks. I saw 3 a.m. much too often.  I slept in and stayed in my PJ's more times than I can count.  I reveled in the knowledge that I had nothing to do and nowhere to be most days.  I started the summer with a list of projects and finished a few.  Some are still on my list and that's ok.  I will get to them eventually.  I enjoyed every moment (almost) with my boys.  I created a monster.  I have an almost 3-year-old who has become a major momma's boy.  And I must admit, I love that. 

This week is serving as a "prep" week if you will.  I've been to school working on my office and I have meetings tomorrow morning.  I felt a huge weight come over me tonight as I sat and came to the realization that all my luxurious free time is now a thing of the past.  Beginning Monday, it's back to reality.  School, homework, football practice, football games, crazy busy weekends when I try to pack a week's worth of house work in.  On top of all of this, I'm starting my Masters.  Yep, I'm just a little stressed thinking about it all.  I stood in my kitchen tonight and just felt completely overwhelmed.  I asked God to give me peace and He has.  I can only take each day as it comes, each moment as I enter it. 

I'm hoping to develop more routine in my house this fall.  My alarm is set for 5 am.  I'm determined to get that morning run and Bible study in.  I'm also determined to lead my boys in a Bible study/devotion each evening.  I admit, I'm probably the world's worst when it comes to consistency.  I know God is a God of order and I'm relying on Him to make these changes stick. 

So, I bid you farewell summer.  It won't be long and we'll see each other again.  Until them, I'll enjoy the crisp fall air.  I'll cheer my 7th grade Redskin and my 5th grade Colt on to victory.  I'll snuggle with my little man when it gets cold and sit with him in front of the fire.  We'll watch Christmas movies over and over and enjoy our days in the snow.  We'll celebrate birthdays.  We'll tackle Algebra and Pre-AP English (Lawd, help me!).  We'll play some basketball.  Maybe some baseball.  And before you know it summertime.....we'll be together again.   

A Vision Too Small

I was driving home tonight from our ladies' bible study at church and listened to a sermon in which the preacher was talking about the decay of our nation and its effects on the family.  Something he said in the midst of his sermon reached out and shook me.  He spoke about praying for his children.  And their children.  And their children.  And their children.  He spoke about our vision for our kids, for our families.  About how sometimes they just aren't big enough.  Many of us simply want our children to stay away from drugs, make good grades, go to college, become successful, etc.  My goodness, how we limit God!  How I limit God.   What if we prayed for our children to make a mighty difference in this country, this world even, for God?  What if we prayed this way for our families?  Paul tells us in the book of Ephesians that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than we can even ask or think.  Amazing.  I can't even fathom what God can do in my life and in my family if I don't place limits on Him.  I am praying specifically for a need in my family right now and God revealed to me tonight that His plan far exceeds mine.  I want to be faithful to pray.  I want to be faithful to believe that God can do marvelous things in the lives of my children.  I want to be faithful in believing that God can do phenomenal things in my marriage and in the life of my husband.  I don't want to put limits on a limitless God! 

Thrifty Love Gift Exchange

To be honest, I can't remember exactly where I came across the Thrifty Love Gift Exchange, but I thought it was a really neat idea from the moment I read about it.  Being new to the blogging world, I am amazed to see all the friendships that bloggers have formed across the miles.  It is so encouraging.  I thought this gift exchange would be a wonderful way to meet another blogger and hopefully form a lifelong friendship.  I signed up and anxiously waited for my match.  I was super excited when I got it and my match (Beth Ann @ www.bahlikeasheep.blogpot.com) and I exchanged information and on the hunt I went.  I live in a rural area so my thrifting is sometimes limited by distance/time.  And as all of you thrifters know, some days you're hot and some days you're not:-(   I felt like my hunt was a bust, but I did find some cute birdie S & P shakers and a prayer plate.  I didn't take photos before I sent (silly me).  I was really nervous that my gift exchange buddy wouldn't be impressed, but I sent my package off hoping she'd at least be touched by my sentiment, right??

I got my package in a few days later and my girl went above and beyond!  She got me these pretty books that have found a home in my kitchen and added a pop of color.  (Beth Ann, I didn't put them in the windowsill.  I placed them in a cabinet with a glass door and they look great!) 

Ok, so this is where she goes above & beyond.  She also threw in this super cute Forever 21 necklace.

But the best part, was the card.  Funny how things work.  I had worried that she wouldn't like my gift, that she would open it and be disappointed.  Her sweet card told me she was afraid of the very same thing!  So silly that we worry about such things.  I was excited to receive my gift and I love it.  Simply because it was picked out with me in mind.  And I am happy to say I've made a new friend.  This was a super fun experience!  I'm excited to see what everyone else got:-)  One more thing....here's the cute card she sent and ANOTHER BONUS:  A Starbucks gift card.  This girl is da bomb!!

 

I Then Shall Live

This has been a wild, emotionally charged, and politically divided week.  And quite frankly, I'm over the hoopla.  I've said my peace about the chicken controversy.  I was struggling with the words to express my thoughts on the underlying theme I saw emerge from all of this:  Christians sharing the love of Christ.  It seems the Body of Christ can't even agree on the "right" way to share the glorious message of Christ.  A song I dearly love came to my mind tonight and it's words are so powerful and if lived out, so capable of reaching the world with the love, compassion, mercy, and grace that Christ reached me with.


I then shall live as one who's been forgiven.
I'll walk with joy to know my debts are paid.
I know my name is clear before my Father; I am His child and I am not afraid.
So, greatly pardoned, I'll forgive my brother; The law of love I gladly will obey.


I then shall live as one who's learned compassion. I've been so loved, that I'll risk loving too.
I know how fear builds walls instead of bridges; I'll dare to see another's point of view.
And when relationships demand commitment, Then I'll be there to care and follow through.


Your Kingdom come around and through and in me;
Your power and glory, let them shine through me.
Your Hallowed Name, O may I bear with honor, And may Your living Kingdom come in me.
The Bread of Life, O may I share with honor, And may You feed a hungry world through me.


Amen, Amen, Amen.


If you're so moved by music as I am, please watch the Gaither Vocal Band/Ernie Haase Signature Sound performance of this song.  It is truly beautiful. 

http://youtu.be/cxyBMQJuTuc


This is my daily prayer.  I want to reach a hungry world with the Bread of Life.  I want to reach them right where they are.  After all, that is where Christ meets me every day.  Right where I am.  Not where I should be.  Not where I want to be.  Right where I am.  Some days find me full of compassion, empathy, love, and mercy.  Other days find me filled with resentment, questions, frustrations, and an ugly heart.  Life is messy.  But my merciful Father meets me in my mess.  And He wants to use me to meet the rest of the world in their mess. 

Insta-Friday

I'm linking up for my first Insta-Friday.  Kind of exciting! 

We've spent the week recovering from from our vacation to Texas last week.  We ate entirely too much while there and lots of fried food so it was good to come home and eat some home grown veggies.

My husband works really hard on a garden each spring and it pays off.   This year we've had tons of squash and zucchini, potatoes, onions, jalapenos, bell peppers, banana peppers (not sure if that's the right name), & corn.  Yummy:-)

I got a nice surprise in the mail this week.  I ordered some jewelry from Laura @ Bits of Splendor and it came in.  Super cute.  Love it!  You should check our her shop it you haven't already.

It was time for a manicure when we got back.  I have my manicures done with the OPI gel polish.  It is great and lasts for around 2-2 1/2 weeks.  I had stopped getting my nails done when I switched jobs, but I just love it and decided to start again.  Just makes me feel more polished (no pun intended) and together.

We've been in desperate need of rain where I live and last night we had a pretty good thunderstorm.  So good in fact, that our power was out for an hour and a half.  Small price to pay so that the famers could get some much needed relief.  The boys and I were here alone and we decided to head to town to get something to eat since the lights were out.  On the way to town we saw the biggest and most beautiful rainbow I've ever seen.  It was possibly the only complete rainbow I've seen.  Some people in town actually got pictures of a double rainbow.  I didn't, but here's what I did get.

This was the sunset after the storm.  It was beautiful.

I went to my favorite flea market today and found so much stuff I wanted.  I came across this cute (already painted) magazine rack that perfectly matches the curtains in my 2-year-old's room.  I'm working on his transition to "big boy" room and I've decided to go with lots of bright colors.  I've ordered some prints from naptime diaries and I can't wait to get them in and get the room all together.  Here's my find.

I've been trying to decide what type of comforter to buy and honestly, all the ones I find that I like are ridiculously priced.  I was reading through some old posts @ The Vanilla Tulip the other night and was inspired by her philosophy to re-invent with items you already have.  I realized that my aunt just gave me an afghan my Granny made over 30 years ago and I had never even taken it out of the plastic.  I got it out and decided it will be perfect.  Lots of bright colors and made with tons of love.  It has much more value than anything store bought could ever have. 

And so I sit here on Friday night going back through my week in pictures while my little man sleeps beside me.  He had a long day.  He got up early to head out with Daddy and had no nap.  He crashed about an hour ago.  I'm hoping he sleeps through the night and doesn't decide that 11 pm is time to rise and shine.  They are just so precious when they sleep, aren't they?  He has my heart.

Here's to Our 13th Year

While on vacation, Randy and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary.  We've seen a lot of life change in those years, made lots of memories, and grown together in love.  We've been blessed with three beautiful boys and careers that allow us to be family oriented.  We've been blessed with health and provision.  We've seen our share of valleys and walked through them all.  We've climbed to the top of many mountains and enjoyed the beautiful view.  I'm thankful for a husband who is a super daddy, a big help around the house, and who makes me laugh every.single.day. 





1998- Our dating days:-)

Our wedding day, 7-10-99






2006

Mother's Day 2011

There's No Place Like Home

We rolled into town last night after a week in Texas visiting family and having some fun.  It was good to go, but it's always better to come back.  At least it is to me.  My aunt lives in the country in East Texas and I must say, I had little to no sleep between the spider I saw in the middle of the night (that got away) and the strange bugs that worked their way into the bathroom.  Added to that was the fact that I was alternating between a love seat and a twin blow up mattress, which at one point slept me, my 12 year old son, and my 2 year old.  Don't ask me how or why were sleeping this way.  I just had to laugh out loud at the whole thing.  It was certainly memorable!

We did some fun things while we were there.  We toured the new Cowboys Stadium, which was AWESOME!!  I'm a life-long Cowboys fan and nothing could have made the trip better short of Troy Aikman himself.  It's an amazing facility I must say and it certainly should be considering the building cost. 

The boys touching the "lucky star" that all the players touch on the way out of the locker room

We also went to Six Flags over Texas, which I hadn't been to in years. We were there almost 12 hours and had a blast.  The only roller coaster I couldn't bring myself to ride was the Titan.  I'm afraid of heights and that one just looked too high.  The next day we went to Hurricane Harbor and took the little one.  He had a great time with him.  He didn't want to leave. 

Buzz in his souvenir shades from Six Flags:-)

Gavin riding a horse for the first time.  He loved it!

The boys went to tour Texas Rangers Stadium and Texas Motor Speedway, but momma sat that one out.  I opted to go antique shopping and to lunch with my mom & aunt. 

We stayed with my mom's sister most of the trip, but we stopped to see my dad's cousin on the way home.  We had a nice visit with her and she handed down some of my Granny's cookbooks that she had been holding on to all these years.  She felt like she was meant to give them to me.  My Granny died when I was 6, but we had a very special bond.  It was so neat to flip through those old cookbooks and see recipes my Granny used that I've come to love.  Especially her Christmas cookies.  I will treasure those cookbooks always.

I must also mention the embarrasing number of times we visit Whataburger when we are in Texas.  My husband was raised in Houston and he grew up eating there and loving it and he got me hooked last summer.  I believe this time we ate there 5 or 6 times. Between that and my aunt's home cookin', I gained about 10 lbs I swear:-(

We are home for another couple of weeks.  We have VBS coming up next week and the boys have basketball camp.  The week after we are heading out again, in the opposite direction:-) 

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful for:

- Salvation.  Without it, I would be helpless and hopeless

- Health and well being

- Family- blessed beyond measure with 3 healthy boys

- Random trips through the countryside.  Looking at land and houses you've never seen before.

- Ice cream

- A/C

- Summer vacation

- Resiliency

- Inspiration

- Freedom

What are you thankful for this Thursday??

-

Monday, Monday.....Random Thoughts

Don't ya just love The Mamas & The Papas?  I know I sure do.  That song comes to my mind almost every Monday.  Just love it.  Another summer weekend has come and gone.  Someone at church reminded me that we only have 7 weeks left!!  7 weeks!  Say it ain't so! 


We are enjoying our summer and our time at home just doing whatever we feel like doing.  It's been wonderful down time for us.  I have watched 752 episodes of Caillou and 543 episodes of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, but hey....who's counting??


Next week we're heading out to see some family in God's country.  That's Texas, of course.  Can't wait.  As a little girl, I always said the air smelled different in Texas and I swear that it does.  I just love it there. 


It's been so hot here this last week.  Like 105 degrees hot (and that's late afternoon).  Missed a couple of days of running, but hopped back on the treadmill last night.  It felt great.  As hard as it is to get started sometimes, I'm always glad I did it afterward. 


We had revival services at our church last week and they were wonderful.  We had a different speaker each night, but in typical God fashion all the messages tied together.  We were truly blessed and challenged by God's Word. 


If you are looking for a Bible Study this summer, I recently ran across SheReadsTruth.  It's an online group of women from all over the world who are coming together to study God's Word through an app called You Version.  Right now we are studying "Living the Surrended Life" and it is a great study.  I encourage you to join in.  You'll be amazed at how the insights of other women encourage and inspire you. 


Well, those are my random thoughts on this Monday morning.....afternoon.  I'm still sitting here in my pajamas and I must say, it feels awesome:-)  Have a Marvelous Monday everyone!!

Prayer

At this time last year, I was getting ready to make a life change.  I was praying relentlessly about the direction God wanted me to take in my professional life.  I was in an administrative position making the best money of my life, but was utterly miserable.  I'm a nurse and at the core of my job is the desire to help others.  But, I have to tell you...I was helping no one.  God gave me the opportunity to advance very early on in my career and I am thankful for that.  The lessons learned in that job were many and God had that all planned out, too.  But I had come to a place where the job was taking over my life.  I came home and it was all I thought about.  The one word that could describe my life at the end of my time there is simply...DREAD.  I desperately wanted out, but couldn't see the way.  As far as nursing goes, I had it made.  I worked four days a week, no weekends, no nights, no holidays.  If you are in healthcare, you know how few and far between those jobs are!  I also couldn't see how in the world I could take a cut in pay.  We had built a new house a couple of years earlier and had welcomed our third little boy about a year later.  So as much as I wanted out, I was scared of what would await me if I made the leap.  Well, in typical God fashion, a school nursing position opened up in the school district my two oldest attend.  I felt it was a God thing, but convincing my husband and family was a bit challenging at first.  They, too, had the same concerns.  How can we take such a drastic cut in income?  My dad couldn't make sense of the fact that I would want to leave behind what he saw as a "promising career."  I applied for the job and I prayed, prayed, prayed.  I prayed harder than I believe I've ever prayed before.  This job wouldn't just offer a way out of my dread.  I truly believed it was a job in which I could make a difference in the lives of students.  I saw so many possibilities in the position. Ways to express myself creatively and a chance to make something my very own.  I was so excited, but at the same time was reserved because I didn't want to have my hopes crushed.  I continued to pray.  I asked my church to pray.  My ladies small group was praying.  My parents were praying.  Lots of prayers went up to heaven on my behalf.  The hiring process in the public school system is sometimes drawn out and this was no exception.  I had multiple interviews and some time lapsed between those interviews and the school board meeting where the ultimate decision would be made.  I continued to pray and asked God to grant me this opportunity, but at the same time I asked Him to give me peace if this was not His will for my life.  Finally, toward the end of July I received a call and was notified that the school board had voted to hire me.  Talk about excited!!!  I was so excited that it didn't even seem real!  I felt a huge sense of relief and freedom.  And then.......WHAM.  It hit me.  What did I just do?  Can I do this?  Did I make the right decision?  I'm sure God was less than thrilled at my sudden surge of doubt.  He carried me through it and a year later I can say with 100% certainty that I absolutely, positively made the right decision.  There are no perfect jobs and there are days I don't want to go to work.  There are days I get frustrated.  But even with the frustrations, I know I am where God has placed me.  I honestly feel like I do make a difference every day and that is a great feeling.  People ask me a lot if I have any regrets and I always answer them no.  I used to say the only thing I missed about my old job was my paycheck, but quite frankly, I haven't missed that either.  God has a way of making ends meet.  Would I like to still have that extra income?  Well, of course!  But, we have not gone hungry.  My kids still have plenty.  We are still able to go and do pretty much as we please.  And most importantly, I am with my kids as much as any working mom can be and for that I am eternally grateful. 

I started this post with the intention of writing about how we need to pray for each other.  Like I mentioned, I had many people praying with and for me about this BIG decision in my life.  To other people, it may seem trivial.  It was huge to me.  I have a friend right now who's little boy is about to undergo his 3rd open heart surgery and I am praying for her.  I strive to pray for her as if it is my child who is about to undergo that operation.  How often have I said, "I'll pray for you" and then half-heartedly muttered a 10 second prayer for that person?  I don't want to do that.  People have poured their hearts out for me in prayer and I want to do the same for others.  I was up in the middle of the night last night re-filling a sippy cup (don't judge me) and I couldn't go back to sleep so read one of my favorite blogs (www.bitsofsplendor.com).  The writer was having a "heavy" day and honestly shared her feelings and her heart with her readers.  I felt for her.  I have been where she is.  I prayed for her.  I've never met her, but I felt empathy and I prayed for her.  We are called to bear each others burdens and I hope that I am faithful to do that. 

Monday is here again!  Monday's don't bother me nearly as much as they do during the school year.  In fact, right now, Monday is just another wonderful day of summer bliss in my world.  August 20th might possibly change my view, however.  We had a great weekend filled with family time and church.  Nothing too terribly exciting, but a great weekend nonetheless.  This is my first time to link up for Bits of Splendor Monday and I have to say I'm very excited!!  I just started my blog about a week ago and I absolutely love it.  This was all birthed from SheReadsTruth and I am so glad to be a part of the blogging community!  I hope to make lots of connections and form some wonderful friendships.  I am so encouraged and inspired by the blogs of ladies all over the country.  I love reading about their lives, struggles, art projects.....you name it and I'm fascinated by it.  I hope that my blog can inspire someone else in some small way.  Well, happy Monday everyone!  Oh, by the way...it is OFFICIALLY summer and the pump on our pool went out last night:-( 

Flea Market Friday

This whole day has seemed like Saturday to me.  I guess that's because Randy has been off the past couple of Friday's and I'm still not used to him being home.  Buzz & I got up early this morning and headed out to a local jewelry shop and then decided to hit a couple of flea markets.  I've been back on my pinterest kick and also have found some inspiration from a couple of blogs I've been following.  I am looking to find vintage pieces I can bring back to life.  Let me just say, I should have been going to flea markets all along.  You never know what you'll find!  I found a vintage Ethan Allen hutch today, but unfortunately it was already sold.  I love to browse through all the booths hoping to find a diamond in the rough.  I did find a chair today for this project:

Amazingly enough, the seat was already out of the chair I found so that's one less step I'll have to take!  I went to Wal-Mart tonight and got some paint (very similar to this color).  I can't wait to get started on it! 

After our flea market stops, Buzz & I had lunch at the Polar Freeze (at his request) and then had to have the obligatory Tropical Sno:-)  It was a great day with one of my special boys. 

Oh, oh, AND.....I reached my goal today!!!  I ran/walked 4 miles!!  I'm so excited.  My ultimate goal is to completely run the 4 miles, but my mind hasn't caught up with my aspirations just yet.  But, I'll get there:-)

Patience is a Virtue

It's the first official "full" day of summer!  We've been out of school for a few weeks now so it seems kind of strange that summer is really just beginning.  We've been pretty busy.  Two weeks of church camp, baseball, and regular errands have kept us going.  I haven't been home this long with my boys since maternity leave with Gavin.  The boys were in school then so this is really the first time I've had all three of them home for an extended period of time, well....ever!  I must say, I love it.  I love the lazy mornings and all the extra time I have to clean my house, organize, and re-arrange.  I enjoy watching the boys swim and being able to be there for all their activities. 

Brantley (far left) & Buzz (far right) @ church camp

Enjoy:  to experience with joy; take pleasure in.  I must admit learning to enjoy life is something I struggle with on a daily basis.  I am an only child and grew up in a home that was pretty structured and quiet.  Fast-forward 16 years and I live in a house with 4 boys!  You can imagine how different my life is.  There have been many times I have missed the opportunity to enjoy a moment in my boys' life because they were being too "wild" or making a mess and my level of patience was less than optimal.  I regret those missed opportunities.  Thankfully, I believe I have made strides in my quest to enjoy life.  I truly believe Gavin has had so much to do with that.  He has forced me to slow down, to re-examine my life, and has given me one thing I am in abundant need of:  patience.  When you have children, enjoying life goes hand in hand with patience.  I remind myself that it doesn't really matter how big the mess or how noisy the boys, this is life!  These are the moments that they will remember forever and who am I to take away their fun and joy?  So, I strive everyday to slow down (even if its just a little) and enjoy my life even with all the smelly socks, crumbled up chips on my couch, and dirty little fingerprints on my doors.




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Silly boy!

Gavin playing ball with his big brother "Bo"

Buzz & Gavin

New Mercies & A Zebra Chair

Today, or this week rather, has been one of those days.  You know the ones.  The ones that make you feel like an epic failure.  Everything from my food choices to my parenting has made me feel like I'm losing any ground I had gained.  I've hit Mickey D's a couple of times and lost my cool when my soon to be teenage son responded in a not so polite manner.  Everytime I start to feel like I'm just not accomplishing what I'd like to, I remember that God's mercies are new every morning.  It reminds me of a quote from the PBS TV series Anne of Green Gables (a wonderful series I might add):  "Tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it."  Thank goodness!  It gives me hope and encouragment to know that God will give me new mercy tomorrow- the exact amount I will need to get through.  While I'll never be the perfect parent or completely conquer my junk food addiction, I can rejoice in the fact that I can count on Christ to bring me a little closer to my goals each day. 

Now, for some happy news.  I got a new zebra chair yesterday and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!  It is a wonderful place to sit and read or write my blog.  In fact, I'm sitting in it right now:-)

My Dad & Me

Today is Father's Day and I am blessed to have a wonderful father.  Because of him I have known unconditional love and acceptance.  My father taught me the importance of making Christ first in my life and I am so lucky to have had his example to live by.  Don't get me wrong, there were many times I failed him and disappointed him no doubt.  However, I have held tightly to the truths he raised me to believe and they are more precious to me as the years go by.  So, Happy Father's Day to my very special dad! 


I would be remiss inot to mention my husband.  I have 3 very energetic boys and my husband is (and always has been) one of the best dads I know.  He dove right in from day one, changing diapers, feeding, bathing, playing, and most impressively napping with our boys.  He has always been very involved in everything our boys do from coaching their sports teams to attending doctor's visits.  We have reallly done everything as a team and for that I'm thankful. 


I had grand plans to jump out of bed this morning around 6 am and get my daily run in.  But.....I hit snooze instead.  I reasoned that I would do it this afternoon, but guess what?  I never got around to it.  That's ok.  I have run every other day this week so one day off is excusable, right?  I only began running about 3 weeks ago.  I used to hate running, but for some reason unbeknowst to me, I suddenly love it!  I'm not great at it yet, but I am quite proud of the fact that I can run a mile WITHOUT STOPPING!!!  YIPEE!!!  Quite a feat for a girl who 3 weeks ago never really worked out in her life.  So, I'm kind of disappointed that I didn't get my run in, but tomorrow's another day.


I did get up in time to complete day 3 of the She Reads Truth Soul Detox devotional.  I am so excited to have found this group of ladies!  What an inspiration it has been to me!  In fact, my inspiration for this blog came from the many blogs of other Christian women I have visited since joining the bible study.  I find such encouragement from their words and stories from their everyday lives.  The devotion I read today was from Jeremiah 12:1-4 regarding toxic thoughts.  My most prominent toxic thoughts have got to be critical.  Quite frankly, I tend to be extremely critical sometimes.  Not because I want to be.  In fact, I desperately long to love and accept people just like Christ loves and accepts me.  But, just like Paul I find myself doing what I really wish I didn't do.  So I began to think about why I can be so critical of others and I wondered if criticism of others really stems from a deep seeded disappointment in myself.  You know the old saying, "She tears other people down to make herself feel better."  I don't think I consciously do this, but maybe on an unconscious level that is exactly what is happening.  Don't we all feel a little more at ease when we realize others are imperfect, too?  I guess there's nothing wrong with that thought process in and of itself.  It is encouraging when we find that others stumble and struggle with the same issues that we do.  But, I long to break the chains of my critical spirit once and for all.  So....how do I do this?


Well, obviously first and foremost I ask God for help.  God can give us strength and power to do anything we need to do in this life for His glory.  I've also been reading lately about the armor of God.  Ah yes, that helmet of salvation.  Christ.  The Word.  Imagine what would change if I simply put on my helmet every morning!  I could change a critical spirit into a thankful spirit, one that edifies, encourages, builds up.  Wow!  Wouldn't that be great?

First of all, this blog has absolutely NOTHING to do with quilts.  Or quilting.  Or the love of quilts.  I've recently been inspired by the blogs of several Christian women and decided to begin documenting my own journey.  I wanted to use the title "Beauty for Ashes", but low and behold, it was already taken.  I didn't have any other ideas, so I opened my Bible.  Actually, I opened my BRAND NEW Bible.  The one my dad gave me just yesterday.  It is a Bible for Mom's and sprinkled throughout it's pages are tidbits of wisdom for mothers.  One such tidbit was entitled "The Happy Quilt." Hmm.  Maybe?  I wasn't sold, but that seemed to be what God was pressing on my heart so I went with it.  In fact, my life (and everyone else's for that matter) are much like patchwork quilts, right?  Quilts are pieced together (by loving hands) from scrap pieces of fabric or old t-shirts or baby clothes or....well, you understand.  Isn't that a picture of what God does for us?  He pieces together the moments of our lives (the good, the bad, the scraps) and makes a lovely quilt.  Quilts are special, beautiful, and serve a PURPOSE.  What's that?  They serve a purpose?  Well, technically....yes!  Not only are they wonderful to look at, they serve to provide us warmth and comfort.  Ok God, yet another picture of the Christian's life.  We have PURPOSE!  Sometimes finding that purpose is what creates the pieces of our own individual quilt.  The triumphs, the defeats, the goof ups, the "getting ahead of God" moments, the tragedies, the sweet moments, and the life lessons all make up my quilt.  What about you?  Can you picture your life as a piece of art being quilted by Christ?