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Monday, December 19, 2011

Family Christmas Pictures with Pinterest

Okay I admit, I resisted pinterest WAY too long. It is quite handy. I still don't have as much time as I'd like to peruse the site, but slowly I am allowing it to seep into how I look for ideas online.
Enter Family Christmas Pictures....
I am just not as creative as I wish I was when it comes to creative family poses. There are plenty of cute things for babies or even little kids. My girls are too old for those cutesy poses but I wanted unique pictures.
Last week I was at the Governor's Mansion for a school project and it dawned on me that it would be the perfect place to go to take pictures. The colors were fantastic and the historical significance makes it and the GCSU campus especially sweet to me.
I spent about an hour searching pinterest for ideas, made a quick stop by Michael's and threatened the girls not to have great attitudes and tons of patience (the benefit of older children - you can make them behave and smile!)
After some awesome advice for editing software I think I have a product I am happy with (I sure wish I was 20 pounds lighter).
Now I just need to know where to go to get my Happy New Year Cards printed....
Some of the best are near the bottom, so if you are short on time, check those out first and please let me know what you think.....



 






















Saturday, December 10, 2011

I don't like mean girls

God help me not to be mean. I don't like mean girls.

Things I think are mean:
~ Not teaching your children better than to rub it in a child's face that they were not included in something special.
~ When someone shows effort to be your friend, thinking that you are too popular, too busy, or too important to have to be kind in return.
~ Answering a phone call when you are talking to someone, as if whomever is calling is more important.
~ Not returning - voicemail, email, or text messages.
~ Inviting others to do something in front of someone you are not inviting.
~ Thinking people are just dramatic and not sharing their burdens, even when they aren't our own.
~ Uninviting someone to do something because a "better" offer came along.
~ Only being willing to take time to talk to someone if they can do something for you.
~ Avoiding someone you know is emotionally needy, because they might "need" you.

I think people are mean because someone sold them a big fat lie that they are more important than the people around them. If we would all just pay attention, less people would be hurt by the things we overlook.

If you know me - Don't worry what you might have done or said to me lately - I am not talking about you. I'm just sayin'. I am so sick of seeing meanness all around me and how hurt people are by it that I could vomit!

God help me not to be mean. I don't like mean girls.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Absolute Frustration

I bet you thought I was going to talk about Spanish didn't you???? Nope, not yet anyway!


My current absolute frustration is with missing a certain young lady's softball games. If I am being totally honest, I never really understood when a woman would tell me she couldn't do something because she had to be at a sporting event with her child. I know, call me callous. When I was young, I never cared if my parents were there or not when I had things going on. I guess I was a weird kid. I am even terrible about remembering to tell them when things are going on with my kids.

Enter SCA Softball.

Alaynah is trying so hard to learn to be a good little catcher. She really wants her momma to be there when she plays. She tells me she understands that I have class. But I know she is disappointed. I am disappointed in myself. This is why it is so hard to go back to school once you have had children. It can REALLY stink.

It took a will of super glue to keep me at school yesterday when Jason called to tell me that the girls were winning (first time so far) and that Alaynah was playing great! My heart hurt. Unfortunately for me, to learn Spanish - I must BE in Spanish class.

So I sat in agony. Fully understanding my friends who MUST be at their children's games. Wishing I had the luxury. To overcompensate for my feelings of inadequacy I stopped by the store on my way home from class and bought Alaynah her favorite dinner, celebratory donuts, and even a special treat for her lunch today. I also rented a movie she has wanted to see for us to watch together (maybe this weekend we might actually find time to watch it!). I know: I'm ridiculous!

This is going to be a long season; chock full of tests of my commitment to graduating with a high GPA. I don't like this being an adult business....

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Yard Sale Left-Overs

Well, we have only ever had a few yard sales, but this one seemed pretty successful. We didn't have a ton of shoppers,but we sold lots of stuff - which is always good! There were a few items that I would still like to not own. If you are interested in them, leave a comment or give me a call. 
 Elliptical - $222.22
 Party Set ( 15 hanging decorations and 2 centerpieces with stands) - $2
 Daisy Serving Set (Plate, Bowl, Cheese Knife, and Cake Server - Never Used) - $5
 Red Giraffe Purse - $5
 Green Giraffe Purse - $5
 Printer (printer/copier/fax - works well, includes ink) - $20
 Dry Erase Calendar - $5
 Dish Set (6 Bowls, 6 Salad Plates, 4 Dinner Plates, 5 Coffee Cups, Sugar Bowl, Salt & Pepper) - $25

 Chair & A Half (Like New Condition includes a large pillow and two smaller throw pillows) - $150
 Micro Suede Chair & Ottoman (needs to be cleaned, but it was scotch-gaurded when purchased) - $45
All Cotton Hammock (Never Used) - $25

I hope you all want every one of these things! I just don't anymore! I will deliver if you are interested.
Thanks!

Monday, April 18, 2011

Walk of Shame

Okay, I will just go ahead and admit it.
I am going to the tanning bed. I know, I know. It is TERRIBLE. I think so too. But you have to understand - My mother is getting married the first Saturday in May. I am going to be photographed people! This strikes terror in my heart! I am being forced to take drastic measures.
I could preach a sermon on how awful tanning is. I have to fight my gag reflex just to lay in the thing. But there are two very central things that are driving me:
1. I can't look like a ghost compared to everyone else in all of the pictures. (It's just not cool)
2. MOST IMPORTANTLY -  Tan fat looks better than white fat! We all know it is true.
I promise that after May 7th I will be back to my sunscreen wearing, sit under the big blue umbrella at the beach self. But until then, if you see me heading in to Tucan Tans, just know that I am ashamed of my vanity and don't laugh at me to my face! Although if I see you I will probably be laughing at myself!
The crazy things I get myself into...........

Friday, March 25, 2011

It has been too long...

I have thought of 100 things to blog about, each was quickly accompanied by a much more pressing task. It is sad that I am too busy to blog. S.A.D.
My thoughts in a nutshell.....
~ I am crazy nervous about finishing up this semester. Still LOTS to do. I have felt behind the entire semester and my nerves have made a muscle in my stomach twitch. I can tell how worried I am by how much the twitching is bugging me. SAD
~ I am crazy sore from all this running! 4 weeks ago, I thought I would face-plant into the asphalt trying to run 60 seconds. Last night I ran 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 3 minutes, 5 minutes and actually enjoyed it. I am glad I like running (well, as much as iI can 'like' exercise). I just wish my body would cooperate a little more. I think I am beginning to show my age. SAD
~ I am crazy tired - umm cause I am..... I do way too much in a week. SAD

In all the crazy - I am learning sooooo much. So much about history. So much about life. So much about the kind of person I want to be...
My daily struggle is to stay in the 'working for the future' zone required to get through school at an accelerated pace while learning to live in the moment, as not to miss these precious years in my children's lives. I will never get these years back. So as much as I feel compelled to live for tomorrow - I am determined to live for today!

As much as I freak out - I LOVE school! I love being in a classroom soaking up all kinds of knowledge. I love, love, love learning new things. The whole process is incredible to me.
And more than I love school, I love 11 and 6 year old little girls. They are sweet and sassy. They are precious and smelly. They are amazing and messy. I enjoy my children now more than I ever have. Daily they teach me things, make me think, and surprise me with their ability to love their crazy old momma.

Yes, my life has had to wrap completely around being a student, teacher, wife, and mother. Yes, there is no room for anything else right now (not even blogging). Yes, it is crazy. Yes, it is hard. Yes, I am happier than I have ever been.

I think it isn't so sad after all!

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

My Alaynah

Alaynah,
    I cannot believe that you turned 11 today. It seems like only yesterday I held you for in my arms for the very first time. You have always been God's grace to me. As I reflect back on how God has used your precious life to impact mine I am overwhelmed by just how good God is.
   Because I got pregnant at 17, things could have turned out very differently for me - but there was you to consider. God was able to use your sweet life to get ahold of my attention and to capture my heart for Himself. It was the news that you were coming that made me make the decision that I would follow Christ not just in word but also in deed. Your little barely detectible heartbeat was the courage I needed to stop trying to gain the attention and approval of my peers and to search hard after God.
   I can remember asking your mymom if it would be okay to pray for you. I was so scared that I had messed things up beyond repair - but there was you to remember. No one will ever be able to say that you were a consequence of my poor choices. You were the grace God gave me to allow me to endure the consequences of my sin and to make better choices. While God was knitting you together in my womb he was knitting my heart back together. You are a beautiful representation of what a beautiful thing God can make out of a broken young girl who wanted to be made whole again.
   I prayed for you every single day that I knew I was pregnant. I prayed that you would come to know Christ at an early age and that you would love Him with all of your heart. When you started talking about asking Jesus in your heart when you were 4, I shouldn't have been shocked. God was teaching me that He was a God that answers prayers through you. I continue to pray that your love for Jesus will be the strongest force in your life. He so faithful. He didn't give me what I deserved - He gave me you.
   You have taught me to have compassion for others with your endless striving to defend the outcasts. You have shown so much strength of character when faced with any obstacle. You amaze me: You are so strong and determined that I know you can do anything you decide to do yet still so tender that your heart breaks for a friend that is hurting. You are so wise beyond your years. I know that God is sculpting you into a beautiful vessel that will display His splendor.
   I can't begin to imagine what God has in store for you. I will continue to pray that you always love God more than anything else in your life. I pray that He is your greatest passion. I know that in the blink of an eye you will be grown. I want to cherish the days I still have with you under my roof. You are such a precious gift from God and I know that He will continue to change me as he continues to grow you. I couldn't possibly be more proud of the little lady you have become. The day I found out I was pregnant you captured my heart - you and your sister will always have it.
I love you sweet girl. Happy 11th Birthday.
Momma


I will praise Him for you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are His works and that my soul knows very well.  ~ Ps. 139:14

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Freak Out

Well, my life has taken quite a turn toward crazy. I was so excited to get back in the swing of things with school, I completely forgot about how hard it is to keep things running smoothly in our house when I'm in school. Layer that with the fact that this semester is going to be H.A.R.D!!!!!!!!! Not 'I will have to spend a few extra hours a week studying' hard - more like 'I will be lucky if I survive this' hard. Getting a degree in history at Georgia College is no joke. I added up all the papers I will be required to write this semester - 108 pages! I have approx. 300 pages of outside reading to complete each week and I must be completing LOTS of research for the 10, 15, and 20 page final papers that will be due at the end of the semester. I have been introduced to the world of primary sources, which are found in archives all over the state that I will need to visit. Oh, and I now know where all 159 counties in Georgia can be located on a map.
Yeah, it's that kind of hard.
So if you see me pulling my hair out or hear me talking randomly to myself in the near future - just pity me.
Andy preached from 2 Col. 2 last Sunday and talked a lot about Christ being the fullness of God. He also shared about being made perfect in Him. At the time it was written perfect meant whole or complete. What I needed to hear from the message was that in Christ, God has supplied everything I need to be complete for the tasks He sets before me. I now that this is what I am supposed to be doing. I will need to keep this thought ever before me: Where I can't do it - God can.
I have already fought back and forth all week that there was no way I could possibly keep up with my full time job, full time school load, and full time family. I am right. I can't. But in Christ, I can claim the fullness of God to fill in where I lack, to make me wholly able.
I'm not saying it will be pretty. I am actually pretty sure it is going to get real ugly. I just know that come what may, in the end, I will be able to look back and see the mighty hand of God all over the thing.

If you think about it, please pray for me to have a sharpened focus on whatever task is before me. Pray that I will be able to quiet the swirling in my head that is reminding me of what I need to complete, so I will be able to complete what is in front of me. Pray for Jason and the girls because I will be spending many, many hours at the library.

But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you. For my power is made perfect in weakness". Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
Jeremiah 33:3

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

I Love School!

I love school!
I know that this fact alone puts me in a vast minority. But I don't care - I love it!
I have been anticipating getting back to 'normal' for months now. Being in classes really does feel normal to me.
Jason and I were talking yesterday about my crazy love of college and how I passionately want to teach at a college and how those things contrasted the fact that anyone who knows me, knows that I don't really like college students. I catch myself saying it all the time! As I have pondered this tidbit today I came to a stark realization: I really like college students when they are attending classes. It is all the other behavior that makes me nuts! But I can't really blame them because what else do they have to do outside of classes but to get obsessed with their social lives or their bodies or their hair or whatever. I mean, think about how much time I spend working (40 hours a week) plus being a wife and mommy (every other spare second). What do college students have to fill their lives - themselves and their friends! No wonder... This revelation has brought me so much peace as I began classes today. For me it is always more about understanding behavior than the actual behavior itself.
So, back to why I do like college students:
1. The must consume at least 3 gallons of water a day. Everyone on campus had a bottle of water in their hand.
2. They are quick to walk anywhere. They aren't in the habit of driving everywhere they go. If it is in walking distance, and sometimes when it isn't, they just go!
3. Speaking of extra walking- they are not so caught up in being so efficient that they get bent out of shape about walking somewhere else when they get there or walking back to where they just came from to accompany a friend. I like that!
4. They wear sensible shoes. I'm sure it has a lot to do with the walking. Unlike me who wore boots with heals because I was worried about the ice today (My only boots happen to have heals- I thought it wouldn't be that bad- I was incorrect). I am jumping on this band-wagon.
5. They can appreciate a good pair of jeans. And they will wear them and wear them and wear them. I am just jealous.
6. They actually are extending a good bit of respect to the professor by turning their phones on silent and not touching them for 75 minutes. The generation that I tend to share a classroom with is a plugged-in generation. They are rarely unplugged from every move of every friend. It is effort for them to unplug and give someone their full attention. I was pleasantly surprised to not see a single phone out during a single class.
7. When it comes to finding your class or making sure they are in the right room - they just ask until someone knows the answer. They don't let self-consciousness or fear keep them from being in the right place. Not to mention, they are quick to announce the information they have discovered to anyone who will listen!
8. Things I think I have known forever can be brand new information to them. Second only to learning something for the first time myself, I adore watching it happen to someone else.
9. They create this whole other little world while on campus. I have a feeling it is because of the tendency for the world to revolve around you when you are in college, but it is cool. I like most the fact that I get to be a close observer and a small part of it all at the same time.

Anyway, all of my babbling to say: I love school! I feel normal and at home in a classroom. I count it a great privilege to sit in a lecture and listen to someone unfold an idea that is totally new to me. That kind of learning is one of my favorite things in the whole world. It happened tonight during my Era of Segregation class. It made my heart beat really hard and had me sitting on the edge of my chair the rest of the class. It is my kind of high. Lucky for me, I don't know anything yet!
It is going to be a challenging quarter seeing as how 3 of my 4 classes double as graduate classes, but I am so ready to take on the challenge!
I love school!

Monday, January 10, 2011

Books For Sale!!!!!!!!!! (and DVD's too)

In my countdown of new years' resolutions I mentioned that I am selling my books. I sold 5 this week alone on half.com!!! Several people asked me about looking at them and potentially getting some for themselves! So, I am attaching a list with the prices I have for half.com. I will also ship items. It costs about $2.60 to mail a book so I'll split the cost with anyone who wants me to mail books or DVD's. Just let me know if you are interested.... Thanks for helping me de-clutter and keep one of my resolutions!!!



Condition
Master Your Metabolism Jillian Michaels (Biggest Loser) (Hardcover, 2009)
Like New
11.75
Promise Me Tomorrow: Lori Wick (Book, 1997)
Acceptable
1.75
Date Night in a Minivan: Lorilee Craker (Paperback, 2008)
Like New

5.75
So Long, Insecurity: Beth Moore (Hardcover, 2010)
Like New

13.99
Simplify Your Time: Marcia Ramsland (Paperback, 2006)
Like New

4.75
The Brushstroke Legacy: Lauraine Snelling (Paperback, 2007)
Comments: Large Print. Book was dropped in water, but still is a great read.
Acceptable
1.75
Confessions of a Good Christian Girl: Anne Christian Buchanan (Hardcover, 2007)
Like New

7.75
Bringing Up Kids Without Tearing Them Down: Kevin Leman (Hardcover, 1993)
Good

4.75
She Calls Me Daddy: Robert Wolgemuth (Paperback, 1996)
Very Good
4.75
The Strong-Willed Wife: Debbie L. Cherry (Paperback, 2007)

Like New

8.75
Voices Of The Faithful: Beth Moore (Hardcover, 2005)
Like New

9.99
The Biggest Loser Complete Calorie Counter: Biggest Loser Experts And Cast (Paperback, 2006)
Like New

5.75
The Frazzled Female: Cindi Wood (Hardcover, 2008)

Like New

6.75
Every Day With God: Doris Nichols (Hardcover, 1990)

Very Good

4.75
God Works the Night Shift: Ron Mehl (Hardcover, 1994)

Like New

5.75
Becoming a Student of God's Word: Max Lucado (Other, 2007)
Like New

7.75
Finding Strength for Your Struggles: Max Lucado (Other, 2007) Comments: CD Included

Like New

7.75
Intimate Issues: Linda Dillow (Hardcover, 1999)
Like New

7.75
A Voice in the Wind: Francine Rivers (Paperback, 1993)
Very Good

5.75
Eyes to See (Hardcover, 2008)

Like New

4.75
Called And Accountable: Henry T. Blackaby (Hardcover, 2007)
Like New

7.75
Winning by Losing: Jillian Michaels (Paperback, 2007)
Good
5.75
Generational Legacy: Dan LeLaCheur (Book, 1994)
Like New

3.99
Your God Is Too Safe: Mark Aldham Buchanan (Paperback, 2001) Comments: Something has gotten on the bottom-side edges of some of the pages and a
Acceptable
3.75
Power Of A Praying Wife: Stormie Omartian (Hardcover, 2003)
Like New
4.75

The Prince: Francine Rivers (Hardcover, 2005)

Like New

6.75
Making The Cut (Paperback, 2008)
Comments: No wear and tear on book, however, something dripped on first few pages
Like New

9.75
Lies Women Believe: Nancy Leigh Demoss (Paperback, 2006)
Like New

6.99
Quick Scripture Reference for Counseling Youth: Keith R. Miller (Hardcover, 2006)
Like New

6.00
The Virtuous Woman: Vicki Courtney (Hardcover, 2004)
Very Good

7.99
My Heart's Desire: David Jeremiah (Hardcover, 2002)

Like New

4.75
You Have What It Takes (Paperback, 2007)

Like New

4.00
Every Man's Marriage Workbook: Fred Stoeker (Paperback, 2003)

Like New
5.00
Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook: Nancy Gagliardi (Book, 1998)
Like New

9.99
Wolfgang Puck Makes It Easy: Martha Rose Shulman (Hardcover, 2004)
Like New

9.99
What's Cooking Low Fat: Kathryn Hawkins (Hardcover, 1998)
Brand New

9.99
The Financial Peace Planner (Paperback, 1998)

Very Good

7.75
Signing Made Easy: Mickey Flodin (Paperback, 1989)
Like New

8.75
The Complete Guide to Contracting Your Home: Dave McGuerty (Paperback, 1997)
Very Good

8.75
Lowes Complete Home Decorating: Lowe's (Firm) (Hardcover, 2004)
Like New

14.95
A Beautiful Offering (Paperback, 2006)
Like New

6.75
Do You Think I'm Beautiful?: Angela Thomas (Paperback, 2005)
Like New

6.75
Jesus: Grant R. Jeffrey (Paperback, 1999)
Like New


4.75
Velvet Elvis: Rob Bell (Paperback, 2006)
Like New

6.00
Women Helping Women (Paperback, 1997)
Good

7.75
Leading from Your Strengths: Cox Trent (Hardcover, 2004)
Like New

5.00
The Excellent Wife (Paperback, 1996)
Like New

6.75
An Echo in the Darkness (Paperback, 1994)
Very Good

8.75
A Jewel in His Crown: Priscilla Shirer (Paperback, 2004)
Like New
6.75
90 Minutes in Heaven (Paperback, 2004)
Very Good
4.75


DVD's 

Extraordinary Faith DVD Lessons – Sheila Walsh – Includes Study Guide with highlighting and a little writing. $5.00



Like New


5
Like New
5
Bounce (DVD, 2001, 2-Disc Set): Ben Affleck (DVD, 2001)
Very Good
5
Like New
5
Sweet Home Alabama (DVD, 2003): Reese Witherspoon (DVD, 2003)
Like New
5
Like New
7.75
Like New
5
Tarzan (DVD, 2000): Tony Goldwyn (DVD, 2000)

Good
5
The Three Musketeers (DVD, 1999): Kiefer Sutherland (DVD, 1999)

Like New
5
Like New
9.75

Like New
5

Like New
5
Like New
5
Like New
7.75
Brand New
9.95
Like New
6.75
Goal! The Dream Begins (DVD, 2006): Kuno Becker (DVD, 2006)
Like New
5.75
Like New
12.75
Like New
9.75

Like New
5
Like New
7.75
Dawson's Creek: Series Finale (DVD, 2003): James Van Der Beek (DVD, 2003)
Like New
5
Brand New
10

Like New
12.75
Erin Brockovich (DVD, 2000): Julia Roberts (DVD, 2000)
Like New

4
Good

3
The Wedding Planner (DVD, 2001): Jennifer Lopez (DVD, 2001)
Very Good

5
The Day After Tomorrow (DVD, 2004): Dennis Quaid (DVD, 2004)
Very Good

5
Ocean's Eleven (DVD, 2002, Widescreen): George Clooney (DVD, 2002)
Good

3
Brand New
4.00

Like New




5.00