tHe thOuGht SpOt....................

[[ floored ]]

2012-03-08T18:36:00.000-06:00

[my little pocket bible]

So I've been really convicted lately...
How often do we as Christians open our Bibles?

I know personally a lot of times I'll go to church, soak the message in, go home and place my bible on my nightstand... and there it will sit... until the following Sunday.
I have a little pocket bible that I keep in my car and will usually read on lunch breaks or what have you... But I never have the time to really dig into what I'm reading... So it's not quality time in the word.
I mean if the Bible is God's guidebook and love letter to us... I really need to make it more of a priority. It's really hypocritical for me to go around talking about how Christians should be living when I myself am not taking part in one of the most foundational parts of Christianity.

Why is reading the Bible so dang important? [i ask myself this question sometimes] Well besides the fact that God desires us to be filling our hearts and minds with it... It helps keep our thoughts on things above, keeps our attitudes in line with where they should be. It's packed with truths that no matter how many times we've read them, they can always teach us and grow is into more of a picture of what a Christ follower should look like. The Bible is the best way to get to know the God we love and serve...
It's *The Stuff*...

So I ask myself all the time how I find it so easy to not open it for days...
It's definitely a discipline you have to keep yourself doing.
Life finds ways to "excuse" it away... Things like work, social life, day to day processes.... All things that are good and for the most part completely necessary. But how much more vital is reading the word on a daily basis?
I think it's easier to excuse because there isn't an immediate consequence that comes from not doing it... I mean, if you don't go to work you get fired and don't have an income.... immediate impact.
Not spending time in the bible [and prayer too] is more like the affects on a friendship... If you don't make an effort to spend time with a friend listening and talking with them, you lose closeness and eventually you're just polite acquaintances... I think it's basically the same with God.... even though not an immediate impact, it's a gradual one that will leave you wrecked in the end.
I often times get floored by the fact that I should have a closer relationship with Christ and be more in love with Him than I am my husband... In just the same way that going a day not talking to Barry makes me feel empty inside - going a day not spending time with my savior should be even more unbearable. Man... what would that look like?

What do you peeps think about all of this? Should reading your bible come naturally? Is it something you feel needs to be a daily thing or is less time just as good? I'm curious to other people's thoughts on this...
It's an age old issue, but I'm sure just as many people struggle with it currently... i know i do.

[[ Thank the good Lord for grace ]]

"tales of the cleaning lady"

2012-03-07T19:49:00.000-06:00

I want to write a book. Compiling all the tales and insane happenings of my life as a housekeeper.
It would be like one of those books that divulge a bunch of past Hollywood secrets... Though "dirty" in a totally different way.

I could tell you how I've cleaned places where I've had to leave my equipment at the door, cause there is no space on the floor that isn't covered with crap.

Or speaking of crap... I've stepped in more pee puddles and vomit than I care to say. It was right in the open and the client just left it there knowing I'd be coming. Seriously?

And if we're getting serious... I've had a client tell me that kids are a terrible idea, to wait as long as possible to start a family cause you lose your life when you do. The kicker? She was holding her sweet baby and her six year old was standing right next to her.
Ya. I wanted to kidnap her children right then and save them from such a crazy woman.

Crazy you say?
How about someone who follows you room to room watching you like a hawk while cleaning. Talk about nerve wracking. Or having someone ask you to re-vacuum carpet because it's fuzzy. ...ha. I wanted to laugh so badly.

Another time I laughed pretty heartily was when I started finding different sized panties stuffed in places the single male client apparently thought no one would look. Or the time i realized i was cleaning a couple's sex and wine apartment. Then instead of laughing, I became a bit grossed out and started cleaning even more thoroughly.... Haha... It's still pretty funny though.

Oh! And pairing bathrooms with grossness... How's about the time I discovered that if left long enough in the right amounts, urine can actually form chunks. Yes you read that right. Most horrifying moment of my life.

I would probably dedicate an entire chapter to what I find in and on child's rooms toilets and trash cans. Lollipops. Bubblegum. Inside out soiled diapers [ya... I cried]. You name it... I've probably seen it.

Life as a housekeeper isn't all crazy stories though... I've been blessed with a pretty amazing lot of clients I see every week. They [force] feed me breakfast, ask me for homeschooling advice [no idea why], laugh and joke around with me, encourage me in other pursuits by feeding me info that they have a vast knowledge of, want to know about my life, send me home with treats, tell me how much they appreciate me, show that appreciation by tipping me well... Etc.

I've also learned a lot... Everything from the quickest way to clean a bathtub to how I want to raise my kids in certain aspects of life.... Holy cow.
Actually let's not get me started on that one... There are a lot of rabbit trails that spin off from that subject!

Yep...I really need to write a book or make a regular blog posting "tales of the cleaning lady". Haha
What do you think? Would anyone read it?

what doesn't kill ya

2012-03-04T14:15:00.000-06:00

Ok! Big big news update on my 'getting healthy' update TBA in a moment!

This week we all chose another thing to cut out of our diets... i chose cereal which was good because we still had another box of fruit loops in the house - that i would've consumed all by myself seeing as barry was gone most of the week. Cereal being my go to late night snack, i figured without being able to eat that, i would find something else to fill it's place this week. Surprisingly it just cut out a lot of my late night snacking all together [which has inspired this weeks challenge of no late night snacks]. I actually slept a lot better without having to fight off the energy that food gives for a few hours and welll.......
THE BIG NEWS:
I lost 6 pounds in the past week and a half! SIX POUNDS! WOOP WOOP!
The first few pounds have always been the most difficult for me to lose when i've had to lose weight in the past... I think it's because until i see that number going down i feel that i'm accomplishing nothing and i might as well not be changing my habits. So it was super encouraging when on a whim i hopped on the scale the other day and saw a number i haven't seen in quite a while. [i lost a lot of weight when i was sick a couple months ago... but that wasn't legit - it came right back]

So i'm excited.... knowing that what i'm doing is working is going to inspire me to work even harder... eat healthier and do workouts i know are going to make me sore in the morning. haha
DUDE. yesterday i did 'plank pushups' [as well as regular pushups] and started feeling the burn before the end of the night and sitting in church today i was so sore i didn't know how to hold myself. haha
it's the good sort of pain though! it's the kind of pain that pushes me to keep doing it! Like i really want to get in my workout clothes and start sweating right now!

So ya... super encouraged right now! Hoping it'll get me through the next challenge which is probably going to be one of the more difficult ones for all involved!

late is better than never

2012-02-28T20:18:00.001-06:00

Hey guys! So sorry i didn't post! This past weekend was kinda crazy [crazy fun... but still crazy] and I completely spaced on this.
So our challenge last week was to cut something out of our diets [that wasn't good for us/we eat a lot of]. I chose chocolate......

ONE OF THE MOST MISGUIDED DECISIONS OF MY LIFE

I thought, 'hey, cutting out ONE thing shouldn't be that hard'. Oh how wrong i was... because chocolate isn't just ONE thing.... it's ONE thing that is in EVERYthing. It dragged on to be one of the more difficult weeks of my life. ha[you think i'm joking]ha[but i'm not]ha.

I made it through.... i was a bit of a crazy person most of the week. But right down until the 168th hour finishing my 'technical' week, i didn't touch chocolate. The second after the week was over I consumed a handful of the nearest chocolate [dark chocolate covered espresso beans]. A craving has never been so satisfied as in that moment. I kid you not. I'm really glad that week is over.

It was good though... it helped me realize i still have the self control i though i'd lost. This week I'm going without cereal [i eat an embarrassing amount of the sweet stuff, late at night].... it's proving to be a lot easier than last week because cereal is just cereal... it's not really a part of anything else. We also upped our working out to 4 times a week which is gonna be good, i can tell! I'm loving having our accountability group! It's keeping me on top of things!

ok.... well until next week :)

Livin' it up! [the good sort of TO DO list!]

2012-02-25T17:15:00.001-06:00

In my first post of the year I said i was going to start living it up! I've since been working on a list of things I want to do at some point this year. I don't know if it'll be possible to cross them all of the list... but I want to try! Some of them I've done and just really want to experience them again and some i'd be doing for the first time...

* Go on a real life camping adventure.... like out in the woods with a tent and no toilet. haha. I know I seem a little too girly for anyone to take me seriously.... but it's something I've always wanted to do! I think it would be a fun weekend trip... we've got the tent and chairs.... we're half way set already!

* Cliff jumping! This is a summer tradition in my mind... it has to be done once a year for me to keep my adventurous card up to date! It scares the pee out of me every time, but i love it!

* Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Chicago is just a fun place to visit every once in a while anyway with the hustle and bustle of a big city and all. But this museum is the real deal! We got there late in the day when we went on our last trip and didn't get to take our time and enjoy everything.... i want to spend an entire day there! It's such a fun place!

* Kentucky Cave Exploring! I'm kind of scared... but I really want to see what all the hype is about going into a dark tunnel that can box you underground if a random shift in the earth decides to happen! haha.

* 4 Wheeling excursion! I've wanted to get on the back of one of those suckers and go as fast as i can since i was in middle school, but was never allowed [probably a good thing after my first experience behind a go-kart wheel]. I don't even mind getting muddy.... i would have a blast!

* Renovate the Landscaping in my yard. Gardening is my thing. I'm terrible at remembering to water things.... but give me shovels, bags of dirt and manure, flowers, shrubs, and I'll be set for hours with a smile on my face!

* Riverfront Walk Downtown. Something as a 2 year resident I should've already seen and walked down.... but it's never too late to do it, right?

* Michigan Dunes! I have great memories from climbing the Sleeping Bear Dunes.... I want to do it again and spend a day chilling on the lake :)

* Rappelling Trip! I've done it once and have wanted to go back ever since and for whatever reason it keeps not happening. The hike up is exhausting and the actual taking that first step over the cliff edge is the most terrifying experience I've ever had.... but it's worth it once you're suspended in midair!

* Community Involvement. It feels very weird that I don't know the kids in my own neighborhood. I drive over to the Vine Hill community and recognize almost every other person I see and in the actual gated community I have kids swarm my vehicle within moments of entering. I want to know the people in my own community too - parents and children alike. I want to be a person and have the home that people who need help know that they can come to and receive it.

* Gatlinburg! I love everything about this place besides the constant traffic jams. I want to get a cabin and spend time hiking in the woods that our engagement pictures were taken in! So many good memories!

So ya... I've got to get going and do some of these things soon! I'll probably add more to this list as the year goes on though! haha
If you'd like to hook a sister up and help make these possible, let me know! Heck, if you want to join in on a couple, that'd be cool too ;)

Do YA'LL have a 'to-do' list for the year?

Craftalicious

2012-02-19T23:47:00.000-06:00

I love all things crafty! I love getting to make some beautiful out of something plain. I love the sense of accomplishment and creativity that comes with finishing a project. I love placing said project in the hands of someone i love or placing it in my own home. I love showing off such crafty projects as well! Tonight I finished up two projects and did another complete one. let me show them off :)

My in laws gave me this shelf a few months ago. The color of the wood stain didn't go with any room in my house... so I went to the good ol' Hobby Lobby and got a can of metallic spray paint to coat it with. I did this over a month ago. haha Tonight I went to Home Depot and got the proper hardware [sawtooth hangers... so proud that i figured that out on my own!] to nail in the back of the shelf so I could mount it on the wall. I rearranged my kitchen just a bit so that I could hang it against my pretty red wall. I LOVE IT! It also was the perfect size for the canvas that Brent and Angie got us for Christmas!

After that I hammered some more of those sawtooth hangers into the back of my necklace hanger [which I made from a 2x4, some pretty knobs, and a cool painting method about a month ago] and hung it in the perfect spot by my dresser! I adore it... and now my necklaces don't get tangled!

Lastly I went to work on the necklace I've been wanting to put together for a while now. I got the main piece and chain from Hobby Lobby. It came with a plastic piece in front [so you can fill it with trinkets] but i had to super glue it in... as well as the back piece which you'd think would already be attached, but i guess it's to give you something to do, other than attaching it to a chain. haha. I had been putting it off because i had no idea what to fill it with and then realized i have an entire jar full of pretty buttons i've collected since i was in high school... so i put a bunch of those and some beads in and vwalah! It's gorgeous! I can't wait to wear it! and I made it for less than $10... a steal compared to what the going rate on etsy is for similar pieces!

Yep! I had fun today! Crafting is one of my favorite things to do on a day off! I'd be happy doing it for a living!
What about all of you? What hobby do you wish you could make a living at?

Chocolate-less

2012-02-19T20:08:00.002-06:00

So this accountability partnership is working out fantastically! We've all stuck to our goals so far. In addition to our just drinking water challenge, we added the challenge of making sure we get 5 fruits and veggies in our diet each day this week... not only getting more nutrition in our diets, but hopefully replacing some of the junk we three girls eat a lot of. We all did a great job of getting those in this week! Just like the water challenge, we're going to keep the 5-a-day in effect [is it affect or effect... i seriously have no idea] this week. The new challenge is to eliminate something from each of our diets. I chose chocolate for this week.....

Source

Dude. I eat a lot of chocolate. in candy. in baked goods. in nutella. in EVERYthing. it have no control.
It could be the end of me, just like the kid in Charlie and Chocolate Factory, if i don't do something to stop myself! So it will be interesting to see how this week goes.... haha. it'll be really good though!

I'm steadily being able to do a hard workout without feeling like i'm going to pass out.... it's starting to be something i'm excited about than just wanting to get it over with... i think the endorphins have something to do with that! haha
Oh and last time i checked i had lost almost 2 pounds [like 2 oz shy i think]!! woop woop! Hopefully that stayed off and wasn't just a 'light moment' of the day! I'll have to check tomorrow :)

My Dream Job

2012-02-18T23:19:00.000-06:00

Everybody has one, right?
Mine isn't what society would probably call a job - but it's as much of a job as anything else. You're working to accomplish things... working towards a goal - that's what you're doing when you go to work right? The only difference with my dream job, is you don't get paid.

Work from / Stay at Home Wife & Mom

That's what I want. I was reminded just how much this week, when I had the day off work on Wednesday and accomplished things I haven't been able to do for [literally] weeks, get a home cooked meal and dessert made, worked out, cleaned house and did laundry... amongst many other things.
My desire isn't a lazy excuse to get out of a 'real job'. I want it so i can be doing the things I know my heart is in completely. I want to make our house more and more of a home, not for our sole benefit.. but to bless those in need as well as friends and family. It sounds silly, but i want time to grocery shop with a purpose - to make healthy and delish meals for my husband and me [and eventual kids] and do it while saving money. I want to take care of things that need fixing and do them well. To be the lady who the neighborhood kids can come to for cookies or if they need a safe place to be. I want to know our budget and bills inside and out - to feel confident that i can take care of things when barry is unable to for whatever reason. I want to keep our house clean and tidy. I want time to go and learn things and do things - audit photography classes, volunteer in my community, get involved in church... the list goes on.
I want to start my own 'crafty' business and have photography gigs going. I wouldn't even mind having a couple houses to clean on my own. But i want to be pouring love into lives and warmth into my home full time, rather than working day in and day out full time.
I want it now.... not later..... and most of the sense of urgency is because I want to be at home when we start having kids. I don't want to be a mom that isn't 100% dedicated to the things that matter most. But i also want it to start soon because i'm tired of feeling like i'm just working towards a paycheck. Working towards a happy home and family is way more important to me.
Homemaker = making a home..... that's what i want to be doing.

Gosh. I want all of those things more than anything else.... but i can't do it while working a full time, rather physically draining job, where my time is not my own, my energy not able to be devoted where my heart is.

It's super frustrating watching women who have this opportunity just squander it away. They use it as an excuse to sleep in til noon everyday and then sit around on their butts watching their soap operas or playing on their computers. I've seen some who have children and hire full time nannies so that they don't have to deal with their own kids and hire cleaners to clean up after their lazy selves. It infuriates me every time I hear about or see it happening. They obviously don't fully appreciate the good thing they have.

... ug. I feel like this post isn't communicating all the emotions and feelings i have about this matter.... for some reason i can't quite seem to fully explain how important this is to me. I could tell you i cry a lot because i so badly want it... but then I'd probably just sound like a whiny person who doesn't want to work..... but that's not my heart at all. Being a homemaker is where i find some of the highest amounts of joy in my life. I love fixing dinner for my husband. I love cleaning up the house for guests. I love painting a room or getting new decor to make a cheerier environment. I love creating a welcoming space for loved ones and strangers alike. I love it. I want more time to do it. I love taking pictures. I need more time in the day to learn how to better myself in that area. I have so many things i would love to use photography in- the biggest being i want to find ways to use it to minister to people.

*sigh*
Some friends and I were talking today about where we want our lives to go, how we don't know how to get there, that we don't want we want, or that we're frustrated we can't get there..... and everything in between... it's frustrating trying to figure all that stuff out. Now that i have an idea of what i want and not being able to do it... well that's even more frustrating.
I guess it's part of learning to live in contentment and trust in God's plan..... I know He's got one. I know His plan is far better than any I could make or hope for.... it somehow doesn't make it any less hard.

"Here's to 78 more years!"

2012-02-13T23:58:00.000-06:00

Two years ago, I became Mrs Emily MacDonald. That weekend sped by faster than any other in my life...

The night before our wedding, we were surrounded by hosts of friends and family at our rehearsal events. The whole thing felt sort of surreal... I think it was the first time it had really hit me that my life was about to change dramatically. I was about to leave the only home I ever knew... about to be without all the ones that made up my support system, my life.
The rehearsal went by seamlessly... I remember vividly my Pastor starting off with prayer and backing barry and i up... which created a sense of calm. I remember all the groomsmen and bridesmaids meeting [most for the first time]. I remember my dad and I practicing our walk and he cracking me up because he wanted to make sure he was 'doing it right'.
Dinner with all of the laughing and final conversations for a while with the ones i love most, came and went. Barry and I managed to sneak away for a little while for a bit of time to be together before all the hustle of the next day came. I left him and most of our wedding party at our dear friends the Wade's home and drove to the place I called home for that last night.
I can't remember everything that went through my head on that familiar 40 minute drive but i remember singing and praying and God just wiping every bit of anxiousness away. The only reason i didn't sleep a lot that night is because i was so excited for what was to come!

The sun woke me through the little slits in my floor length blinds that morning... instantly placing a smile on my face that wouldn't leave the rest of the day. I remember thinking i was getting ready to start a new adventure while i packed the rest of my belongings away in my car...

The morning hours flew by as my closest friends and I had our hair curled, pinned, waved, put up, let down and we did our faces up. I couldn't have wished for better company that morning - my mom was walking on cloud nine all morning, helping keep everything going.... every one of my bridesmaids and all those helping were as chill, helpful, calming, and excitable as my heart needed.
All of our formal pictures were taken before the ceremony and even though they seemed to take ages, it reminded me of just how many people we had standing by us that day and always.

Finally it was time...
We were all lined up and waiting to go... my dad was calming my nerves by being more nervous about walking than I was - a memory i will forever cherish. As soon as we started walking and I saw Barry waiting for me.... every bit of self consciousness disintegrated. All i could think about was how badly i wanted to get up there and feel his hand in mine. The smile on my face only grew bigger as the ceremony went on.... even when i saw the tears well up in barry's eyes and then felt them in mine while sharing our vows. I couldn't help but smile. Everything was right. It was perfect. I was my sweetheart's wife!

The reception was just as perfect as the ceremony.... completely chill. The food was delish - the dancing a blast! It flew by all too quickly!

But driving home with my HUSBAND at the end of the festivities - that was the best part of the whole day in my mind! We got 5 solid hours of being just us, together... driving home - to OUR home!

Two years later I can honestly and happily say that I'm more in love with him than ever. I'd rather hang out with him doing nothing, than do something with anyone else. No one makes me laugh the way he does nor makes me feel more at ease and safe. He's my everything.... truly don't know what I'd do without him.

In the words of my sweetheart - "Here's to 78 more years!"

1st Week Challenge - Completed

2012-02-11T23:48:00.000-06:00

Time for my weekly accountability update! This week's challenge was to just drink water [with a couple minor exceptions]. I can say that besides the two cups of herbal tea I had and the almond milk in my smoothie each morning... water all the way baby! It's already helping my skin clear up... so I think i will just try to keep doing it! All three of us accountability buddies completed our 3 days of 30-45 minutes of cardio workouts! I reeeally didn't want to do it today... but having the accountability of knowing i had other people doing it with me - pushed me forward! It's a pretty great thing, really... :) Now to get ready for bed and get that necessary 8 hours of sleep in tonight!

Superwoman Woes

2012-02-08T21:32:00.000-06:00

Sometimes i like to think of myself as a bit of a superwoman....
In a typical day I wake up at the crack of dawn and can get ready for work [complete with fixing a smoothie, washing dishes in sink, taking a shower, picking up living room a bit] in about 35 minutes before I head out the door for work.
Once at work I have a full day of cleaning every inch of sometimes 5000 sq ft homes - possibly wiping fresh baby poo off trash cans, scrubbing day old cat vomit off of floors, or being in a room that smells of vomit every time i'm there [all real life examples].
After 8 hours of all that draining excitement, my work day ends and my after-work life starts it's evening. In the few hours I have in the evenings, I have to do at least one load of work laundry each night, if not a couple of our own, I clean and keep up my house [let me tell you, i'm thankful i keep up with this - after what i have to deal with at work, cleaning my own home is a cinch!], scrounge up food [I'm extremely blessed I have a very chill, understanding husband who isn't the type to expect a home cooked dinner each night!], I seem to run to the grocery store at least twice a week, I have to manage to fit in a work out three or four times a week, there are time and service commitments that must be fulfilled elsewhere, finding peaceful 'me time', and fitting in some sort of social life with varying people. There is hardly room in there for fitting the little 'endeavors' I dream about working on and accomplishing.
Amongst all of that there are my highest priorities of spending quality time with my husband and the Lord each day!
...All in a matter of a few short hours between getting home from work and being in bed by 10/11pm.

Somehow... i manage... and it makes me feel like a Superhero most days!
But shoot... some days I want a break from it all. I don't want to feel the pressures of 'taking care of business'... of all the so-called 'adult responsibilities' that are required for one to be something in life. I just want to be the goofy, chill, not constantly worrying about things that need to get done girl I actually am under the Cape of required duties and responsibilities I have to put on so often....
I'm not complaining - I realize life isn't all fun and games. I don't mind being a Superwoman in my own little world... like I said, most of the time I enjoy it... just wish I had a few more hours each day to even it all out!

Workin' Out! Workin' Hard!

2012-02-05T18:12:00.000-06:00

So I woke up one day last week and it's like a light switch was flipped. I want to get in serious shape. I want super strength in my arms and legs. I want to feel good and have loads of energy throughout the day [which my job really kinda requires]. I want to sit down and not have a lump where my torso is supposed to be. I want to not only look good in clothes but out of them as well. I want my body to be completely healthy whenever a baby decides to occupy it. God wants us to take care of ourselves.... that right there is reason enough for me to want my body to be as healthy as it can be.
I'm always health conscious... but not to the degree that i used to be and that really irritates me at times. But lately I've been chowing down on donuts and a ridiculous amount of sugary and cheesy things. By the grace of God I haven't gained any weight... but I also haven't gained any muscle in quite possibly a couple years.
I used to be the person to get up early and workout before school/work and then work out again later in the day. I was on swim team with 2-3 practices a day and weight lifting 3x a week in the summer. During the off season i would do every kind of work out you can think of. I had the discipline to not touch sugar and was a healthy eating vegan [opposed to a junk food vegan] for a solid 2 years and a vegetarian for about 2 years after that. Now i'm a nothing. Just another consumer of whatever is put in front of me 75% of the time. GROSS. Not that i have to be a 'brand' of eater..... i just want to make healthier choices and not hesitate saying no if i don't want it in my body. I haven't done that in a long time.... too afraid of hurting people's feelings. DUMB.

So my friends Maggie and Sara and I have made a pact to be 'accountability buddies' of sorts and help one another stick to working out at least 3 times a week and making weekly challenges for healthier eating/living. I'm excited! We've even got a little FB group to help us keep track of our accomplishments. Dorky, though it may seem.... I think it'll help us stick to the accountability a lot better! If you're interested in joining our little accountability group, just lemme know!

Sara came over yesterday morning and we worked it up so hard that the entire living room smelled of sweat and our muscles were getting sore before our work out was even over! It was intense.... but dang! it felt really good afterwards! We took a brisk paced walk around the neighborhood today after church to keep our muscles from seizing over the next couple days.... it feels good to be moving!

I'm gonna do a weekly post to keep me on track and give me even more accountability. I know myself well enough to know that i can slack off at a moment's notice after not disciplining myself in this area of life like i should've been, the past couple years. So keep me accountable bloggin peeps!

A note to my generation about Church going

2012-01-30T22:23:00.000-06:00

So this is a hard post to write.... I've been struggling with writing this for a matter of months to be quite honest....
For two reasons:
One being that I had to make sure that i wasn't just writing this out of frustration or unclear motives...
Two being that i could potentially and almost certainly hurt the feelings of friends & offend people....

But since I've made sure of the former and i know my motives are to only share my heart on this particular matter, hopefully the latter is useless worrying.

Ok. Here we go...

There is a disturbing trend I've been noticing for the past year or so that i have yet to fully understand, but it breaks my heart and in truthfulness makes a little steam start rising depending on the individual situation....

MY GENERATION IS NON-EXISTENT IN THE CHURCH

Barry and I have visited a large number of churches over the past two years since being married and we have yet to meet ONE person our age. There is a huge disconnect - a huge gap stretching from high school to people in their 30's. I thought maybe i was imagining it until last week at church an elder quite literally confirmed my suspicions. The part I can't grasp is I grew up in the church, always surrounded by peers... I personally know a TON of young adult professing Christians.

SO WHERE ARE YOU?

WHEN DID BEING PART OF A CHURCH BECOME OPTIONAL FOR OUR GENERATION?

I'm seriously asking... if you have a good reason, I truly want to hear it - and not so i can judge it, but because I whole-heartedly want to understand WHY. Because I believe the Bible teaches that if you are a professing Christian, you are to be part of a fellowship of believers, leaning on one another, teaching and learning from one another, holding one another accountable, serving one another and others around you as a BODY.

God set the church up.

It IS part of His plan for Christians to be part of a Bible believing/teaching church.

Church isn't really an option.

WHY IS DISSING THE CHURCH SO POPULAR?

I'm not perfect. You're not perfect. The church is not perfect.. Anything to do with mankind will never be perfect. That's part of life ever since Adam and Eve made the choice to go against God's plan. But the church is a place we're to be, a support system we're supposed to have, a body that won't work properly if it doesn't have all it's vital parts. The American church has a huge aching hole right now.... one that our generation needs to step up and fill! God's vision for what the church is supposed to be will be much closer to happening if we as a generation find a Bible believing/teaching church and start going, start serving, start getting involved, start using our gifts and talents to fill gaps, start getting to know people and building relationships with believers in every walk of life.

I have been struggling and struggling to feel like I belonged in a church because of the non-existence of my generation being present. God's shown me that those are the wrong reasons to wait to plant myself somewhere. I do wish and pray for my generation to stop making excuses and stop living a mediocre/moral life and strive to start living by the principles God left us in His word. But i can't wait any longer for my generation to do that... being part of a church family is far too vital to life as a Christian.

Like i said before, i get that the American church is broken, but how is it ever going to mend if we don't step in and start doing what we're supposed to be doing? The church needs us just as much as it need anyone else!

STOP DITCHING+DISSING THE CHURCH AND START HELPING+LOVING THE CHURCH

a constant battle

2012-01-11T17:07:00.000-06:00

Doesn't that look delicious? I tell you it was the best thing i've had to eat in quite some time! And to think i wouldn't have enjoyed such a yummy looking meal if i would've let my silly shy-ness get in the way.

Let me explain.... I am quite possibly the shyest person on the planet when left to myself. I'm the person that wants to use the self-checkouts at grocery stores not due to it being more convenient but that i don't want to make forced conversation with cashiers. I tend to avoid going into places if i can use a drive-thru [only have to deal with one person then]. If I'm by myself, i rarely go anywhere i haven't gone before.....
I'm just a BIT ridiculous, huh?

Those have always been my natural tendencies. It's something I constantly have to fight against.... most of the time i don't think 'shy' is the right word - i feel like there's got to be a much stronger word that labels my 'condition'. I've gotten a lot better.... but i still almost talked myself into craving something other than greek food since I didn't want to brave a new restaurant on my own. Thankfully i won the argument against my deep-rooted introverted self and tried a new place today and i'm so happy i did. It's close-by, clean, full of happy, friendly staff and was DELISH!

emily - 1 / weird shy condition - 0

Self taught? Not so much.

2012-01-10T22:37:00.000-06:00

So for the most part, I'm a self-taught sort of person. If i want to learn how to do something, I can usually figure it out without having to be taught [at least i think i can] UNLESS it comes to things dealing with technology. When i'm get a new phone every couple years, it takes weeks before i figure everything out. Barry had to teach me every detail of what i wanted to do with my iphone over Christmas break. Anything to do with computer malfunctions, downloading things, learning new programs.... i'm a total loser at figuring out.

Which brings us to the fact that i've been wanting Adobe's Lightroom for editing photos FOR MONTHS! I finally have it and it literally took me FOREVER just to figure out how to upload photos.... and now that i've got that [somewhat] figured out, i've been on it for a solid hour trying to discover the most basic parts of the editing aspect and have gottnen nowhere. It's more than a little frustrating to say the least. I'm not giving up.... but for the sake of my sanity, I'm stopping for the night.

I'm also trying not to covet this:

And the more i try to deal with Lightroom on my own... the more i want the above item from the amazing duo over at Photography Concentrate! But it's another whopping $80.... and that's just not likely for the near future. Thus a break from teaching myself is necessary to not lust over this tutorial [seems silly i know, but such is my state of mind at the moment].

In other news - I started a 365...err 366 photo project blog this year [forgot to tell ya in my last post - sorry]. So far I've posted everyday and am hoping to keep that up for the next 356 days! You should check it out and follow me if you haven't already :)

Well I've developed temporary arthritis in my hand from being on the laptop at a weird angle for the past hour and half... so i'm out!

2012.... let's get started!

2012-01-02T23:28:00.000-06:00

I'm so ready for 2012! I'm not one to make resolutions [i think they're a wee bit silly {sue me} to be honest] but there are some things I'm really looking forward to and get really excited when I think about them!

Barry and I will be married 2 years next month - TWO YEARS! [HOLY COW!!!] As cliche as it is, those two years flew by so fast, it's mind blowing.... and this year we'll be living out our THIRD year of being husband+wife! It's been a blast so far... a bunch of giggling and goofing off and even the difficult things hold good memories in my mind, because we worked through them, matured a little bit, and have a better relationship because of it. I'm excited to see what this year holds in store for us! Last year had a lot of changes and i'm sure this year will have just as many!

This year I'm praying for opportunities to better my photography skills and for the guts to act on them. Because even though I know everyone with a fancy camera has a FB fan page.... i refuse to give up on it just because i don't want to look like 'one of those people' [i'm not going to join those people though... just fyi]. I've already got some cool opportunities in the works for spring - in the meantime i'm just gonna keep trying to learn what i can!

Even though this isn't a concrete thing to look forward to, because who knows if they'll happen.... I'm praying that God leads us to the right church fellowship He wants us at. It's a very difficult thing for me to have gone so long without a church family. I had had the same church family for 9 years and another one during the same duration for 3 years [one of the strange perks of having divorced parents i guess] supporting me, giving me a place to serve, teaching me, loving me - before moving to TN.... and to have gone almost two years without having found that support system. OHMAH.... it's rough on this young soul. Nashville churches/christians swing from such random extremes it's nauseating.... there is nothing attractive about the Bible Belt, I tell ya... but i still believe that somewhere in the mess of it all, there is a place barry and i are supposed to be... so we're gonna keep searching and praying for God to show us where that is! And that's something I'm excited about : )

There are a lot more things I'm excited for in 2012.... one of the few friends I've had since i was a kid just moved to Nashville for the year.... possibly having time to sunbathe this summer... my hair finally growing out the terrible cut from over a year ago... another friend i've known since freshman year of high school is hoping to move down here in the fall... learning new things about life... and one of my closest friends of [ohmysoul] going on 11 years has her first baby! 'Also... i think i'm finally ready to put down roots - I've fought it for awhile because i have {probably always will} a perpetual case of wanderlust.... but this is where God has me for most likely the next 6 years at least.... so I'm gonna start living it up! I can't wait :)

Christmas with Dignity

2011-12-07T21:16:00.000-06:00

You can give Christmas Joy to a needy child this year.....

This is Jeremiah.. or Jay as everyone calls him.

He is the youngest of four kids. They are their mama's whole world.

Raven is the little girl on the left. She loves to talk and talk to whoever will be her friend.

Taurus, the little boy, is her cousin... he will hug and hold on to you until you let go.

Both of their mama's love them to bits and work hard to provide for them.

Keniia [in the back] and Arianna [in the purple] live a few blocks from each other.

they both have some of the most loving parents you'll ever meet.

All of these kids go to Cottage Cove...

A free out-of-school, faith-based program that provides a safe, loving environment for kids

of all ages in and around the Vine Hill community in southern Nashville, TN.

Cottage Cove provides daily homework help, one-on-one tutoring,

extra-curricular classes ranging from music, to sports and daily fun activities such as coloring books, legos games in the back field and playing on the playground.

Cottage Cove is a non-profit organization, therefore solely relies on donations

[as well as volunteers] to keep program running all year round.

NOW TO MY MAIN POINT :)

Cottage Cove has a special program every year for Christmas, called

"Christmas With Dignity"

This program allows not only the parents of the kids involved in CC's daily program

but parent's of children around the community to come to CC and buy toys, coats, bikes, and more for their children at an EXTREMELY low price. This way they don't feel like they are

receiving hand outs, but they are getting what their kids want at prices they can afford.

All of the toys/coats/bikes/other items are donated or money is sent in

for the CC staff to go and bargain hunt for toys.

This year CC is hoping/praying/planning to provide for 231 children.

This is the only way a lot of these kids will see Christmas presents this year.

2 days ago they only had enough coats to provide for 75 kids

and only enough toys to provide for 40 kids

Today they have enough toys and coats to provide for 163 children

Within the next 2 days they need to come up with coats and toys for 68 more children.

68 more kids

So here's what I'm asking.... if you can make a donation of ANYthing

to help make this possible for these sweet kids.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DO SO!

I wouldn't go on and on so much if i truly didn't think this was important - but i've worked with these families and kids and know that Cottage Cove helps bring so much JOY and LOVE into their lives.

Christmas with Dignity is one of the extra special ways CC does that.

You can make a tax-deductible donation through paypal with this link below:

Cottage Cove Donate Link

If that link is down, use the following:

Alternate Donate Link

Sorry for blabbering on so much... but CC's website has been down off and on recently and i didn't want to just give you a link to explain if that link may or may not go somewhere, ya know?

So ya.... just click on the donate link and give a little Christmas Joy to some precious kids!

Thank you so much!

joyful giving

2011-12-05T22:26:00.000-06:00

I love Christmastime! Putting up the tree, decorating, wrapping presents, drinking holiday specials from starbucks, the loads of yummy food that is constantly around, the fact that [even nashville] drivers become a little less annoying, parties, and everything else [besides icy roads] that goes along with Christmas... i just love it! I'm getting more excited and having even more fun this year because God has blessed us with a little extra money... so i'm able to go get fun things for our families and close friends! Barry and I have been having lots of fun deciding what to get everybody and i've enjoyed going out and picking it all up! Can't wait for the looks on the faces of people opening their gifts! :)

Oh! I finally figured out a couple things to get for my [very] un-materialistic hubs - which thrills me, because he is consistently the hardest person to shop for EVERY time! I think it's because he's such an amazing gift giver - that it's almost intimidating every time it's time to exchange gifts with him... but i think i've got some winners this year! Pretty excited! :)

Can you tell that being able to give cool things to the people i love is one of my favorite parts of Christmas? haha.... it is! I absolutely love it!

What is your favorite thing about the holidays?

a thankful heart is a happy heart

2011-11-28T23:50:00.000-06:00

This picture encompasses so much of what i miss about indy... the pretty flat fields, big tall reeds, gorgeous blue sky.... and the tractor is a perfect touch! what i love is that i could find this pretty picture, smack dab in the middle of the city.... it gives indiana a warm touch.... at least that's the way i see it :)

What this picture doesn't have in it are all the people i love....
I got to see quite a few of them this past week over the holiday! It was such a blessing... it patched up a hole that had been getting bigger and aching more in the recent months. I got to spend quality time with my family, go to familiar haunts with friends, had a lunch/photo date with my husband, and got to spend one-on-one time with two of my favorite people to share my heart with!

Going back home [my former home, rather] always causes a whirlwind of emotions to rise up within me. The heart numbing ache for the places and loved ones that hold so much of me, dies down... all the while growing a little bit at the same time - knowing i only ever have a few days to be back in their company.

It's been hard... especially recently. I don't really know why... but it has been.

This trip up though was like a breath of life!

I've been praying day after day for the homesick ache for indy to dissolve and for a stronger attachment to the place in which i live now to grow. It's not something you can force to happen. So i've just kept waiting... probably not as patiently or graciously as i could've... but waiting for it, just the same.

Although not completely dissolved or attached yet..... I can feel the process slowly beginning. It's an incredible feeling... like a burden lifting almost. I have the grace of God and the prayers of many to thank for that i think.... even the prayers that were asking God 'please, give emily peace so we don't have to listen to her down in the dumpness anymore!!!' [i'll take what i can get in times of need. haha]

I have renewed energy for taking part in life down here.... even though i'll have to work through the parts about nashville i can't stand... i know it will be worth it! I already have a handful of amazing friends down here and i've got one of the most wonderful men to call my husband that loves me through it all! : )

All of this to say that I'm a happy camper today... excited for the future!

peeking out

2011-11-14T21:44:00.000-06:00

Ok. I really want to blog... but my heart doesn't feel like opening up and being vulnerable to the web...

[caring friends, intrigued strangers and the couple random stalkers you are]

my heart has just been super emotional and fragile for the past couple weeks

and it doesn't feel like being cracked open for all to see tonight...

I'm watching myself crawl back into the deeply introverted hole I worked at popping my head out of

a few years ago - part of which is wretchedly frustrating, but the other part is oddly comforting.

So I'm just gonna stick here until I feel God prompting me back out again... which i'm sure will be soon.

Until then.... Here are bits of my life in pictures:

*Getting up early has it's perks I've found....

walking out the door to this beauty in the morning helps ease the pain of driving in nashville rush hour!*

*One of two tattoos I'm wanting after a couple more months of army pay....

i've just got to get barry in on it. haha*

BEFORE

FAVORITE DECOR IN OUR BEDROOM

AFTER

*my weekend project: PAINTING OUR BEDROOM!!!!!

I was so excited to get rid of the drabbiness of mismatched coloring / bachelor scuff marked walls!

You can't tell real well in the picture, but it's a light shade of grey... i love it!

it gives it a clean, soothing look when you walk in! I have a couple shelves to paint this coming weekend

to add a little life to the bare walls... and i'm also going to get some artsy stuff up there too!

I'll be sure to post pics of that too! *

*.................no words necessary.................*

*I've been going over old pictures during the time barry and i were first dating and found this one...

I can't believe i don't have this framed somewhere... i love it. It was our first Valentine's together -

the whole 3 hours of it we had, before he had to take off to go prepare for his overseas trip.

This was a little over a month before he popped the question.... I was so head over heels for him....*

[still am head-over-heels...]

desire of the heart

2011-11-07T22:01:00.000-06:00

Ok. so i really like my job! i have a great boss and a super sweet manager! i'm typically smiling on my way to work even though it's way too early in the morning! So ya... i really like my job - more so than i could've imagined possible.

SMILE : )

All that being said..... Even though i'm happy and smiling....
I want to be my own boss again.... so much so, that the thought never leaves my mind - no matter what i'm doing or what conversation i'm a part of - despite any form of distraction/entertainment that i may be involved in.... there's always a live stream of that thought lingering in my brain waves. I'm always asking God for a way... always seeking ideas for how to see it come about and i think my desperation for it to happen comes out in my speech more frequently than i'm sure people care to hear about.... sorry guys : /

I want nothing more than to only work a couple days a week like i used to do and be able to be a stay-at-home wife/someday-mom. Being able to keep my house clean and a welcoming retreat for us and any company that may choose to pop in as well as keep yummy & healthy food available would make me happy than a bird flying in the sunny sky.
I want to put down roots in Nashville... because it doesn't look like we're going anywhere anytime soon. With a full time job... i don't have the opportunity to meet anyone new, take part in anything besides work, church on sundays and the occasional hang out at someone's house. I want MORE... i want to get involved in all sorts of things.... i want to have the time to practice photography and have hobbies!
I want the FREEDOM that comes with being my own boss... the fact that i could nurture close friendships and form new bonds... that i could find time to meet up for coffee and minister to someone who is hurting... i could get involved in the community projects going on... i could expand my knowledge on the things i'm interested in... i could have more daylight hours to do what i want with. I miss that FREEDOM.

It's extremely frustrating having had all these things at one time and now not being able to.

I've had more than one person tell me that working full time is just a fact of life and i have to learn to deal.... and who knows - maybe that is what God wants from me from this point on [if not forever... obviously right now].... but i'm still going to hold out hope. Because my personality is going to have to have an overhaul to be ok with working the regular 9-5 grind for the rest of my life.... haha.

ANYWAY this is not a woe-is-me post. I hope it doesn't read that way.
Like i said.... i'm smiling and happy.... just praying for God to grace me with one of the greatest desires of my heart... opportunity to not only like my job... but LOVE it and be blessed enough to be able to spend time in my home and create a welcoming space to loved ones and strangers alike.... that seriously gives me more joy than [just about] anything else!

ohhhhh.... maybe someday Lord? :)

oh so happy

2011-10-21T21:15:00.000-05:00

I love my husband!

Barry and I went to Shuckles Corn Maze this past weekend! It was such a good time! They had all sorts of cute activities surrounding the entrance of the maze... we rode see-saws and barry shot a tricky slingshot and it was a lot of fun... we decided that if we still live around here when we start having kids - that it will have to be a tradition to take them there :) We also had a date the night before where we ate YUMMY Genghis Grill and went to see Footloose! It was such a fun 'DATE WEEKEND'!

With the two of us not working together anymore.... we are missing out on seeing much of each other. We get to maybe see each other for a few minutes in the morning and then a few short hours in the evening because I head to bed rather early on weeknights.... so last weekend was much needed!

Also... we instated a standing one-night-a-week that i stay up late and we have husband/wife time; after we had so much fun together the other night when barry talked me into a late night run to steak and shake and we spent some quality time talking and being together :)

So happy to have the man i have by my side for life!

the 411

2011-09-27T22:55:00.001-05:00

Whew. it's been a crazy couple of weeks.... vacationing in Florida, i turned 22, started a new job, love said job, had my bosom friend in town for a couple of fun days and am preparing for a weekend with my mom and sister now.

Vacation was wonderful.... it was such a nice time of relaxing [something i don't do often - ask my friends] and being spoiled by my generous dad. I did about the first half of the long drive home while barry slept.... it was a good time of talking with God and letting him settle some of my nerves about starting a new job. I also had forgotten how much i love driving through pretty scenery at high speeds with music blaring.... ahh. i loved it!

beautiful Florida sky

Once home I was showered with birthday love in all forms possible - cards, gifts, hugs, and facebook posts galore! My sweet Taylor friends threw me a party with yummy food on my birthday - Jen and Chelsea came too! It was a lot of fun!

an assortment of my lovely birthday gifts!

our first picture together.... i think we make pretty beautiful friends!

My work week started on my birthday as well and it was a great first day and first week at the new job! 4 out of 5 days i got off early and well.... i just really like my job! They were so impressed that i was able to start on my own a day early and then got to fill in at a VIP home today [crazy stressful job... but encouraging that i was trusted to do so].

I've got into this funny 'adult-like' routine in the morning... up early, make coffee, shower, fill coffee cups [one for breakfast - one for the car ride], get dressed, check email while eating breakfast, pack up, head out. It cracks me up everyday. I feel so grown up and like a poser at the same time.

My early morning pick-me-up

Mical came for a visit this weekend... it was so good. I've been so lonesome for my mical. It was refreshing to be able to share our hopes, struggles, discouragements, laughs, dorkiness, and dramatic antics together again. Geez I don't realize how much i miss that woman until she is around again.... and before she comes around i already miss her A LOT. So as you can imagine... it was hard to see her leave this morning... :(

Hoping to see her again soon!

We're pretty intense friends

as well as super cute friends.... man i love her!

Well I'll let ya'll get back to your life... but now you know about mine of late... and that's kind of fun, right?

4 THINGS to leave you with:

I'm excited to see my momma this weekend... it's been a while!

Please be praying for my friends, the Perry's... baby Justice needs healing prayed over him.... join the Facebook group!

I get the morning off tomorrow!! Woop!
My friend Chelsea is finally going to start blogging - go support her by following Chelsea J

oh sweet vacation

2011-09-21T23:42:00.000-05:00

So i promised a post tonight to many [good morning sweet kelli!].... but my siblings are begging me to finish watching x-men with them.... so I've got to make this quick.... here are a few shots of our week so far:

Diggin' Holes

my view from where i was laying in the sun :)

oh you know... just my smokin' hot husband and handsome brother coming up the beach :)

a hot shot of me stuffing my face..... eating some of the yummiest greek food i've had in a long time!

Tonight my crazy family/husband all decided to go on the SLINGSHOT... For those of you who don't know what a slingshot ride is.... this here link will give you a pretty good idea.... it's insane... i got some good laughs listening to my sister scream and my husband laughing hysterically!

My dad said it was one of the most terrifying things he's ever done [he went TWICE, brave soul] and told me that I was the only sane one in the group of us. haha.

So there ya go! .... don't have time to go into how full and thankful my heart is right now... but know that I am a VERY BLESSED girl!

...be back soon :)

pictures and prayers

2011-09-14T08:30:00.001-05:00

This past weekend i got the awesome opportunity to take some maternity pictures for my dear friend Sara. It was a lot of fun and good experience for me [i mean what better way to get practice, than to capture your friends who aren't going to make you feel bad if the photos don't turn out extraordinary?]. It encouraged me to start learning more about my camera and find out how far i can take photography.... I would love to one day be able to make it my day job.... i guess we'll see where God leads.
In the mean-time, here are a couple of my favorites from Sara's shoot:

Beautiful Momma :)

Cliche perhaps.... but i think it's cute!

I had never tried a silhouette before, so i messed around with settings and lighting and I like the way this one turned out:

So there ya have it.... what do you think? Should i be placed on "You Are Not A Photographer [Dot Com]"? You should leave a comment and tell me your thoughts - positive or negative.... I'd love some feedback :)

In other news.... if you could pray for me, i've been having awful awful headaches lately. I've tried not complaining, because I ALWAYS seem to have something going on with my health.... and i know that hearing about my latest ache gets old. but i figure i can say it once and ask for prayer and all will be good. What's happening is i feel like all the blood is rushing to my head or not enough is getting to it and it'll just stay that way for hours... i don't know, something that makes me feel like my head is about to explode and it's happening more and more frequently. It's really dumb. I really don't want to feel this way on vacation next week or when starting my new job. UG.
So prayers are appreciated - i won't mention it again, God willing... haha

OH and don't forget that picture feedback... click that little comment button below!

introvert : prepare to be unleashed

2011-09-13T00:03:00.005-05:00

I'm an old school kind of girl in so many ways.... but the one that keeps making itself known recently is that of 'community'. Pastor Barry [no not my husband... haha] talked about 'Deepening Community' at church yesterday, so it's been on my mind even more.
Now.... I'm seriously one of the most introverted/shy people i know.... which some may argue, but trust me - I am. I feel so uneasy in big groups of people i don't know very well.... i don't know how to 'get to know' people. It still amazes me that my close friends and I are so close - i think it's because most of them are extroverts, so they had no problem taking the reigns when we first met and once i was comfortable with them.... well. i don't know what happened - i must've started talking or something... haha.
With all this being said [even though it seems totally off topic].... I have a huge desire to build a sense of 'community' with those i come in contact with, but sometimes get too tongue tied and introverted to do so. Like I really want to bake some cookies and introduce myself to the neighbors that moved in next door over a month ago.... but can't bring myself to do it because i'm so terrible at conversing sometimes [and small talk - just SHOOT me now!]. A perfect example is the Ladies Night I went to with church tonight.... i showed up and there were SO MANY people i didn't know, that i couldn't think of a thing to say to anyone. So I went and sat next to Mrs Pat and smiled at everyone like I belonged there, even though i felt totally out of place. haha. But seriously, i want to build bonds with people who wouldn't normally be in my circle.... i just have such a difficult time doing so, because of my introverted ways. GAH. It's SO frustrating ~~sometimes~~ all of the time!

Anyway.... enough about my personal weirdness.
I wanted to share with you the notes from the message - because they are fantastic reminders of how to lovingly serve and build bonds within the family [community] of Christ and even outside of it:

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves - Rom 12:10

Live in harmony with one another - Rom 12:6

Accept one another - Rom 15:7

Instruct one another - Rom 15:14

Greet one another with a holy kiss - Rom 16:16

Agree with one another - 1 Cor 1:10

Serve one another in love - Gal 5:13

Be patient and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other - Eph 4:32

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs - Eph 5:19

Submit to one another out of reverence to Christ - Eph 5:21

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another - Col 3:13

Teach and admonish one another with all wisdom - Col 3:16

Encourage one another and build each other up - 1 Thess 5:11

Live in peace with one another - 1 Thess 5:13

Try to be kind to each other and to serve everyone else - 1 Thess 5:15

Spur one another on toward love and good deeds - Heb 10:24

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other - James 5:16

Love one another deeply, from the heart - 1 Pet 1:22

Live in harmony with one another - 1 Pet 3:8

Man.... i love it when a message rings so true in a practical way! Just think about if we were to put this stuff into practice daily... how much closer knit would the family of God be... i think it would resemble more of what God had in mind in the first place.

Later, after my sunday afternoon nap [yes, i am proud to be THAT person] I was puttering around on Pinterest and found this:

Like I said.... I'm old fashioned. I love everything on this list [well except for the block party.... a little too crazy for this introverted soul]. I think of the Andy Griffith show when i read this or think of the neighborly/community type things i'd like to do..... I still hope to one day be that little old lady that will make lemonade and cookies for the kids that will come over and do my yard work [call me corny if you will... i don't care].... haha - just got to learn how to get past the first few lines of any conversation..... oh goodness. So if i start acting weirder than usual here soon.... you now know why... haha

Have a lovely Tuesday folks!

a magical wedding and a lil braggin' on the hubs

2011-09-07T00:12:00.000-05:00

We went to a wedding this past weekend... it was fun! I spent the whole day reminiscing about our own wedding and the days leading up to it [as i usually do when i go to weddings]. The wedding/reception was beeeeaUtiful and the happy couple were mesmerizingly stunning. I'm so happy and excited for them!

The beautiful couple - David & Bethany Hale

I love this picture of my sweetheart and me : ) I think we're a pretty cute couple, if i do say so myself! It was fun getting 'dressed up' in our own casual/dressy, barry/emily way! haha

It was a good way to spend a part of our long weekend...
We spent Sunday in Alabama with our sweet Perry family and Jen and I thrifted most of Monday.

OH! I've been meaning to do it for quite some time.... but if you haven't already, you should go out my sweetheart's blog! It's a really good read and a lot more consistent than me [he seriously blogs EVERYday]! Our good friend Josh is contributing each day as well.... it's pretty cool. I'm actually fighting not being jealous because his stats are so much greater than mine and here i am directing you ther... pshh. I guess i'm excited for him or something... haha

2 sides to the coin

2011-08-30T21:01:00.001-05:00

Dude. I'm such a woman [no offense to those of you women who don't want to admit that we as women are often emotional basketcases. haha.]. i keep going from moods of pure and utter excitement to bouts of bummed out sadness.....

I guess it's only fair to explain both moods, since i brought it up, huh? ya. i suppose.
We'll start with the bummer mood, so that we can hopefully end on a high point by the end....

After a lot of prayer and consideration, I resigned from my position at Cottage Cove and my time there will be over starting mid September.... man. i didn't think that would be so difficult to type... but there it is. It's been really hard telling even the few people i've told. I feel like people will look down on me because i'm leaving a ministry position. I know i shouldn't fear man's opinion of me.... but it's something i've struggled with since i was a kid. I do take comfort and find peace in the fact that i know God is behind me and this is what i feel He is leading me to do, so that we can start putting more money towards starting a family sometime soon [don't get too excited... it'll still be a number of years to prepare ourselves and be ready for such task]..... but it's still hard not worrying about other people's opinions of this decision...
ANYway... besides all that...I'm so sad i won't be able to be with "MY" kids everyday... so so so sad. I'll still be volunteering regularly... probably 2 or 3 times a week i would imagine. haha... but bummed i won't have the everyday connection i have with them now.
sigh... ok. i'm done with this for now... if you have any questions/positive comments - feel free :) but if you want to rag on me, please refrain... this was a tough enough decision without having to deal with your petty comments.

this is me at the Dead Sea... and this is exactly how i feel right now... waiting for God's direction...

The excitement/happiness of my heart lies in the fact that even though change scares the begeebers [yes...begeebers] out of me at first.... i'm always anxious and pumped to experience whatever may come from it. Lately so many ideas and plans and thoughts and hopes have been coming to mind, i can't help but think God's about to open doors for some of them to happen.With my new job starting up at the end of September [cleaning homes btw] i'll have some extra hours in the evening [i'm actually SUPER excited about this lil perk]... within those extra hours i will have time to do the daily tasks that need to be done and also have time to CREATE. I'm going to make more time to practice my photography skills [i'm doing a shoot sometime in the next week or two!!!] and start spending time making things... what sort of things, i'm not sure.... but i think i want to have my own online store or something - like the etsy sort of thing.... still praying and thinking about what direction to take with that idea. We'll see where God leads. I guess i've just been thinking a lot about the future lately.... my future kids and how i want to be able to stay at home with them and what would need to happen in order for that to work. So i've been racking my brain for ways to become my own boss again... so i can be the manager of my own schedule, make a decent amount of the 'mons' and have more flexibility and time on my hands to do the things God has placed the desires in my heart to do :)
I'm pretty excited about the possibilities :)

AnyHOO.... hopefully my writer's block will go away now... anytime i have something big going on in my heart that i haven't shared in an aspect of my life... it's hard to push through and share anything else in that aspect of life... so now that my blog world knows this part of my life, i can continue sharing about other things.
Maybe that sounds ridiculous. Does it? haha... oh well. i don't care - that's just the way i'm wired i suppose.

a list of daydreams.... exciting stuff.

2011-08-26T23:59:00.002-05:00

So today my head's been in the clouds.... i can't stop thinking and dreaming and wishing and hoping....
All the dreams and wishes in my head don't have to come about for me to be happy... but i still like thinking about them sometimes.

"one of my daydreamin' spots...feeds my soul"

Like....

I hope to one day have the patience to raise as many kids as the good Lord blesses us with [preferably 4]...
I'd love to have a house in the country with lots of windows and a wrap around porch...
I pray that God blesses Barry and I with the resources and funds that i can be a stay-at-home momma, working from home, so i can spend the rest of my time with my sure to be wonderful kids...
I want to be quirky and funny and draw people in... so that i can point them towards Jesus...
I can't stop thinking about the fact that one of my best friends want to start a photography business with me, a job i would ADORE...
I want the GUTS to get out in my community and just start talking to people...
I'm a major pack rat at times and i'm tired of all the wasted space in my house that is filled with things we DON'T need...
I want to move all over the place... all over the U.S. - all over the world...
I hope one day to have a dining room table to share food, good conversation, and lots of laughter over...
I want to not fear my neighbors... haha. no seriously...
Flying to other continents and over oceans and fields to far away lands is something i think of ALL the time...
I want more self control, commitment and discipline in my own life...
I've been really frustrated over the fact that i can't do what i want with my photography skills and camera - so i find myself wishing i could get the knowledge i need and the sort of camera i'd like [maybe someday]...
I want the Joy of Jesus to be the thing people think about when they hear my name or run into me....

haha.... anyway.... those are just the daydreams that i've been having all day.... thinking lots about my future kids and traveling and what an ideal job would look like if money weren't an issue.... happy things in my opinion.
it seems odd looking at it all typed out... but i'm getting tired of seeing my sweaty post-workout face staring at me every time i open my blog. haha - so here you have a list of daydreams

burpees and glasses

2011-08-20T11:51:00.002-05:00

Barry is at the range in Tullahoma this weekend with his unit. So i've had the weekend to myself. Jen and Kelli have been fabulous and kept me company both evenings - love them.
Today after bummin' around... i decided to work out.
Holy crap. Jillian Michaels kicks ass. [yes ass. it's more appropriate than butt in this context -trust me]. She had me doing 'burpees' and kickboxing and heaven knows what else in a matter of minutes. I almost threw up. I got through 3 of 7 of her circuits.... which proves to me that i have a long way to go before i'm in really good shape.

Here is my lovely demeanor after said workout:

i was fighting death.

i really want to get into shape. it's the first time my motives in wanting to have been of pure intent. [pure intent... oh my. i crack myself up] i don't want to do it to fit into the world's mold of beauty or because i think i look fat. i want to do it to feel healthy and strong and for the confidence i'm sure it would instill... especially if i ever beast jillian. haha. i just have to MAKE the time for it. i'll never do it in the evenings after work.... so i have to start disciplining myself to get up before work. gah. kill me. SO not an early bird.... but commitment and discipline are both noble qualities to work towards... so i can't diss it.

OH! i'm also excited to say that i got my new glasses today! my wonderful momma sent them down to me and they arrived today! They are supa cute... might even willingly wear them out places [instead of just wearing them when my eyes are too tired for contacts].

Whatcha think?

thank you momma!

I love them! my new prescription in the frames has been a lot harder to get used to than in my contacts.... i'm hoping that's normal. haha.

So ya... that was my day of solitude. then the girls came over!

Can't wait to have the hubs home tomorrow though....he makes fun of how easily and how much i miss him when he's away... but i don't care.

ok. church in the a.m. and bachelorette in the afternoon. gotsta sleep.

thoughts regarding God, love, and other such things

2011-08-15T23:49:00.004-05:00

We are a blessed people, ya know....
Go listen to this song - "What Love Really Means"....
I went out for some ice cream tonight and scrolled to this song in my ipod on the way home.... i've heard it several times recently but i don't know what happened tonight - maybe the fact that i was alone in the car and it was dark outside, so no one could glance over at me and see the state i found myself in.... but regardless - tears started streaming down my face uncontrollably. I couldn't stop. all the way home..... i had to sit in my driveway for a minute to calm down so that i didn't give barry a scare when i walked in.

We take for granted, the daily grace and love Christ bestows upon us as believers. I mean, if we truly believe that Christ saved us from a sinful life bound for a terrible place.... why do we act as if His love means nothing? He loved us before we even recognized who He was.... deep down in our pride and selfishness or in other terrible, seemingly unforgivable things. He loved us when maybe no one else did... he found us stunningly beautiful in our human state. He loves the unlovable - the murderers, the druggies, even the people who hurt innocent children and women. [believe me, i don't think i'll ever wrap my mind around this one]
Do we actually comprehend that?

I mean if we really did..... if we actually comprehended what Christ has done for us in this mighty love and grace He gives us EVERYday.... would we act differently? You may disagree, but I think we would. I think we would live each day looking for opportunities to praise Him for what He has done for us. I think we would MAKE quality time for Him instead of giving the Savior our day's leftover time. I think we would think more about how we act and how that reflects on our GOD - OUR GOD.... i mean, if we are His ambassadors - how are we making Him look? Most people who claim Jesus as their God, are very poor reflections of how He would want us to live and act toward people.... not that we're intended to be perfect representations - that's obviously impossible. But is it too much to put a little effort into how we're representing what we claim to believe?

Do i sound church-y?

[i sure golly hope not.]

It honestly makes me cringe when i meet church-y talking people.

It's like... who are you kidding? seriously?

[just stop talking.]

I'm just really convicted on this issue lately..... i've experienced many 'radical' believers in my lifetime of growing up in varying churches and i'm sick of this modern day christianity, that encompasses the people of this world at this time, that has all different flavors [or temperatures would be a more accurate biblical parallel i guess]. Some people just want the 'claim' to a God and some just want to shove it down your throat that you're going to hell if you don't turn from your 'wicked ways'. The first group are obviously just focusing on their image in this hipster generation and the second group [quite frankly] aren't going to attract anyone to the God who created them.

You know why?

Neither group is showing this crazy world a picture of what love is.

We are not called to live for ourselves [our material, earthly happiness is NOT the biggest priority]. We are not called to judge people.

We are called to LOVE -

[selfless, unconditional, forgiving, LOVE]

.... the kind God gives us EVERYday.

I don't claim expertise on this 'being a Christian' business.... i'm completely fault filled...... but i DO know that over and over again God makes it clear that our number one priority is to bring glory to Him BY LOVING PEOPLE, in the way that CHRIST LOVED US.... so i guess i just needed to share it tonight. It's heavily resting on me lately. If you disagree, are angered by something said, are boggled, or would do the honor of informing me i sounded church-y [please, for the love of all that's good, TELL ME].... comment. seriously.... i'll be happy to talk.

mah button... mah blog button that is

2011-08-14T11:12:00.001-05:00

So some of you know that i've been 'working on something' to do with my blog and thanks to Amy over at Boundless and Rachel [one of the ladies] at Paper Heart Camera... i've finally done it! I made a blog button! WooHoo!

Don't know what that is you say?
Well. blog buttons are these nifty little internet trinkets that connect people to your blog. They've typically got a picture with your blog's name on it and you set it up on your blog where other people can copy the html code over on their blog to send more readers your way. It's pretty cool - i've got a few buttons over there -----> on my side bar of blogs i enjoy reading.

SO NOW i have a button - that YOU can use!

[don't know why you'd want to - i don't lead an exciting life to tell about... but maybe you want to?]

So without further ado, here it is:

Maybe this isn't as exciting to you as it is to me, but oh well. I've wanted to figure out how to make one for a long time and now that i have - i'm pumped! I'll probably make a couple more if i have the time this week... but we'll see. Lately, i'm getting really into all the social networking aspects of life and have grand plans of figuring out how to change a few other things on here... but all my time is about to get eaten up until Christmas... so we'll see. haha.

Vacation

2011-08-13T18:18:00.010-05:00

It's been a wonderful week. I wish i could get paid NOT to work.... to go see family and friends, travel, read books [they keep piling up], take pictures [lots and lots of pictures], watch pretty sunsets, journal, drink yummy tea... man. that'd be the life. yet coming up in about 40 hours i have to go back to work. blah.
I'm looking forward to seeing my kids get big smiles on their faces and run up for hugs when they first walk in the gym at school; and my heart getting all fluttery because i have to teach my first Bible study of the season; and me getting lots of winks from Patrick, hand holding from Keniia, kisses from Arianna, and hugs upon hugs from most of the seventy other munchkins who be around all semester.
But def bummed that all of that only happens for less than 2 hours out of my 8.5 hour day.

August - October is always the hardest time for me to not be antsy. All i want to do is be outdoors and away from windowless desks [and all the above listed activities]. It must've been my little work office in a basement paired with a high school workload that instilled that in me. haha.

[wow i'm rambling now]

Here are some pictures from our vacation:

We got to spend an entire day out on the boat, soaking up some sun with my crazy, loving [and spoiling] family [with the exception of my brother who had to work]. It was a wonderfully relaxing day and then my brother treated us to The Rise of the Planet of the Apes after he got off work.... 'twas a lot of fun!

We also got to spend a day with at the Wade's house visiting with Maggie and Jared, Mical, and Hannah and this little love muffin. I can't believe how big Oliver has gotten... he was so funny, wanting to drink from my water bottle and tossing beach towels around and he really liked playing with Barry.

storm clouds a brewin'!

Barry captured this awesome shot!

Indy was great! I miss being so close to my family and friends! It's always bittersweet leaving, being close to people in both places.....speaking of which:

Josh & Barry in front of the beastly slides they went down several times.

Our Friends :)

Yesterday we got to have some quali-tee time with our Taylor's :) We went to Wave Country [the first time for all of us but Barry], got some good sunnin' and swimming in and then we were all so hungry and Gabby's being one of our fav joints... we all washed up and got some yummy food in our tummies :) Good times!

Barry and i spent today chilling just us in our living room - watching tv and playing video games [you can figure out which one of us was doing what] and just relaxing. It's been nice...not doing anything.... neither one of us are even out of our pj's yet. haha.

so i'm going to hop back to it...this post has taken long enough to write anyway.

Stay tuned though.... later tonight or somehow tomorrow i'm gonna show ya what i've been working on!

dating my husband

2011-08-06T22:31:00.001-05:00

yummmmmmmmmmmm. first time getting some of those fries in ages!

my hot date <3

love*love*love

the view from our air conditioned window :)

my sweetheart treated me to my favorite movie snack

so cool :)

I love spending time with my husband. These pictures are from our 'date night' last weekend... barry kept it a total surprise up until we were on the interstate and i guessed where we were headed :) He treated me to my old favorite - Red Robin for dinner! We grabbed it to go and ate on the way to the drive in so we could get there before dark and score some front row parking [which we did]. We had a good time laughing, relaxing, and just having fun together. I'm so blessed i married a guy who i'll be dating forever!

We had a super chill day today - just the two of us. We slept in until almost noon when we got up to give Sara hugs [actually hug. seeing as barry just waved] and wish her safe travels on her way home. After that, we decided it would be a day to not leave the house. So we just hung out watching Saturday tv movies and trying to get rid of food in the fridge so it doesn't go bad over the next few days while we're gone. It's been so restful [fun too]!

Either way - whether getting dressed up and going out or just lounging around watching movies all day... spending time with my hottie hubs is a fun time :)

questions on contentment and hangouts with sweet friends

2011-07-28T11:45:00.002-05:00

Well good morning blogger world! Once again.... I have failed at this hobby called blogging. I wish i was a more committed person to this task... but sometimes - regular, obligatory, humdrum life must take priority [can you tell i'm a little fed up with the mentioned subject]. I love blogging.... i really do. I just wish i had something more to say when i did so. I feel like i blog the same ol' stuff constantly. I feel like my life is like a CD playing on repeat. "Wake up, Work, Sleep, REPEAT" [that would be the title by-tha-way].

I'm so restless. I'm so tired of the day-to-day. And trust me, i know [and detest] how selfish and spoiled that sounds. I wish i could get over it. I wish there was a little contentment switch i could flick on and keep it eternally on.... i guess it's part of this human flesh we struggle with every day. I wish i could continually have the attitude that Paul had when it came to contentment.....

^"11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

Paul gives us the big secret to contentment right there - to believe and know that we can do ALL through Christ.... so why is it so hard to be content sometimes? Because i do believe it... there are just some situations that even though i KNOW God can get me through, i still really really really don't want be in them. AUG. c'mon Paul - i think you left a tidbit of information out of the equation..... haha.

Anyway... i'm not going to make this into a huge thing..... these are just thoughts getting knocked around in my head lately. I'm in a situation that i REALLY don't want to be in and i don't know what i'm supposed to do about it..... do i just learn to be content? or trust that i CAN do ALL things through Christ and take a leap of faith as for what the outcome would be, were i to get out of the situation?
i don't know. i suppose God will tug and nudge me in the right direction sooner or later.... [hopefully very SOON].

So life lately... although a bit monotonous has had it's good times & highlights:

My sweet friend Sara [Perry] had her baby shower on Sunday afternoon! So blessed by this pretty lady! She's my hero! [seriously] Her unshakeable faith and unashamed love for Christ is an incredible and constant encouragement to me.... don't know what i'd do without her, now that i have her in my life!

Beautiful Momma

It was probably the most enjoyable 'shower' i've ever been to.... i usually feel so awkward at those sort of shin-digs, playing awkward games with awkward strangers... ug. But there wasn't a single game at this one and even though everyone there was a stranger to me... they were anything but awkward [let's see how many more times i can say that word]... all sweet, real, and funny just like Sara!
I'm so excited for Baby Justice to get here! He has the most amazing parents to greet him into the world and i just know God is going to do amazing things with this little guy!

Sara [Burtt] and I also got to spend some good, quality, girl time with our ever-lovely Jen! We've spent quite a few late nights at Starbucks recently as well as a exciting jaunt out to the Cool Springs mall! It's been so refreshing to get to share with one another all the good as well as crummy stuff going on in one another's lives with understanding, ZERO judgement and lots of laughter!

So that's me in a nutshell over the past couple weeks... a very small nutshell mind you.... but at least you have the basic scoop.... Now i must go finish getting ready for work. The highlight today [other than a bunch of sweaty hugs from tiny humans] is our TAYLOR-MACD hangout tonight! SO EXCITED!!

these are [CARAZY] times

2011-07-18T23:55:00.002-05:00

This is what my life has resembled of late. [A WHOLE BUNCH OF CRAZINESS]. I feel like i've been on the move non-stop for the past two weeks. We've had two mission groups in at work, i've conducted about 12 interviews and hired several people, along with the fact that Sara's entire family and my brother and katie were in town all at the same time. CARAZY!

It's been a pretty grand time though! Sara and Katie bonded instantly over their love for coffee and cute clothes. It made for a fun and entertaining weekend watching the two of them down their 'coffee shots' - aka Johny Wayne's, Undertows, and Teardrops. Starbucks became the most common trend of the weekend.

BEFORE

DURING

AFTER

While here, i was able to dye my brother's hair. It went from his beach blond 'do to a sleek brown in no time! We had a good time! It looks pretty good if i do say so myself!

Today was a pretty good day. Even though i'm sore as crap from all the weekend activities... I got to do some problem solving and conquered, which always makes me feel good. I also got to hang out with the kids instead of just supervising. It was a good time. The girls braided my hair while we worked on puzzles and they helped me clean up a little. It was some sweet bonding time. It makes me look forward to the day i have girls that i can giggle and talk with and have them snuggle with me while we watch movies! It'll be a fun when that day comes!

Anyway, hopefully now i'll have the time to blog now that things have winded down a bit.
I'm so restless these days.... i don't know if it's because i've been so busy at work or what... but i'm so restless it's unbelievable. I feel like i might burst or go crazy at any given moment some days... praying it either goes away or the good Lord gives me an outlet sometime soon!

Featured Friend Friday // Mical

2011-07-08T23:14:00.006-05:00

My Mical Lynn

My closest friend for about five years running.... even though it seems much longer

Beautiful inside and out... for realz.

Lover of youth

Professional blurter of small spanish phrases

Always smiling, always laughing

Likes sappy sappy movies, sweet tea, and popcorn

Hates reading, talking on the phone, & DRAMA... but the former two she will accept in small doses

Youth Pastor leading SoZo at Calvary Chapel

Super competitive and a fabulous writer

Dancing is her passion

You can find her singing on any given day

Loving on people and encouraging them is her niche

Crocs, bonfires, friends, and Starbucks hot chocolate are some of her favorites

Christ is her center, joy, and hope.

Mical has been one of my most cherished friendships that God has blessed me with

She is unfailing kind

Never ceases to keep striving for God's plan

Continually loyal, an incredible listener, and great advice giver

My forever bosom friend

I miss you so much mickey!

6 happy things about my day today

2011-06-29T23:05:00.002-05:00

So happy to have a Aldi nearby! They've been selling blueberries for half the price of other stores all summer long and have the sweetest strawberries anywhere in Nashville! Love the fact that i can go in and get 2 or 3 containers of both and leave with spending less than $10! It makes my mornings that much more worth getting out of bed when i open the fridge and have fresh fruit to eat rather than a bowl of cereal!

I listen to music constantly... and it's always a day brightener! I usually turn my ipod on in the mornings, on my way to work [if i have control of the radio], and then listen to music on itunes in the evenings at home! I'm so blessed to have music at my fingertips most of the day!

Keniia facebook stalked me last night and came to tell me all that she now knew about me today.... like that i lived in Madison and that i was from Coatesville Indiana.... and so on. She thought she was so clever! It was adorable and made me want to take her home with me even more!

I had a major craving for some stir fry tonight - thankfully i had all the stuff to make it at home - even tempeh! Man was it ever DELISH! I ate so much that i hardly have enough leftovers for lunch! I always impress myself when i make something that looks like a restaurant dish and tonight i was so proud... i just had to show you!

This is Sara's and my regular routine at night... we goof off online our two seater couch while watching Prison Break or we listen to music and laugh at funny/stupid status' that people put up on facebook. Good times!

The final "happy part of my day" i'll leave you with is this picture of my sweet hubby! I won't sap out online anymore this week..... but I'll say this.... I'm blessed. and also.... isn't my man handsome/sweet/hot/all other manner of words i could use to say good looking? The answer is YES! :)

trustin' in His timin'

2011-06-25T22:26:00.000-05:00

Man. SO many emotions, thoughts, ideas, memories...

all running and colliding through my head lately.

So many in fact....

that i can't think of the words to articulate or explain or even fully comprehend myself to let you in on it. So in light of this... you are going to get a bunch of random tidbits of nonsense... enjoy!

I've been addicted to Adele lately. God really gifted that woman with a voice that kills.

Also. no. i'm not a huge Justin Bieber fan.... but this song has been stuck in my head all week!

even though i can't take the following video seriously [Chris dances a lil like a girl and Justin sounds a lil like one]

It's a sweet upbeat song :)

I have no idea what to do with my hair. It's getting more and more frustrating by the day.

I need to find an effortless haircut.....

but i'm losing faith in the fact that one even exists at this point.

maybe i'll do this:

well. not really... i'm too much of a wimp.

besides. i would need to look more pixie-ish to pull of a pixie-do.

Which brings another frustrating occurrence to mind.

I finally found a workout that i love....

But i have can't find the willpower to get up an hour earlier in the morning.

I NEED to suck it up and just do it....

I've also decided to take a break from sugar and caffeine. It's going to be extremely difficult this next week, with Sara moving in for the week [caffeine/sugar ADDICT [ha. i love you.]]

But i NEED to do it.

I won't go into it.... because honestly it's boring and causes unnecessary panic to some..... but just know to pray for my health. Due to the fact that i've been consuming caffeine and sugar more than usual lately... my body has been responding in less than pleasant ways. SO. just say a little prayer for me when ya think of it.

ok done with that bit.

In other news.

Barry and I [Sara as well] have become addicted to

Prison Break

It's super intense and even though my fingernails are suffering,

i look forward to our edge of the seat marathons.

I've been extremely happy of late.... frustrated and feeling drained... but happy none the less.

It's incredible how JOY never leaves a heart if Christ is running the show,

no matter what else is going on in a person's life.

Thank you Jesus!

Other than that....

Just all those

emotions.

thoughts.

ideas.

pacing around in my head... waiting for God's timing to release them.

6 things about barry

2011-06-22T22:48:00.003-05:00

In honor of my sweetheart's birthday tomorrow i decided he was the best thing to blog about tonight :)

My Best Friend

Numba 1

Barry is the most perfect husband as a husband can be! I know women saying this becomes white noise.... but for realz. he's amazing! He's unfailingly patient and never fails to show Christ's love to me [and to anyone else for that matter]. I never cease to find more and more ways to look up to him in... and for that i'm incredibly grateful to God for such a godly man!

Ridin a Bike

Numba 2

Barry can find a good time just about anywhere... doing anything! it's refreshing that he doesn't need to go spend money or go do something BIG. He knows how to enjoy the simple things and he's helping teach me to do the same :)

Our Favorite sort of theater seating!

Numba 3

Barry is a bit of a dork/geek.... but an extremely cool, loveable one. He likes Glee and Star Trek but isn't so obsessed that you can make too much fun of him for it! He knows his stuff and doesn't apologize for it and i ADORE that about him!

Intense game of speed scrabble

Numba 4

Barry is an extremely competitive man but NEVER has a bad attitude when he loses..... something that is rare in men [tell me i'm lyin'] and something i'm grateful to not have to experience or have my kids see when that day comes. It's just another quality that i fell in love with :)

Ridin a Lobster

Numba 5

Probably the goofiest guy i know..... but not immature [well at least not too much...haha]. It doesn't matter where we go..... i know i wouldn't have the same amount of fun if i were without barry! He never fails to bring laughter and smiles to everyone he meets!

Numba 6

He's always smiling! Always loving on me! Always getting me to do new things in life! I can't wait to see what new things he gets me to do this year! There is always a few each year!

That time he asked me to follow him off of a cliff....... :)

weekend fun

2011-06-21T22:58:00.000-05:00

It's been a good few days! Our weekend was full of friends, fun, and family!

Our favorite Lil Man from church celebrated his 5th Birthday Saturday... His parents threw him a fantastic Rescue Heroes party and he was surrounded by hoards of people who love him! God has sure blessed the Perry family with Noah... they've been through a lot and their faith in the Lord is unwavering! It was an inspiration just being around and listening to God's faithfulness in their lives! So blessed for their friendships - all 3.5 of them!


Noah and his Strawberry Cake!

I got to hang out with the lovely & beautiful ladies who are known as Jen, Chelsea, & Laura all the rest of Saturday. Jen & Chelsea treated me by taking me into a bunch of cutsie little stores and took me to Fidos and then we met up with Laura at Target and went to get some yummy Greek food. We had so much fun! The restaurant we were at also served hookah and even though i didn't try it... it was amusing watching and we shared good conversation and laughs! We kept the night going by heading to Starbucks and talking for a while longer and i would just like to note that Jen and Chelsea apparently know every other person that walks into the Hermitage Starbucks! haha it was hilarious to me :)

We went to church with Brent and Angie and took Brent out to Famous Dave's for Fathers Day. It was a good time with so much food i couldn't eat dinner. We also started our first DTI week of the summer - a group of all girls... they are a lot of fun! I forgot how much food we eat during a DTI week... oh my goodness.... i feel i've gained 10lbs in the past 3 days!
Anyway... I need to go to bed. I'm so tired - All Of The Time.... i need to get better at going to bed earlier :p

Night all!

Featured Friend Friday // Keniia

2011-06-17T23:32:00.001-05:00

My Baby Keniia

Sweeter than candy

Gorgeous beyond belief

Has the most darling smile you will ever see

Totally chill and full of laughter

Killer hip hop dancer

Wise beyond her 10 years

Lover of hugs and popsicles

Pretty in pink and lacy tutus

Only person i know that gives 5 minute hugs

Big Beautiful eyes!

The picture of good behavior

Always willing to help

Never complains

Wonderful listener and encourager

My best friend under the age of 18!

busy beautiful week

2011-06-16T22:40:00.004-05:00

Isn't she Gorgeous?

First let me start by saying.... yes. i totally missed my "6 things" post... i actually didn't even realize it was wednesday until about 11pm last night and then by the time i got home, i was too tired to think about posting.
So forgive me.... but you'll have to wait until next week.

I feel like i haven't stopped for breath whatsoever this week. Work has been crazy. My health has been crazy. Evenings have been crazy. Tonight is the first night i've been home before 11pm. I'm going on less sleep than i have in quite some time... but it's been a fun crazy week none-the-less!

I've been having a lot of fun with my darlings! Even though it's hot and sticky outside, being able to romp around and play with the kids out in the sunshine has been the joy of my days lately.

my baby girl

Also i've been seeing a lot of my baby girl lately.... no child makes me feel as warm and fuzzy inside as my sweet Keniia! It's been a good week of hugging and talking with this girl!

But boy am I ready for the weekend!

Our Weekend

2011-06-14T23:34:00.000-05:00

Well folks.... i know. i've slacked off. But with VERY good and valid reasons.
My Husband is Home! and I couldn't be happier :)

I took the weekend off from most communication with the outside world (at least when it comes to technology). I didn't take phone calls, hardly checked facebook or my blog.... i just chilled with my sweetheart!

We made Rice Krispy Treats!

Friday night i got home from work and Barry surprised me by taking me OUT for a date :) We tried a new restaurant - Cheddar's - and stuffed ourselves to the brim! It was so yummy! There wasn't a lot for a vegetarian... but since i eat fish, i was able to find something delicious! oh mah goodness... they have the best spinach dip if you're looking for a good one!
After that, we got our tickets to see the new X-Men movie and walked around the mall for a bit before settling on Barnes and Noble for our browsing spot while we waited for showtime! We treated ourselves to actually buying something and judge all you like once you find out what we bought.... [but if you haven't given it a fair shot.... you really don't know what you're talking about!]. We got ourselves some fabulous Glee cd's! Barry and i both think they do better versions of other people's originals [sue us], so the fact that we can listen to our favorite songs done better.... thrilled us! We bought two of them and have been listening to them non-stop!

After browsing the book section [and finding about 10 different books to put on my wishlist] we headed to the theater! We really liked it... i honestly haven't gotten that into a movie in a long time [as my bitten off fingernails proved] haha! I would definitely recommend going and seeing it... especially if you like James McAvoy ;)

That kicked our weekend off in the direction it ended up taking! Saturday we ended up watching the trilogy of other X-Men movies [my husband thinks this is my crossover into liking sci-fi... but i refuse to agree] and even though i never would've thought i would've enjoyed movies about mutants.... i thoroughly enjoyed myself! haha

Our sunday was spent with our church family and then a restful day of doing absolutely NOTHING, but sitting on the couch watching Prison Break [my first experience with the show]. haha and even though i liked it.... [you can ask barry for an amusing telling of the story].... i got a little stir crazy after 8 episodes (we ended up watching a whopping 12 of them). I paced back and forth, took a bunch of pictures - even impressed myself with some of the pics - and then paced back and forth again. It's rather amusing, thinking back on how funny i must have looked doing such things.

one of the pictures i took while stir crazy

It was a grand weekend to say the least and I'm OH SO HAPPY that he's home! Praying he's not taken away again anytime soon!

So that's why i've not been on the blogz and such a good reason... that you'll have a hard time giving me any flak for it.... but i should be back to it now that we're back on our work and life schedule of sorts!

Featured Friend Friday // Amy

2011-06-10T18:58:00.002-05:00

My sweet friend Amy Taylor

Taken by the incredibly talented Jessica Doss - owner of Salt & Honey Images

Positively gorgeous [as you can see from these stunning photos]

She can get along with just about everyone that she meets.

English, Creative Writing, and Journalism is her jam at Trevecca Nazarene University.

Likes playing halo, outdoor 'dirty work' [such as gardening],

making fun of Benge, and baking yummy treats (especially cheesecake)!

Is adamant that Lady Gaga, unsweetened almond milk and spiders are of the devil!

This girl's got serious style - from the way she rocks a t-shirt
to her fabulous taste in nail polish!

Is an avid fan of all things Justin Beiber!

Salt & Honey Images

If given the choice, a perfect first date for Amy would be going hiking and
eating only trail mix bars [gotta know the guy can keep up with her].

Swears by Carmex chapstick and the fact that her cat Miracle

follows her everywhere she goes in the house.

Enjoys riding bikes, hanging out with family and friends

and is a beast at making friendship bracelets!

SoOoOo very competitive, looks hawt in boyfriend shorts,

likes looking at nic-nacs at Southern Thrift, and prefers July to any other month of the year

Her starbucks drink is a 'Caramel Hot Apple Cider'.

The place she'd like to travel to the most is Germany -

it's been a dream of hers to see Anne Frank's annex!

Salt & Honey Images

Ooooooverall - she's a pretty big deal.

An awesome friend, wonderful sister, darling daughter, and an amazing person!

6 things i love about kids

2011-06-08T21:40:00.021-05:00

Kids are one of the biggest joys in my life! It doesn't matter if they are the kids i hang out with everyday, a child i see in Walmart, or a munchkin of one of my friends'....... they never cease to make me smile!

Darling Arianna

HUGS

Hugs from kids are some of the best hugs you'll ever get!

It's the highlight of my day, at work, to have a bunch of little munchkins swamp me with hugs and squeezes! I think they bring more energy and joy than any other hugs [and those already do a lot of good for people].

Sweet Breonna

FINDING THE GOOD

Even in hard times, kids always seem to find something to smile about or a way to have fun.

It astounds me constantly.... i work with kids that live in some of the worst and saddest situations

and yet they're always smiling, just enjoying life!

Beautiful Mya

GETTING DIRTY AND LOOKING PRETTY

I love how kids [well, non-spoiled kids] don't care a bit about getting dirty and they have fantastic body images... haha i don't even think they have any sort of body images - that silly stuff doesn't matter to them!

Patrick's Handsome Big Eyes

BIG EYES AND LITTLE FINGERS

Kids features are positively gorgeous! Big eyes, chubby little fingers, itsy bitsy toes,

cute little ears, squishy bellies, and the softest skin ever!

Arianna's Gorgeous Hands

Lil Kelvin

BIG BIG SMILES

Big cheeky smiles! Nothing is better than when a kid looks up at you and grins!

And when their cheeks perk up and get all poofy.... oh mah gah! i melt!

My Baby Keniia

GREAT BIG LOVE

Children have such a large capacity to love.... they are quick to forgive, love to give hugs,

will pat you on the back if you are sad, and are some of the easiest [and most fun] people to talk to :)

missing my love

2011-06-06T00:00:00.001-05:00

I miss my husband so much it hurts tonight. I haven't been able to sleep very well since i've been alone and the past two nights i have tossed and turned more than ever....
After being alone for a couple hours [maybe even a few]... i'm done, thank you. i have to be around people... but even after being around people [even people i love dearly] for a long period of time - i gotta just be with my husband.... but i can't do that. He's hundreds of miles away and the army won't send him back until the end of this week.

I fully admit i'm a total wimp when it comes to being away from my barry. I know there are thousands of women out there that the military claims their husbands for years at a time. I know there are women who have been widowed because of their husband's service and women who have husbands come back from overseas not the husband that left.
I know i have the least to complain about, of any military wife.......

So forgive me.....
but i still miss him dearly and can't wait for him to come home. Don't know what i ever did without that man in my life... no other human being brings so much love and joy to my life!
[love you darling!]

Simply Blessed

2011-06-04T23:40:00.008-05:00

The Burtt girls [charlotte, brittney and sara] got into Nashville yesterday to get Sara set up for her summer internship at Cottage Cove. We went out to Gabby's for dinner and enjoyed yummy food and good conversation. The rest of the evening ended up being a bunch of fun and spoiling! It was fun seeing Sara get set up for her first season on her own - she's gonna do great and have a lot of fun i'm sure :)
Momma burtt took me shopping to find some new stuff to add to Barry's wardrobe [thank you again!] and then presented me with a goodie box from my Momma full of clothes [and other goodies] that she and my dear friend Katie went out and got me [my lil sis helped as well i'm told]. My goodness barry and i are so blessed to have such loving, caring, wonderful people in my life. It made me cry last night [i'm also welling up with tears thinking about it right now]. ...... Love you all!

One of the cute shirts my momma got me :)

Miss Sara Burtt came over and spent the evening with me tonight. We watched License To Wed [we've both got a bit of thing for the adorable John Krasinske] and got each of us a pint of Ben & Jerry's..... haven't eaten that deliciousness in SO long... the most unhealthy thing i've eaten all week, but t'was so gOOd!

Well folks.... i'm sleepy and missing barry a lot, so i'm gonna head for bed and hope that sleep will fix both of those.... i'll leave you with a picture i took last weekend while in Indy that i think is pretty!

the scoop

2011-06-02T23:43:00.003-05:00

Yesterday i experienced my first migraine. Quite possibly the worst thing i have ever had happen to me. I now understand the pain that some friends of mine go through on a regular basis and i must say.... ya'll are troopers! It made for the worst night of sleep i can remember having in my entire life. I didn't want to take an excedrin because i was worried it'd keep me up and yet i was up all night in pain anyway.

I should've just taken it and been up without pain. gah.

The highlight of yesterday was girls night! Jen, Chelsea, Bethany, Laura, and Cali came over! We made fun of America's Next Top Model re-runs, ate junk food, and played a hilarious game of Loaded Questions! It was a great time! Such a fun bunch of gorgeous ladies!

This was what made getting out of bed all worth it this morning. Look at that. Isn't that an incredible looking [and tasting] breakfast?!?! The fruit was divine - thanks to my mum for those yummy delicacies! The starbucks was made possible by my sweet friend Jen! oh! oh! and that cereal is the best tasting-good for you cereal EVER!

oh also - how ya like my hair? i had my mom cut it while i was up visiting and it's shorter than it's been in probably 6 or 7 years. i love it..... it's so much easier to deal with and i think it's cute [don't let my face fool you.... this is still me with the migraine]! i might even venture to go shorter next time i can afford a haircut or i see my mom - whichever comes first :)

I got to hang with the Taylors tonight... good times! They're all so sweet to take care of me when my hubby is away!

man. i don't want to go to work tomorrow. it's seriously going to be the longest day. this has been the longest work week ever for some reason and i don't have big expectations for tomorrow either. hopefully the aftermath of that migraine will be completely gone by morning...

ok. this is the most boring post. i really don't need to blog when i feel like this. haha

don't give up on me ;)

6 things i love about summer

2011-06-01T22:56:00.007-05:00

I love everything about summer [except humidity and mosquitoes].... it's a good thing i can only talk about six things or you'd be stuck here for a while [if you didn't give up reading in the first place]. *apology for some of the crappy quality photos that follow.. i had to search the net for some and well.. ya know!

I really like nature in general... unless it's slimy, sticky or of the insect species. But i love summer nature best of all! i love love love seeing flowers bloom and paint color all over the green canvas spring already created! Poppies, Tulips, Forget-Me-Nots, it doesn't matter... i love em all! It puts an extra spring in my step whenever i see flowers :)

Adventures with friends! Somehow, even though hardly any of my friends are still in school it always seems we have more time in the summer to go on 'adventures' [pretending last summer never happened of course]. Whether it be movie marathons, ice cream runs, walks in the park, photo shoots, cliff jumping, dancin', rappelling, swimming, laying out, bonfires, cookouts - you name some great summer adventure and i'll be grabbing some friends and doing it!

Perhaps this is a funny thing to LOVE about summer. but i love it nonetheless. Green soft grass is one of the highlights of my summers and even though i can't lie down in it since i moved to Nashville [chiggers are mini demons] i still love seeing it cover what seemed bare during winter and being able to feel it in between my toes when i go out barefoot [something that happens way more than you'd think]. also this picture adds the sky.... which is another thing i love to see - bright blue summer skies!

Beautiful Blue water that doesn't hurt your eyes [such as annoying pool water], laying out on a dock or boat, eating snacks in the shade while you let your sunburnt skin calm down..... ahh. i have fond memories from childhood, adolescence, and even now from adulthood - all involving Lakes and Breezes and Boats and Coolers and Sunburns! It's one of the few places other than bed i can actually fall asleep and the other plus is there are less people to see my rolypoly belly ;)

i LOVE drive-in movies! i mean how cool is it that you can sit in the comfort of your own car or on a picnic blanket on the grass and watch a movie on a big screen! i can't wait to drive way out to Watertown this summer for some supa-fun movie watching with my sweetheart [and friends too if they want to join ;)]!

Summer nights with my sweetheart are the best.... walking around talking or saying nothing at all, holding hands in the park, late night drives, drifting to sleep in the hammock [that we once had]... and all sorts of other mushy lovey stuff that i'll spare the world.... can you tell i miss him? haha.

Behind the Scenes or Take Charge

2011-06-01T12:15:00.007-05:00

I'm not a behind the scenes person.

Today's experience at work has taught me that.

We didn't have kids today and there are half as many staff members around because Brent and Angie are visiting family in Canada and Barry is away with his unit.

We have busied ourselves with 'behind the scenes work' as i've decided is it's rightful name. Paperwork, phone calls, creating name tags and the like, and just overall busy boring work. It has become clear that if kids weren't in the building everyday... i would have bruises on my forehead for banging it against the wall of boredom. haha you think i'm kidding.... but that would seriously be the case.

The kids are the joy of my job.... getting hugs, executing activities [that have already been planned], chasing them around with bugs, kissing their boo-boos, etc.

I DON'T like sitting in the office on my bum all day. bah.

It's funny... because in almost every other aspect of life i'm shy and very much let other people take the main lead - i'll be your right hand woman, sure..... but ask me to lead a project. YIKES. When it comes to kids though - i want to be in the action, i want to be right in the middle of the going-ons :)

I wish i could be more of a take charge person.

I would love to get the gumption and confidence to put my name out there and get the beginnings started on my [future] photography business.

I would love to find the resources to make a little more money so i could travel the world [it'd be ideal if there was enough moolah for my sweetheart to join me].

I would love to have the time to volunteer at a young women's shelter.

I would love to know the secret to getting strangers to find an interest in my blog. ha.

But all of that requires me to put myself out there.

And. well. i'm not very good at that, if i'm not in my comfort zone.

So i have the soul of a take charge person.... wrapped over with hesitation and lack of confidence.

I'm hoping it'll get better as i get older.... but i know i'll have to place myself out of my bubble at some point.

Kinda scary.

What about you? Are you behind the scenes or take charge?

Old Books and Dearest Friends

2011-05-30T23:56:00.002-05:00

It was so good spending time with my family this weekend... I got a terribly awesome sunburn, ate yummy vegan food, watched movies and funny youtube videos, my momma cut my hair and loaded me up with all sorts of goodies, and just got some quality hang out time with everyone. I miss doing that stuff with them.

Even though I didn't get any pictures of the fam themselves.... I took some pictures of my brother's collection of old books. My brother is constantly rearranging his room and with his classic style, it always looks fantastic. His books are the typical main focus of his rearranging [because he has SOOO many bookshelves]... and i've always just thought it was cool.


We're such beautiful friends :)

I also got to hang out with my girl Mical Lynn.... it was such a good time.... i miss her so much, so often. We took lots of pictures, walked around outside [all the while avoiding bumblebees], ate popcorn and drank mical's new tea creation - "berry tea", dusted her room, watched a movie and a half, and just hung out :)

I miss my barry tonight. I suppose the first night alone in our home is going to be the hardest.....

Heaven in a bowl = Chipotle

2011-05-28T23:15:00.002-05:00

Doesn't that look divine? Oh mah gah.... the best salad that could ever enter your mouth! Before I got married this was my once a week [at least] joint... and oh how i've missed it. My parents treated me to it for dinner tonight when i got in from the long drive and it was SO YUMMY! If you've never eaten at Chipotle - you really need to try it sometime. If your taste buds don't immediately fall in love, then they are crazy.

So yes... for those that didn't get the memo... i'm in Indiana until Monday afternoon. My parents graciously took care of trip expenses, so i wouldn't be alone for the long weekend :)
Barry leaves the country in just a few hours time..... boooo :(
Trust... me i know i'm a wimp to already be missing him after a few hours - but i'm also blessed to have the kind of man that i miss the way i do... ya know what i mean? *shrug* haha he'd probably roll his eyes - but it's true. love you sweetheart!

the last night for while

2011-05-27T23:13:00.005-05:00

Barry and I are still challenging ourselves to eat at home as much as possible.... in two weeks we've only gone out once! Monday we just had to go to Gabby's... we were rewarding ourselves for our hard work and well... we hadn't had our Gabby's meals in over a week.... we were going into withdraw. [it had gotten to the point of going there at LEAST twice a week]

We attempted and triumphed at making stir fry last week when Josh and Kelli came over. Barry made his amazing chicken fried rice and i beasted my first stir fry [with grilled tempeh to boot!]. Everyone agreed it was DELISH and i must say i'm still really pleased that it tasted as good as it did! I wish i had gotten you guys a picture... but i'll have to remember to do that next time.

~this avocado had weird lines going through it... still tasted yummy though~

I made some super yummy guacamole last night [thank you for teaching me such a simple recipe momma] that Kelli and I devoured this afternoon while Josh, Jordan, and Barry played tennis. It was a good day today... it being the last day we have together before the army takes him away for two weeks we decided a chill day was the best option. We slept in suuuuuuper late, cleaned the house up a bit and then the Taylor's came over. Us girls didn't feel like going out [yes, even just to the park to sit and watch] so we watched my netflix dvd of Gilmore Girls and ate the above mentioned delicacy as well as the remaining bit of hummus i found in the fridge.

After our hangout time, Barry and I decided on the makings of our date night [what can we say? we like the spontaneity of last minute]. I had prepared him his favorite home cooked meal - our secret recipe casserole - before the Taylor's showed up... so I popped that in the oven, we reserved "I Am Number 4" at a local RedBox (which was impressively good i thought!) and then went out to redeem my free sandwich at Chick fil A and go splurge a little $ on dessert from Walmart [cheesecake for me and brownies for barr]. So our entire date cost less than $15... how cool is that?

~Barry and his favorite dish~

We are now watching the first season of Scrubs on netflix...... it's flippin' hilarious! We haven't stopped laughing since we turned it on. It's been a really sweet date night. So i'm going to go back to watching without blogging.... seeing as it is our last night together and all... haha. i think i may be in denial that he'll be leaving for so long. silly army.... drives me crazy sometimes.

I'm going to miss my sweetheart so much.....

6 things i love wednesdays / dream home qualities

2011-05-25T22:27:00.007-05:00

I have a confession... what i'm about to start is a direct result of me stalking other blogs. This isn't an 'emily-original' [as much as i would like to take credit].

So now that you know the truth...... I'm going to post about "6 things i love" - every wednesday. According to one of the blogs i was stalking last night... having a regular blog post each week makes your blog more interesting and exciting.

i'm not sure that'll bring more readers to my corner of the web *shrug* .... but - we'll see ;)

SO without further ado....

1. I love welcoming feels to homes and i think that begins with the way your home looks on the outside... everything from the color / cleanliness / greenery / etc.

I do the best with what I've got and I'm always looking for more ways to make it a happy looking little home.

2. i LOVE chalkboard paint. even though i've never used it personally -

i think it adds a super personal / artsy feel to whatever you use it on... not to mention it can

serve practical / useful purposes as well (see above pictures :).

3. i love creative ways to display pictures and i really like picture frames in general...

i think the above idea is fantastic and hope to try it someday.

[anyone have any old random picture frames lying around? give them to me!]

4. i love love love DIY projects that serve everyday needs such as the above projects....

to roll another one in here, using old pieces of wood to do anything is a double win!

5. i LoVe creative coffee tables - the ones that aren't ordinary and found in almost every home.

the fact that the above has a dreamy wood finish on top and has turquoise added to the bottom

makes it my dream coffee table

[when a coffee table wouldn't be a hazard in my small living room]

6. i adore color - color on walls, color in frames, colorful lamps and side tables....

if i could i would buy a few dozen cans of spray paint and give a splash of color to everything in my home!

So what are some of your dream home ideas? tell me tell me tell me! i want to know!

addicted.Harry.tats.dreads.quote

2011-05-23T22:38:00.002-05:00

So I'm addicted.

even though the first picture is one i stole from online - i've been making green smoothies out the wahzoo!

at one point they got old.... but now that i've discovered 'Truvia', it's made the whole

"my smoothie is green and a little funny tasting"

disappear.

a third of a bag of spinach + lots of berries + a banana + ground flax seed + a couple packets of truvia

= deeeelish

Also. oh my gosh..... i took a picture of my new favorite cracker / best cracker you will ever eat!

i've been eating them with everything... particularly hummus!

i've been going through a couple boxes every week. crazy.

in other random news

here are a few other things i've been excited about

i'm SOOOOOOOOOO excited for this movie!

it's quite possibly the only movie that i've actually WANTED to go to the midnight showing!

i've decided that at some point in life i want a tattoo

so ya. i'm sure there are some people going all judgmental on me right now at the mere thought of

injecting ink in my skin... but my goodness. you guys are silly.

i think this one is really pretty.... the detail on the dandelion alone is gorgeous

and i like the idea of having a phrase in a different language.

i think dreads are really pretty.

i would never ever do the dirty kind - because. well. that's just gross to me.

but i'm pretty certain i don't have the patience for clean ones

not to mention they probably wouldn't look as cool on me as they do on other people.

so they won't happen... but they're pretty *shrug*

also i find this to be positively perfect.

saving money and making food

2011-05-19T22:58:00.002-05:00

Barry and i challenged ourselves to not eat out AT ALL this week and not only that... but hardly spend money at all and other than 3 Roma Tomatoes, my Almond Milk and Barry's 1/2 gallon of milk and having a never ending craving for Gabby's - we have succeeded!

It's actually been sort of fun. I've been forced to cook with whatever i can find in the kitchen [seeing as going out and getting groceries would cost moolah]. Yesterday i made a very simple pad thai and it was delish and i also managed to find all the ingredients needed to make barry's favorite Hamburger Helper.

Tonight I put together pasta salad with random stuff i had in the fridge - even sauteed my own mushrooms (they were phenomenal all by themselves btw)! I also made Barry his chicken alfredo :D

I'm not sure what i'll fix tomorrow.... possibly grilled cheese for me and if i'm feeling super ambitious i may whip up barry's favorite - 'Our Own Chicken Potato Concoction'. We'll see ;)

Ok... I'm off to switch up things here on the blog and maybe do a little reading before bed. See ya'll!

gumption + gusto... the inward sort anyhow

2011-05-18T23:21:00.003-05:00

I feel bad. I stare at my little blog page a few times a day lately wishing i could muster up the gumption to write something. But lately i've had no gusto to do so. aren't those fun words.... [muster][gumption][gusto]... i always like when i can use them... and three in one... well WIN.

This is all i've felt like doing lately...SLEEPING.
I've wanted to read the books i got from the library.
I've been in a super creative mood to make some fun crafty inexpensive beauties.
I've wanted the piles of laundry to be neatly folded and in my drawers [i managed the neatly folded part... they just haven't traveled from one room to the next to get into drawers yet].
I've tried to keep up with my workout routine.
I've been itching to get out in my flowerbeds and spruce them up.
etc
etc
etc
Alas.... all i can seem to do is sleep or sit on the couch and try not to fall asleep.
It's killing me.

I want to go do something.... I hate when i'm stuck in a routine/rut.
I'm not the type of person who likes having the same thing go down on the same day in the same week EVERY week. It actually drives me a little bonkers. [Not to say i don't love game night or our small group Bible study... i DO!]
I don't know how to change that.... I don't know if that's something that even can be changed. Just stating that i'm a little stir crazy in this body that only wants to sleep and this routine i seem to be rolling in....

anyway. this was an awe inspiring post, ay?
Hopefully i'll come up with something better tomorrow... or soon anyway.
G'night :)

i bought diapers tonight

2011-04-15T23:47:00.002-05:00

I bought some diapers tonight...

For those of you that don't know, i live in a low income neighborhood... and my house is two blocks from the ghetto (sometimes a little frightening). There are people constantly just sitting on bus benches, walking to and from grocery stores instead of driving and on a very regular basis you'll have a few roaming around parking lots asking for money.

So when i was approached tonight in the market parking lot by a woman asking for money... it almost didn't phase me... until i heard what she was asking for.

Diapers.

I'm used to the plea for gas money or food... those are the ones that are most commonly asked for in these situations. I've never been asked for diaper money though. I couldn't just brush this one off. I looked at her young but terribly aged face and told her i might have some change in my car. So I got into my purse and grabbed a handful of change to place in her rough, dry hands. She thanked me, smiled and then turned away to flag down the next person.
I finished loading my groceries and put my cart away, all the while feeling a tugging in my heart that 'i could go in and buy her some diapers', 'they can't be that expensive... it wouldn't take that long', then i would argue with the fact that we've been trying to save as much as possible and telling myself that she probably doesn't really need diapers anyway - it's just the typical scam.

As I was getting down in the seat of my car i knew it would be going against God if i were to just drive away... so as i watched this poor woman get rejected by a seemingly well off couple, i got out and called her over. She then reluctantly but gratefully accepted my offer to just go in and pick out some diapers.
We talked the whole way through the store. Her name is Maria and she lives about three blocks from my house. She told me about her 8 month old boy and how the relative she is living with just up and left with only a days notice, taking her only running vehicle - forcing her to use the little money she had for other things.

So i bought her some diapers.... nothing big, but i sure hope it helped her out.
As i was getting into my car and driving away though.... i couldn't help thinking - what if she doesn't know Jesus! I could've told her about lasting hope - something that would last longer than a package of diapers!I could've invited her to church, where there are plenty of people who would lovingly and willingly help her always have diapers on hand! But instead i tried to make things better with diapers.

It's been bothering me all night...
Why didn't i just open my mouth and tell her about Jesus?

Should it really be that hard to bring up in daily conversation with a stranger - or even with our friends who we know don't have the Lord? I've never really known how to do it - is there a certain way to do it without coming across holier-than-thou? or like you're trying to awkwardly change the subject? i mean... how do you do it? I can talk Jesus all day around people i know, know Jesus.... but place me around someone i know doesn't have him in their life and i'm completely clueless how to handle myself... i start fiddling with my hands and possibly getting a little sweaty. I get so concerned with the fact that i don't want to be 'that Christian' that keeps people from knowing the Lord because they turn people off to the idea that i simply become one of 'those Christians' that keeps people from hearing about the Lord because i won't open my mouth.

It's terribly frustrating....

I don't want to be that person who does good things for people, but leaves Jesus' name out of it... because what good is it then?

Don't want to be a Jonah

2011-04-12T12:37:00.000-05:00

my poor little blog. i haven't given it the time of day for nearly a month... i would feel a lot more guilty if there had been things to write about.... but literally i've had nothing worth saying. Or at least that's the way i've felt for a while. No one wants to hear me moan and groan nor do i think that would please my Lord very much.... so i've just chosen to keep my mouth shut.

I listened to someone teach about Jonah on the radio a couple weeks ago and was convicted...... i don't want to be a Jonah.

It's only four short chapters, so it's a quick read.... you can read it all in like 10 minutes. If you haven't ever read it yourself, i'm sure you've heard the story and if you haven't - well, like i said, it's a quick read!
He's basically the most pitiful man alive. Besides the short time he has in the shade of a vine... he is the most unhappy person you'll ever hear about. Complains about every little thing and even when the God of the universe gives him direct instructions - he without a doubt KNOWS what God WANTS from him - he goes the other way, like he can't be bothered by it. All i can think is how i would love to know EXACTLY what God's plan for me is instead of constantly questioning if i'm where i need to be, if i'm doing what i need to be doing... And here's Jonah.... throwing that blessing back in God's face. If that episode of idiocy isn't enough, he goes on to get angry when God shows compassion to Ninevah. He even admits out loud that God is a "...gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity." and then proceeds to beg for death, as if serving a God with these characteristics is a horrible thing...

What a little crap of a man!

So ya... i don't want to complain every other day (on the internet of all places) about my personal trials and tribulations... because if we're being honest.... in the grand scheme of life.... my petty troubles are of no consequence. I will survive just fine.
Besides... talking things out with people who love and care about you, is a far better use of speaking such things in the open.... because then you can gain advice and encouragement instead of just posting a Jonah-like pity party for all to see.

That's my story of why i've neglected my blogging... because i've been down lately and i wouldn't want my posts to turn into a place to vent complaints of little importance. After all... who wants to read that... it would be a bit of a downer dontcha think? haha

Instead, i'll ask that whenever you think of me you just say a little prayer.... because prayer does mightier things than pity!

Have a wonderful rest of this rainy day!

ponderings and legit friendships

2011-03-14T23:52:00.001-05:00

The past few days i was at home sick.... i haven't been that sick in quite some time.... i mean i took two days off work and i can honestly say (unless my memory escapes me) that's something i've never done. ever.
it was miserable... but it gave me a lot of time to think and observe myself, which is something i don't do a lot of...haha. there were some quirky and some ugly parts of myself i got to see and it also gave me time to realize why i've been so (secretly) overwhelmed. I have yet to figure out how to change any of it. For the most part, changing any of it, involves waiting patiently on God's timing... and the rest of it either isn't in my power to change or i just need to keep praying for a change of my own heart.
It's helped me calm down a bit to explore why i was so anxious in the first place and also to vent to barry - he's a sweetheart for listening to me go on and on last night. But i'm still overwhelmed and anxious... it's hard to just stop feeling that way (literally) overnight. It's not something you can just quit cold turkey, ya know. blah.

anyyyway.... the smile of my life today was getting to go to Josh and Kelli's. I love those two people. i missed them a lot this past week - even though i see them every monday, when i don't get to see them on an in between day, things feel off and i get lonesome.... which sounds silly, but it's so true! haha

*a note to the two of you: thank you for being my friend, i love you both dearly

ok... well i'm going to finish chatting with another dear friend of mine and head to bed. night peeps!

a closet slob

2011-03-06T19:43:00.003-06:00

Right now there are about a million things i could be 'taking care of'.... but i really don't care.
for example:

I swear i've seen at least a pair of dirty socks in every room in the house. There is a bowl half full of mushy cereal sitting on my counter (for like the second day in a row) and food boxes, film coverings and an empty nutella container are my new decor for the kitchen. I do have a bed full of CLEAN laundry though.... it's what i've been dressing myself with the past couple days, so it's all sort of scattered and behind pillows and my missing sock is probably hiding under the sheets at this point... but do i care? no. i just know i don't want to have to go out in the cold to my shed to get more clean laundry that i don't want to fold. All the souvenirs i got from my trip are laying around in the living room without a permanent place to call their own yet... because i don't want to think of where i want them to go. I did go and get some groceries the other day, so that's keeping my sense of accomplishment up! haha.
it's weird. usually... i wouldn't be able to stand my house being in this sort of state.... but ever since i got home.... i couldn't care less. the only thing that will probably inspire me to wipe off the trash on my kitchen counters, pick up a couple of the dirty socks, empty the trash can in the bathroom and possibly move the clutter pile in the living room to a different location is the fact that there is a service man showing up in the morning.... and as weirdly comfortable as i am with my new found inner slob, i'll probably never be comfortable with anyone but barry seeing that side of me (even though you all just got to hear all the gross details).

anyway.... now that you all know a different side of me.... i should probably turn some music on to get me going. even though part of me is trying to convince the other part of me that the couch man that's coming has probably seen messier homes in his time.... haha

p.s. i love being home

Oliver :)

2011-02-10T20:22:00.004-06:00

Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss.

There are a lot of people i miss... but i really miss holding this little love muffin :)

man... i can't believe i'm finished with the 30 days - it went by really fast.... i definitely won't be blogging as often, but i'll try to keep it somewhat often once i get back from overseas :)

minutes away

2011-02-09T21:43:00.004-06:00

Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile.

This was taken on a bridge minutes before Barry proposed to me :) I was already extremely happy that day and then he went and asked me to marry him.... making any pictures taken that day, pictures that will always make me smile :)

shame

2011-02-08T22:52:00.000-06:00

Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of.

Being incapable or incompetent in... well really in anything. I hate it. I instantly feel shame when i feel i have failed at something i should be excelling at.... it's awful :(

kiggles

2011-02-07T11:58:00.003-06:00

Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member.

Me and my brother :) haha this is one of my favorite pictures of the two of us! This was taken in Ormond Beach Florida on my 20th b'day and yes, that adorable thing i'm holding is what my brother got me for my b'day... it's name is 'kiggles' :)

high priority

2011-02-06T22:01:00.002-06:00

Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you.

Spending time with and going on dates with MY HUSBAND :)
It's quite literally my favorite thing to do and something super important to me! I love spending time with him, no matter what we're doing :)

'the hair'

2011-02-05T18:00:00.004-06:00

Day 25 - A picture of your day.

So i was extremely lame yesterday and didn't post. I never took a picture, so at the end of the day i didn't have a picture to put up and didn't feel like getting creative... so today will be Day 25 ;p
Today i slept in and then went to get my hair cut/colored... and as you can see - not to much shorter and the color that was put on was only to take out the gold that was growing out... so it's perfect i think :)

one day...

2011-02-03T22:00:00.005-06:00

Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change.

I hate 9 to 5 jobs. No matter what i'm doing... i will want to shoot myself at some point during the day. I would love love love to go back to being my own boss [i really don't know what this says about me... maybe i have authority issues... haha] and be able to schedule myself for when i want to work - whether it be cleaning or what have you. Just to be doing things on my own time and being done within a few hours instead of a whole day being shot. Man.
If we're being entirely honest - my ideal job would be something that incorporated flowers/landscape, photography, travel and that i had my own quaint little shop. I have yet to figure out how to combine all of that... but maybe one day God will
bless me with the capability to do so :)

i should start reading again ;)

2011-02-02T21:04:00.000-06:00

Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book.

These are the last two books i remember reading all the way through and i remember thinking they were incredible.... now that i'm older [ya it's been a while since i read a book all the way through] i'm not sure if i would think they were so amazing now - but i'm pretty sure they're still really good books ;) they helped shape me as a teenager and for that i'm grateful!

two things

2011-02-01T20:25:00.004-06:00

Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at.

PHOTOGRAPHY.
I really wish i knew more about camera operation... it's really shameful how little i know. I would love to know everything forwards and backwards... but i tend to get things confused. I really just need to dedicate more time towards it.

HAIRSTYLING
ha. a funny picture? yes. but i would like to be better at doing things with my hair. right now i part it, [maybe] dry my bangs and let it dry all tangly. that is legitimately the only thing i really do with it :( lame.

hospitals and junk

2011-01-31T23:51:00.000-06:00

Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget.

All the traumatic nights and days i've spent with loved ones in the ER. It seemed to be the story of my life for the majority of my growing up.... so dumb :p

Spain

2011-01-30T19:13:00.001-06:00

Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.

.....................................Beach in the South of Spain......................................

.........................................Cordoba Roman Bridge.......................................

This was a really hard decision to only put ONE place i would like to travel to... because people that know me pretty well, know i want to go all over the place! haha
But anyway... I would love to travel to Spain... I don't even have a specific location in mind - i want to see it all! I know i'd really like to see a pretty beach over there and i'd really like to see the bridge pictured above!
man.... i really wish i could find a job that would pay me to travel the globe!

cutie pie

2011-01-29T10:26:00.004-06:00

Day 19 - A picture of you when you were little.

man. i was extremely adorable if i do say so myself ;)
i think this was my first day of school in our "school room" [the basement]. isn't my school uniform amazing? nightgown and slippers! haha

bah

2011-01-28T20:28:00.000-06:00

Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity.

ok. let's get real - this isn't my BIGGEST insecurity - but it's one that bothers me on a fairly regular basis. i really hate any sort of skin condition.... i get flare ups of rosacea at the most horrible times and i've had eczema since i was a child and i still get yucky acne, even when i'm eating right. it's dumb and i hate all of it. it makes me super insecure at times [which is also dumb...].

anyway... there ya go.
i'm in an extremely impatient mood right now... waiting for mical to get here! so i figured i'd get this written before 11:59 :p haha

The Best of Friends :)

2011-01-27T21:57:00.002-06:00

Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.

Josh and Kelli :) Two of my favorite people!
Soooooo thankful for these two and the friendship the four of us all have with each other! We have so much fun together! I can't imagine life in Nashville (or life whatsoever, for that matter) without them! They are a constant blessing and I love them both a ton!

tiny humans :)

2011-01-26T23:58:00.001-06:00

Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you.

KIDS.
these are my Bible study kids and they always make me want to be better - more patient, simpler, goofier...
they always leave me smiling :)

India

2011-01-25T12:56:00.001-06:00

Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die.

I would love to live and work in India for a season of my life. To help develop ways to keep girls out of the sex trade and boys from being given guns to fight wars that aren't theirs.

my man ♥

2011-01-23T19:09:00.001-06:00

Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.

my husband, best friend, & sweetheart!
He's the most patient, godly, sexy, funny, kind... well you get the idea - i absolutely adore barry!

seriously good!

2011-01-22T19:56:00.005-06:00

Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist.

Ok. before you go all judgy on me - Taylor Swift IS NOT my favorite artist. I can't pick a favorite artist or band, because i don't have one.
However, since the new year - Taylor Swift's 'Speak Now' CD is all that barry and i have been listening to. So i thought it appropriate to put her picture up instead of no picture at all. :p
and if i'm being honest.... yes. i REALLY like her - she's not my favorite, but if she's on the radio, i'll probably be the one singing along, instead of asking you to switch to a different station ;)
Any girl that's ever been a teenager would like her latest work... it's seriously good stuff!

welp, my family is in town, so i'm gonna hang out with them :)

pretty blue walls

2011-01-21T19:31:00.003-06:00

Day 12 - A picture of something you love.

i painted my hallway a week or so ago, and I absolutely love it! in the morning i love opening my door and it being the first thing i see! SO CUTE!

Ha. BOOM!

2011-01-20T23:53:00.001-06:00

Day 11 - A picture of something you hate.

hate is a strong word.... but i mean... maybe just a little. :p
ok. i'm going to bed!

crazy trusting love

2011-01-19T23:42:00.003-06:00

Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with.

Not that we really do *quote* messed up things *unquote* together.... but he is the only one who could talk me into jumping off a cliff, suspending from an even bigger cliff, placing myself into an enclosed rubber ball and being pushed down a hill and pretty much anything else his crazy mind can come up with, i'll do it! haha.
I suppose it comes down to trusting him... with my life - literally!
I love it though - he helps me experience crazy fun things in life :)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

ok. on a totally unrelated note - i'm super pumped! my kitchen is painted, my hallway is painted and after tonight - my living room will be painted! My house is going to look so pretty when my family gets here this weekend! I can't wait to show it off! My brother hasn't been here since i moved in, so i'm especially excited to get to show it to him for [pretty much] the first time!

also. life is amazing!

Blessed

2011-01-18T10:47:00.008-06:00

Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.

I've never gotten over the simple fact that God places just the right people in your path at just the right time.

Every one of those beautiful women got me through... I couldn't have made it out alive of some of the trials I faced, without every one of them. I needed each one of them to get through different hardships and situations God threw my way. Whether the remedy would be a long talk, to snuggle under blankets and watch movies together, or to just be around them... their loving, godly, and encouraging friendships were just what God knew I'd need! Love you friends <3

And my husband... oh my goodness, talk about a perfect fit. He continues to be exactly what i need. When we were dating, i couldn't believe how perfect of a fit two people could be. He helped me learn how to better stand up for myself, to be more loving, and to this day, is constantly helping me grow as a Christian and as a person. We walked through some trying times before getting married and we walked through them together - he never even thought about leaving my side. Now in marriage, I have the perfect person to live life with... someone who is always willing to deal with the hard times and enjoy the good times. I couldn't ask for a better man! :)
I love you sweetheart!

God has sure blessed me!

goofy girls

2011-01-17T13:00:00.001-06:00

Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh.

I miss this girl!
This is a picture of ShaKiera and me this summer. We didn't plan our expressions... another kid just snapped the picture out of nowhere and this is what came up. We both thought is was hilarious!
Sha'Kiera always made me laugh though - not just in pictures! Unfortunately at the beginning of the school year, some rough stuff happened within her family and she is no longer with us :( She was always crazy and goofy and loved hugs! man... i miss her!

a difficult decision

2011-01-16T13:43:00.007-06:00

Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item.

I'm a slacker... i know. I had all day yesterday to put this up, but didn't and then last night i was way too tired to post anything after we got home from the Taylor's.
I spent all day trying to figure out what my most treasured item is... my bed came to mind, because i really like sleep, my camera was another thought because without it i would be very bummed... but ultimately it came down to the ring on my left hand. :)

Barry went all the way to Greece to get the engagement ring.
We went together to pick out the wedding band.
And then he surprised me with the matching band for Christmas!

It never leaves my finger... i love it!

oh LIFE

2011-01-14T23:20:00.000-06:00

Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day.

I thought and thought and thought some more, ALL DAY LONG. and i truly don't know a soul that i would want to trade lives with. So I decided to go with Dr. Bailey - not the actress that plays Dr. Bailey... but Dr. Bailey herself. I think she's one of the cutest characters. She genuinely cares about EVERYone, not afraid to speak her mind, gets to boss people around, loves AND is fantastic at her job, and has a really cute laugh.
So there ya go :p

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

My car broke down today... something called an 'air snorkle' ripped and i couldn't even start my car. DUMB. happened in a parking lot BEFORE work.... so i was 'stranded' without my husband, late to work, and exhausted because i didn't get ANY sleep last night. It made for a really crappy day. Nothing gets me worked up more, than when i feel helpless. I had to fight tears all day... even after everything was fixed. STUPID.
Surprisingly i was able to find blessings amidst all of it... the valvoline guy who helped me push my car was extremely kind. An older gentlemen tried [and succeeded] to get me laughing while i sat and waited to hear what was wrong with my car and kelli was going to come get me if i needed a ride. :)
God is good like that :)

Just the beach, my sweetheart & me

2011-01-13T21:20:00.001-06:00

Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory.

This was taken on Cocoa Beach in Florida on our honeymoon.. i think it's a ridiculously beautiful picture. Our honeymoon was probably the best week of my life. After all the wedding craziness it was so nice to just take a breather from the real world and be with my sweetheart all by myself for days. We actually honeymooned in Orlando which was great fun... because we hardly did anything (neither of us are super touristy people and that's tourist central)... but everything we did do was simply a blast! The very last day of our trip, between check out time at our hotel and our departing flight, was spent driving to Cocoa Beach :) It was bliss. We walked down the beach for quite some time before finding a little nook in between beach reeds where we laid down and baked in the sun. We talked and laughed and made art in the sand with weird plants we found... It was a good time!
I absolutely adored it.

a couple hours of conversation with a best friend

2011-01-12T22:26:00.001-06:00

Day 04 - A picture of your night.

Tonight I came home, ate, watched Lie To Me with Barry and then skyped with my hannakins the rest of the night :) The picture isn't the best quality - but when working with a laptop screen, what can i say.... I did the best I could ;)
SOOOO good talking with my dear friend! It feels like forever and our schedules never align when I'm in Indy to hang out - so this was a much needed time with her :) I've missed you so much my sweet, beautiful Hannah!
Hannah is one of the coolest girls you could ever hope to meet! She's hilarious and not to shy to be goofy, a HUGE encouragement, great listener and killer friend! I just love that woman to pieces! I have no idea why one of us never thought OH! we could skype each other!!! goodness - we're silly! but now that we've thought of it and done it - I'm sure it will happen again soon :)

Well time to go see if the hubs is going to wake up from his unconscious state on the couch! Sweet dreams ya'll!!

I've never been good with having favorites

2011-01-11T20:30:00.007-06:00

Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show.

As the title says... i don't pick favorites very well. So i had to put up more than just one. So these are my favorite show[S].

One of my best friends - Hannah, got me started on Grey's Anatomy (the first show pictured). I had always heard about it and never thought it sounded good and then i watched a couple episodes and couldn't stop. I love it... every single character is in someway hilarious or endearing... such a good show :)

Community is probably the funniest show on television (in my humble opinion). At the end of each episode I'm left wishing i could fast forward to next week's. Barry and I quote it all the time.

The Office is a classic and other than their bump in the road a season back or so where they just didn't put much into it.... it's gold everytime! It's probably the only show i can watch over and over and over again.

Anyhoo. ;p

This has been an awesome week thus far. Monday was a snow day = no working + playing 'just dance' with Josh & Kelli. Today we went in at 1 and got off a little early and we don't have to go into work until 1 tomorrow.... oh bliss :)
I will say all of this snow on the ground is not a cool thing in my mind... but i guess I can't have it all. haha.

i love you mom :)

2011-01-10T13:04:00.006-06:00

Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been close with for the longest.

I think all of my readers know what my mom looks like - but just in case i have 'hidden' readers.... this is a picture of me and my mum. Isn't she pretty? I think so... and this is her 5am, I'm driving my daughter to the airport look too... so ya know - i've got a pretty mom :)

Anyyyyway :)

Growing up it was always me and my mom... my brother and eventually my baby sister were there too. But during my childhood, my mommy was the constant. Even through middle school - she was still my very best friend. She'd never fail to come in and sit with me when i was sad - just sit.... because i would never know how to talk to her about what was bothering me... so she'd patiently sit with me on my bed and play with my hair until it came out (or even if it didn't). In high school i think it's safe to say that we both drove each other crazy a good majority of the time... but even so, we could somehow step out of our frustration and just talk and giggle like friends.
It's weird being so far away from my mom. I think it's good because it forces me to rely on my husband more, instead of running to my mom when things get tough... but at the same time - i can't help but miss my mum... :)

anyhoo... there's the story behind today's picture. sorry it's posted a couple hours past it's due date.... but ya know, at least i posted before morning :)

ok. i'm up way too late - i'm heading to bed.

Let's do this thing

2011-01-09T21:25:00.008-06:00

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with fifteen facts.

1. I'm a very messy person at heart.
2. I love love love going to church, I'm so glad we finally found a church family to belong to.
3. Nutella on toast is one of my favorite things to eat for breakfast... or anytime at all for that matter.
4. I find true pleasure in making our little house a welcoming home.
5. My ipod playlists would give a normal person whiplash.
6. My ideal job would involve having my own little flower shop/ photography business.
7. "Stereo Love" is my favorite song on the radio right now.... ask Barry, he has to endure listening to it over and over and over again :p
8. I adore my husband.
9. Working with girls in India is still a hope for someday.
10. i bite my nails when i'm nervous or in suspense
11. Ben & Jerry's Toffee Coffee Ice Cream is my fav.
12. My guilty pleasure is Grey's Anatomy... don't judge me.
13. If I could change anything in my life... I wouldn't.
14. If Nashville heat didn't suffocate the life out of flowers, my yard would be full of daffodils, daisies, & poppies.
15. Jesus is my strength.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I love photo projects... like the 365 sort of things. I've always wanted to do one but feel like my photography skills are wishy washy... and if we're being honest - i would NEVER post EVERYday. I admire those who take on the task... [and secretly envy their very being, for being so dedicated to their craft].
But when I saw a project that my dear friend Kelli was doing that was only a THIRTY day commitment and it's not one that requires ME to take the picture... heck, why not do it... plus i thought I would put an extra spin on it and blog a little about each picture, so that it isn't EXACTLY like Kelli's ;)
Hence the next thirty days :)

I love today's picture... Barry took it at the park where he proposed, a couple weeks after I said yes. So it's a litle outdated, my 'sun-in' was growing out from the summer before - yes, you heard that right - sun-in. But this picture is a reminder of a blissful time in mine and barry's relationship and I love it.

Hopes for 2011

2011-01-01T23:20:00.009-06:00

I don't do New Year Resolutions. Not that my opinion is gold... but I think they are silly.
Even so... I still dream and hope a lot around this time wishing my next year to be many different things... but that's different. no matter what anyone says ;)

I crave to draw closer to my First Love moment upon moment.
I intend to be even crazier in love with my sweetheart by this time next year.
I plan to have all the rooms in my house painted in pretty colors
I want more time to take part in doing things I enjoy.
I want more passion for life... more time to marvel in it.
I want Christ to replace the rot in my heart with the holiness we're supposed to be striving toward as Christians.
I want to find something I'm good at. Seriously... i've always been a girl-of-all-trades. average in just about anything... i just want a couple things - no, even ONE thing- that I'm truly awesome at.
I want to find new ways to show my husband just how thankful I am to call him mine.
I need to be more confident... and this year is as good as any to have God work that in my heart.
I want to walk around downtown and in parks more often... simply because it's something I like doing.
I want to be an expert at operating my camera, so that I can do it half-asleep if the need arises. lol
I will probably know every song on Taylor Swift's new CD, by heart, in just the first few weeks of 2011... and no. you can not rag on me for this [in case you were wondering].
It is my goal to find a way to lessen the amount of halo playing I have to endure. ha. just kidding of course... [not really]
Life would be a lot easier if I could 'settle in' to my new life better... like find a doctor, find my own 'places' i like to hang out at, meet more people outside of work to hang out with, be able to give directions to anywhere a person may need to go, know names to go with at least 90% of the faces I see at church... etc.
Is it weird that one of my hopes is to finally learn how to deal with my own head of hair?

Anyway you get the point.... I want/dream/need/hope to be a more Christ-like, passionate person [with good hair] and comfortable in my own life at the end of this year than I am today.

"The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;" Lamentations 3:25

you didn't last long enough 20-10

2010-12-31T23:55:00.002-06:00

This has probably been the quickest year of my life. The best one to be sure, but sadly, the quickest.
The start of the year was spent in a hurry by preparing for the *quote* biggest day of a person's life. ug. i really didn't much enjoy all the planning that went into that day... mostly because i'm not a great planner of big to-do's... but it was worth it :) Our wedding day was perfect... chill, fun, beautiful, and at the end of the day we were married :)
Our honeymoon went by super fast, but i think it's safe to say it was both barry's and my favorite week of this year. It was great having each other to ourselves without a care in the world... not having to worry about work, if we needed to be anywhere, when dinner needed to be ready... nothing. we slept when and for however long as we wanted and we went and got something to eat when we felt hungry. It was pure bliss.
The following couple of months I spent making the house, our home; missing my friends and family, and looking for a job. Once I found said job... time got away from me fast, because I'd get up [too] early, get off, sleep, see barry for a couple of hours after he got off work and go back to bed [too] early so that I wouldn't look like death the next morning at work.... i cried quite a bit during that time. Having the nincanpoomps down at the unit tell us they were going to ship Barry to Afghanistan didn't help matters that much either. But just like every other decision the army makes, they usually change their mind... i just hadn't found that out yet.
My summer was eaten up by work at the Cove. and even though i love those kids with every fiber of my being..... i really didn't appreciate having every ounce of my time sucked up with work.
Fall was a blur. Full of work. Full of kids. And Monday nights at the Taylor's [most looked-forward-to nights of our weeks].
Seriously I can think of nothing other than those three things.
And now here we are. The last day of 2010.
It is beyond crazy to me that I've almost been married for a year. That it's almost been a year away from my family and friends. Nearly a year that I have had to lay my short lived independence aside and continually ask myself how [every]thing i want to do will affect my other half. It's been an adventure. I have my days I really wish I could go on a shopping spree and not worry about the varied sorts of bills that will be due in a week and I have more than a fair share of days that I wish i could decide when I wanted to work, like I used to....
but being married to such a wonderful guy is far worth it.
I am very blessed to have someone I can laugh with, 'discuss' [argue] with, find out stupid quirks to do with our house/cars with, joke with, and just live life with. We have discovered that we have varying tastes and likes and sometimes we just plain annoy each other... but we're still pretty crazy about each other ;) I couldn't ask for a better husband. I've got the best one for me... there aren't many guys who would put up with such a quirky of a girl as this one here, but he LOVES me!

Ok, ok... I got off track, I know. Give me a break... I've been gushing over my husband all week in my head (we've had the whole week off from work and we've just been chilling together and it reminds me how lucky I am), but I'll spare you folks [for now].

So I think I was on the topic of how quickly 2010 flew by and though I didn't outright say it... I plan to find a way to slow down 2011. I want to enjoy this coming year even more. Don't get me wrong, I loved this year of taking on the adventure of having everything you ever knew stripped away from you and having to find ways to live a brand new life, but I won't say I didn't hate it at times.
I'm hoping for a year to find my 'niche' in this new life....
to get back to doing things for the love of it instead of just working and sleeping... I don't know if that makes sense... but it's my hope for this next year.

Ok girls and boys... it's officially midnight. I'm getting off of here.
Enjoy your parties or movies at home!

SNOW DAY

2010-12-16T00:57:00.002-06:00

such a perfect day! :)
the weather channel called for ice storms, so school got called off and since the rest of our entire week we're without kids too and being able to get tons done - it was a snow day for us as well! MAJOR WIN

i slept until noon, and then played super mario 3 the whole afternoon :) haha... such a good chill day!
finally around 4ish i went out to Kohls to use some Kohls cash Angie gave me and was able to get barry a couple Christmas gifts and a zester for me :) good times!

Our evening was spent at Josh and Kelli's playing games and such - Jen and Abby were there too, it was a good time! gotta love Loaded Questions!
We of course hung around long after everyone else had left... good times! the guys played games while kelli and i goofed off on the computer with the web cam... haha. so funny.

i'm now quite ready for bed! g'night

birthdays and mexico

2010-12-14T16:44:00.002-06:00

ALL BETTER :)
barry and i are all better - poor barry got so sick he had to stay home from work 2 days in a row. i'm really glad all of that is behind us now.

today is jared's 21st b'day :) Happy birthday bud!
i'm sitting here at his house while barry, jared, benge, and david play halo :p josh and kelli are on their way and i think we're going out for dinner and a movie later, should be fun!

also i think barry and i are going to move to Mexico... this cold weather stuff is a no go:p

wellllll while they do their thing... i think i'll take a nap... i'm so pooped and don't want to be cranky later

gah!

2010-12-08T21:35:00.002-06:00

aug. i'm sick.... so grossly sick.
i feel like i've been sick for weeks... i don't know if i'm worn down or what... but it's certainly getting old. :p
i sat around and watched the office all day as well as played Super Mario. That's really all I did. Wait! no! i also put lights on the Christmas Tree :) i love Christmas lights; i'm sitting in the dark looking at the pretty glow put off by our little tree... it makes me smile :)

ok. my tater tots are done.
latar