I know...I know. You're thinking, "She's seriously going to do a post on New Year's Resolutions?!?" Well, yes I am. I actually have a few this year that I am pretty sure I can make good on. So, here goes...
My first resolution has to do with yarn (of course). I resolve that in 2011 I will complete at least one pattern from each of my knit/crochet pattern books/booklets/magazines/etc. As a part 2 of this resolution, I resolve that if I do not use stash yarn to complete a pattern, then I will do a separate project using stash yarn before moving on to the next pattern. I cheated a bit on this resolution and did a dishcloth from one of my books, using stash yarn, before the New Year officially started. I am currently working on a scarf, also using stash yarn, from a different pattern book. So, I am well on my way to completing this resolution. Yea!!!
Resolution number two is really the most important. I resolve to read more scripture and spend more time in prayer this year than I did last year. I want for my life to line up with God's will. I desire His direction and blessings in my life and I realize that these are given when they are sought after through Bible study and prayer. I know that if I keep this resolution it will make me a better wife, better mother, better daughter, better friend, and most importantly a better reflection of Christ to the world.
My final resolution is to resume the running that I started back in August of 2010. I was doing so well for a time there and I want to get back into the groove. I don't want to resolve to "lose weight" or "eat better". Those two are so generic and it's so easy to fall away from them and get discouraged. With the running, I know that I will "enjoy" it and I remember the sense of accomplishment that I felt last fall. Additionally, I have several friends who will participate with me and offer encouragement.
So, there you have it. I have made my resolutions. Now, to get busy accomplishing my goals. I need to spend less time on the couch and more time on my knees and in my running shoes. And, of course, always with needles (or hook) in hand. :)
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Christmas Stocking Success
I am so excited!! I started knitting a Christmas Stocking about a week ago for a swap on http://www.ravelry.com/. I wasn't very sure that I would be able to complete it. I was even less sure that it would look nice. However, it is done and it looks cute! There are a few mistakes, but they aren't major and don't really detract from the finished project. I can knit SOCKS!!! Woo Hoo!! Now, I can't wait to get started on knitting stockings for my family. Next year, we'll all match (even Bella).
Friday, October 8, 2010
Puttin' On the Ritz Parmesean Chicken
Here's what you need to start.
In the first dish is flour, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Dish 2 contains eggs beaten with a splash of water. The third dish is crushed Ritz crackers and grated fresh parmesean cheese.
Start by coating the tenders in the flour mixture. Then dunk them in the egg wash. Last get them crunched up with the cracker and cheese crust.
Bake them at 350 degrees in a greased casserole dish til they are cooked through. Enjoy!
In the first dish is flour, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Dish 2 contains eggs beaten with a splash of water. The third dish is crushed Ritz crackers and grated fresh parmesean cheese.
Start by coating the tenders in the flour mixture. Then dunk them in the egg wash. Last get them crunched up with the cracker and cheese crust.
Bake them at 350 degrees in a greased casserole dish til they are cooked through. Enjoy!_______________________________________________________________________
Ingredients:
Chicken tenders
Flour
Salt
Pepper
Chili Powder
Eggs (2 or 3)
Ritz (or comparable) crackers
Parmesean cheese
- Mix flour, salt, pepper, and chili powder to tatse in one dish. In a second dish, beat eggs with a spash of water. In third dish, combine crushed crackers and grated cheese.
- Coat chicken with flour mixture, followed by egg, and finally with the cracker/cheese combo.
- Bake tenders in greased dish at 350 degrees til done.
Friday, August 6, 2010
I Was Running, and Running, and Running...
Well, I finally did it. I finally started exercising and trying to get in better shape. I started about 5 or 6 weeks ago by starting the Couch to 5K program. (Check it out here: http://www.c25k.com/ .) I made it all the way through Week 4 of the program, but could not consistently complete that week's runs and was really nervous about Week 5. So, I have set out on my own. My goal right now is to build my endurance and be able to run a full 5K. I may return to the Couch to 5K program once I have a bit more confidence. But, for now I am trying to get to the gym and run more than 3 days a week and I am challenging myself to run more and walk less each week. I have started tracking my progress below. I am really excited and have already noticed a difference in my breathing and in the muscle tone in my legs. Can't say that I love running yet, but I know that I'll get there eventually.
Tuesday, 8/3/10
Walk 5 minutes at a pace of 3.6 (Warm Up)
Run 5 minutes at a pace of 4.6
Walk 3 minutes at a pace of 3.6
Run 4 minutes at a pace of 4.6
Walk 3 minutes at a pace of 3.6
Run 3 minutes at a pace of 4.6
Walk 3 minutes at a pace of 3.6
Run 2 minutes at a pace of 4.6
Walk 3 minutes at a pace of 3.6
Run 1.5 minutes at a pace of 4.6
Walk 8.5 minutes at a pace of 3.6
Run 1 minutes at a pace 4.6
Walk 5 minutes at a pace of 3.6 (Cool Down)
Walk 5 minutes at a pace of 3.7 (Warm up)
Run 6.5 minutes at a pace of 4.7
Walk 3 minutes at a pace of 3.7
Run 5.5 minutes at a pace of 4.7
Walk 3 minutes at a pace of 3.7
Run 4.5 minutes at a pace of 4.7
Walk 2.5 minutes at pace of 3.7
Run 3.5 minutes at a pace of 4.7
Walk 2.5 minutes at a pace of 3.7
Run 2.5 minutes at a pace of 4.8
Walk1.5 minutes at a pace of 3.8
Run 1.5 minutes at a pace of 4.8
Walk 2 minutes at a pace of 3.8
Run 1.5 minutes at a pace of 5
Walk 5 minutes at a pace of 3.8 (Cool Down)
Total of 3.55 miles
475 Calories burned
Walk 5 minutes at a pace of 3.7 (Warm up)
Run 8 minutes at a pace of 4.7
Walk 3 minutes at a pace of 3.7
Run 6 minutes at a pace of 4.7
Walk 3 minutes at a pace of 3.7
Run 5 minutes at a pace of 4.7
Walk 3 minutes at a pace of 3.8
Run 4 minutes at a pace of 4.8
Walk 2 minutes at a pace of 3.8
Run 3 minutes at a pace of 4.8
Walk 2 minutes at a pace of 3.8
Run 1 minute at a pace of 5.0
Walk 5 minutes at a pace of 4.0 (Cool down)
Total of 3.0 miles
491 calories burned
I might just make it back to the C25K program before I know it. There is a 5K the last weekend in September and one the first weekend in October. I hope to participate in both and can't wait to see how I do.
Tuesday, 8/3/10
Walk 5 minutes at a pace of 3.6 (Warm Up)
Run 5 minutes at a pace of 4.6
Walk 3 minutes at a pace of 3.6
Run 4 minutes at a pace of 4.6
Walk 3 minutes at a pace of 3.6
Run 3 minutes at a pace of 4.6
Walk 3 minutes at a pace of 3.6
Run 2 minutes at a pace of 4.6
Walk 3 minutes at a pace of 3.6
Run 1.5 minutes at a pace of 4.6
Walk 8.5 minutes at a pace of 3.6
Run 1 minutes at a pace 4.6
Walk 5 minutes at a pace of 3.6 (Cool Down)
I also ran on Wednesday and Thursday but didn't start tracking all of this til Friday and couldn't quite remember the stats for these two days. By Thursday, I know that I had increased each running segment by 1 minute.
Friday 8/6/10
Walk 5 minutes at a pace of 3.7 (Warm up)
Run 6.5 minutes at a pace of 4.7
Walk 3 minutes at a pace of 3.7
Run 5.5 minutes at a pace of 4.7
Walk 3 minutes at a pace of 3.7
Run 4.5 minutes at a pace of 4.7
Walk 2.5 minutes at pace of 3.7
Run 3.5 minutes at a pace of 4.7
Walk 2.5 minutes at a pace of 3.7
Run 2.5 minutes at a pace of 4.8
Walk1.5 minutes at a pace of 3.8
Run 1.5 minutes at a pace of 4.8
Walk 2 minutes at a pace of 3.8
Run 1.5 minutes at a pace of 5
Walk 5 minutes at a pace of 3.8 (Cool Down)
Total of 3.55 miles
475 Calories burned
I took Saturday and Sunday off and really thought I would pay for the break when I got back in the gym on Monday. I was pleasantly surprised by my results. I was able to push myself even farther.
Walk 5 minutes at a pace of 3.7 (Warm up)
Run 8 minutes at a pace of 4.7
Walk 3 minutes at a pace of 3.7
Run 6 minutes at a pace of 4.7
Walk 3 minutes at a pace of 3.7
Run 5 minutes at a pace of 4.7
Walk 3 minutes at a pace of 3.8
Run 4 minutes at a pace of 4.8
Walk 2 minutes at a pace of 3.8
Run 3 minutes at a pace of 4.8
Walk 2 minutes at a pace of 3.8
Run 1 minute at a pace of 5.0
Walk 5 minutes at a pace of 4.0 (Cool down)
Total of 3.0 miles
491 calories burned
I might just make it back to the C25K program before I know it. There is a 5K the last weekend in September and one the first weekend in October. I hope to participate in both and can't wait to see how I do.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Rejoicing With the Angels
Yesterday, at VBS, my Cassandra professed her faith in Jesus. Hallelujah!! I am rejoicing with the angels. God is so good. So big. So amazing. I am overjoyed that my daughter has made the choice to become a Christ-follower. We will now share eternity worshiping the one true King and couldn't be happier. I am as happy today as I was on the day of her physical birth! He makes all things new!!
Father God,
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your gift of forgiveness. Thank you for the promise of Jeremiah 29:11. You have a plan for each of us and your plan is for our welfare, not to harm us. Thank you for calling my Sweet Cass and for softening her heart towards you. She has decided to follow your plan for her life. Help her to be bold in her faith and to tell others about You without fear. Help her father and I to teach her what it means to be salt and light. We are so excited to worship you together! We praise you because you truly are our future and our hope.
Amen
Father God,
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your gift of forgiveness. Thank you for the promise of Jeremiah 29:11. You have a plan for each of us and your plan is for our welfare, not to harm us. Thank you for calling my Sweet Cass and for softening her heart towards you. She has decided to follow your plan for her life. Help her to be bold in her faith and to tell others about You without fear. Help her father and I to teach her what it means to be salt and light. We are so excited to worship you together! We praise you because you truly are our future and our hope.
Amen
Thursday, June 3, 2010
A Letter to My Sister
Well, I don't really want this to turn into a rant, but it is my blog, so I need a place to dump this. Not too long ago, my niece, sister, and I got into a fairly heated debate on Facebook. I think that it all began over the passage of the Healthcare Bill, but it quickly spiraled into a bad place that hurt me on a personal level. Comments were made about my sister not having help as she struggled through certain troubles in her life. When I responded that she most definitely did have help, I was informed by my niece (who wasn't old enough at the time to form her own opinions) that the help was not offered without strings. I told her that I was sorry that she and her mom didn't realize how much they were loved and that they had a very jaded view of certain family members. Sis then chimed in with something to the effect that I had jaded opinions, too. This convo was months ago, and I am still stewing, so maybe writing out a response will help me to let it go. Maybe my sister (or niece) read my blog and will gain a better understanding of where I am coming from. Maybe my Christian friends who take the time to read my rambling will send up a prayer that I will find some peace in this area. Maybe one day I will be brave enough to talk it out with or at least send this letter to my sister, and then move forward. So, here goes....
Dear Sis,
I have been stewing for awhile now over a comment that you made on Facebook. You feel that I have a jaded view of you. I get the impression that you think that my opinions aren't my own; that I have been fed stories by my mom and dad regarding you. It hurts me if you think this, because our father loves you!! I wish you could understand how much. Maybe I could share with you a story about his love for you. I was 15 when you made the decision to move back in with us in VA. You would be coming with your daughter and son and Dad took me for a walk one evening to talk with me about it. When he told me that you were coming back, 15v year old me did not want you to. I was scared that you would move in and I would get attached to you and the kids, and then you would leave again. Dad understood my fear. He loved me and he acknowledged that I had been hurt before by an oh so similar situation. BUT, he also loved you. He knew that you were hurting and felt alone. He knew that you were scared about your future and the future of your kids. And so, he asked me to open my 15 year old heart to the possibility that we could help. We could love you. We could care for you and the kids. We could maybe ease some of your hurt and offer you an escape from some of your troubles. He asked me to allow for the possibility that this time might be different. This time you might start a life with us. You might stay. My 15 year old heart leapt at the chance to actually have my sister with me full time again and I put aside my reservations and of course fell madly in love with your kiddos. Sadly, you once again chose to return to KY. While I can certainly understand missing home and wanting to return to the place you were raised and felt comfortable, my then 16 year old heart was broken. Not only was my sister leaving (again), but she was taking her beautiful babies with her. I feel like I have harboured this for so long. UGH!!! It's been 17 years and here I sit, writing about it. I think that it was at that point that I realized how little you care for me and our brother. You've talked with me about your life and why you've chosen certain things. You want my sympathy and even my respect. But, you've never talked with me about how your actions and decisions have affected me. I wonder if you have even ever considered that I was hurt. It's not that I want you to change your choices. They are in the past and can't be taken back. It isn't even that I can't understand some of your decisions (especially the choice to move back). I get it. I know that it wasn't a perfect situation for you. I just wish that you could acknowledge that your choices have left scars on other people who you claim to love. And, I wish you could understand how much we (Dad especially) love you. He asked his younger daughter to put aside her feelings and fears in order to benefit his eldest child. Would you have been willing to do the same? Anyway, maybe this will give you some insight into my feelings. Maybe now, I can start to let it go. Maybe, in the future, you'll remember how much Dad loves you. He's not perfect. He'll readily admit that himself, but he loves his kids unconditionally and I hope that you know that and share it with his grandchildren. They deserve to hear from their mom how much their Poppi loves them. I guess that's about it. Know that I love you and really do try to understand you. I hope that maybe someday you'll understand me a bit better, too.
Alyssia
Dear Sis,
I have been stewing for awhile now over a comment that you made on Facebook. You feel that I have a jaded view of you. I get the impression that you think that my opinions aren't my own; that I have been fed stories by my mom and dad regarding you. It hurts me if you think this, because our father loves you!! I wish you could understand how much. Maybe I could share with you a story about his love for you. I was 15 when you made the decision to move back in with us in VA. You would be coming with your daughter and son and Dad took me for a walk one evening to talk with me about it. When he told me that you were coming back, 15v year old me did not want you to. I was scared that you would move in and I would get attached to you and the kids, and then you would leave again. Dad understood my fear. He loved me and he acknowledged that I had been hurt before by an oh so similar situation. BUT, he also loved you. He knew that you were hurting and felt alone. He knew that you were scared about your future and the future of your kids. And so, he asked me to open my 15 year old heart to the possibility that we could help. We could love you. We could care for you and the kids. We could maybe ease some of your hurt and offer you an escape from some of your troubles. He asked me to allow for the possibility that this time might be different. This time you might start a life with us. You might stay. My 15 year old heart leapt at the chance to actually have my sister with me full time again and I put aside my reservations and of course fell madly in love with your kiddos. Sadly, you once again chose to return to KY. While I can certainly understand missing home and wanting to return to the place you were raised and felt comfortable, my then 16 year old heart was broken. Not only was my sister leaving (again), but she was taking her beautiful babies with her. I feel like I have harboured this for so long. UGH!!! It's been 17 years and here I sit, writing about it. I think that it was at that point that I realized how little you care for me and our brother. You've talked with me about your life and why you've chosen certain things. You want my sympathy and even my respect. But, you've never talked with me about how your actions and decisions have affected me. I wonder if you have even ever considered that I was hurt. It's not that I want you to change your choices. They are in the past and can't be taken back. It isn't even that I can't understand some of your decisions (especially the choice to move back). I get it. I know that it wasn't a perfect situation for you. I just wish that you could acknowledge that your choices have left scars on other people who you claim to love. And, I wish you could understand how much we (Dad especially) love you. He asked his younger daughter to put aside her feelings and fears in order to benefit his eldest child. Would you have been willing to do the same? Anyway, maybe this will give you some insight into my feelings. Maybe now, I can start to let it go. Maybe, in the future, you'll remember how much Dad loves you. He's not perfect. He'll readily admit that himself, but he loves his kids unconditionally and I hope that you know that and share it with his grandchildren. They deserve to hear from their mom how much their Poppi loves them. I guess that's about it. Know that I love you and really do try to understand you. I hope that maybe someday you'll understand me a bit better, too.
Alyssia
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Who knew there was such cool stuff online?
Just had a friend tell me about The Pioneer Woman ( http://www.thepioneerwoman.com/ ). Wow, what a find! Can't tell you what she sent me there for (I am sworn to secrecy, but it's in the cooking section.), but I am just loving exploring the sit. This woman is FUNNY!! Check it out if you have a few minutes...or hours. I can vouch for at least one of the recipes (so can Trey!), and I can't wait to try a few more out.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Knitting Anyone
For those of you who do not know, I have really started to LOVE knitting and crocheting. Yarn is just AWESOME! I enjoy walking through my local craft store and looking at all of the wonderful yarn types and colors. I think that I really enjoy this "artform" because I didn't need any real visually creative talent to be good at knitting and crochet. In a family chock full of artists, this was a relief. I found my craft!! What's more, this craft is contagious. If your friends find out that you're a yarn junkie, several will want to join in on the fun. So, if you're local and you'd like to learn, give me a call. The more the merrier! And, if you're far away, here are some great websites that helped me along the way:
Oh heck, just google how to knit or how to crochet. There are free tutorials and free patterns everywhere. :-] If you choose to join in the fun, please let me know and post some pictures. I'd love to see other people's projects.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
A Funny Conversation with Cass
Upon seeing chocolate on Cassie's face after picking her up from school.
Mommy: "Cass, what's on your face?"
Cass: "Chocolate ice cream."
Mommy: "Where did you have ice cream?"
Cass: "At school."
Mommy: "Who gave it to you?"
Cass: "The lunch lady."
Mommy: "Cassie, that isn't free ice cream! (each student has an account) How often are you getting ice cream?"
Cass: "Everyday."
Mommy: "Did you eat all of the carrots I sent in your lunch today?"
Cass: "No."
Mommy: "How many did you eat?"
Cass holds up her hand forming a zero with her thumb and fingers.
Mommy: "What did you do with the carrots?!?!"
Cass: "Threw them in the trash."
Mommy: "How often do you throw your carrots away?"
Cass: "Everyday."
As Mommy dials Daddy's number while stifling a laugh, Cassie pulls out her Amount Due $4.53 notice from the kind, ice cream wielding lunch lady.
Mommy: "Cass, what's on your face?"
Cass: "Chocolate ice cream."
Mommy: "Where did you have ice cream?"
Cass: "At school."
Mommy: "Who gave it to you?"
Cass: "The lunch lady."
Mommy: "Cassie, that isn't free ice cream! (each student has an account) How often are you getting ice cream?"
Cass: "Everyday."
Mommy: "Did you eat all of the carrots I sent in your lunch today?"
Cass: "No."
Mommy: "How many did you eat?"
Cass holds up her hand forming a zero with her thumb and fingers.
Mommy: "What did you do with the carrots?!?!"
Cass: "Threw them in the trash."
Mommy: "How often do you throw your carrots away?"
Cass: "Everyday."
As Mommy dials Daddy's number while stifling a laugh, Cassie pulls out her Amount Due $4.53 notice from the kind, ice cream wielding lunch lady.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Oh Snow!
North Texas is covered in a white blanket this morning. It is beautiful and I love the quiet created by snowfall. I admit that I have been a bit jealous of my Virginia friends and family. They have been blasted by snow this winter. While I don't envy all of the hardships that massive amounts of snow cause (power outages, shopping craziness, and traffic snarls), I do miss enjoying the fun that snow can bring. I long to let the kids enjoy snowballs and snowmen and especially sledding. My mom and Dad have the best sledding hill and I have fond childhood memories of gliding down the snow-covered hill with the cold wind tangling my hair. So, today, I'll watch the snow fall here in Mansfield and sip a hot cup of tea and remember those snowy, winter days of long ago and be thankful!
Password Snafu
Back in January, I decided to add a few posts to my blog, but discovered I had forgotten my log in and password. As a result, I started a new blog and made two new posts. Well, of course, when I recently went to log back in, I forgot the new info but was able to access my old blog. So.... here are my January posts for you reading pleasure. :)
Fusion Wisdom (posted 1/6/2010)
Today, at Fusion, we talked briefly about the Transfiguration. This passage of scripture (Matt. 17:1-13) has always been a bit of a mystery to me. I thought it was maybe another showing of God's power or another example of Christ's Deity. In Bible study, is was described as a "Mountaintop Experience". It was indeed on a mountaintop and we also discussed the "Mountaintop Experiences" of both Moses and Elijah. We talked about the idea that this was a time of preparation for Jesus' days ahead. I started thinking about my times on the "mountaintop" and that I always want to stay there. The "mountaintop" is a place where I feel so close to God, worship comes easily, distractions are minimal, and direction seems clear. But, what are these "mountaintop experiences" preparing me for? That should be the question that I am asking myself. Am I allowing God to prepare me for His work, or am I just basking in His glow? Is the "mountaintop" about how I feel and what I need, or am I making it about Him? When I leave the "mountaintop", can the people I come in contact with tell that I have been there? Am I outwardly changed by my time on the mountaintop with God?
Leaving a Legacy (posted 1/10/2010)
This morning, our MOPS speaker spoke on Leaving a legacy. This topic has been weighing on my mind as of late. I have been questioning how I appear to the people around me. My kids? My husband? My in-laws and parents? People in the grocery store? My friends? What legacy do they see me passing on? Am I the frazzled, distracted, impatient mom? Or, am I the soft place for my kids to fall? Am I the wife who unloads on her husband as soon as he walks through the door? Or, am I a calm and listening ear? Who do strangers see when they come into contact with me? And, my friends? Am I an encouragement to them? Most importantly, do others see Christ in me? Am I passing on a legacy of faith?
My hope in the coming year is to strengthen that legacy. I want people to know by my words and actions that I am a Christian. I want to pass that baton of faith to my children and our unsaved friends and family. I want people to see love, kindness, hope, peace, and joy when they see me, and I want them to that all of those traits are a result of my relationship with Christ. If I can reflect that, then my legacy will be lasting and beautiful.
Fusion Wisdom (posted 1/6/2010)
Today, at Fusion, we talked briefly about the Transfiguration. This passage of scripture (Matt. 17:1-13) has always been a bit of a mystery to me. I thought it was maybe another showing of God's power or another example of Christ's Deity. In Bible study, is was described as a "Mountaintop Experience". It was indeed on a mountaintop and we also discussed the "Mountaintop Experiences" of both Moses and Elijah. We talked about the idea that this was a time of preparation for Jesus' days ahead. I started thinking about my times on the "mountaintop" and that I always want to stay there. The "mountaintop" is a place where I feel so close to God, worship comes easily, distractions are minimal, and direction seems clear. But, what are these "mountaintop experiences" preparing me for? That should be the question that I am asking myself. Am I allowing God to prepare me for His work, or am I just basking in His glow? Is the "mountaintop" about how I feel and what I need, or am I making it about Him? When I leave the "mountaintop", can the people I come in contact with tell that I have been there? Am I outwardly changed by my time on the mountaintop with God?
Leaving a Legacy (posted 1/10/2010)
This morning, our MOPS speaker spoke on Leaving a legacy. This topic has been weighing on my mind as of late. I have been questioning how I appear to the people around me. My kids? My husband? My in-laws and parents? People in the grocery store? My friends? What legacy do they see me passing on? Am I the frazzled, distracted, impatient mom? Or, am I the soft place for my kids to fall? Am I the wife who unloads on her husband as soon as he walks through the door? Or, am I a calm and listening ear? Who do strangers see when they come into contact with me? And, my friends? Am I an encouragement to them? Most importantly, do others see Christ in me? Am I passing on a legacy of faith?
My hope in the coming year is to strengthen that legacy. I want people to know by my words and actions that I am a Christian. I want to pass that baton of faith to my children and our unsaved friends and family. I want people to see love, kindness, hope, peace, and joy when they see me, and I want them to that all of those traits are a result of my relationship with Christ. If I can reflect that, then my legacy will be lasting and beautiful.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Hi/Lo Thursday
Thursday has rolled around again, so here goes...
My high for the week is that we started Fusion yesterday. Fusion is a 23 week study of the book of Matthew. I am so excited and hope this study will help me to be more consistent with daily quiet time. Jeanette is teaching the study and there are plenty of gals that I know also attending. There are lots of new faces too, and I am excited to get to know more great ladies.
My low for the week... I don't know. It's been a fairly good week. I guess I still don't feel like I am quite in the swing of things with Cass back in school and Gracie with us during the day. I think I sometimes feel overwhelmed, and I tend to do nothing instead of working on the long list of things that need to be done around the house. Definitely something to work on over the next several weeks.
Father,
Again, Thank you for your Church, these sweet and tender and open people that you have placed in our lives. They reflect Your light so radiantly! Thank you also for this study and please renew my desire for studying your word daily. Father, also, please help me to get "back into the swing of things". You know, Lord, how I tend to allow myself to be distracted. Help me to be a better, more patient wife and mommy and to take joy in the tasks that I face each day.
Amen
My high for the week is that we started Fusion yesterday. Fusion is a 23 week study of the book of Matthew. I am so excited and hope this study will help me to be more consistent with daily quiet time. Jeanette is teaching the study and there are plenty of gals that I know also attending. There are lots of new faces too, and I am excited to get to know more great ladies.
My low for the week... I don't know. It's been a fairly good week. I guess I still don't feel like I am quite in the swing of things with Cass back in school and Gracie with us during the day. I think I sometimes feel overwhelmed, and I tend to do nothing instead of working on the long list of things that need to be done around the house. Definitely something to work on over the next several weeks.
Father,
Again, Thank you for your Church, these sweet and tender and open people that you have placed in our lives. They reflect Your light so radiantly! Thank you also for this study and please renew my desire for studying your word daily. Father, also, please help me to get "back into the swing of things". You know, Lord, how I tend to allow myself to be distracted. Help me to be a better, more patient wife and mommy and to take joy in the tasks that I face each day.
Amen
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
What DTR Has Meant to Me (Thus far)
Two Sundays ago, Pastor Johnny started a new sermon series called DTR (Define the Relationship). At the start of the series, I was so excited to learn that we would be delving into Ruth. It is one of my favorites. I love the story of Ruth...of her devotion to Naomi... of the love story between her and Boaz... and of God's amazing provision. Last Sunday, we really started getting into the story and Johnny talked about the three DTR Principles listed below:
#1 Your relationship with God affects ALL of your other relationships.
#2 You must try to see things from the other person's perspective.
#3 You must speak with love, even when you hurt.
All of these principles are profound and true, but the third one really struck a cord with me. Johnny used the example of Naomi telling her old friends to call her Mara because she was bitter and left with nothing. She forgot so quickly that she had a devoted daughter-in-law in Ruth and that Ruth was truly a stranger in a strange land. How her words of sorrow and despair must have hurt Ruth, who had also lost much. It reminded me of the priest in Romeo and Juliet asking Romeo over and over "There, art thou happy?" when Romeo was weeping to him over what he would lose due to being banished. I wonder how often God feels like asking us the same thing?
Always before, when reading the book of Ruth, I have identified with Ruth's devotion and courage and hoped that I could be a woman like that. This time I reflected on times in my life when I have felt how Ruth must have when Naomi wailed and moaned to her friends. I also pondered how many times my words, spoken in haste, have made someone else feel as Ruth must have felt.
Father,
Thank you for this sermon series. I am so excited to get to dive into Ruth. Please, continue to reveal new principles and meanings to me in this story that I love so well. Guard my tongue, Lord, that I might speak carefully and with love. You know that I often speak the first words that come to mind without regard for how they may affect others. Help me to be slower to speak and quick to apologize when I do speak without love. And, Lord, let me always remember that even in the lowest of times I am blessed because I have a hope that can never be extinguished.
Amen
#1 Your relationship with God affects ALL of your other relationships.
#2 You must try to see things from the other person's perspective.
#3 You must speak with love, even when you hurt.
All of these principles are profound and true, but the third one really struck a cord with me. Johnny used the example of Naomi telling her old friends to call her Mara because she was bitter and left with nothing. She forgot so quickly that she had a devoted daughter-in-law in Ruth and that Ruth was truly a stranger in a strange land. How her words of sorrow and despair must have hurt Ruth, who had also lost much. It reminded me of the priest in Romeo and Juliet asking Romeo over and over "There, art thou happy?" when Romeo was weeping to him over what he would lose due to being banished. I wonder how often God feels like asking us the same thing?
Always before, when reading the book of Ruth, I have identified with Ruth's devotion and courage and hoped that I could be a woman like that. This time I reflected on times in my life when I have felt how Ruth must have when Naomi wailed and moaned to her friends. I also pondered how many times my words, spoken in haste, have made someone else feel as Ruth must have felt.
Father,
Thank you for this sermon series. I am so excited to get to dive into Ruth. Please, continue to reveal new principles and meanings to me in this story that I love so well. Guard my tongue, Lord, that I might speak carefully and with love. You know that I often speak the first words that come to mind without regard for how they may affect others. Help me to be slower to speak and quick to apologize when I do speak without love. And, Lord, let me always remember that even in the lowest of times I am blessed because I have a hope that can never be extinguished.
Amen
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Hi/Lo Thursday
Well, it's a Thursday and I am on Blogspot, so here goes.
My high is that I am off to Bunco with my mother-in-law in a few minutes. Bunco is a fun group game and there's always great food at Bunco parties, so those make it a high point. Mostly, though, it reminds me to be thankful for sweet in-laws who live nearby. I am so blessed with Bill and Pat. They love me as their own daughter and smother the kids with affection. I could not ask for better and am thankful that they are a part of my family.
My low is that Monday was the sixth anniversary of Bryan's death. It makes for a tough week and I tend to get a bit melancholy each time this year. I wish that I could be in VA to see his family and place a token on his grave. I miss you, Bry.
Father,
I thank you again for being a God who is with us in our highs and lows. It is a comfort that You are a constant. Thank you for providing high points during the low times in our lives to help us through. Thank you for the people who share Your love and ease sadness.
My high is that I am off to Bunco with my mother-in-law in a few minutes. Bunco is a fun group game and there's always great food at Bunco parties, so those make it a high point. Mostly, though, it reminds me to be thankful for sweet in-laws who live nearby. I am so blessed with Bill and Pat. They love me as their own daughter and smother the kids with affection. I could not ask for better and am thankful that they are a part of my family.
My low is that Monday was the sixth anniversary of Bryan's death. It makes for a tough week and I tend to get a bit melancholy each time this year. I wish that I could be in VA to see his family and place a token on his grave. I miss you, Bry.
Father,
I thank you again for being a God who is with us in our highs and lows. It is a comfort that You are a constant. Thank you for providing high points during the low times in our lives to help us through. Thank you for the people who share Your love and ease sadness.
Friday, May 22, 2009
My Testimony
I have posted this in Cafemom and Myspace, but thought it would also make a good blog. I have learned that I love the story that God is writing, even the tough spots. He sometimes lets us face dark days so that we might better see His light. And, He never leaves us. Even in our darkest moments, He is there.
Psalm 28:7 (KJV)
"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him."
So, this could be a bit long, but here goes. As a kid, my family didn't go to church. My parents were both raised in church, but we just didn't go. I always knew there was a God and when I was in the fourth grade, my neighbors started taking me to Sunday School with them. In fifth grade, one of the girls from Sunday School was in my class at school. We became best friends and I started going to children's choir and GA's (Girls in Action) with her. Her parents were wonderful people. Both of my parents worked, so on Wednesdays (when we had choir) I would ride the bus home with her. Her mom would feed us dinner and get us to church. I accepted Christ as my personal savior in Children's Church at age 12. My friend's mom, Mrs. Whetzel, was there. Shortly after I began regularly attending, my parents also joined the church. We started going together as a family.
Throughout middle school and high school, I was very involved in church activities. Youth Group, Sunday School, Youth Choir, Youth Drama, Church League Softball, Youth Ministry Council, etc. Most of my free time was spent at church and many of my closest friends were from church. I stayed out trouble during those years by staying busy with church activities, and I loved it.
My college years were a bit tumultuous. All of a sudden, there weren't all of these church activities to fill my time. My closest church friends went away to college, while I stayed home and I lost the positive influence that they had on me. I backslid big time. I let myself go down roads that I knew were wrong and didn't think (or care) about the example that I was setting to those around me. I met my husband during this time. He was not a Christian at the time and I entered into the relationship while I wasn't behaving as one. After about 6 months of dating, we moved in together and 6 months later we moved from VA to TX.
For some reason, even though I wasn't living to glorify Him, God chose to bless me with my husband. Despite my incongruous lifestyle, Trey accepted Christ and we married after 3 years of dating. (He is a terrific husband and father). Shortly after we married, we joined a local church and started attending a newly formed Sunday School class for young marrieds. We got pregnant about 2 months after we married but didn't share the news with our new class right away because there were several couples who were struggling to get pregnant. At about 10 weeks along, I miscarried. We were devastated and finally shared with the group. These wonderful people prayed for us and loved us through that hard time. Within 18 months, we saw 4 babies born to the class. I can't give the story justice here, but God truly showed that He answers prayer in ways that we don't even expect.
Since then, I have continued to grow in my walk. I hope to never travel down the dark road that was my late teens and early twenties again. My life isn't perfect and I have faced some dark days, but God has been constantly there. He has protected me (most often from myself) and forgiven me. He has loved me and placed people in my life that have nurtured me and my faith. I owe everything that I have and all that I hold dear to Him and His gift of grace. I can't wait for the day that we will meet face to face.
My favorite verse since I was a child is John 3:16.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (KJV)
As I have aged and grown, I have started to really love the Amplified version of the same verse.
"For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life."
Psalm 28:7 (KJV)
"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him."
So, this could be a bit long, but here goes. As a kid, my family didn't go to church. My parents were both raised in church, but we just didn't go. I always knew there was a God and when I was in the fourth grade, my neighbors started taking me to Sunday School with them. In fifth grade, one of the girls from Sunday School was in my class at school. We became best friends and I started going to children's choir and GA's (Girls in Action) with her. Her parents were wonderful people. Both of my parents worked, so on Wednesdays (when we had choir) I would ride the bus home with her. Her mom would feed us dinner and get us to church. I accepted Christ as my personal savior in Children's Church at age 12. My friend's mom, Mrs. Whetzel, was there. Shortly after I began regularly attending, my parents also joined the church. We started going together as a family.
Throughout middle school and high school, I was very involved in church activities. Youth Group, Sunday School, Youth Choir, Youth Drama, Church League Softball, Youth Ministry Council, etc. Most of my free time was spent at church and many of my closest friends were from church. I stayed out trouble during those years by staying busy with church activities, and I loved it.
My college years were a bit tumultuous. All of a sudden, there weren't all of these church activities to fill my time. My closest church friends went away to college, while I stayed home and I lost the positive influence that they had on me. I backslid big time. I let myself go down roads that I knew were wrong and didn't think (or care) about the example that I was setting to those around me. I met my husband during this time. He was not a Christian at the time and I entered into the relationship while I wasn't behaving as one. After about 6 months of dating, we moved in together and 6 months later we moved from VA to TX.
For some reason, even though I wasn't living to glorify Him, God chose to bless me with my husband. Despite my incongruous lifestyle, Trey accepted Christ and we married after 3 years of dating. (He is a terrific husband and father). Shortly after we married, we joined a local church and started attending a newly formed Sunday School class for young marrieds. We got pregnant about 2 months after we married but didn't share the news with our new class right away because there were several couples who were struggling to get pregnant. At about 10 weeks along, I miscarried. We were devastated and finally shared with the group. These wonderful people prayed for us and loved us through that hard time. Within 18 months, we saw 4 babies born to the class. I can't give the story justice here, but God truly showed that He answers prayer in ways that we don't even expect.
Since then, I have continued to grow in my walk. I hope to never travel down the dark road that was my late teens and early twenties again. My life isn't perfect and I have faced some dark days, but God has been constantly there. He has protected me (most often from myself) and forgiven me. He has loved me and placed people in my life that have nurtured me and my faith. I owe everything that I have and all that I hold dear to Him and His gift of grace. I can't wait for the day that we will meet face to face.
My favorite verse since I was a child is John 3:16.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (KJV)
As I have aged and grown, I have started to really love the Amplified version of the same verse.
"For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life."
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Sweet-Bitter May
Another May has come and almost gone. May has become a tough month for me over the past six years. I am certainly traveling an emotional roller coaster this time each year and I have started calling the month Sweet-Bitter May.
I can't call May bittersweet, because six years ago May started out very sweet. Not bitter at all. Six years ago on May 9th, Sweet Baby Cass blessed Trey and I with her presence. We went from being a couple, to being a family. Cassandra was much anticipated and very much prayed for. After Trey and I married in October of 2001, we wanted to start having children right away. We did get pregnant almost immediately, but unfortunately I miscarried. We were heartbroken, but turned to a wonderful group of people at our new church. As a group, we prayed continually for babies and God answered abundantly. Cassie was our answered prayer. Our blessing. Our treasure. Our joy. God is always good, always has perfect timing, and always loves us. He showed us all of those things on that early, sweet May day.
Also in 2003, May ended quite bitterly. On May 25th, a close friend died suddenly. I grew up with Bryan and am not sure that I realized how much I cared for him until he was gone. As a kid, Bryan was mischievous and funny. He cared about others and stuck up for his friends. His sisters and I were close, and as a result, we loved one anther's brothers. Early on, Bryan was like another kid brother to me. As we got older, he became a friend. In the last several years of Bryan's life, he struggled with a lot of demons, but in the last year, he had started to turn things around. And then, suddenly, he was gone. May shattered. I packed my bags and my two week old, sweet, May joy and flew into my greatest sense of loss, regret, and bitterness.
Now each May, I am reminded of one May where I experienced for the first time one of God's most precious gifts and also one of life's most bitter losses. I watch my little girl grow and learn each year and am amazed at the joy I feel. Each May we celebrate her birth and remember the gift God gave us. I smile and reflect on this little girl who is getting bigger and smarter and yet has maintained so much of her sweetness. I also pause frequently each May and remember my friend. God has tempered my grief, but always I feel the loss. I struggle with the regret of not saying all of the important things to Bryan when I had the chance, but hope that I've learned from that bitter loss to be transparent to others, most importantly those whom I dearly love.
I can't call May bittersweet, because six years ago May started out very sweet. Not bitter at all. Six years ago on May 9th, Sweet Baby Cass blessed Trey and I with her presence. We went from being a couple, to being a family. Cassandra was much anticipated and very much prayed for. After Trey and I married in October of 2001, we wanted to start having children right away. We did get pregnant almost immediately, but unfortunately I miscarried. We were heartbroken, but turned to a wonderful group of people at our new church. As a group, we prayed continually for babies and God answered abundantly. Cassie was our answered prayer. Our blessing. Our treasure. Our joy. God is always good, always has perfect timing, and always loves us. He showed us all of those things on that early, sweet May day.
Also in 2003, May ended quite bitterly. On May 25th, a close friend died suddenly. I grew up with Bryan and am not sure that I realized how much I cared for him until he was gone. As a kid, Bryan was mischievous and funny. He cared about others and stuck up for his friends. His sisters and I were close, and as a result, we loved one anther's brothers. Early on, Bryan was like another kid brother to me. As we got older, he became a friend. In the last several years of Bryan's life, he struggled with a lot of demons, but in the last year, he had started to turn things around. And then, suddenly, he was gone. May shattered. I packed my bags and my two week old, sweet, May joy and flew into my greatest sense of loss, regret, and bitterness.
Now each May, I am reminded of one May where I experienced for the first time one of God's most precious gifts and also one of life's most bitter losses. I watch my little girl grow and learn each year and am amazed at the joy I feel. Each May we celebrate her birth and remember the gift God gave us. I smile and reflect on this little girl who is getting bigger and smarter and yet has maintained so much of her sweetness. I also pause frequently each May and remember my friend. God has tempered my grief, but always I feel the loss. I struggle with the regret of not saying all of the important things to Bryan when I had the chance, but hope that I've learned from that bitter loss to be transparent to others, most importantly those whom I dearly love.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
A Special Gift
This past weekend was a lot of fun. Mom, Dad, and Andrew were in town for a visit. We threw a birthday party for the boys and celebrated my birthday and Dad's birthday, too. Mom and Dad did a really sweet thing for my birthday present. They got me a nice, fluffy robe, which is cool (or rather warm). But, the sweet part is that Mom put together two picture albums for me. They contain pictures from my growing up years and also of Mom, Dad, Andrew, and Timi, and other family. I LOVE to look at pictures. They just never get old to me. I look through the kids albums all of the time and have made a habit of looking at our wedding album each time I dust the chest on which it is displayed. Their gift just proves how much my mom knows me. She gave me a gift that I couldn't put a price on and helped me to remember sweet childhood times on a day that we often reflect on days past. Thank you, Mommy for your thoughtful gift and for the simple, but profound joy I will feel every time I flip through the pages of those albums.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Hi/Lo Thursday
Well, it has been a long time since I did a Hi/Lo Thursday post. Actually, it's been a while since I have blogged. Busy being wife, mom, and part time employee. Well, here goes:
High for the week:
We are getting closer to my mom, dad, and brother's visit. They are coming down on March 6th and I am getting really excited. They'll be here for my birthday and the boys birthday party. I am so thankful for a sweet and loving family. I can't wait to see them in person and give them some HUGS!
Low for the week:
Ethan is battling some kind of bug. He's feverish and pukey and has a stuffy/runny nose. Poor little guy. He just breaks mine and Trey's hearts when he's sick. It's also doubly stinky, 'cause the weather has been AMAZING for the past several days, and he's stuck on the couch. I am hoping he'll start perking up later this morning so maybe we can brave the park after lunch.
Thank you Lord for a few moments to reflect on the week. Help us to remember to praise you for the highs and worship you even in the lows. You are the God of both our highs and lows and in all things we can rely on, worship, and honor You.
High for the week:
We are getting closer to my mom, dad, and brother's visit. They are coming down on March 6th and I am getting really excited. They'll be here for my birthday and the boys birthday party. I am so thankful for a sweet and loving family. I can't wait to see them in person and give them some HUGS!
Low for the week:
Ethan is battling some kind of bug. He's feverish and pukey and has a stuffy/runny nose. Poor little guy. He just breaks mine and Trey's hearts when he's sick. It's also doubly stinky, 'cause the weather has been AMAZING for the past several days, and he's stuck on the couch. I am hoping he'll start perking up later this morning so maybe we can brave the park after lunch.
Thank you Lord for a few moments to reflect on the week. Help us to remember to praise you for the highs and worship you even in the lows. You are the God of both our highs and lows and in all things we can rely on, worship, and honor You.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
What's in a name?
I really find names and their meanings interesting. Trey and I thought long and hard about our kids' names. We wanted them to have names that weren't overly common (yeah, I know, Ethan is probably in the top 10 right now, but I still love it.). We also didn't want their names to be so unusual, that they would sound weird or be too difficult to pronounce or spell.
I wanted to pass on my middle name, Nicole, to our daughter and also liked that my brother and I both have Greek names. When Trey told me that he wanted to name his daughter Cassandra, I was excited. It is Greek and sounded nice with Nicole. So, we now have Cassandra Nicole.
The boys names were tougher. There aren't a lot of Greek boy names that aren't too common, but also not "weird". Trey resorted to a baby name book and came across Elijah. He liked it and thought Ethan would go well with it since we wanted their first names to begin with the same letter. I loved both names and was excited to learn that they are both Hebrew. We gave them Greek middle names and ended up with Elijah Alexander and Ethan Christopher.
After we had named all of the kids, I got more interested in name meanings and was pleased with the meaning of the kids names.
Cassandra Nicole means "prophetess" of "victory of the people"
Elijah Alexander means "The Lord is my God" "defender of mankind"
Ethan Christopher means "steadfast" "Christ-bearer"
I wanted to pass on my middle name, Nicole, to our daughter and also liked that my brother and I both have Greek names. When Trey told me that he wanted to name his daughter Cassandra, I was excited. It is Greek and sounded nice with Nicole. So, we now have Cassandra Nicole.
The boys names were tougher. There aren't a lot of Greek boy names that aren't too common, but also not "weird". Trey resorted to a baby name book and came across Elijah. He liked it and thought Ethan would go well with it since we wanted their first names to begin with the same letter. I loved both names and was excited to learn that they are both Hebrew. We gave them Greek middle names and ended up with Elijah Alexander and Ethan Christopher.
After we had named all of the kids, I got more interested in name meanings and was pleased with the meaning of the kids names.
Cassandra Nicole means "prophetess" of "victory of the people"
Elijah Alexander means "The Lord is my God" "defender of mankind"
Ethan Christopher means "steadfast" "Christ-bearer"
Sunday, January 25, 2009
25 Random Things
This started on Facebook and Jill brought it to Bloggspot. My 25 things in my blog might be different than my 25 on facebook. It is a new day, so here goes.
1. I love Jesus. He's just awesome. I love the church I am a member of right now and think that God is just doing great things through his faithful people here in Mansfield.
2. I have really started to enjoy cooking. Food Network is a favorite channel of mine and I am a Paula Dean and Rachel Ray junkie. Pampered Chef is also becoming a bit of an obsession.
3. My family is so cool. Trey is my BFF :) and it is a pleasure to be a mom to Cassandra, Ethan, and Elijah.
4. Trey and I are really hoping to adopt someday and I am thinking that we better get the process started soon. We are leaning towards international adoption and maybe, more specifically China.
5. Reading is a passion of mine. My favorite fiction book of all time is "To Kill a Mockingbird". I've taken to reading the Bible more recently and am amazed over and over again how applicable it is to my everyday life.
6. I secretly love teeny bopper movies like HSM, Mean Girls, etc. I even made Trey take my to see Twilight in the theaters. (See, he really is my BFF.)
7. I work part time at Fashion Bug and love it because it is more quiet there than at my house.
8. I love Target and dread shopping at Walmart. Target is cleaner, has nicer employees, and is just plain better. Having a Starbucks in-store is also a plus.
9. There is no such thing as too much coffee!!!
10. Trey and I took our Honeymoon at Disney World and I can't wait to go back with the kids.
11. I realized recently that Trey and I have only taken vacation without visiting family for our Honeymoon and we need to take more trips as just the two of us. (Good thing we live so close to grandma and grandpa.)
12. I think I am becoming a Texan. (SHHH! Don't tell anyone.) I am starting to kinda love it down here.
13. That being said, I'll always be a Virginian, too. After all VA is for Lovers. The weather is great up there. And no, trees are not overrated. They are beautiful and who cares if you have to rake leaves every weekend for 2 months straight.
14. I recently joined the choir at church and am really enjoying it. It's nice to sing somewhere other than the car and the shower.
15. Being a mom of twins is so cool. I secretly love when people ask about them and talk about how amazing it is that they look so different. What girl doesn't like a little attention, even if it is just for baking the most beautiful babies in the world.
16. I am addicted to TV. I like too many shows to pick a favorite. Some of my DVR'd shows are LOST, 24, House, Secret Life, and Bones.
17. I have discovered that 5 year olds talk about more random things than even me. I may go off on random tangents, but 5 year olds just pull stuff out of the air.
18. I have become more politically outspoken as I have gotten older and begun a family. I just want my kids to be able to take care of themselves and live free someday!
19. I have a celebrity crush on Shia LaBouf. He's like 12 and kinda goofy, but I think he's a doll.
20. Trey and I like to watch the first few episodes of American Idol to laugh at the rejects. After that, we switch back to our regularly scheduled programming.
21. I love hugs. If you see me and know me even a little bit, give me a hug. I'll hug you back. (If we don't know each other at all, please don't invade my personal space.)
22. It drives me crazy when Trey or Cass leave the lights on. Do we really need lights on in rooms that no one is occupying?
23. Almost 3 year old boys have tons of energy and are amazingly loud. Where does their energy come from and how do I tap into it?
24. Trey and I like to window shop and even enjoy taking the kids with us. I can pull two shopping carts, with a 5 year old, two 3 year olds, and a 5 month old in tow, through Target all by myself. It makes me feel like SuperMom. :)
25. I am learning that laundry is a never ending task. I don't know how my mom got all of her laundry and ironing done on the weekends. She is amazing and apparently didn't pass those genes on to me. My laundry is sometimes a daily task. Poor Trey wears wrinkled shirts more often than not.
1. I love Jesus. He's just awesome. I love the church I am a member of right now and think that God is just doing great things through his faithful people here in Mansfield.
2. I have really started to enjoy cooking. Food Network is a favorite channel of mine and I am a Paula Dean and Rachel Ray junkie. Pampered Chef is also becoming a bit of an obsession.
3. My family is so cool. Trey is my BFF :) and it is a pleasure to be a mom to Cassandra, Ethan, and Elijah.
4. Trey and I are really hoping to adopt someday and I am thinking that we better get the process started soon. We are leaning towards international adoption and maybe, more specifically China.
5. Reading is a passion of mine. My favorite fiction book of all time is "To Kill a Mockingbird". I've taken to reading the Bible more recently and am amazed over and over again how applicable it is to my everyday life.
6. I secretly love teeny bopper movies like HSM, Mean Girls, etc. I even made Trey take my to see Twilight in the theaters. (See, he really is my BFF.)
7. I work part time at Fashion Bug and love it because it is more quiet there than at my house.
8. I love Target and dread shopping at Walmart. Target is cleaner, has nicer employees, and is just plain better. Having a Starbucks in-store is also a plus.
9. There is no such thing as too much coffee!!!
10. Trey and I took our Honeymoon at Disney World and I can't wait to go back with the kids.
11. I realized recently that Trey and I have only taken vacation without visiting family for our Honeymoon and we need to take more trips as just the two of us. (Good thing we live so close to grandma and grandpa.)
12. I think I am becoming a Texan. (SHHH! Don't tell anyone.) I am starting to kinda love it down here.
13. That being said, I'll always be a Virginian, too. After all VA is for Lovers. The weather is great up there. And no, trees are not overrated. They are beautiful and who cares if you have to rake leaves every weekend for 2 months straight.
14. I recently joined the choir at church and am really enjoying it. It's nice to sing somewhere other than the car and the shower.
15. Being a mom of twins is so cool. I secretly love when people ask about them and talk about how amazing it is that they look so different. What girl doesn't like a little attention, even if it is just for baking the most beautiful babies in the world.
16. I am addicted to TV. I like too many shows to pick a favorite. Some of my DVR'd shows are LOST, 24, House, Secret Life, and Bones.
17. I have discovered that 5 year olds talk about more random things than even me. I may go off on random tangents, but 5 year olds just pull stuff out of the air.
18. I have become more politically outspoken as I have gotten older and begun a family. I just want my kids to be able to take care of themselves and live free someday!
19. I have a celebrity crush on Shia LaBouf. He's like 12 and kinda goofy, but I think he's a doll.
20. Trey and I like to watch the first few episodes of American Idol to laugh at the rejects. After that, we switch back to our regularly scheduled programming.
21. I love hugs. If you see me and know me even a little bit, give me a hug. I'll hug you back. (If we don't know each other at all, please don't invade my personal space.)
22. It drives me crazy when Trey or Cass leave the lights on. Do we really need lights on in rooms that no one is occupying?
23. Almost 3 year old boys have tons of energy and are amazingly loud. Where does their energy come from and how do I tap into it?
24. Trey and I like to window shop and even enjoy taking the kids with us. I can pull two shopping carts, with a 5 year old, two 3 year olds, and a 5 month old in tow, through Target all by myself. It makes me feel like SuperMom. :)
25. I am learning that laundry is a never ending task. I don't know how my mom got all of her laundry and ironing done on the weekends. She is amazing and apparently didn't pass those genes on to me. My laundry is sometimes a daily task. Poor Trey wears wrinkled shirts more often than not.
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