Wordless Wednesday

Needless to say, I am enjoying the seafood in Boston!!!

Sheer determination

I met up with my mom in Dallas on Saturday to head to Boston for a girls weekend.
As we were taxing to the runway, I noticed something on the window....

Do you see it?
It is a very tiny winged ant.

It had attached itself to the window.
I asked my mom how long do you think that little guy can hold on? He was already struggling just taxing to the run way and was turning all sorts of different ways to figure out how to hold on. He kept trying to find the right position to keep his wings from getting caught in the wind. He was so determined to hang on.

It hit me at that moment that that is how I want to hold on to God as I walk through this life. And how when the winds of storms come, I can't always just sit right where I am....I need to readjust to find the best position that allows me to hold tight to Him.....maybe more prayer time is needed, maybe more study of His Word, maybe time with friends who encourage me and hold me accountable. Like this little ant, when those winds come, and they will, I may need to move to keep my eyes and best grip on Christ.

But unlike this little ant, God is also holding tightly on to me!!

I was so impressed by the sheer determination of this ant.
He held on to that window until we got 1/2 down the runway....when he was ripped off by the wind.

Honestly, I wish I had a ounce of that determination (not to mention strength...seriously). But most times, I tend to just let go. And then I flounder.

Maybe next time I will have learned a little from this tiny ant.

Project 365 - Week 39

Week 39.

Well, we are finally getting into a rhythm here and getting used to only having 3 people in the house. I miss my kids, but I have to say that things are going really well.

And to top it off, this week all my favorite shows started back up! love it!!

Here's my week:

Sunday

We added Abel's sacrifice to the Wall of Faith

Monday

That is one spoiled dog!!!

Tuesday

Not a great picture, but did enjoy the premiere of Glee.

Wednesday

No picture today.
It seems like I am having one of these at least once a week...ugh!
But I did enjoy watching Survivor tonight!
It makes me laugh to watch these people. After so many seasons of Survivor, you KNOW they have watched the show....and yet they STILL get upset when somebody lies or has a double alliance. Really?

Thursday

I made this tonight....YUM!
Go here for the recipe.

Friday

That's my husband in the white helping take out the set for the band at half time!! What a great night! the band sounded awesome and we won the game in the last 10 seconds!!!!
Here's a little bit of how we sounded....

Saturday
Meeting my mom in Dallas and then we are off to Boston for the week!!!

Ok, that's my week. How was yours?

Flashback Friday

Joining Linda today for Flashback Friday. Click over and join along!!

Did you like to read when you were a child? What were your favorite genres, books or series? Did you read books because of the author or because of the title/plot? Did you own many books? Did your school distribute the Scholastic book orders (or some other type)? Did you visit the library often? Was there a summer reading program when you were young, and did you participate? Do you have any particular memories of your school libraries? What were your favorites and least favorites among the classics (the ones high school English teachers assign!)? If you didn't like reading, do you like it more today than you did then?

I loved to read as a child. I was one of those kids that kept a book and a flashlight under my pillow so I could read at night after lights out.

I loved all kinds of books, but mostly fiction. I usually picked out my books by the cover and the summary on the back.....funny, I think I still do that!!

My favorite thing was the Scholastic book order. I looked forward to it and loved when the books came in. It was like receiving a treasure. Once my kids got into elementary school, I quickly volunteered to handle our teacher's Scholastic orders. It was so fun to see the kids get as excited as I did to receive their new books.

We went to the library a lot and I usually walked out with a stack of books bigger than I could carry. I don't remember our library having a summer reading program. However, I remember my 6th grade teacher challenging us to read. We had to write a summary of each book with a drawing in a spiral notebook. I specifically remembering him questioning whether I had really read all those books!!!
I wasn't a great student, so I guess it surprised him that I read so much!!!

I still love, LOVE to read and wish I had more time to. But I tend to get lost in the books I'm reading and then nothing gets done. When the kids were young, I would make deals with myself.....if you clean the bathrooms, you can read for an hour. If you get all the laundry done, you can read for another hour.....whatever works, right?

Letters of Intent

Dear Husband of my dear friend,

You are probably wishing right now that you had checked which Bowyer you were texting to last night....

....but I have to thank you for the laugh.

In fact, I giggled and laughed over it all night long!

I do appreciate the offer to go on the guys trip and since you asked, I think a spa would be the best place to go. Or maybe New York. You know, some place with great shopping.

I know it might be a little awkward being the only girl on the trip, but don't worry.... I'll just invite the other wives!!!

But honestly, the funniest part of the whole thing was realizing that you didn't know it was ME you were txting the other day about the Bears/Cowboys game.....

....hmmmm, I guess I'm better than I thought I was.

Love (and missing you),

Your new travel companion

PS...you might want to change my name in your address book to Sara and not Bowyer.
Just sayin'.

Wordless Wednesday

Missing these two middle faces.....

Tuesday Randomness.....again.

After a full weekend and P365,
it seems that random is all you get on Tuesday!

Feeling a little down lately.
Being a pastor's wife is not always a joy ride.
Found out my BFFs, that were planning to come see me for my 50th birthday, can no longer come....major disappointment.
Struggling with God on some issues.

On an up note, I am leaving Saturday for a trip with my mom.
We always enjoy traveling together and I am looking forward to it!!
But I haven't lost the 5 lbs I KNOW I will gain...oh well.
Still going to thoroughly enjoy the food!!!

It is still so stinkin' HOT here.
We are about to break a record of most consecutive days over 90 degrees.
It has been hovering around 97 for weeks....ugh!
Even I, lover of all things summer, am ready for cooler weather!!

My son, who called me twice last week!, asked if he could bring some friends home for Thanksgiving. He has several friends that live too far away to go home. I can so relate. I went to college far from home too and was very grateful to those friends that took me home for Thanksgiving. I told him he could bring as many as he wanted!!! A house full of people on Holidays is how it should be!!!

Started my new bible study last week.
Kay Arthur's Standing Firm in These Last Days.
I am liking it. a lot.
Digging into God's Word...wonderful.

Well, I think that is random enough.
I need to get cleaning.
I am housing 2 guys from Young Life tonight.
I think they would enjoy having clean sheets!!!

Project 365 - Week 38

Week 38

As usual, it was a busy week at our house, but tons of fun too!!

I even got TWO, yes TWO phone calls from my boy!!!! life is good!

I want all ya'll to know how proud I am of you for sticking with P365 this year. By this time last year, there were only a handful of us still doing it. It is a lot of work, but so worth it in the end. So, keep that camera ready and keep up the good work!!!

Here's my week:

Sunday

This was the first Sunday of our Heroes of the Faith curriculum.
This is our Hall of Faith.
First up was Gideon.
By the end of the semester, this wall will be filled.

Monday

So happy to find these at Sam's again.
One of my favorite snacks!

Tuesday

I have such a BROWN thumb!!!
I can never remember to water these....ugh!

Wednesday

made this for bible study this morning.
This was the BEST blueberry cake I have ever made!!
Go here for the recipe.

I made this for a lunch potluck at work! Yum!!

Thursday

Worked on the band buttons today.
This machine is amazing....and very fun!

Friday

What a beautiful evening for football!!!

Our band is getting better and better!!
They sounds so good tonight!!!
Jared is in the front row, middle

Saturday

Went to dinner with some good friends tonight.
this was our dessert....oh.my.word!

So how was your week?

Letters of Intent

Dear Body,

I AM coming to the realization that you will be 50 years old in a little over a month.

However, I am not appreciating the pity party you seem to be having or the attitude of giving up that I am sensing.

Two times this week, you have fallen asleep in the middle of the day as soon as I have sat down. You obviously didn't realize how much I still had to do those days.

I know that I have asked you to exercise a bit more lately, but the soreness you are giving me is unacceptable. You were never sore from this amount of exercise before. I also don't appreciate you holding on so tightly to the fat around my middle. It is NOT helping you and is not a safety feature. If you would just let it go, I would be oh so happy!

And can I please say that menopause is just a cruel joke! I am trying like crazy to get you hormonally balance....it would be nice if you would quit changing!! I really did like you just the way you were!

And about that rogue hair on my chin that keeps popping out when I least expect it.....so not cool....really, just plain mean.

I would like to go back to being friends again.
But if you keep this up, drastic measure are going to have to be taken.

and we won't like them....just sayin'

Sincerely,

your owner that still feels like she is 30 and thinks you should too

Tuesday Randomness

I wish my days would slow down! just sayin'

I am down to one child in the house and yet my days seem busier than ever...how does that happen? This soon-to-be 50 year old body is not keeping up very well. The other day, I got home from work, sat down to check the score of the US Open and promptly fell asleep!!! I didn't even remember falling asleep! Not cool!

I have to make 3 meals tomorrow, for 3 different occasions:
breakfast for bible study kick off
lunch salad for potluck at work
dinner veggie dish for life group potluck we were invited to
ya, all on the same day....sheesh!

my youngest is really enjoying his first job. But he has definitely hit his junior year. It seems that is the year that they really take off on their own, more independence with driving, and you don't see them as much. :(

I am looking forward to Bible Study starting on Wed.
I miss studying with these ladies and digging into the Word with them. We will be studying Kay Arthur's Standing Firm in These Last Days....should be good.

Wondering today why suddenly I can't keep up with the laundry....my husband is probably wondering the same thing!

Really missing my kiddos lately.
Can't wait to see Alyssa in Oct. when we go to look at the Univ of Houston for grad school. I think this is the longest I have gone without seeing her and I am really feeling the need to hug her neck!!!

Still no calls from the boy...getting used to it....sort of.

Happy to find out that my tooth is NOT cracked!
My tooth pain is actually from a nerve that is getting pressed on by my sinuses being full. For the last 3 months, I thought I had to get a crown or root canal or both and put off going to the dentist. With the right antihistamines.....pain gone. Weird. but GOOD!
Gotta love allergies in Arkansas!


Definitely a random kind of day!

Project 365 - Week 37

Week 37.

Another busy week in the Bowyer house. Arkansas can not decide if it still is summer or if we are going to head into fall! Last Friday, we were a bit chilly at the football game....which we loved. However, this week....back in the high 90s and it was scorching at the Friday game....ugh!

Jared is on a youth retreat this weekend, so Steve and I have enjoyed being "kid-less"......I think I won't mind empty nest too much! :)

Here's my week:

Sunday
I remembered a picture for Sunday!!
woot!

We ended our children's summer program today.
We have been studying the 10 commandments.
Isn't this cake great?! Thx Denise!!!

This is not a great picture, but this mama was very happy!!
About 30 minutes after this picture, he left to go back to college.
Soooo good to have him home.

Monday

I met my friend Denise at the church today and went spent time getting the hall decorated for our new curriculum starting next weekend. We are studying the Heroes of the Faith and this will be our Hall of Faith! It will be fun to show how it changes each week.

Tuesday

Went out to buy some supplies for CrossWalk.
What do headbands and duct tape have to do with each other?
Hopefully I will remember to show you the finished project!!!

Wednesday

Went up to the school today to take pictures of the band kids to make band buttons for the parents to wear.

Thursday

Worked on my Boston trip today.
My mom and I are going to Boston at the end of the month and I spent the afternoon googling things we might want to do. I am getting very excited!
And I hopefully will get to meet and see these two ladies:
Lisa and Karin

Friday

Football and Marching band season is here!!!
First home game.

The kids were so happy to have these new warm weather uniforms!!
It was sweltering out there tonight.
I think I sweated off 2 pounds!! ugh!

Saturday

Since we are childless this weekend, Steve and I went out on a dinner date to a new Italian restaurant in town. Love the color in this drink!

So, how was your week?

Letter's of Intent

Dear Lily,



You stink.
I am sorry if that hurts your feelings but..
...it's true.

It would help if you would quit jumping into the pool.
Your people really are good swimmers and don't need your help...
...they are just having fun.

It would also help if you left the skimmer alone.
It's not hurting the pool but helping it.
However, your trying to grab it as it passes by only helps to cause you to fall in the pool...again.

It would also help if you would not cut corners by the pool as you run out to bark at the other dogs....
cutting corners = falling into the pool

I don't have time to keep bathing your or the money to take you to the groomers every week. However, your "smell" permeates the room you are in.

Lily, please help us out here.

signed,
the owner who loves you but doesn't like to smell you!

Random Dozen

Ok, I am in a blogging slump.
My days have leveled out...busy, but not bad.
I just don't have anything to blog about...ugh.

Thank goodness some great blogging friends, like Linda at 2nd cup, provide the needed memes to help a girl out!!

1. Describe the best sandwich in the world, according to you. this is easy. The "unforgettable" at a sandwich shop called Baggins in my home town. turkey, sprouts, avocado, cream cheese, bacon, all on multi grain bread...now I want one!!!

2. Which inspires you more: a good conversation, a song, a book or movie? Definitely a good conversation.

3. What is your favorite board game? This is a HARD one. We are a game playing family. I would have to say that currently it is Settlers of Catan.

4. As you grow older, are you more or less patient with small children? depends on the day.....and the children.

5. Name one item you never let yourself run out of. good olive oil or blue bell ice cream.

6. Do you agree with Tennyson's assertion, "'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all?" yep.

7. Name one national treasure or monument that you have visited. Mount Rushmore.

8. Which is more painful, to be disappointed in someone else or to be disappointed in yourself? I think to be disappointed in myself. I am much quicker to forgive others.

9. What makes your kitchen uniquely yours? I'm the one that uses it!!! :)

10. Are you a crafty person? yes, but have little time to do them.

11. What is your favorite traditional picnic or bbq (cookout) food? potato salad. I LOVE it!!

12. Name one leisurely activity you enjoyed over Labor Day Weekend. laying out by the pool reading a book.

Project 365 - Week 36

Week 36.

Well, I made it through my week and it ended up great! I actually had a lot of fun. And of course, it ended on a perfect note because my son came home to do his laundry for a visit!!! Yes, this mama is happy!

Can you believe it is already September?!! I don't know about you, but this year is just flying by for me. I do wish it would slow just a bit!

Here's my week:

Sunday

Once again...no picture on Sunday.....
...argh!!!

I am afraid this is becoming a habit!!!

Monday

Worked a full day shift today (not usual for me) and then went straight to Jared's Meet-the-teachers Night. It was actually nice ......my husband and I did not have to split up because, for the first time, we only had one child's schedule to see!!!

Tuesday
Tonight our evening and morning bible studies came together to celebrate and reflect on the end of our study of Revelation. We started out with a Wedding Feast pot luck dinner...awesome!

My friend, Becky, had set this up to represent John's vision in heaven. The baptismal represents the throne with 24 elders (the chairs) around it. You can see the 7 lamp stands. She thought of everything and it was so cool!

We then shared communion together.
It was a beautiful evening.

Wednesday
Tonight Steve and I kept the children of our Youth workers during the youth meeting. The parents take turns doing this. That is Steve climbing up the play ground chasing after the boys. This picture is small because I took it on my phone....oh well.

but guess what?!!!
I heard from my son today.....woot!!
And he is doing great....loving college.
Made this mama's heart happy!

Thursday
One of the leaders of MOPS at our church asked me a while back if I would host their leadership team for a working lunch and give a cooking demo/testimony.

Ya'll this was so much fun!!!

Everything is prepared and ready to demo!!
The hardest part was telling them my testimony while trying to cook. I used to be a better multi tasker!!!

I taught them a dish I learned in Italy,
Broccoli Pasta
go here for recipe

My best compliment was 3 of them going back for thirds!!!

Friday

Tonight is about perfect....
my oldest home (on the right with the glasses)
my youngest in the band (behind drummer with brass horn)
nice cool evening
me sitting in the bleachers!!

Saturday

Of course, Jason got to pick the menu for dinner!
Chicken Marsala
Go here for the recipe.

So how did your week end up?