...make music from your heart to the Lord. Eph. 5:19

Project 365 - Week 6

2012-02-11T14:38:00.002-06:00

Week 6.

Well, I have come to the conclusion that my life is never going to slow down...seriously. Seems like I get a small breather and then I am back on the treadmill again. However, in all the craziness, God is showing himself to me in amazing ways. And I am realizing anew just how big my God is. I love it!

Currently, I am sitting at the kitchen counter of Rita's house!! I can't tell you what a joy it has been to be here with her and Mike. However, Mike has pointed out that I pronounce her name wrong...it is RiTA not RiDA. LOL! We have had so much fun and they have been so wonderful in opening their home to me and Jared! What a blessing! Our only disappointment is that Dana (The Bug) got sick. She was driving up here with her husband to meet us and had to cancel.......Dana, we were so sad!! But hope you are feeling better soon!

Here is my week:

Sunday

My favorite Super Bowl snack made by my friend, Barb. This is a shortbread cookie with a square of dark chocolate on top and then a piece of brie...then melted. Sinful!!!!! and oh so good.

Monday

This is the only evidence that shows that I caught myself on fire this morning! yes, you read that right. The sleeve of my robe got too close the the flame in my kitchen and caught fire. It spread, QUICKLY, to the whole front of my robe. May I just say that when you are on fire, stop/drop/roll does NOT come to your mind. Jason, yelled for me to take my robe off and as he grabbed it to put it out, I realized my PJs were on fire too. We were able to quickly get it all out and I am FINE. BUT, I did find out that liquid fabric softner leaves a residue on your clothes that is flammable. you can see that nothing was really burned, it was like just vapors burning. Scary yes, but also funny now that it is over!

Tuesday

No picture today. I was busy getting the house cleaned and errands run before my trip to Indiana on Thursday.

Wednesday

Today I went by the library and picked up a couple of books on CD for the ELEVEN hour drive we have on Thursday and again on Sunday. I have already read the book thief, but I have to say that listening to it made me love it even more!

Thursday

Can you guess where I am? My fellow P365ers might recognize this stair case....

I am at Rita's!!!!

We arrived here tonight and as we visited, we had a hilarious time cracking nuts and eating them....Rita was shooting nut shell parts all over her house!!!

And they landed in some very odd places! I think she will be finding shells for a long time!

Friday

We woke up today to snow....much to Jared's delight and my chagrin.

It's COLD.

After visiting Anderson University, we headed over to Taylor to check it out.

And of course we had to make a stop at our beloved Steak 'n Shake!!! :)

Ok, I published this without being ready!!! I guess I hit the publish button...not save...and didn't realize it until I received a notice that someone had commented on the post! And it's not finished!!! Wow, I am more tired than I thought.

I am holding out for a picture I am taking tonight to finish this post. Mostly because Jared had his audition at Anderson this morning and I was so nervous I never thought to take a picture!!!! I had planned to take one of him by the Anderson University sign....but we were both so relieved and exhausted after it was all over we came straight back to Rita's and forgot!! So I will be taking a picture of us tonight at dinner and posting it later!!

However, I will add the link so you can go ahead and link up if you want!

Saturday
I can't tell you how wonderful it has been staying with Rita and Mike. Our friendship feels like one forged over many years and yet this is the first time we have met face to face. Their home is warm and they have treated us like family. I will be very sad to leave tomorrow!
Today Jared had his audition at Anderson....so much STRESS!!! But it seems like he did well. He will find out for sure in about a week.....have I told you that I am not a good waiter?!

Tonight we ate at an Upland icon...Ivanhoe's! this picture of me is what you get after wearing a hat all day...I don't miss 16 degrees!!!

Rita and I shared the "Cowabunga". Do you see how BIG it is. we each only ate 1/4!!!

But they are mostly known for their 100 different shakes!!!!

We sampled a few!!! yum!

Tomorrow we leave on the 11 hour drive home. But we leave with full hearts...full of excitement for the future and all full of the warmth from good friendship. That, my friends, is the BEST.

Without Faith

2012-02-07T07:58:00.000-06:00

God has been revealing to me lately so many things about who He is. I have almost been overwhelmed with it. But one of my devotions today really hit home...

It said that whenever God reveals something, He expects us to believe it....

....and adjust our lives accordingly.

It's that 2nd part that really got me.

Yes, I truly believe all He has revealed to me.

But agreeing with it and "living" it are 2 different things.

It has caused me this morning to really think about "how" I need to adjust my life and my thinking with all that He has revealed about Himself.

How can I be fearful when I have the Creator of the universe holding me in the palm of His hand? Why would I rely on myself or others when the One who has given EACH star a name has called ME by name and tells me "I've got this"? When my God, who can measure the dust of the earth, tells me that I am precious, honored and loved by Him (Isaiah 43:4), how can I fear?

yep, some adjustments need to be made.

Here is the devotion from Experiencing God Day by Day:

But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin. Romans 14:23

The writer of Hebrews reminds us that without faith it is impossible to please God. Whenever God reveals something He expects us to believe Him and adjust our lives accordingly. What does this mean? It means we trust Him implicitly for all of our needs because He says He will provide. It means we approach crises with the assurance that God will bring good from them. It means we overcome anxiety during stressful situations because God instructs us to bring our requests to Him. It means that we never worry that we are alone because God said He would never leave us or forsake us. It means that, despite what happens in our lives, we will never doubt God's love because He has told us that He loves us with an everlasting love.

At times we try to justify our lack of faith! We know what God has promised, but we doubt that He will make a practical difference in our life. We are filled with anxiety and excuse ourselves by saying: "I am just a worrier!" We become bitter during a crisis and reason that "God could not possibly bring anything good out of this pain!" We appeal for help from everyone around us when we have a need; then explain: "I know God can provide for my needs, but I think I should do everything I can, just in case." God calls this faithlessness. Faithlessness is sin. "But without faith it is impossible to please Him" Hebrews 11:6

Project 365 - Week 5

2012-02-04T18:58:00.000-06:00

Week 5.

I can not believe the mild weather we are having here! Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining but it is just weird.

God has been working on my heart all week.....it's been hard, but it's been good. Not really anything I can or want to blog about, however I am continually overwhelmed by the goodness and faithfulness of my God. I am so very thankful that I KNOW that HE is ultimately in control and that He has my best interest in mind. I don't know how you deal with life without that knowledge. And I want to extend to any of my blogging friends.....if you don't know that to be true and want to talk about it, I would love to share with you what I know to be true. Just email me at sarawbowyerATmsnDOTcom and we will connect.

Here's my week:

Sunday

I received this precious letter from a child in my SS class this afternoon.

Monday

Today I had lunch with my bff, Wendi, and she took me out to the land they just purchased. This will be the view from the front of their house....nice!

Tuesday

Me and my friend, Haven, worked this afternoon on getting all our Fine Arts Council books and paperwork in order. It feels good to get it organized!

Wednesday

My husband's HS baseball team was inducted into the Kansas baseball hall of fame in 2009. This year for Christmas, I bought him his Hall of Fame ring and it just came. It is ginormous!!! But how many guys can say they have a Hall of Fame ring?!!

Thursday

I went to meet the newest member of our congregation today....Zoe.

Oh my word, she is beautiful!!!

Friday

It's a popcorn-for-dinner kind of day.

We also watched the movie Moneyball......great movie!

Saturday

We traveled to Arkadephia today for Jared's all-state tryouts. Here he is practicing with some friends. sadly, his nerves got the best of him and he didn't make it. Hurts my mama's heart.

But I came home to find this special gift in the mail for me from my dear friend LuAnn!!!

I LOVE it!

It's hard to model and take the picture of yourself too...blurry.

Hope you are having a great start to Feb!

Letters of Intent

2012-02-02T21:31:00.000-06:00

I am joining Foursons today for Letters of Intent.

Hope over to her blog to read some more fun letters or maybe you want to get something off your chest...link up!

Dear Jared,

I am declaring February "The Month of Jared" since I will be traveling with you every weekend but one this month. We are going to have a lot of time together and it is going to be GREAT!

However, I am not looking forward to all the time in the car. I have a feeling my bum is going to get a bit sore. I think I should hit the library and get some books on tape. But who could complain when you are taking your son to All-State tryouts, a college music audition and hopefully an All-State clinic and concert.

I am so proud of all your accomplishments! And it is going make my mama's heart swell seeing you shine in each event!

I know I have been nagging you a lot lately........eat better, practice, take your vitamins, practice, get to bed early, practice, practice, practice. BUT, you will hopefully thank me later when you make it through this crazy month and excel at each stop!!

But truly, no matter what happens, I love you more than I can express and am so proud of you!!!

Love you tons,

mom

Renewing my mind

2012-02-02T09:55:00.000-06:00

Sarah Young has been working on my heart lately....

I am renewing your mind. When your thoughts flow freely, they tend to move toward problems. Your focus gets snagged on a given problem, circling round and round it in attempts to gain mastery. Your energy is drained away from other matters through this negative focus. Worst of all, you lose sight of Me.

A renewed mind is Presence-focused. Train your mind to see Me in every moment, every situation. Sometimes you can find Me in your surroundings; a lilting birdsong, a loved one's smile, golden sunlight. At other times, you must draw inward to find Me. I am always present in your spirit. Seek My Face, speak to Me, and I will light up your mind.

Don't look at the cliffs

2012-02-01T07:14:00.000-06:00

From Jesus Calling

by Sarah Young

Follow Me one step at a time. That is all I require of you. In fact, that is the only way to move through this space/time world. You see huge mountains looming, and you start wondering how you're going to scale those heights. Meanwhile, because you're not looking where you're going, you stumble on the easy path where I am leading you now. As I help you get back on your feet, you tell Me how worried you are about the cliffs up ahead. But you don't know what will happen today, much less tomorrow. Our path may take an abrupt turn, leading you away from those mountains. There may be an easier way up the mountains than is visible from this distance. If I do lead you up the cliffs, I will equip you thoroughly for that strenuous climb. I will even give My angels charge over you, to preserve you in all your ways.

Keep your mind on the present journey, enjoying My Presence. Walk by faith , not by sight, trusting Me to open up the way before you.

Why do I ever rely on anything else?

2012-01-31T07:59:00.000-06:00

As I continue my study in Isaiah, God continues to reveal Himself to me and I find myself wondering...

...why in the world do I rely on anything but HIM?!

my God....

Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand - Is 40:12

Can you imagine? The oceans are measured in the hollow of His hand!!

And marked off the heavens by the span

the "span" is the measure from tip of your pinkie to the tip of your thumb with your hand stretched out. So, He measures the HEAVENS with His hand!! Who else can do that?

And calculated the dust of the earth by measure

the DUST of the earth...how could you measure that?

He can.

Why in the world do we turn to each other, to ourselves, to things we make of our hands instead of Him? It seems so silly as I realize that I can never wrap my mind around how big He is.

And yet, this same, big, awesome God promises to take care of me..

Is 41:10

Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you , for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Why do I look anywhere else?

Project 365 - Week 4

2012-01-28T21:36:00.001-06:00

Week 4.

Well, this week was much slower for me. My house got some much needed attention and so did the laundry!!! :)

We are having crazy spring-like weather...in January!!! I am working on my 2011 P365 book and by this time last year we had had snow, huge hail, tornadoes and more snow. So wild.

Here's my week:

Sunday

Another concert today!

This time the Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra did a side-by-side concert with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra...it was amazing! Jared even had a solo!

Monday

I was making bread today and when I returned to the kitchen later, I found that Jason had been playing with the cornmeal left on the pizza peel. Seriously, that boy can turn anything into art!

Tuesday

I wen to a Norwex Micro-fiber cloth presentation tonight at my friend Lori's house.

Seriously, these cloths are amazing.

This is me putting butter all over the window.

Then with TWO swipes of the cloth and just WATER...the window was squeaky clean!!!!

I am completely sold on this product!!

Wednesday

This is a very common sight at my house lately.....

...the start of the artisan bread I am making!!!!

Thursday

Today was a rainy, dreary day.

So, I made a big pot of Italian Sausage and Lentil Soup.

Perfect.

Friday

My Norwex micro-fiber cloths came today!!!

I am so excited about these...they are amazing!!

If you want your cleaning to be revolutionized..google it!!

Saturday

Today was a baking day.
I made two rustic apple pies for a dinner tomorrow, two loaves of artisan bread and caramel sauce to top the apple pies. I really love days like this!! Then alyssa came over to learn how to play spades. One of her aphasia patients wants help so that she can play with her family.
It was a pretty good day!!

So what has your week looked like?

Do you not know?

2012-01-25T07:40:00.000-06:00

My bible study of Isaiah has taken me to chapter 40 this morning.

What a beautiful chapter and words I need to remember always...

Do you not know? Have you no heard?

The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired, His understanding is inscrutable.

He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power.

Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength;

they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.

Isaiah 40:28-31

project 365 - Week 3

2012-01-21T20:02:00.000-06:00

Week 3.

First, I need to apologize if I didn't comment on your post last week. There were several of them that blogger would not allow me to comment....frustrating!!! It's good to see so many of you back for another year!!

My week was much better this week but still crazy busy. Seems like we have started out 1012 with a bang and it is not going to slow down for a while. So I guess I better just get a good grip and hang on!!!

Here's my week:

Sunday

We had the honor of being part of the ceremony anointing elders for the Korean church that meets at our church. It was also a celebration of their 2nd year. It was a bit hard knowing what was going on...seeing as the whole thing was in Korean!!! But the food afterward was A.MA.ZING!!!

Monday

I finally found a recipe for Chicken Pot Pie that my whole family liked!!!! Seeing as it is one of my favorites, I am very excited!!

Tuesday

I spent the evening wrapping utensils for the Tim Hawkins dinner on Friday....250 didn't seem like so many until we started wrapping!!!

Wednesday

several years ago when I was having a hard time with parenting, a good friend of mine brought me a bouquet of sunflowers. I had said that I wanted off the parent train and she told me that since I couldn't get off, maybe she could make the view a bit nicer with the flowers. Recently, I commented that I wanted off the parent train again. This week she showed up with this sweet figurine....now my view is always nicer!!!

Thursday

I spent the day serving with Samaritan's Feet.

You can find out more about that day HERE.

Friday

Tonight was the night!

After months and months of planning, the Tim Hawkins concert was here. I was in charge of the VIP dinner for 250 people. It went so well and Tim Hawkins was hilarious!!!

Saturday

Today Jared had his all-region band concert.

Another last....and probably the best all region concert yet. It was awesome.

Hope you had a great week!!! Link up!

Samaritans Feet = amazing day!

2012-01-21T08:40:00.000-06:00

Last fall, Jared and the HS band was asked to head up a project for Samaritan's Feet in Little Rock. Samaritan's Feet has a goal of putting 10 millions shoes on kids around the world. You can read about the organization and their story HERE.

So, last fall the band started promoting....

On 11/11/11 at 11am, they would pass a shoe around each classroom to raise $$ for shoes for needy kids in Little Rock.

The Band even performed barefoot on a cold Friday night in support of the project!

And then on 11/11/11, the shoes were passed around and these kids raised over $4,000 for Samaritans feet!! That money was enough to purchase over 300 shoes for needy children in our area....300!

But it wasn't over. Samaritan's Feet is not just about getting shoes to children. It is about showing the love of Christ to each one.

Thursday this last week, about 33 kids from our school went to a location on the other side of our city and....

...washed the feet of 300 children.

That simple act had a huge impact and opened the doors to talk to many of them about the love of Jesus.

They were able to develop friendships during the time it took to size the kids, walk them to a new location, wash their feet and fit the shoes.

And the kids got to experience being served on a very basic level....maybe for the first time.

Each shoe was imprinted with John 3:16 ... another opportunity for the kids to share how much God loves them!

Even the Little Rock police department got involved. How cool is that?!!

Can you imagine the feelings of the kids that had their feet washed by a police officer?

But probably the sweetest moment for me was watching this young lady from our school take this little one aside to share Christ with her and pray with her. Both were completely blessed by the other!!

It was truly an amazing day.

And I was so honored to be able to be a part of it.

Project 365 - Week 2

2012-01-15T08:05:00.000-06:00

Week 2.

Wow, this was a crazy busy week for me and I am glad it's over!!!

Lot's of unexpected twists and turns. It didn't help that I spent most of the week recovery from my drive to Siloam Springs...it POURED the entire 7 hour trip. And on the 3.5 hours back it not only poured, there was a dense fog. It was probably one of the scariest drives I have ever had. I was very sore the rest of the week from being so tense.

So I hope you all had a smoother, more relaxing week than I did!!

Here's mine:

Sunday

One thing I love about this time of year is the Ruby Red Grapefruit I can find in the grocery store!

I love them!!

I love to peel them like an orange and eat them that way.

Monday

The Fine Arts Council at our school is hosting Tim Hawkins next week. We have almost sold out 1400 tickets!!! I made posters today to walk the carpool line at school for a last minute push to sell those last tickets!

Tuesday

Jason is moving home for a semester. Alyssa and I drove up today to help him move all his things home. Before we left, we stopped for coffee with him and Andi at Pour Jon's.

Have you ever seen one of these timers? It times how long tea, french press coffee, etc need to steep. very cool!!

Wednesday

We've been able to enjoy our fireplace a couple of times this week!

**don't look at the mess**

Thursday

Jason cut his thumb this morning trying to slice some bread. He ended up with 3 stitches. But I did enjoy seeing him sit on the scooby doo table!!!

Friday

On my Friday breakfast date with my husband and had these. These are the best grits you will ever taste!!!

Gouda grits.

My mouth waters just thinking about them!!

Saturday

Finished this book today. It's the 2nd book in the Hunger Games series. Wow. Very good and very intense!!! Can't wait to get to the 3rd!

So how was your 2nd week of the year?!! link up and share!!!

Letter of Intent

2012-01-13T08:15:00.001-06:00

I am joining Foursons for Letters of Intent today. Do you have a letter that needs to be written just to get it off your chest? Join us!

Dear Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day cookbook,

I have to admit that though I waited a month before you came available from the library, the timing of getting you the week after New Years was was not great.

Why you ask? Because this is the best and easiest bread I have ever made. I have loved having fresh crusty bread with a wonderful soft center every night at dinner!! So has my family.

Having the dough in the fridge just waiting to be set out to rise makes me giddy...

And then seeing this beautiful loaf cooling off on my counter makes me do the dance of joy!!! And the smell in the house........a.ma.zing.

However, you have an evil side for sure. All that time I am spending in the gym is now not going toward working off the pounds I gained during the holidays......no, I am having to work hard so as not to gain any more!!! Seems fresh bread every.single.night is not good for the diet. Who knew?!!

However, I could live with that because you taste so wonderful and make my family so happy. Then you became the cause of an accident. One that hurt my child. One that caused me to sit in a doctor's office all morning. One that caused me, I'm sure, a lot of money.....

You look so innocent sitting there. But were the cause of this...

Oh, sure. You can try to say it was HIS fault. That he was being careless. But he just was craving a slice of YOU.

We may have to rethink this new relationship.

I must admit though...... it was fun seeing my 20 year old sit on the scooby doo table.....took me back to his childhood.

Sincerely,

The woman who may need to get your next book....Healthy bread in five minutes a day.

The best road map available...

2012-01-12T07:29:00.000-06:00

...is the abiding Presence of the Lord.

Lately, I have said several times that I wish I had a crystal ball.

I have several situations in my life where I wish I could just see how they were going to turn out....would they turn out "ok", were my decisions "right", would I make it through them, what will happen today?

Then I came to my devotion this morning and again God spoke to my heart..

Let Me prepare you for the day that stretches out before you. I know exactly what this day will contain, whereas you have only vague ideas about it. You would like to see a map, showing all the twists and turns of your journey. You'd feel more prepared if you could somehow visualize what is on the road ahead. However, there is a better way to be prepared for whatever you will encounter today: spend quality time with Me.

I will not show you what is on the road ahead, but I will thoroughly equip you for the journey. My living Presence is your Companion each step of the way. Stay in continual communication with Me, whispering My Name whenever you need to redirect your thoughts. Thus, you can walk through this day with your focus on Me. My abiding Presence is the best road map available.

--Jesus Calling by Sarah Young--

yes, very true.

Slow me down....

2012-01-11T11:00:00.000-06:00

I sat here this morning going over my calender for the next couple of months and trying not to hyperventalate because of all I have on my plate.

all good things.

all things I want to accomplish well.

but so many and moving so fast.

Then I visited a blog of a missionary family in Haiti. I love their blog......it tends to give me perspective and bring me back into focus. And on their blog today was this song, Slow Me down. The words just spoke to my heart. You can go HERE to hear it....I am not smart enough to know how to embed it into my post....but here are the words...

Slow Me Down

Song: By Robbie Seay

Slow me down Lord, slow me down.

Help my heart to hear your sound.

Speak into my life Lord speak now.

Slow me down oh Lord, slow me down.

Clear my mind Lord, clear my mind.

Bring me peace that I cannot find.

Take my worthy thoughts, break my pride.

Clear my mind, oh Lord, clear my mind.

Wake my soul oh Lord, wake my soul...

.... Of this life called mine, take control.

When life seems to run wild and ahead of me and out of control, only He can slow it down and bring me peace.

so very thankful.

Project 365 - Week 1

2012-01-07T19:40:00.000-06:00

Week 1.

Seriously, can you believe it is 2012? And then it's already the end of the 1st week of 2012?!! Someone needs to slow down the clock just a little bit!!!

Here we are at the start of a new year with Project 365. This will be my 4th year to host this project. I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed it and what a joy it is to go back over my year and see things that I had completely forgotten about!! I know my family will treasure these books (yes, I make mine into a book each year) as much as I do!

I hope you might consider joining us! We post our weeks pictures on Sunday and link up to this post and then share out photos with each other. However, you will end up sharing more than photos...you will also share in some amazing friendships!!! Join us! It's never too late to start!!

Here's my week:

Sunday

Happy New Year!!!!!

We had our usual New Years Day open house except that we scaled it down due to just arriving home last night! So, just a big pot of black eyed peas and cornbread!!

The teenagers took over the dining room and had fun playing trivial pursuit

Monday

Oh my word, it is back to the diet....enough said.

Tuesday

Jared's school does a two week J-term in January. He is taking a steel drum class. The drum is small but makes some beautiful music!!!!

Wednesday

Happy Birthday to my "baby"

Can't believe he is 18?!!!

Thursday

I have checked out a new book "Artisan bread in Five Minutes a Day" This is my first attempt. Not bad!!!!! And soooo yummy!!

Friday

We took Christmas down today....there is always ONE item that doesn't make it into the box!!

Saturday

Went to a baby shower today...a Bow Shower.

We all got to make bows for the new baby! It was so much fun and I was so impressed with my bows!!! The girl who hosted had instructions for each kind of bow and all the makings. Mine are the big yellow one and the one on the left with grey and red petals.

So how did your first week of 2012 go?

Happy Birthday to my "baby"

2012-01-04T07:49:00.000-06:00

When did my last child get from here...

to here.....

Happy Birthday, Jared

We love you and are so proud you!!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T08:12:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year to all my blogging friends!

It was a quiet one here at the Bowyer house. After traveling most of the day, Steve was in bed by 10 and I by 11.......sad, I know.

Today, I have a big pot of black-eyed peas on the stove and after church we have invited our congregation over for some 2012 good luck and fellowship.

I can't wait to go through my 2011 Project 365 pictures and recap my year. There were many highlights and a few valleys, but we came through them all intact and with the knowledge that Christ walked with us.

I have to admit that I face 2012 with a bit of trepidation. There are a couple of challenges facing me that looked at through my own eyes make my knees buckle. But I am so very thankful that I can look at them through the eyes of Christ...if I choose to. And I can know that, without a doubt, He has them under control. Even if I feel completely inadequate to take on the challenges...He is more than adequate and all I need.

The comfort that brings is huge.

However, in my humanness, I tend to take my eyes off Him. And when I do, fear and anxiety take the place of peace and hope.

So, my prayer for myself, and each of you, is that in 2012..no matter the challenge..I will choose to keep my eyes on Him. I will choose to see each situation through His eyes and not my own. That will take staying close to Him....daily, even minute by minute....and depending on Him.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30

Blessings to each of you in this new year!!!

Project 365 - Week 52b

2011-12-31T00:01:00.006-06:00

Week 52b.

Our Christmas was a bit different this year and I was a little apprehensive about how it was going to go. I love tradition and when you mess with that, it makes me upset! But we have had a wonderful Christmas and I have loved every minute of it!! I hope you have too!

We had our Christmas on Christmas Eve this year because we traveled to Tucson, AZ on Christmas day to be with my family. Each time I come home, I feel like I miss the desert more and more....it's just part of who I am!

I am planning on continuing Project 365 into 2012. It is just such a wonderful chronicling of our family and I want to do it for my kids!! I hope you will join me too and invite friends. We usually start out the year with 20+ people but end the year with a faithful few!! I would encourage everyone to do this at least once and to make the effort to stick it out...you will never regret it!

Here's my week:

Saturday

We started Christmas Eve with a service at church. It was wonderful and we ended the service with 3 baptisms....that was awesome!

Then we headed home for our traditional Christmas dinner and this year added Christmas at the end!

Sunday

Of course we had to finish the advent calendar and then we saved stockings for this morning. Steve and I wrote letters to each of the kids this year and put them in their stockings.

Then we headed to the airport to fly to Arizona. So weird being flying on Christmas day!

Monday

You can see snow on the tops of the mountains right now!! I love that. It reminds me so much of when I was growing up!

My brother's family came over in the afternoon. We had appetizers in the basement and did Nani's santa bags and presents. Then Nani fixed a wonderful Christmas dinner. It was a great night!!!

Tuesday

This is an antique marble game that Jason is playing. It is something they always play when they come to my mom's house! They never get tired of it!

This cracked me up!!!

Wednesday

The older I get the more I miss the desert. It is so beautiful to me!

Today we went to the Desert Museum and met some friends that recently moved to Phoenix. We had not seen Wanda and Jeremy for 12 years!! We had been in ministry together at two churches. It was so great to see them!!!

Thursday

We all did a lot of relaxing at Nani and Papa's too!

What is it about boys and sledge hammers?

Jared loves rocks and was given some geodes by a good friend. The boys all went in the garage to try to smash them open.

Friday

We went and saw Sherlock Holmes today. GREAT movie!!! I think even better than the first!

We all went out to dinner for our last night. This is me and my daddy.

We have had such a good visit! I am ready to go home but it will be hard to leave too!!

Saturday
Happy New Year's Eve!!!

We are on our way home from Tucson. :(
Steve is got stuck in security...I, of course, had to get a picture of it and then got reprimanded by a TSA agent...oops!

So how was your last week of 2011?!!!

Our Christmas presents...

2011-12-29T22:15:00.000-06:00

...several of you have said you are waiting to hear where all our Christmas presents/money went to.

If you are new to my blog, our family started a new tradition 4 years ago. In realizing the kids had more than they needed, we decided to give them the money we would spend on their large gift at Thanksgiving. Then, they had until Christmas to give that money away however God led them. On Christmas morning, instead of opening a present, we each tell about where we gave our money and the story behind it. It has become my favorite part of Christmas!!

I have been so amazed over the years at the different directions God has taken each of us. We have never given to the same place or person. You can go HERE to read about previous years if you would like to.

Here is where God led each of us this year.....

Alyssa gave her money to ASHA foundation. They give out grants and scholarships for graduate students and people doing research across the field of speech pathology. She is currently in graduate school for speech language pathology and has now seen first had how important new research is for her field. She has also been exposed to some of the exciting ideas that are being researched and wanted to be part of it. It is so awesome to see her not only thriving in graduate school but loving it so much.

Jason has a good friend at college that he met his freshman year. This friend has a hard time fitting in socially and doesn't make friends easily. God put this boy in Jason's path and Jason reached out and became good friends with him. Recently, his friend has had a tragedy occur in his family. One that has completely turned this boy's world upside down. Jason knew he would probably not be receiving any presents this year for Christmas and so he took his money and spent it on his friend. Seeing Jason talk about the joy he received from blessing his friend was priceless. And I think the encouragement and love that his friend felt from him was probably priceless too!!

Two years ago, Jared used his money to bless a classroom of children in a poor area of Arkansas with books and apples. He had heard about the class from his English teacher as her daughter was the teacher of this class. As Jared prayed about where his money should go this year, God kept bringing to mind his English teacher. So he went back to her and asked if he could help out with the class again this year. What he didn't know was that her daughter had been telling her mom how much these kids needed in the classroom but she couldn't afford to buy it all. Jared's money allowed her to buy all that she needed plus more. But what I love about God is that when you choose to be obedient and bless someone He leads you to....not only are you blessed too, but He tends to extend that blessing out to others as well. This teacher and class were certainly blessed by this gift, but Jared's teacher was also encouraged and blessed in the process.

Steve gave his money to One Verse. OneVerse is a program of The Seed Company that enables you to support local Bible translators as they make God’s message available in the language of their people. One Verse has found that $26 provides the resources required for national translators to translate one verse of Scripture into their own language. Steve purchased 1 verse of scripture in honor of each of the rest of us to be translated in the language for Papua, New Guinea. My verse is Acts 18:16. How cool is that?!! This would be an awesome ministry for your children if you are looking for one or a sunday school class.

This year, I felt led to study God's word through Precepts by Kay Arthur. If you haven't done one of her studies it is an inductive study, meaning you study it word by word or precept upon precept. It has been very intense as we are studying Isaiah, but God knew what He was doing when He led me to it. It has impacted my life in a huge way and as I struggled with some things in my life, God has given me clarity through this study. So when our leader told our group that we had the opportunity to share in buying Precept studies and bibles for a missionary in China, I knew exactly where my money should go. It brings me great joy to know that something that is impacting me in such a big way will now also be used to impact women on the other side of the world. We raised so much money, they were able to buy 18 bibles, several precept studies and also have money left over to be able to rent a room in Beijing to hold the classes....wow!!!

Once again God led each of us in completely different ways.

And once again we were ALL honored and blessed to be part of it.

Thanks to all of you who have asked about this. It just shows me another way God uses our obedience to touch others......He is so good.

I must concede.......

2011-12-27T16:22:00.000-06:00

...Jason won.

Yes, I said it and there you have it!

Remember this guy...

This is a Santa that Jason and I hide from each other each year.

This year, I thought I had it won. I mailed it to Jason's girlfriend's house and they had it out when he came over for dinner. You can go HERE to read more about it.

Weeeelllll, we flew to Arizona Sunday to have Christmas with my family. When we got to the airport, Jason had packed in a carry-on that he wanted to check...it was STUFFED full. So being the mom that I am (and cheap I don't want to pay $25 for a carry-on!), I made him open it up (right there on the sidewalk) and take some things out and put them in his brother's suitcase so he could carry his on. I was a little confused as to why he was so put out by that.....

Then we got to security and there was NO ONE in line. The good news....no one in line, the bad news....they had nothing to do. So we all got stopped and searched...ugh. Jason was getting more and more irritated when they asked to open his suitcase. I was right behind him and was saying..calm down, it's no big deal.....

....little did I know that the SANTA was in the suitcase and now had been exposed TWICE in my presence....neither time did I notice. yes, I am observant like that.

Fast forward to Christmas dinner last night.

Jason was partly in charge of taking pictures.

Let me just show you how much fun he had taking pics of me with the Santa BEHIND me that I NEVER saw!!!

yes, I am even posing for pictures I ASSUME he is taking of me!!!

So, there you have it....

JASON WON

...this year.

But don't worry....

I have 365 days to begin thinking about this cute little guy and how I am going to win NEXT year!!!

Project 365 - Week 52

2011-12-24T16:02:00.000-06:00

Week 52.

So it seems weird to be week 52 and yet still have 7 more days left....will we put week 53 next week? I looked back and the issue is the week 1 only had 1 day in it!! What to do? I think when I post next Saturday, I will call it 53b!!!

Merry Christmas Eve everyone!!

Here's my week:

Sunday

This was the craft we did today in Sunday School. I found it on Pinterest and it turned out so good! However, I did not take into account little girls wearing tights or ticklish feet when I planned it!!!

Monday

Tonight was our staff/elder Christmas party and white elephant. This is always a great time. We have been blessed with some wonderful people to work with!!

Tuesday

We went to a Christmas dinner for my previous job tonight. It was so nice of them to invite us..I miss them all. This is our Youth Pastor's son...he LOVES Jason!

Wednesday

Finally got around to making Christmas cookies today.....yum!

Thursday

Tonight we had a much needed family night. Dinner and then games. We had so much fun playing Cranium the other night that we decided to do it again...only with Alyssa's updated version. It was so much fun. However, no one knew hardly any of the "updated" songs in the humdinger section!!

Friday

Presents finally showed up under the tree today. we have a "snooper" in our family and therefore the presents stay hidden until the last minute! Now it looks like Christmas!

I am going to add Saturday on to next weeks pictures since it will be a busy night worshiping and celebrating!

I wish each of you a very merry CHRISTmas!!!

Merry CHRISTmas!

2011-12-24T07:50:00.000-06:00

Merry CHRISTmas to all my blogging friends!

Praying you each have a blessed holiday!

I know I have taken a break this week, but that will continue over the next as I take time to enjoy my family!!! I will be posting P365 tonight for those that want to join in!!

Project 365 - Week 51

2011-12-17T21:25:00.000-06:00

Week 51.

Well, coming back from vacation is always hard. But I had so much going on this week that I didn't have time to notice!!!

As I am typing this, I am done with all my Christmas shopping, all my kids are home and I am a happy mama!!! Can't get much better than that!

Here's my week:

Sunday

Jared was asked to play his French Horn in service today. He did such a good job! He was so nervous and I am VERY proud of him!!!

Monday

Stopped by Alyssa's apartment to check out her tree! I grudgingly gave over some of her ornaments to her....I was just not ready for that.

Tuesday

Can you guess what today is?

Yep, prep day.....ugh.

I think I will never drink Apple juice again!!!

Wednesday

And after prep day comes......colonoscopy day. This was not near as bad as I had made it in my head. In fact, thanks to this IV port....I don't remember it at all!!!! :)

Thursday

Today I attended the funeral of a friend's father. He was only a year younger than my own father and it really hit home to me that I need to enjoy every minute with my parents.

Friday

My kids are home!!!!!!!!!

Of course, we pulled out a game.....an old one this time, cranium.

I think I laughed till I cried!!!!

I love my family!

Saturday

Today was my Ladies Tea for the women of my church. I baked 5 cakes for it.

This Chocolate cheesecake was actually baked by The Cyber Hermit. She was gracious enough to help me out!!

Red Velvet Cake

Old Fashioned Pound Cake

Strawberry Cake

Tiramisu Cake

My friend, Laya, hosted it at her house this year and it was so much fun!!!

So, how was your week? Are you ready for Christmas? Done Shopping? Link up and share with us!!!

Letter of Intent

2011-12-16T08:45:00.002-06:00

I'm joining Foursons for Letters of Intent today.

Here is what she say's about it:

Has entering the month of December sent you into a panic attack? Have the holiday blues hit you full-force? Have you called all of your credit cards to find out how much remaining balance is on them so that you can go shopping for gifts? Have you told your kids Santa isn’t real so they can face the reality of a very small Christmas this year? Or maybe your company is handing out a huge Christmas bonus this year! Well tell me about it…in letter form of course. Write the who, what, when, where, and why of it all. Grab the button from my sidebar, and link up at the bottom. I look forward to your Letters of Intent!

Dear Christmas Cards,

I am determined to get you out in the mail before Christmas.

I know that in the past say 27 years, that has happened only a few times....even when I have you in my hands well before Christmas....but I am determined to do it this year!

In order to insure this, I have:

* had you made and delivered by the first week of December.

* decided not to include a Christmas letter.....which my husband usually writes but is too busy to.

* bribed my son to address the envelopes for me......this is a big deal and needed extra bribing because 2 years ago he lovingly addressed and stuffed all the envelopes for me and then I never mailed them....ever.

He was still a little bitter over that.

* have bought all the stamps needed for the envelopes.......if I run out of stamps, those last few seem to never make it to the mail box.

So, there you have it. I should be able to do it! My Christmas cards might just be Christmas cards this year instead of New Years cards or even, yes, Valentines cards. Whoot! Whoot!

Signed,

The woman who is so proud of herself.....but not holding her breath!

Christmas Cheer

2011-12-15T19:54:00.001-06:00

I saw this on a friend's blog and it made me smile.

So, I'm sharing it with you!!

If you have small children watching with you, you might want to screen it first. there is one scene with the guy in front of V*ctoria's Secret.

Merry Christmas!!!

Project 365 - Week 50

2011-12-10T20:59:00.000-06:00

Week 50.

I can not believe we are so close to the end of the year!!! It just doesn't seem possible!

We had a great vacation and I was able to completely relax and get refreshed. I don't think I have laughed as much as I did the last week in a long time. I am so blessed to have such great friends. I also have amazing kids......while I was gone, they got all the Christmas things out and did my decorating for me.....I love them!

Here's my week:

Sunday

The magical world of Harry Potter.

This was very cool and very well done!

Butter beer...... sooooo yummy!!!!

Some of the greatest friends ever!

Monday

This is my friend, Linda. We were best friends in elementary school and she lived next door to me. Her family moved in 6th grade. The last time we saw each other, we were 16!!! I was so excited to be able to have lunch with her while in Orlando!

Of course you know that games were involved in my vacation!!!

Tuesday

So I was a bit stressed before we left on vacation and I packed two different flip flops!

This was my view today!

My kids called to tell me it was snowing in Little Rock!!!

Love it!

Wednesday

Today the girls hit the outlet malls and found some pretty good deals. Then we headed out for one last dinner together.

Thursday

We left Orlando mid morning and drove 10 hours to Birmingham. This was our view as we came into the city!!! The sunset was amazing.

Friday

More driving today. This is not the greatest picture but was pretty much what we looked at most of the day.

Saturday

Jason and Andi came home for the weekend. With finals next week, they spent the day studying...so that we could all play together this evening!!!! I love having all my kids at home!!!

Well, I hope your first week of December was as much fun as mine. However, it might not have been as warm! :) Now to start baking!!!

Project 365 - Week 49

2011-12-03T22:06:00.001-06:00

Week 49.

Hey everyone! I am on vacation and enjoying some relaxing time with my husband and friends! I haven't had time to post pictures, so please link up anyway and I will add mine when I can. sorry!!!

UPDATE.....

Sunday

We studied the widows mite today in sunday school and did an experiment showing how sometimes something small (mentos candy) can have a big effect!!!

Jason leaves to go back to school. :(

Monday

sometimes a pedicure just makes you feel better!

getting ready for my vacation!!!

Tuesday

This was my favorite part of my day today!

Why does having someone wash your hair feel so good?

Wednesday

Deck the halls at church tonight!

Thursday

Steve and I are on the road to florida. We stopped for the night at a good friends house..this was a house down the street from them. wow!

Friday

My good friend, Kim, and her baby Sadie.

Our view from our hotel room.....nice!

Saturday

And we are at the condo with our friends!!!

This is going to be a great week!!!

Well, hopefully you will all have a great start to your December.....I know I will!

Again....

2011-11-30T07:36:00.000-06:00

Once again my devotion this morning spoke directly to me.

It always amazes me how God uses these pre-written words to speak directly to my heart. Lately, I have been carrying someone else's burden. My first reaction has been to find a way to fix it. I purposed this morning to spend time with God specifically about this issue.....

....and here was my devotion:

Problems are part of life. They are inescapable: woven into the very fabric of this fallen world. You tend to go into problem solving mode all too readily, acting as if you have the capacity to fix everything. This is a habitual response, so automatic that it bypasses your conscious thinking. Not only does this habit frustrate you, it also distances you from me.

Do not let fixing things be your top priority. You are ever so limited in your capacity to correct all that is wrong in the world around you. Don't weigh yourself down with responsibilities that are not your own. Instead, make your relationship with Me your primary concern. Talk with Me about whatever is on your mind, seeking My perspective on the situation. Rather than trying to fix everything that comes to your attention, ask Me to show you what is truly important. Remember that you are in route to heaven, and let your problems fade in the Light of eternity.

He knows me so well.

The gift above all gifts

2011-11-29T07:08:00.001-06:00

My devotion today, from Jesus Calling, was so spot on and timely that I just had to share:

Let Me infuse My Peace into your innermost being. As you sit quietly in the Light of My Presence, you can sense Peace growing within you. this is not something that you accomplish through self-discipline and willpower; it is opening yourself to receive My blessing.

In the age of independence, people find it hard to acknowledge their neediness. However, I have taken you along a path that has highlighted your need for Me: placing you in situations where your strengths were irrelevant and your weaknesses were glaringly evident. Through the aridity of those desert marches, I have drawn you closer and closer to Myself. You have discovered flowers of Peace blossoming in the most desolate places. You have learned to thank Me for hard times and difficult journeys, trusting that through them I accomplish My best work You have realized that needing Me is the key to knowing Me intimately, which is the gift above all gifts.

Project 365 - week 48

2011-11-26T13:03:00.000-06:00

Week 48.

I hope ya'll have had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! Mine has been full of food, family, food, fun, food, shopping, food, movies, food, games and more food!!! It's been just about perfect!

Here's my week:

Sunday

today the youth band played for our service. I can't tell you what it does to my mama's heart to see my son worshiping like that. For those that don't know Jared, he's playing the piano.

Monday

Somehow today I hit my mouth and caused this blood blister. I actually remember thinking "ouch, that hurts" when it happened but can not remember what happened......typical.

Tuesday

At least once a year, I seem to have to forget that I can't put potato skins down the disposal. It is usually when I am in a hurry......Steve loves this about me! :)

Wednesday

Today was baking day....3 pies and a pound cake!

Yum!!!

Papa is happy to have his 2 best girls with him!!!

made a big pot of Stew for dinner.

I love, LOVE having a full table!!!

Thursday

Steve started early frying the turkeys...one for a friend and one for us.

It comes out a perfect golden brown and is so juicy inside!!!

Of course, I have to bake one too because I love the dressing that is stuffed inside the turkey!!

Me and my brother

again, I LOVE a full table!!!

Being in the food coma we were, we obviously were not thinking straight and decided to hit Wowmart for the 10 o'clock black Friday sale.....

...words can not describe this experience. ALL the checkout lines had checkers..that is a first at wowmart!!! But it was seriously a mad house.....I did come out with some great deals though!

Friday

We continued our craziness and got up at 7:00 for some black Friday shopping. After 5 hours, I'd say that we made out pretty good!!!

The grandparents took all the grandkids to the zoo and they had a great time!!

My wonderful parents!!

We ended the day with pizza and a rousing game of scribs!!!

So fun!!!

Saturday

My family!!!
I am so grateful and blessed.

Well, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!! I get to enjoy 2 more days with my family and then it's back to the grind......and I'm already exhausted......here we go!!!

Let the games begin.....

2011-11-21T09:30:00.003-06:00

Do any of you remember this guy?

This is the santa that Jason and I hide for each other through out the Christmas season....

Jason has always one upped me on hiding places...

this time he was behind a plaque above the cabinets in my kitchen..only the little white tassel of his hat stuck out!

This time he was sitting by the station where I get my hair cut.

.....that was until last year.

I sent the santa with a friend's son who was also at JBU and he snuck it into Jason's dorm room. It was sitting on his desk when he came back from Thanksgiving break!!!

He couldn't quite top that.....and it made me so happy!!!

He brought it home and tried to hide it well, but I found it and hid it here...

This is in the corner of his room and he never found it!!!!

and therefore had to concede....

That I WON!!!!!

So this year, I knew I had to get an early start to catch him off guard...

This is the santa sitting on the hearth at Jason's girlfriend's parent's house!!!

I mailed them the santa last week and they had it just sitting out when he came over last weekend.

His girlfriend kept texting me:

**dad turned it on, it's playing music. he hasn't noticed yet

**it's softly playing in the background

**He started singing to it...maybe he'll catch on eventually

then finally, he saw it and commented that our family had a santa just like it......and suddenly the wheels started turning and I got the following text...

**Did you happen to hide the santa at the Perry's?

Gotcha!!

....and let the games begin!!!!

Project 365 - week 47

2011-11-19T16:31:00.001-06:00

Week 47.

Everyone in my house was still sick this week. Steve FINALLY went to the doctor on Monday and what do you know, he had a major sinus infection......hmmmmm. Jared ended up at the doctor this week too, also with a sinus infection. So, they are all on the mend!!! whoop!!!

My whole family from Arizona will be here next week!! We have never all been together over Thanksgiving before and I am very excited! So I doubt I will get much blogging done, but you never know!!!

Here's my week:

Sunday

The ladies in my life group decided to go to Spirited Art together! I am getting good at this now! ha! Tonight we painted this manger scene. This is the whole class when we were done!

Monday

She caught me!

When Lily needs to go out side, she sits and stares at you till you notice her. I wish I could have gotten a picture of her staring Steve down, but she kept seeing me out of the corner of her eye. Most likely she was thinking "quit taking the stinkin pictures and let me outside!"

Tuesday

What do you do on a rainy, dreary day?

Make cookies!!

One of my favorite books was made into a movie and went straight to DVD. I was so excited and got some of my friends that had read it together to watch it. We were SO disappointed. It was nothing like the book.....very sad. Although we all agreed it redeemed itself when Hugh Jackman surprisingly appeared in it!!!

Wednesday

Today was our last Bible Study lesson and we ended with a luncheon! These ladies add so much to my life and I am very thankful for them!!

Thursday

This guy in front of me is in the LEFT turn lane..

His blinker says he is turning RIGHT.

Nice.

Friday

My friend, Holly, turned 50 this week.
Her husband had a fantastic surprise party for her tonight.

Saturday

I spent most of my day recovering from the 15 boys from youth group that spent the night at our house last night and cleaning. But I did make time to meet a friend for an iced latte!!

So, how was your week?

It's here!

2011-11-18T12:25:00.000-06:00

This weekend will kick off my favorite family tradition!!!

Those that have been around my blog for a while know that about 3 years ago we started a new tradition with our grown kids...

After looking around us and seeing all the blessings God had poured out on our family over the year, we decided to take the money we would spend on the kid's large gift for Christmas and give it to them over Thanksgiving. They each then have till Christmas to give it away. Any way they want. It could be all to one place or they could spread it out. They could give it to a charity or to a person they know is having a hard time. The options are limitless and are their own. It is up to them, alone, to give their gift to someone else.

Then on Christmas morning, instead of opening the gift, we each tell how we spent the money and the blessing that came with it.......and there is always a blessing!!! Each year, the 5 of us have given to 5 completely different places....it has been so fun to see where God directs each one.

But it is extremely hard to keep it a secret till Christmas!!

It is so exciting to be part of God blessing someone else and that excitement is hard to contain....at least for me!

You can go here, here and here to see where God used our gifts in previous years.

The cool thing for me is that they have all been so uniquely different each year.

So, this weekend we all get our money.

God has already laid on my heart where mine will go....

....I now have to work on keeping it a secret till Dec 25th!!!

panic mode....

2011-11-17T10:18:00.000-06:00

I think I am officially in panic mode.

I made the mistake this week of laying my calendar out for the next 6 weeks....oh my.

What have I done to myself?

You know that vacation I planned 6 months ago for the first week of December sounded so good then. Don't get me wrong...I am really, really looking forward to seeing my friends and spending time with them, but I am a pastor's wife......and December is our busiest (and craziest) time of year....International Christmas party, ladies tea, staff party, children's church, Christmas service, new years day open house to name a few.

Then there is that colonoscopy that I can not put off any longer....ugh.

And then another trip to see family.

I think I must have temporarily lost my mind when I planned all those.

I am going to need all the time management and planning I can muster.

And if you know me at all....that is a streeeeetch for me.

Lists are going to become my new best friend.....mom, I so get that now! :)

So, if you don't see me around this blog much or commenting on yours, please know that I will be back.....some time....... when I regain my sanity.

Project 365 - week 46

2011-11-12T22:20:00.000-06:00

Week 46.

I was sad to see my friends leave at the beginning of this week. It was so much fun to have them here, to wake up each morning and get to have coffee with them and it went way too fast!!! I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends!!!

I am sad to say that I have a bunch of sickies AGAIN!!! And if you saw my "letter of intent" yesterday then you know I am just a bit tired of it!!! I spent Friday and Saturday disinfecting the whole house!!! Ugh. I am hoping for a healthy start to the next week and praying that I don't get any of it!!!!

Here's my week:

Sunday

Today was another great day.

I love when a sermon at church speaks directly to me..that's what happened today! We then came home, had lunch and proceeded to all nap the afternoon away!! perfect!

We went to Conway for dinner (30 minutes from here) with Wendi and Jerry and then Steve and Nathan enjoyed some guy time out on the deck.

Monday

for our last night together, the girls went to Spirited Art. It's a Girls-Nite-Out art class in town and was so much fun. We painted this Tree of Life. You can go here to learn more about it!

Tuesday

It's always a sad day when your friends leave and vacation is over!

I spent the day at home....laundry, cleaning, catching up on my bible study...nothing really picture worthy. So, this picture came from the other day. The leaves around Little Rock have suddenly burst with color!! I think this is the most color I have seen since we moved here!

Wednesday

No picture today.

I left the house at 8:30 and didn't make it home tell after 4:00.

Wednesdays can be so crazy for me this time of year!

Thursday

Today I was tired and I didn't have any where to be. So I stayed in my robe and slippers for most of the morning. I took advantage of the quiet to spend some much needed time with God. It was a pretty great morning!

Friday

11-11-11 today!

Steve and I started the day at Bside for breakfast.

This breakfast sandwich was A.ma.zing!!!

The rest of the day I spent SCOURING my house with bleach and lysol.

You see everyone is sick and Steve is sick AGAIN with a cold..ugh.

Saturday

Tonight was the Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra concert.

You can see Jared's head peeking up above his music stand.

The title was Beethoven in Blue Jeans, so all the kids wore jeans. They did a great job! Then after the ASYO, we stayed for the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra concert which was awesome!

It was the maestro's birthday so they had these hats for all the audience to wear when he came out...he has crazy hair!! It was pretty funny. My niece came up from OBU to join us....I think it actually looks like an extension of her hair! ha!

So how was your week?

Letters of Intent

2011-11-11T07:28:00.000-06:00

I'm joining Foursons today for letters of intent. Here's what she say's:

Are the holidays sneaking up on you and you’re starting to panic? Are your kids making their lists and checking them ~~twice~~ a million times to make sure they’re just right? Is someone demanding money from you every time you turn around and you’re not sure how you will manage to put presents under the tree? Did you buy presents in Game Stop while your kids were browsing the games and tell the guy at the register to hurry up so you could stuff them in your purse before one of your boys walked up and saw what you were buying? Or maybe you just won the lottery and Christmas is going to be the.best.one.ever. this year! Write the who, what, when, where, and why of the happenings of the week (in letter form of course) grab the button from my sidebar, and link up at the bottom. I look forward to your Letters of Intent!

Dear cold virus,

I need you to know that I am on the war path and I am tracking you down.

You have caused enough havoc in my house and have hung around for far too long. It was bad enough when you made a home in my husband's head for 2 weeks and then decided to jump to mine. But when we thought we had gotten rid of you........somehow you managed to hide in my house and jump back into my husbands head for round two......so not cool.

However, the final straw was when you attacked my kids....both of who can not afford to be sick right now. You stepped over the line.......and mama bear has now come out!!!

So beware......I have bleach and lysol in hand. You may have found a nice home somewhere in my house, but you are going to be found out and kicked out....today.

Sincerely,

Your worst nightmare, mister cold virus.

Randomness.....

2011-11-10T09:22:00.000-06:00

I am having a very quiet and slow morning.....

...in fact, it is 9am and I am still in my robe!!!

I love that!

I don't have a lot to offer today, but I am trying to be better at blogging. My poor little blog has been very neglected lately. And can I just tell you that when your kids grow up and leave, your fodder for blogging diminishes greatly!!!

So today you get randomness.....

I think the colors in AR are the most vibrant I have ever seen them since moving here. After moving here from the north, I have been pretty unimpressed by the color in the south...but not this year!!!

We have had someone sick in my family for over a MONTH...ugh. My son now has the bad cold my husband was suffering with. Not.fun.

I miss my friends.

It is always hard after spending time with your friends to get back in the swing of things..don't you think. I so enjoyed waking up to them in my house and spending the day with them. I could so live on a commune....just sayin'.

However, I think I gained 5lbs while they were here!!

My son is heading up a mission at school called Samaritans Feet. Tomorrow on 11/11/11, they will have one person in each class at school take their shoe off and collect $11 from the kids for shoes for needy children. If you are my friend on FB, you saw that the marching band performed last friday at the game barefoot in support of this project!! I am so proud of my son for the passion he has for this!! And praying the students will respond in a great way tomorrow!

God has so been working on my heart lately. It seems every scripture I study, sermon I hear, devotion I read is going straight to my heart. I love it when He does that....makes it so clear He has a message for me. Now the hard part....applying what I am learning and making the appropriate changes.

Feeling very guilty today after I found out yesterday that I scheduled a vacation for my husband and me during the week of my son's Christmas band concert.....that would be his LAST Christmas band concert....aargh!!!!!

Do you watch Survivor?

I never miss it. It makes me laugh.

I am always amused that after so many years on air, after person after person has betrayed and lied to someone, knowing it is a GAME..and GAME you want to WIN, that people get SO MAD when someone blindsides them!!!

you know, I think I could go on and on today........

.....I won't.

You're welcome.

Spirited Art

2011-11-08T08:15:00.000-06:00

Recently, I found a place called Spirited Art

This is what they say about themselves:

Spirited Art® is an optimistic, creative class for folks who want to learn the basics of acrylic painting in the company of great friends and good wine. In each class we will show you step-by-step how to create your own masterpiece that you can be proud of and take home at the end of the night. Don’t worry if you can’t even draw a stick person. We believe it’s easier to learn when you’re having fun; and if you know your letters, shapes and colors then you are prepared to learn how to paint!

They hadn't met me and my friends yet! :)

So, I thought it would be a fun evening for us as a girls-nite-out and we left the guys at home, grabbed our bottle of wine and dessert and headed out.

This was our project for the evening.

The Tree of Life

(it's very small, but I took it off their website)

There were probably 20-30 women there.....even some roller derby girls! That was a fun conversation to over hear!!! :)

Here are April and Wendi all happy and excited to try their hand at painting...

Each person gets their own canvas, easel and paint.

The teacher stands and the front to demonstrate and then there are a couple of other teachers roaming around to help....and boy did we need them!

They start you off easy with some basic shapes. Although you are wondering what it has to do with a tree for a while! ha!

....and if your shape is too far over...just paint another one..hmmmm.

after a few shapes and Vs, you are supposed to have the start to your tree.

This is where the laughing really begins!!!

One woman txt a picture of hers to a friend and she txt back "oh, you are painting an owl!" We all got a laugh out of that one!

Then she tells you to paint OVER your trees with black and gold...don't worry you will be able to see where your tree was.....riiiiiight!

At this point and step, the teacher came up behind the lady across from me and said (very nicely I might add) "stop painting". We all burst into laughter. What she really meant was that she already had too much paint on her canvas and just needed to stop that step. However, it came out STOP PAINTING. Oh, it was down hill with the jokes from there!

Oh look, the tree is coming back.

However, it's looking a bit ghoulish!! Not sure that's what I want for the tree of life!

Ok, now we are adding some color.....

and birds and flowers....

Pretty proud of that bird!!!

Finally, my finished project........tada!!!!

Not bad at all for a person who has trouble drawing stick people!!!!

And here are all of our paintings!

Oh my word, this was so much fun!!!

And a really great idea for a girls night out!

Just make sure you are OK with laughing at yourself!!!

I did a lot of that! :)

Project 365 - week 45

2011-11-05T20:59:00.001-05:00

Week 45.

Ok guys, I am having a fun filled weekend with 3 of my best friends and their husbands. So, haven't had time to upload my pictures. Please link up your posts and I will add my pictures as soon as I can!!! Don't forget to come back and see them!! :)

Edit: here is my week!!

Sunday

No picture today.

Actually I have a picture.....my daughter came over and promptly fell asleep on my shoulder. Such a cute picture! But she will not allow me to post it. :(

Monday

We have a tradition at our house on Halloween....

We pull out our fire pit and have s'mores ready for the kids and families to make as they come by. So much fun! And a great time to visit with your neighbors!

Tuesday

Made a meal for a friend tonight whose mom is in the hospital.

Lemon Rosemary Chicken

Wednesday

Happy Birthday to me!

My bible studies friends had a little party for me today...I just love these ladies and am so happy they are in my life! Later my daughter took me for coffee and my husband treated me to a wonderful dinner out!! It was a great day!

Thursday

I have been waiting for this day all week!!!

3 of my best friends and their husbands are coming in for the weekend!

Wendi lives only 30 minutes from me, so we started the day out with Brazillian coffee! Then we spent the afternoon cooking all sorts of appetizers for dinner. The rest of the crew will be in around 6:00pm!

Friday

The guys hired a guide and went fishing for the day and we made them lunches!

The girls just hung out and then had lunch at my new favorite restaurant, Big Orange.

Tonight was Senior night and our last football game....waaahhhhhh!!!

My friends all went to Conway for the evening while Steve and I enjoy celebrating Jared and watching him march and direct for the last time. This was a hard one.

Saturday

I've known these ladies for 21 years and am so thankful for them!
The guys were not too keen on posing for a picture, so we just got a picture of all the girls. Today was so relaxing......we cooked a big brunch at my house, played cards, went shopping, the guys went horse back riding (my husband got thrown! he's ok!) pizza for dinner and the hogs game! It was a great day!

Project 365 - Week 44

2011-10-29T15:43:00.000-05:00

Week 44.

Another busy week it seems. But with lots of fun things going on!

And another week of lasts. Jared had his last band competition for High School and we went on our last college visit. I really don't like all these lasts!!!

My middle son turned 20 this week......unbelievable!

Seems it was pretty eventful! Here it is:

Sunday

So very excited!!!

I have been wanting a Cricut for a while now but they are very expensive. I had finally decided to spend some early birthday $$ on the smallest one today, but Michaels was sold out by the time I got there. So Alyssa and I decided to try Wowmart and to my surprise this very expensive one was marked at a price over 50% off, way lower than everywhere else!! And there was only one left...I grabbed it. However, at the check out we found out it was mismarked, but guess what? They had to give it to me for that price!!! They were not too happy, but I did the happy dance all the way to the car!!!!

Monday

Working on a Pinterest project with my new Cricut!!

Tuesday

Happy 20th Birthday to my boy!

Started my day at 5:30 am at Zumba and got pretty sweaty and stinky!!

Got home and lotst track of time and all of sudden realized I had to be at the dentist....with no shower!

That poor hygienist!!

Jared's band had a competition tonight!

They received all Excellents!!!

Wednesday

My finished Pinterest project.

It didn't turn out exactly as I wanted, the background should be darker but the paint caused the contact paper to curl up, so I only got to spray it once. It still is pretty cool on my red wall!!!

Thursday

Took Jared for a college visit today in northwest AR.

It was a great day but anyone who thinks that marching band is easy should have been there to watch these kids marching in 50 degrees in the rain!!! Jared and I were in the car!!!

Friday

Having fun playing around with the Cricut!!

so cool that it cuts vinyl for the walls!!

Saturday

Alyssa and I had early hair appointments in Conway this morning. Alyssa took this shot as we cross over the Arkansas River. It's a bit blurry but it was a gorgeous site with the steam coming up off the water!

So how was your week? did you capture it in pictures?

Pinterest craft...

2011-10-28T14:13:00.000-05:00

I am loving finding new craft ideas on Pinterest!

I saw this one a while ago and decided to try it....

I first wrapped a canvas with some Christmas fabric I bought at Hobby Lobby. Then I printed out the text and decided what size I wanted it to be....

Next, I cut out the words on contact paper with my new Cricut....that I got for 50% off because it was mismarked! Still doing the happy dance about that!!!

I then adhered the words to the fabric and then sprayed painted it with black paint.

It turned out better than I thought it would at first. For some reason the paint caused the contact paper to shrivel up. so I was only able to put one coat of spray paint. The project called for several coats so that the background was completely black and the fabric would then pop through the words.

But, I think I like it like this!!!!

And it looks great on my red wall!!!

Another last..

2011-10-27T08:09:00.000-05:00

I am heading out today for what will probably be my LAST college visit.

And to go along with the whole "last" feeling, the weather has decided to be gloomy today....ya, doesn't help the mood.

My boy has pretty much decided he wants to go to Anderson University in Indiana (cue wailing. it is 11 hours away!), but he is visiting one last university here in Arkansas to make sure.

This particular University is only ONE hour away....one one versus two ones is a much better number in my book!!!

However, I want my son to be where God is calling him. Where he will not only get the best education for his choice of major but where God will grow him to the man He wants him to be.

As his mom, I would of course like that to be closer...I have gotten a bit used to having all 3 of my children in the same state again....but I also realize that God's plans don't always line up with mine...but His are always better!!

So, I think I will just look at this day as a "mother/son date day"!!!

Wow. just....wow.

2011-10-24T14:21:00.000-05:00

My friend, Michele, posted this on her FB page and I just had to share it with ya'll...

Go HERE to see this video!!

Project 365 - week 43

2011-10-22T18:45:00.000-05:00

Week 43.

I was sad to see my son leave to go back to college at the beginning of the week. We had so much fun with him here over fall break. However, would you believe that we did NOT play ONE board game?!! I think that is a first, but these boys were tired and slept a majority of the time they were here!!! .....and then ate the rest of the time!! ha!

Here's my week:

Sunday

Our church had a picnic outside after the service today.

It was a perfect day for a picnic and so fun!

Monday

Pumpkin bread is a family favorite!

I made some today for Jason to take back to school.

Tuesday

Jason left to go back to college today :(

We had such a great visit with him and his roommate.

This is what I found after he left.....oh.my.word......look how clean this room is!

I love him!

Wednesday

My Thankful Tree is filling up!

Thursday

Steve is sick AGAIN with a bad cold....ugh.

This time we are trying this.

Friday

Alyssa has been wanting to decorate the walls of her apartment but she is on a budget. Today we went out and found this cute fabric and stretched it on a canvas. All was on sale and it turned out so cute!!!

We then covered some smaller canvases with a coordinating fabric. She is going to pin pictures on those and hang them on either side of the larger one!!

We were both very pleased with how they turned out...and I had a great afternoon with my girl!

Saturday

My big kids, plus two of Jared's friends carved pumpkins today.
They turned out GREAT!

Now to roast the seeds!!!

So how was your week?

Lack of knowledge...

2011-10-19T08:03:00.000-05:00

Therefore My people go into exile for their lack of knowledge..

Isaiah 5:13

I am currently studying Isaiah and this particular scripture has hit me pretty hard. At the time Isaiah wrote this, Israel was being rebellious, they had abandoned God and He had many things to say about what they were doing wrong.

But this one simple verse is so telling....

they went into exile for their "lack of knowledge"

How much do you/I know about God?

How much have you/I studied His Word, the Truth?

How many books have you/I read this week and how much of scripture have you/I read?

As if this scripture wasn't convicting enough, God brought it into my full view with my devotion today....

For is it not a futile thing for you, because it is your life, and by this word you shall prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to possess.

Deuteronomy 32:47

It's puzzling that so many Christians try to live the Christian life without reading their Bible, except for sporadic perusals of God's Word, seeking a pithy thought for the day. The Word of God is not merely a source of helpful suggestions, preventative warnings, or inspirational thoughts: It is life itself!

God gathered the children of Israel at the edge of the Promised Land to review their pilgrimage with Him. They had spent forty years in a desert because their parents had not trusted God's word. Their parents died without seeing the Promised Land because they had not believed God's word. Even the revered Moses was soon to leave them because he had not shown proper reverence for God's word. Many of them knew those who had been put to death as a consequence of their disobedience to God's word. Over the years God's word had become the most important thing in the life of the Israelites.

God commanded His people to bind His words on their hearts, to teach them diligently to their children, and to regularly discuss them in their homes (Deut. 6:4-9). So essential was His word that it was to hold a prominent place in the daily lives of His people.

Our reverence for God's Word is reveled not only by what we say but also by what we do. Spending more time reading and studying the words of people rather than the Word of God, reveals our hearts' condition. To blatantly disregard God's Word is to reject life itself. To obey God's Word is the surest way to experience all that God has in store for us.

We can't fully know Him without studying His Word.

Not just what other's say about it, but the Scriptures themselves.

I, for one, do not want to be like Israel at that time.

I want to know Him.

I want to know His Word.

Project 365 - Week 42

2011-10-15T19:21:00.000-05:00

Week 42.

So Steve and I both got hit with an intestinal bug while we were in Tucson. I was starting to get over mine when it hit him on the way home....then I relapsed on Tuesday.....then he relapsed on Thursday. I am feeling pretty good today, but he is still a little puny....ugh.

However, that didn't stop the schedule from moving forward and we still had a pretty busy week!! Jason is home this weekend for Fall break, along with his roommate, so I am envisioning a lot of family games and FUN!!!

I just love when my kids are home.......sigh.

Here's my week:

Sunday

My last view of Tucson...

Monday

Steve and I came home from Tucson not feeling very well, so I made some chicken soup tonight.

Tuesday

What do you see when you look at this picture?

It makes me sad.

I pass this church everyday....and this says to me "no outsiders welcome".

Wednesday

Someone came up the street too fast and took out my neighbors mailbox. This is the 2nd time their mailbox has been annihilated!!!

Thursday

Alyssa got out of school early today so we decided to try a new cookie recipe together

Oh my word these are SO GOOD.

They have pretzels, chocolate chips, and peanut butter chips in them.

Go here for the recipe!

Friday

Friday nights mean marching band!!!

I know I am biased, but Jared really is a great drum major!!!

Saturday

My favorite little guy turned ONE today!!!

I can't believe it!

His mama and daddy had a very fun party for him and guess what....

....he LOVED his cake!

So, did you have a great week? Maybe in some of your pictures we will get to see some fall colors!!!

Letters of Intent

2011-10-14T08:05:00.000-05:00

I am joining Foursons for Letters of Intent today.

Dear Schedule,

You are making me crazy.

I really don't like being so busy and it causes some unacceptable effects in my day:

* I'm so tired that when I sit down in the afternoon, I fall soundly asleep

* paralizes me to figure out what to do first and then nothing gets done

* makes me go to the grocery store multiple times in the week because I am not on top of things and tend to forget the ONE item I need when I am there

* gives me no time to blog...hence the lack of posts

* gives me only time to visit other blogs and not comment...I hate that

* makes me have to decide what things I am going to do when I want to do ALL of them!!

* is causing my son's senior year to go by WAY too fast!

What is that you say? I said yes to all those things on my calendar, not you?

That is beside the point and your deflecting blame will not excuse the fact that you are too full.... atleast that's my story and I am sticking to it!

So, dear schedule, please, please calm down. Please do not allow me to add one more thing to you. You could add a flashing message on my calendar that says "No more room" when I try to add something. Or maybe it should have a voice message that says "Hey you! You're doing this to yourself! STOP" ......I might listen to you....no, really....I might.

Oh, who's kidding who.....I wouldn't.

Ok, dear schedule, can we atleast put our heads together and come up with a way to get me through this season with my sanity in tact?

Sincerely,

The woman who can't say no when she sees something that needs to get done and wants to do it all

Project 365 - week 41

2011-10-08T18:55:00.000-05:00

Week 41.

This was such a fun week for me. I always love going home and visiting my family but this week we celebrated my dad's 80th birthday....it was a blast!!! I have such a wonderful family!! It is going to be hard to go home tomorrow for sure!

Here's my week:

Sunday

Today we taught the kids about the temptation of Christ.

I wanted them to understand what a temptation was, so we took a "temptation" walk.

The kids were told that as we walked, they had to stay ON the path. If they made it to the end of the path, there would be a wonderful surprise..

But along the turns of the path there were things to tempt them to leave the path....games, money, toys, candy, cupcakes.....they could leave the path if they wanted and enjoy that one thing, but then they would forfeit the surprise at the end...

There were people at each station trying to tempt the kids to come enjoy the items they were offering. We told the kids to recite "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" to help them stay on the path....

...every child made it to the end!!!

and the surprise was that they received everything on the path that was tempting them!!!

After the older kids did the walk, they came back and buddy'd up with a younger child and walked with them and encouraged them to stay on the path too.

It was a GREAT lesson!!!

Monday

It used to be Sunday that I had a hard time getting a picture...

...now that has changed to Monday...ugh.

I put my dad on the plane today, it would have been hard to say goodbye except for the fact I am flying out there in the morning for his 80th birthday.

I could have flown with him, but I didn't want to miss my bible study tonight. This Isaiah study has been so good, so convicting...I don't want to miss any of it.

Tuesday

You know I am in Tucson when you see this picture! Eegee's is local and the first place I hit after getting off the plane!!!

Playing around with my camera in my mom's backyard.

Wednesday

Doing my bible study on my parents back porch.....great way to start my day!!

Went to Trader Joe's...so wish we had one in Arkansas. Did you know brussel sprouts grew like this? I didn't!!

My cousin and her husband flew in for dad's party and we all got to have dinner tonight. Steve flies in tomorrow.

Thursday

Celebrating Dad's 80th birthday!!

He was so in his element and having a ball!!!

I loved seeing people I had grown up with but hadn't seen for years!!!

It was a great evening and a huge success!!

Friday

Spent the day showing my cousin's husband around Tucson. I miss the desert more and more each time I come home...so beautiful!

Then in the evening, everyone came to mom and dad's for dinner. I made rosemary skillet chicken for everyone.

Saturday

This morning, I got to visit with my dear friend, Cecilia. It was so great to get caught up on each other's lives!! Cecilia and I were best friends in HS and in each other's weddings. She recently moved back to Tucson so I look forward to getting to see her more often!!!

So how was your first week of October?

Project 365 - Week 40

2011-10-01T17:00:00.001-05:00

Week 40.

Welcome to October!

Well, I ended up getting my husband's cold this week. This is the worst time for me for allergies, but this turned into a cold I am still fighting. Wednesday I had no voice at all. I really had too much to do this week to be sick.

This was homecoming week for LRCA and I had a lot of responsibilities with the band....which, of course, I love! Plus, my dad came in for the weekend and my niece and Jason and his girlfriend came in too!!! One word......awesome!!!

Here's my week:

Sunday

Playing again with my new camera and the zoom.

Look at that sweet, sweet face!!!

Monday

No picture today.

I am typing this Wednesday and I can't even remember what I did on Monday.....seriously, that is just ridiculous.

Tuesday

These are my neighbors feet.

She convinced me to get up at 5:30 am.....you heard that right! 5:30 am!!! to go to a morning Zumba class. I have to say it was GREAT and I can't wait to go back!

And surprisingly I wasn't even grumpy!!!

Wednesday

Our Marching Band's show is a 70's theme.

These are the shirts I designed for the parents to wear in the stands!

Oh.my.word. I LOVE them!!

Thursday

My dad came in for the weekend to visit. All but one of his grandchildren are now in AR and they are all coming in to see him!

Friday

Homecoming!!!

Sadly my last.....waaahhhh!

But it was such a fun day!

getting ready for the parade.....

pep rally....

marching into the game......

directing half time show.....

cousins!!!

Saturday

We all had lunch at Five Guys before we took dad to see Kayley's college.

No, Jared is not mad....it had senior pics made today and was tired of smiling!

Dad surprised Andrea by kissing her.......such a great picture!

Dad and Kayley...one very proud grandpa!

So how was your week?

Casting your cares.....

2011-09-27T08:42:00.001-05:00

Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you
1 Peter 5:7

Something we know we need to do....but is so hard at times. Mostly, because I keep grabbing mine back or let the worry distract me from taking it to Christ.
My devotion today hit the spot on this...

As you've not doubt discovered, becoming a Christian does not make your problems go away. But it does give you an Advocate to whom you can take very concern. The Christians Peter addressed were facing persecution. They did not know whom they could trust; a friend, a neighbor, or even a family member could betray them, resulting in suffering and even death. But Peter had walked with the risen Christ, and he had personally experienced the love that Jesus had for His followers. He knew that Christ was in control, capable of handling every trial and that He wanted to do so as an expression of His love.

Casting our cares is a choice. It means consciously handing over our anxiety to Christ and allowing Him to carry the weight of our problems. At times this is the difficult art of trusting God! We don't like turning over the responsibility for our problems. We have been taught that self-reliance is good and praiseworthy. we may even enjoy worrying. Yet if we are to be freed from the burden of our concerns, we must choose to cast them into the strong hands of our Father.

Peter does not distinguish between little cares and big cares. God does not differentiate between problems we should handle on own own and God-sized needs. He asks us to turn the ALL over to Him. One of our greatest errors is to assume we can deal with something ourselves, only to discover that we rally can't.

God sees you as His child, burdened with a load that surpasses your strength. He stands prepared to take your load and to carry it for you. Will you let Him?

What burdens do you need to give to Christ today?

This devotion was from Experiencing God Day-by-Day by Henry T. Blackaby

Project 365- Week 39

2011-09-24T19:41:00.001-05:00

Week 39.

Holy Smokes....do you realize there is only ONE week left in September?!!!!

How in the world did that happen? I would really appreciate it if someone could please slow down the clock for me so that Jared's senior year doesn't just fly by me in a flash!

thank you.

Here's my week:

Sunday

Have you played this game...one of my favorites!
We played this at Life Group tonight....boys vs girls...
....girls ate their lunch!!!
..as usual!! :)

Monday

Fried pork chops for dinner tonight with mashed potatoes, gravy and peas. Jared was not too thrilled with the peas, but they were the only vegetable I had in the house....I think I need to go to the grocery store!!!

Tuesday

Stepped out of my car this afternoon and almost stepped on this guy...in my garage....ick!!!! I am sure you are thinking "really, Sara, it is so tiny"...but it doesn't matter the size...I don't like snakes!!!

Wednesday

I got a new camera!!!

And I spent some time this afternoon playing around with it. Look at the color in that rose?!!! I love it!

One of my big wants was more zoom.....this little guy was pretty far from me! I can already see I am going to get some great shots of Jared on the field at the next game!!!

It has so many functions and one is for shooting food....go figure!

This was Steve's and my pizza tonight....caramelized onion and prosciutto!!

Thursday

This was dinner tonight. I had started eating before I thought to take a picture!! You can find the recipe for these ham and cheese sliders and the balsamic green beans on my Pinterest board!

Friday

Playing around with my new camera today. Look at the detail in that macro!!

This next one was taken while Steve was driving 70 down the highway and through the window glass!!! I LOVE this new camera!!!

Saturday

Jared had his All-Region Orchestra concert today. It just amazes me how these kids can learn this music in a day...they are so talented.

Jared and his wonderful band director!

I had a pretty great week....how about you?

Put on your thinking cap!

2011-09-22T07:42:00.000-05:00

I remember my mom and teachers saying that a lot as a kid!

It always sounded funny to me, but now as I am older, I realize how much of our brain we don't use....especially when it comes to God's Word.

This was my devotion today...so good.

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13

Your mind is a wonderful thing! You can memorize life-changing passages of Scripture that can under gird you in your daily life; you can meditate upon God's Word, discovering His magnificent truths; you can discern between truth and falsehood; you can recall God's past blessings.

Some of God's most effective servants were those who disciplined their minds for His service. Moses, educated in the best schools of Egypt, assembled the books of the Law for the Israelites. Isaiah used his scholarly mind to write an exalted prophetic book in Scripture. Paul learned under Gamaliel, the outstanding teacher of his day, and it was through Paul that God presented much of the theology found in the New Testament.

Sadly, may Christians today to not exercise their minds to be of service to God. They allow others to do their spiritual thinking for them. If they can find their theology from a book, they will not bother to study God's Word themselves. If a speaker makes an authoritative statement, they readily accept it without verifying whether it is biblical.

Paul urged Christians to strive for maturity in their thinking. He said there was a time when his spiritual thinking was immature, but he had prepared his mind to know and understand the great truths of God. He had not allowed others to do his thinking for him. When you became a Christian, God renewed your mind. Be certain to use your mind in a way that brings glory to God.

This year God gave me the desire to dig deep into His Word. I am taking an inductive bible study on Isaiah. Yes, it's a lot of work and takes quite a bit of time, but oh.my.word....what I am learning. What better teacher do we have, than God Himself?

So.....put on your thinking cap!!!

It doesn't matter what kind of student you were/are.....I never was a great student.....God promises to teach us through His Word.....we just have to open it up and dig in!!

Project 365 - Week 38

2011-09-17T17:36:00.000-05:00

Week 38.

So where was everyone last week? We had so few link up...I think 1/2 our normal group!!! It must have been a busy week for everyone!! I hope we will see everyone back this week....you have worked too hard to quit now!!!!

This has been a great week for me!!! I was so, so happy to start both of my bible studies. There is something about jumping back into God's word after the summer that is absolutely wonderful! I am feeling like my schedule is starting to gel, though I am still busier than I would like to be. However, this being my baby's last year.....I will be doing everything I can!!!! :)

Here's my week:

Sunday

I made this for our Life Group tonight....Rosemary Skillet Chicken

Oh my, it was so good!!

You can find the recipe on my Pinterest board

(no this is not my picture, I forgot to take one!)

Monday

I was so excited for this bible study to start tonight!! I am ready to dig into God's Word in a deeper way.

Tuesday

Worked on band buttons today.

Our show has a 70s them....hence the love ribbon!

Wednesday

I was gone ALL day today. We started our church bible study, Esther and then I had to run errands. I had a 2 hour meeting at the school at 1:00 and then had more errands to run...ugh. Jared had plans tonight so Steve and I went out for Sushi. I had a coupon so we got to try some Sushi rolls that were a little pricier....oh.my.word....they were amazing!!!

This one has lobster inside!!!!

Thursday

Thursday night is our night with Alyssa. We have a scheduled night for her to come to dinner (and she does her laundry) She has been so swamped with grad school, it was great to see her. And I made her favorite meal....stir fry!

Friday

We fed the band tonight before the away game. Here they are listening to a devotional done by one of the dads. Sadly, right after this they canceled us going because of rain. :(

Saturday

Yesterday was my neice's birthday. So Alyssa and I drove down to Arkadelphia, picked her up and took her to Hot Springs for lunch! We had a GREAT time....even if we did get a bit lost on the way back! :)

So how was your week? Are you getting back into a groove for fall?

Currently...

2011-09-15T08:05:00.001-05:00

I copied this from Meredith's blog. Here are my September currents...

Current Books: The Fool's Errand in the Tawny Man series. This is a sequel series to The Farseer trilogy by Robin Hobb. I am not one who is able to read more than one book at a time and unfortunately, I haven't picked up this book in more than a week!! so sad.

Current Playlist: Are you ready for this.....I don't listen to music much. I don't use an iPod. I like the silence of the house or car when I'm driving. Don't get me wrong...I LOVE music. I'm just not an all-the-time listener. weird. I know.

Current Color: I LOVE color, so picking just one.....impossible. But I would have to say that red is my favorite.....or maybe it's blue...

Current Drink: I am SO excited that Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back!!!!! I really need to find a way to make them at home!

Current Food: I have been trying a lot of chicken recipes lately. In fact, 2 days ago, both my men looked at dinner and said "we've had enough chicken for a while!". Then the next day when I asked what they would like for dinner, both said "anything but chicken!" Funny....I'm not tired of it at all!!!

Current Favorite Favorite: My Thankful Tree. I am enjoying focusing each day on what I am grateful for!!!

Current Wishlist: I really want a "real" camera. my point-n-shoot is a very good one and takes great pictures, but I am ready to move to something better. The problem is that I don't know what I want....too many choices, not enough knowledge to know how to choose.

Current Needs: Patience and endurance

Current Triumph: Getting our children's ministry fully staffed for the year! Seriously, I was beginning to think this would never happen! But it did!!! And I have been doing the Snoopy dance ever since.

Current Bane of my Existence: Cleaning bathrooms....the shower specifically. I hate it. And sadly, I save it till I just can't stand it any longer.....you can feel sorry for my husband.

Current Indulgence: already mentioned it.....Pumpkin Spiced latte!!

Current Mood: Happy! I slept ALL night last night without waking up!! Those of you who are my age understand what a momentous event that is!!!! It is amazing what a good night's sleep will do. Plus I am enjoying being back in my bible study and starting my mornings off digging into God's Word!

Current #1 Blessing: my husband. I am so thankful for this man. This could be a post in and of itself, but one example was just seeing how he cared for me and a house full of kids when we were sick last week...it was amazing. I love him!!

Current Outfit: Pjs and my robe......it's still early.....really, it is!

Current Excitement: Bible study!! God has given me a strong desire to dig deeper into His Word this year. So, not only am I studying Esther with my friends from church, I have joined a Precepts class that is studying Isaiah. It's a lot of work......but I am loving every minute of it!!!! And honestly, I can't wait to get to it each day!!

Current Link: That would have to be Pinterest.com. Seriously, I spend WAY too much time there.....as evidenced by my right hand hurting from all the scrolling I'm doing!!! How can you not love that site....it was a brilliant idea!!!

So, what's on your current list?

Some days it's hard....

2011-09-13T15:13:00.000-05:00

....in ministry.

and

..in life

..in your job

..in relationships.

Today was one of those days for me.

But God reminded me of my devotional the other day. It didn't really resonate when I read it then, but as I turned back to it today...it fit perfectly.

And I needed to hear it.

Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way. 1 Samuel 12:23

It can be tempting at times to give up on God's people! They are so imperfect and can be so sinful, yet they are His people. Samuel had thoroughly warned the Israelites of the dangers of appointing a king over Israel. Yet they wanted to be like the nations around them, insisting that they were willing to pay any price. almost as soon as the people were granted their desire, they recognized their sin. But it was too late. What was Samuel to do? They had ignored his warnings. Now they wanted him to continue to minster to them. It would seem appropriate for Samuel to abandon them and allow them to suffer the consequences of their actions.

Samuel knew, as Jesus knew, that God sends His servants to the sick, not the healthy. Samuel did not take the people's response as a rejection of him but as an indication of their walk with God. Samuel was serving God, not the Israelites. When God commanded him to minister to them, he could do nothing else, despite their resistance to his message.

At times people will not respond as they should to the message God speaks through you. Don't become discouraged; it is a refection of their relationship with God. You are God's servant; if Jesus spent His time with the spiritually needy, you can expect Him to ask you to do the same. Don't lose your patience with God's people. Keep in mind that God loves them as much as He loves you.

It's so tempting at times when I am tired and frustrated to just give up..

..what's the use..

..they aren't listening.

I am so thankful for this reminder today of Whom I am serving.

Project 365 - Week 37 and remembering 9/11

2011-09-10T19:00:00.000-05:00

Week 37.

Remembering 9/11....

I remember exactly where I was when the planes hit...I'm sure most of you do too. I was getting my children ready for the bus. Alyssa had already left for school, but my boys were just getting ready to leave. I had the Today show on as we got ready. It caught my attention as Matt or Katy said there was a rumor that a plane hit one of the towers...which was quickly confirmed as fact. We sat in utter shock as we watched the 2nd plane hit the 2nd tower. For several months afterward, my youngest son Jared would frantically run into the house every time a plane flew over.

I remember spending a good portion of the day trying to get a hold of my dear friend, Ellen. Ellen and I worked together in NYC in my first years of marriage and had remained close friends over the years. I knew that Ellen worked in one of the towers and I was frantic to get a hold of her. I would finally talk to her toward the end of the day to find out that she had over slept and missed her train that would take her into the City. God is good.

Three months after 9/11, I had a trip to NYC scheduled and we decided to go ahead and go. It was so strange to see military in the airports with machine guns...a stark reminder that things had changed forever. I can't tell you the emotions we felt as we went down to ground zero. There was a fence they had constructed around the site, but in several places, you could peek through and get a glimpse of the wreckage and the burned out buildings surrounding it. It made your stomach completely drop. All the memorials and pictures from people looking for family were still up and overwhelming to see. It wasn't the same City I worked in and loved so many years before.

I have since been back to NYC. I took my daughter there for her 16th birthday. The City was still changed, but was alive and as wonderful as I remembered it. I had so much fun showing my daughter around the island and we both cried and reflected when we visited the memorial site.

NYC has a special place in my heart and I am praying today for all those who lost loved ones on 9/11. But the people of NYC have also shown us that we are a resilient people. And the terrorists did not win. I pray today that we would, as a nation, return to our first love. That we would remember that we are one nation UNDER GOD. That we would, individually, place Him first in our lives.

Here's my week:

Sunday

My niece, the blonde, and her roommate are here for the weekend. Went to church this morning and when we got home, Jason was there with 3 of his friends from college.

We had a GREAT time playing water volleyball and then the kids hung out on the deck for a while.

Of course, settlers was brought out later in the afternoon and then the girls and I went to see The Help tonight......just as good the 2nd time!!!!

Monday

Well, Labor Day didn't turn out as I had planned....

We woke up to Kayley and Janeal throwing up with a stomach virus...ugh. Kayley spent most of the day right here....poor thing was so sick.

The other kids enjoyed another round of Settlers.

I enjoyed watching the US Open in between caring for the girls and getting the food ready for the BBQ.....I think I was too busy to realize that I was getting sick too.

Steve manned the grill and made these awesome wings that I found on Foodgawker. Go here for the recipe!!!

The stomach bug hit me hard in the early evening and Steve had to take over caring for everyone and getting the house all picked up after the boys left. The girls were still too sick to leave for college.

Tuesday

No picture today....I was just too sick.

The girls were able to leave for school about noon.

I never made it out of bed.

My poor husband is so tired...he washed all the sheets the girls slept on and got the house cleaned and back in order, went to work, plus took great care of me....I love that man!

Wednesday

Didn't feel like doing much..still feeling puny. So I worked on my Children's Church schedule and curriculum most of the day.

Thursday

Still not feeling well enough to get out of the house or do much. So, what is a girl to do...but spend the day on Pinterest, Foodgawker and watch the US Open...

...guilt free!!!!

Friday

I think Fall might just be creeping it's way in!!!

It was so cool we had our windows open this morning!!!

Saturday

If you saw my post yesterday, I saw and pinned a picture of a Thankful Tree. Today, I made my own for my foyer and I LOVE it!!! As we head toward Thanksgiving, my family and those who visit my house can add the things they are thankful for! I can't wait to see what it looks like in November!!

That's my week. What did you end up doing?

What's a girl to do.....

2011-09-08T20:47:00.000-05:00

..when her Labor Day plans change because the stomach flu hits her house, and she comes down with it Monday night, and once she can actually lift her head but doesn't feel good enough to get dressed or leave the house?

Spend the day watching the US Open and searching through Pinterest and Foodgawker...

....GUILT free!!!

Here are some of the things I have found:

I LOVE this idea and will be searching garage sales for an old rake!!!

I want to make this for my foyer for November...what are the odds I actually will?

So simple but so elegant!!

This would look so cute in my dining room!!!

This is gorgonzola garlic bread....looks A.MA.ZING and I will be trying it this weekend...well as soon as my stomach allows!!

Skillet Rosemary chicken.

I think I will be making this for my life group this weekend.

oh.my.word...caramel apple cheesecake bars....swoon!

And this last one makes me lament that my children are no longer small! Is this not the cutest idea ever?!!

So, the week has not been a total loss!!!!

and if you are one of the few people that has not been completely addicted to Pinterest...click on my red button to the right and check it out!

Project 365 - Week 36

2011-09-03T19:26:00.001-05:00

Week 36.

This was a busy but great week for me. I felt like I got a lot accomplished and still had plenty of "me" time.....pretty perfect!! And to top it off, football season started which means so did marching band!! I loved being back in the stands watching my son!!!

I have been on a new-recipe-trying kick and tried several new ones that I found on Pinterest.......if you haven't heard of it or gone to check it out yet, what are you waiting for? I am very quickly getting addicted to it!! Between that and Foodgawker......sheesh. But I think my family is happy about it because they have loved all the recipes I am trying!!!

I am actually writing this on Friday because I am busy getting ready for a house full of college students this weekend!!! My house is going to be full, noisy and so much fun! I can hardly wait! I hope everyone has a safe and fun Labor Day weekend!!

Here's my week:

Sunday

Today's snack for our Children's Church Safari theme!!

Monday

I was really in a funk today.

But I was able to have lunch with my bff, Wendi, and it made things so much better!!

I came home and made this wonderful recipe for dinner!

Tuesday

Jared's first game as Drum Major!!

Wednesday

Another new recipe!!

we all loved it!

Go here for the recipe.

Thursday

My favorite baby boy came for a visit tonight while his parents went on a much needed date!!! And he was very snuggly, which made it even better!!!

Friday

It was a day of watching the US Open...oh, I love this time of year!!

Saturday

my buddy, Daniel was here again today. His mom was very sick and asked if he could spend the afternoon with me....of course I said YES!!!

My niece and her roommate are here for the weekend. They are getting some homework done while we are watching football....their parents would be proud!!! :)

So how was your week? do you have big plans for the weekend?

Happy Sad Love

2011-09-01T08:18:00.000-05:00

I took this idea from Meredith's blog.

Seemed like a good way to update you on life at my house.

So here goes...

Things that make me happy....

* cooler temps!

* great start to my son's senior year

* my son making the LR Youth Orchestra

* trying new recipes and loving them!

* a quiet house

* reading a book I have trouble putting down

* my daughter being able to just "stop by"!! It makes me so happy to see her face and be able to hug her...after 4 years of her being 8 hours away!!

* lunch with friends

* bible study starting soon

* having our children's program at church almost fully staffed for the year

* watching the US Open

Things that make me sad....

* the 5lbs I gained over the summer....ugh....added to the 5lb I gained in the spring.

* that So You Think You Can Dance is over

* one of my best friends dealing with cancer and being so far away

* watching the ugliness that can happen when we let pride get in the way of being church and seeing it tear apart a congregation (not my church..but one we support)

* that I know exactly how this pastor and his wife feel

* almost being done with a book I haven't been able to put down

* summer being over

* a quiet house...I know...it's a happy/sad kind of thing.

* people I love turning away from God

Things that I love......

* my kids wanting to come home for Labor Day weekend and bring friends

* my niece attending a college close to me and also coming to my house this weekend and bringing a friend

* the thought of how LOUD, fun and messy my house will be in just a few days!

* that my husband and I have our Friday date day back now that everyone is in school

* that my husband and I LOVE and look forward to our Friday date day!!

* good friends

* my family

* my relationship with God and knowing/seeing how much He cares for me

How about you? What things make you Happy, sad or love right now?

So Proud!!!

2011-08-31T09:39:00.000-05:00

Jared's first night as Drum Major!!!

2 of his close friends

Heading down for half time!

nice Josie!!!

On the platform and ready to start!!

this is just the first part of their program.

I love football season!!!

Motives

2011-08-30T08:38:00.000-05:00

One word that can make a big difference.

Knowing a person's motives can completely change how you view their actions.

the problem is...it's sometimes hard to discern some one's motives, isn't it?

It's even harder to discern our own motives at times.

Sometimes the true motive is buried deep below justifications.

This morning in my quiet time, I was questioning God about something I have been praying for for quite a while. Then I read this in my devotion:

So Jesus answered and said to him, "What do you want Me to do for you?"

Mark 10:51

It is hard to believe that the Lord would ask us what He could do for us. However, sometimes that is the question we must answer. Bartimaeus was blind, and he knew exactly what he wanted Jesus to do for him: restore his sight. Yet he received much more than physical sight! he received salvation, for Jesus knew Bartimaeus's heart was faithful. Bartimaeus immediately used his gift to become a follower of the Savior.

Jesus also asked James and John what they wanted Him to do for them. They requested the most prominent places in His kingdom. This time, Jesus answered that He could not give them what they asked. Their request was selfish, and it brought dissension among their fellow disciples.

Only when we pray according to God's will is He pleased to grant our requests. We will not see our prayers answered if we ask selfishly. If god refrains from giving us what we are asking, we should evaluate our prayers. Are our motives selfish? Are we asking for far less than God wants to give? Are our requests worthy of the God we approach? Do we lack the faith God requires to give us our desires? Is there unconfessed sin? God delights in responding to our requests. If we will ask according to His will, we, like Bartimaeus, will receive far more than we anticipated!

As I evaluated my prayer this morning, I had to look deep to my true motives. I asked myself all those questions.....and believe my motives to be pure. That gave me great encouragement to hold on and keep lifting my prayer.....looking forward with anticipation for the answer!!

If you are wondering, this devotional is from Experiencing God Day-by-Day, by Henry T. Blackaby. It is one of my favorites and I have gone through it probably 6 times now. It never ceases to amaze me how most days are tailored just for me!

Project 365 - Week 35

2011-08-27T22:18:00.000-05:00

Week 35.

Well, all the kids went back to school this week and my house became very quiet.

It ended up being a very busy week as I worked on staffing our children's department at church for the year and finished up the curriculum. Our summer staff ends labor day weekend. It was nice to have a block of time to really concentrate on it!! And I feel really good about where we are!

We also got more rain...whoop whoop!!! And the temps cooled down a bit, which was so nice! The last couple of days have been perfect and we got some much needed, relaxing time by the pool!!

Here's my week:

Sunday

This is being documented for "future use"

parents...you understand

Tonight, I decided to go into Jason's room to see just how bad he left it and found this......a hot glue gun STILL PLUGGED IN and sitting on the carpet!!!!

no words.

Monday

Took my brother and SIL down to OBU to finish building Kayley's loft bed and to say goodbye.

Such a hard time on us parents.

but even harder for them as they are leaving her states away.

I am so thankful that I am close and will be able to be there if she needs it!!

Tuesday

I made this baked brie with pepper jelly for book club tonight.

Oh.my.word.

This was so good and the ladies completely finished it off!!

Go here for the recipe!

Wednesday

LOUD thunderstorm this morning.

Someone is just a bit nervous!!! She is not allowed on the furniture and it totally shocked me when she all-of-a-sudden jumped up on the sofa after a clap of thunder!! And she wasn't going to move!

Thursday

Lily went to the groomers today and usually they send her home with a cute handkerchief around her neck....today she got a bow....on the back of her head. She seriously looked at me like "please, please take it out!"

Friday

I decided to make fish tacos on the spur of the moment and invited our good friends Roger and Jill for dinner. Nothing better than good food and good friends!!!

Saturday

This picture is from Thursday....I know, but I forgot to take a picture today! We had dinner at a young couple's house from our church tonight and had so much fun! I can't believe I forgot to take a picture. So this picture is from the meal I made Thursday....Nutty chicken salad on croissants and pasta salad.

So how was your week:

Release...

2011-08-23T07:42:00.000-05:00

I had a hard time sleeping last night.

My house was so quiet as I had sent the last one (my niece) off that day.

My mind whirled with all the worries I have for them:

will they be safe

will they have good friends

will they study

will they make good choices

why did they leave their rooms so messy

could they just not learn things the hard way

what will they be doing

are they worried/scared

will they need me

...over and over in my mind

until I had to start singing praise songs to get my thought process off my anxieties and on to the One who knows them better than I do.

Then this morning, this is my devotion for today.....

Entrust your loved ones to Me; release them into My protective care. They are much safer with Me than in your clinging hands. If you let a loved one become an idol in your heart, you endanger that one--as well as yourself. Remember the extreme measures I used with Abraham and Isaac. I took Isaac to the very point of death to free Abraham from son-worship. Both Abraham and Isaac suffered terribly because of the father's undisciplined emotions. I detest idolatry, even in the form of parental love.

When you release loved ones to Me, you are free to cling to My hand. As you entrust others into My care, I am fee to shower blessings on them. My Presence will go with them where ever they go, and I will give them rest. This same Presence stays with you, as you relax and place your trust in Me. Watch to see what I will do.

I so needed to hear that.

I just love how He knows me so well.