Do Y'all Do This?

Man, I'll be honest. This holiday season, I've just really found myself down in the dumps a lot! Why? This is such a cheery time of year. I know I know. I should be ashamed of myself.

I, like most of you, get so stinkin' wrapped up in buying gifts for people. Then, I end up all sad that I can't do everything for them that I want. The money just won't stretch for everything you know? Man, it's the pits!

I can honestly say that I'm not all about receiving gifts. I don't even consider what I would like to have and when asked what I want, I have to rack my brain to come up with a couple things I'd like. I LOVE...L.O.V.E. to make people happy. I love to see their faces light up when they open a gift that I've purchased or made with love; one that I've really put a lot of thought or time into. It is so awesome! It pains me that I can't buy one of everything I want to buy for all of my family and friends.

But, over the past several days, I've really been hearing that simple saying in my head, "Jesus is the REASON for the SEASON!" Christmas is not and never has been about gifts. It's certainly not about receiving gifts...and it really isn't about giving - when it comes to the presents.

CHRISTmas is about thanking God for sending us His ONLY Son. It's about celebrating His birth. It's about the GIVER...of the Ultimate Gift! Without Him, this life just simply would.not.be!

Giving gifts is great...serving the community is great...giving and reaching out to others is great and I do believe it is our duty as Christians. But, as we do this, don't forget the true meaning of this special time of year. CHRISTmas - NOT "Xmas" - NOT "Happy Holidays" - But, C.H.R.I.S.T.mas.

It is all about Christ our Lord!

As you read this, my prayer for you is that you will take a moment to focus on the receiving part of Christmas. Receive the gift of God's love...a love so great for you - so immeasurable - that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for you.

There is NO love greater than that!

Jesus & Santa...NO comparison!

Why Jesus is Better Than Santa Claus

*Santa lives at the North Pole... JESUS is everywhere.

*Santa rides in a sleigh... JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

*Santa comes but once a year... JESUS is an ever present help.

*Santa fills your stockings with goodies... JESUS supplies all your needs.

*You have to wait in line to see Santa... JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

*Santa lets you sit on his lap... JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

*Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, what's your name?"... JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our head.

*Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly... JESUS has a heart full of love.

*All Santa can offer is HO HO HO... JESUS offers health, help and hope.

*Santa says "You better not cry"... JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you."

*Santa's little helpers make toys... JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

*Santa may make you chuckle but...JESUS gives you a joy that is your strength.

*While Santa puts gifts under your tree... JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.

added by me: *Santa is coming to town - for one night...JESUS is coming to rule and reign for all eternity!

Wouldn't you rather have JESUS?

It's obvious there is really no comparison! Jesus is still the reason for the season!!

Talking Two's

I always said I would never claim the "terrible two's" and label my child with that.

I have to admit that I have slipped up a couple of times with "t t" and I immediately fuss at myself in my mind for doing it. Someone will ask me how old she is and I will answer, "She's two - and every bit of it!"

But, excuse me...that isn't even what this post is about. I just wanted to discuss the "Talking Two's" instead. This is such a neat age in so many ways because of how much their vocabulary is growing.

I have to make note of several things she says that are just precious so that I don't forget. So, I thought I would try and list them 10 at a time, in no particular order.

1. "I want to wide the alligator." (elevator)

2. "Atchooally (actually) I think I need to."

3. "Let's hit da woad Jack." (when we are about to leave)

4. "My house is booootiful. Mommy, what you do to it?" (after we decorated for Christmas)

5. "I not a girl! I a LADY!"

6. Where does Jesus live E? "In my heart." Where do you live E? "In my Georgia."

7. E, are you ready to go? "I got eat my bwekfass first." (breakfast)

8. "Give so&so a hug." "No mommy, I alweddy gib dem hugs. I did!"

9. She is beginning to have a say-so in what she wears and wants to pick out her shoes and outfits. The other day, her shoes didn't match her outfit so she put them on, went to the mirror and looked and said, "Oh mommy - dey fine! I wear dem tonight k?"

10. Lastnight, she was spinning around in circles saying, "I makin' myself dizzy." She stopped and looked up and said, "Whoa! Daddy, what's da house doin'?"

"Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Matt. 19:14

Still Here

Don't give up me y'all! I know I know it's been a while since my last post and I need to start posting regularly again.

I have so much to talk about...really - LOTS - it's just finding the time to share it all.

But, life is happening right now and it is busy, which is good. I am busy with candle shows and gearing up for the Christmas season as we all are.

But, my blog has been on my mind. I hope you've missed me...(wink)

I'll be back very soon so keep checking!

The B-I-B-L-E

I was reading my Bible yesterday morning and E squatted by the chair and said, "Mommy, weed to me bout Daniel!"

I asked her what she knew about Daniel and who he was.

And she said, "da lions...ROAR!!"

Yea - she does listen in Sunday School! We are off to a great start folks!

"They got him. Da lions got 'im." Okay, so she kinda got the main part of the story wrong. They didn't get him. But, she knew who he was!

This mommy won't be picky just yet.

This face...

If you've never seen the face of an angel...well, now you have.

The Cup or the Coffee?

I received the following story in an email today and I just had to share it because it is so very true. Please feel free to share your thoughts.

A group of alumni, all highly established in their respective careers, got together for a visit with their old university professor. The conversation soon turned to complaints about the endless stress of work and life in general.Offering his guests coffee, the professor went into the kitchen and soon returned with a large pot of coffee and an eclectic assortment of cups: porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal - some plain, some expensive, some quite exquisite. Quietly he told them to help themselves to some fresh coffee.When each of his former students had a cup of coffee in hand, the old professor quietly cleared his throat and began to patiently address th e small gathering. ''You may have noticed that all of the nicer looking cups were taken up first, leaving behind the plainer and cheaper ones. While it is only natural for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is actually the source of much of your stress-related problems." He continued. "Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In fact, the cup merely disguises or dresses up what we drink. What each of you really wanted was coffee, not a cup, but you instinctively went for the best cups. Then you began eyeing each other's cups.'' ''Now consider this: Life is coffee. Jobs, money, and position in society are merely cups. They are just tools to shape and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not truly define nor change the quality of the Life we live. Often, by concentrating only on the cup,we fail to enjoy the coffee that God has provided us. God brews the coffee, but he does not supply the cups. Enjoy your coffee!'' The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything. So please remember: Live simply. Love generously. Care Deeply. Speak Kindly. Leave the Rest to God. And remember - the richest person is not the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least.

"Lord, let me focus on the coffee and not the cups ~ not the "things" of this world: the best of this and the best of that...But, to focus on this life in which you have blessed me with! Regardless of what avenues you take to get my blessings to me, the fact is that you have brewed me up a Life of really great coffee! Help me to sit back and relax while I enjoy the coffee you've provided. But, most importantly, help me Leave the Rest to You! Who needs the fancy "cups" when I've already got the Maker?!!"

And the Winners Are...

Okay, so I am way later on posting the winners of my bloggy giveaway than I planned on. We had a totally hectic and busy weekend and before I knew it, I woke up and it is Monday already! Whoever came up with just 24 hours in a day huh? (smile)

So, here they are:

drum roll please

da da da dum...

Bloggy Giveaway #1: BOZ the Bear book ~ Eden @ Once Upon a Dream

Bloggy Giveaway #2: Cinnamon Bella Bun candle ~ April Russell (non-blogger)

I was blown away by a whopping 227 entries!! to these contests. I never expected such a "turnout," but it was a blast reading all of your comments everyday. I wish I could give something to each of you, but I certainly look forward to doing this again in the Spring. Who knows...I may even hold another giveaway of my own around the holidays. I already have some wonderful prizes in mind!

Thanks again everyone! I know you ladies will enjoy the prizes that you won!

Bloggy Giveaway #2

Okay so here is my 2nd giveaway. (Be sure and check out giveaway #1 as well!)

I have a gourmet candle business that I run from my home. We have lots of different candle and bath/body products.

But, I thought I would giveaway one of our Cinnamon Bella Bun candles. You can see what it looks like here. I figured this is a great time of year, being that it is Fall, for someone to burn one of these. It smells just like there are cinnamon buns in the oven...without the calories!

All you have to do is leave a comment here...tell me about one of your family traditions for Thanksgiving. I will pick the winner based on your traditions and you will have your new Bella Bun to burn by Thanksgiving.

There is no need to enter more than one and you don't have to have a blog to enter. US residents only please.

Oh and don't forget to check out this site to enter LOADS of other giveaways. Did I mention they are all FREE? Oh what fun!!

Bloggy Giveaway #1

Yea! The Fall Y'all Bloggy Giveaway carnival is officially underway. It actually began yesterday, but I'm a little late as you can see. All you have to do to take part in this fun, FREE contest is visit here and check out the list of participants. Click on their link and enter their FREE contests!
But, first check out my giveaway below.

Ever heard of BOZ the Bear? Well, he is like another member of our family around here and has been since my daughter was about 10 mos. old. She LOVES her BOZ...actually that is the first and only word she knows how to spell right now. :o)

"Preschoolers have a new friend...BOZ!"

"As a parent, you want your preschooler to have a strong foundation for life.

That's why we created BOZ.

It is the only DVD series that combines the important everyday

elements of faith, family, fun and education.

BOZ helps reinforce the values you are already teaching your child."

I urge you to give BOZ a try if you haven't already. Your children will love it!

So, my first giveaway is for 1 BOZ the Bear book. You can go here to view all of his products and a list of his books.

All you have to do is leave a comment here and on Friday morning, Nov. 2, I will randomly pick a name and send you your new book. Please leave only one comment and a way to reach you. You don't have to have your own blog to enter. Oh and only US residents please.

Stay tuned for my 2nd giveaway later today!

Photo Jubilee

I have had quite a few of you ask to see recent pics of E, so here are some for your viewing pleasure. (smile) I mean, how could looking at her not be pure pleasure right? WARNING: there are quite a few...

Following in her
Dadaddy's footsteps...


And lastly...
one of my favorite pics

"Batter up!"

How can life not be GRAND?!!

What it comes down to

We've recently started singing a worship song at church that is simple, yet it touches me deep in my heart each time I hear it.

"All of life comes down to just one thing;
That's to know You Oh Jesus; and
to make You known."

"All I need is You;
All I need is You Lord, it's You Lord;
All I need is You."

I've tried to find a clip of it to post on here so that you could hear it, but maybe I'll find one later.

While these words are the simplest of words, they've made me realize that the reason for my life on this earth is the simplest of reasons...to know Him and to make Him known.

Oh yeah, I know Jesus...but, do I know Him? I know my family like noone else does. I know the little quirks that my husband has that noone else will ever know due to my deep relationship with him and the time I spend with him. I know the things that can put a smile on my child's face that noone else knows about. I know her perfect tickle spot. I know her favorite songs, even at 2 and the way she loves to watch me dance for her as we drive down the road each morning. And the list could go on and on.

I know that Jesus' mother was Mary. I know that he had 12 disciples (although ashamedly, I cannot name them all on a whim. :o/) I know that He performed miracles and the most important thing is that He died for me, as well as each of you. These are all great facts to know...we all know this right?

But, if I go through the rest of this life on just the basics of what I learned in Sunday School and what we all know, what an empty life this will be. It can still be a good life, but oh so very empty. What is my marriage if I just know the basics? My relationship with my husband is due to my knowing his quirks; what makes him tick; what makes him laugh, cry, leap for joy; and the things that I do that irritate him like crazy. It is so wonderful because we talk to each other and we listen. We know each other's desires in this little life and so on.

My prayer very often is to have a deeper hunger for the Lord and to know Him more. But, I guess I pray that and then expect Him to come find me. I don't do much further than praying it. I do want to know my Heavenly Father more, deeper, intimately. But, how devoted will I be this time around? He wants us to know Him, know Him, know Him.

2 reasons for being on this earth...In addition to the above, we are to make Him known. Why keep Him all to ourselves? He has done so many great things for me that I need to share. How come that is so difficult at times? It's ridiculous.

I have been raised and brought up in a Christian family. We were in church every time the doors were open and then some...still that way. My life is church; my life is my walk with God. That is who I am. That is all I've ever known (well, except for a couple stupid teenage years, but I won't go there.) Even then, His hand was on me and tugging me back in. If this is who I am, why am I not telling everyone I meet about His love? Forgive me Father.

I mean really...when I find a good sale in town, what is the first thing I do - call my friends and let them know. When someone I know gets married or has a baby, I'm spreading the good news. When we have movie night at church or something fun, I find it no problem at all to invite anyone. What about every Saturday service, Sunday service, Wednesday service, Bible study, etc.? Again, forgive me Father.

To know Him and to make Him known.

Lately, we've been dealing with a lot of issues. I've got a business that I am really trying to get up and running and successful. We need financial security in our lives right now (who doesn't huh?) My husband works so many crazy hours and we miss our time with him. Certain friends fail us. (none of you reading though ;o)) Family disappoints us. There aren't enough hours in the day. The "terrific two's" are upon us at the moment. Talking back, throwing things, tantrums, crying. Life happens. But,...how much does it really matter?

To know Him and to make Him known.

In the light of eternity, where does this all fit in? Yes, it's important, but we should be hesitant to get so wrapped up in the day to day stuff that we forget our purpose for existing in the first place.

It all comes down to...You Lord...You are all we need!

Letter from "Daddy" God

Please take 6 minutes of your time to watch this video...a love letter from your Heavenly Father. Some of you may have already seen it, but watch it again because we all need to hear how much our Father loves us. It is so uniquely, but simply put in this video and it is so refreshing to be reminded of His everlasting love!!

If you have Windows Media Player, you can watch it here.

If you have Real Player, you can watch it here.

If any of you only have dial-up, you can go here to watch it.

Soak in His love today! He wants to daily lavish it on you...Psalm 68:19.

Thankful Thursday

I had the biggest scare today with E. She was swinging in a swing that is attached by a rope & screws into the awning of the house. We all are constantly checking to ensure that it is still tight and safe. However, we didn't consider this would happen.

"Ohn go high mommy," she said. So, I pushed her high. Y'all, way up high in mid-air, one of the screws just came completely out. There went my baby just flailing in mid-air, then falling, eyes wide open with pure fear. She was heading straight for the glass door, head first...still harnessed by the swing. I couldn't get to her fast enough to get in between her and the door when, BANG!!!

All I could say was, "Oh my God. Oh my God. Jesus, help my baby!" She honestly hit so hard that I thought she was going to bust the glass.

Praise God for the blood of Jesus that was shed for all of us on that cross; the same blood that covered my little darlin and protected her today. That could have been bad y'all! But, we don't live by the could-a-been's do we? We give God the glory and trust in His faithfulness.

And thank Him: Thank you Lord!!

I simply write this because I told Him I would give Him the glory for protecting her - so I am. We don't need to take these things for granted! His angels are with us everywhere we go and that is why it is so important to pray over your life and your family each day...you never know at what point in any given day that you will see those prayers at work!

Okay so...I could have totally won the "Drama Queen for the Day" award! I have to admit that I was not strong in the faith area when this happened. It's hard, oh it's so hard to stay calm and not lose it when your child is hurt and you saw it happen and couldn't stop it. That is my little life walking around in this world...my one and only child. She is my full responsibility and I care for her like only a mother can understand!

That is what I am thankful for today, but then how can we count them all?

Works for Me Wednesday

#1) This is a tip that I heard from someone else so I can't take credit for it. But, it works so well!

Rolled Towels:

If you are as limited as we are in cabinet space in your laundry room or closets, try this: Instead of folding your towels the traditional way, try folding them twice and then rolling them. This will provide you so much more space than when you stack the folded towels on top of each other.

I can now fit double the amount of towels in my closet as I could before.

#2) When you fold your bed linens, stack the pieces to each set inside of each other. Fold the pillowcases and put them into your folded fitted sheet, then that goes into your folded top sheet. It looks much neater, saves space and you won't be wondering where all of the pieces are when you go to change your bed.

A HUGE Fall Giveaway

Alright Y'all, on October 29th, you need to head over here for a huge giveaway carnival for your chance to win a ton of really cool stuff! Oops did I say huge...no, HUGE! This is a great opportunity to win some great Christmas gifts for someone. Well, or a great "just because" gift for yourself! I mean, who doesn't love f.r.e.e.?

You don't have to have your own blog to win. You just simply visit Bloggy Giveaways and click on the links there in order to participate. Easy and oh so much fun.

However, if you are a blogger and would like to join in the giveaway fun and make someone's day, visit Rocks in My Dryer for all of the rules and how-to stuff. Then, begin now deciding what you will give away on your site.

Ooh, I already have something great in mind! But, I'm gonna come up with a couple things!

See ya on the 29th!! Huge Y'all.

Because I'm the MOM!

In light of the previous post, this is a hilarious portrayal of what most mom's say to their children on any given day. While I am not quite there yet because E is only 2...oh I know it's coming!

Enjoy! You go Mom's!!!

Patience...a Virtue Huh?

I have really been feeling bad lately because of my lack of patience with E. I already don’t consider myself the most patient person, but add a 2 year old to the mix and OHMYGOODNESS sometimes this is not a pretty picture!!

I know that I am not a bad mother, but I recognize my tendency to snap at her or rush her too much and there is no telling how many sighs come from my mouth throughout the day. This is completely normal I know! And, I believe that most mothers have felt this same conviction.

I often wonder how much I am disappointing my heavenly Father every time I raise my voice, every time I roll my eyes, every time I make sounds like “ugghhh!!” I mean, she isn’t MINE after all. She belongs to Him and He has just blessed our lives with her while we are on this earth. The Lord has entrusted us with the care of His child, His daughter.

Just the other day, she began to throw a fit over something ridiculous, which is usually the case. This all transpired in front of my grandmother, which – in her old age – doesn’t really remember all of the times she spanked me and scolded me. I was a red-headed little fire ball, which according to my parents, was full of a temper…shhh don’t believe it!!

I was getting onto her for acting the way that she was and put her "on the wall", which is our form of time out. "Spare the rod and spoil the child." I do believe in spanking, but I don't feel that every single situation merits a spanking. We believe in a good mixture of both. So, while she is sitting on the wall, she is crying for "mamaw" (my grandmother) to "help me" and my response is, "Nuh uh, Mamaw can't help you. Don't cry for her." Mamaw is saying, "Come 'ere dollbaby, sit with Mamaw." People: her mother had just put her in timeout!

So, I say, "Oh no way! She is in timeout until I say it's over. Mamaw, don't you baby her right now."

I am the bad guy once again!! (smile)

A couple minutes later, I ask E to apologize and it's over. My sweet little g-mother has the nerve to say, "You know, my sweet mama had 8 kids and never once raised her voice at any of them."

My response? "I'm not your mama! But, I don't curse at my child or beat her. I am a good mother...and things are different nowadays than they used to be."

I walk away from this situation, as well as many others, feeling like a horrible mother. I know that I am not, but am I good enough? Do I not live up to the mother that others thought I would be? Am I always going to be compared to my great-grandmothers, my grandmothers, and my mother? I could only hope to be half of the women that they were and are.

But, I am me. I may have different ways of loving my child. I may have different ways of teaching my child, punishing my child. Are there times that I raise my voice? Yes. Will there be times in the future that I raise my voice? That I sigh? That I roll my eyes? Lose patience? My answer is a BIG FAT Y.E.S.! I know that there will be plenty of times to come that I have to fall on my face and ask the Father's forgiveness for disappointing my child, and in turn, disappointing Him; that I have to pray for more patience, and in turn, be tested in it; that I compare myself to other mom's around or to my mama...only to remember that I am me.

I am made in His image, in the likeness of God.

Will my daughter keep testing my patience? Yes she will. Will she ever doubt our love for her? Absolutely not! I love her with every ounce of my being and so much more than this life itself! I may not be the "perfect" mom, who is? But, I am just the right mom for her because our relationship was chosen by the Creator Himself. He must know that I can handle this. In addition to feeling our love, she will never doubt for one second of her life the precious, unconditional, undying love of her Heavenly Father.

She will be raised in the Word of God and our prayers are that she will serve Him all the days of her life. I have confidence that this is what pleases my Lord. If I live out His Word in my life, then I will continue to become more of the mother that He wills for me to be...imperfections and all.

I pray that whoever reads this post will take it as it's meant to sound. I wanted to write this as an encouragement for all of you other mothers that daily feel the same way I do. Motherhood comes with daily, sometimes moment-by-moment, lessons in life. We shouldn't take it lightly. Our children are our teachers and we have been blessed with a scholarship to learn for the rest of our lives.

Lord, help me be the mother that you have created me to be for Your child. Help me to know that I will never be perfect and that you don't expect me to be. Continue to teach me life lessons through my faults and show me how to always love my child in the way that pleases You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Eucalyptus

OHMYGOODNESS! I have placed a section in my sidebar for the Candle of the Month scents that I receive each month. I will list what the scent is and there is a link for you to click on if you would like a free sample of this mailed to you.

I don't have any samples of the current scent, Eucalyptus, available just yet, but I just had to post about it. To be honest, I wasn't sure if I should be very excited about this month's fragrance and I expected it to be overly strong. Boy was I wrong!!

It is wonderful!
Here is the description from the company: "This refreshing and invigorating scent will brighten any room. Calming and comforting, it is also soft and romantic." I just lit it and my house smells like a spa y'all!

If you would like to order this scent or any of our products, please comment on this post or email me at stacey at makesmorescents dot com. (weird looking I know, but for some reason I think we have to write it out like that on here.)

Have a Scent-Sational day!

How Sweet

It is so funny how children learn to try one thing after another to get out of going to bed.

Each night, it seems like it is something new:

"I want some juice!" "Cover me uuup pwease!" "I NOT seepy!"

Tonight, I heard all of the above and decided to just ignore her to see if she would fall asleep. She got really quiet and I was so proud of her for giving in to her sleepy eyes and going nite-nite. Oh, I guess it was about 30 minutes after the silence, she burst into a very loud...

"Mommy, I stinky-in!" (as in right now) She knew I'd come running for that one. (lil' stinker, pun intended.) I came in and checked her...nope...nothing...just a big FAT L.I.E.! (smile)

She says, "Mommy, can I pwease hab a hug?" So, I hugged her...not once, not twice, but 3 times after she kept asking for "anowa hug."

So, my precious girl lays down and cuts her eyes up at me and says, "Mommy, you my bes fwiend!"

How can I ask for anything more?

Watermelon & Lemonade

Ain't she cute? This picture was taken last year at the park...girl loves her watermelon!

I have to tell you this story:

The other day, I showed E a picture of my granddaddy and asked her if she knew who it was. He died a couple of years before she was born. Here is how the conversation went:

Mommy: Do you know who that is?

E: Who is dat?

Mommy: That is your great-granddaddy Leonard. Did you see him in heaven?

E: Yes I did.

Mommy: You did? What was he doing?

E: Eatin' fwoot.

Mommy: What kind of fruit was he eating?

E: Watermelon and lemonade.

Mommy: What else was he doing?

E: He wa singin'.

Mommy: Who was he singing to?

E: Jedus (translation: Jesus).

Mommy: What was he singing?

E: How Gate (translation: "How Great is our God")

Now, if you knew my granddaddy, you would know that he couldn't sing a lick! Everyone always told him that he could look forward to being able to sing when he got to heaven. For as long as I can remember, there was an ongoing joke throughout our church about him joining the choir. Other choir members jokingly threatened to get out of Leonard joined.

So, how "ironic" (if you want to call it that) for E to say that he was singing. Then, how perfect it is that she said he was singing this beautiful, worshipful song to Jesus.

Oh...I'm getting "homesick." What a peace we have to know that no matter who we've lost in our lives, if they served the same Christ we do, we have everything to look forward to...

Everything - Eternity to spend eating "fwoot", drinking lemonade and singing praises to our Father!

Watching for your return Lord...Until then.

How Great Is Our God!!

It's in the air

...for today anyway. You know how Georgia weather is - next week we could be sweating our fannies off again.

But, for now - Oh today - It Is In The Air! Our first steps out into the cool air this morning proved a 'wee' bit chilly. Not much though. It was so nice. The wind is blowing, the sky is the perfect shade of blue, with a few puffy bright clouds here and there. The colors will soon be changing...I love this time of year. Can you tell?

I get anxious around this time each year. There is so much planning to be done and so much time to be spent with friends (old and new) & family.

Before we know it, we will be dressing our lil' pumpkin up in a costume for that holiday...you know the one we don't celebrate! Dressing up is still fun though. But, how can we improve on her "natural" cuteness? Hmmm.

We will be making preparations for those Thanksgiving meals. Inviting family over and friends who we've adopted as family. Playing games. Watching football - yes, even me. (just not understanding) Going hunting - no, not me. But, I do have a gun that I love to shoot! Going fishing - just don't ask me to bait the hook. (ewhh) Having bonfires with buddies & hoping it's cool enough for Smores.

There are so many things to enjoy during this season. But, to me this time of year is when most memories are made with friends, reminiscing is done with old friends and family and it's the perfect time of year to snuggle with the one you love.

I'd like to hear what your traditions are for this time of year and what things you are looking forward to over the next couple of months.

Here's to Fall!

Pick It Up.

This morning, I was rushing around trying to get us out the door on time and sat down to eat a quick bite. My Bible was laying on the table next to me and as I glanced at it, I clearly heard, "Pick it up. Pick it up." in my spirit. I checked the time only to see that I was later than planned (always!) and ignored the sweet, soft whisper of the Holy Spirit. The Lord just wanted His time with me and once again, I placed Him on the "if I get a minute today" list.

Well, within a matter of minutes, something terrible happened that strongly discouraged me...and downright depressed me.

Now, I am certainly not saying that the Lord did this to me as punishment. But, I am totally aware that had I just followed the urge of the Spirit to give my first-fruits of the day to the One who even blessed me with today...how much easier would my problem have been to face?

How much more hope would I have had to stare that discouragement and depression in the face with? How much would that Word have encouraged me and given me confidence that no matter what I face this morning, tomorrow or any other day...I am in the Master's hand.

That "Pick it up. Pick it up." was simply going to be the "insurance" I needed to be covered by the holy, unfailing, Word of God.

We can't ignore those soft, but stern utterances from the Holy Spirit. You never know what they are there for...but He does.

Another lesson learned.

Fun in the crib-fort

E played in her very first "fort" yesterday. She was surprised when she woke up from her nap and mommy climbed in her crib, along with camera, snacks and stuffed animals to play with.

Oh - and a big sheet to act as our fort ceiling.

Okay, so I know some kids can really get all into real forts or some "happenin'" fake forts, but she is just 2 people! A sheet over her crib was pretty adventerous to her and oh my how she loved it!

My parents came over after work yesterday to find us in the crib hangin' out and she looked at her granddad and said, "Dadaddy, GET IN!!" Thanks heavens for a sturdy crib...just kiddin'...he didn't!

I had so much fun in there with her and plan to do this as many more times as we can before her big girl bed arrives from Santa. (SHHH don't tell her.)

Here is J.R. wondering what in the world we are up to.

Emma wanted him to get in with us.

Community crib...

Holy Experience

(see previous post) This link deserves a post of its' own.

Please check out this blog: Holy Experience

Oh my! The author of this site has been blessed with such an amazing gift in writing. It is unbelivable and is ministering to me incredibly. I will definitely be checking out her daily posts. The Lord is using her and we need to support people like this that are spreading His Good News to the world!

Several posts I recommend on her site: Lighthearted, Repent. Rethink. Grow a Third Ear, Flight Exit.

Fun Stuff

Okay so I just wanted to fill you all in on a few sites that I view on a regular basis...

#1) Bloggy Giveaways - Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer hosts awesome giveaways almost on a daily basis. This is very worth your checking it out everyday or you could miss out on some great stuff. You do not have to have a blog in order to enter the giveaways.

#2) Real Simple - This is a wonderful magazine that I recently subscribed to. I am not one to receive a lot of magazines in the mail, but to me, this is a must-have. You can find a lot of good tips & recipes on this site.

#3) Creative Juice - This is on the DIY network...they have some cool gift/craft ideas on there.

#4) Shutterfly - Great, great personalized gift ideas...especially those of you with youngen's! For those of us with no time to scrapbook...this is PERFECT!

For those of you who love to scrapbook...you should really enjoy this site:

#5) Real Women Scrap - I especially recommend viewing her scrapbook t.v. shows!

I plan to make this is a regular part of my blog here. I will try and post "linkage" each week for your surfing pleasure.

Until then...

WFMW - Works For Me Wednesday

This is my first WFMW post! It is a Brand-Loyal Edition.

Loads of people are posting today about brand name products that they cannot live without. Feel free to post a comment on here with your favorites if you would like to participate.

White Cloud Diapers - Oh my goodness. They are one of the least expensive brands and the best I've used! They work much better for me than the expensive one's and they certainly save you money! You can only get them at Wal-Mart so that is a bummer, but worth the trip!

Clorox Wipes - Oh that clean smell! These wipes are wonderful and great for keeping those counters clean. They don't leave streaks on your counters either.

Coffeemate coffee creamer - everyone knows how much I love coffee & generic creamers just don't cut it for me! This creamer (powder & liquid) is great and so smooth! They have some great flavors to choose from too if you get bored with the original.

Glad Force-Flex trash bags - Gotta have good trash bags right? These hold so much. You can just keep pushing things in 'em. I do slip and get other brands from time to time and always regret it.

WFMW is graciously hosted by Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer. Check it out to see what brands other people are loyal to.

Puzzle Pieces

Tonight, I was putting puzzles together with E. She loves to do puzzles - for hours if we'd let her.

As I watched her trying to fit the pieces together, I realized something.

She will push so hard on a piece and grunt while pushing on them. If they don't go in, she will keep turning them until she gets a bit closer. Then, when it is almost in just right - literally one end is in and she only needs to push a little bit more...what happens?

She gives up and says, "Mommy can you fix it?"

WOW! Think about this. How often do things in our lives get out of place? The pieces get spilled and we pick them up and try to put things back together. We try & push and try & grunt and we get it "almost there", but we just don't realize how close we are. Then, we drop the pieces and want someone else to pick them up!

In the same way as I say to E, our Heavenly Father is saying, "That's it. You've almost got it! Push a little harder." He is cheering for what we've accomplished so far and He sees how close we are to making it. Then, we just give up. We let go.

We may start trying to put the wrong piece in the wrong spot. We fill our "spots" with things that don't belong there.

Then, we get the right piece, but it just needs some adjusting. We have to keep working with it and being persistent.

Finally, it's there - where it belongs and we are turned in the right direction. The piece might slip (as we all do), so we work with it again and get in back in place. After all that work, we can choose to give it those extra pushes that it needs or we can give up and hope that someone will fix our problems for us. Which ain't gonna happen.

Next time, you get tired of pushing and you feel like giving up, hear that still, small voice of the Father in your corner cheering you on. You may not realize how close you are to your blessings, your answers, but He does. He is already at the completion of the puzzle waiting for you.

Keep on working.

Anowa Kiss Please

Anowa? (a.k.a. Another) Miss E suddenly thinks it's hilarious to wipe our kisses off! Wonder where she got this from? Mamaw! (my grandmother)

Oh y'all! I could go on and on about the stuff she is teaching her. Don't get me started! Some are cute and some concern me. Seriously.

I just put Emma to bed and she keeps calling me in there for "anowa kiss please mommy." How can I turn that plea down? It's usually her saying - NO, demanding, "Mommy, cover me up!!!' Demands don't move me at all! "Cover yourself up E!"

But, oh how my heart melted to hear her begging for another kiss! I couldn't get in there fast enough to kiss that precious heart of mine just one more time...or anowa...or anowa. I lean over into her crib and kiss her, only to get the response of, "Uckkk!" as she wipes her cheeks and laughs.

Oh how I savor the moment! At least she still asks for my sugars!

Goodnight...LURKERS!

Are you really there?

I just have to say that I have so many of you telling me each week that you read my blog, but I'm beginning to wonder...

You guys never comment! You know what that makes you right? They call "people like you" --- dadadadum..."LURKERS."

Hey, I'm working on my creativity when it comes to my posts. I know they tend to not be all that exciting. But, I'll get there...I hope.

I have loads of things to blog about when it comes to my girl, but I don't want to blog about "mommyhood" all of the time. It's just so much fun you know?!!

So, is there anything in particular that you would like for me to blog about? Challenge me here.

Are there any questions that you would like to get an answer to or hear other folk's opinions on?
Is there a certain subject that we could maybe stir up some good conversation on?

Let's make it interestin' (but clean)!!

Jibber Jabber

Have any of you ever made one of those "easy" no-sew fleece blankets that are popular to make? Well, I've always heard how eeaassyy it was and then I saw this post over at A New Chelsea Morning. Check it out...She made the most adorable little blanket for her grandson and she did such a great job! I also have a friend, Jessica, who makes lots of these so I thought I'd try.

I would post pics for your enjoyment-if you need a laugh-but, my camera is acting up tonight. Plus, I'm ashamed to show you.

You see, there is not a crafty bone in my body! AT ALL! I must have been sleeping when the good Lord passed out that trait cuz' it just ain't happenin' for me! Our friend "Bwoos" as E calls him (aka: Bruce) just left here and was literally walking out the door laughing at the sight of my effort. He can't understand how it will possibly end up as a blanket. "Oh, I see...you're cutting little "frilly" things on the sides huh?" (You should understand that comment when you see the instructions on here.) "Frilly things?" no.not.at.all.

K is trying to comfort me and blame it on the scissors being too dull...I will be buying new scissors tomorrow, so I guess we will see.

I'll keep ya posted. The good thing is E won't know the difference. She will just know that her mommy made it for her with love...and lots of frustration. (smile)

*******
So, football has officially begun y'all! (Oh, how very excited I am!) What is usually a quiet home (with the exception of a 2 year old) has suddenly turned into quite the opposite, as it normally does this time of year.

My sweet hub wants me to get involved in it so bad. Bless his heart - he didn't end up with one of "those" wives - like some of you reading this. I mean, it's been on for HOURS now and there is no sign of his cutting the t.v. off. There aren't too many things he will stay up until midnight to watch. How can it not get old? Every game looks the same to me.

Tonight, and every year, he tries to explain: "Baby, that is the quarterback throwing to the wide receiver." "Defense, Offense, Running Back, Safety, Jibber.Jabber.Jibber.Jabber." I've not learned anything yet, so why does he keep trying? Awwh...

He's making sure E knows all about it though. Tonight, she wanted to stay home with daddy while I ran errands. When I walked in the door, she said, "Mommy, I watch da game!" She was right in the middle of the guys on the floor eating their snacks.

Guess I'm outnumbered huh?

By the way, ROLL TIDE!!!!!!!!!!! I've at least learned that much! (I wanna stay in this family.)

Please pray!

I don't even really know what to say on this, but I feel strongly about this post.

The Lord has used Juanita Bynum to minister to Kevin and I in so many ways! She is a very powerful woman of God and the annointing is so strong in her ministry!

I am not sure if you've all heard about this, but I tell you it shocked me to hear it on the news yesterday. Why was I shocked? Why am I still amazed? Look at the world we live in...nothing should shock us anymore.

Now, we don't know the whole story and we never will. Only the Lord knows! I am certainly not using this post to shed any negative light on Juanita Bynum. If you have ever heard her, then I feel certain you were ministered to. If not, trust me when I tell you she is a powerhouse for the Lord!! Please do not look at her with downcast eyes. We all have problems...maybe they aren't the same type, but no one has a perfect life. We just don't end up with our "stuff" on the news.

I just want to say that no matter who you are, what you do or what you've done...you are never too far from the enemie's "schemes." He is always up to something. Jesus was tempted and we sure are every day. It is so disappointing what her husband did to her and possibly what he's been doing to her. However, he gave in to the devil and his lies!

We need to put on the whole armor of God every single day and take authority over our minds! As I've already stated, she is a minister of the gospel and her husband is as well (was)...the closer we get to the Father, the bigger the threat we are to the devil and he WILL assuredly try anything to pull us away from the Lord.

Abuse is Wrong, Wrong, Wrong and N.e.v.e.r. acceptable, whether (physical, verbal, mental or emotional.) I am in NO way defending what her husband, Thomas Weeks, did. I just want to use this situation as a reminder that it could be any of us if we allow the devil to get a foothold anywhere in our lives. You've heard the saying, "You give him an inch and he'll take a mile." He will take way more than a mile! He will ruin your entire life as we've seen here. Life changed forever for the both of them in just a matter of minutes - and justice needs to be served!!

Now, while I am ANGRY with this man (and any other man or woman guilty of doing this), noone is EVER beyond the reach of Christ our Lord and Savior! He can be forgiven and the Lord can give him a fresh start, which I trust will happen. It would be an absolute shame for him to throw his life away after all of the lives he has touched in his ministry.

Please pray for Juanita's quick recovery and pray for her emotional and mental well-being in this time. I am confident that the Lord will give her peace and will use this situation to save tons of lives. He will take what the devil meant for harm and use it for the good of His kingdom.

Also, please pray for Thomas Weeks to turn himself in if he has not done so already and that the right punishment is given. I also pray for healing to take place in his heart and mind and that he would have total remorse for the horrible crime he has committed on his dear wife.

Thanks for hearing me out today and please feel free to post any comments that you have pertaining to this. Let's be in agreeance here for miracles to happen!

With Love...

Why dooo they do that?

Do your guys...yes, I mean grown men...still looove to play video games? Well, mine sure does.

Hey, after a long hard day at work, I'm certainly not gonna say anything about him sitting up late some nights to play video games. He doesn't do it often - only because he doesn't have time. But, while I was out of town last week, Kevin and a friend of his decided to fit as much gaming into the week as they possibly could. "Boys will be boys" right? R.I.G.H.T.!
Even men need their "bonding" time...

Well, this particular football game was rented and due back tonight. So lastnight, Kevin knew he only had one more chance to play and pulled his chair right in front of the t.v. and settled in for the long-haul. As I was sitting there quietly on the computer - trying to concentrate, "Mr. Kevin" was getting louder and louder with each "play" - is that what it's called in football? I dunno.

I don't even know why the noise level kept rising or what was happening on the game, but I kept hearing SIGH after SIGH after SIGH & he was muttering words like, "offense, defense, tag" (foreign) and "You Gotta Be Kiddin' Me!!" This was not excitement folks! Wasn't he supposed to be having fun? He slowly started progressing from disappointment to frustration to unbelief to pure tickedoff"edness" (yes, I "coined" a word Pastor S! - as if you'd be reading my blog anyway haha.) He ended up talking to the little people on the game and wondering why they weren't following his "direction" and then, with every sigh, I began to laugh. Which, in turn, made him realize what was taking place. You know how kids get so intent on whatever game they are playing that they become oblivious to the world around them...YUP!!

This was supposed to be relaxing to him to do something he enjoys and he was getting more stressed during these few moments than he did in his entire day of work. I'm confused!!!

The climactic moment of the video gaming was when I heard a loud THUMP, looked up and saw my husband on his butt on the floor and the chair flipped over on its side. He got to into his fussing that he FELL OUT hahahaha! Oh my goodness! This was so hilarious to see! He peeked his cute little head around the arm of the chair and we burst into laughter! Oh how I so needed that laugh!

NOTE: Rocking chairs, laminate floors and grown boyzzz flailing around and fussing at their game don't mix well. Something is bound to go down and in this case, it was the flailing, but cute, boy.

UPDATE: * Written on Thursday, August 16th & Friday, August 17th *

WOOHOO! Praise the Lord! We are on the plane right now as I write and we are on our way home. I am seriously considering kissing the good ole’ GA ground when we arrive.

Well, maybe the Good Lord didn’t want our trip to take place on our terms, but it did finally happen.

Here is how the NIGHTMARE continued to unfold. We ended up getting bumped from 3 flights in Atlanta on Monday and spent a total of 16 HOURS there people! We could have driven to Pennsylvania by this time and our trip hadn’t even begun yet.

It turned out that the 8:57 p.m. flight moved to 9:10, then 9:35. At about 10:00, we were still sitting there and were told that the flight had been completely CANCELLED due to the runway at our destination closing early. We had to fly into another city and take a bus to our intended airport. So, we arrive in Scranton, PA FINALLY around 3:00 a.m. and there is not a soul in sight except for a security guard and maintenance man. We had to convince the security guard to let us into the holding room to find our luggage. I imagine we looked pretty pitiful to be honest and probably had the “all-day airport funk” goin’ on.

So, I manage to put E in her pj’s and we then wait for a shuttle to come and get us from the hotel and we eventually arrive there (extremely tired & delirious) at almost 4:00 a.m. (only to get up at 7:00 to start the 2-day meetings.)

Our 2 ½ hour nap was good, but evidently not enough to keep me awake by lunch time. The speakers were wonderful, but sometimes that only goes so far. My body needed rest and I was literally nodding off – head bobbing & about to drool – in the meeting and decided to go up for a little nap, along with mom and E. That was pretty refreshing – or enough to get us through until bedtime.

Wednesday was a much better day! I didn’t feel like an absolute zombie or like I was sleep walking. I did get a little drowsy, but kept the BAD coffee going in. Bad or not, I guess it did the trick. The meetings and speakers were wonderful & oh so inspiring. They certainly made me forget the drama that we had been through.

Oh…and it wasn’t over. So it’s time to leave on Thursday. We have a “Standby” ticket for a 12:53 flight out of Scranton and straight to Atlanta. I called to check on seat availability and the sweet girl told me there is no point in even coming to the airport because it “ain’t gonna happen today.” GRRREAT! Do you know how boring it would be to be stranded in a hotel with no exciting meetings to attend, nothing to do, no car to drive anywhere, bad coffee and too cool to swim? This can’t be happening – again!! We started praying…and crying…and laughing about it. Mom said it would be silly to not at least be at the airport and that we needed to give it every effort we could. Then, go from there.

Nope, no availability on this flight. There is one for 5:55 that is oversold so no hope there. They said our only option was to fly to Cincinnati and hope for a flight to Atlanta from there. We figured since Cincinnati was a bigger airport that it would be a smart move. At least if we were stranded there, that airport actually has things to do.

Well, needless to say – it worked. We were there for almost 4 hours and FINALLY hopped on a flight, with plenty of room, to Atlanta! We made it home after midnight and home has never looked, smelled or felt better.

If you’ve ever seen the movie “Terminal,” we have something in common with Tom Hanks now...poor guy. I looked for him, but maybe he finally got out of there. We saw lot’s of people hibernating on the comfy airport seats, which brings me to: Do you know how many people sleep with their mouths’ wide open by the way? It’s really interesting uh-hum (clearing throat)!

I did get to walk the hall with “DOG, the Bounty Hunter” lastnight. MAHALO…thankyouverymuch. He’s my Homeboy! Tune in and you may see me and mom assisting in someone's arrest...which by the way you won't see us cursing and praying for them at the same time, but that's another story!

Can you tell I still need rest?

One more thing: I don't mean to sound so negative with all of this. I have referred to this travel stuff as a nightmare on many occasions since Monday. But, I realize the blessing that these tickets were after all...referring to price ONLY. We were safe and it allowed for much more time together - just the 3 of us. My precious E was absolutely the glue that held things together. We had to be strong for her and she has never been such a good girl as she was the entire trip. She didn't act like a normal 2 year old after all...she was a pure joy to be stranded with!
And I did take a lot home from the convention...I just had to travel further and longer to get "it" home with me. So...

"Thank you Heavenly Father for your continued blessings on this trip. Thank you for your mercy that was not at all times apparent to us, but was always there and never failing. Your grace Was and Is sufficient for us and I am unworthy of you!"

"My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cor. 12:9

Some "Buddy" This Pass Was

** This was written on Monday, August 13th **

Well, folks…it is now 5:00 p.m. and I am STILL IN THE ATLANTA AIRPORT. We arrived here at 7:00 this morning. Yes, we have been here for 10 L.O.N.G. hours now and our visit is not over yet.

We are (supposed to be) flying to my company’s Summer Fling/convention (see last post) and we should have been there by 12:30 today. Ever heard of a "buddy pass?" If so, don’t ever use one…If not, there is really NO need to inquire about one.

Well, since you are aching to know, I will tell you anyway…A buddy pass is when you know someone who works for the airline and you can fly by way of their employee benefits. The tickets are hugely discounted and well, you get what you pay for in this case I guess. The price is great! However, there is one little catch to this. Oh OOPS did I say “little” – it is a HUGE downside. Buddy passes mean that the person traveling is on “Standby” and there is a “slight” chance HHHAAA that you can be bumped and moved to the next flight because the people that actually pay full ticket price have priority over you. Makes sense right?

Well, not only were we bumped from the first flight, the original flight at 10:17 a.m.…We were also bumped off of the next flight which was 2:51. There are only 3 flights per day to where we are traveling and the last one is at 8:57 and we are holding our breath. WHEW!!

The worst part??? Our luggage didn’t get bumped! It went with the first/original flight and is awaiting our arrival. It’s probably feeling a little impatient by this point don’t ya think? Yeah, me too. Oh and it only gets better! Like traveling with a 2 year old is not an ordeal in and of itself – her diapers are also with our luggage! The wonderful Virtuous Wife and Mother that I am didn’t expect these travel difficulties and didn’t pack an extra outfit, diapers, etc.

We really need the Lord’s favor on our traveling plans this week! Not that we haven’t had His favor thus far. We all know that “everything happens for a REASON” and sometimes we never find out what those reasons are, but we just trust in Him in the good times and BAD. Although if you were around me right now, the “trusting” part may not be as apparent as it should be. But, I do – I TRUST YOU LORD!

I’m off to walk the beautiful halls of the Atlanta airport and see what I can find that I haven’t seen over the past T.E.N. hours!! I will keep you posted!

“Thank you Lord that you are God in all things! You never ever fail us. You don’t know how! I thank you for your favor, exceedingly above anything we can ask or think. I trust you and your will for our trip…if you desire for it to take place (which I am beginning to wonder about.) In Jesus’ name, Amen!”

Let's Fly Away

Well, I am getting ready to head to bed soon. It is only 8:50 and that is extremely early for bed around our house. I don't know if my body will know what to do!

I am flying to PA at the crack of dawn in the morning for a convention with my candle business. It is my first time ever attending and I am soooo excited! My mother and E will be coming with me and this will be a fun adventure. OHHHH flying with a 2 year old! Should we all drug up? joking...

The company will be announcing new products to our gourmet line and I will be posting one day this week with the exciting news. (for those of you who actually care - haha) You can visit here to learn more.

So, until then...I hope you all have a blessed & prosperous week and I look forward to writing again!

Oh and please pray for our safety as we travel & our sanity! Getting up at 3:00 a.m. will not be easy, but by the time you've read this, we will already be well on our way.

Nite Nite!

You've Got a Friend

Great friends!! How would we survive this life without them?

You know who you are when you read this...

Lots of people are blessed with a lot of friends, but not too many of us have more than a handful of TRUE friends. You know - those that are there in the midst of a storm, (haha sometimes literal storms - when I'm scared out of my mind, hiding in the laundry room & holding the Bible while that friend is laughing at me from the couch by the window!); those that lend a helping hand no matter how tired they already are (and no matter when that help turns into a whole weekend - and then the weekend after) and don't expect a thing in return because that's just "what friends do"; those that pray for you and encourage you in the Word and that you sit up late with until the wee hours of the morning talking about "stuff."

It's a great feeling to have the kind of friends that you know you don't have to entertain. You don't have to plan your get togethers and you don't have to go anywhere or do anything. With these kind of friends, it's a blast to just lay around in bummy clothes and watch t.v. or play silly games or serve cereal for dinner and even sit in silence at times. It's just "understood" you know? No impressions need to be made because they already love "you" and well, that's just amazing.

When you find those "true" friends, you know you've found 'em and you never want to let them go...no matter where your paths lead. I am so thankful for the great, Godly friends that the Lord has placed in mine and Kevin's life! We won't ever let you go!!

You are all kisses from our Father and we love you!

Today, I'm thankful for so many things, but here are a couple specific things:

1) Air Conditioning!!! So many people suffer with no a/c in their homes during these hot days and for those of us that do have it, don't take it for granted! I am so thankful for that! Here in GA, it is around 100 degrees, but just watching the news...it is much hotter in other areas of the country.

People!! The heat index somewhere in NC was 126 yesterday. That is unimaginable!! The thing that makes it extra bad is this humidity. Urrgghh!!

Thank God for a nice cool home to come into from the heat!

2) This wonderful Strawberry Infused Lemonade that I'm enjoying right now...thanks to GiBee at Kisses of Sunshine. Check out her recipe from yesterday's post. It's wonderful and so refreshing!

3) The breaking down of denominational walls! Woohoo!! This is such an awesome thing to me!! I know it is to the Lord. My husband is going to minister tonight at a church here in town...different denomination than we are a part of. But, who cares?!! It is all about the body of Christ. It's a "Jesus Thing" and NOT a black/white, denomination thing!! Praise the Lord!!

4) Children's video's! Although I commit to never being the kind of mom to stick her kids in front of t.v./movies all day long...are they great or what? I try to limit the amount of t.v. she watches and certainly what she watches. We are VERY careful about what goes into her lil' spirit, as well as ours! But, what would us mommies do without the help of these wonderful shows that give us breaks?

5) My grandmother ("Mamaw") Granted, I may not always "feel" this way at some points during the day...just kidding. She is wonderful! It's funny how the older people get, the more childlike they act you know? She loooves to aggravate my 2 year old; they argue as if they are siblings "Mine!" "No Mine!"; she loves to tattle on Emma and get her in trouble; and so much more, but she adores Emma completely at the same time. Having my daughter around has brought life back into my grandmother that's sort of been lost since my granddaddy died.

She, honestly, can be the biggest brat (meant with love) and the sweetest thing at the same time and I wouldn't trade her for the world. She was like my 2nd mama growing up and has prayed me through this life!

Her little feeble voice touched my soul tonight just before she headed to bed. We were reminiscing on old hymns from church and singing our hearts out. It's amazing how no matter how much they can't remember...things like that just never leave their minds.

For more Thankful Thursday posts, please check out Sting My Heart.

What a Man, What a Man, What a Mighty Good Man...

Ladies, my hubby just stuck his head around the corner and said, "Man, you've really been keeping up with the laundry haven't you?"

I just smiled and said, "Thanks for noticing!" I have to say that I hear other women talk about how all of the things (big and small) that they do go unnoticed by their husbands. Kevin has always been pretty good about paying attention, but he got some extra points tonight for the laundry comment.

I strive every day to be that Proverbs 31 woman...I haven't accomplished that yet. But, I guess I'm striving to be the lazy version of her.

I don't see myself E.V.E.R. "seeking wool and flax" and working willingly with my hands to make my family's clothing as the scripture says. But, LemmieTellYa...keeping the laundry even close to caught up is a HUGE accomplishment for me! Do you know how long it's been since we've been able to see the bottom of the hamper?

I'm ashamed to say that there (until recently mind you) has been a sweater in the bottom of the hamper that has been waiting to be cleaned since ummm - probably last fall (almost a year). Why haven't I just washed it you ask? Well, it's not that it was really dirty, but it needed to be dry cleaned and being the lazy version of the Virtuous Woman that I am, I never "got around" to taking it to the cleaners. I've been too busy seeking that wool and flax...what is flax by the way?

So, do you know what I did with it yesterday? Uh huh...I DID...I chunked it! Yes, mom...I know I could have had it cleaned and put in the thrift store or something, but I'm sick of looking at it. It was a perfectly good sweater really, but it resembles procrastination now so "be gone with you sweater."

Well, all of this to say..."Thanks sweet hubby of mine for noticing the empty hamper." All of the things you do for us certainly don't go unnoticed either.

Maybe you'll come home to a cleaned out refrigerator tomorrow. (There's no telling what's in that thing!)

I think my "flax" is calling.

She DOES work!!

During the potty-training process, I think lots of us mommies begin to wonder if our children really do "work?" I've followed the advice of others and not pushed the issue too much with Emma. Everyone has different suggestions of the things that worked with their children and we all know that every child is completely different!

So, I decided I'd just do it my way and B.R.I.B.E. her!! Oh and we can't forget the "name calling" tactic. I sound like a horrible mother don't I?

I just non-chalantly mentioned this morning during diaper change that baby's wear diapers and hmmm...did that do the trick? And, she already knows that she gets a "ma-pop" (translation: lollipop) when she goes.

Well, HALLELUJAH!!, this lil' sista conquered the potty today!! And her mommy couldn't be more proud!! The things that make our day as mommies huh? Really, it has made my day.

Needless to say...her Green Apple ma-pop was yummy and disappeared in a flash. Then, "I want nother 'un mommy!"

Ah...she isn't broken!

My 1st Thankful Thursday Post

It is good to give thanks to the Lord,

to sing praises to your name, O Most High. Psalm 92:1

Well, this is my very first Thankful Thursday post. But, I just love the idea of it. It's too bad that we don't regularly sit down and say what we are thankful for except for special times like Thanksgiving, etc. Well, that changes here:

As I've already stated on this blog, the things I'm thankful for I consider to be "Kisses From the Father" - from the smallest to the biggest things.

1) I am thankful every morning for the new phrases that Emma says as she is waking up. "Mommy, it time get up!" "Mommy, I had good night seep." "Mommy, Daddy, Joo-Ahr (translation: J.R., our dog) G.E.T. M.E. O.U.T.!" "Mommy, where ah you?" "Mommy, ah you there?" It's a joy to hear what she will say each day. On the very f-e-w days that Kevin and I get to sleep in together (sleeping in = 8:00 a.m. by the way), we just lay there and laugh at her comments.

2) I am thankful for the prayer Emma and I pray together every morning over ours' and daddy's day.

3) I'm thankful for the feel of that sweaty head on my shoulder after she wakes up from her nap every day and has to "hold you" for a while.

4) I'm thankful for this precious little dog, J.R., that is staring me down right now begging to either go outside or get more food. It's always one of the two lately. As pesty as he is sometimes, I am thankful that he is still here to stare at me. (I'll explain that story later for those that don't already know.)

5) I'm thankful for the sound of Kevin's Explorer as it pulls into the driveway each night, sometimes late, but thankfully sometimes earlier lately. Me and Emma always look at each other when we hear it and wait for the sound of his horn to beep twice. That means he's locked his car and is walking towards the front door.

That is when our day begins...

The list goes on and on. I figured 5 things was a good # to keep it at. I'm thankful that there is a Thursday in every week!

I'd like to hear something you are thankful for this week.

I Won...I Won!!

I entered into a drawing last week for a free design for my blog. And guess what??? I WON, I WON, I WON!!

Out of all of the drawings that I've entered over the years, I honestly can't remember ever winning so this is very exciting for me. What a great thing to win too!

So, before long, you will all be able to enjoy my wonderful knew blog design. I don't know how it will look yet, but I can tell you that it's gonna look great.

It will be done by Dawn at Barefoot Blog Design, http://www.barefootblogs.blogspot.com/. Take a look at some of the one's she has done. Thanks Dawn for pickin' me!!

So, I pray that I'm on a winning streak now (smile) and I've just entered into yet another drawing for a totally freeeee Insignia® 37″ Flat-Panel LCD HDTV from Best Buy that is up for grabs. You can click on this link or the one on the left of the page to enter yourself. You can only enter once and the drawing will be on August 17th. Be sure to pass the info. along. But only if you promise to split it with me if you win!! We can either have Joint Custody or Split-Screen (haha get it???)

I'll be sure and let you know about any other good giveaways. Well, unless I wanna keep 'em for myself.

Good night!

Museum Pictures

A sweet lady took this picture of us yesterday at the museum. We were actually laying on a huge, stuffed cow inside of a barn prop. But, I had to crop the picture because it was too far off. Turned out cute though...

This was one of Emma's favorite exhibits (and mine & Kevin's too.) Tell me this doesn't look exactly like a real ice cream cone? Well, Emma acted for us like she was going to lick it. But, she knew it wasn't real. It's called Moon Sand and it was so cool. It felt just like wet sand and you could make all sorts of stuff with it. There were more adults at this station than anywhere I think.

Isn't our lil' artist as cute as can be?

We couldn't believe how clean she managed to stay because the other kids were covered. They had their hands in it and it was on their faces too. This one is just a little priss and like her mommy was, she does NOT like to get dirty.

I will post more pics tomorrow for Wordless Wednesday...