October Show & Tell

Hey Everyone. It's Thursday, meaning this week is almost over, it is also October! For those of you who know me you already know how much I love this month. You would think that August (by birth month) would be my favorite month of the year, but no, I like October the best. I guess it's because it's the beginnig of fall, my favorite season, it has a super fun holiday in it (Halloween), and the weather begins to change. Okay well in other states I'm sure that is true, however here in North Florida we are still batting high 80's. Sounds fun right? NOT! I told my husband we need to move to a state that actually shows evidence of 4 seasons instead of the 2 we get here. Of course all of that is just talk, we haven't planned on moving, I love the schools my kids are in, and unless God impresses it upon us we are staying right where we are.

 

That is neither here nor there.

 

Lately I've been in a bit of the mully grubs I guess you could say. I won't call it depression, though it closely resembles it. My dad would throw a fit if I claimed depression, for we can choose not to claim such things much like the apostle Paul did (I think myself happy Acts 26:2). Though that doesn't always work right off hand, it's good to try.

Mostly it's been a mixture of being at home constantly alone, no where to go, no one to talk to, doing the same things over and over. It was different when my kids were small and at home, though it did get tiresome on days when I was at home consistently. Now, all three of my babies are in school and I find myself without a job. This is not the ideal time to not have anything to do. I had to sell my horses at the beginning of the year so that hobby passion is gone, or thats how I felt. All those things you think you can get done at home if you had time are put on the 'meh' list when you have no motivation. 

And thats exactly what I've been...motivationless.

I finally drug my halloween decorations out and had to force myself to finish. The outside of my house is still not done, but maybe one day....or it'll wait til next year.

I figured I would share with you guys what I've done so far.

 

 

 

 

I seen a picture of mini Jack 'o' lanterns and thought they were adorable and figured it would be a great centerpiece for my table, and probably one that could last through the entire fall season instead of just Halloween. I used a cake plate that I already had. The glass holders I made using dollar tree taper candle holders, and votive holders by simply gluing them together, and filling them with moss.

 

 

 

This is actually one wall (except for the table & lamp). I meant to get a picture of the whole thing, but wound up deleting it instead. #mybad

The ghostly Happy Halloween sign came from the dollar tree. Home sweet home wood art I've had for several years and has been in that same spot since we moved here. The wreath I made using a form I already had and burlap ribbon I got for 40% off at Hobby Lobby. I love the fuzzy owl I sat inside of it, also a dollar store find. The candle stick was one of a silver set that I found a thrift store, didn't like the silver so I spray painted it  using Krylon Colormaster in Bright White/satin finish. The book I owned, #Iloveoldbooks, I've had the wooden pumpkin & black cat for a few years, can't remember where I purchased those. The table by my couch/front door is just simple mason jars that I spray painted a while back and added some sticks I found from the yars, also spray painted. Don't you just love the hanging Jack 'O' Lantern luminary behind the lamp?!

 

 

 

 On the opposite wall in my living room, above my T.V., I decided to put this! I got the inspriation from a Martha Stewart photo. I simple gathered branches from around my yard that I thought would work, cut them down to size, spray painted them to give them that whitish/grayish look then added the crows that I already had. I love it, not sure why, I guess it's a bold halloween statement without going too dark. The kids like it too...plus!

 

 

 

 The last show and tell item on my list today is the pillow shams I made a few weeks ago. I've had the fabric since somtime in August, but to tell the complete truth I've been a little intimidated to try and make these. I'm just learing to sew, and am teaching myself which is a bit eeekkk sometimes. So anyways I just jumped right in one day and they actually turned out okay! Not perfect, but decent. I got the tutorial from pinterest which lead me to this great blog called Camp Clean. Her tutorial was easy to follow and in just a few hours I had these babies finished! Talk about one excited woman! I know...sad thing to get excited about pillow covers, but this is my life people. 

 

I hope all of you are having a great start to this October, and are enjoying your decorating process. I love seeing how other people have decorated their homes for the holidays, so share with me if you would like. God bless!  

 

 

 

 



Youth Room

Good morning! In all honestly it probably would've been a better morning if Buster, our 4 month old puppy, hadn't kept us up for a while last crying and barking. It was Darrell's fault (the hubs)...naturally. He can not get excited at midnight when he's taken out to potty (talking about Buster, not Darrell haha) and that includes letting him choose to stay out there and play for a while. When Buster decided he wanted back inside, he wasn't ready to sleep in his crate...it took a while to convince him that it was 3am and we needed sleep.

 

All is well. Who really needs much sleep anyways right?

 

Darrell and I have recently started having a teen class or youth service, whatever you want to call it, on Wednesday nights. We have about 8 to 10 kids, ages 10 -16. It's exciting getting to know these kids, but it's also challenging Darrell and I. We have both been in leadership positions before, have been youth pastor's and worked with kids plenty, however, this is a whole new ball game. These kids come to us with things in their past, broken homes, and struggles that I never faced as a child. I love each and every one of those kids, I really do. Darrell and I are praying that God would just give us the wisdom to teach and lead them the right way. To be good examples for them, but also friends as well as their leaders.

 

For the last few weeks, since we started the Wednesday night services, we have been in the sanctuary, the adults have their class in the spacious fellowship hall in the back. We've noticed that the big space gives these kids a lot of room to move around, a lot of distractions, and these kids do not need help in the distraction department haha. We were told that we could pick one of the Sunday school rooms that aren't being used to make into our "Youth Room". This is super exciting! A few of the kids had the idea to put couches, bean bag chairs, and things like that in the youth room to make it comfy and cool. I like the idea and the pastor agreed! YAY! We also get to paint the room chosen whatever color we want and I was given the permission to let the kids choose.

 

Now when I say "let the kids choose" I really mean I'll pick out 2 or 3 options and let them vote on those, otherwise we would never have a decision! So I immediately starting looking up options last night, I already had in mind the direction I want to go, but I need to lock down some definite colors. BTW Gray is a definite...somewhere in the room! Here are the colors and ideas I found...

 

 

 



I love this huge word on the wall, and a very powerful message

These bright colors could be fun

However I'm more partial to these colors and the ones before this

Seriously thought about doing a chalkboard wall...how cool?!

I definitely want some kind of scripture or awesome quote like this in there

I also like the idea of some cool/different lighting, but we will have to see

I'm so excited about this for our teen class. I think they are going to love it, and will love being a part of the creative process. A space of their own in the church. Doesn't every kid need that? Well let me know what you think! I hope you guys have a fantastic Thursday! 

Reader's Block

Nope, I don't mean "writer's block" I meant what I said...Reader's Block.

Just to enlighten you I will share with you my definition of this condition.

 

READER'S BLOCK:

noun The condition of being unable to read (see choosing a book) any book while waiting for the newest book in one's favorite series to be released (or after reading the last book in one's favorite series.)

 

So there you have it and this is the condition that I've had for a while now. Back in March, J.R. Ward released the long time awaited Lover At Last, a book about some of my favorite characters in the series. The book was good, honestly could've been better, but I love the series, so I can't really knock the book. The next book to come out will be The King! For those of you who do not read these books that will mean absolutely nothing to you, but for us uberfans we were all screaming and crying at the announcement! Unfortunately we have to wait a whole year! "The King" will not be released until March 2014, but she has released the cover!

 

So I am impatiently patiently waiting for this book's release!

 

Back in June...or July I can't remember, my sister, the lovely Ree (check out her blog), tells me about this new trilogy that is AMAZING and that I should check it out. So I did...and loved it!

 

DIVERGENT

INSURGENT

ALLEGIANT

 

Sorry guys I tried loading book cover photos but my computer isn't working with me today. Allegiant isn't out yet, but I bought and devoured the other two, even reading them aloud to my hubby and kiddos. My hubby doesn't like to read, except for when it comes to the bible, but I started reading The Hunger Games to him and he loved that seriers. Now we both love the Divergent series. I am waiting for Allegiant to come out which will be next month. My sis was amazing and pre-ordered the book from Amazon for my birthday, so I will get one of those smiley faced boxes from Amazon with my book in it not too long after it releases! YAY! I'm so excited. I just wish I could find something that caught my interest enough to read in the mean time.

 

Not sure if anyone else has contracted this Reader's Block condition, but it totally ruins your taste for many books. I have read one...maybe two, nothing major and I used to read constantly. Hopefully the cure to my condition will come in the mail in October!

 





It's Supposed To Be Fall....Right?

So I've been glancing at some other blog posts and facebook statuses and everyone is going on and on about Fall. "Oh it's cool outside", "The leaves are falling and changing", and on and on it goes. Well let me tell you what it's like outside my window right now.

It's moist, sticky, 80 degrees at 8am, and green as all get out! Fall is my favorite time of the year, October just happens to be my absolute favorite month and I can't properly appreciate it, because I live in the tropics! Okay technically I live in Florida, but seriously...it feels like the tropics.

 

I am literally craving cooler temps and Autumn colors like a preggo person craves pickles (yes I totally just stereotyped there...sorry Ree). I want to get all my decorations out, but for one I have some shaping up to do outside before I can go full on halloween mode, and it's been nuts around here. I would actually love to go to a Friday night football game (Go LCHS Bulldogs!) and not sweat to death before the sun goes down! Gah, is that so much to ask? No...I didn't think so either. On the real though I've been praying God would send us some cooler weather and let us have an enjoyable fall. At least let it be jacket worthy weather on October 31st.

 

Speaking of October 31st, I wanted to share with you all some of my decorating wishes for Halloween this year. I am so excited about it, but I am having a hard time settling on exactly what I want to do to the front porch. I'll share with you guys my favorite things from my Pinterest board (to see my Halloween board click here). In turn ya'll can tell me what you like/disklike and even send me comments and link some of your fav fall decorations!

 

So here goes!

 



Those are just a few of my pins from my Pinterest board and a few of my favorites. What decorations are ya'll putting up this year?!

A While Away

Hi Everyone. It's me, the girl who's been gone for forever. I haven't even entered the blogging world in months and I should probably be ashamed, but I'm not sure I am. Have I missed you guys? YES! Tremendously! However, these last 5 months have been strange.

 

Just to fill ya'll in on what's been happening in my neck of the woods...I lost my job back in May. So that means...yep you guessed it, I've been back to staying at home! woot woot right? Okay, yeah maybe at first. Isn't more time at home to "get things done" what all of us working mothers want? Maybe it's just the thought of it thats nice. Honestly I'm struggling.

 

The summer wasn't too bad. My hubby is the School Resource Officer at my kid's school. They build up so much comp time during the school year that they take off the whole summer. I think he worked a grand total of 2 days during the summer. It was nice getting to do things, going to stay at my moms and mom in laws, going camping with the kiddos. Well summer is over now, the kids are back in school, and the hubby is back at work. Where is mom? Yeah, I'm still at home.

 

You know I like having the freedom to go the school for my kids different activities and things like that, but this is the start of the school year and there hasn't been much of that going on yet. What I'm trying to figure out is, how to enjoy being at home? You would think that you could keep a perfect house and have plenty of time to do those things that you've been wanting to do when you are at home all day long. However, that is not the case. I literally drown in housework all week long. I clean everyday. I know we will always have to tidy things up, but here I am having chore lists a mile long; and I'm not talking about just putting away strowed items. It's getting to the point that I want to throw up my hands in frustration. It's not only the cleaning, it's the part where you are always here so of course you can do everything and take care of anything that the hubby or kids need you to do. It's not like you want to do anything fun right?

 

Maybe I'm not doing something right. Here is where you other stay-at-home-mom's/homemakers can help me out. How do you keep the house clean, clothes washed and put away, and the kids rooms tidy (not to mention the porches & carport that loves to stay stacked with mess) without cleaning every second and losing your mind?

 

Lately I've wanted to get into baking and experimenting with things. Fall is coming up and I'm just dying to get out all my halloween decorations out, but really I spent 2 hours folding and putting away clothes today and I still have about 5 loads to go before I'm done caught up. I would like to stop feeling taken for granted and feeling like a constant maid. I would like to simply feel like a good mom and wife who enjoys her home. How do you accomplish that?! I know that you working mother's are probably thinking I'm crazy, but seriously I felt I got more things done on some days when I was working. *sigh* I don't know. If any of you lady's have any advice I'm all ears. Do you have a schedule or plan that works for your family? Any pointers on how to make sure the kids have time to pitch in when they are involved in after school activities, ballet, & marching band?

 

Thank you for reading and seriously any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. I am going to try and stay a little more consistent with my posts from here on out. 5 months is waayy too long to go without posting something! I hope you all are having a fantastic week so far!

It took days, but it's finally finished!

Man what a week. It hasn't been a bad week, but I just get grouchy when I'm working on something and it seems to take FOREVER to finish. For those of you who don't know, my girls room is a constant headache for me. It never stays cleaned. Even when I go in and get everything organized and cleaned...a week later it looks like a train wreck. It was time again for a major overhaul, because you couldn't see their bed and barely see the hardwood floor peeking through the piles of crap.

 

They have a walk in closet, which is amazing, but I had so much stuff stored in there and...well it just wasn't functional. Between the huge sterilite containers of clothes that I've put back for my younger daughter, all their shoes that never stay in the door hanger or box I had for them, and the chest of drawers I had in there it was a mess. The back wall of it was bare, meaning I could see the studs and I decided that they needed shelves.

 

This was the wall you seen when you looked into the closet. Horrible right? Yes, so my hubby, being the all around - Mr. Fix it - down home - country boy that he is said he could build a floor to ceiling shelving unit. I was totally on board! The building was done that night by the both of us. The sanding, priming, and painting, was done over the course of a few days by me. However, I love the end result and now my girls room, after almost a week of building, painting, and re-organizing, is finally finished!

 

Here is is partially done

 

Here it is finished and stocked! (excuse the naked bulb, a fixture is on my list)

 

All of Lauren's electronics (tablet, DS, games, & headphones)

 

All of Layla's electronics (leap pad, leapster, tag reader)

Sorry my finger got in the way lol.

 

This shelf has fit multiple things that were on the floors or in boxes under the beds; Lauren's doll collection, the snow globes & music boxes, shoes, toys, and all of their books! I couldn't be happier with the way it turned out!

 

What projects have you guys DIY'ed at your home? I'd love to see them! I hope ya'll have a super blessed day!





Hmmm I Think Its OK

Wow it's pretty foggy outside. Random I know, but I just happened to look out the window after sitting on my couch for 45 mins (#pathetic), and I realized that it's not sunny because it's foggy!

 

Yeah you'll have to forgive me this morning I'm still a little out of it. We had an interesting evening yesterday, and then my sleep wasn't exactly sound if you know what I mean. *sigh* what happened to sleeping through the night and having no problem getting to sleep?

 

I started yesterday with the massive project of cleaning my girl's room. I'm not exaggerating when I say "massive". I really mean MASSIVE! It's really bad...like awful. I knew that I only had part of the day to clean/organize, because both girls had doc appts tomorrow afternoon. Then I get a call from my hubby (he works as the school resource officer at my kids school, pretty handy guy). He tells me that the school nurse thinks Luke broke his finger. He had jammed it while playing an intense game of tag with his friends and his Uncle at his party the night before. So I called the doc and we just made it a whole family visit. After X-ray's, strep tests, and prescriptions called into the pharmacy we made our way back home. I was once again fixing to dive back into my girl's room when I told my hubby of my idea to add some shelving units in their closet to help organize things. He says "oh we can build it, I have the stuff here". If you know me at all, you know how much I love organizing, DIY projects, and starting something new. So off we go.

 

After much cutting, many trips in and out the front door, and lots of sawdust later, we installed a whole new floor to ceiling shelving unit! My job today is to get the whole thing sanded down and painted so that maybe I can clear off the girls bed so they can quit sharing Luke's room. I'm probably going to paint the entire closet as well if I have enough paint on hand *fingers-crossed* I'll be sharing the pics of this when I get it completed.

 

The rest of our evening adventures I'll share with you in the Its OK portion of this post!

 



Its OK

...That straight lines and I do not get along. I seriously can not cut/draw a straight line, but I have to have them. My OCD demands no less!

 

...That I almost lost an eye last night thanks to that tiny, microscopic piece of wood that flew into my eye while we were cutting plywood. Darrell literally had to dig into my eye to get it out. It was a close one...seriously.

 

...To be so obsessed with things being straight and perfectly even that I say "I would rather tear the whole thing out than it be a tiny bit uneven" after we have almost installed the whole unit causing my husband great annoyance. Sorry babe.  

 

...To be completely obsessed with paint, patterns, colors, and stencils

 

...To wish I had a maid so she could clean while I start & finish projects

 

...To be really hungry right now, but not want to cook anything for breakfast. I know it's lazy

#IDon'tCare

 

...That my eyes are puffy and still feeling tired. Wake Up Rachel!

 

 

Well there it is...all in black and white. Okay well grey, pink, and whatever that bluish color is. I hope you are having a great week and an awesome Thursday!





OHP

Does anyone ever just get tired of hearing the T.V drone on and on? In my house the first thing that gets done in the morning is coffee, next is to turn on the news. Since I'm at home in the mornings and not getting ready for work I usually leave it on and drink my coffee. Well lately just the continuous blah blah blah of the television grates on my nerves. I literally just made a face at the news people on T.V before hitting my off button. Yes, I'm just a bit spastic. In the afternoon when hubby & kids get home thats the first thing they want to do; turn on the blasted T.V. I can't tell you how many times I'm like "can we just turn that off?" Now, I still love watching my shows, but that is usually once or twice a week and late at night. Sadly this week is most of the season finale's. *sigh*

 

I digress

 

It's time to get to the link-up part of my post. 

 

I have literally been obsessed with re-designing my kids rooms. Have I started on it yet? No. Have I finalized thoughts on a direction for their rooms? No. Have I even cleaned their rooms so I can see where to start? No. Do I seem like a lazy person at the moment? YES!

 

So this isn't actually entirely my fault. Every time that I say "Okay today is the day to get in their room" something comes up. Literally. Today is doctor day for my sick babies. I'm hoping that it's not strep and praying that they get better soon. I hope you all are having a great Wednesday. Oh and if you have any storage/organization/decorating ideas for kids rooms (especially for girls who share a room) please share these with me! I like to have lots of inspiration and options.

Have a blessed one! 

What's New Pussycat....

Woah, woah, wooooah!

I can just see Paulie the Parrot singing that song on that movie. Come on you guys remember that movie Paulie that was released in 1998?  Wow even thinking that 1998 was 15 years ago is nuts! Talk about making me feel old for a moment.

 

So what's new with me? Let's see...Thursday will be two weeks that I have been jobless and I've realized that I'm not liking it a whole lot. All my kiddos are at school so it's not like I have them to take care of during the day. I've been cleaning, but honestly I've not had much motivation to work in the house. All those projects that I thought I would get done by being at home...well I haven't gotten any of them done. I have no idea why, I just feel....meh. I hope I'll get over this hump soon, because I would really like a clean/organized/super cute house and I'm just not getting it by burying myself in books.

 

I was hoping to get something accomplished today, but as it turns out I'm waiting to make an appointment with the doctor. Layla woke up Sunday morning sick with a fever, tummy ache, headache, and her throat hurting. The fever broke yesterday, but then she broke out in a rash that itches her. Seeing as I have no idea what it is it's off to the doctor for a check-up. You know things can't ever be easy.

 

Maybe I'll have better luck the rest of the week accomplishing something. Who knows, because I sure don't. I need a good dose of motivation...anyone know where I can get a vial of it? If so please let me know!

 

I hope you all are having a great week so far! 

Closed Doors and Opened Windows

I've been pretty absent from my blog lately. It has seemed that the only times I have posted anything was simply to say "I've been gone and I'm sorry". That is kind of the case today. However, I am also filling you guys in on what's been going on in my life.

 

The weekdays have been pretty busy. Our church was able to get involved in the Farm Share program. Farm Share delivers fresh produce and things in bulk to a location where churches and organizations are able to pick it up and distribute it to those who need it. It's a great ministry tool and I was really glad to be able to take part in it this month. I'm hoping we get to continue with this, because I know it was a blessing to some families.

 

We have also been changing things around regarding services and such. Thursday nights is now a bible study for the adults and a youth service for the young ones. I have taken over the youth and I have to admit I'm a bit intimidated by the prospect. I have always loved working with young people. However, I have never had to be a leader/teacher all by myself and it scares me. I feel completely inadequate for the job, but I am praying that the Lord helps me. I am definitely out of my comfort zone, even though we only have a few kids (my 3 included) in there. I am great behind a piano where all I have to do is sing haha. That is my comfort zone, my box, and stepping out of that is extremely hard. Sunday mornings though I get to re-enter my comfort zone so I guess that's good.

(Though I pray that the Lord will send more singers/musicians soon)

 

Our little church also had a tiny make-over recently. I wish I had a before picture to post on here, but alas I don't have one. It was previously white (paint was chipping and peeling really badly) with a crayon green trim (no I did not pick out those colors. They were there when we began pastoring lol). Now these colors I did pick out and I have to say I'm in love with them!

 

 

 

 

 

 

It looks great right? Yes, I think so as well.

The other thing that has been weighing in on our lives in a big way is the fact that tomorrow is my last day on my job. At the beginning of the month I was told that I was being "let go". It didn't really come as a shock, as for the reason to that well...you would just have to meet my employers. Anywho I believe in timing and the Lord's plan even though I don't understand it a lot of times. I know that things are changing for a reason and I also know that God has never left the righteous forsaken or his seed begging bread (Psalms 37:25). Therefore, he will provide. I have heard all my life that where God closes a door he opens a window...my open window is coming. This is the first time in recorded history that both my husband and I will have the summer off. It's great timing seeing as there are things we have been wanting to implement at the church and as of yet haven't had time to do any of it. I am praying that the Lord will send increase and lead us in the path he would have us to go. I just want to be willing to follow. I have this tendency to be scared of taking another step into deeper water. You remember that comfort zone I was telling you about earlier? Yeah I definitely have a hard time stepping out into something different...especially alone. I've always had my family with me or at least my sister (love you boo), but God has moved us in different directions and I'm having to put on my big girl panties. So pray with me that my husband and I will be able to find our big girl/boy panties/underwear and do just what God has called us to do.

 

I hope you all have a blessed Monday and I hope to be back on here soon...posting like I should haha



Oh How Pinteresting

Humor

 

I have decided that humor is the only thing that is going to get me through this Wednesday. It's one of those days you don't want to deal with. Because of that I'm going to use the OHP today to channel my humor to make me and hopefully ya'll smile! Of course I'm going to throw in a few more interesting things as well. Gotta love Pinterest!

 

 



   

 

Link up with Michelle if you wanna join in on the OHP fun. Ya'll have a great Wednesday and whisper a prayer for me today when you pray. Be Blessed! 

Breakfast - Our Favorites

I'm glad to be sitting in my office chair right now, but I don't want to be at work.

Are you confused?

Well seeing as getting out of the door this morning was a lesson in self control (meaning I didn't blow a gasket at my kids), I am glad to be in my office chair. Because I didn't go to bed until 1am and I'm super tired right now, I don't want to be at work. So there you go, conflicting emotions that make perfect sense to me! haha Come on I know you've had one of those

 

kids aren't dressed-no time for makeup - barely brushed your hair - can't find kids shoes - Found kid's shoes outside- kid's shoes are wet- find kid's other shoes- dash out the door- cooling coffee in hand

 

Yeah, see? I knew you've experienced this madness as well.

 

So on mornings that aren't as crazy as this morning was, I have been experiementing with some breakfast recipes. I have found a few good ones that were a hit with my kids and I'll share them with you. If you are like me, you don't have a whole lot of time in the morning to prepare a huge breakfast. You want something semi-healty, easy, and that your kids will love.

A few of these made the cut in our home.

 

 

1. Berry Danish Minis

 

These are so easy to make and they are really really good. My kids (even Tater) loved them!

Get the recipe here

 

2.Peanutty Apple/banana Wraps

 

Now thse I did a little tweaking on. I mixed honey with the peanut butter and used bananas instead of apples. They are healthy, filling, and so yummy! I have even used these for lunch and my kids have even requested them. Score!

Found these on Pinterest

 

3. Homemade Pop-tarts

 

I've made these more than once and  used strawberry jam as the filling. I want to try fresh fruit of some kind next, but again a big hit with the kids and simple to make.

Recipe here

 

4. Filled French Toast Roll-Ups

 

Yummy, yummy stuff! Again I used strawberry preserves, because thats what I had on hand. I would really like to try it with cream cheese though, it would be really good.

Recipe here

 

I've tried a few other recipes, but those didn't go over so well. I may have liked them, but the kids didn't and I don't simply cook for myself. I am always on the look out for good/easy recipes so when I find some good ones I will most definitely share them. If you have kid winning recipes please share them with me! I would love to hear what works for your family!

 

Have a blessed Tuesday

 

 



5 for Five

Monday evening and all I can think is....thank God this Monday is basically over.

I have to admit that my heart is no longer in property management at all. I guess it comes at a good time seeing as I've been laid off. Yes, at the end of the month I will be jobless. Honestly, though this sounds crazy, I'm kind of relieved. You see I've been praying about a career change for a while and while this leaves me without a career exactly, I'll be just fine. I'm thinking about finishing my degree that I took a break from...over a year ago.

 

Days like today make me reeeaalllly glad that in three weeks I won't have to deal with managing a senior and disabled property any longer. The drama that goes on...you would not believe. I just keep saying Monday is over...Monday is over...Monday is over LOL

 

I did however, have a great weekend. Saturday we took our kiddos to a lake down from our house. Camel lake is off a two lane country road, down a dirt road, back in the woods. It has beach sand on the bank and lots of pic-nic tables. The water is crystal clear and seriously cold! Yikes! Not sure how my kids are so resilient, but they are. They dove right in there while I laid on my blanket in the sun and got a sunburn gradual tan. My Memaw & Papaw came over that evening to visit. Sunday my parents came to church with us and then we all went back out to the lake. Once again I baked relaxed in the sun (my mom & I) while the kids splashed and played in the cold water.

Tater covered in sand from rolling in the sand

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

I'm pretty sure my last goals were posted two weeks ago, but that's okay, I'm going to use them anyway.

 

 

Last Week's Goals

 

1.Get started on Power Up Brochures

Yay I got this done!

 

2.Take the kids to do something fun on their spring break

Yes! We spent two nights at their Nana & Papaw's house & went to the movies!

 

3.Try to go walking/jogging at least 2x this week

Hmm, sadly I only walked once. So partial credit.

 

4.Make knitted coasters

I made one, but it definitely needs some improvement

 

5.Drop clothes off at dry cleaners

No, I still have them in my car. Sad isn't it?

 

 

This Week's Goals

 

1. Get laundry caught up

 

2. Sand & paint rocking chairs on my front porch

 

3. DRINK WATER, for real I'm the world's worst about this

 

4. Buy Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 & 2 so my kids can watch 

 

5. Pick up the dresser that I'm going to remake from my Aunt's house   

 

What goals do you have set for yourself this week? Have a great rest of the Monday...I intend to with a hot shower, a root beer float and some T.V.



Oh the ramblings

Today I honestly don't feel as if I have much to write about.

I did start a project yesterday that, if all goes well, I will share with you guys soon.

Today I feel a bit strange...but it's been that way for the last few days. Almost as I'm waiting for something to happen. I have felt this way in my spiritual life for a while and lately it's even more so. I feel as if we are on the brink of something happening and I'm going to be optimistic and say it's something great...something amazing...something glorious!

 

Did I ever mention that my dog, Patches, had a litter of 8 puppies? Yes 8! Ahhh though they are cute I want NO MORE puppies. They are lots of drama, lemme tell you. With all the rain we've had to move them to our carport and the first time Patches decided that they were too exposed so she moved them way back into some bushes/trees. Well guess what...it rained again. So I had to get my kids to crawl into the hole and pile the wet wiggling puppies into a box and carry them back to the carport. I made a makeshift little cubby hole for them so maybe she will keep them there. You guys ready to see some cute and fuzzy??

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Super cute right? The white one in the middle who's face you can see was named Hedwig, because she is pure white. Yeah my kids love the HP books and movies too.

 

Anywho I hope you all have a great Thursday.



Dressers, Paint, & Palm sanders

Hey ya'll!

Did ya'll have a good Easter? We had a busy Saturday before Easter I can tell you that. Easter Sunday wasn't bad, but the Saturday before was nuts even though it was enjoyable.

 

I am just dying to share this with you guys. I was given a dresser (technically it was already mine seeing as I'd had it when I was a little girl, just couldn't take it when I moved out), it's old, not quite sure how old but I know that it had been around since before I was born. I had the set when I was little and I now have the matching desk, but I digress.

 

I wanted this dresser for my room now because it would fit better than my massive one with the huge mirror. It needed repainting...desperately due to the fact that it had been in storage for over a year, but this I did not dread...no I was super stoked. My dad, love my daddy, he gave me a gallon of primer and a gallon of an off white paint that he had laying around. This dresser would be my first project like this. I spent all of Friday working on it and I had a blast. Not sure why, but I loved sanding it down, priming it then coating it with two coats of paint. I knew I wanted to distress it some once I finished with the paint, because I love that "worn" look, in a good way haha. So I'll hush now and show you guys my very first refinishing project!

 

 

 

 

I'm sorry the picture quality isn't great. This is the before. I do have to give props to my hubby. One of the back legs was broken off and it was complicated because the leg and the whole side was made as one piece. My dearest hubby made a leg for the broken one then matched the other side so that it looks as if it was made that way. Thanks babe!

 

 

 

This is the finished project! There are some inperfections, I am no where near a professional and as I've stated before this was my first project, but I'm super happy with the results!

 

 

Here you can see a little bit better then "gracefully worn" look I added. Some may not like this, but I T-Totally love it!

 

 

I plan on many more projects in the future that I will share with you guys.

Are there any projects that you have done, loved, and want to share? I would love to see them and hear from ya'll!

 

 

 

 

 

 



From The Heart

Wuz up my peeps! Me? Jus chillen man, you know.

How's the week so far for all of ya'll? I hope it's all good cuz. LOL okay enough, enough. Seriously though I do hope all of you have had a great week thus far and I pray it continues to be a great week for you.

 

I just want to give a quick shout out to you, yes you. To all my followers. You guys are great. Thank you for keeping me sane. On those days that I feel like I have no one to talk to, I get on here and realize that I'm not alone and I'm not the only one facing things, or the only one who just wants to be silly sometimes. So thank you for that.

 

I'm a bit light hearted today. Why you ask? Well I can tell you that it's not because my finances are just amazing, or that money is pouring in from every side, because it's not. It's not because everything is just perfect in my life, because my life is far from perfect. It's because I have a reason to be happy, I have Jesus on my side, in my heart, and guiding my footsteps. Though sometimes I feel like he leads me in dark places, through valleys and, caves, he always  brings me out the other side. He's never left me. Trials are but for a season. The tests we go through are for a reason. God is an all knowing, all powerful, compassionate, loving God. I will not understand his ways, but I'm not supposed to. I'm simply supposed to follow and let him lead.

 

My husband and I have talked before about how it would be to have been born back in the 1800's. We both think we could've made great western survivors and farmers. However, I was born in 1984, on the 23rd of August. I was born on that day for a reason. I am here at this specific time for a purpose and I want to do exactly what God has put me on this earth to do. We've got to get to a place where it's no longer about us. It's not about me. Thats hard to do when we live in an all about me world, but I'm asking God to help me put myself aside. Is there someone I can talk to? Is there someone that's hurting who could use some help or prayer? As I sat in church last night, and a wonderful service we had, I was thinking about how I, me personally, have lost the compassion for people. I know that I am not the only one. Everywhere we turn there is someone with a problem, someone in pain, and we have gotten so numb to it all that we can't even feel compassion for these people any longer.

 

God doesn't want indifference from me. My problems need to be left in God's hands so that I can focus on others. I have a tendency to worry about myself and my situation...a lot. Like a ridiculous amount. Faith is letting God take my problems, because he said to cast all our cares on him, and knowing that he won't fail me, THEN opening my heart to another's hurt and pain. My prayer today is that I have more compassion. Lord break my heart for what breaks yours. For if I am not caring for your people, then what good am I?

 

I thought I was going to do my usual Thursday link-up, even had it in the title, but I don't think I will. I'm not sure where all that came from, other than straight from my heart. I didn't have any intention of writing all of that today, but mabey someone else needs to hear this. I love you all. I hope you have a great day and that you let God use you. If you don't know the Lord, I pray you get to know him, and let him into your heart and life. It will be the best decision you will ever make.

 

Happy Thursday



Volleyball & 5 for Five

Wow the weekend flew by! I wish it would've lasted longer, but it was still a good weekend. My parents, sister, & BIL came over Saturday evening and stayed the night. We all piled up at church Sunday morning then came back to the house for a big lunch. After that some took naps and others went outside for a fun, friendly game of volley ball.

 

I have always loved volley ball. I guess it goes back to my childhood and all the memories of volley ball tournaments that were held by our family and friends during our annual Hog Killing. Yes, you heard me right, I said Hog Killing. It was held annually at my grandparents place usually in February. Hogs would be purchased the week before. Invitations were by word of mouth from family to friends and so on. The day would start around 3am to 3:30am for the men and us super excited children. We would be up at my Papaw's big barn/shop where coffee would have already been made, hot chocolate sat out for us kids. Lights were burning in the barn & outside it lighting up the pre-dawn morning. We would watch as the men killed the hogs, dropped them in a huge vat of boiling water that had a fire built under it, then they would be skinned and butchered. I know those of you who aren't from the south, and some of you who are, are probably cringing right now, but as a kid this day was second only to Christmas.

 

Family would pour in the night before from Georgia and South Florida. Those previously killed hogs would supply sausage and ham for breakfast, the huge thighs would be cooking all day over a large homemade grill to be eaten at lunch and dinner. Games would ensue during the day. Kick ball, volley ball, horseshoes and whatever else the kids and adults felt like doing. The volley ball tournaments kicked off sometime before lunch. After each game the teams would switch court sides. Breaks would be taken for lunch, coffee, soda's or whatever, then eventually we would all find ourselves right back in my Papaw & Memaw's back yard. The day was filled with a hundred or two of our closes friends and family, lots of food, laughter, and fun. As a kid I loved it and my family being who they were, were really patient with us younger ones learning how to play this special game of volley ball.

 

The annual hog killing days have come to a close. I think the last one we had was probably about ten years ago, but I was reminded of all that fun yesterday as my kids, parents, hubby, brother-in-law, and I got out in our yard and played volley ball. Instruction was given to my children and even my little tater was able to get up really really close to the net and try to serve the ball over. My love of volley ball comes from my deep love of my family, and the time spent with my family, and my past. Cherish every second you have with your family, because time flies by so fast. Before long you are looking back on all those memories instead of living them. Be sure to take each one in as they come so that you can remember and smile like I am doing this morning.

 

 

 

 



 

Now last week I set some goals for myself, lets see how it all went shall we?

 

 

Last Week's Goals

 

1.Create brochures for the Power Up Rally

Wow second week in a row that I haven't even been able to look at the brochure layout

 

2.Drink more water this week.

This is half and half, I drank some, but nowhere near enough

 

3.Wash all the kids clothes, fold them, and put them up

Success! I actually did this! Yay for me!

 

4.Try again to clean off the back porch

Haha funny...I didn't even get to thin about it last week...again

 

5.Pick up dresser and wardrobe that was given to me

Again with the failure...gah

 

I guess 1 1/2 completion isn't too bad right? You can lie to me...its okay, today only haha.

 

 

This Week's Goals

 

1. Don't laugh, but I am going to get those brochures started, I PROMISE!

 

2. Take the kids to do something fun on their spring break

 

3. Try to go walking/jogging at least twice this week

 

4. Make those knitted coasters I've been thinking about doing for a while

 

5. Drop those clothes that's been riding in my car for a few weeks new at the dry cleaners

 

What are your goals for the week? Do you have a favorite childhood memory?



Hey, Its OK...Jack

Hey...Jack. Today is Thursday. Thursday all day long.

I'm glad it's Thursday. For the most part I like Thursdays. For the most part lol. Don't get me wrong I would loved to have slept in this morning seeing as I couldn't get to sleep until around 1am. However, that alarm went off at 6:15 and though I didn't want to, I got up.

 

I have to admit I did slack a bit this morning (i.e. I didn't stick to my menu for breakfast & lunch). Don't judge me...if you'd have been in my kitche last night you would've understood. My son, the 6th grader, had a project due today. He had to make a 3-d replica of an animal cell and a plant cell. He decided he wanted it to be eatible so naturally my mind immediately goes to cake. With mine and Luke's combined efforts we made two cakes, one square and one round, and added all the trimmings. We used those sour extreme things, three different color icings, peanuts, jelly beans, sprinkles, marshmallows dyed green, round cut outs of red velvet cake inserted into the other cake, and sour skittles. I realized that my scientific vocabulary is seriously lacking, but I made up for it last night by learning works like golgi, rough endoplasmic reticulum, centrosome, and vacuole. There were alot more, but I'm going to spare you, be thankful. I wish now that I would've taken pictures of the finished product, but I didn't.

#horribledocumenter

 

I am linking up now with Neely, which you all know I love doing. 

Its Ok 

...To like copying Si Robertson so much that I add "hey, Jack" to just about every sentence

#DuckDynasty

...That my DVR decided NOT to record Supernatural last night for no apparent reason, grrrr.

...To be running a little late in the mornings because you wanted to do something different with your makeup.

...That I can't pick a book to read, because I'm just not in the mood for anything specific.

...To realize that the reason for the above is probably because I'm waiting on the new J.R. Ward book

#loveratlast  #lessthanaweek

...To be obsessed with redecorating and paint colors right now

...To be stuck with just obsessing because I don't have the money to do a project at the moment

...That my hubby's truck is still broke down and still sitting in front of my office.

...To be completely sick of the music on my ipod.

...To not be able to delete music on said ipod, because I just can't choose. Help!

 

What's OK with you today?  

All Things Pinteresting

Hey Ya'll. Happy Wednesday!

Whether you are at work or at home I hope that you are having a glorious morning!

I have to admit that mine isn't too bad...mostly because Wednesdays are one of my off days (off from the office, not from working in the house bleh). I'm wondering right now how bad it would be to have a third cup of coffee...I could use it. Getting out of the bed was tough this morning. I had that urge just to snuggle under the covers ya know? I got up though. I made homemade pop-tarts for breakfast this morning, and they were a smash hit with the kiddos! Hooray! Believe me when I say that finding food that all three of them like isn't easy. Layla, my 5 year old, is super picky...like really really picky. So all in all I count this morning's breakfast a success!

 

 

I just love Wednesdays because I get to link-up with Michelle!

(If you haven't visited her blog then do so. She's awesome!)

 

 



     

That made me laugh...like seriously cracked me up

 



Have a Happy  Hump Day!