Archive for March, 2011

Artsy Girl

Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011

Ally’s always been the kid that didn’t need a lot of toys. What she really wanted was art supplies. When she was little, my hubby made her a real wooden easel for painting. She loved it! One of her favorite things are Sharpie markers. If she has a “canvas” and some markers….girlfriend is in create mode!

A few weeks back, she picked up a pair of the little white tennis shoes from Walmart and created a custom shoe for her sister. Then her friends saw them and had to have a pair….and that began the latest crafty craze. I’m not sure how many pairs of shoes she’s actually designed since then, but everyone she knows has them. πŸ™‚

I think she’s pretty talented. Everywhere they go with them on….someone asks about them. Here are some that she did for herself and Gates. Now, if she could only get paid to be artsy tartsy…..she’d be thrilled!

Hey, Martha started at home too…right?

S P R I N G B R E A K

Sunday, March 20th, 2011

I’m no good at hiding my feelings. I wish I had that gift but I don’t. I’m an open book, people! What you see, is the real deal! And when it comes to breaks from school……I’m a freak for the freedom! Literally, I act kooky!

So far, I’ve hugged on my sweetboy, bought groceries and relaxed at home with my hubby & girls. All great blessings to me. I have more plans for the rest of this week. More hugging on kids and hauling them places, some housework (see, I’m responsible) and catching up on REST! School zaps me and the rest of my family.

This past week, my son spent his spring break in Panama City Beach ministering to the throngs of college students that blanket that area for fun and sun. He loved it and couldn’t say enough great things about the Georgia Baptist’s who pretty much ran the outreach program. {thank you GBC} Everything was top-notch!

I love that he not only had a great time but that God kept him strong and healthy (he still has a kickin case of Mono). I pray for him now as he returns to real life and wraps up a rocky semester (thank you Mono!) as well as raises his funds for the trip he just took. God is good!

Before I go…..I’d like to encourage you to stop over at (in)courage’s blog and check out the free ebook being offered. I downloaded it to my nook and started reading it right away. As I clicked each page, I realized this book is a must read for everyone. The title, Core Lies! And if you don’t think you’ve got some core lies……think again, friend! Go read it now!

Emotion Overload

Friday, March 18th, 2011

The last few days have been a bungee jump of emotions! The birthday celebration mixed with busy schedules and possibly a bit of PMS have nearly wiped this old gal out! But today, I’m reeling in all that is good around me and graciously taking the time to LOVE my life!

I’m totally zinging with joy for Spring Break this next week and today being FRIDAY is like chapstick on dried out lips! It’s soothing to my heart! Me. So. Happy! πŸ˜‰

I have so much to be thankful for:

1) My son has been in Panama City Beach as part of his church’s outreach all this week. Since he’s been sick for several weeks with Mono, this trip was a huge deal. He’s had a great time and has loved seeing all that God can do with flawed up humans! GO GOD!!

2) Gates is getting so much better at driving! She’s loving her time behind the wheel. I have to admit…..she reminds me so much of my cousin Lucy! Oh the laughing I have done at both of them. Funny chicks!

3) Ally enjoyed her birthday gifts! I’m so glad. Her biggest love language is gifts, so it’s always fun to do stuff for her. She really likes that she has her own checking account now and can’t wait to put some of her OWN money in it!

4) Hubby and I have had a great few days of some deep talking. It’s been a while coming and I appreciate him and his opening up to me. I love you, Honey! You are so amazing to me!

5) My sweet pup, Lizzy. She’s been so sick! Still. She’s going to love having us home all next week and I can’t wait to snuggle her up. Plus, she had a bath last night and smells so much better!

6) God. In spite of me…..you work on my behalf and my family’s everyday! Thank you, Lord!

7) Oh mylanta! I have won something else, ya’ll! I won the Gain contest going on over at another blog! More details to come!
Isn’t that awesome?

I’m signing off……

And loving my life! How about you?

Happy Birthday Ally

Thursday, March 17th, 2011

How do you describe the love you have for a child? It’s almost impossible! If I ever doubt God or His love for me…..a moment with my children reminds me just how much I must mean to Him. I don’t really grapple with God’s loving me…but if I lose perspective of my value to Him, being a mother certainly offers a glimpse of perfect love.

Today is the day my girl turns 18! A day that seemed so very far away not too long ago. It’s strange to even try to sum up the adventures of her life. She’s been everywhere, tried just about everything and lived in so many places. All of it with a fun sense of excitement! She’s been a challenge to wrangle into the girl God wants her to be. {She’s a clone of her stubborn DAD!} It’s Ally that I credit for making me “a real mom”. (You know, the mean ones?) She’s made me earn every speck of my “momdom”! πŸ˜‰

Ally,
I pray for you as you celebrate turning the big 18! It’s an exciting birthday and I know that you are facing a lifetime of living “your” life now. Before it was sorta my life you were living. Now, it’s all you. I hope that you’re prepared for all that God has in store for you. I’ve tried to raise you to follow Him no matter what and to trust Him with everything. I’m so proud of you and the beautiful young woman that you’ve turned into. God is so good to share such a rare and beautiful person with me. I don’t deserve such.
I love you,
Mom


HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ALLY!!

We could be friends

Wednesday, March 16th, 2011

We’re strangers. Our eyes only met for five seconds. But I liked her immediately. I was chowing down on a hamburger as I sat in my warm car. I only had a little time to shop. So, I was hurrying. {Story of my life} I knew from the moment she whipped into the adjacent parking space….she wasn’t going to make it. I peeked over just to see if she was going to keep trying. That’s when we locked glances….I smiled and she smiled too. Then, she turned off her SUV and hopped out. I politely looked away.

I totally get this lady! I have a love/hate relationship with the skinny front parking space too. It’s almost impossible to pull a big rig into the dude without doing a front back rockin’ motion for the whole parking lot to enjoy. She, obviously was content with how things worked out.

Me too. Sometimes life just hands you stuff like this. What can you do? I say, “Live with it!….Move on!” Who cares that you’re leaning to one side? Next time, you’ll be ok! Learn to laugh at yourself or in my case….a stranger in the Target parking lot! πŸ˜‰

I LOVE ETSY

Tuesday, March 15th, 2011

Maybe you know what I’m talking about….Etsy is amazing! There are so many talented people selling the most precious items online. If you can dream it, someone’s made it and is selling it! Just go see! I thought I’d be kind cruel and share some of the sweetest things I’ve found fallen in love with.

Don’t hate me. Just browse and love.

The Calico Necklace by Tamar

I need it! I could wear this with EVERYTHING! Duh!

Green Candy Necklace Scarf by Ottoknits

This belongs around my neck, NOW!!

The Vintage Wanna Bee (GIVEAWAY)

This headband is part of a sweet giveaway. Go quick!

Gussy Sews Yellow Wristlet


Just try to tell me this isn’t adorable! I won’t go for it!

Β 

Fabric Necklace Scarf by Pronta Bree

I could shop all day but it’s raining outside and I’m off work. Luckily for me, I have errands to run and rockin rainboots to wear while doing so! Don’t be afraid to buy something special from an etsy shop. I know this is a great way to help support home businesses and give special things to the people you love!