Saturday, October 13, 2007

Blah....That's how I've been feeling lately...I'm really trying NOT to complain...but yesterday was really bad. I felt REALLY awful all day...but today woke up raring to go!! Well, sorta!! LOL :) At least I got a shower & I feel like cleaning the house (well, as much as anyone, excluding Missy & Kelley, can WANT to clean the house!! LOL just teasing, girlies :) )

Anyways, enough of that, now. Really, I'm not complaining. I'm just not used to feeling THAT out of commission...With all my other pregnancies, I've never felt that bad, even in the beginning, and even though yesterday I never actually got sick, I definately felt like I could at any moment...

Other than feeling sick this week, it's been a pretty "hoppin'" one. Monday...um, well, I guess Monday wasn't hoppin'...I watched Katie, and Steve had the day off. We were GOING to put out our fall display, but that didn't happen...Maybe he'll put out the bail of straw we've got today...Anyways, Tuesday I watched Katie again, but only for 1/2 the time I did on Monday. We had eyebrow appointments, and that was good. We went to Logan's afterwards, and did you know that on Monday & Tuesdays they have a 2 can dine for 12.99 deal? Full-size meals, 2 sides & everything, plus their rolls & stuff...So, since the boys weren't with us (Dad met us there, though) Chelle & I shared a check so we could pay pretty much half price for our meals. Oh, and kids meals are only $2!! But, Mom & Dad paid for the girls :) I thought that was nice :)

Wednesday I didn't feel wonderful, but I had a Women's Retreat meeting, so forced myself to get ready. It was a great meeting, and I did end up feeling a little better. Abbey & I ate KFC for dinner, and they were out of chicken breasts!! That's what I ordered, the one piece chicken breast dinner, and they didn't tell me they were out of chicken breasts until AFTER I paid...that ticked me off a little, and they offered to give me other cuts of chicken, but I don't really like other cuts of chicken...I like the white meat of chicken breasts!! LOL Anyways, they said it'd be about 15 minutes before the new batch of chicken would be ready, and I said I'd wait, but could I get the rest of my meal & my daughter's meal, please? So, they did. Oh, I forgot to mention that they were out of biscuits, too, but she told me that before I paid, and said I could substitute the biscuit for a side if I wanted. That was OK with me, so I had 3 sides & was waiting on my chicken. Abbey was eating her hotdog & mac & cheese, so all was right with the world. Then, they really impressed me. The girl who took my order brought out my chicken breast (original, btw!! LOL) and brought me a biscuit complete with butter & honey for my trouble. Then, the manager said, "Oh, here, give her this chicken breast while you're out there Jenny." (I don't know what that girl's name was, so we'll call her Jenny.) Anyway, Jenny said, "I just gave her the chicken & a biscuit, and the manager says, "Oh, well, give this to her anyway." I thought that was really nice!! :) I am a firm believer in it's no big deal when a restaraunt messes up, but it's HOW THEY HANDLE THE MESS-UP that's the most important.

So, after that dining experience at KFC, we picked Steve up & went to Wed. night church. Those have been going VERY well!! We used to have Awana on Wed. nights, but this year we've postponed Awana until next year, because of the lack of volunteers we've had. I've got issues, not with Awana being postponed, but with the attitude of the Awana leadership...Long story, and there's LOTS of issues there, but I won't go into them here...ANYWAYS, even while Awana was running, and way before Awana ever started, instead of what I would call a traditional Wednesday night service, we've always had what's called "Wednesday Night Uplift." (now referred to as WNU). It's a much smaller, more intimate service, mainly because there's not nearly as many people there on Wed. that are there on Sunday mornings.

Let me back up a little bit. I haven't really gone into it here, but we've had some deep issues at church for over the past year. It's had to do, mainly, with a certain family in our church, and THEIR issues, and the sins of the Grandfather (yes, you're probably thinking the right thing). Anyways, this sin has effected the whole church, not because of unforgiveness, although, it's obvious that there are some who are still harboring unforgiveness towards him, but it's all about trusting him. He's been removed from his home, and is not allowed to be on the same premisis as his grandchildren (he & his wife have/had custody of their grandchildren). Anyways, this has pretty much split the church, not as equal as you might think, but it's split it, nonetheless, and even though not a lot of people have actually left, yet, there has been this terrible evil spirit in our midst. It's not pleasant, and it's very frustrating. We've only had one business meeting about this, and it was even after this grandfather withdrew his church membership, but people were able to air out their questions, concerns, etc...It became evident to me, though, that the majority of the "split" was between the older, forgive-and-forget set, and the younger, not-about-forgiveness-we-can't-trust-him-with-our-young-children set. That is not exclusive to the actual "drawn lines" but my very-generalized categories. Now, there are other issues within our church, too, and this whole issue with this family has just stirred everyone's emotions & stuff, but we've other issues...financial for one, and the leadership is actually looking at selling our building & starting over that way, until we can actually work up the money BEFORE building a new building (which is NOT how the founding members & leaders did it). Anyways, there's lots going on at our church. There have been many Sundays and other occasions where I have NOT wanted to go anywhere near our church. I'm still thinking that in the next couple of weeks I want to go to church with Mom & Dad (they go to the Vineyard in Kettering). Chelle's been going with them, too, and I just am longing to go to a place of worship where I can be filled & not expected to DO anything!! LOL :) I need a church vacation. I don't feel the Spirit telling us to leave COTC, so I'm not saying a permanent leave of absence, just a vacation Sunday.

So, back to Wednesday night uplift...The numbers on Wed. have ALWAYS been low...There's never been more than 10 in the last 2 years, and, yes, mainly because everyone was working Awana, but even before that, there was never a huge crowd.

Then, this past summer, the Elders happened upon a book called "Simple Church." It's not a church model book, or "you need this many programs to have a successful church," it's more...um, simple than that!! LOL It talks about having a CLEAR PROCESS of MAKING DISCIPLES. That makes sense, right, and you're thinking, duh, isn't that what churches are supposed to be doing? The hard reality is that there aren't very many churches who are...Stagnant growth, or NO growth, is the norm for most churches, because we make things too complicated. This isn't even about having too many church programs or services!! This is about the PROCESS of MAKING DISCIPLES. We have lost our focus, and tend to FOCUS on the PROGRAM instead of the PEOPLE, instead of the PROCESS of MAKING DISCIPLES. So, I'm not saying that small groups, Awana, Sunday School, VBS are bad things, but if not used right in the PROCESS can become ineffective because we're focusing on offering a program, instead of WHY we're offering the program. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!! :) And, that's what our Wed. nights are about. How do we make disciples? What does Jesus say? Truth is, Jesus is the author of simple.

Okay, so, all of that to say, Wednesday nights are very good, and we're headed for change in our church. I can feel it, and I know that things HAVE to change, or we won't have a church family anymore...

Anyways, things have been slowly, but surely, getting better...We've simplified a few things already. For instance, we have PT on Thursday nights, and have changed them to Wednesday nights before WNU. This cuts down on the number of nights everyone has to commit to per week (we have some people from Fairborn & surrounding towns like that who have to drive all the way to Huber anywhere from 2-4 nights a week!! How insane is that?!?!) Anyways, as a team, we decided, that since we were mostly all there for WNU anyway, to go ahead & meet about an hour beforehand & practice. That is one step towards simplicity, with more to follow. We've also decided to postpone A Night in Bethlehem until next year, too. With the way I've been feeling lately, I'm just unpredictable, plus we as a church family just need more time to heal & recouperate after this tumultuous year & 1/2. I just can't tell you how drained everyone is, and it's not just being "overcommitted." It's this evilness that's attacked our church family with a vengence. I'm a little disappointed about A Night in Bethlehem, but I'd rather wait a year & do it to the best of our ability, than to do a half-shod job of it now, ya know? It's a very important family/community outreach event, and I (and the rest of the people I've spoken to about it) have agreed that we, as a church family, aren't at the place in our healing to support (financially & staff-wise) a program like that this year.

Okay, enough church stuff...I told you a few weeks ago that there's been stuff like that weighing heavily on my mind, and that's why I was sharing so much...Anyways...blah blah blah...can't wait for American Idol to come back!! LOL :)

I have been pretty excited about "The Office" this year. I don't know if any of you watch it or not, but it's about the only show I tune in to watch until Idol. I like "Earl," too, but Steve likes that one, too, and we've DVR'd them, and haven't had time to watch 'em all, yet...But, Office has been VERY good!! LOL :)

Better go...if you've read it all, then you get a gold star & a big "THANK YOU FOR HANGING IN THERE!" :) LOL Love you all :)

Thursday, October 04, 2007

So, it's been a few weeks since my big announcement, huh?!?! LOL :) Busy busy busy, and sick sick sick, and tired tired tired...but I'm still pregnant!! :)

I went to the dr. 2 weeks ago, I think...I've lost track of the days...it could've only been a week ago...Okay, so I think not quite 2 weeks, but whatever, you get the picture...First thing she said when she walked in the door was, "Well, you didn't even get to track one cycle, did you?!?!" LOL We got to work right away after my initial visit with her about "trying." (hehehe) Well, she did an ultrasound because since I just went off the pills, we weren't entirely sure exactly when "it" happened...According to my record keeping, though, my LMP was Aug. 13 (the first day of VBS!! OF COURSE!!), but with the whole pill thing & weird cycle thing (that's why I was on the pills in the first place), she did an ultrasound to be "sure" as to how far along I am...Well, according to the ultrasound (and I saw little one's heart fluttering!! VERY reassuring for me!!), I was 3 days off on my personal "calculations" according to the Aug. 13th date...Are you following me? So, instead of being due on May 19th as I had originally thought, I'm not due until May 22nd...I'm cool with 3 days off...With my 1st pregnancy, some of you may remember (Missy & Jodi) that was the year we all went to the Smokies & stayed together...Well, that week I thought I was 12 weeks along, but when we got back, and I had an ultrasound, they said that I was only 9 weeks along, or so...That was a MAJOR difference in timelines...that means, really, when I first took those pregnancy tests, that they were wrong, because according to that timeline, it hadn't even happened yet. SO, to end this long explanation, I'm OK with 3 days...if it had been longer than a week, I would be worried...

So, as I'm typing this, I'm feeling guilty that I'm not writing my session talk for our Women's retreat...It's at the end of the month, and I'm getting a little nervous about sharing my "junk." I share my junk here with you all all the time...it's just different face-to-face...Maybe they'll let me do a power point presentation of my blog?!?! LOL

Women's Retreat theme is based off of Sheila Walsh's book "I'm Not Wonder Woman~But God Made Me Wonderful!" VERY cute theme, and VERY VERY good book. We divided the chapters up into sections for the different sessions we have set up, divvied out the sessions to women in our congregation who were willing to speak, and we're supposed to base our talk on our personal experiences & relate it to the book chapters we were assigned (okay, that sounds complicated, but it really isn't)...

I'm looking forward to that weekend...

ANYWAYS, not that you all want to hear more about my church...there are just lots of things going through my head right now that have to do with church "junk"...

Steve has Monday off, and I think we're going to Fulton Farms to get A pumpkin...Sam's club has pumpkins really cheap, so we'll get more there if we want more, but it's always more fun to "pick 'em from the patch" at an actual farm where they were actually raised...Great pictures, too...

I want a bail of straw, pumpkins, and my scarecrow out by this weekend!! :) I LOVE FALL!! :)

I've been cRaViNg pumpkin pie, lately!! So, we finally just bought one last night at Kroger...it was lip-smackingly-delicious!! :) I've been watching too much Noggin...

Okay, better go...I've gotta do a grocery run today so we can actually eat, and I think Abbey & I are going to have lunch at McD's...I've also been cRaViNg Diet Coke, and we've been out for a while...

Talk to ya'll later!! :) Love ya!! :)

Monday, September 17, 2007





Yep, that's right!! I can no longer make fun of my friend Amy who I kid all the time is so fertile!! LOL :) Evidently, this is just the right time, and we're pregnant...well, by "we" I mean me!! :) According to my records (hehe) we'll be due around May 19, but I still haven't seen the dr. so that's not really a "for sure" date, yet. I'm only 5wks today, actually. We found out last weekend (the Friday after we got back from vacation, actually...), and didn't tell a whole lot of people...

So, that's what's been going on here!! LOL :) This is the fastest I've ever gotten pregnant after really "trying." It's always taken way longer with the others...So, we were actually kinda surprised...

I don't have a lot of time to post now...I'm watching Katie today, and the girl's schedules aren't coinciding for me much today. Abbey's asleep, and Katie wants to play some...and I wanna nap!! LOL

I'll update more later, but this is the "Big News"!! :) Love you all!! :)

Friday, August 31, 2007

Okay, I just got done reading Missy's blog...JOSY?!?! I haven't been able to get on your blog for a while (I finally found the invitation in my yahoo mailbox, but it had expired, and I'm not on the computer much anyway...plus, that's not really my "check everyday" email anymore...)...SO, I just didn't want you to think I was ignoring you, or anything...and it sounds like you're expecting?!?! How out of the loop am I?!?!

Had to get that off my chest...

Anyways, today's filled with packing for Reunion (which was already mentioned in Missy's blog) & vacation to the Smokies!! I'm so excited!! I love the mountains...and reunion...I think we're leaving pretty early tomorrow so that we can swim for a bit at our hotel. I finally found one of those floaty things, and even better, it was on clearance!! :) LOVE it when that happens!! This is the same floaty that she did so well in...next year will be the vest, though, I think...this is the first year she's been at all interested in the swimming pool for more than a minute...Our condo in the Smokies has a really neat water area, too...and the best thing is this condo place is right behind the HONKEN scrapbooking store!! LOL They have one of those water tree things...

Anyways...lots going on here...Abbey's learning to write her name!! She's kinda written it before, but I found these printable tracing papers online & am teaching her how to write her name that way. Her "A's" are really good!! She's having a hard time with the "e's" & "b's" but they're a more controlled circle-type shape, and I found these other practice line-things that should help her be able to control her curvy letters...

Sorry, you get teacher talk from a former preschool teacher!! LOL

Anyways, I've gone ahead & made lesson plans for us to follow for after we get back from vacation...when we get back, we're going to have a couple of weeks learning about farms!! :) I think we'll take a trip to a couple of different farms around here...Fulton Farms aren't very far from us, and then there's always Young's...Feed the goats, and eat some ice cream that came from the cows...

At church, we're thinking about doing something different for Christmas...I found a very cool kit from Group Publishing's website (www.group.com) that's called "A Night in Bethlehem." Instead of there being a play, it's a walk-thru experience through Bethlehem (marketplace, a Jewish family's home, and the nativity, to name a few)...It's reasonably priced, and what I love about it the most is the interaction with people & visitors that just doesn't happen with a Christmas play. Plus, there's so much more to do than act, ya know? There aren't lines to learn, but instead jobs to learn...My ultimate dream (and we'll see how this goes, and if we want to build on it next year) is to have live animals somewhere. We have so much land in the back that's just super cool & could accommodate that...but that is SO not in our budget for this year, plus it's a mess, and we'd have to do some heavy talking-into, I think, to get volunteers for that area!! LOL

Anyways, we have the go-ahead from Pastor & the Elders to order the kit & go for it!! :) I'm excited about it, because there's no rehearsals, no lines to memorize, and it offers a great environment for interpersonal communication!! :) Something our church is really trying to improve...

There is a set to build, though...but I've got an awesome resource for that!! :) Mr. Jan!! :) He's very good at building stuff like that!! :)

Okay, on to different things...

Our Women's Retreat is coming up in October...I'm getting excited about that...and so are the other ladies. Things are coming along just fine...we're just getting close, here....

I'd better get a move on...I'm working on laundry for this week/end!! :)

Love you all!! :)

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Hey, Everyone!! :) So, since I've started back to counting points again, I've lost 8.2lbs!! :) That's in 3 weeks!! :) YAY!! So, kinda slow, but I know that's the healthy way...plus, I haven't been going to the gym, that's straight water & eating numbers...SO...

VBS went GREAT!! I wish I had a picture to share with you, but our camera is broken...actually, it's the battery door that's broken, so it won't stay on without holding it HARD...a pain...bummer, too, cause I love to take pictures...

Our VBS numbers were down this year, we think it's because it was pretty late in the summer...SO, we'll know for next year. We're hoping for a July VBS next year...and we've already scoped out the materials...After fitting this one together piece by piece, I asked Traci, my partner in crime, "Um, next year, can we, um, buy a kit?" LOL The next day she got a thing in the mail (at church) for a LifeWay VBS 2008 Conference in Nashville, TN in January...and our Youth Minister said, yes, we could go, and the youth fund would pay for our conference fees (not room & board while we're there, but he said they might take up a collection closer to time to go towards that...) Anyways, isn't that AWESOME?!?! That might not be a big deal to some of you all, but our church isn't doing great financially (there are issues from the past that are "haunting" us today...the "founding preacher" & all that...) Anyways, the not so funny joke is, whoever leads a ministry is in charge of paying for it...out of pocket...There just doesn't seem to be enough to go around after Pastor's paid (and he's barely paid, really, imo) and the bills are paid...So, this VBS thing, to me, is a big deal!! LOL :)

I'm thinking that for the next few women's things, we'll have to start charging a little. This also means that you get a better turn out because they're literally invested!! I hadn't thought about it that way, but it makes sense. Whatever surplus there may be leftover, we could plug it into the Women's Retreat fund. Women's Retreat is fun...and is gonna be fun this year :)

I just got to listen to Chuck Swindol a little on the radio this afternoon, and he was talking about churches taking collections for different things, not just tithes. He said it's absolutely Biblical to do this because God Himself instructed Moses to take a collection from the Israelites when they left Egypt. Gold, Silver, Bronze, purple cloth, grains, etc... I hadn't thought of it that way, but that's exactly what He told them to do. They had a specific need & took up a collection for it. Now, that's all I heard, and there may be more to the story. Just typing that out I know that there is still an issue of being a good steward with our funds & relying on God to fulfill all our needs. And, having said that, don't you think He fulfills those with special offerings?

Okay, enough about that...

I watched Katie for Chelle this morning/afternoon...That girl is at such a fun age right now!! She's starting to say words, and makes all kinds of silly faces, she's just a hoot. I felt brave, and needed laundry detergent!! LOL, and carted both of them with me to Target. We had fun!! We also ate lunch there, and things went very smoothly, I thought...by the time we got home, they were both ready for a nap, so that was good timing, too. I finally got to clean the bathroom!! What an exciting life I lead!! :) LOL

I had a dr's apt. this past Monday with Dr. Hemmelgarn...no, we're not pregnant...yet!! :) I can't believe it...I'm off my pills, so we'll see what happens. She said she'd give me until Thanksgiving to see what my cycles are going to do, and if they're not regular, then she's starting me on Clomid...Missy, funny, she said, "You've been on Clomid before, right?" LOL I said, "Um, no, but my cousin Missy has!" LOL Funny how they get us confused still...

SO, prayers for that, please? Not just getting pregnant...but a HEALTHY FULL-TERM & HEALTHY BABY pregnancy...On some ttc message boards I've frequented before, they ended every post with "baby dust" & some .-*-.-*-. thing...anyways, I've got a blinkie somewhere that blinks "TTC" I'll have to find...I don't want to get "baby dust" on someone who doesn't WANT baby dust!! LOL :) Actually, it's nothing like "dust" if you ask me...but I'm getting gross...

On that wonderful note!! HAHA!! :)

Love you all...

Monday, August 13, 2007

"I have value. I have worth. No matter how I feel, God’s word is true. He loves me. He values me. I am important."

Bonita Lillie, She Speaks Graduate, Proverbs 31 Ministry

I Peter 3:3-4, “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hear and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gently and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” (NIV)

So, this is a deep-thought moment…for now!! Hehehe…I read my Proverbs 31 devotion today, and, of course, it hit me right where I’m at today. I’ve been struggling this week with my self-image, if you will. Probably on a few levels because of what the Lord brought to mind today. First of all, I’ve been feeling inadequate. I’ve not finished college. Actually, I did really horrible the last few quarters at Sinclair, and have always felt like I’ve left something undone there. Now, I’ve shared with you all my dream of going back to school to become a certified teacher. Well, my “lack of schooling” has been making me feel inferior lately. I realize in my head that it’s the evil one trying to discourage me, especially this week, from being effective in VBS ministry, but it’s been bothering me nonetheless. But, did you read that first statement up there? No matter how I’m FEELING, I am worthy because I am God’s. That is such a hard concept for me because of all my feelings of inferiority. I don’t talk about it much, but this stems back from school, I think. Just that “never good enough no matter what I do” kind of thinking. When I didn’t do great on a test, that was like telling me I was below average. I didn’t get the message that I had it in me, and could try harder…I probably heard that message, but because of whatever, I didn’t REALLY hear it, ya know? So, anyways, just something to think about. To ponder with my heavenly Father. I love to hear from Him that it’s not all about me, but HIM IN ME that’s so important!! I don’t do anything by myself… It’s not just me…and I’m not just doing “stuff” just to be doing “stuff.” All for HIS glory, His kingdom, so that HIS message, through me, gets to as many more people as possible before He returns…

The second “level” (I don’t know if it ranks above or below the other one!! LOL). I don’t know if I’ve shared things with you about my perception of God changing…For some reason, I got the impression that every consequence the Lord dished out in the Old Testament (i.e. specifically the banishment from Eden) was done out of the wrath of God. While this may be true to an extent, I am learning that it was more out of His mercy for us that we were banished. Because, out of His unfathomable love for us, he didn’t want us to LIVE FOREVER with our sin. He had plans to send us a Savior. Well, out of this “wrath of God” mentality, I’ve been re-evaluating my view about His Word. Take that I Peter section above. If you had asked me, I would’ve told you before that I wasn’t sure if that meant I shouldn’t fix my hair and dress like the Amish!! LOL But I’ve seen that verse in a different light…Not as a “don’t do this” command, but a “That’s not where your true beauty lies.” Now, when Chelle & I were little, we went to all kinds of churches with Dad’s quartet, and inevitably someone would comment “Oh, what pretty girls!” Mom & Dad had us trained to say, “Girls, can you tell ----- what makes you pretty?” In unison we would say, “The way we act.” Well, this tells you how slow I am…I’m just getting that they were teaching us scripture!! LOL Not a specific scripture address, but a principle that the Lord wanted to instill in ALL of His children. So important that He put it in His book!! :)

Well, that’s as much as my brain can handle, but I needed to journal that so I didn’t forget it. I love writing in a prayer/devo journal (hand-written, just between me & the Lord), but there doesn’t seem to be much time for that. I’ve got to start making time…probably in the mornings before Abbey gets up? Sorry, “type-thinking” out loud…

So, tonight is the start of VBS…I’ve been struggling the past week with “adequateness” and the perception that other volunteers (not the other director, but the other volunteers for the week) just didn’t care about it, really, and that all of our work was silly or unimportant. SO, yesterday at church, I got a CLEAR word from the Lord, through His people, that He approved, and wasn’t that all that mattered, anyways? I can’t make others do or feel how I want them to feel. I can’t make them do anything. God’s in that business, and as my favorite SCC songs says, “God is God, and I am NOT!” I LOVE that!! And, some people better be glad that I’m NOT God!! LOL Makes me think of Bruce Almighty a little…BTW, has anyone seen Evan Almighty? It’s at our cheap theatre already, and I’d love to see it soon…um, not this week, though!! LOL Anyways, so, all of that to say, I was struggling with that, but the Lord affirmed me that that was only MY perception of the situation…not the reality…*side note, The Lord’s also teaching me that I shouldn’t always go with my perception of “stuff” because it’s always gonna be skewed by something!! Emotions, situation, body language, misunderstanding, the list could go on & on, so I’ll spare you!! LOL

Okay, better go…Talk to you all later…and more prayers for VBS & stuff?

Love you all!! :)

Thursday, August 02, 2007

So, remember all that "heart-motivation" I was talking about yesterday? Here's what I read today in my quiet time...

I Peter 4:7-11

7The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 11If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Okay, so, talk about affirmation!! LOL I love how God truly speaks through His Word!! :) He's so awesome!! I took that to mean, for me specifically, at this season of my life, to give up maybe one more commitment at church...right now I'm thinking it's between Sunday School & Children's Church...I still don't know...Still need to pray about that, I guess...It would be awesome if we could get another teacher for the preschoolers (that would be Abbey & her friend Alex, and a couple of others, actually...I think more would come if we could get that class started...) Anyways, would you please help me pray about this? Children's Church isn't that big a deal...it's one Sunday a month, and without worrying about Fellowship, now, that's not such a big deal...And, Sunday School gets me there early!! LOL

So, today was spent hopping over to church to talk to the secretary for a bit (I decided to skip Women's Bible Study today because I need to get on the ball with a bunch of VBS stuff.) Anyways, after that, we met Mom @ Chick-Fil-A!! :) YUM-O!! :) (While there, I asked about coupons or something for VBS, of course!! LOL Should I be able to write that lunch off as a business expense?!?! LOL). After lunch, Abbey wanted to go with Mammy (like I didn't know that was gonna happen!! LOL), and Mom said she'd take her to the store with her while I ran to Family Christian...I LOVE THAT STORE!! I could literally spend hours there!!

Unfortunately, I didn't have a coupon on me, OR my letterhead note, so that was a "me" trip...sorta...I did end up getting the split trak I needed for VBS...everything's VBS right now!! LOL

But, it was a nice afternoon. I picked Abbey up at Mom & Dad's & saw Matt & Chelle...they were all gussied up for a night out!! They're seeing The Wizard of Oz @ La Comidia tonight to celebrate their anniversary (which was last month!! LOL) Anyways...Abbey fell asleep on our way home, but that didn't last, so she's gonna be a handful tonight @ church...we're watching a video for choir tonight, and limiting practice to 15 minutes or so...It's kinda like a "light" potluck...mostly snacks & stuff, but someone's bringing chili!! :) Free dinner!! WooHoo!! :) Steve bought 50 cookies from Wal-Mart's bakery on his way home so I didn't have to heat the house up more...

So, before my inlaws came last month, I moved a few things around the house. I decided to put Abbey's big toybox in the living room to make her room not feel so crowded, and to do that, of course I had to move the couches around, which means the toybox fits perfectly under where the thermostat is on our wall...Well, this morning before we left Abbey was playing with some toys in her toybox. I was in the bathroom (which is only a few feet from where her toybox is) and I heard the lid go down, and she got realy quiet...then she asked, "Mommy, how do you turn the air conditioner on?" I told her there are buttons, but only Mommy & Daddy can "make the air conditioner come on." I didn't check it before we left...WELL, when we got home this afternoon, the house was HONKEN hot!! Like, there was no difference between outside & inside...I checked the thermostat, and my little princess had turned the thermostat up to 78 degrees!!!!!!!! YIKES!!!!!!!! I love that "whoosh" of cool air you experience when you first come in from outside...oh, well, I talked to her again about it being only Mommy & Daddy's job to "make the a/c come on..." She asked me what her job was!! LOL Then she says, "I think it's my job to play..."LOL Cute!!

Another cute Abbey story, then I'll close this UBER long post...

En route between Huber & Beavercreek, we were listening to the radio, but Abbey wasn't asking any questions or telling me anything (this isn't normal behavior for her right now!! LOL) So, here's the conversation that followed:

Me: Are you okay? Are you thinking?
Abbey: Yes.
Me: Whatcha thinking about?
Abbey: Papa.
Me: What are you thinking about Papa?
Abbey: How we play at my Mammy's house.
Me (trying not to giggle): What do you & Papa play at Mammy's house?
Abbey: We play horseys.
Me: You do?
Abbey: Yeah, Papa says 'Neigh!' and I say 'Geddyup!'

I love to hear what kids are thinking about!! I thought it was so sweet that she was really thinking hard about her Papa & how they play together...Mom bought Abbey a stick horse, and she named it Brownie. When I asked what Papa's horse's name was she said, "Blue" & I had to giggle...Dad uses a blue broom for his "horse"!! LOL

Well, that's it :) I love you all, and Sara, I didn't take offense at all to your first comment for me yesterday!! :) I just tend to dive deeper into my own rationale about things...

Okay, better go get ready...Actually, it's starting to cool down some in here :) THANK THE GOOD LORD!! :)

Love you all!! :)

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

I just feel the need to blog tonight...does that happen to anyone else? I realize I've been MIA this summer, but there have been a few times where I've just wanted to stop everything & blog!! LOL So, tonight I did!! LOL

VBS is REALLY CLOSE!! Less than 2 weeks away, now!! :) I'm not really nervous about things not working out right...I'm just ready to stop talking about it, and DO it, ya know? We've got quite a few things going on, though, in order to get ready for it...One is, we're selling VBS T-shirts this year, (for a very cheap price, and a great profit margin), but the catch is we're making them ourselves...They're not hard to do, and they're VERY cute, but it's just one more thing to have to worry about...Anyways, I'm also getting excited about the set design & stuff...We have to construct a puppet area this year, and there's nothing we can use on the stage already (like a baptismal someone could sit in or whatever...) so, we have to make a "puppet stage" that will blend in with the rest of the themed scenery...and, let me just say, my scrapbooking/paper piecing experience is definately going to come out!! We're making a huge tree out of bulletin board paper, and lots of flowers & stuff...VERY COOL, and pretty easy, really, when the teens & older kiddos help out...Anyways, I'm looking forward to it...I'll have to take pictures again & let you see it...I'm not painting as much as I thought I would have to, either...SO, THAT's GOOD!! :) We'll probably try & keep the puppet thing neutral, but I can use cardboard squares to paint "buggy" pictures on...

Sorry, just thinking "out loud."

Okay, after VBS, we'll start gearing up for Reunion & vacation at the beginning of September!! I can't believe it's so close already...Unbelievable!! Mom & Dad, Chelle, me, and the girls are all going back to the Smokies again after Reunion. That's always such a great week to go, and most of the hotels are cheaper that week, too...So, REALLY looking forward to that!! :)

Then, in October, our Women's Retreat is coming up...The last weekend of October, to be exact...I'm excited about that, too, but we need to get more "on the ball" with that...I've been saying to myself, "After VBS is over, I can really focus more on Women's Retreat..." blah blah blah...

Then, in November, just a few weeks after Women's Retreat, is our Church Bazaar...and guess who crafts for that?!?! LOL Yep!! I actually work there that weekend (Fri & Sat) personalizing ornaments & such...Well, like the ones I showed you like I did last year...I posted those pics, right? That's what I do (mostly) for the bazaar...

Really, though, it's already time to start thinking about a Christmas play, too...I'm really not into all this "production" stuff!! LOL I feel like everything I do is a big "production"!! LOL I'm hoping everyone will be OK with what we did last year...It went well, and we can always use what we learned about doing it last year, as far as set-up & stuff...It can grow, and we can advertise in the community more...

So, always busy busy busy!! LOL I did step down from doing Fellowship (it's a team of people on a rotation that bring in snacks for after church on Sundays). That was just always something I was always forgetting & my heart just wasn't in it...Plus, I need to just let a few things go, ya know? Just because I "stay at home" doesn't mean I have more time for everything else!! A lesson I'm really learning right now!! LOL

I've been wondering about Sunday School & Children's Church, too...I only have CC once a month, but sometimes it can be a little too much since I'm on the Praise & Worship team, too...So, we'll see...We were talking tonight about changing up Children's Church a little, and just re-organizing it & putting more structure (as far as designating each Sunday to a "theme" like "Movie Time Sunday" & "Game Sunday" & "Craft Sunday" etc... I like what Bethany does, too, and has a "Family Sunday"...that could be the 5th Sunday when there is one so it's not all the time...interesting...have to talk to Traci about that one...)

So, lots of stuff going on...especially with church. I really love working like that in the church, and planning fun stuff & things like that. I just want to always check my heart-motive. I always want it to be for God's glory, and not because I like that "accomplishment" feeling, ya know? And, in the midst of all the planning, I don't want to lose that heart-motive, either, and get so wrapped up in the work, that I forget the REASON for the work, ya know? I realize we all can struggle with that, and it's just a season in our walk with the Lord...prayers, though? Thank you!! :)

Okay, better go...There are so many other things that don't involve church (I know!! LOL Shocker!! LOL), but I've run out of time...it's after midnight, and Steve turns back into a grump then!! LOL Oops, I mean pumpkin...LOL

Love you all!! :)

Friday, July 20, 2007


I just have a minute...I just found out about this, and thought you all who are WOF fans would appreciate this article.


Barbara Johnson was the only WOF speaker I really knew anything about that first year I went. I read her books, and they made me laugh & cry, and were instrumental in knocking down the misconceptions I had been taught about God's incomprehensible love for me. Check out her books...

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Great Women's Bible Study

Okay, I hardly ever do titles, but thought I'd pop one up there today :) Today is "Ladie's Bible Study" at my church, and I absolutely LOVE our teacher. She's very sweet, funny, real, and wise. Just a blessing...Anyways, I shared my "God Breeze" story from yesterday, and shared that I'm going to start posting layouts on ebay, and during our prayer time Kathy (the leader/teacher) prayed that God would bless the work of my hands & that He would bless our family financially through them. I thought that was a very wise way of putting it. I know that there are a lot of lay outs on ebay that don't have one single bid, and there may be a busier time for it than others, but I believe this is where God's leading me right now...

Anyways, just praying for continued blessing & wisdom & leading with all that....

So, I told you yesterday there was lots of stuff to share!! :) Well, I'm involved with 2 big planning "committees," if you will, for 2 very important biggies...and I guess you could say 3 because I just remembered something else. The first one is VBS!! I'm a "co" leader, and actually, am doing the skits every night (there are at least 2 every night, 3 the 1st 2 nights!! I'm not an actress!!) Anyways, that's a biggie coming up. I helped "lead" last year, if you'll remember, and it was a lot of fun, but a LOT OF WORK!! I think we've got more of a handle on it this year, though, actually, because we've been meeting once a week the last 3 weeks (at McD's since we both had our kids, and we shut down/were run out of the playlands all 3 times!! LOL). Anyways, these weekly meetings have been helpful in keeping us on track, and giving us a "deadline" for certain things to be done. It's going to be very cute, btw!! It's all about bugs!! :)

Then, #2 is our Women's Retreat in October, and we've been meeting every 2 weeks (at least 2x's a month) to gear up & get ready for that. We're actually basing the theme & talks on Sheila Walsh's book "I'm Not Wonderwoman, but God Made Me Wonderful." It was amazing at that first meeting, we got to talking, and comparing notes, and the themes of that book was exactly what we were talking about. So, that was another God Breeze!! :) It's always neat to see how God works & speaks to us about stuff...

And, #3 I just forgot about is our PraiseFest '07. That's in September, and I still haven't heard very many details...But I'm not "in charge" of that...

Anyways, so, busy, busy, busy...Oh, and have I mentioned that we're also thinking on homeschooling Abbey? Yeah, I'm crazy!! LOL No, I really have been impressed with everything I've read about it so far...Lisa Welchel (no, I do not just read books by her & Sheila Walsh!! LOL) has a book called "So, You're Thinking About Homeschooling" and it was an excellent read. It prompted me to read her book "Creative Correction" or something like that. And, THAT has been a GOD SEND!! I can already see how it's working on me & Abbey, both. Anyways, 2 VERY GOOD reads, even if you're not really into wanting to or finding out about homeschooling. I love what it said about "socialization." You'll have to read it to understand!! LOL

So, lots of pondering in our hearts around here, and a lot of trying new methods of disciplining our 3-year-old Diva...And, lots of meetings!! LOL I even met my friend Amy @ Live.Love.Scrap. last Saturday for a free cropping day, and we had a BLAST!! It was some VERY MUCH NEEDED girl time & sharing...for both of us!! :) I just love getting together with her, though...

Anyways, I'd better go...Steve expects me to make dinner out of nothing!! LOL ;) j/k :)

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Whew!! It took me all day to get this site lookin' the way I wanted it to!! FINALLY!! :) I guess I still need to update those little calendars on the side, but I'm tired of doing that for now!! LOL Now, to be fair, I didn't acutally spend all day on the computer!! LOL It just felt like it!! :)

So, I've been a busy bee lately!! I've really wanted to blog, but haven't had time to really devote to just sitting down & blogging, and it's been bugging me!! I've totally had some, "I've gotta blog that" moments...

So, I know I've shared with you all that I've been thinking about selling some pre-made scrapbooking wares, I just didn't know how to do it as far as a home-show kind of business...well, today Steve did the checkbook & said he just prayed over it & he wasn't going to worry about it. Then he asked the Lord to clearly & specifically show us how to earn a little extra money, if it be him getting another pt job, or me doing something. He was at work when he did this, and I hadn't talked to him yet. Well, as you know I had a lot of computer time today, and I put a couple of things up on ebay. While I was there, I did a search for "pre-made scrapbooking pages" & a TON popped up...towards the top of the list was a double lay out (only 2 co-ordinating pages w/ the same theme for those of you who aren't into scrap lingo), and it had 10 bids on it, 5hrs left, and the top bid was $61!! I emailed that to Steve, and said, "I think I've found what I'm supposed to be doing!" He immediately calls me laughing, and says, "You'll never guess what I just prayed about not even an hour before I got your email!!" So, we had a God-moment today. Okay, every moment is a God-moment, but you know what I mean...

It makes me want to just rake off the kitchen table & set up scrapbook camp!! :) LOL Now, I did more "research" on ebay just to see what the going rate for a pre-made scrapbook page(s) were going for, and was surprised to see that there were some more lo's going for $25-35 (and that was a 1st bid), and there were lots that had no bids, but there was still time, ya know? There were also ones that were only going for $5-$10, and some $15, so you get the picture. So, there is a want for this type of thing. Just exciting :)

Okay, there's tons more to share, but I gotta go...Steve made me a s'more!! :) YUM-O!! :)

Love you all!! :) I hope the new look is easy on your eyes!! :)

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Okay, so why haven't I ever really checked out Proverbs 31 Ministry before?!?! It's awesome!! A lot of their website stuff isn't free, though, but they have a monthly magazine that was reasonable, and they have a daily email devotional (that's very good, btw) that's free, but to get on their mesg. boards it's $15/year...So, right now, no msg. boards for me, but I am really thinking about the magazine...Oh, they have a big honken conference called "She Speaks" in NC (where they're headquartered), and it's a conference for writers, speakers, and leaders of women's ministries. All of the topics sounded totally awesome & relevant, not just there to fill in the gaps, but when I saw the price tag, I realized why!! LOL It's jam-packed full of info & stuff, but it was almost $500!! That included your hotel room & at least 3 meals I saw, but WOW, that was a sticker shocker...Anyways, that's one of my dreams, to be able to go there one day, because every day I really feel more affirmed that women's ministry is where I'm being led.

If you've never heard of Proverbs 31 Ministries (from now on referred to as P31), here's the link www.proverbs31.org . It's a ministry devoted to women's needs & interests, and most importantly our walks with the Lord. Very interesting stuff, and worth the pop over there to really get a better feel for what they're all about...I was just very impressed with that conference!! :)

Today's been nice & slow. Abbey's napping right now, and in a little bit we'll go to get my eyebrows done. I made some sweet sun tea today (easy as pie, and SO stinkin' good!! :)) Sun tea is the lazy summer way of makin' tea. There's just something so refreshing about it. Maybe it's because I can remember my Mom making it in the summer. You just fill a glass jug full of water, pop in 6-7 (or more if you prefer) iced tea bags, and set it out in the sun for about an hour 1/2 or so, and then sweeten it when you bring it inside. I learned a trick from Paula Deen, though, about that, and really, my Mom probably did it, too, I just don't remember that part. You make a "syrup" so you don't have any "crunch" in your drink. Just boil equal parts sugar to water (really, you're just heating it up to dissolve the sugar), and add it to your freshly sun-brewed tea!! Ahhhhh!! :)

My glass jug (the kind with the push-spout thingy at the bottom) leaks, though, so I had to pour it in my Pampered Chef gallon pitcher with the thing you move up & down to mix it all up with. It's easier to handle, too... I'd like to just get a new glass jug. I had 2 & they both leak...

Wow, how's that for rambling?!?!

I'd better go. I was really on here to find a bee puppet pattern that was cute for VBS, but I can't find anything so far...still looking...I'm starting to think I could make us one that would be cuter than anything I've found so far!! And, I might actually try it!! :)

Talk to ya'll later!! :)

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Wowie Zowie, what a day!! :) This is my "in the middle" of it time...This morning we met my friend Carrie & her niece at Chic-Fil-A for an early lunch, and then I had to run by the store to pick up something for a dinner I'm making for a family @ church (Lisa had knee surgery last week, and is out of commission for a bit...) So, that's what I'm really supposed to be doing right now...But then after I drop off their dinner, I'm meeting another gal from church at McD's for supper, so we can discuss the logistics for this year's VBS. Yes, I'm a crazy person!! LOL

What's probably the most funny thing is that I'm making another family a nice dinner, complete with cupcakes for dessert, and I'm taking Abbey to McD's for dinner!!!! LOL Her 2nd fast-food meal of the day!!

Anyways, that's what kind of day I'm having!! LOL So, I needed to squeeze in some 'puter time for a minute...

Our weekend was WONDERFUL!! :) We had a really great weekend. Last Thursday was a trip, though. We went to a Quilt Show...in Columbus...and then I find out out on the way home...from Columbus...that my WM has asked me to lead worship for him on Sunday because of a couple things going on (his Mom was on his way to Boston for a wedding, and when they stopped for dinner, she experienced some chest pain, and her brother or bil one, is a dr. & said, "Yeah, you're going to the ER." So, they took her, and moved her to Buffalo, NY hospital (I guess it was pretty close to wherever they were), and they found multiple blockages & said she needed surgery...so, they've since moved her to Columbus (very close to where she lives), and will do it there. So, he was going to be away, anyway, but his plans got all switched around, and he was still gone...) Anyways, before any of that happened with his Mom, he had asked me (in an email in the wee hours of the morning on THURSDAY) if I'd be willing to lead...We were on I-70, almost home, and getting ready to stop in Springfield @ Cracker Barrell for dinner, and I said, "Mom, I need to go home." It was already quarter 'til 7p.m., but we had to go to Mom's house to pick up the van, Abbey was hungry, I was hungry, and drained from the trip up & back from Columbus, but I got there around 7:20!! :) So, we practiced & decided between the people there that we'd "Co-Lead" the worship on Sunday. That way, at that late date, nobody was put on the spot. It turned out really well. Oh, should I also mention that I had to teach Sunday School & Children's Church this past Sunday, too? LOL Mom said I should've just called Pastor & told him I'd take care of the message, too!! LOL It sounds like a lot, but it really wasn't. We did a refresher lesson in SS (I was really proud at what they remembered!!) & Children's Church was movie time!! :) We watched Veggie Tales (I asked first!! LOL) We totally vegged out on Sunday afternoon/night, though!! :)

Oh, Friday, Mom & Dad kept Abbey overnight, and that was AWESOME!! :) Steve & I went to the movies (the cheap one!!) & saw Blades of Glory...pretty funny in a Will Ferrell kinda way. We got home around 11:30, and looked @ each other & said, "Good night." And, we went to bed!! LOL We slept in a little on Saturday, watched Click (Steve rented it from the library!! LOL), bawlled like a couple of babies, then Steve did some yard work, and I did NOTHING!! LOL

Then, there was Sunday!! :)

I kinda went out of order, but Sunday went with Thursday's story, so, whatever.

Like you wanted a full play-by-play, huh? LOL

Okay, so I'd better get started on that family's dinner, and gather all my VBS stuff & get my focus together...Talk to ya'll later!! Love ya!! :)

Monday, June 04, 2007

I'm so glad that what, I felt at the time, were just crazy ramblings actually spoke to someone!! LOL Thank you for letting me know, because I was starting to feel like, "Ah, crap, I didn't make any sense..." LOL :)

Anyways, I've been reading my "Queen of the Castle" book by Lynn Bowen Walker, again, and actually needed to get caught up from Easter!! ::YIKES:: Well, I'm caught up, and last night I read this...

"You are doing your job in caring for your home and family. You are confident and fulfilled. The work is necessary; the work is important; the work is good."

She also ended the chapter with this prayer:

"Lord, help me to remember that as I am a "worker at home," (reference from Titus 2:3-5) I am being obedient to you. I am also being a blessing to my family. What a gift you've given me in this family to take care of! Thank You."

What I love about this, is that at the very beginning of her book, she clarifies that when she says "homemaker" she's referring to all women, single, married, children/no children. I just thought that was profound. And, she goes on to say that she loves the word "homemaker." That word has become so taboo in our society, but what's wrong with being the "maker" of the "home"? Of making that soft place for your family to fall? This book has just been full of Godly validation for me, and for this blessing of staying home. Just a great book. It's "52 weeks of encouragement for the uninspired, domestically challenged or just plain tired homemaker." And, it's not all about women being homemakers...there's lots of advice about cleaning, gardening, cooking, celebrating holidays, etc... Very diverse, and she's got a great sense of humor!! :)

Okay, so last night I went to a Women's Retreat planning meeting. Very interesting. I have no idea what we're going to be doing, and I don't necessarily want to be in charge of it, but I am more than willing to help in any way I can. SO, some of the logistics are in place, such as the date &...um, the dates...LOL Well, we know we've got around 30 rooms reserved for that weekend, too, so there's that. But there is NOTHING else planned. So, we're starting from ground 0. We're going to be meeting every 2 weeks or so between now & then, so that should be good, and keep us all in the loop & on the same page!! There are a couple of ladies who have experience in planning retreats, but then there's new people like me who scraped by with a couple of luncheons on her belt!! LOL

I'm excited about it, though, and there's always ladies asking about the next "Chick Flick" night!! That really was a hit!! :) I'd like to schedule a shopping excursion soon, too, but I'm pretty sure I've shared that with you already...

Anyways, lots of things going on with that!! :) Oh, and Jodi, one of the ladies at the meeting, we got to talking about Henry Cloud & Boundaries!! She's got that small group video & stuff, and is going to (in the near future) teach that class again!! I'm so excited!! I told her that I was very interested in reading the book, and then she said she had all the class curriculum, and that she's a "partner" (I didn't know what that means), with New Life Live, and that she's been to a few of their workshops...SO, she's a Henry Cloud/Arturbon (sp?) fan, too!! :)

Tonight Steve was supposed to put together Abbey's armoire, but opted for men's group instead (whatever). Acutally, I'm cool with that, because I still need to get Abbey's room sorted through. That girl has definately learned how to NOT put her things away...My fault. We were really good about keeping things picked up & orgainized when she was first born, but ever since "the move" we've not been consistent with her picking up her messes...nor Steve or I!! LOL I've been doing my FlyLady, though...so at least the living room/kitchen/bathroom/entry hallway are out of CHAOS (can't have anyone over syndrome). So, now I've got to teach Princess "I'm-still-playing-with-that" how to "FLY." (and, I'm using lots of "Flylady-isms," so sorry if I've confused you :) )

I'd better go...I need to see what Abbey's doing!! LOL j/k Steve just left, and we're afraid to leave her in a room by herself for more than 5 minutes (remember the nailpolish? Steve actually got that stain out!! This stuff called "Goop" or something...took most of it right out!! We'll probably have to use it again, though, cause there are some spots not wanting to go away...)

Anyways, ya'll have a great week!! Love ya!!

Thursday, May 31, 2007

Okay, so a little while ago I said that I'd like to blog about an epiphany I had while listening to Flylady's radio program a couple of weeks ago. I'd like to do that now, if you don't mind!! LOL

I don't normally listen to Flylady's radio show on Thursdays on WTR (http://www.modavox.com/wtrstudioa/), but with my recent decision to "pick up where I left off" with Flylady, I saw that they had just taped a show that day, and listened to most of it while I was on the computer fiddlin' around...So, anyways, towards the end, a SAHM (stay-at-home-mom) called in & asked if it was ok to do stuff for herself. For real, she asked that. She was feeling guilty because her kids sleep in until 9a.m., and that's about the time she gets up, too. She went on to say that she feels like cleaning & watching the kiddos are her job, so what would she do if everything was always clean all the time?!?! This was a lightbulb moment for me, folks. Flylady said to stop feeling guilty for getting up when the babies get up (all children are referred to as "babies" by Flylady), then she said that this gal needed to sit down & figure out what it is she really ENJOYS doing, something just for herself. Then she "knited her with the Flylady Feather Duster" & told her she was free from all guilt for sleeping when her babies slept, and to have permission for Mommy time...Here's my "A-ha!" moment...I really think that's what keeps me from "flying" consistently. I start feeling GUILTY for choosing & the priveledge of being a SAHM, and can end up feeling like, "Well, if I don't have 'stuff' hanging over me, like cleaning the house, doing laundry in ginormous loads to catch up, etc... then I am useless." I don't know if that adequately sums up what I really mean. I guess it's kinda like I keep the messes around me so I can look around and feel useful because I'm needed to clean up the mess...and this turns into a horrible cycle because then I let things get back to the way they were so I can feel useful again...If I could relay to you that feeling, I would, because then maybe those sentences up there would make sense. That feeling of not feeling worthy enough of being a SAHM, and even though you know a few of your friends would stay home, too, if they could, they would...I don't know, there's just a guilt trip going on here. Like, I feel guilty for being able to stay home, or something. Maybe that's the best way to put it. I feel SO blessed, and know it's a blessing to be able to do what I do.

Now, I am not a society hater. I don't want anyone to think that I blame everything on "society" or "women's lib" or anything. But, it's probably going to sound like that!! LOL

We're taught that women can be anything they want...as long as it's generating a paycheck & you can call it a "career." I know that secular society look down their noses at women who stay home & write us off as "brainless," "uninteresting," etc... And, on the flipside, diehard SAHM's can come off as self-righteous & "spare the rod" types...But why?!?! Where did this division come from? We all have a different calling. We are all to be doing different things, so why is there this animosity?!?! Argh!!!!!! Did anyone watch all those shows Oprah did about WOHM's vs. SAHM's?!?! I really wish that I could've spoken up & said, "Why is there a 'right' side or a 'wrong' side? Some of us are called to stay home with our children, and some to work. They're both missionfields, people!! Our very footsteps are directed by the Lord no matter what our "occupation" or lack there of (in a 'traditional' sense of the word...being a SAHM IS an occupation, imo). Anyways, there are people that SAHM's can witness/touch/show love to that maybe a WOHM can't, and likewise. We are put in these places, ladies, by the King of Kings Himself.

SO, I realize that there isn't really a controversy about this right now, but my feelings of guilt for being a SAHM is what led to this huge deep thought process!! LOL Why should I feel guilt when it's the Lord's leading for me to be where I am? And that goes for all of us. I know that there's a "guilt trip" on the "flipside" (the guilt WOHM's tend to experience for not being with their babies 24/7), too, and again I say, "Why the guilt when your footsteps are being led by the King of Kings?"

There is a right & wrong side to this, though. The wrong thing is disobedience in not going where the Lord wants you to go, and the right is always following His lead, wherever that may mean for you. We're not all called to be school teachers. We're not all called to be CEO's of major corporations. So, why have we decided that all women should work in corporate America, or on the flipside, that all women should stay home & clean their house?!?! LOL Ya'll just follow where you're being led by the Lord!! He's the MOST AWESOME LEADER!! :)

Now that I've said all that, I do want to share a little bit more about my own personal struggle right now. We're really starting to feel a pinch in the financial belt. Just too much debt!! Argh!! We've come a long way, though, and since doing that whole "The Blessed Life" small groups, we've really been faithful tithers, and we can totally see God's blessings for us over the last year + since we've done so...But now it's time to really take our debt by the proverbial horns, and knock it out!! And, to do this, we've realized that we do need a little more income. So, here's the plan...

Remember all that scrapbooking stuff I was going to do? I don't remember if I've shared it here or not. Anyways, I'd like to start doing in-home parties/demonstrations & selling product & my own creations. Some are really intimidated with all that scrapbooking stuff & tools, so I'd like to help get rid of some of the stress, or just have things that people can buy (albums, frames, misc. home decor, etc...) This whole scrapbooking thing is really moving into the home decor genre, too, and it's really awesome; a part of that whole altered art thing.

So, that's what I'm planning on doing. There's a scrapbooking home show company called "Memory Works" & they have a VERY small start up fee, and they provide all the big names in the scrapbooking world. So, for the product part of my shows there'll be that. They have a very easy contract, too, that will allow me to sell my own creations at these parties (albums, special-order albums, and all that other stuff I've already mentioned). Anyways, that just combines 2 of my needs right now...Income & a creative outlet!! :)

So, prayers, please? I'd like to even advertise in the newspaper eventually. For now, though, I'm thinking of starting relatively small...like 1-2 shows a week for starters. This would really help with our debt, and we'd be tithing more!! :) We'd love to really start giving "over & above" offerings, too.

Okay, better get a move on, I think I've unloaded enough for today!! LOL

Oh, I did forget to mention little Miss Abbey May & her very first awards ceremony last night!! Last night was the "Awana Awards Banquet." It was actually a cookout, and very good. She was so stinking cute!! She got her little things, and Miss Lori (her teacher) gave all the kids a little bag of gardening stuff, like seeds & a "dirt digger"!! LOL Very cute...and her class sang a song...it was just precious. Steve got it all on video!! Of course!! My pictures didn't turn out very well, though. But I'll share one of the best ones...


Love you all!!

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

So, I've had a busy weekend...we made the trek back up to PA this past Memorial Day weekend...bless their hearts, they're just weird...

Last week sometime, Steve's dad called real "excited" (I say that, because his show of excitement is VERY reserved, to understate it). Anyways, he says Brian Free & Assurance (a Southern Gospel quartet) was playing a free concert on Friday night, do you guys want to go? When Steve asked me, I looked at him like he was crazy!! HELLO?!?! 3 year old riding all day in a van, and then have her sit for 2-3 more hours in a church listening to grown-up music?!?! So, Steve called them back, and got his mom...She says, "Well, it's a big church." HUH?!?! I'm thinking she meant that if we needed to get up & walk around, or they'd have a nursery or something there, but why are we going up there to put her in a nursery?!?! C R A Z Y!! So, I told Steve the whole way up there that he's crazy if he lets them talk us into going, and he agreed. We were not going, no matter what. I can't do that to ANY 3-year-old, nevermind my own!! LOL So, we got a late start on Friday, anyway (go figure!! haha), and were about 1.5-2 hours away. **Sidebar~they haven't actually seen/spent time with Abbey, their only granddaughter, since NOVEMBER** Steve's dad calls Steve's cell phone around 5ish (the concert started at 7), to see how far along we were. Steve says, well, we're 1.5-2 hours away, we're not going to make it..." I'm rolling my eyes because even if we did "make it" we weren't going!! lol Anyways, I hear "yeah, okay, uh-huh," type things from Steve's end of the conversation & when he hung up he said, "Well, they're going to go without us." I say, "To the concert?" "Yep." I'm stunned. The grandpa hasn't seen his granddaughter in 8 mos. and is choosing a concert over meeting his granddaughter the night she comes. Steve said that his dad mentioned that his mom had said we could head over to Steve's aunt & uncle's house (cousins, that's the Uncle who was Steve's best man in our wedding, their son Nathaniel was the ring bearer :) ). So, we grabbed dinner, and tried calling Jeff & Wanda, but there was no answer. So, we thought, we'll just drive by & see if they're home, or if they have company, there's always Wal-Mart. We didn't want to just barge in unannounced, ya know? Well, it turns out they were home, and just getting done with their garden they're getting ready to put in, and about ready to go for some ice cream :) It turned out well, and they're just such a great dose of normal in our trips up there!! :) And, Nathaniel LOVED playing with Abbey!! :) And, Abbey loved him!! She kept saying on the way from their house to Steve's parents' house, "Who was that special boy again?" LOL And, that night she prayed, "And, thank you for...Mommy? What's that special boy's name, again?" "That's your cousin Nathaniel." "Thank you for Athaniel." LOL SO CUTE!! :)

Oh, and later that night, I asked Bill (Steve's dad) how the concert was...and he says, "Terrible. It was way too loud." I felt like slapping him!!!!!!!!!! If you're going to miss seeing your granddaughter in first thing because of a CONCERT YOU HAD TO GO TO YOU HAD BETTER GO ON ABOUT HOW AWESOME IT WAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, another notch on the weirdness belt...

Friday night Steve's mom had to work (she's a nurse, so she had to work all night), and so we didn't get to say hello to her until Sat. afternoon. Abbey ran right to her (she had acted shy with grandpa (wonder why?), and Uncle Eric (shocker) but had warmed right up to Aunt Lesley). She really loves her Grandma & Aunt Lesley, though!! :) Vicki also had to work Friday night 7ish to 11ish, but was off all day Sunday & Monday.

When we left Friday morning, I had ironed our church clothes & a couple of other shirts...and we left them in the house...I didn't realize this until Friday night in PA, so I spent late Saturday afternoon at the Clarion "mall." It's only got a few stores, but there was a Fashion Bug, and a K-Mart open to the mall...I'd never seen a K-Mart open to a mall. It was more like an indoor strip mall, if that makes any sense. K-Mart was the "big name" store!! LOL There was a movie theatre, though, and a couple of "illegal" gift shops...But, I didn't find an awesome new dress or anything. I just decided to get a nice shirt that would dress up my jeans. I bought Steve a new shirt at their Wal-Mart. I had packed Abbey's Sunday clothes in her suitcase, so there wasn't any need for that...

Anyways, it was nice to get to shop by myself. I don't get to do that real often here, so it was kinda nice to be where nobody knows me, and just shop. I did run into Steve's Uncle Gary & cousin Danielle, though. They were waiting to see Pirates 3 at the movie theatre, and were getting a pizza at K-Mart...it sounds weird, but it really wasn't...

Church was OK. They go to a small church, and heaven forbid they sing a popular praise song!! LOL They didn't sing all hymns, but there weren't any real praise songs, either. They had a cookout on Sunday afternoon, and Uncle Jeff & Aunt Wanda came, and Uncle Gary & Aunt Sandy came, and so did Aunt Marge (remember her from the wedding, cousins?) and Uncle John came, too. Uncle Jeff brought a game called "ladder golf" or "hillbilly golf" or "poor man's golf" we heard a lot of different names for it, and that was fun!! It reminds me of the way you score in cornhole, but I'd say a little trickier than corn hole. Google it!! LOL

Monday we took our time getting ready to go, and left after lunch. Abbey was asleep before we left Brookville!! LOL Brookville is VERY small...Anyways, she was out before we got on the interstate, and we didn't stop until Lodi in OH. There's a Prime Outlet mall there, and we ate at Bob Evan's. Prime Outlets have those playgrounds, too, so that was a very nice stop. Abbey got to run & play awhile, and I got to check out their scrapbook store!! :)

It was a nice, uneventful rest of the way home. We stopped just above Columbus, too, at our "regular" McD's stop, and Abbey got to play & run around again, and then it was pretty much a straight shot home. We were hoping Abbey would fall asleep in the van again, but she didn't. When we got to the road we turn on from the main road, we decided that maybe just a little longer, and she' d be out. But, when we passed our turn, she says, sleepily, "Daddy, I thought we were going home?" So, we giggled at each other & just went home. I think she was keeping herself awake long enough to make sure we got home!! LOL

Well, I've checked email, bored you with our trip, so now, I'll leave you with something I thought was funny, and get back to unpacking!! OH, Abbey's still asleep!! LOL She woke up regular time, but she's been asleep for a few hours for naptime!! LOL

Subject: Urgent ?

I usually don't pass along these "add your name" lists that appear in my email, but this one is too important. This one has been circulating for
3 months. Please, keep it going!
To show your support for Hillary and encourage her on her run for President of the United States in 2008, please scroll down and add your name to the rapidly growing list below and send it on to your entire e-mail list.
1. Bill
2. Chelsea
3. Monica
4.

Friday, May 18, 2007

Okay, I love old movies...I just love them. Most of them, anyways. I'm not into old war movies, but I will occasionally watch an old Western. But my favorite, I have to announce here to the world, are the old sappy ones!! The ones with an incredibly corny love story & the typical "hero" character who knows/does everything, and looking handsome & masculine all at the same time. I'd never seen "It Happened One Night" until today. It was on TCM, and they're saluting Frank Capra (no, he's not an actor, he's acutally a director. A phenomenal director. He's directed some of the most well-known classics (and these are only the ones I know about!!LOL I'm sure there's more) "It's a Wonderful Life," "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town," "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," "It Happened One Night," and a new one I'd never heard of today is "Here Comes the Groom."). Anyways, "It Happened One Night" stars Clark Gable & Claudette Colbert (Cole-bear, think "French pronunciation"). Now, I'd never seen Clark Gable in anything except "Gone with the Wind," but I have to say I loved him more in "It Happened...". VERY good. Kinda cheesy, but still very good.


Anyways, I had a good time by myself while Abbey took her nap today. I love Fridays...

Tonight they're having a "Carpenter's Kids Retreat" tonight @ church. It's an overnighter for the schoolage kids (not Jr. High & HS...there'll be a "lights out" this isn't a REAL all-nighter...it's a sleepover, really...). Anyways, we're not spending the night, but we're going for dinner & playing games & stuff. I think there'll be a craft or something, too. I don't think we're staying all that long...

Tomorrow, I don't know what we've got planned. I know that Steve has his Block Banquet, and Abbey & I aren't going, but I don't know what we'll do. Chelle's inlaws are in town AGAIN this weekend, so she can't really do much with me. I'd like to go to the Flea Market, but I don't really want to go by myself with Abbey...Aarrrgghh!! So, we'll probably just hang around the house tomorrow I guess...that's what it's sounding like, eh? LOL

I'd better go. Abbey's getting antsy to leave for church, and so is Steve...I don't know why unless he's going to disappear & mow the lawn while I'm inside...it could happen...but he like to talk with Mr. Ed (he's our youth leader). They work in the same bldg. on base, and go out to lunch with each other a lot. I like Mr. Ed & he's a good Godly influence on my hubby...

Okay, anyways, better go...I really don't know why he's being so antsy...weird...

Love ya'll!! :)

Thursday, May 17, 2007

Okay, so I am totally upset on FlyLady's behalf. She's been getting some funky feedback about all her reminders & testimonials & stuff. You know, they can be overwhelming, but after you realize that you don't have to read each & every one, that Flylady's all about how it fits into your life, you can delete most, read a couple, or delete them all, or read them all...Anyways, I'm just frustrated that there are ladies COMPLAINING about a TOTALLY FREE service & CHAOS control help...again FOR FREE!!

Anyways, I totally love the Flylady, and you have to know, I'm not the world's best housekeeper by any stretch of the imagination, and I've definately gone through a funk lately, and my house is pretty much total CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome), but just doing a little bit of her stuff a day is really helping. It's just great knowing that I'm not the only one who is living in CHAOS...Not everyone is BO (born-organized), and I'm DEFINATELY not...okay, in ways I am, but I've definately got an "all or nothing" mentality, and get overwhelmed when it's "nothing." Anyways, visit www.flylady.net for more inspiration about getting out of CHAOS!! :)

Okay, moving on...

Steve did NOT win the Idol tickets, and seriously, since Melinda isn't in the final 2, I don't really wanna go, anyways!! I mean, it would've been cool, but my gal Melinda was cheated, ya'll!! LOL I was a little ticked off!! But, thank you all for your votes & support!! It was exciting!!

Of course, I didn't have time to vote on Tues. night, so I really can't complain. I know there's a lot of Jordin lovers out there, but there's something about her I'm just not diggin'. I think it's the McFee feeling of last year...What's his name, Beat Box Boy...oh, yeah, Blake, I had a brain freeze...he's alright, but he's not my favorite, either. I think my Dad wants him to win, though. We'll see...

Oh, and what did you think of Elliot Yamin?!?! I'm not sure I like the hair...But his teeth look great!! :) I just love hearing that dude sing!! :) (LOL @ 'dude').

Tonight was PT practice, and it went well. Steve sang!! I don't know that he'll get up there on Sunday or not, but it was pretty neat that he came tonight.

Besides our fearless leader Jeff, it was just me, and then Steve later, there for practice tonight (oh, and our bass player, drummer, & "sound guy" (using that description loosely!! LOL)). But it was kinda fun just to sing harmony wherever I wanted, as kinda like a back up singer to Jeff...it was fun. I have no idea if there'll be more singers on Sunday, and like I said, I don't know that Steve will sing up there Sunday because we keep Abbey in the sanctuary until sermon time.

So, it was a good time tonight...Oh, and I found out that our PraiseFest is gonna be a little different this year. It's gonna be on Sunday instead of Saturday, and we'll just have church outside first, and then eat lunch, and then have more music with guest PT's & groups & such. Now, in the churches I grew up in, that's called a Homecoming service!! LOL But, there aren't a whole lot of hillbillies at this church, so there ya go.

I'd better go. It's past Abbey's bedtime, and Steve putting her down is not sounding promising.

Love you all!!

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Happy Tuesday, ya'll!! I realize that 2 posts within one week will probably shock some of you, but I have a few minutes, and thought I'd come here :)

So, Jodi mentioned that I didn't blog about the Fox45 "Sing for your Seats" contest that Steve is currently participating in!! And, I had a real "DUH" moment!! LOL I did totally forget about mentioning that...and I didn't mention my birthday, either...it was May 6th, so a little over a week ago...it was VERY nice :) I got lots of birthday money!! :) So, look out live.love.scrap!! :) LOL Or Hobby Lobby...I'll have to do some comparison shopping so as not to waste any of my birthday money!! LOL

Although, I'm kinda waiting until we hear about this whole Sing for Your Seats thing!! LOL I might need some shopping money in Hollywood!! :) LOL They will announce the winner tomorrow morning on Fox45 during the news...

I don't think the "results" are very true. Either that, or we're underestimating how many other voters there are...All the percentages don't add up to 100 either, so that's what's leading us to believe those are "you'd better vote more" numbers!! LOL Although, that'll stink for the gal that's showing to be in the lead for so long...To think you're winning because of those #'s, and then to not would be a big let down...

So, enough about that...I will share with you tomorrow whether we win or not!! LOL

Oh, something funny, though. This morning they showed all the karaokers on the morning news!! LOL Steve about died!!!!! Bless his heart, I think he turned 12 shades of pink!! LOL

I can't believe I don't really have a big honken commitment at church right now!! LOL Right after the first luncheon we did, we scheduled the Mother/Daughter thing, so I always had something looming over my head, ya know? Well, we probably won't have anything like that until the fall, and maybe not even that, because we'll have our Women's Retreat in Sept. or Oct. or something like that... But I am involved with that...to what extent, I really don't know right now, but we're having a meeting pretty soon. I think the other gal in charge of this thing is kinda like me where I like to know what's expected of me way in advance. We'll be having a meeting along those lines pretty soon...

Oh, we will be having other stuff going on for the ladies in between there, though. In June we're having another of those Chick Flick nights!! Ya'll, that was so much fun, and went over SO well!! :) It was just a great time, and there was MAINLY great feedback!! :) And, in July or August one, I'd like to set up a Ladies' Excursion to Jeffersonville Outlet. I LOVE Jeffersonville outlet, and don't get to go very often. I thought it'd be fun to caravan up there & spend the day shopping together & stuff. No stiff itinerary or anything, but have meeting times & places set up throughout the day to touch base with everyone...

There are lots of ideas runnin' around in this crazy head of mine!! LOL That would be fun to do closer to Christmas, too...sorry, thinking as I type...

Can you tell one of my passions right now is Women's Ministry? I've really had a burden for that, and things have just kinda fallen into place. Again, if there's something in your life that you've been hem-hawing about doing because you're afraid of the outcome...just do it!! :) Obedience is awesome!! And, what a way of outwardly expressing our faith!! :) I heard a cool quote from David Crowder (now, he's not one of my favorite singers, but all his lyrics have always spoken to me, ya know?) Anyways, he said he's not really afraid to take risks...He says God is SO much bigger than our mistakes...there's nothing too big for Him to handle!! :) I'd never thought of it that way. We mess up all the time, and looking back over my life, there's nothing that He's used against me. His plans are to prosper us, not to harm us...And, when we mess up, DaddyGod is always bigger than our mistakes...There's nothing He can't handle...

Now, I'm not talking about going out & doing street drugs & praying for the best to happen. I'm pretty sure regular readers of this blog would understand that, but if you're new, there are "calculated risks," and that's what I'm talking about. But, if you find yourself in the pit, Jesus can reach down & pull you out, dude. But, you're gonna have to put out your hand, too.

Alright, that's all I've got for today, chicas. I'm in a really wierd word mood right now, can ya tell? How many times do I really use the word "dude"? LOL I would never use it in my "speaking" voice, as Jodi talked about on her blog!! LOL There are words I just reserve for my "written" voice!! LOL

Seriously, better go...I really want to grill out hamburgers tonight...YUM-O!! :)

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Hey!! Long time, no see, eh?!?! LOL

I don't really have time for a full recap, so I thought a little pictoral post of the past month or so would be fun to catch you all up :)


Okay, so this was actually the beginning of March...but aren't they cute?!?! They have the same outfit on!! LOL And, both in pigtails!! :) SO CUTE!! :)


They are the Isaacs, and they tour with the Gaither Homecoming concerts...THEY ARE AWESOME!! If you're ever in the mood for some good/different bluegrass, they're VERY cutting edge. I really love them. They're not nasally bluegrass, either, if you know what I mean. Their music is AWESOME, too. We also have ties to them...Grandpa used to play bluegrass with Joe Isaacs, and after Joe got saved, he would invite Grandpa to come and hear his family...I thank the Lord for bringing people into my family's lives to help witness in ways that I'm not able to...sometimes we're just too close to the situation, ya know? Sorry for the deep thought on a pictoral post!! LOL



Katie Lynne turned ONE!! :) This is the cutie at her party gettin' ready to dig into the cake!! :)
Abbey got a bike right before all the cold weather hit before Easter!! She LOVES her "Cinderella" bike!! :)


These are all on Easter!! :) Abbey got to wave a flag & sing with all the other kids at the beginning of the service!! It was so stinkin' sweet!! :) Then, afterwards, we got a ton of pics of the girls both in their dresses...then after lunch, and a quick snooze in the car, we went to Great-Grandma's for an Easter Egg hunt!

****INSTERT IMAGE**** Okay, so I don't really have a picture of me doing anything between Easter & Women of Faith, but let it be known that I was coordinating a Mother's Day thing for church...those pics to follow...


THIS is Women of Faith...that first picture is Dr. Henry Cloud, the co-speaker for the pre-conference (I will not ever miss a pre-conference after this experience!! It was just AWESOME!!) That is a picture of how comfortable we were, too, on Friday morning/afternoon compared to sitting on each other's laps on Friday night & Saturday!! LOL Then, that's Jodi & Jeanna at Cracker Barrell on the way home from the conference...I have to tell you, I had some real breakthroughs...especially Friday morning & afternoon...


The Sunday after WoF we had a Potluck & Praise Sunday night...and we had a cook out!! It was very good, and Pastor Paul really spoke to my heart, and it was just an extension of the great speaking & talks I'd heard all weekend...a very "real" ending, if you know what I mean...After conferences, I always experience a high for a couple of days...I was definately still on one, and trying to contain myself a bit so I didn't freak anyone out or just chatter about everything that happened over the weekend (which I did, btw...)...Well, Pastor gave an object lesson...He had all the kids pick as many dandylions as they possibly could & hand them out to the adults...then he asked us all what kind of lessons we could take from these little dandylions, as sort of a devotional topic...It was funny he would bring up dandylions, because just that past week, I was looking at them in my yard...we have millions of them!! Well, I would notice that as the sun went down, they would close up...Well, I spoke up & said that they're their fullest when the light hits them...I think my "deepness" shocked Pastor a little bit!! LOL If you don't know me very well, I think I come off as flakey, so whenever I start sharing all these crazy wierd deep thoughts with people, I get a startled, "Wow, you really thought of that?!?!" look on people's faces!! LOL Anyways, it was just a great lesson to bring some extra closure for me.

This was Thursday night after WoF, and before the Mother's Day thing. We went out for ice cream (Abbey had her 1st Banana Split with Mommy!!), and we saw lights for that junky kinda carnival place just down the road...So, we drove by it, and of course, Abbey says, "Can I ride the merry-g0-round, Mommy?!" So, there were only fifteen minutes left until they closed, and there wasn't anyone there, so we bought her enough tickets to ride 2 rides. She rode the merry-g0-round twice!! LOL She LOVES merry-go-rounds...

Here's a picture of the Mother/Daughter "Tea," and believe me, we used the word "tea" loosely!! I've never been to a "real" tea, and was in charge of this one...I only drink Iced Tea, and SWEETENED, please!! LOL Luckily, there were only a couple of ladies who actually knew how to do a real tea, and they understood that this was more about fellowship than anything else. I did have a few problems, though. My friend Dawn was having a really sick spell (long story...she's got a lot of health issues that are very uncommon), anyways, she couldn't even come, let alone help me with anything. I did have people to do food, but other than that & our speaker (who was great, btw...she's a former member who is actually a pastor of her own church now...she's a certified lay pastor...I had never even heard of this before she completed her training & such). Anyways, it was really nice to have her come & share with us. She & her husband were one of the first couples who really welcomed Steve & I to COTC, and Doug, her husband, was our first SS teacher there. Oh, he also fixed our central air last year!! LOL :) Just great to see her & have her there!! :)

Now, there's trouble x2!! LOL Right after the Mother/Daughter thing, we headed to Wilmington to Brenden's 6th Birthday party!! I cannot believe those boys are turning 6 already!! Time flies...We had a great time there, and it was nice to be at a party I wasn't in charge of!! LOL Abbey had a blast & didn't want to leave!! Of course!! :) Oh, funny thing...after we left the party, we went to McD's...we just felt like we hadn't really eaten all day, so we got dinner (nothing against Darrel & Mandie's food!! LOL It was definately NOT their fault!! LOL We just felt like we nibbled all day...) Anyways, Abbey really hadn't eaten anything but fruit & cake all day, so she had nuggets & apples at McD's...She had 3 apples left, and Steve asked her how many were there, and she counted them...well, then he asks her, "How many's left?" Without even LOOKING at the other apples, she says, "Two." Like, DUH!! LOL Both our jaws dropped to the ground & I said, "That's it, I can't teach her math!! She's already at my level!!" LOL It was just so funny!!

This was just yesterday!! YAY!! Now you're all caught up!! LOL Mom, Chelle & I went to Kohl's for makeovers (for a Mother's Day treat), and afterwards, Mom took us to Red Lobster for linner (not quite lunch, not quite dinner...) Anyways, we had fun!! :)

This is what's living in our attic...Steve found it in our shed today. It's just a baby, and we think it fell down & might be injured. It's cute in a pathetic sort of way, but if it weren't injured, I would NOT think it was cute. It didn't try to run away from us, and it moved really slow, seeming to favor it's little back leg. We have no idea how to get rid of them, and if there's more up there...***just got a shiver*** Besides calling an exterminator and paying at LEAST $150, we don't know what to do...and trust me, we really don't want to waste $150, ya know?!?!

And, ssssssssshhhhhhhh, don't tell them, but this is what I made for Mom, Chelle, and my Aunt Ollie for Mother's Day. That's a recipe, in my Granny's handwriting, for her carrot cake & cream cheese icing. That's also a small picture of her. I made 3 different versions!! The official name for this is "altered clipboard." If you google that, you'll see so many cool ideas!! Think paint can & cigar boxes. I don't know which of the 3 I like best. The one in the middle was the 1st one I made, and then the white daisy one, then the block one. I'm really happy with how they turned out. Although, I owe a lot to the rub ons I got today. Those are one of my FAVORITE things!! :)

Well, I'd better go...I hope you've had an enjoyable time catching up with me!! :) I didn't mean for it to take so long, but you know how it goes...I haven't had time!! :) Hence, the pictures!! LOL

Talk to ya'll later!! :)