Poppy Day

I remember ever since I was a little girl..my mom always had one of these red flowers in her truck. Goodness...I didn't even know it was a poppy...all I knew was that by no means did you mess around and touch it. To this day..I believe that SAME red flower is still bread tied to the visor of my mom's truck. If she buys herself a new truck..it goes with her...along with her roll of paper towels. Once you get in and out of the truck so many times ..you seem to not even look up to the visor anymore and notice the red flower just daintly hanging there.

But days like today...I want to drive up to my mom's house..and pay my respects to that little flower. That little red flower that has to be at least 23 years old...means alot. Alot more than ever knew. That red flower is a representation of all the men and women who have had the calling thier life to fight for our nation. Whether they wanted they calling or not...some did not have a choice. There is no way, shape, or form to ultimately pay all those soldiers back for all they have done ...for me...for you...for our whole country. I know plenty of soldiers now a days...that do not agree with one thing that our government is doing now a days...but that does not hold them back for a second if our country was in danger. It is amazing to me..that they hold such loyalty and pride and alligence to our great nation that they would willinging lay down thier lives, leave thier families and jobs to fight for our freedom.
I want to ultimatly and desprately thank all of those who have fought for our country...or have stayed in thier own state to defend our country. Those in the offices or overseas...anyone that has the privilege to wear that uniform ...I THANK YOU! I graciously thank you. I thank you for my life, my daughter, my family, my home, my freedom....I thank you!

And Mom...thank you for making a point to make that flower such an object of respect...because it is greatly an object that deserves respect.
Seems like here lately we have gotten off the routine to pay our respects to our fallen and still fighting soldiers. I never see poppy flowers handed out in the front of wal mart anymore. Those little red flowers are the symbol of the blood of all those men and women who have died for our country....

The poppy of wartime remembrance is the red corn poppy, Papaver rhoeas. This poppy is a common weed in Europe and is found in many locations, including Flanders Fields. This is because the corn poppy was one of the only plants that grew on the battlefield. It thrives in disturbed soil, which was abundant on the battlefield due to intensive shelling. During the few weeks the plant blossomed, the battlefield was colored blood red, not just from the red flower that grew in great numbers but also from the actual blood of the dead soldiers that lay scattered and untended to on the otherwise barren battlegrounds. Thus the plant became a symbol for the dead World War I soldiers.


Don't forget about the poppy flower, Don't forget what it takes to make our country free, and don't forget that those who are dying for you...is somone's son or daughter....Don't Forget...
Always remembering is one of the greatest things we could do!

I just wanted to take a look at my Doozy List to see what I all I can cross off..........


My Doozy List
* get scrappy stuff organized
* clean out old clothes
* have a yard sale
* get rid of old stove in garage
* make a master shopping list
* make a two week menu
* make birthday and anniversary cards more often
*discover desire to read Bible more often
* have Bible Study at my house
* have a scrapbooking crop with friends
* numerically order fav websites/see if I can delete one.
*keep nails done
*start gym/workout
*start tanning
*clean out car
* buy frames for all pictures and hang them
*read Simplify
*make laundry detergent
*keep up with laundry...one load a day!
*start planning Lyla's birthday
* make appt with "woman" dr
*clean off computer desk
* go through files and declutter
*make recipe binder
*finish control journal
* make cupon binder
*make a will
* make final decisions on kitchen, bedroom, scrappy room design
*scrap more often
*learn to quilt
*buy wood to make more country signs

NOT BAD!!

Good Read.

Just found a great new post over at At The Well...
All about some qualities to teach our children..and maybe ourselves too!
http://www.titus2atthewell.com/kids-true-greatness

I bought a new car today!

Yes...this is my new car!

I am so extremely happy!!

I needed a new car. The car I was driving was the car I got in the 10th grade. It was a 2000 Mustang...and I loved it...but with a one year old..we were out growing it and it was about in a wheelchair! Poor thing. So we went and got a new one.

Money is going to be tight for a few months because we still have a couple more payments left on Gregg's truck...but once we get his truck paid off it will be smooth sailing.

Anyway..this car is a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. I did not think for the life of me that I would like it..but I do and I am so happy!!

Tuesday Anti-Procrastination Day

I admit...I need help!

I hate doing laundry!

I hate it! I need a support group!

I would rather run a mile than do a load of laundry.

I am currently talking my husband into letting me take it to the cleaners...but he seems to think that since I work part time now that I should have enough time to keep up with it! Why does it seem like everyone in this house changes clothes 5 times a day??? What are they doing?

So today for Anti-procrastination...I folded laundry. Not just one load..or two..but three! Three loads!! They are folded very neat and pretty....on my couch! ha ha
Now I have to go put them up! whew!

Universal Closet

Have you noticed that I am doing my nightly blog reading?

I need to be doing laundry or something productive..but I will jump up when I hear hubby pull up...and look busy!! LOL!!

Another blog I stalk all the time is At the Well: In Pursuit of Titus 2. This is another great blog with great information about everything. Everyday they have a different topic that Godly women write about.

Today the topic was about your home.....and how to manage a home.
And there was routines, chore charts, etc..but one thing at the very end of her list was a universal closet.
Ever heard of that?

That is one awesome idea...no more going from room to room to hang up clothes....woohoo!!

Have a great day!

My Doozy List

First of all ...let me tell you that I have a fetish with New Nostalgia's blog...It is a great blog! Nothing to be worried about..but I can't help but go check and see if anything is new over there.



I know every Tuesday is Anti Procrastination Tuesday ..so if you have a ToDo list...go over there and link up so we can all tackle our lists together.



I have watched and watched ladies just have at thier Doozy Lists...and really getting things done!



So I have decided to make my own Doozy List...and see what happens! I am sure it will grow as the days go on and I have time to think...



My Doozy List
* get scrappy stuff organized
* clean out old clothes
* have a yard sale
* get rid of old stove in garage
* make a master shopping list
* make a two week menu
* make birthday and anniversary cards more often
*discover desire to read Bible more often
* have Bible Study at my house
* have a scrapbooking crop with friends
* numerically order fav websites/see if I can delete one.
*keep nails done
*start gym/workout
*start tanning
*clean out car
* buy frames for all pictures and hang them
*read Simplify
*make laundry detergent
*keep up with laundry...one load a day!
*start planning Lyla's birthday
* make appt with "woman" dr
*clean off computer desk
* go through files and declutter
*make recipe binder
*finish control journal
* make cupon binder
*make a will
* make final decisions on kitchen, bedroom, scrappy room design
*scrap more often
*learn to quilt
*buy wood to make more country signs


Wow...OK..so I thought my list was going to be really short since I was just thinking of things off the top of my head..but maybe not! OMG! Well maybe it will be better since it is in writing (or typing) and I can physically see what I want to do.

Alrighty............now all that is left to do is link this up to Amy @ New Nostalgia!!

Have a great day!

Simplify

I just wanted to post this really quick...eventhough I don't get many comments so I don't think anyone really reads this blog...but just in case...I wanted to say a big big big thank you to Joshua Becker.

Over at New Nostalgia ...Amy is having a give a way for the Ebook "Simplify" ..it is all about becoming a rational minimalist. Not the stark concrete walls with no carpet flooring...but just not cluttered...that is the rational part!! hee hee!!!

Well I have heard Amy over there talking about this book and how much she loves it...so when I seen she was having the give away I put in every entry I could to win it! Then had my fingers crossed!!! ;)

I was checking my email one day ..clicking the delete button going through all the junk I get now a days for some reason...and came across an email from Joshua Becker...that says my comments over at New Nostalgia caught his eye and he is giving me a complimentary copy of the Ebook "Simplify"

WHAT................ARE YOU KIDDING ME????? HOW EXCITING!!!!
*jumping up and down singing*

WOO HOO!!!

So needless to say I quickly downloaded it and can't wait to get started reading it!!! and putting it into practice!!

So thank you thank you thank you to Joshua Becker!! That was so kind of you and I greatly appreciate it!

From the Back Cover Of The Book "Simply." by Joshua Becker:
Since choosing to simplify his life two years ago, Joshua has encouraged hundreds of thousand of others around the world to pursue minimalism in their life through his blog: www.becomingminimalist.com. As one of today's leading proponents of "rational minimalism," joshua presents 7 principles that will help guide the reader into a practice of simplicity that works for their unique, individual lifestyle. You will enjoy his unique blend of illustrative stories, theoretical principle, and practical application. After all, if this typical family of four living in the suburbs can simplify their life, so can you!

If you are interested in this book...which I highly reccommend.....you can go to this website for a book review.

And here is Joshua's site Becoming Minimalist...not only a great Ebook...but a great blog with wonderful information!!

Have a great day!

Car Shopping

So we got the news the other day that my car is going to be a gonner..soon!!

I drive a 2000 mustang...I love it...I don't want to get rid of it...It was my first car!

But the main something something is cracked and it is making a loud ticking noise....so I gotta go car shopping....

today after work ...gregg and i went and test drove a malibu..i think i kinda liked it!

here is a pic from the inside!


Any of you that have car shopping ideas or tips..please post them...because I have never done this and I know they are going to pull a fast one on me!!!

Back in the ol' days of church...

I just watched an amazing last episode of Grey's Anatomy...I am utterly exhausted but had to come check on my Hotel on Facebook..and of course wanted to see if anyone had updated thier blog. I am really getting into this blog world.

I came across one that I haven't ever been too called No.17 Cherry Tree Lane. The post I read was called Remember When...?
And she had a list of things that she remembered about going to church when she was a child and how things are way different now a days...
I love posts like this because it gets you thinking of how things were back in the ol' days.....

I just wanted to post a few things she had down...so that when I roam back through my posts..I will find this one and smile....





Growing up in church was much different when i was a kid
Kids these days don't experience church the way that I did. At least not in Southern Arkansas.


*Church had pews.
*Church had hymnals. That you actually sang from.
*The "band" was really your pastor playing the drums and two ladies on "vocals" with someone at the piano AND organ.
*Church lasted for more than an hour.
*In the Sunday school classrooms, kids sat and were quiet.
*Adults actually HAD Sunday school.
*I had to go to church every Sunday. Even if I didn't want to (I know! Amazing concept!).
*The "soundman" was the guy that set up the drums and turned on the mics. That's it.
*There were tamborines on every other pew that the congregation played while we sang.
*There were rules set by the pastor and they WERE followed..no questions asked.
*There was no fancy names for events. It was just church, Sunday school, youth group and family BBQ.
*No computers in the offices. Just yellow legal pads.
*We didn't have announcements. You just knew what was going on.
*The pastor didn't use a mic. He didn't need one.
*When you did communion, it was an actual meal and foot washing combined with the bread and the grape juice.
*When summer rolled around and kids camp was happening, EVERYONE in the church participated.
*Youth group meant hanging out in the basement, throwing balls at each other and drinking TANG. And it was cool.
*You didn't fool around during the sermon. EVER.
*There was always a cross hanging in the pulpit.
*Donuts were for the adults only. Don't steal the donuts.
*You sat with your parents in "big church". Not your friends.
*We sang the old hymns.
*The best crafts ever with sand, glitter, paints and glue.
*If a child was smartin' off to an adult, it was perfectly acceptable for another parent to scold him.
*You had respect for church. Dress and stockings EVERY Sunday.
*You weren't late.
*Small pencils lined the pews, next to the comment cards.
*The church office was always open and fun to visit.
*It was your family.

Is all the new stuff going on bad? No..

I wonder though....was it so wrong that we needed to change it all?

It reminds me of a saying I heard not to long ago ....
Sometimes we get so caught up in giving our kids what we didn't have that we forget to give them what we did have.

encourage!

en·cour·age   
–verb (used with object),-aged, -ag·ing.
1.to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence: His coach encouraged him throughout the marathon race to keep on running.
2.to stimulate by assistance, approval, etc.: One of the chief duties of a teacher is to encourage students.
3.to promote, advance, or foster: Poverty often encourages crime.


There is an awesome thing going on over on Cafemom in a group that I joined called Sisters in Spirit where we are taking a commitment to encourage our husbands for 30 days straight!!
They deserve it and need it! I know that here lately I have noticed that when I encourage Gregg or compliment him...it makes him happy...it makes him have a better day...it makes him want to come home and relax and enjoy his time with his family. I'm not going to lie..here lately..it was getting rough between us...I don't know what was going on...well I do..I think Satan had a good hand in it...but with whatever that was happening...when I complimented Gregg or encouraged him...it made things better.

I know that there are times when I am stressed and busy or just plain forget to tell him that I do love him..and that I do appreciate him. When I sit and think about it...he works a full time job...works overtime...takes care of our yard..helps around the house...is a wonderful dad to Lyla...and those are all things that I need to be thankful for that I take for granted and don't show appreciation for! He will do whatever it takes to take care of his family. Even when we are having financial difficulites..he always does what he can to make sure everything is taken care of.

Now I know this isn't going to make our marriage a perfect marriage...no marriage is...and right now we are doing great..but everyone always could use a little encouragment! And I think he deserves it so for the next 30 days...I am laying it on thick!! :)

I really want you to join in and do this with me....I would love to hear everyone's stories and how they are doing that day..and what changes are happening in thier marriage....So leave me a comment...or leave me the link to your blog and I will be happy to read them all!!!

If I figure out how to do that mr linky thing..that would be great!!!

Have a great day!

I figured out my phone...a little!

My husband got me a new phone for mother's day...it is a Blackberry Bold 9000...It is a good phone..and a really good phone if you own a business. ..but I don't. I pretty much use my phone for calling, texting and taking pictures on spur of the moment (which is pretty much all the time with a one year old). So this phone is pretty advanced for me. But today...I figured out how to get pictures off my phone and to my computer by using the USB cord!! Woohoo!! Go me!!

I have been wanting to do a thing called "A week in the life." There is quite a few people that do it and I think it all started over at Ali Edward's blog. You take a million pictures (ok not a million but close) during your week and document what you are doing in your life RIGHT NOW!! I think it is a tremendous idea and I started it one week in April..but didn't finish for some reason...oh yeah..I was trying to graduation stuff together and forgot to take pictures. But you can also keep reciepts from if you go out to eat...just whatever you do that week. I got a journal that I am going to jot down what happened with in that week..some funny things Lyla did or said that I don't want to forget. You know what I'm talking about.

So now that I have figured out my picture transferring on my phone...I am ready for A week in the life at the Brewer's!!

I think I might start it ....Sunday

Sunday we are having our Penecost Drama at church so what a great way to start pictures of the week ..huh? I hope you follow along....and if you haven't already done this....I encourage you to try it....I love looking at pictures..so link them up here!!

I'm not blog saavy ..so the next thing I need to figure out is the whole blog world! Oh goodness!

Alright ..enough for now..I have to go pick up my catergory 6 hurricane from preschool!!

Have a great day!

Give away!!

Over at New Nostalgia...Amy is giving away an Ebook called Simplify! From what I have heard it is a great book that gives you tips and tricks on how to simplify the clutter you have laying around. I know I need it...all the tips and tricks I can get would be helpful because with a one year old..I have a lot of stuff laying around!!!
Anyway..this is her first give a way and she has a great blog that everyone should check daily so let's make it a good one for her...go check out her blog and sign up to win!!!!

Tonight I had our Home Friendship Group over at my house. Home Friendship Group is just a group of people from our church that takes turns meeting at each other's houses for good food and a bible study. It is more of a relaxed environment ..where we can talk and eat and learn something about God without there being the pressure of what to wear to church or hoping the preacher don't call you out as a visitor and make everyone clap for you. I know that is how I felt when I first starting going to church. I just wanted to slip in...and see if I liked it. I didn't want to be adopted and then feel like I have a burden to fulfill..I just wanted to get my feet wet.

So anyway.........

Tonight I did an icebreaker...something to get everyone talking....about being in a plane crash and picking from a list of what you would take to try to survive. It was fun..I never knew Crisco shortening could be so useful!!! But I will now start to carry a little can of Crisco in my purse in case I am ever caught in the event of a plane crash.

Moving on.........

The topic for tonight was a "Friendly Invite" It pretty much just talked about how a friendly invite to church could possibly get that person into church..on fire for God..and that one person you invite could become a preacher or a missionary and save millions of people's lives. You never know what a person's purpose is in life according to God when you invite them to church.

This is one area...I know that I have been lacking in. Tonight I actually invited my friend I used to work with to Friendship Group..but seems like something else always comes up and she can't make it. I wonder if something would happen if she ever gave God a chance to really get ahold of her. She is such a committed person ...that once she grabs a hold of something ..she doesn't let go until she has gotten everything she wants from it. Could you imagine someone like that getting ahold of the Holy Spirit of God and taking off!!???? I would just love to be a spectator of something like that! So since she didn't come this week..I will invite her again next week. But I need to think of more people to invite. So....Lord....lay some people on my heart!

After the bible study we all just sat and talked a little bit about how we got into church...and where we would be if we hadn't found church...and what made us go to our particular church. Some of the stories were pretty amazing...and some were actually a suprise to me....for example ...my mother in law told us that when they were stationed here because my father in law was in the Army..they were fixing to get divorced...papers ready and everything....then they decided to find a church...and my father in law drove right up to our church and said this one is it. And they have been there ever since. But..my father in law isnt completely in church....

and by completely ..I mean ....I know he believes in God..and God heals...but he doesn't fully put himself out there for God to grab a hold of...on the other hand..my mother in law..is all in.

One thing...amongst many more...that I can say about my mother in law is that she is a Godly woman...no matter what is said or what happens...she remians steadfast in her faith! That is an inspiration to me. I know that whatever question I may have or problem that comes up....She is there to answer it or pray with me for an answer!! And that is a tremendous characteristic!!!

I had a good time tonight in Friendship Group and I thank God for everyone that comes and allowing us to have that great fellowship!

Have a blessed day..and watch out for all these storms....we are getting one right now that is calling for egg sized hail!

A stay at home mom's salary

The web site Salary.com reported that .............

“the time mothers spend performing the 10 most popular ‘mom job functions’ would equate to an annual compensation of $117,856 for a stay-at-home mom.”

Wow..that is amazing...and it got me wondering....
I am not a stay at home mom....I work outside my home. So what should I get (sorry ..being selfish at the moment) for working outside the home...and then coming home to do a stay at home mom job.............so I researched and found on salary.com

The “mom jobs” completed by women with outside employment equates to $71,860 on top of their salary. (May 2010)

That means I should be getting paid $189,716 a year!! I know it is taboo to talk about what you get paid at your job..but I can tell you..that is sure ain't close to that!! I think I deserve a raise!

Now the question is...........How do you bring this up to your employer?

Chocolate Syrup recipe! YUM!

Over at New Nostalgia ( I love love love that blog!) ...Amy had a great recipe for Chocolaty syrup. So good that her hubby almost dove in the bowl and licked it clean!
I just made a butter pecan cake with coconut pecan icing mixed in with it..and it would be even more delicious with chocolate syrup drizzled over the top!!
Everything tastes better with chocolate on it!! right?

So I am off to try it and see how it turns out......
here is the reciepe from her blog!

Lee Lee's Famous Chocolate Sauce For Ice Cream
2 min/1 minute prep time

Serves 4-6

1/2 cup sugar (I use whole cane sugar -rapadura)
2 Tablespoon Cocoa
1/8 tsp Salt
1 1/2-2 Tablespoon Butter
1/4 cup water (more or less, as needed to make a stirable consistency)
1/4 tsp vanilla extract (can't beat 100% pure vanilla extract!)

1. Combine sugar, cocoa, and salt in a small saucepan.
2. Add enough water to make stirable consistency.
3. Add butter to cocoa mixture.
4. Bring to a boil over medium high heat, stirring constantly.
5. Allow to boil for 1 minute, stirring.
6. Remove from heat.
7. Add vanilla.
8. Serve warm over ice cream.

Have a great day!

“Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at the end. It’s not a day when you lounge around doing nothing; it’s when you’ve had everything to do, and you’ve done it!”

--Margaret Thatcher

Former prime minister of the U.K.

Saturday's Flight Plan

I follow FlyLady..and I love it! No matter what my house looks like or how many times I fall off the Fly Wagon...she still has encouraging words. I can see to someone who doesn't do this ..how crazy this must sound. But this woman (the real woman) has got a schedule down that if you do a little bit a day then I won't be cleaning like a mad woman every weekend and I will actually get to spend time relaxing with my family. That sounds like a good idea so I tried it. It really does work and I love having little to do's sent to my email to get me up and motivated to do something. I don't really stay on track most of the time..but I am in the process of making my routines a habit. Saturday is supposed to be Family Fun day...but me and Gregg have been lazy and busy all week and have not done alot around the house...but we are planning on doing something family oriented today! We have my sister in law's suprise party to go to for her birthday ( I am going to get her a cute apron!!!) at 3..then it is just "family"!!!!

So today here is my flight list of stuff i need to do:


Saturday's Flight Plan

**Keep yard sale in mind while cleaning.

------ Morning Routine ------
[] shower
[] dress to shoes
[] Hair, Face, Teeth
[] start laundry
[] start breakfast/coffee....heart shaped pancakes
[] sit and eat as a family

-------To Do: -------
[] unload/reload dishwasher
[] update calendar/fridge calendar
[] set out dinner
[] clear off entry bench
[] reboot laundry
[] fold and put away laundry on couch
[] fold and put away lyla's laundry
[] fold and put away dark clothes
[] update blog, CM, FB
[] take out trash
[] hang deer and barn star
[] fix lunch and feed family
[] work on menu planning
[] clean master bedroom nightstands

--------Candace's Surprise Party @ 3:30pm--------

------ Drink Water ------
[] 1
[] 2
[ ] 3
[ ] 4
[ ] 5
[ ] 6
[ ] 7
[ ] 8

------ Do 15 min Everyday 'til Done ------
[ ] sort through clothes for yard sale 15 min
[ ] work on control journal 15 min
------ Before Bedtime Routine ------
[ ] update blog,CM, FB
[] start to do
[ ] pick up living room
[ ] tidy kitchen: new dishcloth, run dishwasher
[ ] clear any hot spots
[ ] lay out church clothes: me and Lyla

------ Get Diaper bag/Purse by the door ------
[ ] Diapers
[ ] sippy cup
[ ] rash cream
[ ] wipes
[ ] snacks
[ ] spoon
[ ] hair ties/comb
[ ] medicine
[ ] extra clothes
------ Almost done! ------
[ ] get ready for bed
[ ] Check your Alarm
[ ] brush teeth
[ ] Go to bed at a decent hour

1 year old + Baby powder = 1 not happy momma!!

So today after work...I ran by and picked up my little bundle of joy who was playing outside on the playground and suprised her with an adorable pink purse with a huge flower on it.
Here lately she has been really interested in my purses and always has to have one..so I got her her own...

Needless to say she loved it...and I even put a pack of gummy bears in there for an extra suprise.

We had to go to Wal Mart and got her some Big Girl Pull Ups so we can get serious about this potty training business because she has been doing really good.
After shopping we came home and I started to gather things to get ready to cook supper.

While I was achieving my wifely duties of cooking supper my Houdini of a daughter somehow got a hold of a bottle of Baby Powder that was on top of her dresser ...out of her reach! and continued to "powder" her room.

Her whole entire room!!!!

Mind you ...I just spent all day yesterday...picking up toys...sorting things out...vacuuming the floor...dusting...etc...

So guess what I did today?

I picked up toys...and washed the powder off them....I dusted again....I wiped off every flat surface in her room because it was white with powder....I vaccuumed again because her carpet was white from powder...

If Child Protective Services ever has to visit me....now is the time to come because Lyla's room is so spotless you could eat off her floor!

So now we have a lesson going in our house that if is not a toy...Lyla does not touch it! Baby Powder is a mess to clean up!!! And I garuntee you tomorrow when I go in there some will have settle from the air and I will have to dust again....

Why wasn't this is...................................................................
hang on...now we have to have a discussion about carrying around my GLASS of water all over the house...

OK...where was I?
oh yea...why wasn't all this in that nice little book I read about What to Expect on becoming a Mommy??? Crappy Book!!
I ought to write my own...the Real Tales of Motherhood!!

Great song over at New Nostalgia

New Nostalgia: "Start Somewhere-By Toby Mac
Last night, everything was movin' so fast
I could barely keep track
Oh, of my offenses or your defenses
In hindsight, I woulda, coulda, shoulda not gone there
But left without a word to spare
Was it your offenses or my defensiveness?

That's got me thinkin' that we're never gonna get it right
I wanna straighten this before the sun goes down tonight
If I could only fight the bitterness I feel inside
This thing is eatin' me alive

Well I'm right here
And you're right there
And God knows we've got to start somewhere
Cause I'm messed up
And you're broken
And those shots we fired are still smokin'

I'm tossin' and turnin' on the things I'd undo
As I wrestle with the painful truth
Oh, my sleep escapes me as guilt berates me
Exhausted, the memories are drawing so near
I can see it like a world premiere
When did my objective lose all objectiveness?

If I need you, and you need me
How can you turn your back and just leave me?
When I'm right here, and you're right there
And God knows we've got to start somewhere

I said some things that I regret
And if I could, I'd take em back
If I could turn my words around
You wouldn't hear a sound

But here I am, and there you are
The space between us is not so far
I'm reaching out my hand in love
Before the fading sun, forgive me for what I've done"

This reminds me so much of me and Gregg right now. We have both said hurtful things and are trying to get over things that we both didnt mean to say to each other. I love this song!!! And I needed to read that. There have been many nights that Gregg and I have stayed up until dawn talking and trying to figure out why we are in the situation we are in. It always comes down to God testing us or Satan trying to test us but either way we have commited to not go to sleep until we settle whatever we are talking about.

Be angry, yet do not sin: do not let the sun go down upon your wrath.
Ephesians 4:26

Thanks Amy...I needed this!

I need to encourage my husband.

So I have been reading and studying on what a wife's duties are and what I should be doing.

Gregg and I have been having some communication problems...with added stress...calls for a no good situation and here lately we have not been happy.
And I know that all of this is not all Gregg's fault because I have seen with my own eyes that when I am having a bad day and I take it out of him...it breaks him. It breaks his spirit..his confindence..and he ends up having a bad day ..which again..does not = a good marriage.

So from here on out I am making a conscious decision to encourage my husband...to edify him...to lift him up and thank him and appreciate him for being him!!!
I do love him..with all my heart! He is a great man and a wonderful father. He would do anything he could for his family. He takes care of us and provides for us...and even works over time to so that we can plan big family trips! He is what I have dreamed of...and I need to remember that.
Sometimes when day to day stuff occurs and minor details get in the way ...I forget to step back and realize that I am living my dream...I have a great husband and a great daughter...two dogs...our own house...a fenced yard...what more could I want...(well a new car would be nice) but anyway....I have a LOT to be thankful for and I don't want to take any of this for granted...

The Results are In....

The doctor just called and told me that the results to Lyla's heart murmur were minor and that we have no reason to worry!!
Praise God!! What a miracle!!

My God can move mountains!! He is a mighty healer!

Technology Break....

Have you ever wondered what you would do if you didn't have the internet?
I have been.
I think if I didn't have Facebook to get on and check on everyone, look at pictures, and play games I would have more time to clean my house and get things organized.
I think if I didn't have CafeMom to get on and check all my groups and discuss topics that I would have more time to plan and cook better meals for my family.
I think if I didn't have so many emails to check I would have more time to play with my daughter.

And to me..all those latter things are a little more important than the internet. So I am thinking about turning it all off for a while. I think if I left it on our bill that I would still get on the internet. It seems like it sucks me in. I don't know how it does it...but once it gets to that point that means that it is becoming addicting and that is not good.
I do not want to idolize anything before my God and I think if I didn't have this computer to run to maybe I will run to my Bible more...which is what I need to be focused on instead of Hotel City at the moment.

We just had a scare with the Dr telling us that Lyla has a heart turbulance in one of her heart valves...and here lately Gregg and I have NOT been getting along..at all...not even for a moment. So instead of wasting time and energy on stuff that will not help my marriage or allow me more time to spend time with my family ..I need to put the internet aside and focus on what makes my life important...my marriage and my daughter!

God has been pulling and pushing me and I have been very confused with what I am supposed to do ..where I'm supposed to be...and what I need to be teaching Lyla. See...When I was little I chose to go to a Baptist church..
Honestly the reason I went there was because I was 11 and all my friends did...plus I lived in a town of 200 people so Baptist was pretty much your only option. But now that I have met my husband I have met a new church family. They are United Penecostal...major difference than Baptist. Some things I can see where they are coming from...others I don't...and instead of playing Facebook games ..I need to be digging into the Bible and seeing what I think the Lord is saying about those things that I am confused about.
I need to be still............and listen............to God.
and with the internet all ready and waiting for me to have fun..it is hard to just be STILL.

So I think I need to get rid of that temptation altogether and see what God teaches me through this.
I'm going to talk to my husband about it...because it seems like you can't do anything now a days without the internet.
I connect with family members over Facebook.....what happened to calling and seeing how you were doing? I look up phone numbers on yellowpages.com...what happened to using a good ol' phone book? It is crazy to me as I sit here and think of how dependant I am on the internet.

Well those of you that read this...pray for me...and pray that I get what I need from this journey and when I feel like I can handle myself, my family, and my house....and want the internet as a treat every once in a while...I will sure get on and post something to let you all know how it is going.

My last FINAL!!

Tonight is my last night of college at CASC!! I will take my last final and never step foot back on that campus! I am so happy that I am done! for a while.........I am going to go back and get my Bachelors Degree but not a CASC since they are only a 2 year school. It has been a great and tiring time in my life..but I have to say I know that all this hard work is going to pay off. I have to be completely and utterly gracious and thankful to my mom and step dad for watching my daughter through this whole journey because if hadn't been for them I would have never been able to finish school. Woo hoo..off to study!!

Severe Weather

Lyla and I just got back from my mom's house because we were watching the bad weather! If we ever think there is going to be a bad storm we always go to mom's. She has a basement and plus Gregg works Second shift so it is just me and Lyla here and they can help me if there is a bad storm. And because we would all be together.
I always think of the worst during bad storms and we live right smack in the middle of tornado alley..so it is always a possibility!
But tonight thanks to God they split up before they got to our area...and we are just fine!

I am a college Graduate!!

So here are a few pictures that my mom jumped over a few people to get!

It was a great night. I am the only person in both sides of my family to ever graduate from college so it was a special night for us. It is only an Associates Degree which means I have two more years to go for the REAL degree but it is a start and my mom and dad was extremely proud! So I was happy to make them happy!