Imperfections

I try to be as real as possible here. I mean I don't tell absolute every single thing, but for the most part I do. I mean you have to keep some things in life private. It's always nice to have an outlet to share my thoughts and get a little feedback (perspective) every now and then. Even when you don't comment. I still know your reading my blog, Mr. Mike! : ) Yes, our Sunday School teacher now knows that I have small "ta-tas!!" Don't be embarrassed. I wasn't.

I think we all have a fair share of issues whether it's work/school/friends/family/husband, wife related. We all have problems. No. One. Is. Perfect. You make think "Jack&Jill" have the perfect little life nice house, brand new car, wonderful job, all the latest styles, and I could go on and on...but at the end of the day behind closed doors you don't see the hurt and sadness. A new car, a new outfit, money, none of that can buy someone true happiness. Those are just things. Voids in life. We can only find true happiness with Jesus and having a personal relationship with him. I know, I know....it sounds so cliche', but it's true!

Just when you think you are a loser and you'll never be anything or stuff never works in your favor. God always shows up and shows out. I don't know how many times I have thought these things and then something will happen and all the "problems" seem to disappear.

I am not trying to be preachy, but when you give him your ALL he will show you his favor. I know that I am not perfect. By no means. I don't have the perfect marriage. I don't have the perfect house, clothes, job or family but with Him I am made perfect!

Tonight I had a small epiphany in my little ol' life while talking to Amanda, my BFF since 7th grade! : ) Our usual conversation while I drive home from worked turned into to an almost 3 hour phone call. No, I don't work that far away from home! Less than an hour.

I am so thankful and blessed to have friends that love me no matter what. I know that they are always there for me when I need them and I hope they know the same!

She sent me a link to this video that they just done at their church, which sounds awesome by the way. So grab a tissue (for real) and watch it. God will really show you somethings.


He is still at work. We only have to let him in and allow him to work on us.


Click here for the video.

Birthday Pictures

These are so not in order & I really don't feel like messing with them. I am just glad I finally have them posted. Well-most of them, anyway.

She loved the outfit. Thank you Ms. Carmen!

Aunt Sarah writing a little note to Olivia. This is the frame I had made at Hobby Lobby. I love it!

I displayed pictures of Olivia from my pregnancy, sonar and one picture for every month.

Her high chair.

The picture.

The cakes. Yum!

Paige&Olivia - BFF : )

Strange Occurrence

After Olivia was born and my mom went through printing pictures she took of the delivery and all the family & friends taking turns holding Olivia. She came across the picture on the left. Me, Chad & Olivia just posing for a picture. She then remember a very similar picture of her, my dad and me when I was born. When she brought over her copies of pictures she had her picture on the very top and then the one of me and Chad.

I couldn't believe that it was almost the exact picture. What's even weirder is that my dad and Chad are not big into wearing ball caps. So the fact that they are both wearing a hat is strange in itself.

I think this is a great testament to our family. Having parents that are still together and going strong is a pretty rare occurrence these days. I am so thankful for the foundation my parents have laid for me. Having a child really shows you me just how much they really love and care for me.

I have close to 300 pictures from the big birthday party. Which means it will take me awhile to put a few on here and anywhere else. Hopefully she won't be 2 before I get them printed! : D I think that has to be the worst thing about a digital camera. Most of the pictures I take I just save to my computer. I need to get with it about getting pictures printed and put into albums! If only there were enough hours in the day...

For now I will post one picture. A little teaser, if you will.

Olivia & friends gathered round to open gifts.

Olivia LOVES her new chair. I am so glad that we got it. It should last her a long time.

365 days...

A year ago today at 9:19pm our life changed forever!

I will be honest, I had a lot of mixed emotions about being a mom. I didn't know if I could really handle it. I am not a huge fan of kids. They some time annoy me. I love the baby/toddler stage then it pretty much just kind of down hill from there. I mean it wasn't an absolute hate or anything like that. It's just some kids would just "touch a nerve."

I always knew I wanted to be a mother, but was a little worried about how I would handle it. I was nervous. Could I really love someone at an instance?

The instance I layed my eyes on her it was love. Just to think that God blessed me & Chad with such a precious gift that we are so undeserving of is lots and lots of love in itself. The blog world has really opened my eyes to how blessed we are and how much we take for granted.

This past year has went by so quickly. It seems like just yesterday I was getting married and now I have a One Year old...it's crazy how fast time goes by. Especially when your an adult. : )

When I think of Olivia she just melts my heart. She is the sweetest, most loving, outgoing, funniest little girl. She has been the best baby ever! I hope & pray she is not just tricking us into another baby! ; )

She is the beat in our step and the light of our lives. I don't know what we would do without her or what we ever did before her!

I LOVE YOU BABY GIRL!!

PS-The birthday party was great! Everything turned out wonderful, but it was a lot of work! I will post pictures soon!

Weekly Writing Assignment: Favorite Things

In this week's weekly writing assignment at Mama Kat's one of the prompts was to list your favorite things IF you were to have a giveaway. My list of course is totally random, but that's how I roll! : ) These will be in no particular order.

Vera Bradley Wristlet.

I have this exact wristlet & love it! A lot of times I carry this instead of a purse. It's great for the diaper bag too!

Cover Girl's Aqua Smoother Tinted Moisturizer.

I just discovered this product a few weeks ago when I decided to start a skin care regimen. I have vowed to start washing my face every night and start using moisturizer (no I don't wear this at night) but this is great! It has just enough coverage and lasts all day!

A pair of pearl earrings.

I wear pearl earrings every. single. day. I feel naked without them. I am trying to break out a little and try "dangley" earrings but I will never phase the pearls out! Every girl needs a pair!

A Tide Bra Bag.

Not to long ago I had a bra fitting which brought me to the sad conclusion that I have small "ta-tas" : )

I mean...I already knew, but this time I had someone tell me and that I was also wearing the wrong bra size!

I also learned that I needed a lingerie bag. And Tide makes a pretty good one for under 10$.

No more wires poking out for me!

Sally Henson's Nail Pen

I am not one to paint my nails. I think it looks good on other people, but not me. I can never just paint my nails and not get polish on the sides of my skin. A girl in my office told me about these pens and when I was in the lovely WalMart this week I picked one up.

I went with the light pink color on the end.

It was a hit!!

Maybe I will be brave and try the bright red color this fall.

Lastly, a pair of Yellow Box sandals

I love Yellow Box!

I think I own at least 20 pair of their flip flops & sandals. They are so comfortable, affordable and stylish. They go with everything.

Everyone needs at least one pair.

So there you have it! A few of my favorite things. Too bad it isn't real. Maybe one day...

Because I want to...

post just a picture

Love it!!

Thank you Megan!!

A New Look

Do you notice anything different? Well, if you have stopped by before you will have noticed that I got a blog makeover! I have been playing around with the idea for awhile now, but didn't really want to spend a crazy amount of money on my blog. It's not like I am making money with this. This is just an easier way for me to keep up with our day to day life, all the fun things Olivia is into and whatever else crosses my mind. : )

When I saw that Leslie was having a blog makeover giveaway I jumped on the chance to enter and surprisingly won!! I think she did a great job especially working with me and even better she is from AL!! If you are interested in a makeover you should take a look at her custom blog design site.


In other news. We had a great weekend getaway to the beach. We went with 3 other couples and had lots of fun. The weather was nice Friday but overcast Saturday & Sunday. Is it just me or does everyone else think you can still work on your tan even if it is overcast? My brain just can't wrap around that. If the sun is not beating down on me and I sweating up a storm I don't feel like I am getting a tan.


This weekend is Olivia's 1st Birthday party! I have had 2 dreams about the party this week. Both dreams involve me not being there or not making it in time! : ( What's up with that?!?

Tonight me & my mom are going to pick up one of her gifts.

Her very own chair! I think these chairs are the cutest thing ever and have wanted one before I was even pregnant! :D

I have everything just about ready for Saturday. Just a few small last minute things left. I still haven't decided on party favors. Does anyone have any ideas other than candy bags? I want to do something cute and simple.

The Line Up

Dancing with the Stars has become one of my tv favorites. A lot of nights I don't get to watch much tv, but now that we have DVR I won't miss a show!!

The stars have been announced and I think it's going to be an interesting season. Here are a few of my favorites.

Melissa Joan Hart

I have always like Melissa J. Hart ever since Sabrina the Teenage Witch. I hope she does well.

Kelly Osbourne

I am interested to see how she does with some of the dances. I have always kind of liked her.

Mya

I haven't seen anything about her in awhile. I think she is gorgeous!

&

Chuch Liddell

Now maybe Chad won't complain so much since there is someone he likes in the line up!

What do you think about the stars this year? Who are your favorites? I was somewhat surprised to see a politician (Tom DeLay) in the line up & there were a few celebs that I don't know.

Weekend Getaway

We are all packed and ready to go. Just waiting on one more couple to get here and then we are off to the beach for the weekend! We are headed down to Gulf Shores to a friend's condo. Can we say FREE!! : D

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

Weekly Writing Assignment

In this weeks assignment one of the prompts is to list 10 things you would say to ten different people in your life if you had the hutzpah.

Don't assume to know who is who. You might be surprised. The point is to say whatever it is you feel you need to say. It might be something you tell this person all the time, or it might be something you don't have the guts to tell them. You can be insanely obvious or mysteriously vague.

I really hesitated with posting this. Some are good and some are bad. All are the truth. No gossip. No real bad mouthing. Just REAL. Some of the stuff sounds really bad, but I think it's only bad if you don't know the whole situation. And well I think these thoughts already so isn't that just as bad too? Anyway, I am not perfect by any means. I fail Him daily. I don't read my Bible like I should. I don't pray as often. I don't witness enough. But I don't claim to be a Christian and then get drunk on Saturday and walk into church on Sunday. I know that Sin is SIN. I just think that there has to be some difference there? I could be totally wrong and if I am, so be it.


I do know this: If I died today, I know that there is a place waiting for me in Heaven.

Whether you think Heaven is real or not. I would rather live my life knowing that Heaven was real and long for that place than to live like it wasn't and suffer the consequences.

What do you have to loose?

After further thought...I am going to continue with the 10 things below. I am going to earnestly pray about and for each person (the ones with negative thoughts) maybe this will open a door and give me the courage and strength to talk to them.




1. I hope you know that I love you. I know that you sometimes think that I don't, but I do. I want the very best for you. You are beautiful, smart and talented. Don't focus on what everyone else is doing or whether or not you have a boyfriend. Those so called "popular people" don't know anything and deep down they probably want what you have. Don't get distracted or discouraged by the things in this world. God has the perfect person waiting for you and when you find each other it will be wonderful! Keep doing what your doing. Focus on YOU and school and everything else will fall into place. I am always here for you no matter what the circumstance. I Love You!!


2. I don't get you. You are so confusing and misleading. You are either hot or cold. There is no luke warm. You can't be one way around me or "certain people" and then another way around those other people. What happened to your convictions? What happened to your walk? No judging here...just callin' it straight. We all see the pictures on those "social networking" sites. Either be real or don't be at all.


3. I don't think I could ever say or do anything to thank you for all the times you have been there for me & now my family. You have bended over backwards for me and always gave me the very best. Thank you for showing me the ways of live. Thank you for raising me a godly and christian atmosphere. Thank you for EVERYTHING!!
I Love You!!


4. You. Are. A. Big. Joke. And you put it all out there for everyone to read, see and talk about. You have not-a-clue. Grow up, please.


5. You drive me insane sometimes most the time. You really don't know how much you stress me out. Why do you have to be so rude and inconsiderate? I don't treat you that way. I don't talk to you that you talk to me. I do EVERYTHING for you with a smile on my face. I think I am the only one that knows the "real you." One day when I am long gone, you will appreciate me.


6. Thank you! Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for listening and talking to me. Thank you for praying for me. I know that I can always count on you. No matter what. It doesn't matter what the circumstance you are always faithful. I know that God is going to reward you for your faithfulness. He has already blessed you with so much.
I am so happy that you are a part of my life. I wish we could have met a lot sooner.


7. Why are you so distant? You are always welcome in our home. I feel like you don't really want to be apart. You rattle my nerves sometimes with your habits. You need to soften up a little. It's okay to show emotion.


8. I know your secrets. I know your lies. I am not stupid. How come you want to be in everyones business, but one it comes to your own it's a whole different story? Stop being so noisy. Stop acting like you know everything. You don't. You are so ignorant and you will probably never change. It's really sad that your family is the way it is, but it's your own fault. You made them that way. You pushed them away. When are you going to see that? You need to wipe the sleep from your eyes and realize what you have done and make some changes. Quick!


9. Sometimes I wonder about your honesty and how much I can tell you. Are you being real with me? I am real with you...


10. I know that you have a problem. It's not a secret. We have seen you there. Several times. I know that you don't have a job. Stop saying that you do. What's going on? Why have you closed everyone off? You have to be miserable. You don't do anything. You don't go anywhere. You don't have friends. You don't work. You don't even hardly go outside. I am really worried about you. What can I do to help?




Now head over to Mama Kats for more!

Growing Up...

Singing me a song.

And she's out. The car always puts her to sleep.

We were chit chatting.

She's growing way too fast.

Little toesies.

Help!! My little girl is growing up way to fast!

These pictures (when posted) don't have the same quality. They aren't as clear. Any guesses as to why?

Tha' Funk

I feel like I am in a funk right now. I am calling it out. I know that I am. The bad thing is I don't even really know why. I am just kind of blah.... I am sure I am not the only one who goes through a funk. I just don't feel like dealing with stuff. I just want to be. Whatever.
I feel like I am at this stage in my life where I need to make some changes.

No. No. No...not bad changes. Just an "enhanced" version of me.
Like maybe care a little bit more about my appearance. I have never been a sloucher, but I think I could step it up a little bit. Maybe step outside my norm.

Work on my time management skills. This is a HUGE change that I need to make ASAP. I have really bad issues with being on time. Seriously, Mr would probably like to strangle me if I am late one more time for church. It's not good. And ya know the bad thing? I hate to be late. Is that the stupidest thing you have heard today? If it is. So be it...at least I own up to it. : D

I would like to know if I am the only one who struggles with being on time. I think it's because I try to do to many other things while trying to get ready. Like load or unload the dishwasher. Put a load of clothes on to wash. Put a load in the dryer. Pick up toys in the living room. Take the garbage to the road.

While working on my time management skills I need to work on my organizational skills. I am not all over the place, but things could be better. Like having my clothes laid out and ironed before going to bed. Having Olivia's things packed and ready to go. Not rushing around doing those things in the mornings.


It's time I get a hold of myself and get with it! : D

First Haircut

Olivia had her first hair cut thought it was just last weekend, but it has already been 2 week (August 1st). Sometimes my weeks feel like one day or something. Time just gets by me way to fast! My new hairstylist, who I love, cut Olivia's hair. It wasn't drastic. Just a little trim and to shape up the back a little. I am very happy with the way it turned out.

She also had her first sucker to keep her preoccupied.

Sweetness

Allie Beth & Emma Claire

Brianna did a wonderful job keeping those babies in there as long as possible. She was 36 weeks the day she delivered (which was also my guess in the day she would have them). The girls are doing wonderful and haven't had any issues and will leave the hospital with the proud mom&dad! I am so excited for them. I know there will be lots and lots of fun times ahead!

Allie Beth

5lbs 7oz 18 inches long


&

Emma Claire

6lbs 4oz 19 inches long

They are perfect.

Emma&Allie

The happy family.

The nurse was being a little obsessive about keeping the girls warm so that is why you basically can't see them.

Doesn't Bri look great?!?

Congratulations!!!!

Amen!!!

I love, love, love e-mail and just mail in general and it sometimes annoys me when people don't email. I seriously check it at least ten times a day! That being said I am not a huge fan of forwards. I will look over them, but if something doesn't catch my eye I am quick to click delete. My aunt just sent me an email that caught my eye and figured it was post worthy! I did verify the information through snopes. If you haven't heard of snopes. It's a website that will verify information circulated through the world wide web. 

 

This article is some what lengthy be a good read.

 

 

 

 

Thought you might enjoy this interesting
prayer given in Kansas at
the opening session of their Senate. It seems
prayer still upsets some
people.. When Minister Joe Wright was asked to open
the new session of the Kansas Senate, everyone was expecting the usual  generalities, but this is

what they heard:  

Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask
your forgiveness and to seek your direction and  
guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those  
who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we
have done.  

We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed
our values.

We have exploited the poor and called it
the lottery.  

We have rewarded laziness and called it
welfare.

We have killed our unborn and called  it
choice.  

We have shot abortionists and called  it
justifiable.  

We have neglected to discipline our
children and called it building self esteem.

We have abused power and called it  
politics.  

We have coveted our neighbor's possessions
and called it ambition.  

We have polluted the air with profanity and
pornography and called it freedom of expression.  

We have ridiculed the time-honored values
of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.  

Search  us, Oh, God, and know our hearts
today;  cleanse us from every sin and set us free.  
Amen!  


The response was immediate. A number of
legislators walked out during the prayer in
protest. In 6 short weeks, Central Christian
Church,  where Rev. Wright is pastor, logged more than
5,000 phone calls with only 47 of those calls
responding negatively. The church is now receiving
international requests for copies of this prayer
from India , Africa and Korea  

Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on
his radio program, 'The Rest of the Story,'and
received a larger response to this program than any  
other he has ever aired.  


With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep
over our nation and wholeheartedly become our
desire so that we again can be called 'one nation
under God.'  

 

 

AMEN!!!

Huge giveaway

I ♥ Faces is having a huge giveaway. You can enter for a chance to win a...drum roll please.

A Tamron 18-270mm VC

The world's first & only 15x zoom lens!!!!

Vauled at $629!!

Head over to I ♥ Faces for your chance to win!

Headed to the hospital

Brianna is having the girls today!! I am beyond excited for her and Eric. I know they will be wonderful parents. Keep them in your prayers today.

Yay!! Olivia will have two new friends today!!

2 Steppin'

This little girl has a BIG personality...

Five Fingers

When we were at the beach in June we saw a man wearing what looked to be socks. After taking a double look realized he was wearing some sort of weird shoe. They almost looked like footies or toe socks. Not shoes. The guy was wear FiveFingerShoes. He said they were the absolute best thing ever. Felt like you are just walking around barefoot but with a little more comfort and support.

I think they are crazy. Chad loved them. He really does have a thing for shoes and he loves to be different. : D

He hasn't really talked about them a whole lot since then, but last night on our little shopping trip he mentioned going to look at a pair.

And ended up buying them.

Yes, that's my husband!!

He even wore them to church this morning. And as I type he is still wearing them while laying in the recliner half asleep.