Funny enough, even though I've been blogging daily I still haven't posted all my Christmas pictures. Truthfully, I've felt deflated the last couple weeks. Billy has been incredibly supportive as my analyzing nature has worked overdrive with the circumstances that happened earlier in the month. Note to self: It just is what it is and I need to get let it go. I can't control or change Papa passing or losing a second opportunity to adopt a child. While my heart is heavy with the losses I just have to keep moving forward. I cry a bit every day, dry myself off and go live out my day. I did enjoy Christmas, spending time with family and seeing the looks on people's faces with the gifts we gave them. I've also enjoyed playing with my new 'toys' as well. I think right now I need to focus on moving forward knowing I'm not carrying disappointments alone. Something in my thinking is just frumpy right now for lack of a better phrase. It's not the first thing that hasn't gone my way in my life. I'm sure it won't be the last. Some are harder to shake off than others. As much as I try to, as I said the other day in bible class, "plan but not hold too tightly leaving room for God's timing and plans" I still find myself comparing and measuring against some pre-set standard in my own head. God will continue to grow, mature and teach us through both joys as well as the sorrows. My comfort is the God of all power never leaves me. The next time I get panicked over something happening to Billy driving in the ice I have to remember God is there in control. Even if he is next, God will never leave me. Did I mention moving forward is hard right now? All right, I've allowed myself my ten minutes (an idea from Amy w, thank you) and then some to think about it for today. While I don't make resolutions, I do see a new year before us with God's love and plans for the future. Today is a short work day followed by an evening filled with good friends celebrating the new year.
I've successfully completed my December Daily, not always original material but I did it :-) Thank you Kim M. for the push to do something different here. MY New Year's gift to my readers here is I shall go back to my previous interval of entries as I'm inspired to do so. If you're interested in getting the emails for the Daily Bible Reading program I've posted this last year, they are starting fresh tomorrow. Pick your program and start getting your emails of God's word daily :-) http://internet.prestoncrest.org/bible-reading-program. Program 1 is only Old & New Testament. I did program 2 which was Old, New Testament and Gospel in 2008, so for 2009 it will be program 3: Daily scripture focusing on:Love of God’s Word (Psalm 119); Old Testament Passage; Suffering & Love (Job, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs); Psalm; Proverbs; Gospels; Early Church (Acts); New Testament Passage; Leadership (1,2 Timothy, Titus) It's quite a bit more scripture which sounds like a challenge :-)
Our Anniversary
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
12 Ways To Have An Unhappy Marriage In 2009
I read something that I want to pass on to others. Even if none of this is new to you, something to put on the front burner of your mind and apply. Courtesy of http://www.simplemarriage.net/ by Dr. Corey Allen.
If you go to your local Barnes and Noble, or whatever bookstore you frequent, usually somewhere in the middle of the store you can find a relationships and marriage section. This area is often filled with everything from Saving Your Marriage Before it Starts to How to Improve Your Marriage Without Talking About It. With all the information out there regarding how to have a successful marriage, what makes the principles so hard to incorporate and apply? Granted, marriage is not so easy that there is a definitive formula that everyone can follow to discover a marriage out of this world. It still requires work and there will still be struggles. A lasting marriage can be attained and it’s simpler than you think. Beyond the idea of simply creating a marriage that lasts there is the joy and pleasure a marriage fully alive can provide for both participants. There are no actual steps that everyone can follow to an extremely happy marriage, but there are some sure fire ways to create an unhappy marriage.
1. Complain. Complaining is like a rocking chair. It feels comfortable and you feel like your getting something done by rocking, but you don’t go anywhere. To break this, try the 21 day complaint free marriage experiment.
2. Have a cluttered home. Nothing will add to the stress level of a marriage like a cluttered home. It’s disorganized and often chaotic. Simplify the things in your house. Put things away or get rid of it if you don’t use it. Your marriage will improve as will your own well being.
3. Complicate things. Many people fall victim to the dreaded over-thinking things. Most things in life are not all that complicated. Break everything down into two choices. Then make a decision and go with it. (Lori: Me sooooo guilty!!)
4. Have a busy schedule. Work, kids, school, friends, family, housework, social activities, travel, and on it goes. We seem to cram as many things into life as we possibly can. Then we don’t enjoy the things we are committed to because we worry about the next thing on our list. Slow down. Prioritize your commitments. Do less.
5. Be too close to each other. Every relationship begins with the desire to be as close as possible. You think about them all the time. You scheme ways to be together. As the relationship progresses, most couples remain too close, although you don’t realize it. You border on being smothered by your spouse. Unable to chart your own way in life. While this seems like it is based on love and care, it often is a reaction to the importance level your spouse assumes in life. You become fearful of being too independent based on how your spouse may react. Many married couples are emotional siamese twins, joined at the emotional hip. One of them will often be offended when the other simply wants to go to the other room to get a glass of water.
6. Spend no time alone. Just because you are married does not mean you have ceased to exist as an individual. Life is still going on and your dreams still play an important role in your life. There is nothing wrong with being apart at times in order to go out with friends. This is more than being apart to take care of career tasks. This is being apart to do things you love and enjoy.
7. Be each others only friends. Similar to spending no time alone, don’t be each others only outlet for friendship. You already play too many roles with each other in marriage. Save some things for other people to fulfill.
8. Be overly-controlling. Humans have a major weakness in that we think we can control the things around us. Including other humans. Often this comes across as manipulative. Give your spouse the respect another human deserves and let them handle their own choices. Not only is this a respectful way to do marriage, it’s the foundation for getting more out of marriage.
9. Triangulate your children. Pardon me while I use psychobabble for a moment. In families, whenever a need or desire is not met by one of the members, we often will recruit another member to fulfill it. For example, you don’t get all the attention you wish from your spouse so you dive into your kid’s world. This puts a tremendous amount of pressure on the child. It requires them to become adults too fast. Let your children be children. Keep the marriage between you and your spouse.
10. Don’t exercise. Regardless what science and the medical world tell you, your body is the only one you are going to have. Take care of it. A healthy body creates a healthier marriage. Take care of your physical health and you will get more out of life.
11. Eat only from the drive-thru. Just like taking care of the outside of your body, you need to care for your insides as well. This doesn’t mean go on an immediate diet. Just watch what you eat. Pick healthy items. Or better yet, cook at home with your spouse. It gives you more time together. And you will live longer together.
12. Dive into the media. It is easy to get lost in TV, video games, the Internet, even books and talk shows. When you get right down to it, none of these are reality. Even reality shows aren’t reality. Get involved with those around you. Go on a media fast for a day, week, month. See if that doesn’t provide a spark for your relationships.
If you go to your local Barnes and Noble, or whatever bookstore you frequent, usually somewhere in the middle of the store you can find a relationships and marriage section. This area is often filled with everything from Saving Your Marriage Before it Starts to How to Improve Your Marriage Without Talking About It. With all the information out there regarding how to have a successful marriage, what makes the principles so hard to incorporate and apply? Granted, marriage is not so easy that there is a definitive formula that everyone can follow to discover a marriage out of this world. It still requires work and there will still be struggles. A lasting marriage can be attained and it’s simpler than you think. Beyond the idea of simply creating a marriage that lasts there is the joy and pleasure a marriage fully alive can provide for both participants. There are no actual steps that everyone can follow to an extremely happy marriage, but there are some sure fire ways to create an unhappy marriage.
1. Complain. Complaining is like a rocking chair. It feels comfortable and you feel like your getting something done by rocking, but you don’t go anywhere. To break this, try the 21 day complaint free marriage experiment.
2. Have a cluttered home. Nothing will add to the stress level of a marriage like a cluttered home. It’s disorganized and often chaotic. Simplify the things in your house. Put things away or get rid of it if you don’t use it. Your marriage will improve as will your own well being.
3. Complicate things. Many people fall victim to the dreaded over-thinking things. Most things in life are not all that complicated. Break everything down into two choices. Then make a decision and go with it. (Lori: Me sooooo guilty!!)
4. Have a busy schedule. Work, kids, school, friends, family, housework, social activities, travel, and on it goes. We seem to cram as many things into life as we possibly can. Then we don’t enjoy the things we are committed to because we worry about the next thing on our list. Slow down. Prioritize your commitments. Do less.
5. Be too close to each other. Every relationship begins with the desire to be as close as possible. You think about them all the time. You scheme ways to be together. As the relationship progresses, most couples remain too close, although you don’t realize it. You border on being smothered by your spouse. Unable to chart your own way in life. While this seems like it is based on love and care, it often is a reaction to the importance level your spouse assumes in life. You become fearful of being too independent based on how your spouse may react. Many married couples are emotional siamese twins, joined at the emotional hip. One of them will often be offended when the other simply wants to go to the other room to get a glass of water.
6. Spend no time alone. Just because you are married does not mean you have ceased to exist as an individual. Life is still going on and your dreams still play an important role in your life. There is nothing wrong with being apart at times in order to go out with friends. This is more than being apart to take care of career tasks. This is being apart to do things you love and enjoy.
7. Be each others only friends. Similar to spending no time alone, don’t be each others only outlet for friendship. You already play too many roles with each other in marriage. Save some things for other people to fulfill.
8. Be overly-controlling. Humans have a major weakness in that we think we can control the things around us. Including other humans. Often this comes across as manipulative. Give your spouse the respect another human deserves and let them handle their own choices. Not only is this a respectful way to do marriage, it’s the foundation for getting more out of marriage.
9. Triangulate your children. Pardon me while I use psychobabble for a moment. In families, whenever a need or desire is not met by one of the members, we often will recruit another member to fulfill it. For example, you don’t get all the attention you wish from your spouse so you dive into your kid’s world. This puts a tremendous amount of pressure on the child. It requires them to become adults too fast. Let your children be children. Keep the marriage between you and your spouse.
10. Don’t exercise. Regardless what science and the medical world tell you, your body is the only one you are going to have. Take care of it. A healthy body creates a healthier marriage. Take care of your physical health and you will get more out of life.
11. Eat only from the drive-thru. Just like taking care of the outside of your body, you need to care for your insides as well. This doesn’t mean go on an immediate diet. Just watch what you eat. Pick healthy items. Or better yet, cook at home with your spouse. It gives you more time together. And you will live longer together.
12. Dive into the media. It is easy to get lost in TV, video games, the Internet, even books and talk shows. When you get right down to it, none of these are reality. Even reality shows aren’t reality. Get involved with those around you. Go on a media fast for a day, week, month. See if that doesn’t provide a spark for your relationships.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Gifts
Tonight, I hope to get the first full night's sleep since the 15th. So, this entry is short and sweet with just a couple of Christmas present pics from my hubby and family to preserve here. As of tonight, I have used all of my new fun kitchen gadgets. I'm so excited to have more means to make gluten free foods from home.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Inspiration
As my mind continues to process the loss over the last couple of months, my comfort for today is Isaiah 61
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners, [a]
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners, [a]
to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations.
Aliens will shepherd your flocks;
foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.
And you will be called priests of the LORD,
you will be named ministers of our God.
You will feed on the wealth of nations,
and in their riches you will boast.
Instead of their shame
my people will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace
they will rejoice in their inheritance;
and so they will inherit a double portion in their land,
and everlasting joy will be theirs.
"For I, the LORD, love justice;
I hate robbery and iniquity.
In my faithfulness I will reward them
and make an everlasting covenant with them.
Their descendants will be known among the nations
and their offspring among the peoples.
All who see them will acknowledge
that they are a people the LORD has blessed."
I delight greatly in the LORD;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
For as the soil makes the sprout come up
and a garden causes seeds to grow,
so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise
spring up before all nations.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Christmas with the Turnbows
Billy's parents, aunt and cousin pulled in to the metroplex about 4 on Christmas Day staying through Monday morning. With the extended relatives in, we also see more of Billy's brother Mike, Teresa- SIL, Sydney- niece and Kyle-nephew. So I'm going to spend just a minute logging the growth of our sweet niece and nephew. I remember when I first met Sydney she was the age of her little brother and we played hide the shoe (mainly mine and Bekah's) at Billy's New Year's Eve Party at his house. I believe that was ringing in 2003. Now Miss Sydney is 11 going on 20 with her new cell phone. She is spirited, sweet and fun. Kyle is kind, caring and very productive with his 780+ piece Lego set ( and three others) that he has put together all by himself since Thursday. It's such a joy to watch children during Christmas and we are very blessed to spend this time with them.
Teresa becomes more like a sister to me the more time that passes. I'm glad of someone to share decorating/ projects ideas with. She also has a very understanding nature. High school teachers are just kewl... all that osmosis to the 'it' generation.
Teresa becomes more like a sister to me the more time that passes. I'm glad of someone to share decorating/ projects ideas with. She also has a very understanding nature. High school teachers are just kewl... all that osmosis to the 'it' generation.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Favorite Gifts I Gave this Year
This year, I spoke from where my heart has been the last few weeks on the family members that have gone to heaven before us. I borrowed an idea from my sewing teacher friend Brooke whose work I admire very much and decided to make ornaments for my family. Thank you Brooke for the inspiration in more ways than one :-)
Billy's family:
My family:
Also, I gave Leah the same ring Lisa and I both have on:
Also, Joan, my 15 year old niece asked for a purity ring. I'm so proud of her for the commitment she has made. Joan took both ring pics, thank you!
Billy's family:
My family:
Also, I gave Leah the same ring Lisa and I both have on:
Also, Joan, my 15 year old niece asked for a purity ring. I'm so proud of her for the commitment she has made. Joan took both ring pics, thank you!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Christmas Praise
He who was revealed in the flesh, was vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.
1 Timothy 3:16
As I read the nativity stories in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, one thing I note is that many of those who saw the first Noel up close responded in praise and worship:
Zechariah said, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people, and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of David His servant--as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old--salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us; to show mercy toward our fathers, and to remember His holy covenant, the oath which He swore to Abraham our father, to grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days" (Luke 1:68-75).
Mary said, "My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; for behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for me; and holy is His name. And His mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who fear Him" (Luke 1:46-50).
Simeon said, "Now, Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel" (Luke 2:29-32).
As you celebrate Christmas, may your response be the same--one of worship and praise to God our King.
Discuss
Have each member of your family write out their own words of Christmas praise and share them with one another.
Pray
May Jesus Christ always have your attention the way He does today.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Wordle
Need a distraction because your office is open on Christmas Eve, hardly anyone is here and you've done all you can? Get this http://www.wordle.net It takes the most common used word (taking out: a/ and/ the, numbers etc) To give you the theme of the words you use. So here's a few examples to click on:
Luke 1 The Birth of Jesus
Psalm 139 You Know Me
Romans Paul's Letter
1 Corinthians 13 Love Chapter
We close down at 3 pm. today and reopen Monday at 8 am :-) I do enjoy this job. I can do this easily plus they are happy with my work. A co worker's husband had heart surgery and they not only sent an email that a prayer was going to be lead in the training room, but also sent an announcement over the PA. In my ten years in a corporate environment that's the first time I've experienced holding hands and praying with 20+ coworkers. Things may pick up here in a bit, gotta go. Merry Christmas!!!!
Luke 1 The Birth of Jesus
Psalm 139 You Know Me
Romans Paul's Letter
1 Corinthians 13 Love Chapter
We close down at 3 pm. today and reopen Monday at 8 am :-) I do enjoy this job. I can do this easily plus they are happy with my work. A co worker's husband had heart surgery and they not only sent an email that a prayer was going to be lead in the training room, but also sent an announcement over the PA. In my ten years in a corporate environment that's the first time I've experienced holding hands and praying with 20+ coworkers. Things may pick up here in a bit, gotta go. Merry Christmas!!!!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
25 Hours Until....
I just remembered as I was about to go to bed tonight, that while I have read everyone else's blogs today I have in fact not posted my daily. I've been battling a headache for the last 24 hours. Also, like everyone else, I'm scampering to finish projects. Bill wrapped gifts tonight and took care of dinner while also assisting with my project. What project you ask? Still can't tell, it's Christmas :-) Somewhere in there I managed to go to work today and eat. That's about it.
Tomorrow we go Fort Worth to celebrate Christmas with my side of the family.
Tomorrow we go Fort Worth to celebrate Christmas with my side of the family.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Gluten Free Christmas Deserts
I want to record some of the food from the party on Saturday night. I had so much fun attempting gluten free versions :-)
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Day of Rest
It truly felt like a day of rest today that I really needed. We enjoy a great lesson in class this morning followed by a a wonderful morning service. On the way to shopping we had lunch together. When we got home, I took a 2 and a half hour nap. Last night was probably the most restful sleep I've gotten in the last week. I've had some disturbing dreams, but that's not unusual for me. We had a beautiful candle light service this evening at church and finished the last of our Christmas shopping tonight :-) I just need to finish a few projects.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Cookies & Gift Exchange
We had such a great time tonight with with some very sweet friends. We enjoyed decorating cookies, partaking of sweets, a gift exchange and I think a few peoples even did some trivia. Here are a few pics:
My sweet sue chefs for the night, Thank you Ben, Sarah, Michael & Katy!!!!
Jordan, Richard & Brent making sure everyone stayed inside the cookie lines:
as the girls decorate:
Some of the great results:
The winners... apparently S & B must be pros as I hear their family does this every year. So they must have qualified to compete. That's the only explanation as to why said winner's prize was found upstairs in Billy's study after everyone left this evening:
Gift exchange:
Kimberlee & Jordan had a great tactic. She stole from him to freeze the prize. I have got to remember that. It was something he wanted so he stole something she did. Great teamwork! Wonderful time catching up with people we don't see as often.
Poor Nathan got stolen from so many times. I lost count at 5.
I am so glad Debra and Lance came by for just a few minutes. She is still technically recovering from brain surgery. What amazing friends!!
Robin & Amy striking a pose for my ever present camera:
Great gift and smiles from Brent & Mary :-)
Sarah & Katy look wayyy too sneaky. Had to cut my little helpers off from the sugar :-)
Thanks for taking such a sweet pic of us Robin! Great night, we are so happy :-)
My sweet sue chefs for the night, Thank you Ben, Sarah, Michael & Katy!!!!
Jordan, Richard & Brent making sure everyone stayed inside the cookie lines:
as the girls decorate:
Some of the great results:
The winners... apparently S & B must be pros as I hear their family does this every year. So they must have qualified to compete. That's the only explanation as to why said winner's prize was found upstairs in Billy's study after everyone left this evening:
Gift exchange:
Kimberlee & Jordan had a great tactic. She stole from him to freeze the prize. I have got to remember that. It was something he wanted so he stole something she did. Great teamwork! Wonderful time catching up with people we don't see as often.
Poor Nathan got stolen from so many times. I lost count at 5.
I am so glad Debra and Lance came by for just a few minutes. She is still technically recovering from brain surgery. What amazing friends!!
Robin & Amy striking a pose for my ever present camera:
Great gift and smiles from Brent & Mary :-)
Sarah & Katy look wayyy too sneaky. Had to cut my little helpers off from the sugar :-)
Thanks for taking such a sweet pic of us Robin! Great night, we are so happy :-)
Friday, December 19, 2008
Winter Date Night
As my sister said on the phone as I was driving home talking with her after telling her what Billy had planned for our date night, he did indeed get major husband points :-) Work today was busy nonstop and we took a coworker out to eat for her birthday. The building I must say has the prettiest tree, I had to take a picture. Jamie T will appreciate this, it had the ornaments like the one we got from the class party exchange.
This was the view from the 5th floor yesterday with all of the fog:
Dinner:
Carriage ride with hot caramel macchiato coffee:
Window Shopping:
AND he posed for all kinds of fun photographs for me :-)
He not only took me out on a date night, he figured out the
Christmas Card,enjoy!!!
This was the view from the 5th floor yesterday with all of the fog:
Dinner:
Carriage ride with hot caramel macchiato coffee:
Window Shopping:
AND he posed for all kinds of fun photographs for me :-)
He not only took me out on a date night, he figured out the
Christmas Card,enjoy!!!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Favorite Christmas Music
I think I did a couple of these last year, but today I'm explanding my list.
Mary, Did you Know?
Happy Birthday, Jesus
Even a Miracle Needs a Hand
O Holy Night by Josh Groban
Christmas Eve Sarejevo by Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Christmas Shoes
Grown Up Christmas List by Amy Grant
Mary, Did you Know?
Happy Birthday, Jesus
Even a Miracle Needs a Hand
O Holy Night by Josh Groban
Christmas Eve Sarejevo by Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Christmas Shoes
Grown Up Christmas List by Amy Grant
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Happy Birthday Grace
I can now say what project I completed yesterday during ice day. I was so glad to finish just in time for sweet Grace's 2nd birthday Friday. I made a baby quilt for this precious little girl Grace and her brave strong mommy Emily. They have the most beautiful heart tugging story starting with Grace being born 15 weeks early. They have been through more than I can imagine. I was so grateful to think about their great blessing in her as I sewed.
Sweet Grace had just woken from a nap early this evening when I took these pictures, so her hair is adorable :-)
Emily, baby Grace and the quilt
Grace wondering why I keep taking her picture, hehe
The front:
The back:
Sweet Grace had just woken from a nap early this evening when I took these pictures, so her hair is adorable :-)
Emily, baby Grace and the quilt
Grace wondering why I keep taking her picture, hehe
The front:
The back:
Fabulous Blog
Well Thanks to Chelsa over at http://mymommyramblings.blogspot.com I appreciate that what you found here has been an encouragement to you. I appreciate the honesty and kindess you share on your blog.
Here are the rules to receiving this award:
1. You have to pass it on to 5 other fabulous bloggers in a post.
2. You have to list 5 of your fabulous addictions in the post.
3. You must copy and paste the rules and the instructions below in the post.
Instructions: On your post of receiving this award, make sure you include the person that gave you the award and link it back to them.
I'm going to nominate...
1. Jessica from "Here's to Hope" Being in the same spot with our adoption this last year has been such an encouragement. She was placed this week and it gives me hope :)
2. Jenna from "Life with 4 Boys" the first blog friend to contact me outside of blog world. It was to offer her expertise with adoption when she read our story.
3. Chet & Joni from "The McDoniel Family" A family that has every reason to feel sorry for themselves and they thrive. It's very beautiful to watch.
4. Courtney from "Courtney's Thoughts" I have respected how she carries herself for 8 years. I've gotten to know her better through our blogs. She is an extraordinary lady; incredibly supportive and loving to me during our struggles.
5. Jordan from "Moments with the McCalls" Enjoying the recipes and been reading her blog long before I found out her sis-in-law is one of my close friends. I wanna hug Phoebe, hehe.
5 Addictions:
1. Glutenfree cooking- Getting it to taste just as good, hopefully better than it's gluten containing counterpart. My current passion is donuts. Oh how I miss the hot Krispy Kremes.
2. Reading- I do this interest very judicially. Once I start a book irregardless of the length, I have been known to read through the night, utterly content to finish at 5 am.
3. Blogging- I started this blog a year and half ago and then didn't post for over a month. Currently it is a daily thing, although usually I average about once a week. It's been not only a fun way to scrap great memories, but a surrogate journal as well.
4. Friends- the show, I've tried to kick this addiction more than once and after a few weeks it slips right back in to my dvr record list.
5. Quilting and scrapbooking. Being creative has really just started to bloom in the last 5 years and I'm really enjoying the outlet.
I THINK I followed everything.. 8 days until Christmas!!
Here are the rules to receiving this award:
1. You have to pass it on to 5 other fabulous bloggers in a post.
2. You have to list 5 of your fabulous addictions in the post.
3. You must copy and paste the rules and the instructions below in the post.
Instructions: On your post of receiving this award, make sure you include the person that gave you the award and link it back to them.
I'm going to nominate...
1. Jessica from "Here's to Hope" Being in the same spot with our adoption this last year has been such an encouragement. She was placed this week and it gives me hope :)
2. Jenna from "Life with 4 Boys" the first blog friend to contact me outside of blog world. It was to offer her expertise with adoption when she read our story.
3. Chet & Joni from "The McDoniel Family" A family that has every reason to feel sorry for themselves and they thrive. It's very beautiful to watch.
4. Courtney from "Courtney's Thoughts" I have respected how she carries herself for 8 years. I've gotten to know her better through our blogs. She is an extraordinary lady; incredibly supportive and loving to me during our struggles.
5. Jordan from "Moments with the McCalls" Enjoying the recipes and been reading her blog long before I found out her sis-in-law is one of my close friends. I wanna hug Phoebe, hehe.
5 Addictions:
1. Glutenfree cooking- Getting it to taste just as good, hopefully better than it's gluten containing counterpart. My current passion is donuts. Oh how I miss the hot Krispy Kremes.
2. Reading- I do this interest very judicially. Once I start a book irregardless of the length, I have been known to read through the night, utterly content to finish at 5 am.
3. Blogging- I started this blog a year and half ago and then didn't post for over a month. Currently it is a daily thing, although usually I average about once a week. It's been not only a fun way to scrap great memories, but a surrogate journal as well.
4. Friends- the show, I've tried to kick this addiction more than once and after a few weeks it slips right back in to my dvr record list.
5. Quilting and scrapbooking. Being creative has really just started to bloom in the last 5 years and I'm really enjoying the outlet.
I THINK I followed everything.. 8 days until Christmas!!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Bonus Day Home
I enjoy Texas. It's always been home to me. I enjoy the fact that people stay home when there's ice. I enjoy as a friend said "an unexpected present of a day". Billy went in a couple of hours late himself so we got to spend a bit of time together. I left the house spending 15 minutes to go 1/2 a mile. After my car slid three times beside a car that fish tailed twice I turned back home. I was able to work on what I had planned to do over the weekend before everything happened. I finished it, I thought I wouldn't after everything happened, but I did! I can't tell you how excited I am to give this gift. After delivery I'll post pics of my latest pride and joy. I then (yeah!!) got to work on somethings I had in mind for Christmas projects that I was sure I would have to do for next year. I also did some prepwork for the cookie party. I have to admit the party was initially Billy's idea, the cookie part was mine. I'm very excited about decorating while we enjoy goodies on Saturday :-)
I appreciate the phone calls/ email/ fb messages, blog kindness, mailed cards etc. over the last few days. I'm honored by your compassionate understanding hearts. Thank you for acting on God's prompting to reach out.
For everyone that's going to start traveling for Christmas to be with your families, please be safe!
I appreciate the phone calls/ email/ fb messages, blog kindness, mailed cards etc. over the last few days. I'm honored by your compassionate understanding hearts. Thank you for acting on God's prompting to reach out.
For everyone that's going to start traveling for Christmas to be with your families, please be safe!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Thank you
Thank you for praying for my family today at the funeral. We really appreciate it and felt it. Love on your family, no matter how different you are from each other. Good night.
ADD:
Just a few thoughts going through my head during this time. My encouragement is that God will never leave us. We are not, nor is anyone else guaranteed a tomorrow. As Billy said the combination of our younger family members mixed in with grandparents who have lived a long full life makes the others harder to move forward. Also, the sheer accumulation of 10 family members over the last 4 1/2 years can feel overwhelming at times. Loss coming two to three times a year over that period of time along with not being able to add to our family has had its share of discouragement. Promises from God are the only thing that never change. These events bring to mind how important leaning on God is to get through hard times. I'm stuck right now as to how to articulate the struggles going through my mind in a positive way all together. It's all in God's hands.... I try to use the blog as a place of contemplation, not venting. Since the latter is where I'm at, then I'm going to focus on other things. For right now anyway, I want to focus on Christmas, the birth of Jesus, family, friends, and giving.
ADD:
Just a few thoughts going through my head during this time. My encouragement is that God will never leave us. We are not, nor is anyone else guaranteed a tomorrow. As Billy said the combination of our younger family members mixed in with grandparents who have lived a long full life makes the others harder to move forward. Also, the sheer accumulation of 10 family members over the last 4 1/2 years can feel overwhelming at times. Loss coming two to three times a year over that period of time along with not being able to add to our family has had its share of discouragement. Promises from God are the only thing that never change. These events bring to mind how important leaning on God is to get through hard times. I'm stuck right now as to how to articulate the struggles going through my mind in a positive way all together. It's all in God's hands.... I try to use the blog as a place of contemplation, not venting. Since the latter is where I'm at, then I'm going to focus on other things. For right now anyway, I want to focus on Christmas, the birth of Jesus, family, friends, and giving.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Lemons in to Lemonade
Our family has taken the opportunity to spend some quality time together over the last 3 days. I think the energy reminds us of what we do still have together. There have been tears and smiles, sometimes within seconds of each other. I finally got a chance to download my camera from this last week:
Lunch Tuesday:
Work Christmas Party Wednesday at lunch:
Family night on Wednesday with the Vendetti's at Starbucks:
On Thursday night I stopped and picked up Jennifer on the way to the AOG buffet and played peekaboo with this cutie:
Pat hostessing that night. All of the ladies were wonderful!:
Billy and I both opened up one gift when I got home from AOG. He's the best :-)
Dinner at TX Roadhouse Friday night. We took up two tables:
Went to Sydney's play yesterday of Annie. She was a very good Ms Hannigan. I forgot how sad the songs are in this play. I cried most of the way.
No one we know lives on this street, but it was inspired by my grandmother. It's my maiden last name.
Family being there for each other:
From there, I went to spend a wonderful early Christmas present from my coworkers at Joann's. Christmas projects will abound between now and Chrtistmas:
Then we met up with our church family small group at Bar-B-Cutie's:
Lunch Tuesday:
Work Christmas Party Wednesday at lunch:
Family night on Wednesday with the Vendetti's at Starbucks:
On Thursday night I stopped and picked up Jennifer on the way to the AOG buffet and played peekaboo with this cutie:
Pat hostessing that night. All of the ladies were wonderful!:
Billy and I both opened up one gift when I got home from AOG. He's the best :-)
Dinner at TX Roadhouse Friday night. We took up two tables:
Went to Sydney's play yesterday of Annie. She was a very good Ms Hannigan. I forgot how sad the songs are in this play. I cried most of the way.
No one we know lives on this street, but it was inspired by my grandmother. It's my maiden last name.
Family being there for each other:
From there, I went to spend a wonderful early Christmas present from my coworkers at Joann's. Christmas projects will abound between now and Chrtistmas:
Then we met up with our church family small group at Bar-B-Cutie's:
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