What I've Been.....

LEARNING:

How to use my newly acquired collection of antique buttons in my Pretty Nod's stuff.

I've made some cute stuff lately using the buttons and I can't wait to get it up in the shop for

everyone to see!

DISCOVERING:

That opening your heart's "ears" and asking God to speak to you actually yields results.

He speaks to you!

LISTENING TO:

Death Cab For Cutie's new album, Codes and Keys. Absolutely fabulous!

My favorite tracks are Codes and Keys, Some Boys, You're A Tourist and Monday Morning.

READING:

Visioneering by Andy Stanley is probably one of THE best books I've ever read. I rarely read books like this one - I usually stick to fiction stuff but this is amazing and it has been so encouraging and enlightening for me.

WATCHING:

Today Beej and I went to a matinee movie and saw Thor. It was that or X-Men and we both thought Thor would be better and it was good. Not the greatest movie I've ever seen but well done and interesting to watch!

We went last Sunday afternoon and saw Super 8 and all I can say is it was incredible and you absolutely MUST see it! Stephen King will be jealous he didn't write that story!

The Good Life

"Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, 'I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,' so that we confidently say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid" (Hebrews 13:5-6)

“He is poor who does not feel content.” - Japanese Proverb

Growing up we didn't have a lot, we didn't starve or go without by any means but my dad was in the ministry and my mom was a stay at home mom to FIVE kids! So needless to say we appreciated what we had and learned to be content with it. I was taught that if your bills were paid and there was food on the table and a roof over your head and a car that got you where you needed to go (even if it was a bit rag tag in appearance.) then you were blessed. And I guess that mentality has carried over a lot in my current place in life. Are there things I wish I had? Are there places I wish I had the money to go? Do I wish we didn't have to be so "tight" sometimes? Absolutely. But when I start feeling bad for myself or my family I take a moment to stop and think about all we DO have. And before long I realize just how good I have it! I look at my full fridge and cabinets, I look at my closet and my daughter's closet, I look outside and see two running vehicles, I watch my husband take a paycheck to the bank every week, I see the blessings people bestow on us whether it be time, money or groceries or whatever it may be and I know that my God is looking out for me.

I love the part of the scripture above that says we CONFIDENTLY say "The Lord is my Helper, I will not be afraid!" And how secure it makes me feel to say that and know without a shadow of a doubt that it's true. He loves me and wants only the best for me - and make sure we note that often times what we think is the best for us and what He knows is the best for us are two different things!

I think so many people think that being content where you are, even happy where you are means you don't want anything better for yourself but that's not true at all. You can be happy and content where you are and still work towards bigger and better things. A good attitude is only going to make getting there easier. I don't want to spend my whole life being miserable and trying to reach higher. I want to know that IF, and I say IF in a big way, things weren't to change and this was my life for the rest of it that I could find happiness and see all my many blessings right here.

The fact that we have been able to live on my husband's income so that I could stay home with our daughter has been a huge blessing! God has sent a lot of blessings our way to help us out. We have chosen to live a debt free life and that's not to put down those we are in debt, this is just what we feel is right for us. And it's not an easy feat but God has provided for our needs over and over. I look back and think about how we didn't pay a dime for my c-section when Gianna was born, or that I just happened to still be covered with my pregnancy insurance when I had to have gallbladder surgery and that was completely paid for, or that Gianna's medical bills we covered when she had all the issues with her kidney refluxes......and so on and so on. It makes me sad to think how ungrateful I have been in my heart sometimes.

Our life is far from perfect and I'm sure I'll have my days of grumbling but I hope that when I do I am quick to stop, repent and count my blessings because I'm in a far better position then a lot of other people. I'm living a good life - I have an amazing husband who works his butt off to take care of and provide for us, I have a beautiful, healthy daughter I have the privilege of being with everyday, I have a home, I have a vehicle to get around in, and more then anything we have a bright future because we're letting God lead the way and I know, with all my heart, that He will leads us in paths of fruitfulness and blessing. That in itself excites me and makes me feel secure.

I feel like lately I have been opening up my heart to truly hear the heart of my Father for me and I can honestly say it's overwhelming me. I grew up in a Christian home and I have been a Christian for a long time but I have been through dry seasons and doubtful seasons but I have held fast to my faith because I have seen over and over God provide and lead. But if you take the time to ask Him to speak to you He will! Not in an audible voice but in ways in your heart that you know aren't your thoughts. He is teaching me about faith, trust, vision, patience and joy. And I thank God daily that I'm allowed to freely live a life that honors and pleases Him!

When you step back and take a look at your life and all you have come through and all that you have you will know that you are indeed living the good life!

How precious is Your steadfast love, O God! The children of men take refuge and put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.
Psalm 36: 7

Plants and other goodies....

I forgot to mention that on Saturday while we did all our outdoor work like mowing and stacking wood I took a few minutes to help Gianna plant some things. Beej got her this cute little "gardening" bag that had little tools and seeds and planters in it. So we took a few moment to plant them, I do not have a green thumb so I'm just hoping and praying I don't kill them just by looking at them! I followed the instructions and they are sitting in the sun and I'm trying to remember to water them! Lol!

(She was super excited - she loves digging around in the dirt.)

(Watching the dirt pellets "grow")

(Sweating and yucky! It was a hot day!)

(Her legs are so tan! Lol!)

(So proud of her "plants")

(We have watermelons and sunflowers.)

(So I wanted a romper.....and I got one! And I love it! So cute and comfy!)

( I realized last night that I have the opposite of a "Widow's Peak" - does that have a name?!)

1. Beej and I left Bug with her aunt yesterday after we had lunch and went to see Super 8. It was such a great movie! I don't care what the critics say, it was incredible and a must see!!!

2. Gianna went through a "growth spurt" a few days ago, eating everything in sight! Now she's back to picking around. This was her dinner last night!

3. I'm back working on my Pretty Nods stuff. Last night I did a couple of these little pouch purses with rosettes and large antique buttons. I thought these were a cute idea because a lot of time when my hubby and I go to concerts or go down town I don't want to carry my whole purse but I want something to slip I.D., money and my phone in and I thought these would be perfect! I'm excited to get back into making things and finding some new ideas and stuff.....keep a look out, I'm going to be re-doing my shop soon and trying to advertise it more.

Little Bit 'O' This N That

Still growing my bangs out and what a pain in the butt it is! Especially when I pull my hair back in a ponytail which is does fairly nicely now.....but they are too long to wear as bangs or side bangs but not long enough to pin back in a cute way! If you have any suggestions on how to where "in between" bangs please pass it along! I'm dying here! Lol!

The other day Gianna got herself dressed and this is how she came down.....lol! She just can't get past the fact it's not winter anymore! In fact, at this very moment she's wearing her Santa hat and her Christmas dress - a red velvet and fur dress! With her monkey flip flops! So creative.....totally cracks me up!

I'm still working out and still doing The Shred a long with my normal work out but I'll just be honest my eating has been the pits, people. Good grief, it's been awful and I'm so embarrassed and I feel so fat and bloated it's unreal. So tomorrow I'm back to putting some effort into eating right and watching calorie and portion intake. I've just been stupid lazy about it lately. I'm going to do SlimFast for awhile because I just need something easy I can grab and go with and not have to cook and measure and all that. I like the chocolate and strawberry shakes and I can do it for a few weeks without getting too bored. Hoping to get a few pounds off and get inspired to really get back to my healthy eating habits. I'm right at 131lbs and I don't like being there - I need to get back down to 125lbs. and then down to 120lbs. I know I can do this, I've done it before......I don't know why I'm lacking the motivation lately. I just keep putting it off - I already started talking myself into maybe waiting until Monday to start but then I said NO! I'm starting tomorrow and getting back to feeling good - I'm feeling crappy when I get dressed and that's NEVER a good sign, it means I'm slipping way too much.

Gemima is getting big and I can't decide when I want to bring her home. She'll be 2 months on the 20th. I just hate the thought of taking her away from all her other kitty pals. So I'm thinking about waiting until she's 3 months and bringing her home. That's my plan as of right now but I'm not positive just yet. She's really starting to "know" us now. When I'm over there I try to spend a lot of one on one time with her and call her by her name so she's know me. For some reason this past time she went nuts over my arms - rolling on it and licking it and acting crazy! I finally figured out it must have been the lotion I put on! I don't know what was in it but she loved it! She' such a sweet little doll!

I went tonight with my sister to get her newest baby. Her and her hubby have two dogs that are buddies and they have a kitty named Stickles who they thought needed a buddy too so tonight we went and picked out Ginxee (jinx-e). She is so tiny and so cute! I just love her....hopefully she'll adjust to all her new pals well!

Tomorrow after church Bug is going to stay with her aunt and meet the new kitty while Beej and I go see Super 8! I've been so excited about seeing it and he went and saw it the other day while he was stuck in Hendersonville for awhile. He said it was amazing and would totally see it again so we're going and I can't wait! I think it's going to be great!

Want List....

Occasionally I feel selfish and want to make a needless list of wants! So here it is.....

1. A Romper - yeah, I know, some of you probably think these are ugly but I think with cute sandals and fun jewelry they are adorable and I want one SO bad! I tried on a few before I went to the beach but they all had super short shorts, like cheek hanging out short!!!! LOL! Bad mental picture but I really like this one from Target. Maybe I'll get one before summer is over!

2. New bikini top - I only own one and I've already worn it to death i think! This one from Target is uber cute, they have a great bathing suit selection and not bad prices on them. Bathing suit prices are UNREAL at some places. $80 for a swim suit? Are you serious?

3. Bright Yellow Nail Polish - Love this! And I want some, it looks great with dark tanned skin and since I've got a pretty decent tan going on now I think bright yellow would be perfect for my toes!

4. The newest Odd Thomas book by Dean Koontz. Loved this series and I've read them all except this one and I can't wait. There are also rumors of them doing an Odd Thomas movie! How exciting!

5. Dean Koontz's latest Frankenstein Series book - The Dead Town. Again, amazing series and I can't wait to read this one! I'm doing a lot of reading out by the pool now so I'm going through book pretty fast again.

5. A new tattoo! I'm dying for some new ink! Seriously. I've got my newest piece all picked out (and no it's not this one although I LOVE this one and have thought about it!!!). I'm still holding my breath that my hubby might get one soon (hint hint! Hehe!). No, actually, I don't think he's the tattoo type so I'll just get them for both of us!

6. A night away for me and my hubs! It would be so nice.....I sleep SO good in hotel beds and there is just something so great about chilling in bed, watching TV, cranking the A/C way up and snuggling under the covers and then waking up to breakfast waiting for you downstairs! I love staying in hotels and I would love to get away for a night. We do have an anniversary coming up, maybe we'll sneak away!

So yeah, there's my "wants" for the moment, this immediate moment at least!

It's Friday, Friday!

Mr. Gandalf got a haircut and he looks so much and I know he feels better too! I think he's getting so fat until we cut him and I realize he's just as skinny as ever! All that fur makes him so puffy. The place we took him was a little on the scary side (I'll have to share that photo another time!) but they did a great job, it was cheap and he seemed fine when he got home! When he gets home he always seems sorta embarrassed for the first day, like he feels naked or something. We always make a big deal over him like he's a whole new cat or something and he totally eats it up....right now he's sitting here begging with his eyes for me to go feed him!

I can't over how big Gianna is getting - lately it seems like everytime she wakes up she's taller and suddenly her jammies are too small and showing her ankles and her belly! Her sweet little feet are still my favorite but she's getting big enough now she doesn't like me kissing on them anymore (sad face.). But occasionally I force her to let me kiss them! Lol!

Yesterday we had to run a few errands so I decided to treat her to McD's and time at the play place. She was a little disappointed that we were the only ones to brave the 95 degree weather and sit outside! Lol! We saw some interesting things while we were there - a couple of old men cat calling some young girls, a woman slap her kid, another woman buy her 7 year old obese child a 10 piece chicken nugget meal AND a burger (I heard the kid telling her what she wanted.), a woman run out into the place place thinking it was the door outside and looking really embarrassed and we nearly got trampled by a group of teen age girls fighting over who got to the sweet tea first!!! Never a dull moment in this town.....after we got done eating I told Bug we'd drive through the drive-thru and get an ice cream cone for the drive home so we waited in line and got up to order and she says "Sorry, our ice cream machine is broken." I said, "That's perfect, on one of the hottest days of the year....." And drove off. Good grief. Just perfect.

We haven't been over to my mother in law's for awhile - we've been busy, she's been busy, etc. But we went over yesterday to hang out and meet a friend of hers that is visiting. We ended up making a run to Costco and Petsmart too. Cooked some steaks for dinner, we ended up taking ours "to go" because it was getting late and we needed to get home.

Gypsy is buried over at my mother in law's with another cat she lost and a couple of kittens that didn't make it over the past few years. I noticed yesterday when I went over that these lovely Easter Lilies have bloomed now over his grave and they are just beautiful!

Going to Petsmart is like going to a mini zoo - we saw loads of fish, cats, a giant German Shepard, rats, guinea pigs and birds! And that giant freaky cat "guarding" the cat section - I've never noticed how freaked out it looks until yesterday!!! Gianna was great on our outing yesterday, no meltdown's and she listened well! I'm proud of her, people comment a lot on how well behaved she is......and to me that's almost more of a compliment to me because it means I'm teaching her well!

The weekend is here - well, sorta. Normally Beej is off on Friday's but the past couple of Friday's, for one reason or another, he's had to work them. And I don't really like it but it has to be done and I'm proud that he's willing to step up when others slack off. But for today he's working and we are here at the house eagerly awaiting his return!

Content and Change

I feel content lately - but I also feel like something is building. Under the surface, under the "calm" I feel like there is something stirring, changing, becoming......I am excited about the future and the possibilities it holds. I'm learning more and more that the future and changes aren't scary (well, they can be.....but....) they are necessary in order to make our lives better. There are things I know will be at some point and they will change our lives forever but for the better of course. I'm excited about Gianna starting school and this new chapter of discovering and learning for her, I'm excited about my hubby's new music venture and I'm hoping it really opens the doors for him do really discover himself even more musically and take him farther. I know he really enjoys working with other musicians......and of course there is always the question of me! Lol! I have things I'm working on, ideas, etc. But overall I feel content for the moment, knowing that big changes are ahead of us and probably a lot of chaos and a lot of growing and learning about ourselves! So stay tuned, I'm sure that I'll be sharing it all with you as we go!