Let's Be Honest...

I miss this!

Bring on Spring...open windows, blue skies, fresh air, playing outside, gardening, grilling out, sunshine...I'm ready :)

Friday Randoms

~ So yesterday was Valentine's Day...my absolute favorite day of the year (even over Christmas and my birthday!).  Typically I send out cards and spoil my friends and family...I love it.  But this year I had nothin'...gasp.  I even bought Valentines for my kids to pass out at school (nothing against store bought, I just like to make them).  I'm giving myself a little grace this year though.  I'm thinking of having a random day as my "Valentine's Day...The Sequel"  How fun would that be?

~ I gave up Facebook for Lent.  If I'm being totally honest, I should have given up all social media...but Facebook is a good step.  It takes up too much of my time, allows me to let untruths creep in, and my focus needs to be on Him and my family.

~  With that, I'm really looking to fill that time with His Word.  I've been listening to sermons by Louie Giglio and I'm really enjoying them.  And I'm going to start Beth Moore's Breaking Free.

~ I lost 20lbs!  I'm so thrilled and it motivates me to kick it up a notch :)  I still have a long way to go but I'll take this victory!

~  I've been trying to get to the post office to mail some goodies for two weeks!!!  What is it about the post office that it makes me drag my feet?  I'm going tomorrow...rain, sleet or snow (which in Ohio we could get all three...in the same day).

~ I recently ordered these 50 Promises cards from Summer.  I hope this helps me to memorize Scripture and it's great to have these reminders right at my fingertips.

~  I finished a book!!  I've neglected my love for reading and a friend let me borrow this and I was instantly hooked.  I've never read any of his books, but after reading this one I may just have to go and pick up another.

~  Enough random...Happy Friday Friends :)

Totally Random Tuesday!

Hello Friends and Happy National Cheeseball Day!

I thought I would pop in and share a little randomness with you today.  How's your Tuesday so far?  I still think I should have Mondays off to get readjusted from the weekend...I don't think my boss would go for it though :)  We had a really good weekend which ended with spontaneous cook outs because the weather was so beautiful.  Rondell and Caleb went to Rondell's friend's house for a cook out (while I was hosting a Tastefully Simple party) and Jamison and I went to the neighbors who were having a small gathering.  It was wonderful!

Jamison had a friend over on Saturday while Caleb was at a birthday party.  She and Hannah had such a nice time and it was so sweet to hear all of their giggles.  I even treated them to some chocolate chip cookies which were a big hit :)

My last two BSF lesson have been on the Book of James and let me tell you it is eye-opening.  There are so many points in that book to meditate on and apply to everyday living...how I speak to others, where to look for wisdom, and my prayer life.

One of the many verses that I took away from reading James is James 5:16:

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.  The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.  

I have friends who do not live close to me, but are suffering and I battle at times thinking that my prayer isn't enough for them...that I want to be able to physically be there for them during their time of trial.  But this verse gives me peace to know that the prayers that I lift up for them are powerful and that they do have an impact.

Oh and you should read this post...lots of food for thought.  

Raise your hand if you love this store.  I don't visit TJ nearly enough and each time I do go I wonder why I don't go more often.  I ran in the other day to get their sparkling apple and cranberry juice (yum!) and picked up some sunflowers for just $3...can't beat that.

Well Friends I hope you are having a great start to your week.  It's supposed to be sunny for the next few days and I will be enjoying each minute :)

Things I'm Lovin' This Thursday!

INSTAGRAM!

You guys I am totally hooked!  These pictures are so much fun to create...just look how green my grass looks in this picture :)  I really enjoy keeping in touch with people through their pictures.  You have to check it out if you have an iPhone.

I am really enjoying this new blog...Beautifully Rooted.  It is filled with Truth and encouragement from various ladies...ladies who are being transparent and sharing their hearts.  You should go and check it out.

Reading this book with Jamison.  Did you read this as a child?  I LOVED this book when I was in elementary school.  It is filled with fun poems and silly stories.

Finally, I'm loving my planner today.  With things coming up here & there and planning a vacation it really comes in handy for me to get things out of my brain and onto a piece of paper.

What are you lovin' today?

What's Been Happenin in our Hood...

We have been trying to keep ourselves busy during this Winter season.  The temps have been unseasonably warm so it has been easier to be out and about...like just yesterday we played outside after school/work!

Here's a look at a few things we have been doing:

We celebrated this handsome little guy.  He had his first real friend party.  We have become friends with a few of our neighbors who have kids around Caleb's age so he was able to have quite a few kids at his party.  We had the party at his favorite pizza place which was fun for him and wonderful for me because I didn't have to clean up :)

I did simple favors for each child...a Cars 2 cup, Cars 2 Cheez Its (I just bought a box and then put some in a snack baggie for each kid...I love snack baggies!), Cars 2 tatoos & a small box of Cars 2 crayons.

We have been doing a lot of reading.  Jamison has always been a big reader (love that about her) and she has been reading more in depth chapter books.  Together we have been reading The Chronicles of Narnia:  The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe.  After we are done we're going to rent the movie (though I know the book will still come out on top...they are always better than the movie).

We signed both kids up for gymnastics for fun:

I know this picture is blurry, but it is a true representation of how this kid is always on the move.  This class has been especially good for him because it gives him a chance to run off some energy.

Before the last class one of the girls was trying to teach Jamison how to do a cartwheel.  It was so sweet :)

On Saturday we met up with Rondell's cousin and her two boys to go bowling:

I'm not a fan of bowling, but Rondell loves it & the kids had a blast!

Keeping up with my quest to PURGE, we cleaned out Caleb's room over the weekend.  I now have a box of toys/books/puzzles to donate.

I was so proud of my little guy who helped during the entire process.  Here he is putting all of the Sorry pieces into a baggie.  Have I mentioned how I love baggies?

So, what's goin' on in your hood?

I'll Be Back Soon...

Hello Friends.  Can I just say that I miss you all?!?!  I have made the commitment to be back to regularly scheduled blogging starting on Friday...with Friday Favorites.

I'm not sure why, but it has been a struggle lately about where to take this lovely blog of mine.  If you have any thoughts about what you like seeing over at my place let me know...what are your favorite posts/topics?

I hope you all had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving and I will see you on Friday (with pictures I might add).

And just in case you're missing me too much:

Keepin' It Real :)

Yesterday my friend Rachael and I were emailing about all the things that need to be done.  I told her how sometimes I get too wrapped up in other blogs...feeling like everyone has it all together but me.  However, I know deep down that's not true...and it's OK.

So, in case you think I have it all together let me keep it really for just a second...with unedited pictures and I did not even take (thanks Ron for taking these shots for me):

Yeah um, this is my craft area...it's overflowing and no fun work is getting done.

My table that I swear I just cleaned off the other day.  Jamison stepped on Caleb's pumpkin bucket and broke it :(

Fall/Halloween decorations still sitting by the front door that I need to finish putting up.

More Fall stuff...

Now I must go and get some of these things done so I can be pretty for you again :)

Can I Just Tell You...

~ I have not put out one Fall decoration

~ I have not yet burned my Fall candles

~ Going to the store early, early in the morning is really nice...no lines makes the trip so much smoother

~ I am grateful for my planner with all of the conferences and Fall parties that we have coming up...gotta write all of that stuff down or I will forget

~ My birthday is just 19 days away...on Election Day (November 8)...have I told you how much I love my birthday?

~ I have already given my mother my wish list

~ I am getting ready to start making my Christmas cards...yup, already (want me to make you some???)

~ I have been battling a cold for an entire week...I am finally feeling a little better

~ Tomorrow is Friday and I am THRILLED :)

Anything you wanna tell me?

It Is Done!

And I am absolutely thrilled with the new header.  I cannot thank Lyndsey enough for taking the beautiful window and sunflower pictures.  She really captured what I love about my window.  I also have to thank Sarah for such a wonderful tutorial.

Make new header for blog...CHECK!

Testing Picture Sizing

...and I am in love!

Be back tomorrow with a full post :)

I Just Received Word...

The surgery was a success!!!  Looks like someone will be just in time for Friday Favorites.  See you tomorrow Friends :)

Hang In There With Me...

...parts have been ordered


...Rondell is preparing for laptop surgery


...I should be back in business by the end of the week

I'm Broken...

...well, my computer is.  Sniff, sniff.  Rondell is working on it for me...connecting with his computer buddies and my dad will be here Sunday to take a look, if necessary.  I hope to back to full function soon because this does not put me in my happy place.

Try not to miss me :)

Dear...

Dear Shawn from the Residence Inn hotel in TN:

Thank you for being a breath of fresh air during our phone call the other day.  In the days where good customer service is rare, you give me hope that there are still genuinely nice people in the world.  Thank you for your warm greeting and your welcoming attitude, making me excited to stay in your hotel during my upcoming trip.  Thank you for the detailed directions and the tip on a good BBQ place to try while we are there.

See You Soon (and yes, I look forward to it too!),

A Grateful Plan-Ahead Customer

Dear Caleb:

PUT THE TOILET SEAT DOWN!

Love,

Your Mom Who Had a Close Call

PS...Thank you for asking about my day yesterday...I needed that :)

Dear Sunshine:

Thank you for making an appearance.  Don't feel like you have to go away this weekend...stay so that I can get some yard work done.  Really...we enjoy having you around.  Please!

Sincerely,

In Need of Some Good Old Vitamin D

Dear...

Dear Cold Weather:

It is time for you to go and hibernate.  I need you to step aside and let the warmer weather in.  You are teasing me by allowing the blue skies to show, but in reality it is freezing out there.  You had your fun and now it's time to give someone else a chance.

Signed,

In Need of Warmer Weather

Dear Destin:

Because of the above mentioned situation I am even more eager to come and see you.

Signed,

I'll Be There in No Time!

I'm Sick!

So I've been dipping into these baskets a lot this week.  This is why I haven't been around much this week.  I went to the doctor today and I have a sinus infection and now I'm on an antibiotic.  I should be back in few swing soon.  Hugs (but not too close because I don't want you to get it)!

Giveaway You Might Wanna Check Out!

This blogger is giving away one of these planners...the one I love and adore.  I just ordered mine and can't wait for it to come in the mail.  If you liked what you saw when I posted about it here, you should go over to IHeart Organizing and enter!

So Much To Do...So Little Time

Are you counting down the days until Christmas...we are...and I'm a little overwhelmed.  I have a long to do list and not that many days to finish.  With that, I may not be around blogland much this week.  

Hopefully you all are not like me and are relaxing this week and savoring the reason for this wonderful season!  

See you soon :)

Comments...Where Are You?

For some reasons my comments are not showing up. I can see that people are commenting because they are popping up in my email but not showing on posts...sigh! Has this happened to any of you?

Dear...

Dear Girl Living in Dorm: When you are wearing your oh-so-short wrap around towel that is just seconds away from showing all of your business, you might want to shut your door because well, it's getting ready to show all of your business and I'd rather not see or have my husband see. Thanks.

Dear Caleb: When you're in my bed, don't push me to move over. You could have an entire bed to yourself...it's in your room, remember your room?

Dear ABC: I like Flash Forward...why are you taking it away? Bring it back...NOW!

Dear Weather: My Jamison is going to the zoo tomorrow so I would really appreciate you holding off on the rain until her trip is over. Thanks.