Monday, November 14, 2011

The Hunger Games Official Trailer

I am just as excited about this movie as I am The Twilight series.  The concept of The Hunger Games is so original and well written that I have high expectations for the movie.  And from this trailer, it doesn't look like I'll be disappointed. 
Warren movie passes would probably be a GREAT thing the put on my Christmas list this year!! 

Let me know your opinion, whether you've read the books or not!! 

Can't wait!!!  Eeekkkk!!  :)

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Bucket List

This is my entry in the Just Ask Bucket List Getaway Giveaway. Just Ask offers a breast and ovarian cancer screening and is encouraging people to share 15 things that I want to enjoy in my lifetime as a reminder to be aware of my health. Want to enter? Head over to TodaysMama.com to get the details.   

There have always been things I've wanted to do but never really thought about making a Bucket List.  So here's what I came up with...everyone needs one anyway, right?!?!?
  1. Travel throughout Rome
  2. Sky Dive
  3. Vacation in Hawaii with my hubby
  4. Hire a maid
  5. Family vacation to Disney World
  6. Run a marathon
  7. Go camping in Alaska with my family
  8. Read all the Harry Potter books
  9. Go on a mission trip to Africa
  10. Learn photography
  11. Go to the Ellen DeGeneres show
  12. Stick to a budget
  13. See the pyramids in Egypt
  14. Tour the 'Holy Lands'
  15. Choose the cast for a movie

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Taylor Swift Concert

I know this concert was almost 2 weeks ago and I'm just getting this posted.  Better late then never...I guess it could be even later!!  Ha!! 
Jeana and I surprised Liv and Aub with Taylor Swift concert tickets.  Let me just say that I am a BIG TS fan now!!  Ha!!  Her concert was amazing, and of course her songs are all good!! 
We had shirts made for the girls to wear...they looked so stinkin' cute!! 


          Showtime!



 The girls holding up their best TS sign!!  Goin' gangsta!!  Ha!! 

Look who we found!?!?  It's Alyssa!!  :)

Taylor in action!!


She was sitting at this tree that was right in front of us! 

I think she was looking at us!  ;)

We had a really good time at the concert.  I did, however, learn that Liv will NOT be a late night partier, which is perfectly fine with me!  It got close to 10:00 and she was shuttin'er down!!  Takes after her momma like that!  :)
Nighty night!!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Stealing Jake by Pam Hillman


When Livy O'Brien spies a young boy jostling a man walking along the boardwalk, she recognizes the act for what it is. After all, she used to be known as Light-fingered Livy. But that was before she put her past behind her and moved to the growing town of Chestnut, Illinois, where she's helping to run an orphanage. Now she'll do almost anything to protect the street kids like herself.
Sheriff's deputy Jake Russell had no idea what he was in for when he ran into Livy--literally--while chasing down a pickpocket. With a rash of robberies and a growing number of street kids in town--as well as a loan on the family farm that needs to be paid off--Jake doesn't have time to pursue a girl. Still, he can't seem to get Livy out of his mind. He wants to get to know her better . . . but Livy isn't willing to trust any man, especially not a lawman.
Goodreads

I really enjoyed this book.  It was an easy read but kept my attention well enough to keep me wanting more.  Historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres, so the characters and time period fascinated me.  Stealing Jake did remind me a little of Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers.  It was nice to read a lighter book after some of the more intense books I seem to find myself reading most of the time!  I would recommend this book as a good read! 

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Remembering...

Ten years ago today I was standing in the hall at work, the OU Health Sciences Center, watching the most unbelievable thing I'd ever seen in my life.  I was 6 months pregnant with my second baby and all I kept thinking was, 'what kind of world am I bringing my child into?'  I couldn't pull myself away from the television as the events of the World Trade Center unfolded. 
I'm sure you remember exactly what you were doing when you first saw the tragedy.  The world will never forget the lives lost, the heroes who stepped up, and the impact it will forever have on the people of the United States.  We are not a country worse off but a country of extraordinary change.


Please continue to pray for our country, our leaders, the families of the fallen, and the men and women who are still fighting for our freedom.

Monday, July 25, 2011

God hears all prayers...

If you've ever felt like your prayer wasn't eloquent enough or you just couldn't find the right words for how you're feeling, take heart!  God hears all prayers...

Here is the news article from the Christian Examiner Blog...

Let me know your thoughts or feelings about this!

Monday, June 13, 2011

Mojo Takes 1st in USSSA Tourney!!

Liv showing off her 1st place trophy!

Mojo, Olivia's softball team, took first place this last weekend in the USSSA Summer Sizzler Tournament in Midwest City.  The girls won all three games Saturday which put them in the championship game Sunday at 3:00.  We ended up losing that game to Nemesis which forced one more game.  Nemesis is a tough team and we've been back and forth with them on wins and loses all season.  It was a good game and the girls worked hard to win!! 

Moore Mojo 2011

Livie with her good friend Kennedy who plays on Nemesis! 

We start the State Tournement this coming weekend! I'm looking forward to it!!

Friday, June 10, 2011

HEADS UP!!!!

Heads up is what you yell in a baseball/softball game when a ball is hit foul out of the ball field.  Well, apparently someone forgot to yell that last night when Livie got clocked in the head with a softball during practice!!  Oh wait, you don't yell it when they're going for a fly ball... Yep, Liv hasn't learned the lesson about protecting your face with your glove when attempting to catch a fly ball.  I guess she knows now!!  When she came in from practice she had a huge, and a little mischievous, smile on her face.  I asked her what was up and she said, "I'm just waiting to see if you notice anything!"  Such a silly girl!! 

Find the things that are 'alike' in these pictures!

Well, I know my girl's tough!!  :) 
Love you, Liv! 

Total Forgiveness by RT Kendall

Every once in a while you come across something that you feel way down deep that you were meant to share with anyone that would listen.  That's how I feel about this book, Total Forgiveness by RT Kendall.  This book uses scripture to show us how we are to live our lives in love and TOTAL forgiveness.  Every one of us has either been intentionally or unintentionally hurt by someone, this book lays out what forgiveness is, NOT what it's not.  I think there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about who and how we are to forgive.  This book will open your eyes and convict your very soul.  God wants us to live a life of freedom and the only way for that to happen is to freely give total forgiveness.
Goodreads:
"Release Them, and You Will Re Set Free." These were not exactly the words R. T. Kendall had hoped to hear during a painful situation when he had been terribly wronged! However, these words cut into his heart. He knew he couldn't ignore them and also be healed. When everything in you wants to hold a grudge, point a finger and remember the pain, God wants you to lay it all aside. You can avoid spiritual quicksand and experience the incredible freedom found in total forgiveness. Is total forgiveness easy? Of course not...but this book will give you a game plan...and the encouragement to cast out areas of unforgiveness that have kept you from enjoying the best God has to offer you. Learn what forgiveness is and what it is not. Uncover the physical, emotional and spiritual consequences of unforgiveness, and see why God adamantly encourages you to forgive others. Make the choice to forgive -- and step into a new dimension of freedom and inner peace.

I'm also attaching the link to RT Kendall's website.

Happy Reading!

Thursday, June 9, 2011

I ~heart~ Texas Rangers

I grew up on the Texas Rangers.  They were my first MLB game to attend and I had so much fun!  Since I've dated Phil my choice of team has swayed some but I'm still a Ranger at heart. 

The recent story about the Rangers just makes me even more of a loyal fan! 

Last March, Georgia Bulldog teammates Johnathan Taylor and Zach Cone were in a serious on-field collision during a game.  Zach made it out without any injuries but Johnathan was paralayzed from the waist down...never to play baseball again.  Monday Cone was selected by the Rangers with the 37th overall pick.  Then on Wednesday they used their 33rd-round selection in MLB's amateur draft to select Bulldogs junior outfielder Johnathan Taylor. 

Statement made the the Rangers organization:
"We thought selecting Johnathan was the right thing to do," Rangers director of amateur scouting Kip Fagg said. "We would have drafted him either way, regardless of any other circumstances involving his injury or Zach's draft status. Our area scout in Georgia, Ryan Coe, has had a relationship with Johnathan since he was a high school player. The club has always liked his passion and ability as a player."



Now THIS is a news-worthy story!! 

Click HERE to read more about it!! 

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Summer Reads

I love summer.  It reminds me of being a carefree kid, playing outside all day, enjoying family vacations and hanging with my friends.  I really miss those days but now I look forward to summer reading.  I get several book/book store related emails and I really enjoy checking out the new, and not-so-new, reads.  There are so many books I want to read...I only wish I could read faster!  That makes it really tough for me to fit in all the books I'd like to read. 

Well, I've narrowed it down to 4 books I'd like to read over the summer...
1. Don't Breathe a Word, Jennifer McMahon
Goodreads:

On a soft summer night in Vermont, twelve-year-old Lisa went into the woods behind her house and never came out again. Before she disappeared, she told her little brother, Sam, about a door that led to a magical place where she would meet the King of the Fairies and become his queen.


Fifteen years later, Phoebe is in love with Sam, a practical, sensible man who doesn’t fear the dark and doesn’t have bad dreams—who, in fact, helps Phoebe ignore her own. But suddenly the couple is faced with a series of eerie, unexplained occurrences that challenge Sam’s hardheaded, realistic view of the world. As they question their reality, a terrible promise Sam made years ago is revealed—a promise that could destroy them all.

Check out what Coffee, Books, and Laundry had to say about it.  Sounds pretty exciting!

2. A Long Walk to Water, Linda Sue Walker

Goodreads:

A Long Walk to Water begins as two stories, told in alternating sections, about a girl in Sudan in 2008 and a boy in Sudan in 1985. The girl, Nya, is fetching water from a pond that is two hours’ walk from her home: she makes two trips to the pond every day. The boy, Salva, becomes one of the "lost boys" of Sudan, refugees who cover the African continent on foot as they search for their families and for a safe place to stay. Enduring every hardship from loneliness to attack by armed rebels to contact with killer lions and crocodiles, Salva is a survivor, and his story goes on to intersect with Nya’s in an astonishing and moving way.

Easton, my 9-yr-old, read this book a couple months ago and had been asking me to read it ever since.  He says it's very good and it has actually gotten pretty high reviews.  I think it should be a quick read, even for me! 

3. Lone Survivor, Marcus Lattrell and Patrick Robinson

Shelfari:

On a clear night in late June 2005, four U.S. Navy SEALs left their base in northern Afghanistan for the mountainous Pakistani border. Their mission was to capture or kill a notorious al Qaeda leader known to be ensconced in a Taliban stronghold surrounded by a small but heavily armed force. Less then twenty-four hours later, only one of those Navy SEALs remained alive.


This is the story of fire team leader Marcus Luttrell, the sole survivor of Operation Redwing, and the desperate battle in the mountains that led, ultimately, to the largest loss of life in Navy SEAL history. But it is also, more than anything, the story of his teammates, who fought ferociously beside him until he was the last one left. Over the next four days, badly injured and presumed dead, Luttrell fought off six al Qaeda assassins who were sent to finish him, then crawled for seven miles through the mountains before he was taken in by a Pashtun tribe, who risked everything to protect him from the encircling Taliban killers.

Luttrell takes us, blow-by-blow, through the brutal training of America's warrior elite and the relentless rites of passage required by the Navy SEALs and transports us to a monstrous battle fought in the desolate peaks of Afghanistan.

After one of my dear friend, Becky from Becky's Babbles, highly recommended this book I just couldn't turn it down.  And since I've always wanted to read a book like this I thought Lone Survivor would be perfect!  You can go here and see what Becky has to say about it.

4.  100 Cupboards, Nathan D. Wilson

Amazon:

Twelve-year-old Henry York wakes up one night to find bits of plaster in his hair. Two knobs have broken through the wall above his bed and one of them is slowly turning . . .Henry scrapes the plaster off the wall and discovers cupboards of all different sizes and shapes. Through one he can hear the sound of falling rain. Through another he sees a glowing room–with a man pacing back and forth! Henry soon understands that these are not just cupboards, but portals to other worlds.

This is the first book in a 3-part series.  I've wanted to read it for a long time and I figure after the previous more deeper books on my summer reading list that this will be a nice break.  I'm hoping that by me reading it my kids will be more eager to read it. 

I can't wait to get started.  Let me know what books are on your Summer Reading List!! 

Happy 'Summer' Reading!!  :) 

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Wishing Well

A few months ago some of the college kids presented our church with a charitable organization called Wishing Well.  I was really touched and inspired by the video and information they presented.  I pulled this off the Wishing Well website...

According to the United Nations there are still 884 million people who lack access to an improved water source. More than two billion who still lack access to basic sanitation. Unclean water is responsible for millions of deaths a year and 80 percent of all diseases. What's more, people in the developing world can easily spend 4-5 hours a day walking just to get polluted water. This lost time accounts for 443 million school days missed by children every year. Over half of the world's hospital beds are filled with those stricken by water borne illness. People need clean water to be healthy and happy. Clean water is the first step of development. Once a community has reliable water they can begin to pull themselves out of poverty.

One dollar can give someone in a developing country clean water for year.

Wishing Well: Water for the World empowers students to transform their world by bringing clean water to those in need.

Some time later they showed the same video to the kids in the church.  Easton, my 9yr old, was very interested in the video.  He talked about it for a while afterward.  I think God was nudging him.  After going to the book fair at the kids school last night, I still feel God is directing Easton.  He chose to buy a book called A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park.  This book is based on a true story about two people whose lives cross paths...Nya's life in 2008 revolves around water. She spends eight hours a day walking to and from a pond. In the dry season, her family must uproot themselves and relocate to the dry lake bed where they dig in the mud until water eventually trickles out.

I'm excited to read this book.  It's not a large book and I think it will be a quick read. 


I want to look for ways I can get involved with Easton in this mission and to develop his interest. You can visit the website if you're interested or want to make a donation.


Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Santa Fe Chicken Casserole

This is a recipe I made for dinner last night!  I love cream cheese so when I saw the new Philadelphia Cream Cheese Cooking Cremes I had to try them.  So far I've used the Santa Fe Blend twice and both dishes were d-lish.  There are several other flavors that I will try out soon!!  Of course what made this such a huge success is that my fam loved it!! 
3 cups shredded cooked chicken breasts (I bought a rotisserie chicken from WM)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
1 can (14.5) diced tomatoes, drained (I used Rotel)
2 green onions, sliced
1 tub Philadelphia Santa Fe Blend Cooking Creme, divided
3 flour tortillas (6 inch)
Kraft Mexican Style Finely Shredded Four Cheese

Heat oven to 375
Combine first 4 ingredients in large bowl.  Add 3/4 cup cooking creme; mix lightly.
Spoon 1/3 of the chicken mixture into 9-inch pie plate; top with 1 tortilla, half the remaining chicken mixture and 1/4 cup shredded cheese. Repeat.  Top with tortilla, remaining cooking creme and cheese; cover.
Bake 20 min. or until heated through.  Uncover, bake until cheese is golden brown.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Balsamic Chicken

Last night I tried a new recipe for dinner!!  I'm always on the lookout for yummy, easy recipes that a fam of five will love!  I found this recipe from Kraftfoods.com.  It was a submitted recipe and I highly recommend it!

•6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
•1 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary leaves, minced or 1/2 tsp dried (fresh is better)
•2 cloves garlic minced
•1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
•1/2 tsp salt
•2 tbl extra-virgin olive oil
•1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

I used thinly sliced chicken breast (bought at WM).  Lightly spray a non-stick skillet with olive oil, lay chicken in warmed skillet.  Mix together the remaining ingredients and pour over chicken.  Cook slowly for about 30 min on med heat, turning occasionally. 

THAT'S IT!!!  Parker helped me with dinner (I love when the kids help me cook) and everyone really liked it!!  Let me know if you make it and what you think!!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Francine Rivers Library~~FREE

You could win an entire Francine Rivers library collection.  I can't think of anything better!!  She is an amazing, inspirational author; definitely one of my favorites. 

Check out the Tyndale House Publishers website by clicking HERE to see how to win.

Good Luck!!! 

Thursday, March 24, 2011

WHATEVER!!!!!

What do you usually think of when you hear someone say 'whatever'?  What do you really mean when you say 'whatever'? 
I know for me I usually say whatever in a condescending way or to let someone know that I really don't care what they're saying.  I know this isn't an attitude of someone who believes and follows Christ.  The Bible gives us the perfect definition of the word 'whatever' in Philippians 4:18~
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

The Spirit has led me to this verse today and forced me to drink.  It's really easy for us to think on the negative things of this world.  God knew this would be a challenge for us, that's why he gives us many things to hold on to for comfort and hope; this is one of them.  If we keep our mind on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and praiseworthy God tells us that His peace will be with us, v9.  What more could we want?

My challenge to you is to start using this word in a new way.  Give it the meaning from Phil 4:8.  Memorize this verse, put it in places you'll see it, tell yourself  'whatever' when your mind is overcome with unholy thoughts...whatever you need to do to remind yourself to think on these things.  Try it for a week and be in prayer and see where God leads you!!  He will never fail you!!

Just say WHATEVER!!   

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

NO Sweets

So last Wednesday I made a pact that I would eliminate sweets from my diet for one week.  Sweets meaning cakes, cookies, ice cream, candy...all the stuff I really love.  The only exception is that I could have one 'dessert' in that weeks time!  I'm one day away from meeting my goal and I will say it was much easier then I thought it would be.  I've been eating apples, fruit smoothies and yogurt; they curb my sweet tooth just fine.  There have actually been only a couple of times that I've wanted to eat sweets but thankfully I've resisted.  I feel really good about myself that I did this...I think a couple of pounds have been shed in the mean time!! Hooray!!  I pray, with God's strength, this will be the jump start I need to lose those extra pounds.  My next step is to fit in exercise on a more regular basis!  I've got a few ideas of what I'd like to do I just need to get up and do it!!

 MYRTLE BEACH HERE I COME!! 

Whew...

I was seriously having a blog meltdown.  I contacted Julie over at LeeLou Blogs and she fixed me right up along with the ADORABLE blog template.  Now let's just see if I can get things rolling!! 

I don't understand how some people can blog everyday and I can barely pull something out once a week.  I would love to have a great blog but for now it's just my little lovie!! 

I do have a few pics to post so I'll add those soon!! 

Love to you,
Kelly

Thursday, March 10, 2011

All Jacked Up!!

I guess you can see that I totally jacked up my blog :( !!!  It's so depressing that I haven't even felt like posting anything!!  ugh!!  Anyone out there wanna help me?  I really need to figure out this blog design/HTML on my own!!  Blah! Blah! Blah!  Hopefully I'll get'er back up and running pretty again!!

Friday, February 18, 2011

~Friday Finds~

I haven't, obviously, been very consistent with the Friday Finds.  I think it's because I haven't really had a lot of surfing time lately.  But today I'm back!!! 

1. Independent Reign - This is another Etsy store and if you love all things sparkly, you'll love this.  They have great wristlets in any color you could imagine.  They also have adorable key fobs.  This would be an excellent place for bridesmaids gifts...if you're looking! 
This green and purple one is just one of my favs...

2.  Pickles - I found this pin on BAYMOONSTUDIO and I LOVE it...

I need this!!  Ha!!

3.  Subway Art - Something that is really big right now and I totally want to make is Subway Art.  The blog Tatertots and Jello had a link-up party last year and there are tons of fabulous ideas.  Here is a great one over at Then She Made... along with excellent directions.
If I get around to make one...which I will, I'll post it!! 

Have a Fabulous Friday!! 

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Deals, Deals, Deals!!!

Some people may find this hard to believe (my DH) but I love a deal.  Let me clarify, I love a deal that doesn't require me to go digging through a bunch of random and unmatched items...aka Ross!!  Sorry all you Ross lovers.  I like deals that are pretty much handed to me!!  That's the best kind, right?!?!  So I have 'subscribed' to several of these Daily Deal sites and let me just say, I've gotten some really great deals!! 

My introduction into the deal world was with Groupon.  I've actually bought several deals from Groupon and never had a probelm redeeming them.  Next I tried out Living Social.  I bought todays deal...thinking about getting some 'personal' business cards!  All mom's need them, right?!?!  Well, today I ran across a new one...GroopDealz.  Since today is my first day on this site I'm not sure how good the deals are.  One more that I've started trying out is Eversave.  This is another fairly new one for me as well.  Something I really like about Groupon and Living Social is you can download an app for your phone, pull up your deal at the business, and BAM!!!  you can use the deal.  No more forgetting coupons at home or losing them.  I HEART that part!! 

There are probably a ton of other sites like these, if you know of any I'd love for you to send them to me!

Happy Saving :) !!!!

Monday, February 14, 2011

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Snowed In

I love snow days...if I can stay at home cuddled up by the fire. And that's exactly how my day has been. I'm H :) PPY!! This morning I decided to try a new recipe, Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes, and they were delicious. I got this recipe from a great blog, The Idea Room.


I will definitely be making these again!!

Stay Warm!!  Stay Safe!!

Friday, January 28, 2011

Friday Finds

I do a lot of window shopping on the internet. I love to see what crafts people are making, room makeovers, decorating ideas...really just about anything. In honor of the great stuff I find I thought I'd start a blogment called Friday Finds. This could be anything from blog posts to store items...really anything!

So here goes...I hope you enjoy!

1. Jimmy Pickles
First, who couldn't love the name of this store, Jimmy Pickles? Too fun! I love all things bright and 'pursy'. There are too many things on this sight that I want. Let me know what your fav is...it'll probably be more then one!

2. Crafty Girls Workshop
These rolled flowers are everywhere. My m-i-l took a stab at making them and did a great job. I want to make Livie a headband and these necklaces are fabulous. Check out the instructions.

3. Lemon Tree Creations
I know several of you look at this blog already but I thought this was such a neat idea. If you're anything like me you've got a lot of empty picture frames sitting around your house with no pictures in them...I know, sad!! This is a great way to showcase art and fill a big space on a wall. I like that you can make it your own style with color and designs of frames.

4. eighteen25
I love Valentines Day. I should have made it a mandatory holiday in my house...maybe I will. I love going to Target and walking through the Valentine isle. Pink and Red together make me happy. Having 2 kiddos still in elementary school I always want to make their Valentine cards, but seldom do. Here are some great ideas. It's gonna be hard to decide which I like the best. Stay tuned to see which wins out!

I hope you enjoyed my first 'blogment' of Friday Finds.

Happy Weekend!!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Monday, January 24, 2011

Looking Up by Beth Moore

Life can be hard…sometimes to the point of feeling as though your struggles will never end and God isn’t anywhere near. In Looking Up When Life is Looking Down, Beth Moore shares a prosaic message of hope and deliverance taken from Psalm 40, helping readers discover they indeed are not alone and that God’s gracious provision of love and faithfulness is at work in their circumstances.
This lovely full-color gift book is based on Beth Moore’s best selling book, Get Out of That Pit.I

If you know Beth Moore, then you know she has an amazing way with revealing God's Word.  I have never read anything from her that didn't encourage or convict me in some way.  If you haven't read Beth Moore this small gift-style book is the perfect introduction. 

At one time or another we've all felt like we're in the pit of life, unable to find a way out.  Beth's book is full of godly insight on how we can get out of that pit and stay out...with God's help!!  She has a keen sense at looking at things in a positive light!  I strongly recommend this book to everyone!! 

Happy Reading!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

American Idol Season 10

AI season 10 started this week.  This is a show we all enjoy watching as a family.  I must admit I wasn't sure how they were going to pull it off without Simon, but can I just say...I LOVE STEVEN!!!  He is SO funny and sexy (can I say that?).  I'm excited to watch the rest of this season.  Oh, and JLo is actually a lot better then I expected!! I'll be blogging about our favorites in the weeks to come...stay tuned!! 

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Fall to Grace by Jay Bakker

If anyone ever had a reason to leave the Christian faith, Jay Bakker did.

At the age of only 11 his parents' global PTL ministry was engulfed by scandal and undermined by Christian backbiting -all of which played out in the 24-hour news media.

Disillusioned, Bakker turned to drugs and alcohol and left his childhood beliefs behind. But along the way, an interesting thing happened: Bakker came to understand, through his personal challenges and suffering (as well as the help of some friends), what God's grace was really all about.

In this book Bakker explores the true nature of grace--what it means for everyday living and the hot-button issues of our day. With disarming humility, poignant observations, and spot-on theology, Bakker both challenges Christians to reassess their understanding of salvation and encourages non-believers to see Jesus with fresh eyes.


Fall to Grace is an eye-opener to the power and impact God's grace should have on our lives as Christians. While I don't agree with everything Jay Bakker writes I do agree with his overall message of grace. It's interesting to me that most, if not all, Christians would agree that God's grace is a gift freely given to all mankind through faith. But as soon as a controversial subject is mentioned, or someones sin is in question, grace seems to go out the window and in comes vengeance...with a vengeance!

Grace was not taught in the church much while I was growing up. I think the hush-hush of this topic has almost made it feel like it's something only given to the 'privileged'...whoever that may be. Anytime grace is mentioned the first thing I think of are two specific stories of Jesus. The first being the story of Jesus forgiving an adulterous woman (John 8:1-11) and then Jesus with the woman at the well (John 4:4-26). Jesus loved both of these women even if at the time they were considered social outcasts.

And this takes me next to the greatest commandment, Matthew 22:37-39. Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'

I guess I've stepped up on my 'soap-box' a little but I think what we all forget in the grand scheme of things to love people. We don't have to agree with what they do but God tells us we MUST love them. I would highly recommend this book. Grace is an amazing gift we're given but for some reason we either want to keep it all for ourselves or not even accept it at all. Fall to Grace is riddled full of scripture and sheds great light on the reality of grace.

If you decide to read this I would love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Dear Tooth Fairy

Olivia lost a tooth this weekend, her 6th. She decided to leave the Tooth Fairy a note. Phil went in her room before bed, saw her note and made a copy of it. It's things like this that make parenting so fun!!


Liv was a little disappointed the Tooth Fairy didn't leave her a note, but we decided the pen was probably too heavy for the TF to lift ;)!!!
Maybe next time Liv!!

Blogger for Hire?

Ok, so I get that the title of this post could be a little misleading!! Although I would love to be able to build really cool blog designs for people and sell them that's not what this post is about. Several of my friends have decided to hire someone to design and build their blog for them. I think the time has come for me to do the same. There are, however, a few down-sides to this for me...
  1. I like change...often.
  2. Who would I hire?
  3. And the obvious one...price.

The positive is that I think they look so neat when they're done up right. I also hope that a new and more personalized blog would motivate me to be more regular in posting. Here is where I ask for your help. If you run across a super-cute blog please send me a link or the name of who built it. I would also love to hear what you guys have to say about how you think my blog should look (theme, etc.) that would fit our family!!

Love ya!! :)

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Christmas 2010

God is amazing!! I honestly wasn't sure how the holidays would go for us but God came through...again. I'm not sure why I ever doubt Him.
Phil went to my family Christmas with me and the kids, and Jeana, for Christmas Eve. The next day we spent most of it with Phil's family! It was a great Christmas!
Click to play this Smilebox slideshow
Create your own slideshow - Powered by Smilebox
This free slideshow design generated with Smilebox


I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!!

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Easton's 9th Birthday

For Easton's 9th Birthday he decided to have his party at the Warren Theatre to see Tron. He had a great party and the movie was just as good!!
The kids...

E blowing out the candles with Amelia!

Jared & Easton

Easton & Dad

Easton & Mom