Thompson 5

The Hunger Games Official Trailer

2011-11-14T09:33:00.001-06:00

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!! :)

Bucket List

2011-11-08T20:02:00.000-06:00

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?!?!?

Travel throughout Rome
Sky Dive
Vacation in Hawaii with my hubby
Hire a maid
Family vacation to Disney World
Run a marathon
Go camping in Alaska with my family
Read all the Harry Potter books
Go on a mission trip to Africa
Learn photography
Go to the Ellen DeGeneres show
Stick to a budget
See the pyramids in Egypt
Tour the 'Holy Lands'
Choose the cast for a movie

Taylor Swift Concert

2011-10-27T11:03:00.001-05:00

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!!

Stealing Jake by Pam Hillman

2011-10-26T13:18:00.002-05:00

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!

Remembering...

2011-09-11T21:45:00.000-05:00

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.

http://www.lesscakemorefrosting.com/

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.

God hears all prayers...

2011-07-25T09:02:00.003-05:00

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!

Strong Enough by Matthew West

2011-07-13T17:55:00.003-05:00

...enough said

Mojo Takes 1st in USSSA Tourney!!

2011-06-13T11:47:00.002-05:00

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!!

HEADS UP!!!!

2011-06-10T09:43:00.005-05:00

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

2011-06-10T09:03:00.001-05:00

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!

I ~heart~ Texas Rangers

2011-06-09T10:21:00.000-05:00

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!!

Summer Reads

2011-06-08T10:11:00.001-05:00

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!! :)

Wishing Well

2011-04-05T14:26:00.001-05:00

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.

Wishing Well, Water for the World

Santa Fe Chicken Casserole

2011-03-30T21:30:00.001-05:00

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.

Balsamic Chicken

2011-03-29T09:56:00.001-05:00

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!!

Christ Claims You · Max Lucado

2011-03-28T08:01:00.000-05:00

Christ Claims You · Max Lucado

Francine Rivers Library~~FREE

2011-03-26T11:27:00.000-05:00

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!!!

WHATEVER!!!!!

2011-03-24T09:26:00.000-05:00

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!!

NO Sweets

2011-03-15T09:48:00.001-05:00

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...

2011-03-15T08:50:00.000-05:00

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

All Jacked Up!!

2011-03-10T13:10:00.001-06:00

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 Finds~

2011-02-18T13:38:00.001-06:00

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!!

Deals, Deals, Deals!!!

2011-02-17T10:39:00.001-06:00

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 :) !!!!

Beckah Shae's Love Snack!

2011-02-14T12:53:00.001-06:00

Hope your Valentine's is filled with LOVE!!!

Snowed In

2011-02-01T16:34:00.001-06:00

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.

Click HERE for recipe

I will definitely be making these again!!

Stay Warm!! Stay Safe!!

Friday Finds

2011-01-28T08:45:00.000-06:00

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!!

Kleenex Please

2011-01-27T12:32:00.000-06:00

CAUTION: This will tug at your heart!!

Looking Up by Beth Moore

2011-01-24T15:59:00.000-06:00

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!

American Idol Season 10

2011-01-20T20:23:00.000-06:00

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!!

Fall to Grace by Jay Bakker

2011-01-19T09:20:00.008-06:00

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!!

Dear Tooth Fairy

2011-01-11T19:18:00.006-06:00

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?

2011-01-11T12:34:00.002-06:00

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...

I like change...often.
Who would I hire?
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!! :)

Christmas 2010

2011-01-08T18:24:00.006-06:00

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!

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

Easton's 9th Birthday

2011-01-02T19:55:00.006-06:00

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

Social Network Christmas

2010-12-16T08:23:00.002-06:00

Happy 9th Birthday, Easton!!

2010-12-15T14:19:00.003-06:00

Nine years ago today God brought into this world a sweetly stubborn baby boy. Easton is the kid that always keeps us guessing. He's such a little lover. We love you so much Easton. Hope you have a wonderful birthday!!

My Thoughts

2010-12-14T10:05:00.005-06:00

I have been MIA from my blog and I hate that! I really enjoy writing posts, even though only a few people probably even read them. I am a big believer in journaling and this is just another outlet for me to express and share things that are going on in my life. I've been dealing with some hard things lately and that has left me with no desire to blog. Actually, I don't even feel like I have anything to post. I am slowly healing, thanks to an amazing and faithful God. He is teaching me so much about myself and other people. I have the most amazing friends and parents (x2). I truly cannot comprehend how people make it through the valleys of life without Him. He makes so many promises to us that He WILL keep, we just have to have faith and a willing heart. I am amazed to look back and see all the ways God had blessed me and my family. Sometimes I don't even realize they are blessings until I move past them.

Last night a great friend, Becky, called me up and said she had cooked a roast and asked if I wanted half of it. Heck yeah!! We were seriously planning on eating leftovers, no one was happy about that. My kids were so excited to have roast. So Parker peeled potatoes while me and Liv picked up the roast. My boys devoured that roast. It was tender, like butta ;)! There was just a little bit left but both boys made sure to tell me not to throw it away!! It was a good night. Thanks Becky! God is looking over us.

I am so blessed by genuine friendships. It's times like this when you find out who your true friends are. I love that I can tell any of them about my day and how I'm really feeling and they will still love me ;)! I love that I can ask them to pray for me and I know prayers will go up. I love that I can talk with them about our Saviour. What a blessing.

Surely God is my help;
the Lord is the one who sustains me. Psalm 54:4

I want this time of my life to have purpose. I don't want to go through all of this in vain and with nothing to show. I know God will redeem this entire situation...I just need to be patient.

One of my favorite verses that has given me a lot of strength throughout is Exodus 14:14, The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm. It's such an uncomplicated verse and has brought me so much peace.

If you are struggling with ANYTHING in your life, look to God. He alone is the great Transformer and Redeemer. Seek Him with all your heart and He will always be faithful.

In love,
Kelly :)

My Name is Pride

2010-11-24T17:24:00.004-06:00

My name is Pride. I am a cheater.
I cheat you of your God-given destiny...because you demand your own way.
I cheat you of contentment...because you "deserve better than this."
I cheat you of knowledge...because you already know it.
I cheat you of healing...because you're too full of me to forgive.
I cheat you of holiness...because you refuse to admit when you are wrong.
I cheat you of vision...because you'd rather look in the mirror than out a window.
I cheat you of genuine friendship...because nobody's going to know the real you.
I cheat you of love...because real romance demands sacrifice.
I cheat you of greatness in heaven...because you refuse to wash another's feet on earth.
I cheat you of God's glory...because I convince you to seek your own.
My name is Pride. I am a cheater.
You like me because you think I'm always looking out for you. Untrue.
I'm looking to make a fool of you.
God has so much for you, I admit, but don't worry...

If you stick with me

You'll never know.

Praying God's Word~Beth Moore

Spontaneous Singing

2010-11-22T10:13:00.003-06:00

I think this is amazing...just wish I could have been there to experience it live.

Rock or Sand

2010-11-22T08:53:00.005-06:00

The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Matthew 7:25-27

Things seldom turn out like we want. Thank God He is a god of promises and lately I can see how real those promises are. Hebrews 13:5 promises that God will never leave us nor forsake us. I know that to be true even in the darkest places of this world.

Please don't ever discount Satan either. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour, 1 Peter 5:8.
It isn't enough to know Satan is real, we are told to be alert. He's sneaky and unless you are watching you're liable to fall victim.

I will probably make some changes to this blog soon...possibly starting another one. I will keep you informed of those changes but please keep praying!! 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to 'pray continually'.

I WILL NOT BE BLOWN OVER!!

I love you!

Little Reader

2010-11-12T08:45:00.003-06:00

Olivia loves to read, especially out loud, like she has an audience. She'll ask us a lot of times if she can read to us. I try to embrace these times because I know one day she won't want to sit and read to me...she's growing quickly!!
Last night Phil went in her room and listened to her for awhile. I thought that was so sweet!!

Keep reading Livie...it's such a blessing!! Love you!!

Shine by David Crowder Band

2010-11-09T09:33:00.003-06:00

Wow!! This really tugged at my heart! Let me know what you think!

"Stand up for Your Siblings"

2010-11-09T08:27:00.007-06:00

I subscribe to a magazine through Focus on the Family called Thriving Family. I love the way this magazine helps you incorporate God into everyday things. It's full of positive information...much needed in our negative world. I came across something this morning that I thought was great and something I definitely want to instill in my kids...hopefully it's not too late!! It's in the Sept/Oct 2010 issue in a section entitled Family Stages. The article is called "Stand up for Your Sibling".

While I typically stay out of my children's squabbles to let them work out their disagreements, I inevitably repeat the same litany:
"Your sister or brother is your very best friend. We are a family. It is your job to defend one another against the world, not tear each other down. If a dispute takes place, it should be in defense of one another. Do you understand?"
They didn't. Or at least I didn't think so.
You can imagine my surprise when at the first parent-teacher conference their teacher raved about how well my children got along. "It is obvious they love each other on the playground and encouraging one another in class." My effort to instill in my children a respect for one another was fruitful. Their loving actions spoke louder than words.~Jamie Driggers

This is a deep desire I've had since my second child was born. I feel like I've failed to teach them the importance loving one another. On occasion they will surprise me and do things for each other out of nothing but pure kindness. As a mother, this brings me such joy. I need to be more prayerful for my kids and especially in how they treat each other.
As I typed the article I noticed something else. The second to last sentence talks about being fruitful. John 15 talks about bearing much fruit. What an amazing God we have that allows us to see the fruit we bear. I don't look at the positive things in my life as 'fruit-bearing' but that's exactly what it is. And this happens because I believe in God and seek to remain in Him, v5. Instead of seeing the negative in people and yourself, look for the fruit.

Fall Back

2010-11-05T10:17:00.003-05:00

Don't forget to set your clocks back 1 hour before you head to bead Saturday night!! Woohoo!! An extra hour of sleep!!

Oakcrest Fall Family Retreat 2010

2010-11-04T08:50:00.003-05:00

We go every October to the Family Retreat with our church at Robber's Cave in southeastern Oklahoma. This is really a great time; a lot of bonding with family and friends. I always go into the weekend thinking it'll be a peaceful, restful weekend but soon realize it's anything BUT! It takes me a good week to recover from this weekend but it is well worth it.

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Halloween 2010

2010-11-03T09:55:00.006-05:00

I think Halloween at our house seems to diminish through the years. I really enjoy Halloween. Well, let me clarify...I like decorating for Halloween/fall and the weather that comes with the holiday, but I'm not a fan of dressing up. I enjoy seeing what my kids decide to be and helping them out with their costumes.
This was the first annual Trunk or Treat at our church and it was a huge success! I did enjoy decorating our car (already thinking ahead to next year) and seeing all the people that came out. It was great opportunity for my kids to serve and I enjoyed watching them.
We had a crazy brew in our trunk with a few cobwebs and spiders. Very last minute but I thought it went pretty well.

Phil and I have started our own biker gang!!

Moses & Rapunzel

Lucky Number 13!!!

2010-10-29T08:14:00.007-05:00

Yesterday Parker turned lucky number 13!!! Wow!! My sweet baby is a teenager!! Phil and I took Parker and a couple of his friends to Cheesecake Factory for cheesecake. He asks for cheesecake for his birthday every year and for some reason we don't get it. So this year we decided to treat him with the best!! Yum!! Yum!! The grandparents met us there, even Papa Gary came all the way from Elk City to celebrate!! Then we headed over to Penn Square for a little shopping! We had a really good time. Jake and Tyler are really great kids, we always enjoy having them around!!
Tyler, Parker & Jake with CHEESECAKE!!

Mom & Dad

The grandparents...sorry guys, someones eyes were closed in both pics!!
Easton & Livie

One Month...

2010-10-21T09:14:00.010-05:00

It's been exactly one month since my last post and I feel like I have nothing to show for the last month of my life...sigh!! Well, I guess I can't exactly say that. I did go to NYC the end of September. Woohoo!! I love NYC SO much. It is really just a cool place. I still need to get pics off Jeana's camera but as soon as I do I'll post them. I'm still waiting for my girlfriends to commit to a trip there!

I have read a couple of books and I'm almost finished with another one. I probably need to do a few book reviews. I'll get that on here too. Reading is so relaxing for me, I really enjoy it.

Easton is getting his 'appliance' put in this morning at the Orthodontist. I hope all goes well for him and he's able to handle it. I think he only has to wear it for 4 months. It's a 'crank' they put in the roof of his mouth to correct his cross-bite.

We're going to An Affair of the Heart this weekend. I'm looking forward to that. Hopefully I'll have several new craft projects afterward. I miss crafting. I need my friend Becky to craft with me...she's SO talented!

Halloween is coming up. I love going to the stores and seeing all the Halloween decorations. Of course Target is my fav! This year our church is having a 'Trunk or Treat' and we're putting our car in it. There are prizes for the top three cars so that just put the pressure on to come up with something fabulous. Any ideas??

Parker's birthday is next week, the 28th. He turns 13 years. Does that officially make him a teenager? Sheesh!! He's already got the attitude. Nice!!!

And last, I still haven't forgotten about my ABCs. It just turned out to be a little harder then I thought. I'm on "F" and my kids haven't let me forget. They still give me ideas for each letter.

I hope to get caught up soon.

OSU Spirit

2010-09-21T14:41:00.006-05:00

Olivia beat out the boys for the Oklahoma State football game ticket this last weekend. This was her first game and she had a great time. It really worked out well since Amelia went too. I imagine there will be a lot more games in her future. Aunt Cat took these pics for me, thanks Catherine!!
Livie & Dad

Livie & Amelia

I'm sick...

2010-09-03T09:54:00.001-05:00

This morning right before I left for work I realized we had deleted our last day of vacation pics without saving them. Pics are a pretty important thing to me and it just makes me sick. These were pics of Chicago and we had some pretty great ones. Needless to say, I'm not feeling well today!! I'm still holding out for a miracle though!

Michigan Vacation pt5

2010-08-31T20:05:00.015-05:00

Thursday we went to The Henry Ford Museum in Detroit. I'm a history buff so I thought this was awesome. This museum has all kinds of things from throughout American History, it's really pretty incredible. I can say that we all enjoyed it.
Liv & Parker is front of the Wiener Mobile

One of the first milk trucks...my Pepaw was a "milk man"

The kids playing in the giant foosball game

Posers

I think this is SO funny...Easton is doing a bomb drill from the 1950s

GenX

Anyone remember this stuff?

Parker relating Modern Warfare with things of the past...

Yes, that's Easton & Liv in 'jail'

Proof that Livie hugged Parker...so sweet

Livie in front of the 'Cinderella Carriage'

This is the actual car President Kennedy was shot in. The top was put on afterward and several other Presidents still used this car.

We took so many pictures this day...it was really a lot of fun!!

Hide Your Kids, Hide Your Wife

2010-08-27T11:05:00.003-05:00

We were shown these videos on YouTube just this past Sunday and ironically The Today Show had a story on it the same week. Get ready to laugh...too funny!! For both entire videos go to YouTube and watch the actual news story first and then the video made from it. GOOD STUFF!!!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Michigan Vacation pt4

2010-08-27T09:28:00.013-05:00

Wednesday was a trip into Detroit, it's about an hour and a half drive from East Lansing. Ken and Coeta were awesome to get us tickets to a Detroit Tigers game; they were playing the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. This was Easton and Liv's first experience to a MLB game. It was supposed to rain that day so before the rain came it was extremely hot and muggy! It didn't start raining until about the 7th inning so we were able to see most of the game! Their stadium is fairly new so that was cool to see! Afterward, we drove about 10 minutes to Canada. First time our kids went out of the country, I think they were a little fearful they wouldn't be allowed back in the US...hehe!! We went through a tunnel that ran under the river and it was a little strange. Ken said it actually went under the ground under the river. Windsor, Canada really doesn't have much to see but that's where Uncle Ken is from so we had a great tour guide. He told us a few mobster stories, too cool! We took a few pics and went to the only 'trinkets & trash' store in Windsor. We all brought home a little piece of Canada!!
Grandma, Livie & Easton enjoying some ball game food!

Papa Gary, Parker & Phil

Coeta & Ken...they sat a few rows behind us!

Welcome to Comerica Park

YAY Livie!! One of the Rays coach threw her a ball!!

The kids looking across the river to Detroit from the Canadian side.

Phil and I with Detroit in the background.

What do you guys see??

Great pic of the kids under the flags.

The Gang, minus Coeta

Well, that wraps up another day from our vaca...hope you're enjoying the pics! Only a couple more days left!!

Bible Study Magazine

2010-08-26T12:37:00.003-05:00

I wanted to share with you something I just happened to run across while surfing the internet. It's a Bible Study Magazine that you can subscribe to, 6 issues for 1 year. I got my first issue in the mail last Friday and I'm very excited about it. I hope it will be a great tool for me to be more consistent with my daily studies. Something this awesome I just couldn't keep to myself. Check it out!!
This was the first issue I got. Can't beat Beth Moore.

Michigan Vacation pt3

2010-08-26T08:24:00.013-05:00

Tuesday we all packed into the Expedition...seriously, we PACKED in!! HA!! And headed west to the beach at Grand Haven. This was a cute little vacation town with fun shops, restaurants, and great beaches. I know, you probably don't think 'beach' when you think of Michigan but they have beautiful beaches. Grand Haven would be the perfect place to have a summer home...one day. If you ask, Livie will tell you this was her favorite day! She is definitely a beach bum.

We stayed at the beach for a couple of hours then headed to town to eat and check out a few shops. I think we could have enjoyed more time here but at least we got a taste.
Parker working on his sand castle

Parker what are you building??

I loved watching Liv jump off of Uncle Ken's shoulders...probably almost as much as she enjoyed doing it

Easton, what are you doing?

We were highly entertained watching these birds ransack these peoples things!!

Phil, Livie, Ken & Coeta

Just a cute pic of Liv playing on the rocks

The lighthouse pier

We have so many more pics but I narrowed it down. It was a good day!!

Michigan Vacation pt2

2010-08-25T10:02:00.008-05:00

Monday we all loaded up and went to Frankenmuth, which is a little German town in Michigan. They have a Christmas store called Bronners, it's known as the World's Largest Christmas Store...and it's pretty big!! Whew! We spent over an hour there then headed into town to eat at Zehnder's. Oh wow, is the food ever good there!! It's German style food fed family style. They bring out huge plates of food that's unlimited! It is SO good! Uncle Ken told us about the last time he ate there...ate so much he was sick afterward. That's not that hard of a thing to do! Luckily we were able to walk some of it off at a huge outlet mall in Birch Run on our way home. One can never get too much shopping in!!
Walking into Bronner's

The kids standing in front of a Gingerbread House

Phil and the boys couldn't resist the giant Christmas balls

Okay, so I feel this is the best time as any to talk about the pets. They were definitely a huge highlight to the trip. The kids had heard about them for a long time and have been asking to visit Ken and Coeta in Michigan. They were very excited when we told them that's where we were going on vacation this year. They have four birds: Packer, Buddah, Mojo & Scooter and one dog, Ramsey. Today I'll share Ramsey with you. He is a really good and fun dog. The kids would play hide-n-seek with him and throw toys for him to get. Ramsey would go down every night to the basement to check on them before bed. Too cute!!
Parker with Ramsey

Watch for more Michigan Vacation posts...

E if for...

2010-08-24T14:20:00.004-05:00

Easton - Our 2nd born. Easton was born on Dec 15, 2001. He was a bit of a surprise for us because with this pregnancy we didn't find out what we were having. He's a very strong willed, independent kid. I like that he's his own person; walks to the beat of his own drum. I just pray that as he gets older he will use his personality for doing good and being a positive example and leader to those around him. He is definitely a little lover and still enjoys hugs and kisses. Easton plays baseball and enjoys school, he started the 3rd grade this year. He also takes after his dad and is very electronic-savvy. I think if we'd let him he'd play an instrument (we just don't have time for everything!) I took this pic of him while we were in Michigan, I love it!

**ABCs disclaimer - As I move through this I realize things I've forgotten and that bothers me. I may have to do a "Version II" next year!!

Michigan Vacation pt1

2010-08-24T10:10:00.006-05:00

A couple of weeks ago we set off on our summer vacation to Michigan...let me rephrase that, we 'drove' to Michigan for our summer vacation. Yes, it was a LONG drive but thankfully I was able to sleep most of the way; already looking like a great vaca. I was a little anxious about being in the car with all 3 kids for that long but they did much better than expected, except for the arguing of who was going to sit where. Once that was all decided all was well!! We left OKC at exactly 4am and arrived in East Lansing, Michigan at 9:30pm (I think). Phil has an aunt and uncle that live there so that's where we stayed. Aunt Coeta, otherwise known as Aunt Diva, had some dinner waiting for us but the kids could hardly wait to get their hands on the birds. Well, that's not entirely true. They were a little skittish of them at first but they did want to hear them talk...and talk they did! I can say with pride that their house is louder than ours with 4 birds and 1 dog.

On Sunday the guys played golf early that morning and the rest of us took a day of rest...Aaaahhh!! I desperately needed that since I'd had a headache for two days...not a fun way to start vaca. Later that evening we visited some friends of Gary and Nancy's for dinner. They had a pool and large basement that was filled with pool, pinball, air hockey, a slot machine and TV. That's where Phil and I and the kids spent the whole evening! We've decided we REALLY need a basement like that!! Ha!!

The Start of Another Year

2010-08-19T09:42:00.007-05:00

Today was 'another' First Day of School for my kiddos. They all look so grown up; I can't believe how much they've grown over the summer. Everyone was excited to start and we couldn't have asked (actually we did ask, hehe!) for better teachers. We have been so blessed by God putting great people in our childrens lives. We will be praying for you all!!
Parker, the big 7th grader...first day of Junior High!

On the 'Brink'...

Livie going into 2nd & Easton into 3rd

Livie with Mrs. Glasgow

Easton with Ms. Tumblson

This is going to be a great year!!

The Letter...

2010-08-18T10:27:00.006-05:00

Daisy - This is our dog Daisy. A lot of people are shocked to find out we even have a dog...that's pretty sad! Anyway, while we were on vacation my dad took her to be groomed and she looks like a million bucks. She's actually a very sweet dog, just VERY excitable. I like her coloring and she's very loyal. Any takers?? Ha!! No, seriously!!!

So, that's all I have for the letter "D". We've been away on vaca so I'm behind on my posts. I'll be working to catch up and post vaca pics...we have a lot!!! Whew!!

A Glimpse Into the Future

2010-08-03T11:40:00.007-05:00

Last Saturday Livie was in Taryn & Blake's wedding as the flower girl. She looked so beautiful. I got a little vaclempt when I watched her walk the isle. She's just getting so grown-up. One of these days it will be her in the wedding dress, and I'm sure that time will get here a lot sooner then I'll want. Anyway, she was beautiful, Taryn was beautiful, Blake was beautiful ;), and the wedding was beautiful. Made for a GREAT wedding!!

The Letter C...

2010-08-01T19:00:00.007-05:00

Christ...We are a family of Christ believers and followers. We believe that Jesus was born, died, and resurrected to save all believers from the eternal doom of hell. Giving them an eternity in Heaven with Him. This is a HUGE part of who we are and what we teach our children. John 14:6 says, Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Church...Phil and I have grown up in the Church, even met there. Both of our parents go to the same church we do. Church has always been a big part of our life. Most of our friends go to church with us. We have been given so many blessings from our church family, I can't imagine not going.

Cheerleader...I was a cheerleader in HS and JR. I really enjoyed it. I would even say it changed my life. Cheerleading gave me a lot of my self-confidence, probably giving me my outgoing personality. So, everyone can thank cheerleading for who I am today. Hehe! On a side note, a judge in Connecticut recently ruled cheerleading was NOT a sport. As a former cheerleader and knowing the time and energy it takes to cheer, I am very upset by this ruling. I hope all the people fighting this get this overturned!

B is for...

2010-07-31T19:10:00.010-05:00

Brothers...Phil and I both have a brother. My brother is Jace and Phil's is Brad...which also happens to start with the letter "B".

My brother lives in NOKC. He's 22 and works at Cattlemen's Steakhouse in the Historic Stockyards. He has the rare job of cleaning the cow fries and putting together the salads, two very important jobs at Cattlemen's.

Jace & Me

Brad lives in Frisco, TX, is 35 yrs old and owns his own business, Thompson Performance Solutions. He manages automobile inventory for dealerships. He is also married to Catherine and has two beautiful girls, Amelia and Ella.
Phil & Brad, Summer 1990

Buzz Consulting Company...This is Phil's business that he and Ellen operate. They have the skills and abilities to do pretty much anything pertaining to computers, sound systems and phone systems. He is AMAZING behind a computer!! Hehehe!!! You can check out there website HERE.

Books...I love books. Reading has become my favorite hobby, which I grew into. I think having kids has helped out with this new found passion. If I'm reading it usually means there's peace...ahhhhh!!!! Francine Rivers is one of my favorite authors. If you haven't been blessed by one of her books you need to read one.

The Letter...

2010-07-30T13:02:00.007-05:00

AST...
Aerospace Support Technologies is the company I work for. It's actually a division of the previous job I had at Logistic Specialties. If you didn't notice by the name, the company focuses most of it's attention on the Air Force. AST is a contractor at TinkerAFB. I've only had this job since February but I have definitely been able to increase the skill set on my resume. That's always a good thing. We are a machine shop that does repairs on anything you might put on an airplane, including A/C's and airplane jacks, just to name a couple. This is a much different atmosphere than I'm used to working but I enjoy it and everyone (most everyone) really looks out for me...probably because I do their payroll. Hehe!! The building we work in is set to be demolished so the government is working on getting another shop prepared for us to work in...new digs!! Well, new in government terms, ha!! Hopefully before the end of the year we will be moved. I'm excited!! The building we work in now is probably one of the original buildings on Tinker...which was started in the 1940s. When we're up and running I'll post pics of my new office area!! Woohoo!!

A-Z

2010-07-29T20:51:00.003-05:00

I am going to challenge myself, again. The A-Z's of me (and my fam). That's right, 26 straight days of posts!! My creativity better start flowing! If ya got any ideas for any of the days post me a comment!! Wish me luck! Whew!!!

Why Do I Love You So???

2010-07-22T10:47:00.004-05:00

Dear Mr. Gummi Bear,
I can't get you off my mind. Why do you continue to torment me? Your soft, chewy sweetness is more than I can resist. I think of you often, trying to fill my time with things that are healthier for me when you are away! My mouth desires you but the rest of me is suffering from what you do to me. Please find someone else to tempt. I long to be with you but know nothing good can come from us being together. You need to go...go and never look back. I will miss you greatly but know it's for the best. I love you more than you know!
With Deepest Regrets,
Kelly

Nothin'

2010-07-20T11:20:00.006-05:00

I got nothin'!! Ha!! I just feel like I haven't posted anything in awhile and I needed to.

Parker has started running track, cross-country. He enjoys it so far and I'm sure when school starts it'll pick up! He goes to practice Mon, Wed and Fri in the mornings right now! That's probably the hardest part since he IS NOT a morning person. Next year junior high will start at 7:30 so he better get used to it! Hehe!!

Easton and Liv are pretty much just hanging out, waiting on the next ball season to start. They both seem to enjoy playing and we enjoy watching! Both are also in a math camp this week. A girl that goes to church with us who is a teacher is holding it and they both seem to enjoy it. Yeah Math...I love math! I hope they get that quirk from my genes. Livie will also be in her first wedding in a couple weeks, you can only imagine how much she's looking forward to that.

I'm still trucking away with my job at TinkerAFB. They're good to me so I can't really complain. I LOVE reading, which is odd since I didn't really enjoy it when I was younger. I think my favorites are historical fiction...but I'll take a stab at almost anything! My 'to read' reading list is long. Something that makes me just as happy is Phil has even picked up reading. Even though we don't necessarily read the same things it's still fun to end the night together with a good book!

Phil's business is still moving along but any new business is ALWAYS welcome. ;) Send all referrals his way!! He also plays softball on Mondays with our church league. He really has a good time and we like to watch him and our friends play!! They're like a bunch of little kids!

We're excited to visit family in a few weeks in Michigan and Arkansas. It'll be a lot of fun and I'm sure I'll have things to post from that!!

Happy Blogging!!

Feathered Friends

2010-07-13T10:00:00.004-05:00

This summer we've had two bird nests around our house. One was in the tree in our front yard and the other was built onto our brick by our front door. The nest by the door has become somewhat of a mess. There is a lot of little white splatter that is less than appealing right in the doorway...but whad'ya do?! Parker got up on the ladder for me yesterday and took a pic of our little peeps. Truth be told, I was a little skittish to get that close!! I know, I know!!! Maybe it's because I've been dive-bombed by the momma bird! Ha!!

One Man's Trash...

2010-07-12T09:42:00.002-05:00

Is MY treasure. Ok, I have NEVER taken someones trash off the curb...until now!! This weekend I was on my way to the grocery store when around the corner from my house I spot two great chairs on someones curb. I called Easton and told him to run over there and ask the people if the chairs were trash, not fully believing he would. Then I made him get Parker on the phone so I could tell him also, it would take both of them. Easton left the house before Parker and had already asked the people if they were trash!! Yippee!! So Easton and Parker carried them home. I was SO proud of my boys...especially Easton who braved up for me!! What a sweetie. Anyway, we have two great new chairs and the kids love them!! I would like to get new cushions, even though these don't have a spot on them. Might see if my m-i-l thinks she could whip me up a couple...she's pretty amazing like that!! ;)

I think I'll be watching peoples trash more often!! SCORE!!!!

Cow Appreciation Day 2010

2010-07-09T08:56:00.002-05:00

Today is National Cow Appreciation Day!! If you dress-up like a cow and go to Chick-fil-a you'll get a FREE Chick-fil-a meal!! Man, that just might be worth it!! You may see our 'cow' pics posted shortly!! I wanna see your pics!! Ha!! Who's brave enough??

OK Cubs

2010-07-07T10:58:00.003-05:00

Easton's ball team had their pics taken a couple of weeks ago at the Bricktown Ballpark...I took a few with my camera, but I can't wait to see the official pics.
I love this one (minus the coach in the corner...ha!)

Only half the team...but you get the point!!

Eclipse...The Movie

2010-07-06T11:46:00.005-05:00

Me and my fellow TwiHard friends enjoyed the latest of the Twilight Saga, Eclipse, this past Friday. We always have a good time...and the movie was GREAT!! Plenty of Werewolf action...WOOT!! WOOT!! Can't wait for the next TWO. That's right, for those of you that don't know the last book, Breaking Dawn, will be a 2-part movie. I'm SO pumped...but I will admit I'm a little nervous about how they'll catch the intensity between Edward and Bella in this one.
Enjoying some girl time before the movie...

Me & Natalie

Thanks to Becky & Nicole for standing in the rain for our tickets...you girls ROCK!!

Allison & Nicole (Allison got a lot of comments on her shirt...too funny)

Happy 4th 2010

2010-07-06T09:01:00.016-05:00

This is more fireworks then we saw all weekend. We had so much rain on Saturday and Sunday that most of the firework shows around our house were cancelled...bummer. But we didn't let that get us down. We had a GREAT time letting off some fireworks of our own. My kids love fireworks and I think the 4th of July is one of my top fav holidays. We had friends and family over and did a lot of fun things this weekend!! I hope you had a fabulous 4th and remember that our freedom came from our Heavenly Father...
Can't even wait for it to get dark...Ha!

Looking good...ha!

Wade, Phil & Jason

Jeana, Misty, Tina & me

Aubree, Livie & Theresa

The On-Lookers...

Abby & Lainey

Me and my 'sweet' girl

Parker & Jake...guilty!! Ha!!!

Clean up, clean up!!

I'm not sure how Easton always manages to evade pictures...Urgh!!!

How do you eat YOUR...

2010-06-30T08:28:00.003-05:00

Oreos? Last night Parker was sitting at the table eating his Oreos with milk. I was cracking up...but he's pretty smart!!
WITH A SPOON...

I'd like to see your funny quirks...maybe even your favorite way to eat Oreos! Please share!!

Sweet Shabby Souls!

2010-06-29T14:18:00.007-05:00

We met for our June book club in Bricktown at the Bricktown Candy Co. What a treat!! I love candy, not so good, and books, great!! So this was the perfect meeting place. My s-i-l, Catherine, was able to finally go with me. We had a good time...as usual!!
Natalie, Becky & Kelsie

Jeana, me & Catherine

Me & Catherine

It's About Time...

2010-06-25T09:59:00.003-05:00

Phil and I bought this camera 5 years ago and we STILL don't know any of the tricks to using it. I've wanted to take a class but just haven't yet. SO, high up on my 'to do' list is to learn how to use this awesome camera I have. I would really love to learn how to take professional pics with it. I am in awe of that talent some people have. Hopefully in the near future you will start seeing a significant change in the pics I post on my blog...keep your fingers crossed!!

Minute to Win it...OCoC Style!!

2010-06-24T09:13:00.012-05:00

For the past month at church we've had a GREAT family series on Wednesday nights. It's a time to bring families together for fun activities, a time for making memories. We've done a lot of Minute to Win it games and last night families went around to different stations and played the games...these are a lot harder then they look. Ms Laura and Ms Jennifer do a great job planning these things! Hope you enjoy the pics!!

Personalize a digital scrapbook

Here's the website for all the instructions to these games...Minute to Win it!

Mojo Takes Third

2010-06-23T08:24:00.003-05:00

Last night Olivia had her awards ceremony for softball. Mojo, the team she plays for, took third, which is pretty impressive considering NONE of the girls on the team had ever played ball before. I'd say we've got ourselves a pretty good little team. The progress they've made since the beginning of the year is amazing. Phil and Justin help coach the team...I'm sure that's the reason for their success!! Here are some pics of my cute little ball player!!
The girls with the Mojo sign waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Livie & Karli

Brought to you by the number 19!!

Lining up for Trophies!

Livie receiving her trophy from coach Denny.

Hey Mom!! Look what I got!

The team with their trophies! Way to go, Mojo!!

Livie & Kennedy

GO MOJO!!!

Is Cheerleading a Sport???

2010-06-22T09:41:00.002-05:00

I know I'm gonna get a lot of flack for this post...one way or another. There is a case being decided this week in Connecticut to determine if cheerleading is a sport or not. My obvious opinion is YES!!! I cheered in junior high and high school and let me say we worked out butts off just as hard as the next 'sport'. We practiced everyday for the first month in the summer to get ready for cheer camp, which is all outside in the scorching heat. Cheer camp was a means to learn things but ultimately a competition, not only for the school but individual cheerleaders as well. We also started practice about a month before school started back in the fall. According to an article on Foxnews, an activity can be considered a sport under Title IX if it meets specific criteria. It must have coaches, practices, competitions during a defined season, and a governing organization. The activity also must have competition as its primary goal -- not merely the support of other athletic teams. Title IX is the 1972 federal law that mandates equal opportunities for men and women in athletics. If we're going by this definition, cheerleading is definitely a sport. And NO, it doesn't say anything about using a ball!! Click here to see the full article.
I'll have to post a cheer pic of me later!! Ha!!

Let me know what you think!!!

I Love My Shelfari!!!

2010-06-17T09:10:00.004-05:00

Have you ever noticed the little bookshelf to the side of my blog? It's a Shelfari shelf and it holds the books I am currently reading. Sometimes there may be more than two books that I've got going so you'll see 'previous' and 'next' buttons underneath the shelf that you can click on. Try it out...
When I was younger I didn't enjoy reading very much, although I think I did read all the Sweet Valley High books, if anyone remembers them. Now, I LOVE to read...I just wish I were a faster reader. It's coming along though.
Shelfari is a website that allows me to keep track of all the books I've read, plan to read, and am reading. It's like I can 'collect' all the books I want and IT'S FREE! Wahoo!! I enjoy checking out what my friends are reading and what they think of the books they read. I can spend a good amount of time shuffling through books; it's about as good as being at the book store (almost).

Check it out...shelfari.com

My username is Kelly T.

Happy Reading!!

Silly Girl!!

2010-06-16T09:59:00.007-05:00

This is what happens when your 7yr old gets a hold of your camera...

I LOVE this girl, she makes me laugh!!

Memorial Day 2010

2010-06-16T08:59:00.012-05:00

I hate when I get behind with my posts; it's very irritating! This year we went to Scott and Kathy's for a Memorial Day cookout. Our friend Jeana, and her kids Aubree and Brody, joined us as well. Scott got out the Slip'n Slide and the kids cooled off a bit after jumping on the trampoline!

Sheesh!!! That was a lot of pics! Thanks for sharing yours, Jean!!

SYTYCD!!!

2010-06-14T14:39:00.006-05:00

It's season 7 of So You Think You Can Dance...this show makes me so happy!! When I was young I always wanted to take dance lessons but for some reason never did. I cheered in jr high and high school and was able to dance some then. I loved the feeling of being up there performing and I've always enjoyed watching. I'm sad to say that I only picked up on this show in season 5, I can tell from last weeks show I missed some great dancers! This year I've already picked some of my favorites...I'm just sad they only have a top 11 instead of top 20.
Season 7 Top 11

Some of my personal favorites (even though this year it's really hard to only pick a couple)
Lauren

Kent

Last week these two danced together and it was great. I'll try to keep you posted on how my favorites do!!
Enjoy!!!

Thompson Soccer

2010-06-09T08:30:00.003-05:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Giddy with Excitement

2010-06-08T14:50:00.005-05:00

The story is set in post apocalypse times what used to be North America is now 12 Districts known as Panem which is under a dictatorship dominated by television. The base of this dictatorship is in a city known as Capital. Once a year as a highlight 24 (two from each district) teenagers are drawn by lottery to play the Hunger Games in what is called “The Arena” in these games there is only one unspoken rule you may not eat the dead players. The 24 teens must fight each other – at the end of the game the losers will die and the winner gets a life of comfort.
The heroin is Katniss Everdeen from the 12th district, living in very poor conditions in a mining community known as Seam. Volunteers to take her little sisters place when her sister’s name is called, although there hasn’t been a winner from the 12th district in thirty years. Fighting to stay alive while battling with emotions and feelings she has for two of the other contestants Peeta Mellark and Gale Hawthorne.

I've read The Hunger Games and am almost finished with it's sequel, Catching Fire. Throughout reading them I continually kept seeing this in my head like a movie...I guess that means it's a pretty darn good book. I did a little searching this afternoon and found they ARE going to be made into a movie. There is NOTHING boring about these books and you never know where the next page will lead. I am so excited to see these on the BIG screen!! Yippee!!!

Swimming with a 'Vision'

2010-06-08T09:07:00.009-05:00

Parker's soccer team, 98Boys Vision, had their end-of-the year party a couple weeks ago. We went to a team members home for some swimming and cooking out. It was a really great night for spending time outside. The team was also celebrating an outstanding year. I think I mentioned in a past post that they were undefeated in regular season and only one loss in tourney play. That's a great feat if you saw where they were last year. The last tournament of the year was The Presidents Cup, a state tourney, that they won!! Woohoo!! Coach Matt bought all the kids a t-shirt in honor of that great victory and they received their medals from the tournament.
Parker figured out quick this wasn't a good idea...

I love action shots and this is especially cute of Liv having fun in the water!!

Yes, this is Coach Matt...hehe!!

E's never afraid to get in on the action!

A little Smores roastin...Fun!

'Most' of the team

Coach Matt and Parker

Definitely a Monday...

2010-06-07T12:16:00.001-05:00

National Donut Day

2010-06-04T08:23:00.002-05:00

When: Always the first Friday in June

National Doughnut Day honors the Salvation Army "Lassies" of WWI. It is also used as a fund raiser for needy causes of the Salvation Army.

The original Salvation Army Doughnut was first served by Salvation Army in 1917. During WWI, Salvation Army "lassies" were sent to the front lines of Europe. These brave volunteers made home cooked foods, and provided a morale boost to the troops. Often, the doughnuts were cooked in oil inside the metal helmet of an American soldier. The American infantrymen were commonly called doughboys. Salvation Army lassies were the only women outside of military personnel allowed to visit the front lines. Lt. Colonel Helen Purviance is considered the Salvation Army's "first doughnut girl".

On National Doughnut Day, look to see if your local doughnut shop, or other organizations, are offering free donuts to solicit donations for the Salvation Army or for another needy cause. If you find them, please be generous.

Note: The word "Doughnut" is often shortened to "Donut. So, if you see the term National Donut Day, its the same day.
From HolidayInsights.com

In Your Own Skin...

2010-06-02T12:04:00.007-05:00

Hoda and Kathie Lee went where few women have gone before...au naturel on live TV. I think makeup is a double-edged sword. Don't get me wrong, I usually feel better when I am completely made up but who's to say it's for everyone? I don't understand how women got the makeup and men didn't. One of these days I may try to do some research on that. Anyway, this story got a lot of buzz on the internet, they even reaired it on the national news that evening. One thing that makes me wonder is why do two women without makeup get so much attention? Seriously, it's like people must think most of us wake up every morning already made up. Second, I think natural beauty is something to behold...this is how God made us so we should embrace it. KLG and Hoda's makeup artist, Mary Kahler said, “The purpose of them doing this overall is to help women feel comfortable in their unique and very own look,” Kahler said. “Makeup is a tool to enhance what you already have, but it shouldn't determine who you are.” To see the rest of this
Read more: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/37130121/ns/today-today_fashion_and_beauty/#ixzz0piZFDaGh
Here is the part of the show where they reveal themselves...

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

In honor of Hoda and Kathie Lee, I'm revealing myself au naturel...

Happiness is...

2010-06-02T10:40:00.005-05:00

H - half popped popcorn kernels

A - Air1

P - Phil's sweet side

P - playing ultimate frisbee with friends

I - in the sun, resting by the pool

N - kNocking off the pounds

E - enjoying a good book

S - snuggling with my kids

S - seeing God's handiwork in peoples lives

Summer Reads

2010-05-28T08:24:00.010-05:00

I completely love to read, which at one point in my life I couldn't stand to read a book. I get so much gratification out of finishing a book...even the not-so-good ones. I keep track of what I read, have read, and want to read on Shelfari. It's a lot of fun for me to go and see what I've read and get suggestions from others on what I might want to read!

So, here are a few books I hope to finish over the summer...

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy; after all, they have just won a life of safety for themselves and their families . But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

Paris, July 1942: Sarah, a ten year-old girl, is brutally arrested with her family by the French police in the Vel’ d’Hiv’ roundup, but not before she locks her younger brother in a cupboard in the family's apartment, thinking that she will be back within a few hours. Paris, May 2002: On Vel’ d’Hiv’s 60th anniversary, journalist Julia Jarmond is asked to write an article about this black day in France's past. Through her contemporary investigation, she stumbles onto a trail of long-hidden family secrets that connect her to Sarah. Julia finds herself compelled to retrace the girl's ordeal, from that terrible term in the Vel d'Hiv', to the camps, and beyond. As she probes into Sarah's past, she begins to question her own place in France, and to reevaluate her marriage and her life. Tatiana de Rosnay offers us a brilliantly subtle, compelling portrait of France under occupation and reveals the taboos and silence that surround this painful episode.

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

A dystopian thriller follows a boy and girl on the run from a town where all thoughts can be heard—and the passage to manhood embodies a horrible secret. Todd Hewitt is the only boy in a town of men. Ever since the settlers were infected with the Noise germ, Todd can hear everything the men think, and they hear everything he thinks. Todd is just a month away from becoming a man, but in the midst of the cacophony, he knows that the town is hiding something from him—something so awful Todd is forced to flee with only his dog, whose simple, loyal voice he hears too. With hostile men from the town in pursuit, the two stumble upon a strange and eerily silent creature: a girl. Who is she? Why wasn't she killed by the germ like all the females on New World? Propelled by Todd's gritty narration, readers are in for a white-knuckle journey in which a boy on the cusp of manhood must unlearn everything he knows in order to figure out who he truly is.

Little Bee by Chris Cleave

WE DON'T WANT TO TELL YOU TOO MUCH ABOUT THIS BOOK. It is a truly special story and we don't want to spoil it. Nevertheless, you need to know something, so we will just say this: It is extremely funny, but the African beach scene is horrific. The story starts there, but the book doesn't. And it's what happens afterward that is most important. Once you have read it, you'll want to tell everyone about it. When you do, please don't tell them what happens either. The magic is in how it unfolds.

the other half lives by Sophie Hannah

Ruth Bussey knows what it means to be in the wrong - and to be wronged. She once did something she regrets, and was punished excessively for it. Now Ruth is trying to rebuild her life and has found a love she doesn't believe she deserves. Aidan Seed is a passionate, intense man who has also been damaged by his past. Desperate to connect with the woman he loves, he confides his secret: he killed a woman called Mary Trelease. Through her shock, Ruth recognises the name. And when she's realised why it's familiar, her fear and revulsion deepen. The Mary Trelease that Ruth knows is very much alive...

HAPPY READING...

Welcome to the Youth Group

2010-05-27T08:17:00.009-05:00

This post is a little bittersweet. This past Sunday, Parker and all the other 6th graders were welcomed into the youth group at our church. The Minor's hosted the shin-dig at their home and there were kids through 12th grade there to welcome them. It was really a surreal feeling for me watching him grow into this new role of his life. I'm really excited for him because I know how much fun this time is but I also don't want him to miss anything or let it go by without 'stopping to smell the roses'.

I decided this morning to make a committment to myself over the summer to be more fervent in my prayers for my children. I feel like I've done them a huge injustice by not being as prayerful as I should be. I pray God's grace will cover my inadequacies in this. I have three amazing, beautiful and healthy children and above all else I pray they are filled with God's love everyday of their lives.

Here are the pics of the Welcome...ENJOY!
The 6th graders coming in...

The kids with Brian, our Youth Minister

Tyler & Parker

Jake & Parker

Liv & Ashton...too sweet!!

Not even sure what to say about this...I just like it!

Friendship Garden

2010-05-25T08:23:00.006-05:00

Ok, I love flowers. Fresh flowers. Anywhere. But mostly for me they come in the form of gardening. They just instantly brighten everything around them and are so colorful! I found a rather simple contraption this past February at The Affair of the Heart and couldn't pass it up. It's called a Friendship Garden. Phil and I went flower shopping last Friday and got flowers for our home and the Friendship Garden. Saturday Parker and I planted everything. Gardening with my family is something I truly enjoy. Usually at some point I'll have spent some time with all of the fam while gardening. It brings me joy.

Supplies are all gathered

Putting it all together

Without the flowers

Finished Friendship Garden...Beautiful!!

Now, let's just pray everything grows!!

At Work??

2010-05-24T08:21:00.013-05:00

This cracks me up...here is Phil and Ellen at work. What do they do you ask. Well they are business partners in a consulting company, Buzz Consulting Company! I found these pics on my camera so I thought I would post them. Hehe! I bet they'll be so happy about this!! I think they're out doing a job survey. They sure look important, huh? Not sure what the hard hats have to do with computers though!!

WW Success

2010-05-20T13:16:00.002-05:00

Today I went to my third WW meeting. I was a little nervous because I knew I probably didn't do as well as I did last week, but I've lost a total of 4.4lbs. I'm glad I'm still going in the right direction. I was surfing the web for helpful tips or recipes and I found one guy who had lost over 75 lbs on WW and he had listed all his helpful hints. One tip that really gave me a different perspective on something I feel like I struggle with is...
Proud to be Hungry
This tip is kind of philosophical. There will be times (perhaps many times) that you will be hungry. Instead of exceeding your points and eating something, wear your hunger as a badge of honor. The hunger you feel lets you know that the program is working. I’d be surprised if you can go around feeling full all the time and still lose weight. However, this should be the exception rather than the rule.

I need a pin or t-shirt that says "Proud to be Hungry". Ha!!

Proverbs 31

2010-05-19T11:13:00.004-05:00

I've debated for some time about posting this, really for no legitimate reason, but after receiving an email devotional today I thought it was a good time. Something I truly desire and aspire for in this life is to be the kind of woman described in Proverbs 31:10-31. It is such a powerful passage. I know I could get really bogged down with the daily failings I seem to struggle with but I still yearn to be this woman ~Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her, vs28.
God knows my struggles and thankfully He also knows my heart and he cares about my desires. I have the belief that if you desire something godly for your life, how can God refuse it to you? He may not give it without struggles or at the time you feel necessary, but it will all be in the way I need it. I know this is cliched but the older I get the more I realize my time on this Earth is short and I only get one life in which to make the most. This poem was included in the devotional and it really spoke to me...

My hands were busy through the day.
I didn't have much time to play
The little games you asked me to,
I didn't have much time for you.
I'd wash your clothes.
I'd sew and cook,
But when you'd bring your picture book
And asked me please to share your fun,
I'd say, "A little later son."
I'd tuck you in all safe at night
And hear your prayers, turn out the light,
Then tiptoe softly to the door...
I wish I'd stayed a minute more.
For life is short, the years rush past.
A little boy grows up so fast.
No longer is he at your side,
His precious secrets to confide.
The picture books are put away,
There are no longer games to play.
No good-night kisses, no prayers to hear,
That all belongs to yesteryear.
My hands once busy now are still
The days are long and hard to fill.
I wish I could go back and do
The little things you asked me to.
Author Unknown

If you're not familiar with Proverbs 31, I strongly encourage you to read it. Also, HERE is the link to the devotional that encouraged this post.

Her Mother's Hope by Francine Rivers

2010-05-18T08:44:00.006-05:00

The first part of unforgettable epic family saga about the sacrifices every mother makes for her daughter and the very nature of unconditional love. On the eve of the First World War, fiery Marta Schneider leaves Switzerland and her difficult childhood behind, determined to find a new life on her own terms. Barely out of her teens, Marta is haunted by a devastating loss that fuels her ambition to one day own a hotel. From the cramped quarters of a French housekeeping school to the portrait-lined halls of a stately English manner, Marta becomes a hard working domestic who has little time to dwell on what might have been. Instead, she draws her strength from what could be. Then, Marta meets Niclas Waltert, a man just as determined as she to forge a better life in a new place. Niclas captures her heart and together they endure the harshness of life as tenant farmers on the vast prairies of Winnipeg, Canada, before following the promise of the American dream and migrating to the agriculturally rich Central Valley of California. Marriage and motherhood bring both joy and heartbreak, as Marta must surrender her long-held ambitions for the sake of her husband and children, including her daughter, Hildemara, upon whose shoulders her own hopes now squarely rest. Only the strong survive and Marta is determined to raise a daughter as strong as she. But as Hildie reaches young womanhood and another war is fast approaching, those hopes become too heavy a burden for Hildie to bear. Born with a heart to serve others, Hildie pursues her calling as a nurse, something Marta can’t understand. Marta’s years of hardnosed parenting have left Hildie still hungry for her mother’s love…and now for her mother’s respect. Amid the drama of WWII, Hildie falls in love and begins a family of her own. She wants her daughter, Carolyn, never to doubt her love—but the challenges of life conspire against her vow and the only person who can come to her aid is the person she remains so desperate to please: Marta, her mother. With hallmark touches of brilliant prose and gripping characterizations, Her Mother’s Hope is a rich, moving epic about faith and dreams, heartache and disappointment, and ultimately the resilience and tenacity of love. ~Francine Rivers website

I feel like I sailed right through this book. It was so easy to read and continually kept my interest. In my book, Francine Rivers can do no wrong. I love how she brings the lives of others right to you so vividly. This is another 'GREAT' by FR and I'm already anticipating the second book, Her Daughter's Dream, in this series. I recommend this book for anyone...5 stars!!

12-Year-Old Web Sensation Greyson Chance Performs! - The Ellen DeGeneres Show

2010-05-14T10:49:00.002-05:00

I've apparently been out of the loop with this little guy. After posting a video of him singing and playing the piano at his school talent show on YouTube his popularity has gone crazy! He's a middle-schooler from Edmond, OK and he really is amazing! Thursday he appeared on the Ellen show...check it out!!
12-Year-Old Web Sensation Greyson Chance Performs! - The Ellen DeGeneres Show
It's always nice to see another Oklahoman go big...especially with a talent like his.

Cabbage Soup

2010-05-14T09:27:00.005-05:00

I was scared to death to try this soup. First, I've never eaten cooked cabbage and I don't like homemade coleslaw, which usually has cabbage. But since I'm really trying to eat better and succeed at my goal with WW, I decided to try it. Let me just say, YUUUUMMMMMYYYY!!!! I did add a little too much black pepper making it pretty spicy but next time I'll know better. The texture was perfect; I seem to be craving crunchy and the veggies had the perfect crunch! The kids seemed to like it pretty well too. I think they were pleasantly surprised. They've all been supportive of me and my efforts. It's nice to have that. Thanks guys!!
Ww 0 Point Weight Watchers Cabbage Soup - 128956 - Recipezaar
It's just as good warmed up!!

Happy, Healthy Eating!!

Healthy Eating...

2010-05-12T11:03:00.005-05:00

I've really always had the desire to cook healthier meals but the ones I find are typically something you'd find in a fancy-smancy restaurant that no one really wants to eat. Well, Phil found a website that has WONDERFUL meals, and things people will actually eat. It's called Skinny Taste. So far we've made the Roasted Red Pepper Soup...it was really yummy and the kids ate it.

You can get the recipe here.
Another really good thing about this site is she posts the WW points for everything...is that awesome or what!! I'm really excited to try some other recipes from this site, I think tonight will be Chicken Piccata. I've also made the Blueberry Smoothie, smoothies are becoming a staple at our house. I'll let you know what else we try.