The Sound of Music

OK (I like to start my posts with OK)... Those of you that know me would be surprised by this fact... I have never watched The Sound of Music... I know, I can't believe it either. I am a former movie buff (that includes movie musicals), and I never watched TSOM. I think I saw clips of the movie here and there throughout my life, but never have watched the whole movie.

So tonight, I saw that it was playing on Cable, so I flipped it on, and then flipped it off. However, I came back to it later because I was cleaning out my purse and balancing the checkbook, and I needed something to distract me from the monotony of that task. I think I started watching it about halfway through. TSOM is a love story? I didn't know that... I am a sucker for a love story. I thought the movie was about Julie Andrews running through the hills... singing, you know the song...THE HILLS ARE ALIVE.... I also remember seeing some children running around and singing. Later other people told me the children were called the Von Trapp Children.

OK, Christopher Plummer was very handsome when he was younger (he still is a nice looking man). I didn't know he could sing too. Julie Andrews had the face of an angel (or nun). Does everyone in the cast have pretty blue eyes? I have always wanted blue eyes.

And Liesel... You are 16 going on 17.... That song is in my head. I recognized many of the songs in the movie, because so many people sing those songs today. I was totally bummed that Rolf (was that his name?) did not come over to the good side. Liesel and Rolf could have been good together.

I had tears in my eyes (almost) when Mr. Von Trapp (I think he had a title, I just don't remember it) declared his love for Maria (that was her name, right?). Sorry it is late, and my brain has already gone to sleep. I may not get all the details right. Anyway, what a scene... How beautifully romantic. Why can't they make those kind of movies today? Innocent Love...

I started to freak out a little when the Von Trapp's were trying to escape from Austria. I asked my hubby what happens. He told me his mom made him watch that movie a lot when he was a kid. So, he tells me everyone dies. Leave it to my hubby to make a tense moment worse... I realized very soon he probably was joking with me. Thank goodness the Von Trapps won that talent show, so they could have time to escape... Rolf almost ruined it for them, but those cute little nuns saved the day. That scene made me chuckle.

Anyways, I think I love TSOM... I think I should watch it from the beginning though, so I can finally say, I have watched The Sound of Music. Feel free to share any fond memories you have of this movie, and if you haven't watched it, go rent it. Well, I guess the ending maybe a little spoiled for you if you read this blog entry :) Blessings to you!!!

Win a iPod Shuffle

Visit Darlene at her blog ,she is hosting a giveaway. You can win an iPod Shuffle courtesy of
Art Bookbindery. The giveaway is in honor of Allison Bottke's new book, One Little Secret.

In order to enter the giveaway you have to tell one little secret about yourself on your blog. So, my little secret is that I love to wear Spanx. Spanx is a company started by Sara Blakely. Spanx specializes in making shapewear. Spanx is for every size, from a size 2 to a size 20 (check out website for all sizes). The shapewear is so comfortable, and it makes you look flawless in your clothes... Especially those clothes that are a little clingy. If I had the money (they are a little pricey) I would have every style of Spanx shapewear the company makes. When I wear my Spanx, I actually look about 5 pounds lighter... Now that's a plus in my book. Some of you may not be able to believe that I actually admitted this on my blog, but it is kind of cool now to wear Shapewear. A very famous talk show host had Sara Blakely on her show, and she is in love with Spanx. So there you go, and give Spanx a try.

Make sure to go to Darlene's blog to enter the contest... Blessings and have a nice Labor Day weekend :)

"I Am..." Online Bible Study

I am joining the Online Bible Study..."I AM". I have visited "The Preacher's Wife" blog several times, and today decided to start her online Bible study. This week Lisa (The Preacher's Wife) began round two of her online study. The first lesson of round two was on "timing"... It was really good, and got me thinkin (my southern side coming out) about some things. Please make sure to visit Lisa's site so you can read the lesson for yourself. Also, consider joining the Study... Below are my answers to Lesson one, "Just in Time"... (Click on Button above, and you will be directed to Lisa's site).


Here are some Burning Questions I would like for you to consider in response to what God is showing us in these Scriptures:

1. Are there any circumstances or relationships in your life where you can see God has intentionally placed you? What do you perceive may be at stake if you do or do not speak out for Him? About 3 years ago, God called our family to move to another state (that was my first move ever... I thought I would never move in my life). God has shown up in miraculous ways through this move. I know God has me (and my family) right where he wants us now. We feel the leading once again to move next year. So, I trust that there are reasons He wants us to move again. I tell my husband all the time... I just want to be where God wants us to be, although, at times, where He wants me/us may not always be the easy place, but I know it is the best place to be.

2. Can you honestly describe yourself as a woman with a 'yes' in her spirit? If not, what keeps you from this? I feel like in my head... I am a woman that has a yes spirit, but one of my biggest strongholds is FEAR, and it is FEAR that can at times keep me from saying Yes to God.

3. Do you recognize any circumstances in your life which could be described as an 'unrecurring event'? Have you ever said 'no' to one and watched God use someone else instead? I am sure the answer is yes, but a clear cut circumstance is not jumping out to me. I will have to ponder the first question a bit more. I am sure that others were used for God's purposes instead of me, because I was living for myself, and not God for a very long time.

4. Are you in an emotionally and spiritually healthy place? If yes, how are you using this freedom to minister to others? If no, what do you feel is holding you in your Egypt? Oh, this question scares me... Honestly, I feel like for the first time, I am in a place of spiritual and emotional health, but I realize I have such a long way to go... How am I using this freedom? I think I am just being totally authentic and open, especially about my struggles. I am a total mess without God. I think when others see that God can redeem, and set me free, they know He can do the same thing for them too.

Thankful Thursday

(Posted a little early...tomorrow is busy)


I am thankful today for the opportunity that we have to spend time with Jesus. I called a friend yesterday and told her that I miss spending time with Jesus. The funny thing is that I don't really have a regular Quiet Time with Jesus. That is something that I have been SLOWLY developing.

My life has taken a radical turn in the last two weeks (with the kids going back to school, and me taking a teaching position). It is like I went from 0 to 60 in a matter of seconds. My days are full from the time that I get up, to the very late hour I close my eyes to go to sleep. Yesterday was one of those days that it seemed I didn't have a moment to spare... That is when I thought about missing "my time" with Jesus. I need Him so much... I have realized that I especially need him now as my life is very busy. So today, I am thankful that we can be with HIM anytime of the day or night.

Also, I had a spiritual breakthrough the last couple of weeks... I wrote about it, a few posts ago. I am going to copy and paste it here as part of my Thankful Thursday because I am so thankful for this breakthrough. If you already read the "To Know Him" post, you can skip this part...

These past few weeks, my load has been a bit lighter. What do I mean? Well, spiritually speaking, I am experiencing some freedom in my Christian walk. I hesitate to talk or write about it, because normally I will talk about "it" (whatever God is showing me) with friends and family before I have actually lived "it" out. I hope that makes sense.

I believe I started to feel this way after a conversation (or several conversations) with my Fwend (sidebar Fwend :). God has been showing her so many things over these past few months, and I am always so blessed when she shares these "things" with me. If you have been a reader of my blog on a regular basis, or if you know me well, you will know that in my younger days I was a very legalistic Christian. It was all about the "to do" list, and the "what I didn't do list". Somehow, I equated my lists with what kind of Christian I was, and in my book I was a very good Christian. What I later realized was that I was a Hypocrite. God has done an amazing work in my life, and I do not feel I wear the label of a Hypocrite any longer. I will never say that I can't be hypocritical, but that is not how I would describe myself any longer.

So, I realized that my lists were not really any good, and that I should not judge others by my lists. But, somehow I still had the idea that "good works" were the key to a successful relationship with Christ. Although, I know that is not the truth in my head. Let me interject this... A true faith will produce good works. My pastor just preached a message on that this week. But, deep in my Spirit, I had the theory that if I kept doing all these good works for God, I would move up on the Spiritual Ladder. Also, my good works for God would hopefully keep bad things from happening to me. I think I thought that God would love me more if I was good, or the opposite, love me less if I didn't do the good works. I have been a Christian for most of my life and I thought this way...still think this way. Again, I know at some level all of this thinking is faulty, yet it is still in my heart.

Back to the conversation with my Fwend. I think I was sharing some of these thoughts with her, when she reminded me that my best works are as filthy rags to God. I have heard that so many times before, but that day it stuck with me... No matter what I DO for God, it will be as a filthy rag. I can't earn His favor or love by doing anything. Plus, I have realized that the work I do, is just that... The work I do. Not the work God wants to do through me.

My Fwend has been sharing with me about the Spirit working through her. You know, in my whole life, maybe only a few instances stand out to me when I might be able to say that the Holy Spirit was working through me. God wants to show His power and work through us everyday to accomplish things we can't even imagine. What a waste for me to not allow Him access to my heart so that He can accomplish what He wants through me. The day my friend told me about my works and how they appear to God made me feel a little lighter at the end of our conversation. Why? Because I realize there is really nothing I can do. It has to be God doing "something" through me. I can't earn His love. I can't move up, spiritually speaking. I just need to surrender myself to Him.

The best advice my Fwend gave me (my old self was hoping that it would be a "To Do List") was to "sow to the Spirit". The only way that I will ever change, or get rid of this old mindset is to have "the mind of Christ". The only way I know to develop the mind of Christ is to get TO KNOW HIM. After all that is the name of this blog. I get to know Him by spending time with Him through prayer and His Word. As I get to know Him, He will do the work through Me. He will finally get to do the work He has wanted to do all along in my life. I am not really even sure what kind of work that will be. For years, I have tried to do everything, but get to know Him. I think it is about time for me to really get to know the Jesus that I have been telling people about for years...don't you?

So this week, I walk a little easier, spiritually speaking... I think I let go of some of the extra "spiritual weight" I had been carrying around. If you would, would you pray for me about all of this... As mentioned before, I have a pattern to share what God is doing in my life, and then not follow through with what He wants me to do. This time what He wants me to "do" is so good... Because getting to Know Him is the best thing that could ever happen to me this side of Heaven.

Blessings to all of you!!!

Wordless Wednesday

Terminator and Snake playing a game... Terminator is laughing because Snake is losing, but Snake is laughing too (sorry for the words :)

Time Travel Tuesday

How did you find out you were pregnant, and how did you break the news...

Well, I will just tell the story about my first pregnancy so my post doesn't get to long.
My hubby and I were married in 94, and I found out I was pregnant in 98. We were kind of trying to get pregnant, or at least I was. I don't know if my hubby ever thought he was ready to be a dad... Sometimes you just gotta bite the bullet.

I was on my way to work at a Resort on Sanibel Island, Florida. I worked at the Front Desk as a Guest Service Rep. I was just a bit late for my monthly, and because I knew there was a possibility I could be pregnant, I decided to buy a pregnancy test and take it to work with me. I just couldn't wait until I got home to take the test, so I bolted to the bathrooms. These bathrooms were very nice, and had full doors that closed. So, I did my business in the stall, and I think I sat the pregnancy test on the Napkin Disposal container (sorry for the visual). Even though I wanted to be pregnant, I really did not think I would be.

I looked away and then looked back, and I started to see the positive sign appear before my eyes. I was in shock, but this sense of pure joy just overtook me. I ran to the front desk to clock in. I can't remember if I told people that I worked with I was pregnant before I started making phone calls to my family. I have little patience, so I could see me telling my coworkers before I got in touch with my family. I kept trying to reach my hubby, but couldn't. So I called my mom, dad, and sisters. Finally, my hubby called me back later and I broke the news to him. I can't even remember what I said to him, but he was in shock...happy, but in shock.

Later my hubby told me that he took a long drive, a really long drive. I think the long drive thing became a tradition for him every time he found out we were having a baby. So, that is the story of my first birth announcement. Kind of simple, but I have such a special memory of me in that Resort Bathroom stall :)

To Know Him

These past few weeks, my load has been a bit lighter. What do I mean? Well, spiritually speaking, I am experiencing some freedom in my Christian walk. I hesitate to talk or write about it, because normally I will talk about "it" (whatever God is showing me) with friends and family before I have actually lived "it" out. I hope that makes sense.

I believe I started to feel this way after a conversation (or several conversations) with my Fwend (sidebar Fwend :). God has been showing her so many things over these past few months, and I am always so blessed when she shares these "things" with me. If you have been a reader of my blog on a regular basis, or if you know me well, you will know that in my younger days I was a very legalistic Christian. It was all about the "to do" list, and the "what I didn't do list". Somehow, I equated my lists with what kind of Christian I was, and in my book I was a very good Christian. What I later realized was that I was a Hypocrite. God has done an amazing work in my life, and I do not feel I wear the label of a Hypocrite any longer. I will never say that I can't be hypocritical, but that is not how I would describe myself any longer.

So, I realized that my lists were not really any good, and that I should not judge others by my lists. But, somehow I still had the idea that "good works" were the key to a successful relationship with Christ. Although, I know that is not the truth in my head. Let me interject this... A true faith will produce good works. My pastor just preached a message on that this week. But, deep in my Spirit, I had the theory that if I kept doing all these good works for God, I would move up on the Spiritual Ladder. Also, my good works for God would hopefully keep bad things from happening to me. I think I thought that God would love me more if I was good, or the opposite, love me less if I didn't do the good works. I have been a Christian for most of my life and I thought this way...still think this way. Again, I know at some level all of this thinking is faulty, yet it is still in my heart.

Back to the conversation with my Fwend. I think I was sharing some of these thoughts with her, when she reminded me that my best works are as filthy rags to God. I have heard that so many times before, but that day it stuck with me... No matter what I DO for God, it will be as a filthy rag. I can't earn His favor or love by doing anything. Plus, I have realized that the work I do, is just that... The work I do. Not the work God wants to do through me.

My Fwend has been sharing with me about the Spirit working through her. You know, in my whole life, maybe only a few instances stand out to me when I might be able to say that the Holy Spirit was working through me. God wants to show His power and work through us everyday to accomplish things we can't even imagine. What a waste for me to not allow Him access to my heart so that He can accomplish what He wants through me. The day my friend told me about my works and how they appear to God made me feel a little lighter at the end of our conversation. Why? Because I realize there is really nothing I can do. It has to be God doing "something" through me. I can't earn His love. I can't move up, spiritually speaking. I just need to surrender myself to Him.

The best advice my Fwend gave me (my old self was hoping that it would be a "To Do List") was to "sow to the Spirit". The only way that I will ever change, or get rid of this old mindset is to have "the mind of Christ". The only way I know to develop the mind of Christ is to get TO KNOW HIM. After all that is the name of this blog. I get to know Him by spending time with Him through prayer and His Word. As I get to know Him, He will do the work through Me. He will finally get to do the work He has wanted to do all along in my life. I am not really even sure what kind of work that will be. For years, I have tried to do everything, but get to know Him. I think it is about time for me to really get to know the Jesus that I have been telling people about for years...don't you?

So this week, I walk a little easier, spiritually speaking... I think I let go of some of the extra "spiritual weight" I had been carrying around. If you would, would you pray for me about all of this... As mentioned before, I have a pattern to share what God is doing in my life, and then not follow through with what He wants me to do. This time what He wants me to "do" is so good... Because getting to Know Him is the best thing that could ever happen to me this side of Heaven.

Blessings to all of you!!!

Still Time...

There is still time to enter my "Pay It Forward Book Exchange". You have up until Aug 31st to enter. I will be giving away the book by Kevin Leman, Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours. You can go to my "Pay it Forward" post to get all the details, but just leave a comment on this post and I will enter you in the contest too.

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
Say there’s a book written about your life. Who would you want to narrate the audio version? Beth Moore. She is my favorite Bible Study Teacher, but she also has a great voice when she reads her stories and poems. Plus, I always wished I had a southern accent, and she does. I love the South.

Soup
Take the letters from your favorite kind of nut and write a sentence. (Example: Perhaps every avenue needs understanding today.) Can all super heroes eat worms? Well, there it is...

Salad
If you could go back in time and spend one week in another decade, which decade would you choose? the 50's.

Main Course
Name a song that brings back memories for you. I totally forgot the name. But it is a Wilson Phillips Song (I think on the Release Me CD), but it is about getting your heart broke, and at the time I had my first broken heart. Of course now if I hear it, I do not have those sad emotions anymore, but normally the memory of my first broken heart always comes to mind first when I hear the song.

Dessert
Do you prefer to wash your hands in cold water or warm water? Both are OK. If my hands are really dirty (working with raw food), I like warm to hot water better. Also, in winter the cold water is to cold for me.

If you would like to do your own Friday Feast, you can visit the website fridaysfeast.com
Or, feel free to leave your answers in my comment section, or post a Friday's Feast on your blog, and let me know so I can visit.

Blessings, and have a great weekend!

Thankful Thursday

I think I said this last week, but the first thing I am thankful for is my new job. Two weeks ago, working was something that was way in my future, and this week I attended my first staff meeting. I have had so much fun decorating my classroom, MY classroom.

I am thankful that my two older kids have done so well this week in school. Moose and Snake really seem to enjoy 3rd Grade and Kindergarten. It warms my heart to see them sit together on the bus. And the look that Snake (in Kindergarten) gives me before he steps onto the bus is priceless. I think I will always remember that look.

I am also thankful that Snake can give me the details about his day at Kindergarten. Moose, my oldest is Autistic, and communication is one area that is a struggle for him. He has been in school since about 3 (Early Intervention), and I would always ask him about his day. At the beginning, Moose said nothing. As he got older, I would get a response like "good day" or "I had a rough day" (I think the teachers gave him the word, rough :) Now, I can get more information from him, but I still have to prod him. Thank goodness for his wonderful Aides and Teachers that write me notes letting me know how his day went...

Anyway, on Snake's second day of school, at dinner, he just spilled the beans about his day. The thing that made me laugh was when he told us that if a child in his class gets his behavior card turned to red, he or she will visit the Principal's office. His expression was priceless. So, even if the details are not always about Snake's good days, but maybe his bad days. I am still so thankful that he can tell me about his day, period.

Lastly, I am thankful for the Lord's abiding presence and love. I need Him so much, even more than I think I do. Thank you Jesus!!!

Blessings to you!!!

Wordless Wednesday

Teach Me Your Way O Lord

WFMW

Teachers Pay Attention... I saw this tip on a TV program, and actually found out that it worked yesterday. I was setting up my classroom, and writing the students names on many laminated items. I was writing with a Sharpie (permanent marker), and I messed up. It was time to see if the tip I saw on TV worked.

I needed to erase the permanent marker, and so I grabbed a Dry Erase marker and wrote right over the original markings, and then wiped it off... It erased completely. So, when you need to remove a permanent marking made with a Sharpie (or other markers), write right over it with a Dry Erase marker and wipe away. Awesome tip!

End of Summer Giveaway...

Click on button above to be directed to an awesome End of Summer Giveaway...

The Boys...

This past weekend my hubby had a company "family" picnic. At the picnic, there was a clown that did face painting. The clown's daughter made balloon animals (I missed that picture opportunity because I was eating). I always want my kids to get their faces painted. Sometimes they do not want too, but this time they all did.

At first, I went over to the table and I was looking at the sign of all the paintings the clown would do. I tried to talk my boys into what I thought would look cute on them, but soon realized they all wanted to make their own decisions (does this have to start now? :)

The paintings they chose to go on their faces really represented who they are...

Moose- My oldest. He is a happy kid... He is sweet to the core. The Rainbow was something beautiful to him, and he wanted it on his face, even though mom thought the octopus was cuter.
I love that boy!!

Snake- My middle, my thinker, and at 6 he is one that is already attune to spiritual things. I was sure that he was going to pick something really ruggedly boyish (he chose the sword as his balloon figure), but as soon as he saw the crosses, he knew that was what he wanted. I love that boy!!

Terminator- My baby, my jokester, my ball of energy. It was no surprise that he chose the T-Rex. After all, his nickname is the Terminator... When I went to take his picture he was posing like T-Rex, and he was making guttural noises. I love that boy!!

Something as simple as face painting at a picnic gave me insight into the personalities of my boys.. Now, I think that is cool!!

Friday's Feast

Appetizer

Describe your laundry routine. Do you have a certain day when you do it all, or do you just wash whatever you need for the next day? No routine... It seems like I at least wash one load a day, especially the towels.

Soup
In your opinion, what age will you be when you’ll consider yourself to truly be old? I don't know... I never feel "old" in my mind, but I have definitely seen signs of aging now in my 30's.

Salad
What is one of your goals? Is it short-term, long-term, or both? To develop the discipline of a daily quiet time with the Lord (which includes prayer and Bible reading). This is a long term goal because I want to do this for the rest of my life.

Main Course
Name something unbelievable you’ve seen or read lately. There have been a lot of freak accidents that have happened lately in the news that resulted in people dying. This is so sad.

Dessert
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how happy are you today? An eight. I sent my two older kids to school today. That makes me happy, and a little sad because it means they are growing up.

If you are interested in doing you own Feast, go to FridayFeast.com. As always feel free to leave your answers to the questions in my comments, or let me know that you are answering the questions on your blog, and I will visit you :)

Thankful Thursday

Today, I am thankful for a job that I didn't even apply for. This past week the director of a Christian Pre-K that I had sent my children to, called to ask me if I wanted to be a Teacher for her school. She also said that my youngest would have a spot for free in the program so I could work there... I was totally shocked. I think in a conversation with her last year I mentioned I had an Education Degree. I think that stuck with her all this time.

I asked her if I could pray about it with my husband... She gave me about a week to make my decision. During that time, my husband and I just felt like this was something God was placing before us, and that we should grab the opportunity to see what may be in store for us.

This summer, I really struggled with time management. I wasted so much time. Many days I would tell my hubby that I felt so bad, because I basically just wasted a day that I would never get back. My hubby said that maybe this job was a gift from God to help me order my day, and not have so many wasted days. That made sense to me. I don't know all the reasons why this opportunity came my way, but I am going to be thankful for it.

I told a friend that I feel a sense of happiness now, and I know one reason is because of this job. Over the summer, I had quite a few down days... I told my friend, that I really want to commit myself to getting closer to God... Normally, when things are going great, I sometimes forget about God, but what I realize is that I don't want to be happy because of my circumstances (a job or any good thing)... I want my happiness to come from the fact that I have intimacy with God. I want my main satisfaction to come from Christ, and not the good things of the world. I think I have a challenge ahead of me, but I want to take it!!! So today I am thankful for this wonderful opportunity.

Blessings to you!!! (If you are a regular reader of my "Thankful Thursday" or blog, you may want to look down a few posts to my 100th post redo... you may learn a little more about me... maybe more than you want to know :)

Wordless Wednesday

Terminator before his surgery to correct his eye position... see his one eye....

WFMW

My tip today will help you when you are not feeling so well. I am a sufferer of Intense Migraine Headaches. The kind of headaches that can knock you out for the day. I have to be in a dark, silent room with a cold wash cloth on my head :(

Normally, when it comes to headaches you need something cold to place on your head or neck... anywhere that you may be feeling the pain. So head to your refrigerator, and grab a soda can (unopened for sure). A water bottle works well too. Place the soda can (you can put a wash cloth around it, if it is to cold) where ever the pain is. You will have to experiment a little at this time and find the right spot to place or hold the soda can. Many times, I have had the kind of headaches where the pain is in my neck, so I place the can right in the groove where my head and neck meet. It is a perfect fit. The cold can will eventually numb the area, and offer you some relief. When my headaches are really bad, I will have to switch out my cans to get ones that are cold again.

I hope this helps... It really has helped me. You don't have to have a migraine to try this either. Beware, because in the morning you will find a land mine of unopened soda cans :)

Blessings to you...

You gotta think...

Here is a fun (you may not think it fun) little game that I came across on a blog... I will post the rules from the blog.. Feel free if you have a minute to answer the questions in my comment section, or take it to your blog to try out...

Here's a little game called SCATTERGORIES… It’s harder than it looks! Here are the rules: Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following. They MUST be real places, names, things ... nothing made up! If you can’t think of anything, skip it. Try to use different answers if the person before you had the same 1st initial. You CAN’T use your name for the boy/girl name question.

1. Famous Singer/Band: Kiss (I know, I can't believe that is the name that came to me... that band still scares me a bit)
2. 4 letter word: Kiwi
3. Street: Kismet Drive
4. Color: Khaki (my hubby gave me this one)
5. Gifts/Presents: Kisses (the Hershey kind)
6. Vehicle: Katana (hubby again)
7. Things in a Souvenir Shop: key rings
8. Boy Name: Kevin
9. Girl Name: Katie
10. Movie Title: Kiss of the Dragon ( I have no Idea why that movie title was in my brain :)
11. Drink: Koolaid
12. Occupation: Kitchen Manager at a rest. (I think that is an occupation)
13. Celebrity: Kevin Costner
14. Magazine: Kiplingers (sorry, hubby again.. it is a business mag)
15. U.S. City: Key West
16. Pro Sports Teams: Knicks (my hubby didn't give me that one.. he would be proud)
17. Reason for Being Late for Work: Kept hitting the snooze button (I know a bit of a stretch)
18. Something You Throw Away: Krispy Kreme donuts, once they are stale...
19. Things You Shout: "Kiss Me" (I suppose you could shout that :)
20. Cartoon Character: Kappa Mikey (I think this is a cartoon... It is not one we watch, but I have seen it on the TV guide).

OK, my (hubby too) list is done. It required more brain cells than I had to give today, because of my lack of sleep yesterday (sounds like a good excuse). If you have 5 minutes to burn... you may want to try it.

Blessings...

Time Travel Tuesday

Today's Topic is "First Day of School Memories". I am going to keep it simple today, because I just finished my 100th post REDO, and I listed 100 things about myself (please feel free to read just below this post). But, I like being a part of the "Time Travel Tuesday" group that I wanted to at least post something.

I will write about sending my kids to school on their first days... I have a children in 3rd, Kindergarten, and Pre-K right now. So each of them has had a first day of school in some way or another.

First days for my kids always mean that they recently would have had their hair cut. Normally, the outfit they wear on their first day is new. Although, I am sure they have been sent in clothes that were not brand new. I normally have them SUPER LABELED with a name tag with their names, teachers, room numbers, bus numbers (if applicable- It took me awhile to finally put my kids on a bus), and their social security numbers (no just kidding on that one).

The worst part of the "first day" for my kids is me with my camera... They have to pose in the house for me, and then when they get onto the bus, and many times when I have taken my kids to school, I will try to get a picture of them in their classrooms. If the Teacher doesn't look to busy, I will grab her for a picture with my kids.

I almost always feel nervous when I leave them, and a few times have probably wanted to cry myself. Since all my kids are school age, and have been in school all at the same time (at least for 3 hours-short day for Pre-K)... the house feels empty and a bit lonely. Although, I will have to admit sometimes it is SWEET (I can get a lot done).

My favorite part of their "first day" is when they come home, and tell me all about their first day.

Blessings to all of you. I have recently taken a Pre-K teaching position... so I will have a first day very soon myself :)

100th post-100 things about me list cont...

I will jump right in... Go down one post to catch number 1-10...

11. I am a bit clumsy.
12. I always wanted to be a waitress, but I fear carrying the trays... and spilling food all over people.
13. One of my biggest strongholds/struggles is FEAR.
14. I am in the process of surrendering this struggle to God.
15. I am an extrovert.
16. I can start up a conversation real easy... ask the employees at my local Convenience stores.
17. I am a people pleaser, but in the process of trying not to be.
18. I am in love with Jesus more than I have ever been in my life. He is AWESOME.
19. I have a wealth of movie/TV trivia in my brain. You want me on your team in a game if it involves this type of trivia.
20. I am super competitive... it borders on all out sin... I am seeking help for this too :)
21. I have been on some kind of diet for about 25 years... Getting help on this too :)
22. Beth Moore is my favorite Bible Study Teacher.
23. She is the mentor to me that I have never met (I know a lot of ladies out there can Amen this).
24. I love a good Hamburger.
25. I am newly addicted to Burger King's Mocha BK Joes.
26. My favorite number is 8, because it was my mom's favorite number.
27. I am passionate about Women's Ministry.
28. I also love to connect women together in hopes that they will become friends.
29. I am a big PARTY PLANNER. I go all out with the little details.
30. At one point I was massively addicted to Reality TV.
31. I tend to have an addictive personality. I must be cautious...
32. I hate to FLY (tied to fear issue)
33. I am a Florida Native.
34. I long to speak with a southern accent.
35. I am a clothes horse (I think that is the terminology-it means I love clothes)
36. But I will skimp on my shoes (I know this could make my outfit not as fabulous if I have bad shoes).
37. Walmart Rules in my opinion.
38. I love DIET COKE, and my father is a former Pepsi Man (he worked at Pepsi)... He has forgiven me.
39. I am Naive at times.
40. I now love to Read... I didn't when I was younger.
41. I love Blogging, but must keep it in check because of number 31.
42. I rode my first roller coaster, with my first Pastor in Panama City.
43. That Pastor lead me to Christ when I was nine.
44. My adopted sister and I were mistaken for twins all the time (we are nine months apart), even though we look very different.
45. We (sister and me) graduated High School with only a few tenths of a grade point average
difference (her GPA was higher)... We were on the Honor Society...
46. With the way my brain works now, you would never know I was a former Honor Society member.
47. I love to write...Maybe one day I would like to write a book.. I know I will have to give up ending and interrupting my sentences with periods..
48. I have a wonderful relationship with my In-Laws.
49. I graduated college with an Elementary Education degree and have never officially used it (because of staying home with my babies).
50. My first job was at Wendy's Fast Food Rest.
51. I also worked the Graveyard shift for a season of my life at a Hotel.
52. I long to express myself more freely in Worship to our Lord.
53. I was a Hypocrite for a very long time in my younger years.
54. The Lord woke me up one day to that Fact.
55. Now, I feel empathy for people that are Hypocritical, because I know how blind I was, and how far from the Lord I was when I was one.
56. I am starting to just understand about God's grace and mercy.
57. The Experiencing God study shed light on the truth that Jesus wanted a relationship with me that was Real and Personal (unbelievable).
58. Beth Moore was one of the first people (via video) that I saw that had one of those Real and Personal relationships with Jesus. She is head over heels for Him, and I started to believe that I could fall in love with Jesus that way too.
59. I can't really bake.
60. I can follow a recipe, but when it comes to baking...something always gets stuck to my pan.
61. Sometimes I am a big time Procrastinator.
62. I have some OCD traits (possibly related to 31 again)
63. You don't want to travel with me on a long rode trip... I need to make to many bathroom stops.
64. I lack patience, but am working on this too.
65. I sang solos when I was younger, but my voice has changed a bit. Now, I am better in the choir.
66. I like to act, but am more self conscious now, that I will pass on opportunities.
67. I like to receive mail in the mailbox, especially now that I have moved away from my family and friends.
68. I am passionate about Small Groups (comment and ask me about this one if you don't know what I mean).
69. I love Chocolate.
70. I think Billy Graham looks like a saint/prophet from Biblical Times. Beautiful in my Eyes.
71. I love Travis Cottrell's music (introduced to him from Beth Moore events).
72. I talk to myself (see numbers 15 and 16).
73. Sometimes when I am cooking, I will act like I have my own cooking show (this helps since I don't like to cook). I am no Rachel Ray :(
74. I also love Point of Grace, and Avalon's Music.
75. Casting Crowns too.
76. I am a spender, and my husband a saver.
77. I resist budgets at times...
78. I love QVC (a home shopping Channel)
79. I have purchased many Today's Special Value products on QVC.
80. My hubby had to step in and help me (see number 31) with my love of QVC.
81. I have several hair pieces/extensions purchased from HSN (the addiction did not spill over to HSN). I wear them a lot... They look so real!!!
82. I eat when I am bored.
83. Eating is another stronghold that I am working through with Jesus.
84. I love to cry when I watch a good movie.
85. I almost always cry every time I watch an episode of "Touched by an Angel".
86. I get scared when driving on Interstates.
87. Because of the Semi's on the interstates.
88. I am directionally challenged.
89. I am OK with that, but my hubby isn't... He wants to teach me how drive anywhere.
90. My best friend has 3 boys too.
91. She has been one of the biggest blessings in my life... I have grown so much spiritually because of my friendship with her.
92. I had a major anger problem.
93. God has changed me so much in this area... I still struggle at times, but in a totally different way (Need help, read... She's Gonna Blow...this book was awesome).
94. I love Christian talk Radio...
95. Focus on the Family Rules...
96. I can spend a lot of money at the Christian bookstore... I may have to create a spot for this in my budget :)
97. I have been a Christian for a long time, but am still very much a "spiritual babe" when it comes to reading my Bible.
98. 97 is changing.
99. I like the Star Wars movies.. and Lord of the Rings movies too.
100. If you read this list, then you definitly know this list was as Random as it could be... as mentioned that is the way my mind works these days.

Wow, it wasn't hard to come up with this list at all. If you made it all the way through, you deserve a medal (but I don't have one to give :)... But, do leave me a comment. Hope you are not on "To Know Him" overload :)

Blessings to you...

100th post- the right way....

OK, so I already did my 100th post, but I see that I did it wrong. Recently, I have been in blogville, and I see that you are suppose to write 100 things about yourself on your 100th post. OK, I am one not short on words, so I am sure I can do it, but do my readers really want to endure it :) I will do as many as I can. I may have to come back to the list to finish off the 100. Know that these 100 things will be in no particular sequence or any kind of timeline. My brain doesn't work that way anymore :( So here it goes...

1. I accepted Jesus Christ into my heart as my Savior at age nine, but really feel like I understood what that really means when I rededicated my life to him in my early 20's.
2. I met my husband via a computer. We both worked at Hampton Inns. Me in Florida, and Hubby in Illinois.
3. I have been married 13 years.
4. I have 3 sons.
5. My oldest son in Autistic.
6. I have 2 sisters, and one brother.
7. I grew up in the Baptist Church, my hubby's dad is a Lutheran Minister, and we now attend a Christian Church.
8. I cannot spell the word defintely (see)
9. I have huge calf muscles (like a gymnast, and I am NOOOO gymnast).
10. See I told you these 100 things would come very randomly... I will count this as one of my things.


Well, I am off to a meeting.. I will continue the 100 things later. I know you can't wait :)

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
What is your favorite kind of pie? Dutch Apple with Vanilla Ice Cream

Soup
Name something that made you smile this week. My boys got haircuts this week, and I asked the stylist to spike the boys hair with some gel. Terminator was the first one to have his hair spiked... It looked so cute, and it made me smile.

Salad
What do you do to cool off when the weather is hot and humid? Stay indoors and crank the air up, and put the ceiling fans on high.

Main Course
You receive $1,000 in the mail with a letter that says you can only use the money to redecorate one room in your home. Which room do you pick, and what do you buy to spruce it up? My bathroom. When we were decorating the house, we never finished off our bathroom. It is a big bathroom, and pretty much a blank canvas.

Dessert
Fill in the blank: My______ says ________ , but I __________. (TBA-I have to think about this one)

Feel Free to answer the five questions with a comment on my blog, or do your own, and let me know so I can check it out at your blog.

If you want to do your own Friday Feast, go to www.fridaysfeast.com...

Thankful Thursday

What am I thankful for this week???

Last night, my husband and I met with our Small Group. Last week we mentioned we began the "Love and Respect" Marriage Study. Well, I am thankful because we had such an awesome group discussion when the DVD portion was finished. People from our group that normally do not talk so much, opened up. I really believe that this study, if we all take it serious and apply the principles (Based of God's Word).... Marriages will be changed, strengthened and renewed. That includes my marriage too.

Over the past two weeks, I have won 4 bloggy contests... How fun!!! One of the prizes that I won was Mandisa's new CD, True Beauty. It is GREAT. Two songs from the CD make me get all teary when I hear them (God Speaking, and Voice of a Savior). The words of the song really speak to me. So I am thankful for all the gifts I won, and especially Mandisa's CD.

I am thankful that the Lord has confirmed with my hubby and me that we are going to be definitely moving next June. I am happy where I am, but I know from our past experience 3 years ago when we moved from Florida, that if God calls you to go... then you go. God has done so many miracles (from tiny to big) in these past 3 years... if we had never moved from Florida (our comfort zone) we would have missed out on the blessings God has bestowed on us. And it is not just about the blessings, God has grown our whole family closer to Him. We know that if God wants us to move, then He has something planned for us. We can trust Him. (I will try to do a post one day about our moving experience... it is miraculous... a little long, but miraculous..)

I will stop here, but thank you "Sting My Heart" for reminding us to take the time and be thankful. Especially, to our Heavenly Father.

Wordless Wednesday

Terminator in the Airport... I think someone is not in a very good mood :)

Giveaway update...

Just a reminder... my posts will keep pushing my Giveaways lower on my page. Make sure to comment on my "100th post" and "Pay It Forward" to enter to win a CD and Book. Just a comment will enter you in my Giveaway. I never win anything, but this month I won 4 prizes. One of which was Mandisa's new CD, TRUE BEAUTY. The CD Rocks!!! Two of the songs had me in tears. The words were beautiful... One song was about God speaking to us. It definitely spoke to me (spiritually speaking). GO BUY THE CD. Thanks BooMama for hosting the Giveaway.

Also, I just entered another giveaway at Robinznest in honor of her 100th post. Click on her site here to enter too.

Blessings to you and this will be my last post to remind you of the Giveaways. I don't yet know how to do a Sticky post, so the Giveaways will stay at the top. I am learning all the blogging stuff very slowly :)

Time Travel Tuesday

OK, Today's Topic is "We're Having A Baby". Tell about the childbirth experience... Well, I have had three babies. One by natural delivery, and the other two by C-Section. I really should have had all three by C-Section, my boys are cursed with the "BIG HEAD SYNDROME"... All three have pretty big heads... especially my first two. So big, that their pediatricians wanted to run some tests when they were younger... All to find out, that my hubby's head is extra big, and I think, my own head maybe a little bigger than the average adult size head. Boy, the facts that you can learn at the doctors :)

Today, I will just highlight some moments from my first baby's (Moose) delivery. I think I labored for about a full day. The funny thing is I thought I was going to have the baby when I was in the car driving to the hospital. I had only been in labor a couple of hours, but I was sure the baby was coming right then. I think I scared my hubby. The baby actually arrived about 13 hours later.

Also, before birth... I had this list of things I was never going to do.. 1. I will not get into any weird positions to have my baby. 2. Only my hubby and mom can be in the delivery room with me. I am a very super modest person. I still keep the door locked in my bedroom when I am getting dressed :) I wanted as few people as possible to see me having the baby. 3. I would try to have the baby all natural (no drugs).

Well, number 3, was ruined only a few hours into my labor... I love drugs, when it comes to labor and delivery :) Number 1, I blew when I was in my third hour of pushing. I will save you the mental image by not describing the weird position. I was willing to do anything to get my baby out. Number 2, didn't matter to me very much after a full day of laboring.. Pain makes you forget many of the things that you wanted at the beginning of your experience. I had my hubby, mom, and sisters in the room. Not to mention a nice staff of nurses and doctors.

One scary thing that happened to me was my blood pressure started to go up... They had to give me oxygen, and some medicine to keep me from the possibility of going into seizures... That was kind of scary, but I think I was in to much pain to really process that whole ordeal.

OK, I am going to share something quite personal right now. We definitely wanted to film the birth. In my mind, I was thinking something like "A Baby Story on TLC" version.. You know, the kind that is PG, maybe even G. To my surprise, a certain section of my birth video is more like "The Discovery Channel's" Version... with a R rating. What a nice surprise I get, when I decide to relive my birth experience by watching the video only to see a zoomed in shot of my "birth area" (you can probably figure out what I am talking about). I really never wanted to see that side of me :) I think my sister was the culprit, I don't think she knew how to operate our camera. Thankfully, that section of the video only lasted a short time.

Well, I pushed for about 3 hours, and with the assistance of a vacuum (not a Hoover) my little Moose came out. I remember looking at him, and seeing my face. He was all covered with stuff, and had a little cone head, but I could see that my baby looked like me.

My hubby beamed with joy, and probably was scared to death. I think we both were... We were parents, and kind of clueless. Thank goodness, parenting is kind of on the job training. Even better, my hubby and I had our Heavenly Father that would teach us to become the parents that Moose and all of our kids needed :)

Thank you Father for allowing 3 of your blessings to enter our life. We are richer and better people because of our blessings (Moose, Snake, and Terminator).

(I had an experience after Moose was born with God that was amazing... This experience was used to help lead my Grandma to Christ... I will make sure to share at a different time)

Blessings...

Pay It Forward Giveaway

I've gone mad with Giveaway fever here at my blog. I just love giving stuff away. I came across the "Pay It Forward Book Exchange" ( a Giveaway) at the Overwhelmed with Joy Blog.

I also copied the concept and rules of the Giveaway from her blog... See Below.

Most all of us love to read and get “new-to-us” books, right? And if you’re anything like me, you love winning things (what a rush), not to mention getting fun stuff in the mail! So here’s what this book exchange is all about:

1) Once a month I'll pick a book to give away to one lucky reader (you don’t have to have a blog to enter). It may be a book that I’ve purchased new or used, or it may be a book that someone has shared with me that I really like. It’ll probably be a paperback, just to make things easier, but no guarantees.

2) Details on how you can enter to win will be listed below.

3) If you’re the lucky winner of the book giveaway I ask that you, in turn, host a drawing to give that book away for free to one of your readers, after you’ve had a chance to read it (let’s say, within a month after you’ve received the book). If you mail the book out using the media/book rate that the post office offers it’s pretty inexpensive.

4) If you’re really motivated and want to host your own "Pay It Forward" giveaway at any time, feel free to grab the button above to use on your own blog. Just let me know so I can publish a post on my blog plugging your giveaway and directing my readers your way!

So there you have it, my Pay It Forward Book Exchange, designed to encourage people to read, to share good books, to possibly get you out of your reading comfort zone, and to get fun stuff in the mail instead of just bills!


BACK TO MY GIVEAWAY.... I will be giving away the book, Making Children Mind, Without Losing Yours, by Kevin Leman. Since this post is long, I will say... go to Amazon.com to get more info on this book. It is all about Reality Discipline. I am in the process of reading it right now.

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post with your contact info, and I will choose a winner at the end of August. You have up until midnight on August 31st. (Shipping within US only please... in future I may ship to other places).

Also, a friend of mine said that it would be fun to write our names, or blog names with the state on the inside cover of the book... It will be pretty cool to see all the places the book eventually gets passed to.

Blessings to you all. (Read the post below...my 100th post... I am giving away a Michael W Smith CD at the end of the week... comment to win that as well)

My 100th Post, A Giveaway, And Some Questions

Well, this is my 100th post. I see out there in blogville that people normally announce their 100th post. In honor of my 100th post, I will be giving away Michael W Smith's CD (Stand). I opened it and played in once in my CD player, but decided I would like to bless someone with this great CD. The Giveaway will run until next Sunday up until Noon (I will only be shipping within the US for this giveaway). All you have to do is to leave a comment with a way to get a hold of you if you win. There is a chance to have your comment count as two votes... Read on.

So, I have talked about my 100th post, and the giveaway... so that leaves "some questions". One of my passions is to get women together and really get "REAL" with each other. I am passionate about women finding true friendships with each other... The kind of friendships where you know the good, bad, and ugly about your friend, and you still love them deeply...

I have started two groups over the last couple of years. The main premise was to get a small group of women together and really open up about the issues and struggles that we as women face. For a very long time, I wore a mask. I wanted everyone to think I was the perfect Christian woman. It worked for a bit, but that kind of acting takes a toll on you..physically, mentally, and spiritually. I want us (women) to be able to come together and talk about the things that we are struggling with... our marriages, our parenting, our personal walks with Christ. There is something so refreshing about a friend just telling like it is. Being open and honest, just takes the pressure off.

I don't think women wear the "masks" because they want to trick and be dishonest with their friends. Sadly, I think women have been hurt by friends and others when they were totally honest about their struggles. I have been hurt by others judgment, and I have hurt others by my judgments. One of the best things that God did for me was to open my eyes to how I criticized others. It wasn't a pretty lesson, but I am so glad that He showed me the sin in my heart. It has been so freeing!!

I can't say that I never have a critical or judgmental thought, but it is so different now. The Lord catches me in my thought life when a negative thought crosses my mind. Then I can confess the sin, and the Lord forgives me, and starts to change my heart. Before, I would have labeled myself critical and judgmental... Now with the Lord's help I feel like I no longer am labeled with those terms. That is an awesome work of the Lord!!!

So here are my questions. If you answer my questions either with a comment on my blog, or a post about my questions on your blog.. I will count your name twice for the CD Giveaway. Because I gave you a little bit of background info about me, I will wait to answer my questions until the end of the week.

1. Why are we (women) hard on each other? Why can we fall into judging or criticizing other women?
2. Why do we wear the masks with each other? Why don't we open up and share our struggles?
3. What attributes describe a true/good friend? Do you have one (or more) of these friends?

Well, I can't wait to hear your answers. I know I have a few people that comment, but I would like to hear from all who take the time to read this post... Blessings to you all!!!

Major Giveaway

Love Shak Baby and Gymboree are giving away a $250.00 Gift Certificate to Gymboree...
If you would like to enter to wind the Gift Certificate, click here

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how polite are you? I think I am about an 8... I just love being nice and talking with people... It is the extrovert in me.

Soup
What was the last thing that made you laugh out loud? The last time I laughed out loud was with my youngest son. I was being goofy, and just started laughing at him. I told him to laugh with me, and our fake laughter soon turned to real laughter. I love to laugh!!!

Salad
Who is your favorite cartoon character? I don't think I have a favorite cartoon character. There are many cartoon characters that I think are cute.

Main Course
Tell about the funniest teacher you ever had. My drama teacher in high school was pretty funny... You could say she was a Drama Queen.

Dessert
Complete this sentence: I strongly believe that Jesus is the son of God, and that he died on the cross, shed his blood, and rose again from the grave the third day. This sacrifice and my belief and acceptance of this sacrifice is the reason I will spend eternity with Him one day. Jesus offers this gift to everyone (John 3:16 in the Bible).

I found this MEME on a website. If you read my blog, you know that I am a Christian. I don't know that the Friday Feast website is a Christian website, but I thought it would be fun to answer the questions.

Please feel free to answer the five questions in my comment section, or on your own blog... If you blog about it, just leave a comment to let me know.

If you want to visit the Friday's Feast website click here

Blessings...

Thankful Thursday

Today, I am thankful for God's Mercy. He is a God that gives us a fresh start when we have blown it, and not just once a day.... As many times as we blow it, He offers His Mercy and Forgiveness. Thank you God for this gift!!! Please help me to really continue to grasp what a gift your Mercy and Forgiveness are... I know I take it for granted so many times.

My hubby and I, host a Small Group from our Church. We just began Emerson Eggerich's Marriage Study, Love and Respect. So I am reminded to say thank you to God again for saving our Marriage. Without God in our marriage we would have been doomed... We now are celebrating 13 years together :) Everyday God teaches us more about what it is to have a Great Marriage, and we are thankful.

Works For Me Wednesday

OK, I have been looking at this Blog Carnival for sometime, and decided that today I would join the discussion... How funny of me to pick a day when the topic is about parenting. Most of the time, I feel like I am sinking in quicksand when it comes to parenting... But, one thing I know for sure is that God is using my kids to change me. I really think this whole parenting thing could be one of the most important aspects of my life that God will use to make me more like Jesus. Not to mention, I totally need to rely on God to be the parent that my kids need. OK, I better stop here because this post is about the advice, and not about what kind of parent I am...

One very important thing that I have learned is to be honest with your children about your own failures. When you blow it, go to them and tell them your sorry... ask their forgiveness when necessary. We need to be AUTHENTIC!!! We are human, and we do make mistakes... A lot of mistakes, if you are ME :) I have had some of the best conversations with my kids when I am discussing my own failures and weaknesses. Failure is a part of life that will not escape any of our kids... so let's teach them how to deal with it when they are young. I think our kids will respect us for letting them know that we as parents are not perfect.

This advice above was given to me somewhere along the way... I am so glad that I received it, and decided to act on it... I hope you will do the same. Blessings to you...


PS. I know I may have some new readers due to the Carnival... Just wanted to let you know that I have an obsession with ending my sentences with multiple periods......, and sometimes a smiley face :)

Wordless Wednesday

Moose and Snake at a Park