Adoption Gift

This was a fast, cheap, & precious gift for my family. Walgreens had a coupon for a free 8 x10 collage print. I took some of the pictures that I had from "T" and his first year of life in our family. He had a very eventful first year of life in our family. I graduated, we went to the St. Louis Zoo/Arch, he had is 1st birthday, he became a Uncle, and the list goes on. We all love and adore him, he is a joy and I am so grateful God gave him to us.

I purchased a frame at Wal-Mart for $3 and released when got home it was matted for a 4 x 6. I just left the mat in the back of the frame.

I printed this for FREE at Walgreens.

Adoption Day

Today my family adopted Travis Lorenzo! We are so excited to have him in our life. He came to my family at three days old as a foster child. There is now five boys that are a huge part of my heart, I can't imagine life without any of them. Travis is just the most adorable 13 month old boy ever, and yes I am biases. I wish I could have gone to be apart of the day, but a ten hour trip there and back would be much right now. I have already seen pics and heard about the day. I am so happy for my family that he is officially ours. God is so good.

48¢ Christmas Wreath

I went to Goodwill Store to see if I could find any bargains. On my adventure, I found this cute Christmas wreath. I could not find the price tag, until I went to the register. After some searching we found it was marked for 96¢ (see it now? I moved it on the front for proof), however it was 1/2 off Christmas items so I paid 48¢ I might add a little something-something. Anyway, I had to share because I just love a great deal! 

Pumpkin's (because that's how I roll).

I saw similar pumpkins on a few different blogs a few months ago. The day went to get the things to make them, I shared the idea with my mom. She said that her ladies group also did them and they turned out great. 


I did them before Halloween but I am just now getting around to posting this. You can find the directions here and believe it or not they are made with toilet paper rolls!


I found the brown charger plate on clearance at Target for $2 and the white doily's at the Dollar Tree for $1. 

Hallelujah!

I am back!

Well, I am back to the blog world. Life has been crazy to say the least. I am trying to use this outlit once again to say whatever, whenever, and to whomever is reading it. In this last year since my post God has shown me so much. I have learned a ton about women and babies, about loving the unloveable. Did I get it right, not every time, yet I am still learning and growing. My leadership is rising and my flesh is decreasing. I have witness a child being born into this world in April 2010, it was the most incredible thing ever. 


Last year my family was blessed with a foster child who will be adopted very soon. He is a joy in my life along the many miles between us. I graduated from college in May! Whoot whoo it was one of the best days of my life. HANDS DOWN. I became a Aunt a few weeks ago, to Thomas James. 


Life has been very good to me. I have had time on my hands and trying to be very productive with my creative side and trying to get things organized. I am also back working hard on getting healthy. I took a challenge on Facebook of a friend who is doing a 10 lb Holiday Weight Loss Challenge. So, as of three weeks I have lost 7 lbs. I am ALMOST there and it is not even Thanksgiving! I am pressing on. God is good ALL the time God is good.

It is "OK" to be single

I had an interesting conversation with a young 11 year old girl about my singleness. My family has two new foster girls living with them. Yesterday, was the first day that I was able to meet the girls. I went to surprise my family in MO. It was a short day trip for a family get together and I was in the glad I went! Later in the afternoon we were sitting around having some "girl time" and my cousin April was telling a story. When the story was done "H" asked my cousin if she was talking about her boyfriend, she said no that was her husband. Then "H" asked me if I had a boyfriend, I informed her "no, I did not have a boyfriend" she said "are you married" and I informed her "no, I am not married". She looked at me funny and said "it sure must be lonely" and I thought this would be a great teaching opportunity to share that you do not have to have a boyfriend or married. I begain to share with "H" that I was not lonely and started to tell her about my job and what I do, so I am single with a purpose. I could tell that she didnt seem to care...so I then told her that I was "ok" and she quickly told me that "you are not ok". 

While I know that I am “ok” regardless of what an 11 year old who has known me for just a few hours thinks….it made me sad. I think of how young girls (and big girls) believe that a man will make someone not lonely. It is not that I do not desire to be with my soul-mate and best friend. I have and will continue to pray for him. I believe that God will answer the desires of my heart with that being one. Do I dream and think of my future husband, abso(stinking)lutely! Do I think of my perfect wedding day, oh yes! Just ask my mom or Josie with my random thoughts or ideas. When family or friends of mine get married or have babies, or remarried or have more babies.....and I wait for mine. I think of random Holidays and dream of my own family, etc etc. Yes, I am happy for them I am not bitter and pray that I will never become bitter about others...I would just not be honest if I did not say there is a little some thing it does to me.

I am just not going to settle for anyone but GOD’S PERFECT BEST and I refuse to do the leg work or take advantage of E-harmony free communication weekend. I am not going to switch to a new church or go to the bars like I was once give amazing advise...uggh. Nor am I thinking of being like Paul and being single forever...hello! 

I believe when you are 100% complete and satisfied with who you are in Christ, is when you know you are not lonely. I know of many married people who are lonely and have each other. I had a friend one time explain to me that she understood my desires she said it is just like wanting a baby, new job, or other circumstances. We all have desires and being “single” doesn’t mean less or that God is not working on those prayers.

You see for me, it has been a journey. I have had my heart broken over and over again, because I selfishly believed in relationships that were not true or what they seemed to be. I gave my heart away so many times that I thought it would never be fixed or healed. However, it has been restored and for now it is reserved for the only man in my life, for now...

I am finally embracing my singleness. I am a part of a ministry that I would NOT get to be a part of in the role as a Housemother, if I were married. I do not feel my role will be forever but for now this is what God has called and set me apart for to do. I trust in the Lord as I serve Him. Today marks the 1 year anniversary that I said yes to full time ministry. The impact of being in full time ministry is a reminder that God will also restore broken dreams. 

It is "ok" to be single, to dream, and have HOPE that God will answer prayers.

Being a mom (week one)!

In my first week of being a house mom you could say that I am learning a lot! This first week has been busy week of getting unpacked, cleaning, organizing, already one trip (five hour) trip to the hospital and finding myself around this new town. I didn't know if I would be equipped since I haven't even had a baby or have been pregnant to understand and care for others. I think God has given me the ability to do what I am doing and surround me with the people who will help guide me. I am super excited and already believe that I am making a difference in my new home. I am grateful for this opportunity to be apart of something bigger than myself.

Next Chapter of My Life

It has been a while since my last post, a few months really. SO, thank you Rachel for asking for an update on here, I know at least I have one blog follower.


I do want to share that while life is busy one of the things going on was I have had some major health issues (they have all been resolved) and so my focus has been on other things. I can honestly say that I think I have a clean bill of health now, from brain MRI to Steroid Shot to many cavities, including a wisdom tooth pulled to skin testing for allergies to seeing a podiatrist to well, the list goes on. In addition I have also had a major postive thing going on in my life including the next chapter of my life....


“A scientist puts 3 rats in a tub of water to see how long they could swim before they drowned. The rats treaded water for about 4 hours and two of them drowned. Before the third one went down, the scientist pulled him out, dried him off and gave him a few days to rest up. A week later he conducted the same experiment using the same rat and two new ones. Around the 4 hour mark, the two new ones succumbed to fatigue and drowned, but the other one kept swimming. And swimming. And swimming. He swam for 2 days! Hope is a powerful thing. No, the story isn’t pleasant, but the meaning behind it is. Deep in the depths of all of our Princess hearts, there lies HOPE. Even those who are cynical (Gene, are you reading?) still have hope lurking somewhere. Hope that someone, just one person will prove them wrong. It only takes a little encouragement to bring Hope alive again. I’ve found this out recently for myself. Just a few actions from another person brought hope (and love) flaring to life again, and that feeling is exhilarating. Faith, Hope and Love are the three strongest forces in the universe. Hope makes us dream bigger, hope keeps our hearts soft when things around us are too much to bear. Hope says don’t just look with your eyes, look with your heart.” Keeping a Princess Heart: In a Not so Fairy Tale World. Nicole Johnson


In the last few years I have been the swimming rat and I have held on to the hope that I am dreaming for big dreams. Specifically in this last year I was very open to wherever God has for me. In the last few years I was in a different place and for the first time in a very long time I was willing and trusting Him on my journey (even if that was back in ministry). Yes, at one time I told God NEVER again will I work in Ministry, oops had to revisit that one (and never say never to the big guy)! Along with this in the last few months I have been frustrated with my job (don't get me wrong I love my job but I did not feel that I am impacting people in the capacity I could). I was then reminded that life is short and it had me think about what am I doing with my life right now. I want to do a job that I am passionate about and LOVE. Well, God is the dream-maker and I am going to be embracing another chapter of my life this week. I am moving in just a few days to become a house-mom to unwed mothers at a Christian home. I am beyond excited and know that this job during this time is for me.


I can't wait for the next chapter of my life, so as I say goodbye to the town that I have known for nine years, I can't wait to see what God is going to do and how he is going to use me.

Bittersweet

Well, today marks Broday turning 16years old, I honestly can't believe he is 16 years old. He said to me tonight "Sis can you believe it is my birthday?" It is hard to think this little boy is becoming a young man.


My birthday is tomorrow and the last few years have been hard for me. It is Bittersweet for me. I know that while I am passionate about having b-days....now my heart hurts often because just two years ago, my daddy died. It is hard to celebrate while a piece of my heart deeply is sadden by him not being here. It has been two years but it still hurts, and I wish he could see Brody turning 16 years old, Jamie getting married next month. I wish that Dad would call me or send me a one line email. I wish I could tell him how well i am doing. I made the Dean's List for the second time and I was so happy. I called home and Steve said, "Dad would be so proud". I honestly believe that in my heart, I know he would be so proud.


My prayer is above all that God will bring continued healing to me and my family. It has been a hard few years for my family. I am trusting God to bring us Hope as we trust in him.

Long time no blog!

WOW it has been a long time. I haven't blogged since January. Just a lot of stuff going on with family, work, and school. I really have lacked in my photography project. I have taken a few pictures but it has been hard to balance every thing. I may try that again or in a different way...just right now life is busy for me.


Some other news, my friend Lacey and I started a new blog about our weight loss journey...come check it out, leave a note or just check us out!http://doublemuffintops.blogspot.com/


PS GO MU TIGERS....Final Four baby!

Downtown

Downtown...where are the lights are at! I am sure this picture would be better had snow been on the ground. I thought it was a good picture.

Storage

Old buildings and barns are one of my photography obsession. I found this one yesterday downtown. I think having the old building that have words are truly amazing. I am not sure why but I do. This one is an old storage building, as you can see.

Jesus Cares

This picture was taken in town. It is attached to a building and is a reminder to me that when your family, friends, job, whatever your circumstances....Jesus will always Care about you.

Fire Place

This picture is my non-working fireplace. I love the candles at it is absolutly beautiful lit up. I think it adds warmth to my apartment when they are burning.

The 365 Project

Happy New Year!


One of the new challenges that I am working on is The 365 project, it wasn't my original idea. I am going to begin today to start this project. It will be good for me to explore this little passion of photography that I have. I hope to post pictures every day, we will see how that goes!

2008

It is strange to think that this year is almost over and another one is just about to begin. As I reflect over this year it was over all a good year from me. God is constantly faithful to me and I am amazed at His constant love and grace for my life.


This year Alex turned 16 years old and Jamie got engaged. My family also had two little foster girls that join my family. They also had a baby sister that was placed for several weeks. The girls are now transitioning back to their biological parents. I can't imagine life without the girls however they will always have a special place in our family. I am so grateful for my family and the love that they have for me. I am so amazingly blessed.


My job continues to stay busy and we have lots of transitions right now. School has given me perspective with work related issues. I am grateful for the classes that have helped me understand work stuff. School this year was difficult and I was ready to quit! I was just overwhelmed with “life” and grateful for the staff at school who helped encouraged me to keep going. I am ready to graduate and grateful that it is just another step closer than last year.


I continued to get healthy and made so many changes to my new lifestyle changes. I was nominated by three of my co-workers for the Employee Wellness Program Award. I didn't win however it was awesome to be nominated and to know that I have impacted others for I ended up being the fifth place winner over all at our Biggest Loser at work. I also received a cash prize of $45 that was money pooled by the employees in the contest. I have found two amazing co-workers who were on my team. I am so appreciative of both these awesome women. We are doing this together and it helps to have a support system.


My girls from college spent one amazing weekend in the spring at a cabin in Indiana. It was very refreshing to getaway with the girls and we are already making plans for 2009 as our annual "Girls Weekend".
I helped my best friend, Josie get ready for a big Sweet Sixteen B-day party. Shawnee is a beautiful, amazing, fun girl. It was so much fun to spend the entire day with Josie and get ready. The overnighter was lot of teen drama but lots of fun!
I have also reconnected to old friends from Jr. High, High School and College. That has been amazing to hear where people are at now. I feel like I honestly have more friends than one could ever wish or dream for. I also met a few new friends this year and had a few dates. The dating has been fun/hard but it has been good to figure out how to be my true self with guys. I am starting to finally feel comfortable with myself and the confidence in myself, helps. Who know if love will find me or if I already found it? Only God knows and his timing is perfect.


This year ended with a big KICK OFF since I saw the Rockets. My Uncle took me and his granddaughters to the Fox Theater in St. Louis. This was my first time and what an experience. We had the owners tickets and it was awesome.


When I reflect on this past year I am ready for this year to end. It gives me hope for another year to begin. I think this year will be an adventure. Hopefully you will have the adventure of you life this year also! Happy New Year to you and your family.

Ghetto Gingerbread House

A few weeks ago we had our annual Christmas aka “Holiday” party at work. We were all divided in teams and we had to decorate a Ginger Bread house. It was lots of fun and we were judged by Chef Ramsey (aka our Director). When all was said and done our team won FIRST PLACE! It was pretty funny because our team did a Ghetto Ginger Bread house. We even had an Eviction Notice on the front door. You know with the economy these days...even Gingerbread Men and Women are loosing their homes!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve 2009


It is hard for me to think of not spending the evening with my family this year. It has been for the last 22 years that I have spent the evening with my Aunt & Uncle and family. We normally have dinner and exchange gifts. About this time my family heads to the United Methodist Church that I grew up in. It is an amazing candle light service and I some how always feel a little closer to my Grandma and Grandpa looking at the pew we sat in every Sunday. I miss them dearly. It was because of the weather I made a decision that took over an hour to stay home. I spent the day finishing wrapping, watching movies, and baking. I normally do not get to hang out in my PJ's all day long but today I did. The weather is suppose to be better tomorrow. I am headed out early as possible. I am excited to see my family and spend much needed time with them. Merry Christmas to you.

Grandma Fern

November 3 is a day I always remember it would have been my grandma's birthday. This year for some reason I miss her very much, maybe because it has been a hard few years?!? I wish I could have just one more kiss, hug, or conversation with her. I sure wonder what she thinks of our crazy world and this big election tomorrow?!? I miss her very much and can rest assure that she is waiting for me in Heaven.