Welcome to Robin's Nest.....

Proverbs 31:26

2011-03-31T11:01:00.000-05:00

"When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly."

This morning has been eye opening and a bit hard to handle. I am not accustomed to having my feelings hurt or hearing somebody say something about me that isn't positive. In fact I couldn't tell you the last time it happened. I actually heard it said and wow, I'm much more comfortable with God's gentle reminders of areas that need some attention than I am with people pointing them out so blatantly.

Wake up call? Yes, indeed it was. In truth what was said was clearly true and God has dealt with me in this area on more than one occasion and maybe hearing it come from somebody else was what it took for me to see that this particular issue was being seen by somebody besides God. This was all the more real to me because of the message that Pastor Les presented to our students last night. It was all about not having compartmentalized lives. We should be the same person in every aspect of our lives. I needed to see that the way I'm seen in this persons eyes are not the person I want to be. I have repented, I will choose not to be offended especially since I can see how my actions and words could definitely be interpreted to be exactly what I was accused of being...yup, I know you want to know so here I go will confess that " I am a Complainer".

Lord, help me I don't want to be, I want to be a woman who speaks things that are worthwhile and spoken in kindness. I want to be a vessel of encouraging words that lift people up and make a difference in God's kingdom. Father, I choose to make an adjustment to be more aware and to guard my tongue. Help me to catch myself and change my way of seeing and thinking before I spout of words that are not good and pure and holy. Thank you Father for sending Jesus so taht I can be forgiven and that I am capable of forgiving the one who hurt my feelings and walking in love instead of offense. In Jesus name I pray, AMEN!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it NOT...

2011-02-09T11:09:00.000-06:00

What happened to the days where I complained because we never really had a cold winter? I want those days back. I never used to be cold and now it seems like the only time I'm not cold is in this hot office (that has not had a/c since last April and is a dreary musty smelling basement) and when I'm in my bed with the heated mattress pad turned on. Anyways, apparently after the small bout with an ice storm last week looks like we are in for about 2 to 3 inches of snow this evening. I know that many people are very happy about this and in all reality I don't mind it as long as I don't have to work late and miss Match 38 tonight.

DNOW was a week and a half ago and it was an awesome experience. I saw God moving in the hearts and lives of teenagers in a way I had never experienced. It was life changing for me and I truly believe for many of them also. I see a twinkle in some of their eyes that I hadn't seen before. God is faithful and I am very excited about seeing where things go from here. God's plans will be walked out in their lives and I love being part of it. I was very blessed to have been ministered to along side our students by Kari Jobe & Ben Pirtle. They are both amazing and gifted ministers that ushered in the presence of God in a way that was tangible. It was truly amazing and Kari pointed out something that made me look at their generation differently, they are a very "real" in your face, honest group of students, and when that is harnessed and used for God's purposes its going to be a danger zone to the enemy! How exciting to realize that the way they are and the things that are different from our generation are meant for such a time as this! They will change their world for the kingdom one reality at a time!

This experience has also convinced me that it is also time to jump on the summer camp bandwagon and just go for it. It is totally out of my comfort zone but I think its important if I'm encouraging them to go that I go with them. Rocky loves it, the kids love it and they are convinced that I will love it too. I'll let you know about the 2nd week of July.

That's all for this entry, I may be back later if more random things pop into my head to share.

What an adventure....

2011-01-27T14:49:00.000-06:00

Goodness it has been a super busy week. For one I'm working a full 5 day work week, been a while since that happened with holidays and furlough days. My schedule just seems like it keeps going and going and going....I'm beginning to feel like the energizer bunny. I have been on "go" since I got out of the bed on Sunday. It's all been fun stuff and definitely worth my time.

Now I'm gearing up physically, mentally & spiritually for my first DNOW experience. A whole weekend with the Match 38 High School Girls. I am believing God for changed hearts and therefore lives. I'm asking God to use me, to keep me settled and sure of all that I say and do during this time of fun, fellowship and ministry. I want to be a vessel used by Him and desire to make a difference in my world. Lord, help me to know when to speak and when to be still and quiet. I choose to be led by You and for my eyes to be on Your purposes and plans for the lives of these students. I hope to see bonds formed amongst the girls and friendships strengthened that will last a lifetime. Most of all I want to see them giving of themselves completely to their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

If you are reading my blog I ask that you pray with me as we venture into this weekend and hopefully an amazing time of fellowship with God our creator!

Look it's me again...

2011-01-20T15:11:00.000-06:00

I'm here and well don't really even have anything imparticular to talk about. I could complain because I had to go to lunch at 11 today and that makes for a very long evening, but since I'm excited about going to Curves/Zumba tonight I won't complain, what is the point anyways. Every couple months God deals with my complaining and so I'm working on it...again. I'd love to be able to stop and just not slide back into that bad habit, alas I seerm to realize to late that I've allowed that critical spirit to have control of my mouth and well I don't really like that "me". I like the "me" that is positive, encouraging and uplifting and I notice when I'm in the word and praying like I should be that is the "me" that is seen. I've done well and read every chapter of the day this year! Yes, I know that's only 2.5 weeks worth but its progress nonetheless! God always gives me the victory in Christ and that therefore is a victory.

Read a chapter a day with our church family. It will help you create a habit that is life changing. http://www.relateone.com/

Updating again....

2011-01-19T11:49:00.002-06:00

Well it's been a long time since I posted here....again. My last post was about a life decision that has also been life changing. I stepped out into a world I never knew I could be a part of and LOVE it. I enjoy everything (except the tracking stuff for tax purposes) about selling Scentsy. I love that it has opened up a side of myself I didn't know existed. I actually enjoy talking to strangers about this product and it has opened more than one door to minister to people I don't really know about what God has done in my life and would also like to do in their lives.

I've learned a lot about myself in this past year, some good, some bad, some worth looking into and changing and accepting other things that I've viewed as character flaws as just part of who I am and not fretting over them any longer.

If you are wondering about my weight loss journey, it took a passenger seat to the Scentsy business in 2010. One of those things I learned but really do want to figure out how to change is having the ability to focus and accomplish more than one thing at the same time. In 2009 my whole focus was on getting healthy, getting in better shape and losing weight. I did all of those things, it was a fabulous year. In 2010, the beginning of my life as a Scentsy consultant took over everything else in my life. It was a year of new and exciting things, but along that path my weight loss hit a stand still and I managed to maintain for the majority of the year. There were a few snags along the way in our finances and I ended up having to cancel my Curves membership and did okay for about 3 months exercising on my own, then it started getting cold outside, I got really really really busy with Scentsy (which was great at commission time) and it became easier to not exercise. Over the holidays not only did I not exercise but I also ate what I wanted, when I wanted and as much as I wanted. In doing so, I gained 7 pounds!! Now here I am 34 days away from my cruise and determined to lose that 7 pounds and hopefully a few more before I get on that boat! I know that nothing is impossible with God so I'm going for it.

There is so much more I could write about but then I wouldn't have anything to say and some of the things in my head aren't quite ready to be written yet....so for now....this is it and I'll be back, I've been inspired to start writing again.

My New Business Venture

2010-04-20T13:43:00.003-05:00

I am venturing out into a new and exciting business. I am an Independent Consultant for Scentsy. If you haven't heard of them, then check out my website. If you'd like to receive a newsletter please sign up at the site. You can email me from the site or ask questions here. If you order now you have to time to get one of these beautiful warmers and a lovely spring/summer scent to arrive for Mother's Day. You can order online or contact me and I can take your order and information if you aren't comfortable using the internet.

Site address is: www.rgarrard.scentsy.com

My email is rocknrobn92@yahoo.com

Hope to hear from some of you soon....Mother's Day is just around the corner and what mom doesn't love beautiful things that smell good!

FYI - They have great deals on "multi packs" where you basically get one Scentsy bar free if you buy the pack.

I'm back....

2010-02-24T08:10:00.000-06:00

Sort of, apparently it's been so long since I updated that blogger thought I needed to log in, maybe I'll take time soon to actually update on my life....

Signs....

2009-08-27T11:41:00.002-05:00

...of real change are becoming clear. With the program I am on my daily calorie amount changes weekly. It's a 6 week cycle and the last 2 weeks are 2000/2500 calories per day so every time I get to the end of the cycle I plan 1 night out that I can eat whatever I want and as much of it as I want. No guilt allowed. This is the last week of the cycle so I chose to go to Olive Garden and indulge in the "Never Ending Pasta Bowl". This is a tradition for us, we wait every year for them to have it and as is our habit we usually go 2 times while they have this promotion (only 1 time this year). We love it. Anyways, in the past I've always been easily able to enjoy at least 2.5 servings of pasta, plus ample breadsticks and salad. Not this time....I ate all of the original serving, ordered the 2nd serving basically on principle (just had to cause I could) and I was unable to even eat 1/2 of that serving. I could have forced the issue but I was so tickled by the reality that I was aware of being full and chose to stop before I made myself miserable for the next 4 hours that I chose not to. I'm amazed daily at how right choices are becoming second nature and so thankful that when temptation comes that I have a God whose small still voice reminds me of how far I've come. So glad to be a daughter of the Most High God!

Robin...are you really hungry?

2009-08-19T15:40:00.002-05:00

I have a small dry erase board on my refrigerator with this question written on it?

After reading my chapter today (Mark 8) and then reading the devotional that our pastor's wife writes every day, my mind and heart have been stirred about hunger all day long.

My first thought is that my body was created to tell me when its hungry, God made it that way and yet over the years I was able to destroy that mechanism by overloading the system on a continual basis. Gradually over the past 6 months I have seen that hunger mechanism being restored in me. It has taken determination, dedication and sheer perseverance at times, but my body is again letting me know when it's hungry.

My next thought is that I believe that when God made me into a new creation a hunger for Him was part of that process. I can see that like the natural hunger mechanism for food that it is possible to ignore the hunger for Him and feed the longings and desires within you with so many other things that you no longer recognize the gnawing feeling as a hunger for God but simply a need from within to fill a void. As with natural hunger I am thankful that He never leaves or forsakes me, I am determined to see that mechanism to be completely restored in me!

Father, I ask right now for restoration of an overwhelming hunger for time with You and time in Your word. Forgive me for feeding my spirit more often than not with things that are not from you. I ask Lord that anybody reading this would also see a need and desire to be truly HUNGRY for YOU! In Jesus name, AMEN!

Revelation 12:11

2009-08-18T11:00:00.003-05:00

"I am an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony." Revelation 12:11

This scripture has been one that I have repeated to myself many times over the past few weeks, it has helped me to walk thru something that in the past would have been a reason to thow up the white flag and surrender to the scale. Instead, I find myself being thankful for the Word of God that speaks life and gives me strength to stand and continue even when at times like this it seems as though I hit a wall.

My understanding of the weight management program that I've been doing was designed so that you wouldn't hit a PLATEAU. I've not lost any weight in 3 weeks and though it has been frustrating and caused me to do some serious looking at what areas I need to be more diligent about, it has not brought self sabotage, instead there is victory! In the past this would have given me every excuse and reason I could possibly have needed or wanted to BINGE and guess what....I DIDN'T!! God is so faithful to send people who encourage, lift me up and are even willing to point out areas that maybe needed some tweaking. I love His people and how He loves me thru them.

I am truly in awe of all that God has done on this journey towards health and an increase in self confidence. There is such a peace about this new way of life and therefore, even though I have been frustrated I have not been deterred, I have truly felt an annointing on this path. I love how I feel, I love that I don't cringe at who I see in the mirror, and mostly I love that I have no thoughts in the back of my head saying "give up" or "just quit", I love that I can see myself healthy and much thinner.

My God is an awesome God and He always cause me to triumph!!

Opportunity....

2009-08-05T15:32:00.002-05:00

When opportunity knocks on your door it is your choice to decide what your attitude will be. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to choose between being disappointed or seeing progress even if the progress wasn't as great as I'd have liked. I chose to see PROGRESS, disappoint is a devil word, progress is a God word, I choose GOD's words!!

Cruise Countdown...

2009-08-03T13:17:00.002-05:00

Yes, I'm excited I have countdowns again!

We are officially booked for cruise #4!! We'll be leaving New Orleans on February 13, 2010 to go to Belize, Isla Roatan and Cozumel!! Another beautiful 7 days on the open sea! We can't wait, but I suppose we'll have to since we don't leave for another 194 days, but at least its booked! Now the goal is to get it paid in full QUICKLY!!

Somethings God is doing in me...

2009-07-12T20:44:00.004-05:00

I am copying and pasting an excerpt written in my blog on January 15, 2009. Mostly because in the past few weeks God has been showing me even more in this area of my life. The peace is amazing, the contentment with my life has been a joy and I am so thankfuly that God loved me and guided me thru some very rocky years to get me where I am today and even more thankful that he isn't done with me yet.

"Now, with that said, my brain has always seen "40" as the year that would be the end of my pursuit. I do not know why this was such a thought in my head, but it has been as long as I can remember. I honestly have never been one to put God on a time schedule, but for some reason it almost gave me a form of peace to know that at "40" I could move on and just let it go. God has something else in mind......I am so very thankful that in October 2006 God healed my heart to a point that I spent 2 years walking in His never ending grace and mercy and was no longer at war with my infertility. He was faithful to show me life was good, my husband is awesome and the love we have for each other was something to celebrate. It was time for us to live our life and not continue to wallow in despair, discontent and disappointment. We had always had a great marriage, he was always supportive and strong for me thru this process but this healing made everything even better. I was able to appreciate him and not take him for granted, I was able to see life outside of the bubble I lived in. Most of all, I was able to be truly and completely happy for friends who were pregnant and having babies. It was like being born again...again. I was constantly thankful for the "peace" I was walking in. Thru this time I was so happy not to be crying all the time that I also got a bit lax about my walk. I was so busy living the life that I had put on hold for so long because of the "what if i get pregnant" syndrome, that I was also a bit stagnant in seeking Him first. Not to be interpretted as I wasn't going to church or that I was out partying or acting like a heathen, but I was not reading and praying as I should. I look back now and can see that it was as if I was avoiding something else going on.

Fast forward to the fall of 2008. Virtuous Women's ministry was starting a new Bible Study, called "Kissed or Dissed". Subject matter: rejection. In all honesty, I never would have looked at myself and consider myself to be somebody who had issues that were related to rejection. Yet, God began to move on my heart that I really needed to attend these meetings and apparently He wanted to be sure that I was listening because our Pastor's wife also made sure that I knew I needed to be there. I had no idea what I was in for. I had no clue how many things and issues in my daily life stemmed back to my feeling rejected at some point in my life. Before the very first session was over I came to a very dark stark realization of something I did not want to face. I tried to sugar coat it, I tried to ignore it, but in the end what I did was suddenly have a 300 pound weight of GUILT on my shoulders. I didn't want to go back, I didn't want to dig deeper, I did not want to rock the boat, I was enjoying the "peace" that I was walking in. Thank God for His grace and His mercy and that it is new every morning. He gently guided me to face head on the biggest rejection issue I had ever hidden from........ The "peace" I had walked in was a farce, it was His grace and His mercy that allowed me to move on, allowed me to live the life I had put on hold for so long. Do not get me wrong I am beyond grateful for grace and mercy, they were my lifeline, but they were just the beginning. God knew me so well and loves me so much that He met me where I was and allowed me to move forward even though He knew that my heart was not truly completely healed. So, the big secret, the one I've not really even shared or discussed except with a very select few was simple.....I moved on because I had accepted that I had been REJECTED by GOD as a mother. Can you imagine the shame and guilt that came with that realization? I have been a Christian for 18 years and for the last 10.5 of those years have come to know that my God is a good God, yet I allowed the devil to put such a horrible thing into my heart and did not recognize it for what it was...a LIE from the pit of hell. God sent His Son to die for me and I know that I know that He would have done it if I had been the only one to accept Him. I know all the right things, I know the word, I know the truth, I accept it as real in my life, yet I was still so easily decieved. But, God, oh my, so forgiving and loving, again my salvation, my strong tower in my time of trouble, He brought me through it and walked it with me. I worked thru the bible study, went to the meetings, was beginning to see my significance and that God had not rejected me, would never reject me and that He loved me, I am His favorite. Yet, even though all of this was being worked out in my life and thought process there was still the guilt from accepting the lie. I didn't know how to get rid of it. I had asked forgiveness over and over, I had made it clear to God that I knew who He was and how He loves with all that He is, but still I was not able to get away from the dark cloud of guilt. Again, my hero knew and loved me enough to meet me where I was. One Sunday morning out of nowhere Pastor had a word of knowledge that somebody had a great spirit of guilt and that God wanted to remove it. I stood there for a moment and was unable to make my feet move forward, it was only 4 steps, hello we are on the front row. I did finally make way to that line and when he laid his hands on me, I knew that what I had to do was FORGIVE MYSELF. It was the missing piece of the puzzle. That analogy stands true for so many things, I had all the other pieces, but that one thing kept my puzzle from WORKING to its full ability. Now, I truly know what it is to walk in God's peace in this area of my life. I believe the desire for a child will be something that is always present, but I am so thankful that it does not control, consume or bring me grief any longer. I am free from the bondage of disappointment and despair."

Several weeks ago on Pastor Appreciation Sunday, a wonderful man of God was up and speaking to honor our pastors, when he was done, he came to Rocky and I and encouraged us that God was saying that "even now, even now God had not forgotten us and our dreams and desires were being manifested". My heart liked to have lept out of my chest, considering you just read the excerpt of my blog that I posted at the beginning of this year, you are aware of all that God has done in my life and the changes that have come because of it. I feel free, I am living my life and a side affect of this change is that I have come to care about myself and my self confidence is increasing. I have started taking care of myself and am eating better, exercising and seeing positive change in my body because of it.

I noticed while reading my past post that what I failed to mention in that last paragraph was that even though I was in this great place and walking in peace and content with my life....that as long as there is breath coming from this body I will never give up the hope (expectation of a future certainty) that God will bless us with a child. That desire is alive and well its just not the only thing I live for, think of or focus on. Life moved forward because it had to, but the genuine faith on the inside of me, because I have confidence in my God and His promises will never cease to exist, HOPE IS ALIVE IN ME.

I guess I felt the need to say it, considering our service this morning was titled "True Faith Speaks". Pastor has been preaching and teaching on True Faith for the past 4 services. It never hurts to have your mind renewed in this area. To be reminded that there is a true faith and a fake faith. As it was so eloquently said this morning, "Fake faith talks about the problem, Genuine true faith, speaks to the problem". I was also reminded that on more than one occasion God speaks to us in His word about standing strong, holding fast to the confession of our faith and not wavering. It was revelation to see that if our faith always worked immediately God wouldn't have seen the need to tell us to hold fast to the confession of our faith, or when you've done all you know to do - STAND. He is so faithful to speak exactly what we need when we need it and my heart is greatful. It was refreshing to be reminded that just because we don't see it come to pass in our time frame doesn't mean it won't come to pass. He is faithful to peform His word.

My life is so different because of all that He has taught me, showed me and prepared for me. It's overwhelming how He has the capacity to love me unconditionally despite all the mistakes I've made.

Pretty much, I just wanted to share what He's doing, how He's growing me and how I am continually in awe of WHO HE IS. So, keep your eyes open and your ears prepared because the day will come when you will here that we are going to be parents. I refuse to limit God, I refuse to put an age on when or how it will happen, but I also refuse to ever give up. Failure only comes if I quit believing! When Jesus was asked by a man to come to his daughter who was dying, He made some stops along the way, the man must have been frantic, yet Jesus was calm and ministering to the people. Some people came to tell the man not to bother the Master because his daughter was dead. Jesus immediately spoke to the man and said..."Do not doubt, ONLY BELIEVE". He then went with the man, and the little girl was raised from the dead. Obviously Jesus knew what He was talking about when He told the man, to only believe. All things are possible to those who believe!!

I think this was probably all over the map, but it was in my heart and I really felt the need to put it out there, even if I'm the only one to read it. When you look at me and see the twinkle in my eye, you'll be able to tell my sweet child one day, that they were always a twinkle in my eye!!

Another update...

2009-07-09T16:02:00.001-05:00

Still busy with facebook but thought I'd update since I had my weigh and measured day at Curves yesterday. I am now down 34 pounds and have lost a total of 31 inches. My BMI and body fat are both dropping! So excited to be getting healthy and feeling better about myself!

Update...

2009-06-24T16:37:00.000-05:00

Not to much going on in my world. Some work drama, but until some things change I suppose that's going to stay the same. Other than that, good church, good family, good friends and good news. I'm still working out, still eating much better and making right choices and therefore I have lost 30 pounds! Still going strong, here is a recent picture that was taken at my mother-in-laws retirment luncheon on 6-15-09.

Lack of diligence...

2009-05-28T10:43:00.003-05:00

...I'm talking about my blogging or lack there of. Facebook is much more exciting than what I'm doing on a daily basis, therefore its become easier and easier to not keep this thing up to date.

On a good note, I have been diligent with my exercise and weight loss. I'll have to do the whole measure and weigh thing again on June 5. I'm excited to see what I accomplished this month. As of May 5, I had lost 19 pounds and 19.5 inches. So we'll see next week what I have to report. I still love going to Curves and their weight management program has been amazing and I'm still going strong.

On another note my God-daughter had a beautiful baby boy yesterday....so here are a few glimpses at Baby C.

Me again...

2009-03-29T20:22:00.003-05:00

...I know who else would you be expecting on my blog, but my creativeness for a title was just not working. So there ya have it.

So, I think at some point I must have mentioned that I joined and began going to Curves mid February. I must say I absolutely love it. The 30 minute workouts are perfect and there are no excuses for me to not fit it in 3 times a week. Even weeks like the one coming up, I will have to get up and go at 5:30 on Wednesday morning because I have a busy week in the evenings, but I am dedicated to a new me.

I started this blog in hopes of becoming "Fabulous by Forty". I lost my way somewhere along that road and eventually even changed the name of the blog because every time I came here it was taunting me. I did manage to maintain a 15 pound loss for 2008 but it was by extreme struggle the last 2 months during the holidays. Then the new year started and well it seemed like no matter what I did I could not drop a single pound. I was getting very discouraged and aggravated. I believe that I had shut down my metabolism with all of the yo yo dieting. Lose 10, gain 7, lose 6, gain 10, it was constant for about 2 years, up and down, up and down. Once I made up my mind to at least counteract the food with exercise it became clear to me that even though I was exercising I was not seeing results because I was still eating all I wanted and whatever I wanted. Another friend joined Curves the same time I did and she also began their weight management program. I did not because at that point I knew I was leaving for a cruise in just a few short weeks and didn't feel like yoyoing again.

On the cruise, I was particular not to eat continually and we walked a lot and used the stairs OFTEN. It was not that bad and when I returned I knew I had to face the scale and measurements at Curves in just 3 days time. Praise the Lord, I accomplished what I saw as impossible, I had only gained 1 pound and actually had lost a total of 4.5". This sparked my interest in finally doing something different about my eating. If I could see some result without changing my eating what would it mean to change my eating along with the exercise.

I bought the book on weight management from Curves and I began Phase 1 of the program 2 weeks ago. I just finished day 7 of Phase 2 and I feel better than I have felt in 2 years. I am excited about my next weight/measurement day. Can't wait to report on my progress....I weigh on the 5th of each month but that is on Sunday (they are closed), so I'm not sure if they'll do it on Friday or Monday...but I'll keep you posted......

More Birthday Pictures...

2009-03-13T13:12:00.006-05:00

Bailey's Irish Cream Cake

from

That Special Touch

Between Hobby Lobby and Sal & Phil's we went to the

reservoir just to take some pictures!

I was a happy girl...can you tell?

Forgot these....

2009-03-09T14:33:00.002-05:00

The only professional pictures I bought on the cruise:

He's as handsome today as the day I married him, 17 years ago!

SURPRISE! SURPRISE! SURPRISE!!!

2009-03-09T13:49:00.007-05:00

They got me and they know they did!!

I was one of those people that did not believe

they could be surprised.

I have been proven WRONG!!

These pictures are the proof!

Dawn, Dawn & Wendy - thank you will never be words enough

for how this made me feel!

3 hours in a Lexus Stretch Limo

Water in the pretty champagne glass.

They sent me on a scavenger hunt, the goal was to

retrieve something at each location (all places I love to go) to put

in my scrapbook.

Began at Bop's, my favorite dairy dessert.....

Then to Curves, where I work out 3 times a week......

Then to High Street Shell Station where I get my cappuccino's!

Then to Mazzio's where Rocky's entire staff sang Happy Birthday.....

The next clue sent us to Hobby Lobby where I had $20 to spend...

I don't have pictures of this stop yet...(coming soon).

These are us in the limo!!

Dawn, Wendy & Lydia waiting on Dawn to get me to

the church to see my LIMO and head out for

a great girls night out!!!!

Love you guys sooo much!!!!!!

Special Surprises!!

2009-03-04T10:41:00.003-06:00

To my surprise this is what our cabin looked like

when we walked in it the first time!

Thank you Sis & Wendy for helping

me to start my birthday celebration

even earlier than normal!

Another pleasant surprise was sent to our dining

room table to celebrate our 17th Anniversary!

Thank you so much Dawn & Jeff!

You all made our cruise even more special than it already was...

to bad you couldn't all be with us!

Cozumel Pictures

2009-03-04T10:39:00.002-06:00

We didn't do much in Cozumel so these are the only pictures I took. It was a beautiful little courtyard garden and the ships were in the background. Seemed like a good photo op.

Grand Cayman Pictures

2009-03-04T10:15:00.007-06:00

"Town of Hell"

Behind us is a limestone formation that the

islanders imagined is what hell looks like.

That is where the town got its name.

The sun burned my cross into my chest, ha! I guess that's

what I get for visiting Hell.
Iguanas roaming free at the Turtle Farm.

Visit to the Turtle Farm

Smallest 5 Star Hotel on Grand Cayman

"The Check In"

All of their cemeteries are on the beach because

you can't dig farther than 4 foot anywhere else

and not hit solid rock.

Oldest home on the island. They call it the gingerbread house.

Governor's House.

Pictures from the Galley

2009-03-04T09:53:00.005-06:00

Very talented fruit carving.

Pegasus Ice Sculpture

WARM MELTING CHOCOLATE CAKES!!!!

Bread Slicer

Got Milk?

Cereal!

Montego Bay Pictures

2009-03-04T09:46:00.002-06:00

Us and our guide Havan at the top of the mountain!

Home from Vacation...

2009-03-04T08:47:00.007-06:00

We had a fabulous cruise. The ship was beautiful and HUGE. I don't think I ever really got a grip on where I was or where I was going but she is marvelous nonetheless.

Carnival Conquest February 2009

We spent much more time just relaxing this trip and that was a nice change of pace. We didn't do anything that we didn't both feel drawn to do. I spent time on the balcony and read 1.5 books looking at the beautiful ocean. It was dreamy.

We were able to take a tour of the galley and that was pretty neat. They put out a lot of food on those boats and it was cool to see where they make it happen.

We enjoyed a great ATV excursion in Montego Bay. It was a bit scary cause we went up the side of a mountain (small one but mountain nonetheless) and there were a few spots where I was a bit concerned about the incline but then realized when coming down the down was worse than up. If you go to fast and hit the brakes...yikes I kept seeing myself flipping over the handlebars. Thankfully, that did not happen and we really enjoyed it. Our tour guide was amazing and the photographer got some great shots and of course I had to buy them.

The next day we went to Grand Cayman, we decided we want to move there. It is a beautiful island with super nice people, no crime, no taxes, lots of turtles and chickens roaming everywhere. We took a bus tour and again the guide was very nice and knowledgable. We visited the Turtle Farm, the town of Hell and the Rum Cake Factory. Very enjoyable.

The next day was Cozumel, we've been there previously and did not intend to go ashore but did end up going into town just for the sake of doing something and went thru some of the shops. Then we went back to the ship and I enjoyed having the swimming pool all to myself because most people were in Cozumel still.

As always this was a great vacation and we are gearing up to plan for next year....Triumph here we come!!

More pictures to follow:

All dressed up with...

2009-02-17T11:36:00.005-06:00

....someplace to go. Hannah's 2nd Valenting Dance. Hard to believe she want from being an infant being this beautiful 14 year old young lady in no time flat.

Mom's Valentine Birthday

2009-02-17T11:31:00.004-06:00

Here are some pics from Mom's Valentine Birthday Dinner. We went to Kathryn's Steakhouse and it was funny to be pretty much the only "non-couple" table in the restaurant. We also went back to mom & dad's house to sing happy birthday and have cake (we were full, so Hannah ate cake, ha.)

Carribean...here we come....

2009-02-17T11:22:00.002-06:00

...in 5 more days!! My excitement is over the top, it seems like just yesterday we had booked our cruise and had 286 days to go, now its down to less than a week. I just hope time will slow down during those 7 glorious days. Either way we are looking forward to a great time of relaxation and time away from responsibility and jobs and life in general.

10 more days...

2009-02-12T17:56:00.001-06:00

...and counting. I know, I know, I can't help but be excited, but I wish I could focus on something besides the cruise. Oh wait, I have been, our new hobby. Geocaching! Ever heard of it? If not check into it at www.geocaching.com . It is a great family hobby and I am excited to have found something that Rocky and I can do together and both of us enjoy it.

Well, that's it for now.....if I don't check back in again for the cruise, I'll be sure to post pictures and highlights of our latest adventure when we get back!!

February already....

2009-02-05T08:21:00.002-06:00

I am always amazed at how quickly time flies. Seems like it was just New Years Eve, where does the time go?

Crop Connection was amazing, it was truly everything I expected and more. Those ladies know how to make you feel special. The only negative side was that I got sick on Friday. I did stay all day Friday but ended up leaving early on Saturday, which was disappointing but I just could not handle it any longer. I spent the next week in bed with a bacterial lung infection. Praise God I am almost 100% now. Still having some issues being tired and a slight annoying cough but for the most part I'm back to myself.

The cruise is in 17 more days. I am getting anxious about packing and going someplace new. I have a lot to do between now and then but I'm more than ready for our latest adventure. We are looking forward to 7 days of fun, food and relaxation!! I can't wait to wake up in the morning and go sit on my balcony and enjoy some bagels and orange juice while watching the ocean, I have no doubt it will be amazing.

Another exciting piece of info, I made the decision to join Curves. It's time to get serious about exercise and I like that it's a 30 minute workout just around the corner. I am actually going to get signed up this afternoon and I can't wait to get started. I'm doing much better with my portion control and have only really blown it a handfull of times since the beginning of this year, but my body is being stubborn and not losing weight. My clothes feel better but very little loss to show for it, so I know the answer is exercise. So here I go...on a new adventure. I'll keep ya posted.

That's all for now...maybe I'll post again before the cruise, maybe I won't...just wait and see. If not then I'll definitely give you all the exciting details when we get back!!

New Year, New.....

2009-01-15T08:40:00.007-06:00

.....things to look forward to.

I love a new year, it is like you get this clean slate and can start over. Nothing really changes but the calendar hanging on the wall, yet it seems as if everything changes. I always feel like I can conquer anything that needs conquered in the first part of the year, now if I can manage to keep that attitude all year long then I will have truly accomplished something.

There is much to be excited about.

I am very focused on getting healthy (it's that whole new year thing) and hopefully losing some weight but truly I just want to feel better on a whole. Along with this comes the always exciting new season of Biggest Loser. If only I had my own personal Gillian Michaels...I keep reminding myself that I have Jesus and the Holy Spirit living on the inside of me, but I have a hard time seeing them the way I see Gillian. I know that God is my biggest cheerleader, but the whole yelling and getting in my face thing, not so much. Anyways, my goal for the year is simple, go into 2010 weighing less than I did on January 1, 2009. I met my goal for 2008, having lost 15 pounds. When you look simply at the number it seems insignificant, but in the grand scheme of things for me I see that if I lose 15-20 pounds a year for 5 years then I will be close to 100 pounds lighter in 5 years. This is SIGNIFICANT!!

Significance, this is a word that has always HOUNDED me. Self esteem has always eluded me. This is something I choose to grow in this year. I am so thankful for a Pastor who hears from God and shares with us what He's heard. I am SIGNIFICANT! Even if I am the pinky toe in the Body of Christ I matter. Without the pinky toe how would the body balance? It matters. God made us all members of His body, to work together, to matter, to be missed if we are missing. Imagine working a 1000 piece puzzle, you work diligently for days or weeks and you ge to the end and there is ONE piece missing. Is that puzzle complete? Is there a way to make it work without that piece? I have never seen myself as significant, but God sees me as quite relevant and I am so very thankful that He is showing me the truth in this area of my life. I have taken all the little surveys and qustionairre's regarding "gifts". I always fall in the middle of this or that and this in itself was a bit disheartening. Where did I fit if I didn't have one of these "gifts" that is so highly sought after? I did not know.

"Father, thank You for creating me in your image, creating me the way you wanted me, giving me the abilities and talents that you knew I could grow in. I am in awe of your ability and your faithfulness to meet us where we are and to make a change in us when we aren't even aware that we needed the change. I am thankful that you set us apart in a small local body with a pastor and staff that sees my significance and I am grateful that you have opened my eyes to see and understand that truth. Lord help me grow, help me to keep my eyes on you and to continue to see that you made me SIGNIFICANT to the puzzle you have put together in Byram and to walk out the purpose for my life. In Jesus name, AMEN."

Next exciting thing, CROP CONNECTION is in 7 days. We are so excited about this event, I have dreamed of going for 5 years and finally we have registered and will be attending. There are 6 in our little group and all of us are very excited for a girls cropping weekend with lots of fun, happies, contests and surprises...not to mention shopping!!

Next is the granddaddy of all things to be excited about.....our 3rd cruise to the Carribean on the Carnival Conquest sailing out of Galveston, TX. Rocky and I are sad that our dearest friends won't be joining us this year, but happy for them to be taking their children on a cruise later in the year. But we look forward to future cruisin' with out best buds. We love the open sea even by ourselves but there is nothing like a good game of phase 10 dice on deck with a cold drink, sounds of the ocean and your best friends! We are going to be visiting Grand Cayman, Montego Bay and our last stop will be in Cozumel. I am pretty certain that we will be going on another 4 wheeler excursion. We loved the one we did in Cozumel in 2007, so this time we will be exploring the jungle and seeing Montego Bay from the top of the mountain. Can't wait!

We return on March 1st which is just a few days before my 40th birthday, honestly, I'm not real sure how I feel about it. I'm trying hard not to allow the "number" to be a downer. I know just like the "new year" the only thing that really changes is the "number" but for me there is so much more involved in my feelings on this birthday.

*Disclaimer: Before reading this next part, please know that I am walking in God's grace, mercy and peace regarding our childless status.

Now, with that said, my brain has always seen "40" as the year that would be the end of my pursuit. I do not know why this was such a thought in my head, but it has been as long as I can remember. I honestly have never been one to put God on a time schedule, but for some reason it almost gave me a form of peace to know that at "40" I could move on and just let it go. God has something else in mind......

I am so very thankful that in October 2006 God healed my heart to a point that I spent 2 years walking in His never ending grace and mercy and was no longer at war with my infertility. He was faithful to show me life was good, my husband is awesome and the love we have for each other was something to celebrate. It was time for us to live our life and not continue to wallow in despair, discontent and disappointment. We had always had a great marriage, he was always supportive and strong for me thru this process but this healing made everything even better. I was able to appreciate him and not take him for granted, I was able to see life outside of the bubble I lived in. Most of all, I was able to be truly and completely happy for friends who were pregnant and having babies. It was like being born again...again. I was constantly thankful for the "peace" I was walking in. Thru this time I was so happy not to be crying all the time that I also got a bit lax about my walk. I was so busy living the life that I had put on hold for so long because of the "what if i get pregnant" syndrome, that I was also a bit stagnant in seeking Him first. Not to be interpretted as I wasn't going to church or that I was out partying or acting like a heathen, but I was not reading and praying as I should.

I look back now and can see that it was as if I was avoiding something else going on. Fast forward to the fall of 2008. Virtuous Women's ministry was starting a new Bible Study, called "Kissed or Dissed". Subject matter: rejection. In all honesty, I never would have looked at myself and consider myself to be somebody who had issues that were related to rejection. Yet, God began to move on my heart that I really needed to attend these meetings and apparently He wanted to be sure that I was listening because our Pastor's wife also made sure that I knew I needed to be there. I had no idea what I was in for. I had no clue how many things and issues in my daily life stemmed back to my feeling rejected at some point in my life.

Before the very first session was over I came to a very dark stark realization of something I did not want to face. I tried to sugar coat it, I tried to ignore it, but in the end what I did was suddenly have a 300 pound weight of GUILT on my shoulders. I didn't want to go back, I didn't want to dig deeper, I did not want to rock the boat, I was enjoying the "peace" that I was walking in. Thank God for His grace and His mercy and that it is new every morning. He gently guided me to face head on the biggest rejection issue I had ever hidden from........ The "peace" I had walked in was a farce, it was His grace and His mercy that allowed me to move on, allowed me to live the life I had put on hold for so long. Do not get me wrong I am beyond grateful for grace and mercy, they were my lifeline, but they were just the beginning. God knew me so well and loves me so much that He met me where I was and allowed me to move forward even though He knew that my heart was not truly completely healed. So, the big secret, the one I've not really even shared or discussed except with a very select few was simple.....I moved on because I had accepted that I had been REJECTED by GOD as a mother. Can you imagine the shame and guilt that came with that realization? I have been a Christian for 18 years and for the last 10.5 of those years have come to know that my God is a good God, yet I allowed the devil to put such a horrible thing into my heart and did not recognize it for what it was...a LIE from the pit of hell. God sent His Son to die for me and I know that I know that He would have done it if I had been the only one to accept Him. I know all the right things, I know the word, I know the truth, I accept it as real in my life, yet I was still so easily decieved. But, God, oh my, so forgiving and loving, again my salvation, my strong tower in my time of trouble, He brought me through it and walked it with me. I worked thru the bible study, went to the meetings, was beginning to see my significance and that God had not rejected me, would never reject me and that He loved me, I am His favorite. Yet, even though all of this was being worked out in my life and thought process there was still the guilt from accepting the lie. I didn't know how to get rid of it. I had asked forgiveness over and over, I had made it clear to God that I knew who He was and how He loves with all that He is, but still I was not able to get away from the dark cloud of guilt. Again, my hero knew and loved me enough to meet me where I was. One Sunday morning out of nowhere Pastor had a word of knowledge that somebody had a great spirit of guilt and that God wanted to remove it. I stood there for a moment and was unable to make my feet move forward, it was only 4 steps, hello we are on the front row. I did finally make way to that line and when he laid his hands on me, I knew that what I had to do was FORGIVE MYSELF. It was the missing piece of the puzzle. That analogy stands true for so many things, I had all the other pieces, but that one thing kept my puzzle from WORKING to its full ability.

Now, I truly know what it is to walk in God's peace in this area of my life. I believe the desire for a child will be something that is always present, but I am so thankful that it does not control, consume or bring me grief any longer. I am free from the bondage of disappointment and despair.

Yet, I sit here wondering about turning 40, maybe because at this point in my life even though the desire is still there, the need is not and when I started this post my thoughts were uncertain But, now that I've opened up and shared my heart and put it all in words, I feel like I can face 40 head on and look forward to a whole new phase of my life, one where I look forward to living, loving and making a difference.

Thank you all for living, loving and making a difference in my life! I never would have made it where I am without all of your support.

Happy 2009!

2009-01-02T10:54:00.002-06:00

It's a new year and I've been lax about posting the last part of the old year, maybe I'll do better we'll see.

New years always make me feel like I can accomplish anything I put my head to, and usually I do great for about 3 months. But, I can report that I did manage to go into 2009 with a 15 pound weight loss in 2008. That may not seem like much, but my thought is that 15 pounds is 15 pounds. If I can manage to lose and maintain at least some loss every year, it is progress!

Considering the topic is weight loss I must admit that now that the holidays are over and the eating marathons are done, I am looking to start the year out and lose some weight before our cruise at the end of February. Cruising at that time of year is great motivation to work towards weight loss right after the holidays.

We had a great Holiday season, Christmas is my most favorite time of the year. Though the house is back to normal I was blessed with lots of scrapbook goodies as gifts and can't wait to use them throughout this whole new year.

Well, that's all for now, but I will likely be posting more often to keep myself accountable with...

"The Battle of the Bulge: Crash Cruise Course"

Snowmen.....(but only a few).

2008-12-05T15:11:00.002-06:00

Snowmen with Booties

As you can see by the 2nd picture my husband thinks that

because they have booties that we should be looking at the bootie!

Snowman Nativity Set

Again Rocky thinks the angels standing guard should be facing backwards,

what am I going to do with him?

My other snowman nativity.

Silly Romeo....playing in the tree skirt.

2008-12-05T15:07:00.000-06:00

Rocky's New (used) Toy!

2008-11-15T17:46:00.003-06:00

As long as I have known my husband he has wanted a 4-wheeler. Most of you know they are pretty proud of the brand new ones. A friend of ours called him yesterday to alert him of 2 used ones that were for sale at a good price and in good condition. We went this morning and had a look see and left as the proud new owners of a Yamaha Timberwolf. It's older, but it runs, has new tires and a winch (I guess that was important). He is a happy camper and I am to, because now after 18 years he finally has one!!

After we got it home, I got on and rode it like a mad woman around our yard several times. It was GREAT. Rocky threatened to hide the key so the neighbors wouldn't be reporting the crazy lady riding in circles in her yard. Hee hee......

I'm still here...

2008-11-13T13:30:00.002-06:00

I just hadn't taken the time to post lately. We've been kind of busy and honestly I just really hadn't had a lot to say. Lots of exciting things going on at church and God is doing some things in my heart and I just haven't been ready to really put it out there yet. Still not sure how to put things in words just yet, but its all good. Again, I'm learning how amazingly forgiving He is, not to mention the grace and mercy that He lavishes upon me daily. I do not know how people get thru the things in life without having Him to guide them and be there strength. Soon, I'll put it all together and decide if I am going to put it out there to be read or not. I probably will because I feel like if I walk thru it and allow Him to walk it with me then the glory should go to Him and then I should be there for others in the same shoes, I want others to benefit from my mistakes and turns in the wrong directions and the grace and forgiveness that was never ending that in the end has brought peace. Not sure that made sense, but basically since I've been there, done that, come thru it, if I can't do anything else to help, I can pray for others that are there now and hope that they come thru it quicker than I did. I have always learned the hard way, I'm trying to stop that cycle.

Happy Birthday Rocky!!!

2008-10-23T16:19:00.004-05:00

On his actual birthday we both took the day off from work and drove down to the Mississippi Gulf Coast to eat at the Beau Rivage. It is a beautiful hotel/casino in Biloxi. They have an amazing buffet and a gorgeou marina where people with the big bucks can park their boats. We had a lovely drive and enjoyed just having some time to away. The only negative aspect of the day was the a/c going out in the Explorer, but we'll cross that bridge in the spring when we need it again.

Happy Birthweek Rocky (part 2)

2008-10-23T16:04:00.004-05:00

These pictures were taken at our house on Sunday afternoon. We had my parents and sisters family come for home made red velvet cake (always what he gets for his birthday) and present opening. He received a gift card for Walmart and Bass Pro Shop and I got him a Game Camera that hangs on a tree and takes pictures of deer when they walk by. He is tickled, so I guess I did good. I guess we'll know this Saturday when he goes to check it if it works well or not.

As usual trying to avoid the camera by putting the gift bag in front of his face.

Justin, Sandy and Hannah hanging out on the love seat.

Mitchell and Sandy hanging out on the couch.

Notice how Sandy is always where the LOVE is. She'll do anything for a belly rub!

Happy Birthweek Rocky (part 1)

2008-10-23T14:00:00.004-05:00

In our house we somehow manage to drag out birthdays to last pretty much for a whole week. The first birthday event was at the Red Beans and Rice Festival at Trustmark Park. It is a very fun event. You spend $10 and eat much more than you should and decide which one is the best. It's not usually a difficult decision, there are several that always stand out above the rest. Our dear friends Dawn & Jeff joined us and it was a beautiful day to be outside enjoying some red beans. The theme this year was "Raiders of the Lost Bean" so all of the booths were decorated and the people were dressed like characters in Raiders of the Lost Ark. They did a great job.

Just for you Granny Jean (part 2)

2008-10-17T14:42:00.002-05:00

Just for you Granny Jean!!

2008-10-17T14:39:00.000-05:00

Fun New Layout (this is it Missi)

2008-10-13T13:59:00.002-05:00

This picture was taken at the pre New Years Eve Crop at ASF in December of 2007.

Back to the real world...

2008-10-13T10:20:00.004-05:00

...after a nice fun long weekend. I took Friday off and so did my BFF, she came to the house and we spent the day watching chick flicks and scrappin'! It was a fabulous peaceful and productive day. Our husbands decided we are both much more productive in that setting. I completed 13 pages, 12 of which were in a vacation album that I just wanted to be done with (so they were very simple) and Dawn did 9 (I think). I guess they just don't get the whole idea of a crop is not just about the pages, but about the fellowship, friendships and fun we have when we get together with a bunch of other scrappers for the night! But, at least now that ASF is closed we do still have my house until another option makes itself available to us.

Saturday I went and did some more Christmas shopping and then we went to the fair that evening with Dawn, Jeff, their kids and their friends. It was hot when we first arrived, but not long after it was perfect fair weather with a nice breeze, we had a great time.

The petting zoo was quite an experience the goats were cute but quite hungry.....

and the camel well he was quite friendly as you can see. I guess he really wanted that carrot in my hand, but he kind of freaked me out when he made it clear he wanted it, as you can see, ha.

Sunday was another lovely church service, then lunch at Keifers. We had to go there after not buying a gyro at the fair either time we went because they were ridiculously priced and Keifers' is much better anyways. After that we went to visit Rocky's brother who was in the hospital. Still not sure what is up, but he was running fever and chills with no other symptoms so they were being cautious because of the undefined brain tumor and the meds that he takes. So far, still no diganosis as to the cause of the fever, but he was borderline dehydrated also. He was feeling better when we saw him and hoping to go home today. Keep them in your prayers please. After that we went home and I just vegged the rest of the day. I went to bed at 8:00 and watched TV till 10, then it was off to lala land.

So, that's it for my nice long fun weekend, hope you had a great one and have a fabulous upcoming week.

Surprise, Surprise......

2008-10-13T10:16:00.002-05:00

I am not sure if this shirt is just made to be very flattering or if finally it is starting to show that I've lost over 20 pounds this year, but I saw this photo and actually was encouraged to keep working. That is my handsome hubby behind me on the left and my best friends handsome hubby behind me to the right. Dawn was taking the picture so wasn't in it...why I didn't take the opportunity to use her nice new fancy smancy camera and make sure she got in a picture I do not know....sorry about that Dawn...we know you were with us, even if the pictures don't tell us so.

My Latest Creation

2008-10-09T09:12:00.002-05:00

I lifted this idea from another scrapper and made it my own. I am very pleased with the finished product. I am contemplating making a few more. This one is a Christmas present for a special somebody in my life.

Not to much going on around here, but it is Friday for me. I took tomorrow off to spend the day scrappin' with my friend Dawn. It's been a long time since we scrapped together and I'm looking forward to it.

It's Tuesday...

2008-10-07T08:53:00.000-05:00

...not to much going on around here, I guess that is why I haven't posted much, nothing new or exciting to talk about. Not sure if I posted last week or not but I lost 2 pounds, this week I maintained. It was a busy event filled weekend and I did not make good choices. I didn't blow it as badly as I have many times in the past, I just didn't make the best decisions about what I was eating. I'm focused today and will see a loss next week.

That's all folks.....

Scrap Marathon....

2008-09-29T14:36:00.003-05:00

It was a fun emotional weekend full of scrapbooking. It started out as a Friday night crop to say our final farewells to the greatest scrapbook store ever. We were not saying goodbye to each other because well it just can't be goodbye. The store within the walls will close but our friendships are lasting and we will scrap together again! The last lady finally left the store about 9p.m. on Sunday night. She was determined to stick it out till the end. Love ya bunches Patsy!

Here are the layouts I did this weekend. You can't really tell because it doesn't show up but I discovered STICKLES (glitter glue) and I went nuts. Its on anything that stood still long enough to get stickled.

Brainwashed & Sky High...

2008-09-25T10:28:00.002-05:00

(I stole my title from the title of the sermon at church last night.)

So, did you realize that God created brainwashing. He talks about our minds being renewed and washed with the Word of God. I want my mind to be washed and made clean. An example given was that of reworking antique furniture. First you have to get all of the gunk off, clean it up and get back to natural clean wood. Then you can put on a fresh new coat of stain/paint and it has been restored. Our minds are the same. The old addage garbage in, garbage out is a great example. But it can work the other way, take the time to get the garbage out, clean out your mind and use the word of God to put in things that are true, holy and pure. Think on those things. Put on the mind of Christ. He said it over and over again and I don't guess you can say it to many times, the WORD is how you renew your mind, it is how you overcome your circumstances. When a situation comes at you, go to the word, find God's answer for your situation and get it in you. Use a concordance, ask other people, be led by the Holy Spirit whatever it takes at that moment, find out what God says about your situation and then stand on it. When you do that you faith is inspired and you are able to fly SKY HIGH above the problem, you can get over it and it not get you down. The Word says: "He always causes us to triumph in Christ", "He has made us overcomers by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony", "We are more than conquerors"! There is VICTORY in Jesus so why walk in defeat?

This statement said it all......

You know when you have been brainwashed by God (and His Word) when a situation presents itself and your FIRST thought is....what does God say about this.....

This message could not have been more timely, I have a testimony that has presented itself even as I type this message. Truly in this area I have been brainwashed.....

Rocky just called and my car is getting fixed and will drive fabulously and I did not panic at the total it will cost to get it that way!! This comes from years of having my faith inspired by the word in this area and knowing that the word is true. We live daily knowing that "My God shall supply all of my need according to His riches in Glory" and "Give and it shall be given unto you, pressed down, shaken together and running over shall men give unto your bosom". God has always been faithful to show us this is true in our life. Not to mention that the word of our testimony in areas of what could have been financial devestation have always proven us to be OVERCOMERS! This one will too. My first thought was truly that God would supply the need and praise God my car is getting fixed and I'll feel safe driving it!

I hope this made sense because I certainly did not speak nearly as well or clearly as it was spoken to us as a congregation last night, but it sure did speak to my heart. Thank You Lord always being right on time.

Saying goodbye....

2008-09-23T11:02:00.002-05:00

...when you really don't want to sucks.

I just read news that makes me very sad and I feel kind of lost like part of me is being torn away and I want to keep it. The greatest scrapbook store in the universe is having to close its doors, I understand 100% the reasons why and completely respect the owner and woman I consider a dear friend for chosing her family and putting herself first.

The store will never be forgotten, I know some may read this and think she's lost her mind, how can a store be that important. What you don't know is that the store is not just a building with 4 walls, it is a place where you feel like you are home when you walk in the door. Even the first time I went through those doors and was met by Jo, Pam and Polly, I knew it was different, it was special, the spirit was of love and acceptance. In the 4 years that ASF has been opened I have grown in confidence and self esteem and felt like for the first time in my life that there was a "click" that I belonged in. It will always be a place that changed my life and my idea of scrapbooking. Many friendships have grown from friday night crops. I will surely miss the times that we won't have there but also will cherish the ones that we did.

Jo, if you read this...I love you and thank you for making a place available that made a difference in my life.

Good News

2008-09-23T09:11:00.002-05:00

I was happy to get on the scale this morning, it was a good result. I lost 6 pounds this week and went a whole week with no sweets. I am even wondering if that in itself did not make it that much easier to stay focused. Almost as if without the sweets I was not constantly craving something. When I did crave something sweet I went for a banana or a small bowl of cereal with a packet of splenda. It was a nice week and I exercised 4 times in that week. I feel strong and confident and look forward to watching Biggest Loser tonight and seeing how their week went.

Now onto week 2! I'm considering sticking to no sweets since I managed to get thru without them just fine.

Nothing to exciting planned for this day, although I need to make a walmart run at lunch for a few items they just didn't have at Walgreens. I know exactly what I need so I can get in and out with no problem.

I am wishing I had a 3 day weekend coming up...maybe I should just create one....hhhhmm. I'm trying to get some vacation time stored up but it is like money in my pocket, its burns a hole in it. I've got it why not use it...okay, must focus.

I'm rambling...gotta love me....going now.....be blessed and be a blessing on purpose!

Well crud our network has gone down so I need to ramble a bit longer cause I can't publish this post right now. Hopefully it will come back shortly and I won't end up losing all this mindless rambling I'm doing. Ah , it's back.....bye.....

Is it really Monday already?

2008-09-22T10:44:00.002-05:00

Yes, I know the answer to that question, yes it really is Monday...again. Weekends seem to get shorter and shorter every week, not sure why that is, because Monday thru Friday does not have the same effect.

I did really well all weekend. I'm expecting good results on the scale tomorrow. I took Sandy for a walk on Saturday morning and that was nice, it was good for both of us. She is so funny though she has to walk through every puddle she can find. I guess it helps cool her off or she just likes getting in my car with wet feet. Either way it was nice to get some exercise on the weekend. I plan to get my walking in during the day on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from this point even if it means going at lunch and using my time for the break, at least until its to cold do walk outside, which doesn't last long here in Mississippi.

Not much planned for this week in fact I do believe other than church on Wednesday night I will be sticking with ABC's motto for the week "National Stay at Home Week".

I want to go to Hobby Lobby today but all of my spending money is in my hubby's pocket, so I guess it will have to wait. This is the great SCRAP SALE week and I am trying to stock up on having cardstock and plenty of stuff for the Crop Connection in January and 50% off sales definitely help in building my stash.

I am pretty much rambling so I guess that's it for today...I hope to have a good report tomorrow!

Have a great day and stive to be a blessing on purpose!

Salads are Sneaky...

2008-09-19T08:49:00.004-05:00

I had a Southwest Taco Salad from Wendy's at lunch. Thankfully I only used one packet of the dressing they put in the bags and they forgot the sour cream. I suppose I should have checked the nutritional info before getting and then eating the salad. Anyways, with the tortilla strips and dressing it was 600 calories. I guess it would have been much worse to have a burger and fries, but I was still kind of surprised.

Now I'm trying to figure out what is for dinner. I forgot to get the pork chops out of the freezer, so I'm trying to decide if I can get them thawed out quickly by putting them in some water or if I should just stop at Kroger and buy some more.....that will likely be my best bet cause then they have time to marinate. I know I'm going to roast some squash and then saute some new potatoes and onions in a bit of olive oil...I really am working towards healthy and better choices. The chops will be baked or grilled, unsure yet, depends on what time Rocky actually gets home.

Friday again..finally.

2008-09-19T08:49:00.002-05:00

As always I am ready for the weekend. I've had a great week and have not cheated at all, in fact I've not really even had the urge to. It's nice to have healthy food in the house, when I wanted a snack last night I had a banana with a bit of peanut butter on it, it satisfied the need and it wasn't bad for me. I walked again yesterday and discovered that the building on "the hill" that I walked on Tuesday has stairs on the opposite side of the building. It was tough to go up and down them but it wasn't as scary as going down that steep hill and concentrating on every step and fearing that one wrong move and I'd tumble to the bottom of the hill and end up laying in the middle of Jefferson Street. That was quite a picture in my brain.

My boss is back in the hospital after suffering a setback yesterday from the surgery he had a month ago. I won't give any details out of respect for him and his family. Yet, I will say that watching what he's been through has definitely helped me to realize the importance of what I hope will become a healthy lifestyle. I don't want to have problems later in life because of stupid choices I make now. My eyes are opened to the reality of what bad choices will do to your body. I believe completely that Jesus is the Great Physician, but I also feel responsible for taking care of what He gave me. He specifically tells us not to harm the temple of the Holy Spirit and that is our body. He calls us to not only honor Him with our life and words but with our bodies. I am thankful that He is forgiving and when I blow it He isn't judging me for it, because I do know there will be times when I blow it...I mean hello have you been on a cruise ship? I have and there is more food than any one person should consume in a month more less a week. I did gain less this year than last year so hopefully next year I will keep the same momentum going but our cruise is 2 days longer....yikes. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it, no need to borrow trouble from tomorrow when today is all I can live in.

Not much going on here today, its quiet and half the staff isn't even in the office and my BFF is not at work today, so I'm quite bored, who knows you might get another post out of me later. For now, this is all I have.....if I don't check in later I hope you all have a fabulous weekend and make a point to be a blessing on purpose!!

It was a success!

2008-09-17T15:15:00.002-05:00

My first day went very well. I did not come close to eating all of my calories for the day but I will not make a habit of doing that. It was just one of those days where it worked out that way. After work I went to the grocery store, has anybody else realized how much more expensive it is to eat healthy? Sheesh...anyways, I bought most of my groceries from the perimeter of the store, bought very few things on the aisles. Mostly meat, produce and dairy products. I felt good about my purchases and my future. I had a fabulous salad when I got home and ate it while I watched the Season Premiere of The Biggest Loser. It is promising to be another great season and definitely motivating and inspiring. I think Gillian is going to try and prove she is definitely not the "nice" one. What I think people are interpretting as nice is her compassion and concern for her team. I don't think that makes her nice when she is in trainer mode at all. She is rough, tough, in your face and down right mean, ha. She would like to see that I wrote that I'm sure. Yet, you can tell she is pushing them because they need it and it keeps them from quitting. Oh, how I wish I had 4 months to take off work and could get chosen to be on the Biggest Loser...I'd probably flunk out, not sure my emotions could take the boot camp type pressure, I'm kind of a woos.

So, on to today, my calves were so sore this morning from walking up and down that huge hill yesterday, so I opted to wait and walk again tomorrow. Seemed like the right thing to do, but I am actually looking forward to going again. I'd like to work myself up to the point of being able to do it several times without such drama from my lungs. Hopefully this beautiful fall weather will hold out so I can keep walking during the day, if not it will be back to the ball park for me, which is okay, just not as convenient. I have no excuse during the day to not walk because I do get a lunch break every day.

We are half way to Friday and I love Wednesdays, because it the night of "gathering of the saints together" or as most would say it's CHURCH NIGHT. I love Wednesday night service always have.

I guess that's all...oh yeah, so far I'm well within my calories and have already chosen what I will eat at McAlister's for dinner. Have a great day and be a blessing on purpose.

It's the First Day of...

2008-09-16T11:51:00.001-05:00

...the rest of my life....AGAIN. But as I have been told by a very wise person in my life, as long as you never give up you can't fail. This is good advice in my thinking.

The Biggest Loser:Families starts tonight and I am very excited to get going with them. I have fallen hard off the wagon in the past few months and gained back half of what I'd lost this year. Good thing is I didn't wasted so much time that I gained it all back. This is progress.

After spending some time in prayer and asking God for guidance in how to proceed I feel strongly that I am to fast sweets for this first week while I find my footing. I have read in several places that your ideal calorie count should be what your goal weight is and add a zero. So like if you want to weight 150 you should go for 1500 calories. This seems right to me, so I'm going to be working towards staying within the calories that are at that goal and for now I'm not going to share any goals or even what my weight is. I always have in the past and then I'm so ashamed and upset when I fail, so for now my goals are going to be between me and God and I'll let you know when I reach them.

Pretty much my plan is to exercise, make healthy choices and portion control. Thankfully I am already a water drinker so that is not an issue. I drink at least 5 bottles of water everyday (except on the weekends and sometimes I slack a bit because I'm busier and not sitting at a desk).

I really want to get to a place where its a lifestyle and not a diet, but right this minute I have to admit that this is a diet for me, working towards changing my lifestyle, but in the meantime I'm going to try to find what works for me so that it can become a forever change. It has been proven to me time and time again that this is a lifelong issue and its high time I accept it and find a way to overcome it....I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me and I'm trusting Him to be with me as I start on yet another path towards and heatlh and liking what I see in the mirror.

I just walked around the block 2 times (not quite a mile) and up and down the hill on Amite Street that goes to the entrane to the fairgrounds on Jefferson St. I'm whipped but I feel good to have gotten some exercise and spent that time praying also, so I'm working my physical and spiritual muscles. God is faithful and I know He will help me through and that He has already made me more than a conqueror and that includes over food and laziness!!

So......I did it.......

2008-09-12T09:19:00.003-05:00

....in real life its a bit blonder with a tinge of strawberry blond . The lighting doesn't give you the real affect, but its a general idea anyways. I like it but its taking some adjusting when I look in the mirror.

New Scrappin' Layouts...

2008-09-10T12:01:00.001-05:00

To be Blonde or Not to be Blonde...

2008-09-09T11:51:00.002-05:00

Okay, so I am strongly leaning towards going blonde....and since Wendy will be doing the honors I am posting this picture taken in 2006 to get her thoughts on definitely going back blonde...I do believe she is already sold on the idea!! Not to mention loosing another 20 pounds to be back at that weight where my face is not so darn fat....so glad Biggest Loser is coming back next Tuesday...I stay so motivated when it was on at the beginning of the year, I'm determined to get back on track with them and not do to much damage between now and then!!

I'm still here...

2008-09-08T15:43:00.000-05:00

....I just didn't take the time to do any posting last week. Hurricane Gustav did no damage in the Jackson Metro area, but we did get a LOT of rain. I also worked close to 60 hours because we didn't know that Gustav would not be coming our direction so in preparation for the possibility we worked. It was a long week, I'm glad it over and now I am believing that IKE will not be a problem either. I do not want to work another weekend, its to much, ugh. I like my weekends to much for hurricanes to mess with them.

Not much else to talk about, I did get 3 layouts done this weekend but have not taken pictures of them yet, but I will likely do that tomorrow night and get them posted on Wednesday.

Have a great day and purpose in your heart to be a blessing on purpose!!

Go Away Gustav....

2008-08-30T20:59:00.002-05:00

I am not even sure at this moment where the hurricane is, because I have tried to avoid it and ignore it for just one more day. I do know that it is a Category 4, but right now I don't know what they are projecting today, it has changed several times in the past few days. Maybe tomorrow will give them a better picture when it actually gets into the gulf of Mexico. I said after going through Katrina that I would not work thru another one, another case where I should stop saying what "I won't do". More times then not, I end up eating those words.

But, since I was ignoring it today, I've had a nice day. We had ladies bible study this morning, it was nice. I think I mentioned before that it's on rejection and I still have a lot of thinking, praying and soul searching on this subject, so right now I'm not going to even try to put it in words. There is a knowing in my spirit that when this study is complete that I will be changed by what God is showing me. He loves me, so what anybody else thinks or doesn't think should not matter, I want to be in that place....so here's to getting there!!

After bible study I went by my parents to see their new RV and to check out little Daisy's new haircut. She doesn't look like a baby anymore, she's moved into the teen years, with blue bows and all. She's is just so irresistably cute and sweet, you just want to eat her up.

I left there and had to acknowledge Gustav long enough to go to the office and input a request to MEMA for a generator for one of the smaller towns in Hinds County. As I was leaving Rocky called to tell me the battery was dead on the MONSTER truck. This meant the trip I was fixing to make to Hobby Lobby was squashed. I went to deer camp, picked him up and we went home. I made a birthday card or 2 (cause its almost my sister's birtdhay!!) and then we headed to Hobby Lobby. Since his issue spoiled my trip, he told me he'd take me out there. I love that store, they have awesome sales! I got some cardstock paper stacks and a 13x13 self healing mat. I'm trying to stock up on paper since we are going to Crop Connection, the more stuff I stock up on now, the less $$$ I have to have when the time comes.

We left HL and drove over the spillway headed to Red Lobster for Joey's Birthday dinner. It was good and we had a good time. We were going straight from there to the races, but I decided I really wasn't up to it tonight, so he dropped me off and headed out. Now I'm fixing to go take out these contact lenses get comfy and snuggle up with my dog and a book and just kick back. I'm going to try and stay up as late as I can. I have to work on changing my sleep habit because as of right now come Monday I'll be working 12 hours shifts 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. until this Gustav situation is over. I hope that will be very quick!!

Good night!

Happy Birthday Heather!

2008-08-24T18:13:00.001-05:00

After the weekend crop was over, we went to dinner with our dear friends to celebrate the 19th birthday of their lovely daughter. We thoroughly enjoyed the company and the meal. Amerigo's is yummy and oh my goodness I must have more Orange Creamsicle CAKE!!! Love ya Heather!!

A Scrappin' Good Time

2008-08-24T18:04:00.004-05:00

I headed off on Friday morning with my mind set on completing 10 layouts for the weekend. I technically did, but one of the layouts is a two page layout, but each side counts as 1 layout in my mind. So for your enjoyment here they are. It is dreary outside today so some of the colors on a few of the layouts did not come out nearly as pretty as they are in real life (especially of Sandy and her squirrel) but this gives you a good idea of what I did all weekend.

Palmer's 2nd Birthday pictures. Aren't they a beautiful family.

Sandy loves her stuffed squirrel so these pictures were perfect for this layout.

There are not many times that we have a picture taken of just the 4 of us.

This was taken at mom's 60th Birthday Party.

Pictures of the kids swimming at mom & dad house in August 2008.

This is the "title" page in my cruise album that is the beginning of layouts taken on our 2nd cruise.

Pictures were taken at a Horse Show on Memorial Day...as you can tell she was tired

of waiting for her turn to ride that day.

These pictures were taken at youth camp in the summer of 2008.

This is self explanatory...he is my LOVE KITTY!

Mitchell was baptized on July 20, 2008 in a swimming pool

by Pastor Chuck Ford of Harvest Family Church.

Nice Long Weekend

2008-08-21T09:34:00.000-05:00

I'm leaving at noon today for a nice long weekend. I won't be back at work until Tuesday the 26th. There is a weekend crop at ASF and I can't wait to get there and get to work. I have a lot of pictures to choose from, so hopefully I'll get inspired and get a lot of scrappin' completed this weekend. More than likely I won't be posting until Sunday or Monday, but figured I'd drop a quickie just to let my faithful few that I was not ignoring you, just enjoying a great long weekend and will be back with plenty of fun things to have a gander at. Have a great weekend!!

Pampered Chef Party Anyone???

2008-08-20T11:25:00.002-05:00

I had a lovely evening with lovely ladies last night. I attended a PC show at Adrienne's house. It was nice, the company was great and the food as always was FANTABULOUS! I enjoyed it so much and love the product so much that it did not take much to twist my arm into having a party of my own. We did not set a date yet but as soon as we do I will be getting invitations out...so PLEASE COME! I don't like to have parties and nobody shows up, so don't let me down...come enjoy good food and good fun and great company (I mean hello I'll be there won't I??). Anyways, just thought I'd put a shout out, be prepared your invitation is coming. Be there or be square!! Although I suppose that it is Hip to be Square, so maybe I should rephrase...PLEASE COME, I'm begging. Only kidding.

Really I'm just wasting time till lunch and anxiously waiting to hear from the boss's wife about his surgery. Hopefully it won't be to long till we get an update.

Weekends are to short...

2008-08-19T10:47:00.004-05:00

...but we had a nice one. Rocky was off all day long on Saturday, so we got up early and headed south on the Natchez Trace. Our destination....Fat Mama's Tamales in Natchez. They have moved to their new location and it was nice to be able to enjoy their amazing tamales inside and not out in the heat with the bugs. We enjoyed our lunch and then we headed to the Natchez Convention Center to attend the Antique Knife Show. There were a lot of really old expensive knives in the show. I was in awe of the prices, wow. Most of them did not even have price tags, I suppose it was one of those situation where if you have to ask the price then you can't afford it. We enjoyed just wandering around and seeing all the different things they had. After the knife show we headed back to Jackson.

When we got home I prepared the food for our family gathering that evening. It was a nice evening, we were un-celebrating my Uncle's 50th birthday. He didn't want a big shin-dig so we got together and had some great food, good conversation and enjoyed each others company. I forgot my camera for the Natchez trip, but I remembered it for the evening, so here are a few pictures for your enjoyment.......

Cousins: Megan, Bobby & Amy

Mitchell, Hannah & Justin...swimming of course....

Almost Friday...

2008-08-14T20:32:00.004-05:00

I have done really well this week but am surprised at how little food my body needs to be satisfied and how rarely I am actually truly hungry. It has been eye opening that is for sure. I am just about on a schedule of 3 meals a day at regular times. I guess my body had plenty of excess calories to be rid of before it was able to find "normal".

Enough of that, I just finished my layout for the weekly design team dare/challenge at ASF. We had to create an embellishment with chipboard and dress it up. I made a photo corner, covered it with patterned paper, added a small metal embellishment that says "me & you" and a flower. Voila...challenge COMPLETE.

Top Left: You don't choose your family, they are God's gift to you, as you are to them.

There is hidden journaling behind the picture (you can pull it out from the right side). It says: This picture was taken at the Mother-Daughter Tea hosted by Harvest Family Church in May 2005. We had a great time and I was glad my mom was there with me.

Just another day in the neighborhood...

2008-08-12T07:56:00.002-05:00

And it's a rainy icky dreary day at that. Not to much going on in my neck of the woods. All the nieces and nephews have returned to school. Hopefully this will be a good year for all of them.

Still no change in my weight, at least I am managing to maintain, but it's time to pull it together and get things moving in the right direction. I am focusing this week on only eating when my body tells me it is hungry and trying to find the "point of satisfied/full". I have spent so many years destroying that natural mechanism that God created within me and this past Sunday at church the message was based on the scripture that says "my people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge". As the message came out the reality of it was that its not that the knowledge is not available its that we choose not to use it or acquire or we just plain ignore it. I have the knowledge available to me to be healthy and lose weight, yet I sit back and ignore it and therefore am destroying my body due to a lack of walking in the knowledge that has been provided to me. So, it is my desire to use this knowledge and lose this weight! I will not quit, I will not give up, I will not be destroyed!!

Not sure I like this, but here it is....

2008-08-07T22:02:00.003-05:00

This layout was for the weekly challenge at A Scrappin' Friendsy.

Had to use: 5 patterned papers, 5 ribbons, 5 stamps, 5 embellishments & 5 fasteners

It's a little busy for my tast and I think my pictures kind of got lost in all the "stuff" and the colors. This might actually be my very first "redo" but I'm gonna leave it for now and see how I feel about it in a week or so. I may decide by then that it's okay and just be glad 2 more pictures have been scrapped.

The pictures were taken on our cruise in February 2008. One of the nights in the dining room the dance staff had us all up and dancing, it was so much fun, even if I have no idea how to do the Macarena and was at least one if not 2 steps behind every body else. It was great to see even Rocky get up and dance.

Tomorrow is Friday...

2008-08-07T19:52:00.002-05:00

Sorry, I have been AWOL but there just has not been much worth writing about this week. More frustration at work and issues that I have absolutely no control over, so no since even taking time out of my day or yours.

My eating is out of hand, my scale thankfully has not budged, I'm still stuck at 275 and in reality I'm not even sure why it has not budged in the upward motion, but I won't complain. Not sure just how long my body will allow it to stay the same, so I really have to find my way back to restraint. Not sure why it's been so hard to get focused, but it has. As always I will prevail, just not sure which day that will begin. Sigh.

Nothing more to say for now.

The day after....

2008-08-02T14:55:00.003-05:00

...the Friday night crop. We had a great time I did end up leaving early due to circumstances I will not discuss openly, though there are those who know why, hee hee. I did manage in 3 hours time to accomplish 1 layout. It's actually quite a simple layout but it took me forever to figure it out, then when it was done, I'm like what took so long. I did one layout today for the ASF challenge of the week. The challenge was to do a "Priceless" layout, like the credit card commercial. So, here are my works of art for this weekend....

My Blue Eyed Boy...

2008-07-31T09:52:00.004-05:00

He is the prettiest blue eyed boy ever!!

Create....

2008-07-31T09:48:00.002-05:00

Well, this is what is done at this point. I think I need to add some bling or emellishment of some sort and when it's completely done, I will have to get a level and line them up, but I wanted to see how it was going to look when I'm done. Not sure what else I'll do or in reality if I'll take the time to do anything more than get them level. But, I figured I'd share the latest decorative addition to my scrap room.

It's Monday, but let's talk about Friday....

2008-07-28T08:59:00.001-05:00

Friday started out to be an average day, just sitting around watching the clock willing it to say 5:00 and then about 9:30......

The FIRE ALARM goes off. This happens occasionally and has always been a false alarm. Needless to say because of this, we all just kind of sat around hoping it would stop making that horrible loud noise. I was getting a headache. About 10 minutes into the alarm going off, one of our guys went upstairs to the library and guess what there is a definite smell of smoke. At this point, we all decide its time to vacate the premises. The fire department arrived on scene and it was determined that there was a fire in the equipment room on the top floor of the building. We spent 2.5 hours outside in the sun watching smoke escaping from the top of the building. It was smoldering and we were hot, then it rained and cooled us off until it quit and the sun made steam out of our wet clothes. A fun day was not had by all. Jackson Fire put out the fire and it was contained to the equipment room. There was a lot of smoke in the libary and the city print shop, we had some smoke but mostly a horrific sulfuric smell. Due to this fact we remained at work all day long. I was not sure that 5:00 would ever arrive, my eyes were burning and my contacts were practically popping out of my eyes. I went directly home and showered and relieved my eyes of the contacts. Pretty much the day was a bust, but I'm thankful that nobody was hurt and the books in the library are safe. The smell is still here today but hopefully it will fade sooner than later.

New Header...

2008-07-24T10:35:00.003-05:00

So, I was bored this morning and thought my blog needed a head lift, ha. So I created a new one. Whatcha think?

One more day till Friday and so far the day isn't to bad. Other than this whole issue we have going on with obtaining grants for new sirens for our county. I will not go into that any further because I'd just assume not be airing the political garbage that goes into the process on my blog. Who knows who might be reading. Anyways suffice it to say, I'm tired of it! I'd be content to never hear the words "SIREN GRANT" again. Rant over.

I do have some fun news...don't think I shared it yesterday or the day before. I am officially registered for Crop Connection!! (http://www.cropconnection.net/). Dawn N. and I have always dreamed of going to a Scrapbook Convention, usually they are out of state and there is travel and obvious expense involved, so up till now its just been a DREAM. This particular event takes place right here in our area and I go to church with the wonderful ladies that plan and host this event. We've discussed going every year since they started and it just never worked out since it is right after Christmas and there is some expense involved. Thankfully this year we seriously considered, spoke to our husbands and voila....we are GOING!! There are 3 other ladies (including my sister)going with us and of course there will be many many many more scrappin' sisters attending that we do not know.

I need to do a countdown clock so I can keep up with how many days till we go scrap crazy. Do you think I'm going overboard with the countdowns? I personally think its great to have things to look forward to!! Lots of fun stuff ahead.

Just another Wednesday

2008-07-23T16:20:00.003-05:00

I have absolutely nothing to report but thought I'd try to just ramble for a bit since we have about 10 minutes before we can go home. We are all sitting here hoping that we don't get put under any type of watches/warnings for Hinds County before we get out the door. Especially those of us who don't generally have to go back once we get to leave. Anyways, it looks like the sun is shining out there, so as long as it is like that all over the area I think I'm safe.

Have you ever noticed that bad weather is rarely convenient? It seems like the only time it threatens or shows up in the late afternoon is on days where I have some place to be after 5:00. Like today, if it kept us here it would keep me from being at my favorite church service. I love Wednesdays, they are laid back, relaxed and it seems most of the people there are really interested in getting what God has for them. There are less people getting up and going in and out and in general the whole atmosphere is different. It has always been my favorite time to be at church. It also helps keep my focus where it should be throughout the remainder of the work week. I'm not sure I'd get through some weeks with my composure in tact if it were not for the mid week uplifting and encouraging of the saints being in one place, one mind and of one accord. Can't wait to hear what He has for me tonight....maybe just maybe I'll share tomorrow.....

Well, I guess I'm going to shut this thing down, lock up and get ready to forward the phones. Have a great evening and take time to Praise the Lord, He inhabits the praises of His people!

Picture this...

2008-07-22T10:33:00.002-05:00

....me, in front of a computer screen, trying to do a "dance workout"! Yes, I see you sitting at your computer imagining how this might look. I mean hello most of you know that I am not only a bit on the not so skinny side, but more than that I can not carry a tune in a bucket with a lid on it, and worse than that, my coordination skills, well they do not EXIST.

Anyways, I noticed that on netflix they had some "workouts" that were available using the "watch instantly" option. So, I flipped through them and most of them were obviously way out of my league. I found one that had a lot of reviews from other people who had watched it, they all said things like: "This is to slow" or "This is definitely for people with no dance background" or "This workout is for beginners". I thought okay, I am a beginner and have no dance background so let me try it. If Sandy and Romeo were able to laugh, they would have been. I got through the warm up, sort of and then managed to stick out at least "moving my body" for about 10 more minutes. Finally, I clicked on the "X" and closed it down. Marched myself into the living room stuck in a Walk Away the Pounds video and did a nice 1 mile walk. Much more my speed and even with that, I often get off pace and then I'm lost and have to stop and get myself back on pace. I can't keep going if my movements are not in sync with their movements, ack. Just one of my odd little quirks. If I'm off, I have to quit or I just get off worse and then well, I might as well just quit all together.

Anyways, I said all of that to say that though it was quite the comical process I did exercise yesterday and I feel good about it today. I will exercise again today when I get home. Hope you had a nice little chuckle with me as you read this. Have a wonderful day and take time to Praise God for all He's done for you!

Human Yo-Yo

2008-07-21T08:39:00.002-05:00

That is what I am. I feel much like I am being dangled on a string and going up and down, up and down, up and down. I do know that only I have the power to stop the cycle. I choose to work on that starting now. Making better choices, staying focused on the goal, I think I lost sight of the goal for a short while. Time to refocus, think positive and remember that I want to be Fabulous by Forty. If you look at the sidebar countdown clocks, you will realize as I do that it is getting closer and closer to the cruise and my 40th birthday. So, here I sit at my desk determining that I don't want to reach the day of these events and be disappointed with myself. I want my 40th year to be the best one ever and so that means getting myself back on track. I have "played" and trying to stay on program for a month now. So, play time is over. I will log into WW online and I will log everything that goes in my mouth this week. Therefore the scale will move in the right direction next Monday morning!! So now, I've confessed, feel better and have a plan to get my act together....oh well I sort of confessed, I'm back up to 275 again....this 2 pounds is getting on my nerves...up and down, up and down, up and down.......next week will be down. Short term goal....2 consecutive weeks of LOSS!!

My Faithful Army of Women

2008-07-18T20:16:00.001-05:00

Journaling: God Gave Me an ARMY of WOMEN.....This life we live was never promised to be an easy one, just a rewarding one. I am thankful that each and every one of these women have been placed in my life by a God who knew what I would need along the way. I rejoice in the fact that each one of them completes a part of me. They love me, encourage me, strengthen me, teach me and lift me up when I fall. The path to becoming the woman He planned for me to be has been filled with these women, these amazing creations of God, that have helped mold me and make me who I am today. There have been many battles that He knew were coming because He sees the beginning from the end. He made a way of escape and often that way was through words or thoughts or cards in the mail or even just silence portrayed by these “My faithful Army of Women ”. To each of you, I love you, respect you, appreciate you and hope that you all know how much you mean to me.

Inside the folder is a small journaling about each woman.

Top Left: ~Donna Arjes~ I met Donna through an infertility support group online. God brought her into my life at a time when my faith and my mental stability were in critical need of support. We bonded instantly and I am thankful always for her being in a place to be what I needed when I needed it.

Top Middle: ~Dawn Nations~ It would take a novel for me to express all my feelings about Dawn in one paragraph, so let me condense it into just one thought, She is my FOREVER BEST FRIEND and my life would not have been the same without her in it.

Top Right: ~Donna Smith~ I can always count on her to give it to me straight. She’s honest and open and her opinion matters because I know it will be what I need to hear. She’s inspiring because she goes after what she wants and doesn’t give up. I need that influence in my life.

Middle Left: ~Wendy~ We met at Central Assembly of God in the mid 90's and she was a blessing I was not expecting. She is easy going, always accepting of who I am and never judgmental towards me. She is always like a breath of fresh air in my life. She will always be dear to me.

Middle: ~Ginny~ My mom, I love that she raised me to be an independent responsible strong woman who can make it in this world. I am thankful that she had her priorities in order, she raised me first and then became my friend. I love and respect her for making that choice.

Middle Right: ~Stephanie~ What can I say, she is a ray of sunshine that never stops. Her smile can light up my world, she made me part of her family and aunt to her children. She inspires me to strive to be a better person and to take care of myself. For that I am grateful.

Bottom Left: ~Jean~ Nobody could ask for a better Mother-In-Law. She loves without question and only offers an opinion if asked. She encourages me when I need it and is one of my biggest cheerleaders. Best of all she raised an awesome man who became my loving, dependable, supportive husband.

Bottom Middle: ~Lydia~ Without a doubt she is the most giving, selfless, loving, amazing woman I have ever met in my life. She is an example of servitude, strength and commitment that I would like to pattern my life after. To keep it short, I’ll just sum it up to she is a great example of Jesus in this world.

Bottom Right: ~My Sister~ As far as baby sisters go I couldn’t ask for anything more. I am thankful that God knew what I would need and gave it to me in the form of my little sister. She’s always there no matter what I need and always willing to give the shirt off her back or a shoulder to cry on.

Just because....

2008-07-18T09:56:00.002-05:00

....my public is crying out for a post. Not much to say really, but let's see what I can come up with.

My grass needs cut and it rained just enough yesterday that I could not do it, so I'm hoping for the sun to dry it out so I can accomplish this task when I get off work today. It will plague me until it is done. Tall grass is a thorn in my side and now that we own our pretty little red Toro I try to stay on top of it. I am not the only one in my household that does not like the tall or wet grass. Sandy has an aversion to tall grass also. It is a riot to watch her go outside when its to tall for her liking. She tiptoes, its hilarious. I will have to try and get a picture of her doing this but not sure it would actually show up in a picture. Have you ever seen the horses that dance. They kind of lift up each leg very precicesly and it kind of looks like they are tiptoeing? That is what she does, makes we want to call her twinkle toes.

The two young guys at work just took my little green jeep to the car doctor. Not sure what is wrong exactly but my gut says something with the starter because when you turn the key it does nothing, but if you turn it as far as it will go and hit the gas at the same time it will start right up. This is a new thing, so I figured it needed a check up and it already needed an oil change, so why not get a full physical right? This means I will have to drive one of the HUGE monster trucks till it is fixed. I think its a Ford F350 or something like that, not looking forward to that at all. I'll know for sure when they get back which truck they brought for me to drive, I'm hoping for one of the smaller ones without a camper shell on the back.

Other than whining about the fact that I have given in to my enemy (food) for several days now, I don't really have much else to talk about. I keep hoping one day that healthy choices and healthy portions will come naturally and it will not be such an extreme battle. I'm not expecting good things for weigh in on Monday. Why does it come naturally for some people? I guess by the time I can look at God and ask why I won't care anymore because I will have shed my earth suit for a glorified body.

I hope my weekend will be filled with creativeness and maybe a good movie. Hopefully you will all have a fabulous weekend and find an opportunity to show forth the love of God that has been shed abroad in your heart!

Who I am in Christ 7-15-08

2008-07-15T13:31:00.002-05:00

I HAVE POWER AS A BELIEVER: And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover. (Mark 16: 17,18)

GOT IS AT WORK IN ME: For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure/ (Phillipians 2:13)

I AM MORE THAN A CONQUEROR: Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loves us. (Romans 8:37)

Robin's Nest....

2008-07-14T08:11:00.004-05:00

So.....here are some pictures of my scraproom, more affectionately known as "Robin's Nest" (didn't realize the flash put a bad glare on the layout framed below the sign, but oh well). My parents had that sign made when I was in high school. We lived in Hawaii and my mom's favorite show was Magnum P.I. We spent a lot of time following Tom Selleck and his crew around during the 6 years we lived there. Anyways, those of you who watched the show know that the estate that Magnum lived on was called "Robin's Nest", so of course I had to have a sign for myself. Anyways, it has hung on a wall in every place I've ever lived. For many years it hung in my kitchen, but now it graces the wall of my scrap space! Because it truly is my Nest.

Progress

2008-07-14T08:10:00.001-05:00

I am down 2 pounds. Which is progress. I was hoping for more but I am satisfied with 2.

Summer...

2008-07-13T22:23:00.003-05:00

The challenge at ASF this week was to do layout using just the word "SUMMER" as your title and to write a paragraph about what it means to you or a fond memory of your summer.

I had to think on this one and then when I saw these pictures of my parents new puppy I had to use them. I knew then that when I think of summer the first things that come to mind are swimming, homemade ice cream and watermelon...so of course Daisy eating homemade ice cream were the perfect pictures for this layout.

On another note, my scrapbook room is put together and I LOVE it. I'll upload pictures soon and probably do a layout. There are still a few walls that need something creative, but until I know for sure what that will entail, I'll leave them empty.

Have a fabulous week, I hope to. I'm also hoping for a friendly scale in the morning. I've done pretty well this week, much much much better than the few weeks before, so I'm hopeful. We shall see. More tomorrow. Night, night, sleep tight!!

Who You are in Christ 7-11-08

2008-07-11T12:32:00.002-05:00

I AM AS HE IS: "Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgement; because as HE is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4:17)

I AM ABOUNDING IN BENEFITS: "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8)

I WAS GIVEN AUTHORITY TO: "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out the devils; freely ye have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:8)

Thankful Thursday...

2008-07-10T09:55:00.002-05:00

I could name a lot of things that I am thankful for today, but mostly I'm thankful that after 3 days OP (on program) that the scale showed a 3 pound loss already. I did not even take into consideration when I weighed in that it was TOM time. When this realization kicked in I felt a bit better about the whole thing, but I did eat way to much and way to often last week, so TOM can't be blamed (completely).

I'm also thankful that we had our carpet cleaned yesterday and the guy only charged us $20! Rocky gave him $25 just for the heck of it. It looks so nice and maybe that will help me not be so frustrated with not being able to replace it right now. I mean hello paying off our cruise for next year is definitely higher on my list of priorities.

Speaking of the cruise we sail in 227 days, isn't it nice that Carnival.com keeps me up to date on how many days it will be until they welcome me on their Fun Ship! It actually helps on days that I'm tired or stressed to be reminded that I have a fabulous fun filled 7 day cruise to look forward to in just 227 days, hee hee. Obsess much? Why yes, yes I do. If you haven't been you must try it, there is nothing like it! As you can see this is another thing I am thankful for today.

Mostly, I'm thankful to God for another day to please Him, to strive to be all that He is in me and to show His love to those around me and that I encounter throughout my day. Father, you are good and your mercy endures forever and for that I am THANKFUL!!

Do You Know....

2008-07-09T13:57:00.003-05:00

..Who You are in Christ? Or who He is in you? There is freedom in the answer to these questions. I have a fabulous little book titled "Who You are in Christ Jesus" by Sylvia Nelson. When I start to feel down or defeated during the week when I am at work and not at home where my word is readily available or at church where the truth of the word is being preached, I can flip through this book and get some great insight that is encouraging and uplifting. I think I'm going to start posting some of these scriptures and maybe even some personal thoughts about them occasionally, we'll see. (It's a spiral bound book full of scriptures in alphabetical order).

Let me start with the introduction in the book:

As a human being you probably have a name and you live somewhere. Perhaps you belong to a church and quite likely you are citizen of some country.

You will have acquired a reputation of some sort - it will vary according to the one who is asked to describe you.

Are you able to describe yourself with any sense of clarity or truth? What is the basis for your judgement of yourself, or anyone else for that matter? Is it the world and its ideas that are your standard?

The world may have an idea of who you are. You may have an idea of who you are. But the Word of God is the truth. THE WORD OF GOD IS HOW GOD SEES YOU. It alone is the basis of how you can see yourself.

As a Christian, realize that you are NOT the person you used to be, or that you thought you were. Neither are you who your friends, family or enemies thought you were.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold all things are become new."

What does it mean to be "in Christ"? It means that when you received Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord, He immediately came into you, and you immediately became a part of Him. You are in Him as a result; you are a part of His body.

God said in Romans 4:17 that "we are joint heirs with Jesus". What does that mean for us? It means that God gave you, as an inheritance, everything that He gave to His Son.

To begin with, you have a new name: Christian. You have a new home. You dwell in "heavenly places with Christ Jesus". You may belong to a church but now you have a personal relationship with God through His Son Jesus. And - you now belong to the Kingdom of God.

But that's just the beginning. Listen to some of God's description of you:

You are the head and not the tail.
You are accepted in the beloved.
You were healed by His stripes.
You are forgiven all of your sins.
Jesus became poor so that you might become rich.
You have been raised to newness in life.
You have been made the righteousness of God in Christ
The blood of Jesus cleanses you from all unrighteousness.

As Christians, you are no longer victims, but Victors! Allow God's word to stir you up, to bring you out of negative circumstances, out of self doubt, into faith in God's Word. God's worth is the TRUTH.

Read each Scriptural Description of yourself out loud, and receive it for yourself. God loves you. He wants to be and have all that Jesus bought for you on the cross. Remember that All that He is, He is in You. He told us that "we would do all the things He did and more"

Say it! Believe it! Act as though it is so, because it is! God's Word is telling you WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST!

POWERFUL! CONFIDENT! FULL OF LIFE!

Quick update...

2008-07-09T11:41:00.000-05:00

I've not gone over my points for 2 days and working on a third. Again wondering why I venture down other paths when the right path feels so much better than the wrong ones. It's nice to go to bed at night not feeling guilty or full and miserable.

Just thought I'd report that I'm doing well for my faithful few encouragers!!

Confession is good for....

2008-07-07T08:37:00.002-05:00

......WHAT?????????? public humiliation, outing yourself as a complete failure, making you feel better because you've owned up to your idiocy? Supposedly the consensus is that confession is good for the soul. So, let's go with that choice, since I prefer not to put myself in the position of being humiliated, being a failure or feeling like an idiot, I'll choose to have it be good for my soul.

I'm certain that by this point you are likely wondering just how much food I ate and how much weight I managed to gain in 1 weeks time? Would I be right? Of course I am, I mean this blog is an outlet for me to use on this journey that sometimes seems to have a life of its own.

Apparently, my reality is that I do not even need a reason, or stress or some major drama going on or around me to opt to just take 1 week out of my otherwise normal eating life and turn it into an all out PIGFEST! Yes, that is exactly what I did. I'm not sure I even signed in to Weight Watchers last week. Maybe once, but I do not believe that on that day I actually ate what I planned or put into my food tracker. In fact, I probably did eat what I tracked plus a good bit more. In the past I've always had something to blame for my binges, not this time. I truly can't put my finger on any one thing that could have triggered it, other than simply feeling like I was getting somewhere and had reached a new milestone and it was only going to take a 1 pound loss to be out of the 270's.

This makes me wonder, why do I freak about succeeding? Success feels good. Yet, it seems everytime I get to a new lower set of numbers, for some reason self sabotage sets in. What on the inside of me doesn't think I deserve to feel good about me? What makes me tick? If only I could answer these questions and get to the bottom of why, maybe then I could overcome and reach my goal of being healthy and happy with me. When I look at my life there is no reason for me to feel unworthy or undeserving of succeeding at weight loss. I am blessed with an amazing husband, I am constantly reminded who I am in Christ, I have a wonderful supportive family, a church that lifts me up continually and pastors that love me, respect me and always speak truth into my life. Considering all of these things, there is still a foothold that I need set free from.

Lord, help me to see where I'm missing it and how to walk in "being an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony". Father, you are always faithful to perform Your word and I am thankful that I know that when I seek You, I will find my answer. I thank You for Your guidance and leading as I go to Your Word to receive the truth to be set free. I am in awe of your love and ability to continually forgive and never give up on me, in Jesus Name, AMEN

Now, with all of this said, I also want you to know that I am not throwing a pity party, I will not continue on the path that I walked on last week. I will own up to gaining 5 pounds and that I tried to manipulate the system and failed. I am changing my wiegh in day to Monday, because now I will not give myself permission to do what I want (as long as I'm careful, HA) on the weekend because then I have 5 days to recover before weigh in. This way of thinking was not helping me make lifetime changes, just causing me to eat much less on the days after eating to much, so that I'd at least show a small loss or that I maintained. Only fooling myself, sigh.

One thing learned from this is that I realize that I will have failures, I will have weeks where I throw caution to the wind and blow it completely. What I have also found is that just because I have a bad week does not mean that I should have 2 bad weeks, then 3 bad weeks and then eventually end up in worse shape than when I started. So, for me this is progress. To keep going is progress, to not beat myself up is progress. To have to deal with gaining 5 pounds and not going directly to McDonalds for a bacon cheese biscuit and hashbrown to make myself feel better is HUGE PROGRESS!!

Taking a glance at the big picture, I'm not a failure, or an idiot, or a hopeless cow, I'm a woman on a journey that has many paths that seem to all lead back to the main road if I stay focused on my destination. Most importantly, I have to rely on God and not on myself.

This weeks challenge...

2008-07-03T22:28:00.003-05:00

The ASF challenge this week was to be inspired by a bowl of candy and a bunch of ribbon pieces and they were all these colors. This turned out to be a fun, quick, easy layout and I had no idea prior to the challenge how to do these pictures because I had done one last year from the 1st cruise. Love these challenges..thanks Wanda for giving me inspiration....

What is ASF???

2008-07-01T08:16:00.005-05:00

This is for one of those inquiring minds who actually reads my blog, yes Gayle this is for you. ASF is the most amazing wonderful Scrapbooking Store ever. It is owned by the sweetest most generous loving loyal lady I know. I tell anybody who will listen that it is the place where everybody knows your name. Not only is "A Scrappin' Friendsy" a brick and mortar store that I like to refer to as my 2nd home, but there is also an awesome online community that is unlike any that I've ever visited before. The ladies are all down to earth, nice, helpful, inspiring and truly delightful. There are no drama queens or know it alls and nobody trying to be right or outdo anybody else. It's truly a scrappin love fest! So if you would like to get to know them and see a lot of inspiring work please go visit http://ascrappinfriendsy.com/forums/index.php .

Oh yeah, I forgot...

2008-06-30T07:01:00.001-05:00

...I did weigh in on Saturday. It was nice to me, weighed in at 270. That puts me at 21 pounds gone since I began WW at the end of March, but down 27 since the day after Christmas when I began my journey to lose weight (again).

The Catch All

2008-06-30T06:55:00.001-05:00

I ended up doing a 2 page layout but somehow only bought one piece of the green cardstock, so its a 2 pager but in different colors....I like how it came out regardless.

Journaling: What does my purse have to say about me? It says that I don't care much about trendy. I am picky and have a hard time when it's time to find a new one. The things in my purse would tell you that I enjoy reading and love my choco-mint gum. I wear contact lenses and suffer from dry eyes. I love lotion and lip stuff. The wallet & checkbook are obviously necessary for daily life. There is always a calculator and sanitizer for grocery shopping - I'm anal about stayng within the budget. I'm also terrible about throwing away receipts and pens that don't work. I have a note pad and points calculator on hand because I'm on Weight Watchers. Lastly there is an extra key to my work vehicle and my badge to verify that I am an employee at Hinds EOC. So, in reality other than my love for scrapbooking my purse does tell my story.

Purse Pictures...

2008-06-27T20:32:00.003-05:00

The challenge at ASF this week is to dump out your purse & explain it's contents...but don't simply 'make a list' because we've done lists before. This time make a list with descriptions......why it's there, what it's used for, etc. Take pictures of your pile of STUFF after you've dumped it out & even take a picture of your purse. Maybe tell us where your purse came from & why you love it.....or what you DON'T like about it & why you NEED a new one. Be creative & have fun!! So I've taken the pictures, sent them to Walgreen's for printing and will pick them up and run to ASF for paper and hopefully by Sunday I'll be uploading a layout and not just pictures.

Feeling better....

2008-06-27T20:28:00.003-05:00

...and I can prove it. I was creative! My nephew was born on the 4th of July and his bedroom is done in the Americana look with the deep navy, deep red and cream colors. I just had to make him a bulletin board to go over his desk for his birthday. I hope he loves, I know I do!!

Back to the land of the living....

2008-06-24T18:29:00.003-05:00

...almost. For the first time in over a week I feel almost human. Although I still do not feel 100% I am very close to getting there. The doctor says I can return to work on Thursday and oddly as that may sound...I CAN'T WAIT. I love my furbabies and my house, but they don't talk back to me. Not that I've really felt up to talking, but I'm amazed at how boring sitting around the house with nothing to do or think about can make you. All rest and no work or play makes Robin a dull girl. I do not want to be a dull girl. I want out of this house and into the sunlight...okay so I know work is a dungeon and there will be no sunlight but there will be other people with lives and things going on around us. Anyways, I'm just saying, I'm glad that I am finally starting to feel better and soon my quarantine will be up.

Not much else to report...as I just said...I've done absolutely nothing for about 8 days now. I am eating again and paying attention to not let it be out of hand, hopefully come Saturday I will have a good weigh in after 2 weeks of not weighing in. I opted not to weigh in again this week so that I did not get another "sick " reading. So now, that I am eating, the scale will probably be accurate this coming Saturday, we shall see.

That's all for now, just wanted to check in for my faithful few and let you know I'm getting better and I appreciate your thoughts and prayers while I was recovering.

Under the weather...

2008-06-19T16:23:00.003-05:00

..It's been a long week. I've been diagnosed with walking pneumonia...so if you read my blog, pray for quick recovery....Jesus is my HEALER!! By HIS stripes I AM HEALED!!!

Announcement..

2008-06-13T16:12:00.002-05:00

There will be no weigh in tomorrow. If I have learned nothing else in this life long journey that I am on...it is that when I know I have blown it and am already struggling with being discouraged do not get on the scale. The scale can be a tool of the enemy if I allow it to be and I choose not to.

Instead - I choose to forgive myself and move forward not backwards. I'll weigh in next Saturday at the regularly scheduled time and I will have a postitive report. Some might not agree that this is a good strategy, but please know that I'm not ignoring the issue, I'm just not giving the devil place to tear me down by looking at numbers that will not encourage me. I need encouragement not discouragement and I have learned enough to know to avoid the negative, it will not help my cause.

Thank you all so much for being here to read and love and support me on the various trails this journey takes me down. I have read in many places in the past 2 days that the important thing is to never give up. The only way to not get to the finish line is to quit. I am not a quitter! My goals will be met but I apparently will be more like the tortoise than the hare. Slow and steady with a few little bumps along the way.

You Light Up My Life...

2008-06-12T17:55:00.003-05:00

This layout was done for a challenge at ASF last week.

You had to use pictures that spanned over a few years.

I found perfect pictures of my mom and my niece and knew that I

had the makings of a very special layout.

That darn flower took an hour to stitch, but it was

worth it, cause I love it!!

Struggling but holding firm...

2008-06-12T15:09:00.003-05:00

It's been a long hard week and I have struggled daily with food. I was at a conference the first 3 days of the week which meant being inundated with muffins for breakfast and eating out at lunch. I did not overeat except on Monday but did not make great choices. I have done okay today since I'm back in my regular daily routine.

I choose not to be defeated so I'm keeping my head up and reminding myself continually that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me and hoping that weigh in on Saturday shows at the very least that I was able to maintain. I would be in shock if there was a loss.

This week has gone by pretty quickly, probably because of the conference. It's almost Friday already and that means its time for the weekend. We are celebrating Father's Day at my sisters house on Saturday night since J&H are going to be leaving for camp right after church on Sunday.

This past Sunday was dad's birthday and we all went to their house and had cake, ice cream and opened presents. It was a pleasant afternoon and mom made an awesome german chocolate cake and I only had a small piece...that was TOUGH. I love german chocolate almost as much as I love a good italian creme cake. Okay, I just love SWEETS...thank God for 100 calorie snack packs, it helps me get some sweet without overdoing it (too often anyways).

I'd like to ask whoever is reading to be praying for Rocky's brother. He's been having some issues with seizures and a spot on his brain. He's been doing pretty well but just had his yearly MRI and they seem to think it has gotten larger so he's been referred to a surgeon to decide if they can do anything or if radiation will be recommended. Thanks ahead of time for your prayers that he will see the healing power of our Lord Jesus who already bore stripes on His back over 2000 years ago for our healing. We are believing that He will receive what has already been done for him. Our God is bigger than a brain tumor! His promises are yes and amen and He always causes us to triumph in Christ Jesus!!