Tuesday, November 22, 2011

I AM.....





I’m weird because…

I can't drink out of the same glass in a day. (hence the reason we have 20 glasses dirty each day).
I don't eat meat.
I wear the same outfit multiple days in a row (if it's clean!)
I like to dip my crackers in chocolate ice cream.
I prefer butter cream icing cake over any meal.
I can not sit with my back to a door.
I prefer to NOT cuddle when I sleep.
I treat my dog like she is a real baby.
I am a creature of habit.
I can’t sleep without a loud box fan.
I’m scared of cats and petrified of frogs.
I love the smell of old libraries.
I have watched the notebook at least 200 times.
I get excited during the holidays so I can watch Charlie Brown.
If I need something the first place I look is a thrift store. (I am truly a thrift-a-holic)
I believe I can make "everything"...
I hate drying my hair, I will go 4 days between washings, LOVE dry shampoo!
I am an English major and the worst speller ever.
I'm addicted to reality T.V.
I change "what I want to be when I grow up" at least 2 times a year.
I have to brush my teeth before I drink my orange juice.
I have a very strong sense of smell.
My car is always a mess.
I am a terrible driver (However, those wrecks REALLY were not my fault).
I am my biggest critic.
I can not say NO.
I never, ever iron....HATE IT!
I love to listen to swing/big band music all day.
I can not parallel park.
I will try anything once.
I am not afraid to talk to anyone.
I would rather be outside with nature, in a tent, than anywhere else in the world.
I love to read....love love love Nicholas Sparks.
I hate to go to the grocery store, I would rather have a root canal with no Novocain.
I am VERY sentimental....( probably the reason I look like a hoarder )

I’m a bad friend because…

I  sometimes take days to check my voice mails.
I am terrible at returning phone calls and emails.
I will choose time with my family over a shopping/lunch date with them.
I have a really bad filter, I don't always think before I speak.

I’m a good friend because…

I will drop everything for a friend in need.
If you are my friend you have a place in my heart for life.
I love their kids like they are my own.
You can show up at my house at midnight to talk about your bad day.
I will always have a shoulder for you to cry on.
I always say what I’m thinking, I will not sugar coat it.

I’m sad because…

I know soon my son will be going off to college.
I too often get consumed with Momma/wife  guilt.
I take everything personal.
I wish there were more hours in the day so I could slow down and enjoy the little things.
I wish we had more family of 4 time, instead of everyone going in different directions.

I’m happy because…

I am truly blessed.
It is holiday time....
I am finally having some time to learn new hobbies.
We are headed out of town which means hours locked in a car just the 4 of us!

I’m excited for…

My son and his time in this new journey.
My sewing machine is coming.....
Christmas Break...
Christmas music 24 hours a day.
Being with family.
Fireplaces and roasting marshmallows.
Christmas Eve game night.
Watching Christmas vacation...a Christmas Eve tradition.
Snow!

Just thought I'd share a little bit about who I am...
Love to hear who you are?!?

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Challenge number ??????

OK, So I have NO idea where I have left off on this challenge thing.
I have been totally busy, there is just a lot of things I haven't 
actually posted, because it is either day to day nonsense or
unfinished projects! 
Could have sworn the reason for this challenge was to NOT have 
unfinished projects!
However, next time I do a challenge it will be when it's not so
close to any holiday and a child graduating!
But here is what I have done...Oh and FYI, to top things off
I'm just finishing a wonderful cycle of the stomach flu!
My pics won't be that great because quite honestly today I just
don't have the energy. 
I finally finished my burlap table runner....yeah!
I have wanted to do this for a while since I saw it on a post
(props to littlemissmomma.com)
So here is my version...it will look quite simple,
but the fact is, for a newbie sewer like myself it
took a little longer than I thought.



Believe it or not the hardest part was all that fraying!



Not great pictures, it looks alot better in person. 
Now if I could just find my farm table to make it pop!
And......

YES....My house is decorated for Christmas. I actually 
got most of it done last weekend. I have 4 trees done
and 2 more to go. Then I'll hopefully get all
the outside done by tomorrow. 
YEAH! Nothing like an early start....
So there you have it! That is what I've been doing,
that, and Bible study, Photo group outreach, Connect groups,
one-one mentorships, feeding the missions, sewing class, Lifecoaching, 
LifeCoach training, making crafts for the craft show,  talking to insurance companies, and all the other
day to day chores.....blah, blah, blah.
NOT to show you what all I do in a day, because we are all
terribly busy, I just wanted to show you, I wasn't purposely
putting off my blog.
I've missed you guys!
You are never to old to start new hobbies and new adventures,
but you may start to feel old if you do to many at once.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Challenge Day 5-10.....

OK seriously, where is time going? I can' seem to keep up.
I feel like there are not enough hours in the day to 
do everything I want to do.

Anyone else feel that way?

I will try to give you the "highlights" of what I have
accomplished these last 5 days.
 I know, I promised you something "extraordinary", but
 some days are just "ordinary" and busy with
normal day to day stuff.
So not a lot of "fun" to report, but a promise is  a promise
so I'll give you what I got!

 On Saturday Nov. 5th, I got to go with my photography group and take pictures of 
"Gods Creation"
Sounds easy, but it was a bit tougher than I thought, because the place we 
went was BEAUTIFUL...and all around me was
God's miraculous creations.
I wanted to bottle it all up and capture every moment. 
Here a are a few of the shots....

Fall leaves and colors are so amazing to me.



Streams of natural water is not only peaceful but tranquil.


I love paths, and this place had many beautiful, winding paths.
This shot made me think of the journey I've been on and the 
journey that lies ahead. But with God guiding my path
how can I ever go in the wrong direction.

It is when I am in surroundings like this and see the beauty of everything God created,
that I wonder how could someone NOT believe?

Sunday, wasn't such a good day I had a migraine all day, so I missed church,
that always makes me sad. 
But I did get my carpets cleaned, so that was one more thing checked off my list.
My poor husband had to get everything ready and moved, so appreciate him!

Monday, YEAH...it was my sewing class day. Have I told you how much
I. Love. That. Class?
I have an awesome machine, that even embroideries, and we are making
our second bag.
I am learning so much, and realizing sewing is an expensive
little hobby.

Tuesday, I went to my Bible study group where we are studying Beth Moore's
REVELATIONS 
it is awesome, real, and makes you really think.
Doesn't help when you are doing the study and you had a tornado, earthquake and flooding
all in one night. 
I was starting to wonder what went wrong...Had I been LEFT BEHIND?!?
After Bible study, I had the privilege of teaching women how
to THRIFT.
These women had NEVER been to a thrift store, they felt a little overwhelmed at 
first, but with a little guidance, in no time they started loading 
their carts.....SHOCKED at all the great finds.
For those of you who do not know....Thrift stores are pretty much 
all I shop at. I get asked all the time "where did you get that, it is so cute"
I smile, and say GW for 1.00!

We had so much fun and here are a few items I picked up for myself. 


Cute little tailored ticking jacket.


Notice...it still has a tag on it, $59.50!


However see that little red tag....yep! That means 1.99!


Awesome lightweight sweater, pictures do not do these justice. Light Paris Blue with brown stitching.
Boutique style.


Great Corral 
Bohemian style shirt.


Notice where it is from, Ann Taylor Loft, oh and the YELLOW tag, that meant 1/2 off,
so how much did I pay? .50 cents!


Loved this vintage, butterfly, fun, flirty skirt.


The vintage glass buttons gives it a boutique feel.


Oh, and what is this? Well I collect these old vintage Thermos. WHY? Because
I like them, and I have cute fun party ideas with them. 

I think that was the smallest amount of items I've ever left a thrift store with, but I wasn't there for me
I was there to help others. 

Wednesday, Well I organized! It all started with waking up at 5:30 a.m. and cleaning
out my refrigerator and kids snack pantry, getting it ready
for the food I was heading to purchase at the grocery store.
I am so anal about my grocery shopping, however
I HATE grocery shopping.
I have to write a menu, make a list, drive to the store (which now takes forever), usually I have to go to more than one store.
Put the groceries in the cart, wait in line, put the groceries on the belt to ring up, take the sacks
and put in my car, drive back home, unload the groceries into the house, and put them all 
a way! 
EXHAUSTING!
But to make things more difficult for me that day, I decided to redo my kids snack cabinet and
one of my spice cabinets.
Here are some pictures, of the final result. Not exactly what I was going for, but
financially right now, it was all I could do. Containers are expensive!


Labeled with chalk vinyl paper, cut them into oval shapes, and used a chalk marker to write.


Hopefully, this will keep us from having 1/2 eaten snack foods, because the bag has been left open and the food became stale.



Now lets see how long it takes the kids to mess up their pantry?!?

So that has been it for the last few days, I feel like I at least got some things done.
If God calls you to it, or you wake up breathing, remember you have a 
purpose that day! So don't put things off or be lazy, use your
time wisely.




Friday, November 4, 2011

Day 3 and 4

So...What did I do Day 3???
Well, I was on the phone with insurance agencies ALL DAY...
repeating, over and over, our testimonies for Landon's wreck
and trying to finalize and wrap up mine.
This is NOT fun....
Not exactly what I planned on doing when I started this challenge,
I was hoping to report fun things, exciting things, encouraging things,
for all of you!
One thing I have decided through all of this chaos is that 
I DO NOT LIKE AUTOMATED PHONE
SYSTEMS....
But enough of that boring junk....

DAY 4....
YEAH!  Finally a day to offer you guys something really fun to look at and read...
I added something to my blog that I have been working on
for awhile.

MY ETSY SHOP....


Check out my jewelry and accessories.


Click on "shop my store" and enjoy more awesome finds.


I'm so excited I got another one of my goals completed! Thanks for helping hold me
accountable.
For all you who join my blog and comment in the blog spot, your name
will be placed into a drawing for a
FREE
item from my fun little vintage shop!
Another day, another blessing....God is good!




Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Day 2....

OK! So what did I do for today's Challenge?
Well....I cried!
Yep...all day long....
Doesn't that sound encouraging?
WHY?
Because today, I had to finalize my son's 
Senior Salute
I went through piles of baby pictures.


Realizing through each picture how much time has really passed.
I know our kids have to grow up, and I know they have to leave us.
But looking back on all the pictures, it really makes you
hope and pray you gave them enough love, memories,
and good advice to carry forward.
My baby went from this (which seems like yesterday BTW)


AHHH...so cute!
To this.... :(


A grown MAN!
I still feel like I can put him in my arms and hold him...
And trust me, I still try.
I have literally put this Senior Salute off until the absolute last day
to turn it in.
It has been really hard, letting go.
So today, while crying, I prayed the same prayer I pray 
everyday
over my children...
God, please guide them physically, morally, spiritually, and emotionally. Cover them
with your blood of protection. 
I know God only gave us our children to raise for a little while, they are HIS not ours.
I thank God he choose me to be Landon's mom. 
All I can do now, is set him free, trust him, respect the man he has become, and let 
him know that if and when he falls, I'll always be there to lift him back up.
I know as a parent you always second guess yourself, and wonder if you
did enough, set enough good examples, taught them enough values, encouraged them enough,
and even loved them enough.
I want to believe I did, but I know I wasn't perfect, I know I made mistakes, 
whoever said raising kids was easy...is crazy!
Landon is my little miracle baby. I believe God has big plans for him.
So Landon this is to you....
I will soon be saluting you off into this great big world,
I want you to know that from the moment you came
into this world, my life has never been the same.
You bring me so much joy
You taught me how to love more deeply than I knew possible.
You showed me  that you do not know pain until you experience the pain of your child hurting.
You make me laugh everyday
You showed me that you never understand the meaning of "worry" until you have a child
There is never have a dull moment with you around
You have made me proud
I love you son.....


Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Challenge #1 DONE!

Day 1 of Challenge
COMPLETE!
Yes, even though my last post a few minutes ago, should have kept me from completing my goal, I still managed to get it done.
OK!
Here are before and after pics....
Remember-DON'T JUDGE!
Especially with the before pic.
Seriously looks like I need an intervention...How in the world does someones
closet get this way?


YIKES! 
I am really keeping it REAL with you people! 
This is so embarrassing...

AND NOW....

Colored coordinated and everything....
Now with a teen aged daughter, lets see how long it lasts...
Thanks for holding me accountable.
I'll let you know what tomorrow 
holds!

Got A Little More Rain Today....



These are my babies....My life! I think everyday, even on the worst days, what would I do without them?
I am so thankful and grateful to God for blessing my life and entrusting me to be their mom.
While taking my son's senior pictures I realized how time flies. They grow up so fast. 
No do overs, what ever you have taught them or not taught them in the small window of time you had them with you, is over.
I have so many "I wish I would have".....you know how it goes, I wish I would have snuggled longer,
said yes more often, played harder, and not wished them to get to the next stage so fast. 
My do over.....SLOW DOWN! Embrace every second, and enjoy every single stage, even the stages where you think you won't survive.
But nothing makes you realize how precious life is and how fast it goes by or how quickly it can be taken away, then when your phone rings and your child has been in an auto accident.
At 3:00 p.m. today, I get a call that Landon has totaled his truck. He is ok, Praise God!, just a little sore. 
When I arrived to the accident there were so many flashing lights my heart stopped.
There were several cars involved and two different wrecks just minutes apart, and thank God no one was seriously hurt. 
I must admit my second reaction after I realized my son was ok, was frustration, and one angry momma. 
If you have read my past blogs, we are still in the process of battling out my wreck with the insurance companies that just happened a few weeks ago.
So now we are officially down to one car, which is headed to the shop because it is broken.
So that means.....3 drivers in the house, and no cars!
Guess I shouldn't have complained about the cost of gas so much.
We exchanged all the info., watched my sons car being towed a way, and left the scene of the accident. 
I felt like crying, screaming, and then laughing. I just could not believe these past few weeks!
Then we had to go to the tow yard to pick up my sons bag out of his car. Only to be told we would have to pay 45.00 to get it. WHAT? WHY? 
Oh, because they close at 4 and the car just got there, so it's 45.00.....YEAH!
Now I'm really not happy.
We get to his car, and as I am carrying a arm full of his stuff, all my emotions hit me at once! I loose it!
Because I was overwhelmed with gratitude, while being gripped with fear, that Thank God, I'm not carrying the belongings out of my son's car who was just killed in that accident. 
The loss of transportation is an inconvenience...yes, but the loss of his life would have been unbearable.
I have always empathized with people who have had to deal with the loss of their children. 
I can not imagine how deep their pain must be. 
I know many people have gone through what I went through today, and the outcome was not good. 
Please take a moment to say a prayer for those people. 
It is in moments like these, that we have to be grateful for the people in our lives, appreciative of what God gives us, and thankful for a new day.
I don't know why so much is coming our way right now, but like I have said before, I will be strong and remain in Faith that God has a plan. Everything will work out like it is supposed to, and what doesn't break us down, makes us stronger. 
This too shall pass, as my grandma would say. 
Today, you are getting a big dose of TarasTidbits! 
I will be posting the closet outcome shortly....I did make the goal. Even through all this!