Fall Fashion

So I was just talking with some friends about the never ending cycle of fashion trends. We were remarking that things seem to just go around and around, but then laughed that there were some things that would probably just stay lost in the pages of history (i.e. many of the ridiculous fashions of the 80's). Don't get me wrong. I loved my neon socks, biker shorts, side ponytails, and all that, but with styles SO distinctive, you think it'd be hard to bring some of that stuff back. Not to worry friends! Here it is in all it's crazy shoulder pad glory:
www.style.com/trendsshopping/trendreport/072709/partylikeits1983/
Other style trends on tap for the Fall:
Biker jackets, 40s glamour, and seemingly plaid judging from the sheer amount of it I'm seeing everywhere

*On a more personal note, I went to the doctor yesterday, and when they weighed me I was disgusted to find that I weighed exactly the same as I did at my 6 week checkup post baby! Of course, Ty pointed out that I haven't really done much since then in the way of changing that, so I guess it's time I started. Now that I've announced it to the world, I kinda have to right? Do any of you have weight loss goals? (Hopefully not Brandi ;)) Maybe we can get there together.

Back to the blessings

Wow! I'm not sure how off I am on the days of blessings, and I have to admit that I haven't taken very mane pics in the last week or so. I am rectifying that now, though, with a lovely picture of my girls...

Cute right? It's a little fuzzy for some reason, but I don't think you can tell when it's this small. This next one is the blessing pic. I took it a couple days ago after the countertop fiasco. The blessing is... things that make you feel better when you're down. I was so upset, and then watching my sweet baby girl learning to roll over and look up at me with her beautiful blue eyes just took the pain away. Have you ever noticed how joy is so much stronger than anger or sadness? Force a little bit of joy into your life (or have someone else force it like I did), and it's amazing how quickly it will drive out the bad stuff. Thank you God for blessings!
*Random Sylvan Grove fact of the day: (courtesy of Brandi) The Yesterday House museum in Sylvan has the largest barbed wire collection in the region.

Specifics

It seems from the questions I've been getting from my last post, I may not have been specific enough about where we are moving. When I said we're moving to Kansas, I didn't mean Wichita or KC kinds of Kansas. I meant "middle of nowhere" Kansas. Ty grew up in the "wilderness " outside of Sylvan Grove, KS. We are going back there so he can fulfill is dream of continuing the family legacy of their ranch/farm. Here's what I'm in for: If we decide to live "in town" I'm talking less that 300 people (less than my graduating class). No stop light. No stop SIGN. K-12 in one building. That type of thing. People asked me, "Well, at least they have a Sonic, right?" At this point I burst into laughter and then tears. No Sonic! NO CHICK-FIL-A! What am I going to do? More than likely we won't end up in town, which means we'll be surrounded for miles by nothing but land. There is a Pizza Hut about 30 min. away, so I'll have that when I'm really desperate. There are some things that I'm looking forward to. Letting the kids play outside without any fear of what might happen to them. The kind of community where people really get involved in their neighbors' lives (in a good way). Ty having a job that is basically "working from home" that will allow us to really parent together every day. I don't think that's something most kids get. Am I scared? You betcha, but I have faith that God would not have put this dream in my sweet hubby's heart if we were not meant to experience it together. I fear I will always be the "Crazy Texan" who doesn't quite belong, but that's ok. I'll wear my animal print and big hair proudly!

Drum Roll Please!

Well, Ty has officially released me from my silence. I am free to make the announcement that by now is probably painfully obvious to most of you...we're moving TO KANSAS! I know, quite a shocker. Things are in motion. Ty should be giving his notice later on this week, we're working on finishing up the house, and getting packed. I've got a whirlwind of emotions going on - excitement, fear, and sadness to name a few. We've been slowly saying goodbye to the people we love, and it's heartbreaking. Judging by the name of my blog, you can imagine that this will be an entirely new experience for me. I'm sure there will be many interesting and awkward moments for me, and lucky for you, you get to read about them right here! Here's a little sample of just how "uncountrified" I am: We were sitting around with Ty's family shortly after we got married, and someone starts telling stories about when Ty's parents were first married. They start cracking up about how Ty's mom couldn't even make gravy when she first married his dad! I refrained from commenting that I had no idea how to make gravy. I actually tried once, but most of the time when I bring it up Ty just says, "Let me just show you," and he ends up doing it. You know, there are some things that just don't change, and I don't think the city/Texan in me will ever die. Right here and now, I vow never to say "pop" instead of "coke", or "crick" instead of "creek," and I will never lose my love for all things urban or let my girls grow up afraid of all "the city" has to offer. Actually, I'm really hoping that they'll get the best of both worlds (Payton would be so proud of my Hannah Montana reference) and learn to appreciate the blessings that come from both kinds of living. Well, here's to all the crazy times ahead. Stay tuned for updates on the move and all that jazz.

Don't try this at home, kids!

Well, I'm feeling totally awful, and it's because I did one of the dumbest things known to man today. I lit a candle when we got home from church this morning, and when we left for church tonight, I (oh so stupidly) forgot to blow it out! So yeah, when we get home there is this cloud of smoke hanging in the kitchen and a softball sized black spot on our countertops where the candle was sitting! Seriously!? How could I have missed that? I guess we caught it just in time, 'cause the smoke alarms hadn't gone off yet, and nothing was on fire. I still got one of those horrible gut wrenching feelings when I thought about how close we came to losing everything we own. Thankfully, it's on a small patch that "should" be easily replaceable, and there is no smoke damage to the house. Also, I'm thankful for my sweet husband who hugged me and told me it would be alright as I fought off the urge to throw up. Grrrr! I hate when I do stupid things! Why did I feel the need to confess my stupid deed? I don't know. For some reason, getting it off my chest makes me feel better, and you all (y'all for the Texans) can learn from my example. "Never ever leave a burning candle unattended!" If I can sleep tonight, it'll be a miracle.

Whew!

One word...VBS! Ok it's not really a word, but man am I tired! We're doing a Roman theme this year and focusing on Paul and the Underground Church. The kids get a first hand look at what it would have been like to live and be a Christian in Rome in Bible times. They visit a Marketplace where they "buy" Roman food and make crafts. They play Roman games, and they visit Paul to hear stories about his time in Rome and learn lessons from the Bible. It is so much work, but it really is worth it when you see the kiddos loving it and really getting what we're trying to teach them. Last night Marcus asked what the "Bible Point" for the night was, and Payton(almost 5) yells out, "God's love changes us!" She was totally right! I was so glad to see that what we were doing was making a difference and that the kids were really getting it. Tonight felt a little more like work, but that's ok, 'cause stuff got done! I'm going to go ahead a make all the people that have directly helped me during VBS my blessings of these 4 days. Lisa, Amber are Laura just a few. It's so uplifting to look around and see people you know you can count on. So, if you've got kids with nothing to do for the next 2 days, bring 'em to Rome, and I'll show them around!
P.S. No pics, I barely have time to breath much less worry about my camera!

Day 10

Wow! So many blessings, so little time. I honestly thought it would be hard to think of a different blessing every day, but surprisingly it's really been easy. Even though I'm sure many of them will seem kinda similar, there are blessings all around us if we'll just see them. Today, I'm even having trouble deciding what to pick! We had a wonderful time hosting some friends for a cookout. It's so great to be surrounded by people you love and who love you back. So, I think I'm going to go with friendship. What a wonderful gift from God! Isn't it fun how He made us to be friends with one another? He knew we'd need people in our lives to help us, support us, and encourage us, so he made us with the desire to have friends. And when you find those friends, you can truly see how God intended this life to be. So...my pic doesn't really have anything to do with friendship, 'cause I let MY friends do most of that. So instead, here's my favorite pic of the 17 or so I took. (P.S. they were all of the flowers and Anna).
Ooo! As I'm typing this, I'm realizing that I can take a pic of the blanket Brandi and Nick gave us! So sweet, and we will cherish it forever!

Day 9

Today's blessing is clouds. What an amazing difference a few clouds can make on the temperature outside! We've gone from down right oppressive 100+ degree temps to very livable (and I would even say pleasant) ones in just a day. Of course, I still wouldn't want to be one of those dedicated individuals who works outside for a living, but it makes sitting by the pool even more enjoyable than usual. Come to think of it though, today is the first day I've gotten sunburned while at the pool, which is odd considering it was the first time we haven't had the sun blazing down on us. Hmmm. Well, anyway, I can still marvel at how God made the weather to work just right so that moisture and air makes clouds, and they travel across the country and the world giving rain to the earth. It all works in complete harmony. Who else but God could have come up with something so exactly perfect? By chance you say? I think not! What a blessing!

Day 7? Anyway, it's another blessing!

Today's blessing...funny faces! I really have no idea what is going through Anna's head at this moment, but I cannot stop laughing at this picture! Mostly because this was toward the end of an entire day of me cracking up at my daughter. She is getting so expressive with her face (obviously), and she's trying to use "big people" phrases and words. It's funny to think about how she perceives what I say and hear her version of what I said. She's taken to telling me to be quiet when someone is on the phone (even the silly 8 year old on his cell phone at the playground), telling me to "stay right there" while looking down at me over the top of her nose (just like I do), and saying, "can't" instead of "don't want to" for everything. "I can't take a nap right now." "No, I can't want it." I can't like it." So silly, but that's what I love about her. We were talking about whether or not Abby has a chance of NOT being silly, and we decided it was either that, or she'll be the aloof one who always sits in the corner, acting like she doesn't know us. I really hope it's the former. What a blessing to have 2 sweet little girls who make me smile every day!

Blessing?

Ok - so I just realized that my camera is in still in the baby's room, and since she's finally fallen asleep after fussing for 10-15 min. I'm not about to risk waking her up to go in and get it. Plus, I wasn't too happy with any of my pics today anyway. So, I think I'll pick something that wouldn't really make a great photo. Wanna guess? It's not in your house, but you use it all the time. In winter you'd forget about it, but in summer it's your best friend. Got it? It's the AC!!! That's right the good old air conditioner. Keepin' things cool. Man oh man, it's hot out there! Can you imagine being someone who can't afford/flat out doesn't have an AC unit right now? This is the 16th day of 100+ temps this year in DFW! Even though I complain about Ty freezing me out all the time (I'm wearing a sweater right now), I feel so blessed to be protected from the heat and so nice and cool! So what about you? Can you name a blessing in your life? Share it!

Day 6

Today's blessing...Sprinklers!

Today's blessing came fairly early. We were having to test the sprinklers to make sure they were all working. Anna was outside with me, and immediately ran over and stuck her arm in the water! Well, she was already pretty wet, so I let her run around some more. She loved it! She would tell me, "all done," and then when I'd go to turn them off, I'd turn around and see her running in them again. Finally, after the grass had gotten a pretty good soak, we had to call it a day. She had so much fun, thought, it was sad to turn them off. If the stranger man who was testing them wasn't there, I might have jumped in too. As it was I'd already gotten sprayed when I was walking across the lawn to see if the zone on the side of the house was on when the guy turned them on right where I was standing. I don't think he meant to, and it took me a little by surprise too (especially since I was holding my camera)! What a blessing to be reminded that it is the simple things in life that can bring you the most joy!

Day 4 (I think...I'm already off!)

Today's blessing...the best Doctor in the whole wide world...Dr. Baker! Ok, this is a picture of a picture, and probably not the best one I'll ever take, but I thought it might be a little creepy of me to take my camera to our appt. and ask if I could take a picture of her. Am I right here? None the less, she is SO my blessing of the day. Her clinic was built about a block away from my house only a few months before Anna was born. I was randomly paired with her because she was new, and boy was I lucky! At a time when I was feeling totally unprepared and lost, she listened and talked with me patiently, held my hand every step of the way, and gave me some very needed encouragement. It might sound silly that she would say, "You're doing a good job," but I really needed to hear it. Hopefully, someday she'll read this and know what a joy she has been in my life. Yay for God putting the right people in your life at the right time! What a blessing!

Blessing...

Today's blessing is...my hydrangea plant!

Ok, I know that I've already used a plant, and technically I didn't take this picture today. But it's a different plant, and it's still a blessing so there! This plant has more endurance that most people I know. It has almost died at least 2 times. At least 2 times, I've told Ty, "Just forget about it!" 3 times now, it has come back, and it's one of the more beautiful plants in our landscape. This thing just won't give up! It has survived being totally scorched, almost scorched, and dug up/replanted all 3 times, and now look at it. It reminds me that as a soldier of Christ, wearing His full armor, I can endure all of the trials this life has to offer. When I'm finally done with the fight, I'll get to go to a place where I am free to bloom in complete harmony with God! Isn't it great how God can use a little thing to teach you a big lesson? Ok, for those of you who are the technical types and might chide me for using an old picture, here is one I actually took today. I would have used it, but I've already said "cuteness," and I'd like to reserve using each of my children for days when I really can't think of anything else. ;) Well, that's all for now. Have a blessed week!

Day 3

Today's Blessing...cuteness!

Today's cuteness is courtesy of my good friend Kristeen who got this adorable cow towel for Abby. It came with matching slippers which were just a "little" to big. Anna has snatched those up, which is fine with me 'cause now she can stop wanting to wear mine all the time. Today was kind of a rough day (Abby was very fussy), but seeing her looking so cute after her bath really helped smooth things over. Thanks Kristeen!

Day 2

Today's blessing:

Friends you can have fun with. I am having so much fun with these gals (and guy, Carter)! I wish all my friends could not work and go swimming with us, but we have such a blast playing in the water. What a blessing to have friends you can kick back, hang with, and know that you are loved by no matter what. I am so thankful for these girls and all my precious friends! My favorite shot of the day is this one of my sweet friend Amber swimming with Anna. She was so sweet to let Anna splash her over and over with the water. Isn't it great that God designed us to seek out and bestow friendship upon each other?!

365 Days of Blessings

Well, as I've been trying to think of something other that what I really want to post about to post about, I had a great idea! Lots of people are doing the take a picture every day thing. I thought, "Why not take it a step further?" I am going to look for a blessing every day, and take a picture of that. This way I'll spend every day focused on all the wonderful things God is giving me and gt picture practice in one. I may not post every single one, and most will be straight out of the camera. Some will be small; some will be big, but each one is a blessing just the same. So, day 1... my rose bushes! They have been with me since my first day in this house. Honestly, they were one of the only things I liked about this house at first (we called it "the poopy house"). When we finally moved in, the bed they are in was full of weeds, some shoulder high! But these things just kept on growing and booming. They have greeted every Spring and heralded every Fall with me for 5 years. Isn't it marvelous that our God can make something mighty like the ocean, and then something delicate and beautiful like the rose? What a blessing!

Coming soon

I've been having a hard time posting, 'cause I'm not supposed to be talking about what is foremost on my mind. I know you're waiting for it too, but have no fear. The time is almost here! Stories about adventure, mayhem, blessings, and trials are on the way. Through it all I know my friends and family, and of course my God, will be right there with me. So, let the count down begin... we're almost there! While I'm at it, I thought I'd post one of the funniest pics I got from this weekend. I just love their expressions! Even though I didn't get to see any fireworks, I had a great time hanging with the fam and eating Ty's homemade ice cream. What a blessing it is to live in a nation with such prosperity. Even in our hard times, we have more than many around the world. If only we'd realize from Whom all blessings flow and give glory to Him instead of ourselves! Anyway, stay tuned. It's only gonna get better (or worse) from here!