Tidbits

1.  Brad and I got up 2 days after Christmas, and decided we were going to re-do our master bedroom...a few hours later, we had moved all of our furniture out, and was ripping carpet up!  When we decide to do something, we do it!  

2.  My house is still trying to recover from the amount of sawdust that it has been christened with in the past 3 weeks...I think sawdust is like sand at the beach - you keep finding it in places it should never be!!

3.  My husband is AMAZING - I can dream up the ideas, and he knows how to put it into action.  He has laid all of our hardwood and tile floors like a pro, while I stand by his side holding the hammer and nails waiting for his direction.  I feel like I haven't done much but hold things for him, and sweep and use the Shop Vac about 3,000,000,000 times to try to keep the sawdust at bay...but, WOW everything is looking FABULOUS!  Thank you, so much Bradley for all your hard work! 

4.  I started back to grad school last week - *sigh* - and, have 3 CLASSES...I will graciously accept any prayers sent up on my behalf this semester! :)

5.  Have I told y'all that my parents, sis, and me (well, not really me - I just give my opinion advice, and they let me tag along) have opened a shop?!  It's located in a neat place called Bakers on Main, where several merchants have little boutiques within one building.  Anyway, our shop - Judith B. and Company - is a super cute boutique that we opened at the first of December and business has been SUPERB!!   Mom and Val get to do all the fun stuff while I'm at school....

6.  BUT, this past weekend, I got to go with them to Atlanta to Market to buy new Spring items for our little shop, and oh what FUN we had!!!  Yes, I have decided I certainly could shop for a living, and not get tired of it. ever.  Amen.

7.  Also this past weekend, we took our high school students out after church Sunday night for dinner and late night bowling and had a super fantastic time!!!  Oh my, how I love our high school students!!  We didn't get in until long after midnight, and were exhausted the next day, but I wouldn't trade it!  Love y'all!!

8.  My sweet little Ellie had a birthday yesterday!  She turned 2 :)  We celebrated by spending the day at home...working on our bedroom!  Ellie didn't seem to mind to much - she was just happy to have both of us at home for a whole day, I'm sure!  We did let her have a few extra treats, too ;)

9.  I have not made one single resolution for the year - not one.  After the last 6 months of my life, I've decided my life motto for this year should just be "go with it" - go with whatever gets thrown at you each day, that is!  I'm approaching each day as a new day, and having goals within that day, and that's about all I can do for now.  Is anyone else in that place in their lives??! 

10.  I have been off sugar - completely OFF - for 14 days.  Not one soft drink, chocolate, candy, or white bread...and, I have NEVER felt BETTER in my entire life.  I didn't realize how much of a sugar junkie I was until I came off "the hard stuff".  It's been A-Mazing.  You need to try it - you'll be a believer, too!

I'd Rather Be a Proverbs 31 Woman!

I am in awe of this college student - Alex Eklund - who posted on Facebook "I'd rather have a Proverbs 31 woman than a Victoria's Secret Super Model".  His status has started a movement of sorts - even a Facebook fan club!  This is his video explaining the meaning behind the status - powerful!



I love that he challenges the guys at the end to be looking for Proverbs 31 girls!  AWESOME!

I am starting a new Bible Study with my high school girls about being a "lady in waiting" - waiting for a boyfriend, waiting for a husband, waiting on God.  We talked about Proverbs 31 tonight, and decided we ALL want to be Proverbs 31 girls :)

A wife of noble character who can find?
   She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her
   and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm,
   all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax
   and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships,
   bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still night;
   she provides food for her family
   and portions for her female servants.
She considers a field and buys it;
   out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously;
   her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable,
   and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff
   and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor
   and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
   for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed;
   she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate,
   where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them,
   and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
   she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
   and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
   and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
   her husband also, and he praises her: 
“Many women do noble things,
   but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
   but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done,
   and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Happy New Year!

I'm looking forward to filling the pages of the book of 2012!! And this is how I want to start my first chapter:

"Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each day.  I say to myself, "The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in Him."  Lamentations 3:23-24

Thank you, Lord for your faithfulness.  Thank you for your mercies each day.  Thank you for the hope I can find in You alone!  

2012, here I come....it's going to be a FABULOUS year!

An Early Christmas Present!!

I have to confess.  I have been keeping a little secret from blog land...for approximately 1 year, 1 month, and 14 days, but I officially can share today!

Last year, my sister and her husband - Val and Rob - made a decision to become foster parents.  They went through the training, prayed A LOT, and prepared Carolyne and Sam for the possibility of other children temporarily staying in their home from time to time.  They continued on about their lives, even selling their home and moving in to another, prepared to take a child at any time they were called.  Well, 2 days after moving in to their new home, they got a call.  A sweet little girl had been born 2 days prior (the day they moved!), and was needing a foster home to go to - could be for just the night, or maybe a few days.  Without hesitation, Valerie immediately said "YES!" and before we could blink, they were pulling in to the driveway with the tiniest of babies that had just been released from the hospital!

Well, long story short, those few days turned in to weeks, and then months.  This sweet little girl fit perfectly in to their family, and Carolyne and Sam had fallen in love with her!  Then, in May her biological parents made the decision they were just not ready for this responsibility of parenthood, and wanted Val and Rob to adopt her!  We were all in shock, and overjoyed at this gift the Lord gave to our family.  She had been with Val and Rob since the day she left the hospital, and we all knew in our hearts she was meant to stay in their family!  After several months of paperwork, praying, waiting, hearings, more paperwork, more praying, more waiting, and then a final hearing...I'm proud to announce today Val and Rob no longer have a family of four, but are an official family of five!  

No more "4 Favorites" for us - we've grown to 5...the newest addition to mine and Brad's list of "Favorites" - Miss Jenna Beth!  

Both Carolyne and Sam are named after family, and when selecting a name for their newest addition, it was only natural that she also carry a family name.  "Jenna" is after Rob's grandmother, "Beth" is after a long line of Elizabeth's in my mother's family.  She has been called Jenna Beth since the adoption process began over 6 months ago, and never once seemed confused, but like that has been her name from the start :)  We are overjoyed that we get to be a part of Jenna Beth's life, and that the Lord has entrusted her to Valerie and Robby!  Since you've missed out on her past year of life, here are just a few pics to catch you up to speed (from my iPhone of course)...  

On the way to the zoo!

Swimming at Aunt Hayley's...

Happy 4th of July!

War Eagle!!

Celebrating Carolyne's birthday!

Celebrating at Sam's Super Hero Birthday! 

Fun at Mama J and Papa's house!

Happy Halloween - Jenna Beth was the CUTEST pink poodle EVER!!

Happy 1st Birthday, Jenna Beth!

As you can see, she is without a doubt the cutest, sweetest, and HAPPIEST little girl!!  She brings so much joy to our family, and we are so blessed to have her in our lives!  

Thank you, Lord for the wonderful Christmas present of Jenna Beth!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas!

Merry Christmas, y'all!  I thought I would show you around my home, and share some of my favorite decorations this year!  Burlap is ALL the RAGE right now, but I've stuck with my bright red, lime, and white theme...and, I still think it's so fun and festive.  There were A LOT of things I decided not to put out this year; I just wanted to pull out some of my most favorites, and enjoy not having to go overboard - and, it has been a nice break!  (and, as a disclaimer - yes, all of these pics were taken with my iPhone...I'm still waiting for my camera to get fixed!)  

Ok, so ON WITH THE SHOW!!  

The tree...

The foyer...

The living room...

 

The bathrooms...

Our bedroom...

 (almost 11 years ago - WOW, we look YOUNG and SKINNY!!!)

The 4 Favorites room :)...

I have been very intentional this year on choosing what Brad and I would be a part of this season, and it has been a HUGE blessing to not have so very many obligations during this Christmas - including not doing as much decorating this year!!  I think so many times we work so hard to be a part of every party, get together, and holiday activity that we lose sight of why we're even doing it.  I want to CELEBRATE this season - CELEBRATE my Savior's birth - CELEBRATE my family - CELEBRATE CHRISTmas...and, not be exhausted doing it!!!!

Thanks for stopping by!!  From our home to yours - Merry Christmas!

Hallelujah!

Today's "thankfulness" is more of a Hallelujah Chorus type of thank you...I'm finished with Grad School...well, for this semester anyway!!!!!  I have turned in my projects, research papers, and completed my finals tonight; so, I don't have to think a thing in the world about graduate school until January, and I couldn't be MORE happier about it!!

Now, I'm getting excited for the month of December and lots of fun Christmas festivities!  Last year I had WWWWAAAAAYYYYYYY too much going on (2 HUGE weddings, 1 anniversary reception, and about a zillion Christmas parties), but this year I have been very intentional on choosing what Brad and I will be involved in...and, I'm proud to say it's going to be a much calmer, peaceful season.
It's going to be a great Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving!

What a wonderful week of Thanksgiving I have had!!!  I have sooooo very much enjoyed my week off from school, although I have not gotten a whole lot of my To Do list done...but it's just been a good, low key week for me.  And, I've been reminded so much of my many blessings!!

I'm so very thankful for Brad's family, and the role they play in mine and Brad's lives.  They are so good to me, and treat me like a daughter and sister, and I'm so grateful for that!!  Love y'all!!!

(Vacationing at the lake - Summer 2011)

I'm so thankful for my Bailey family and the joy they bring to my life.  I'm thankful for the love, heritage, memories, and traditions that we share and that we continue to pass down...I don't take for granted the uniqueness of my close knit family!!  I praise God for each of you!

(Christmas at the Bailey Farm 2010)

I'm thankful for my sister, Valerie, who I could never ever replace - who has been my forever friend, and knows me better than anyone else.  All the laughs, all the tears, all the inside jokes, the all knowing looks that we give each other...having a sister is one of life's greatest gifts, and I can't imagine going through life without mine!!  I love you, Valie Jo!

(My 30th Birthday - September 2011)

And, lastly, on this Thanksgiving Day, I am beyond words thankful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  How grateful I am of His love and bountiful blessings, that I am so underserving of.  For His protection, even when I don't understand what I'm being protected from.  For His wisdom, even when I question Him.  For His mercy and grace, even when I'm too clueless to recognize the greatness of His gifts.  Thank you, Lord for who you are and what you are!

Happy Thanksgiving, y'all!!!

A Break, Finally

Today, I am BEYOND WORDS THANKFUL that I am out all. week. long. for Thanksgiving break...I've needed a break in the worst way, and this could not have came at a better time!!  I plan to do some much needed cleaning at home, Christmas decorating, shopping, and spending time with my family.  I'm SO EXCITED!!!

Thank you, Lord for school breaks...

Taste of Fall

Today, I'm thankful for simple pleasures, and I love fall food - apple cider, sweet potato casserole, chili, and all the other comforting "fall foods".  But, I have been introduced to a new fall pleasure and have fallen in love with Blue Bell's Spiced Pumpkin Pecan ice cream...it's the taste of fall goodness and is soooooo delish!!  Don't turn your nose up - you must try it and you'll be a believer! ;)

Welcome Home!

Today, I am so thankful that Brad has finally came home!!  He has been on 2 business trips this month, and has only been home a total of 5 days this month!!!  I am so incredibly thankful for his job that the Lord has blessed him with, but he has to travel a lot...so, the time that he is at home is precious.  When he gets home from a trip, he usually requests a special meal because he's had to eat out so much - his request this time was a good ol' Southern breakfast in the morning - biscuits, gravy, bacon, eggs, grits, and maybe throw in some homemade apple butter or pear preserves for good measure :)

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!