Reflections of Grace

Tidbits

2012-01-18T00:59:00.000-06:00

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!

2012-01-04T23:27:00.000-06:00

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!

2012-01-02T00:52:00.000-06:00

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!!

2011-12-22T14:10:00.000-06:00

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!

2011-12-15T03:54:00.000-06:00

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!

2011-11-29T22:29:00.001-06:00

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!

2011-11-24T23:57:00.001-06:00

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

2011-11-20T22:13:00.000-06:00

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

2011-11-19T20:09:00.000-06:00

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!

2011-11-18T23:37:00.000-06:00

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!!

Thankful!

2011-11-17T19:51:00.000-06:00

Whew, yesterday was a D.O.O.Z.Y. of a day, y'all! I was exhausted when I got home last night, fell asleep holding my laptop, and woke up with it still in my lap this morning!!! I was just thankful yesterday to have survived the day!! It was one of those days where it was hard to be thankful in the midst of frustration and chaos...but, I see good things on the horizon! I'm so thankful for new beginnings and hope of better tomorrows!!!

Today, I'm thankful for my wonderful daddy! His birthday was yesterday (Happy Birthday, Daddy!!), and I'm just so very blessed to have him in my life. He's probably my most faithful reader on my blog, and I just love that he enjoys reading my crazy little posts! Daddy has always been my rescuer - like coming to my rescue when my battery in my car died a few weeks ago!, my biggest fan, and has always pushed me to be my very best. So thankful for him!! Love you, Daddy!!

Inspired

2011-11-16T00:37:00.000-06:00

Today, I'm thankful for words that inspire. What an odd thankful post, huh?! Well, it's true! Aside from a music junkie, I'm also a quote junkie. Yes, of course I love God's Word, and look to it daily for words of wisdom, insight, and encouragement. But, this past week these are the quotes that have pierced me to the core, and caused me think on a deeper level of who I am:

"Comparison is the thief of all joy"

and

"Be intentional with your time - only commit to the things that you are the ONLY ONE that can do them"

Both of these speak to the season of life I'm in right now. The comparison quote has rocked my world...many, many (did I say many) people that I know/am FB friends with/follow their blogs, etc. are pregnant or have just had babies. This quote has reminded me over and over that comparing my situation to theirs is only robbing myself of joy - and, why should I allow that??

Being intentional with my time is a MAJOR step.on.my.toes. kinda quote. I feel such responsibility and guilt to do things that other people could take care of if they would just step up, but I do them out of obligation rather than joy. That is not God's best for me. God's best for me is to commit only to what only I can do - I'm the only one who can be Brad's wife and helper in ministry. I'm the only one that can take care of my health. I'm the only one who can be Valerie's sister. I'm the only one who can be an aunt to our 4 Favorites. I'm the only one that can keep up my friendships. Those things that I'm the ONLY ONE that can do it are the things that need me. All the other "things" that fill up my time may be GOOD things, but are not always God's BEST things. Lots of pondering to do on this subject...

So, what inspires you?

Tunes

2011-11-14T23:54:00.003-06:00

Today, I'm thankful for my music that I love so very much!! I have not been able to listen to the radio in my car the past few days because I had to have a new battery, and as a theft protection measure, my car "reset" and locked my radio until I put in the code to unlock (and, apparently, said code is supposed to be in the manual for my car...but, it's not...so, having to take a little longer path to get my tunes up and going!) Anyway, the past few days have been sooooo l-o-n-g driving to work and back with no music!! I had the idea to turn on my iTunes from my cell phone today, and AH! Finally, some music!! Music is such an outlet for me - when I'm stressed, upset, happy - it just speaks to my heart. It's like an old friend that knows me all too well! It makes me SO HAPPY to just rock out and sing at the top of my lungs!

Christmas 2009

Besides, music is just in my blood I guess. I don't remember a single Christmas (or most any family get-togethers for that matter) that there were not instruments playing or someone singing somewhere around...

Cole and Nichole at BBB

The world would no doubt be a very quiet, sad place without music!

Are you a music lover?

Shoeboxes

2011-11-13T21:13:00.002-06:00

Today, I'm thankful for a wonderful ministry that I'm proud my church is a part of. Operation Christmas Child shares the love of Jesus with children around the world by providing them with shoebox gifts. The shoeboxes are filled with little trinkets, small toys, paper and crayons, and basically anything else that a child would like that can fit in a shoebox!

I'm also sooo very thankful for one of our teen girls that put this year's Shoebox Ministry together for our church! She did a wonderful job, and I'm inspired by her passion to "do more"...God has great plans for her, no doubt! So proud and thankful for you, Meg!!

What a humbling experience it is to buy gifts for a child, knowing that the only present they will receive is what you put in their little box...but, knowing how excited they will be to open their shoebox and find their treasures and also get to hear about Jesus is such a blessing to me!!

Are you planning to be a part of some type of ministry this holiday season? I can promise you it will be better than any present you receive!

I Told Y'all!

2011-11-12T12:35:00.000-06:00

See, I'm already a day behind, y'all!! I can't get my act together these days, and I'm really starting to get on my own nerves...that's really bad!!

So, yesterday I was thankful for one of my MOST FAVORITE past times...what Brad and I like to call "Sunday driving". I don't know if anyone else in the world outside of the South (or outside of my family for that matter) calls driving around looking at houses, land, the fall leaves, etc. "Sunday driving", but that's what we've always called it - and, I LOVE to do it. I'm such an old lady! HA!! Yesterday was the most BEAUTIFUL weather, and my sweet Ellie and I went "Sunday driving" with the windows down and had a wonderful laid back afternoon.

Today, I'm thankful I get to enjoy being at home and watching some SEC football! I say that very lighthearted because after watching the Auburn/Alabama special on ESPN this past week, I realize how we put WAAAAAAYYYYYYY too much emphasis on such a crazy little sport and rivalry. I do enjoy it, and have lots of fun with family and friends while watching it, but I KNOW (and, I sure hope we all do) in the grand scheme of things that it's not REALLY the MOST important thing in life...

Hope everyone is having a super weekend!!!

Thankful Catch Up!

2011-11-10T23:59:00.000-06:00

Happy November friends! I had planned (in my head) to do a Month of Thanks posts like I did last year...but, it's November 10th and no posts have been done. So, I'll tell you 10 things I'm thankful for today, and maybe - but don't count on it - I'll post the rest of the month:

Friends - what a sweet blessing they are in my life!! I have some ladies in my life that I have the privilege to call "friends" and they are gifts to me...especially in the past month when I've needed encouragement, long chats, lots of laughs, and prayers. Love y'all!!
Facetime - Brad has been out of town for several weeks, and days that I really just need to see him more than hear him, I can because of Facetime. Thank you, Lord for technology! :)
Brad - and speaking of the man in my life, I sure am thankful to call him mine! He works so hard for our little family, and I appreciate him so very much!
My mama - Lord, have mercy I could write a 1000 posts about my mama, and still not tell you how much she does for me...especially now that she's retired and has more time! I feel so undeserving of all she does for us! I love you, Mama!
Miss Ellie Jane - what a wonderful gift the Lord gave us when our little Ellie Jane came in to our lives! She has been the BEST company, entertainment, and companion anyone could ever ask for!
My home - my refuge. I LOVE home!
My "school kids" - if you don't know - I love to laugh, and some of my favorite laughable moments are with my kids at school! They say some of the FUNNIEST things ever, and do some of the funniest things...I live for comic relief on stressful days!
My "church girls" - oh, what a sweet, sweet blessing I have in working with my high school girls at church!! They hold a special place in my heart and mean the world to me! I pray that the Lord would allow me to be the example I need to be for them, and I would teach them about what it means to be a lady seeking God's own heart.
Lazy Days - these come very few and far between (especially these days!), but I savor every moment when they do!! So thankful tomorrow is one of those days!!!!!
Veterans - I only get a lazy day because of Veteran's Day, and how incredibly in awe I am of all those that have served our country for each one of us!!! I'm so proud to be in a America, the land that I love...and, to all those that serve us well each and every day - THANK YOU!

Sooooo, have you been thinking about what you're thankful for this month? I would love to hear from you! :)

Happy Fall Y'all!

2011-10-31T22:13:00.002-05:00

The past week has been full of fall fun!! We have been busy with our church's annual Fall Fest, my school's Harvest Festival, and then my family spent the weekend at the lake enjoying lots of Halloween festivities! Brad has been out of town, so it was nice to enjoy some time away from home.

Miss Ellie Jane sporting her pumpkin costume...

The kids picked out pumpkins, then we carved them, and entered them in to the community carving contest...they were so proud of their pumpkins (which, by the way, they had no part in the carving! HA!)

This was someone else's pumpkin, but I just had to share it - War Eagle!!

And, of course Halloween is all about dressing up...and, getting CANDY!! :) We had a super handsome police man...

A beautiful Rapunzel and 2 cute cats...

And, the most adorable pink poodle ever!

We had such a fabulous time!!!

Our Fall Fest at church was a HUGE success...we decided to have it a week before Halloween to hopefully not conflict with so many other fall festivities, and we had a great turnout!

I'm so thankful for so many volunteers to help make this event so great!! Miss Abby is our official tattoo artist ;)

We had lots of carnival games, inflatables, crafts, AND the BEST weather we could have possibly asked for!!!

The kids LOVED these sand art necklaces!

After all the fun and games, we had a show by the famous Chin Ladies all the way from Chinville, Alabama!!!! These were some of my teenage girls that I teach on Wednesday nights...they were PHENOMENAL!! The kids (and adults) absolutely loved them!

After the show and a super yummy chili supper, we had hayrides and roasted marshmallows - a perfect ending to a GREAT night!!!

It has been lots of fun celebrating the season!! I can't believe tomorrow is November 1st!!!!!! WOW, time is flying!

Happy Halloween!

Blessings

2011-10-20T23:04:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone is having a great week - mine has been...interesting. I've decided this is the new normal for me! As I mentioned last week, there's a lot of changes in my life right now - some wanted, and some not. This song, Blessings, has been on my mind so much lately. We are so quick to pray, and then sit back and wonder why God isn't working in our lives - when all the while He's heard each prayer and is answering them...it may just be that the trials we are going through are His mercies in disguise.

I'm still reminding myself along this crooked path in my journey - God is good!

Please take a minute to listen to this song, and be BLESSED!

We pray for blessings, we pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering

All the while You hear each spoken need
Yet love is way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears?
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You're near?

What if trials of this life
Are Your mercies in disguise?

We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough

And all the while You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears?
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You're near?

And what if trials of this life
Are Your mercies in disguise?

When friends betray us, when darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears?
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You're near?

What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst
This world can't satisfy?

And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise?

A Time For Change...

2011-10-12T17:11:00.000-05:00

Blog friends, it has been quite a month! Since I have turned 30 (which has only been 5 weeks) the following has happened in my life...

* I have fallen 3 TIMES (does turning 30 change your equilibrium??!!) No major injuries besides scrapes, bruises, and a little embarrassment

* I had a slight mishap with a razor while shaving and - sorry to those with a weak stomach, but this one requires a visual aid to grasp the damage (does turning 30 affect your motor skills??!!)

* I have planned, decorated, and hosted a retirement reception for my mama (Pictures coming!!)

* I have planned, decorated, and attended a Pajama Party for one of my friend's daughter's 5th birthday (Pictures coming!!)

* I have met with 2 bride's about 2012 Spring weddings

* I have planned and helped Brad with not 1, but 2 Children and Youth Ministry outings

* I have transferred to a different teaching position...yes, an even newer one than the one I mentioned less than 2 months ago...change is always stressful (particularly in the middle of the year), but the good news is it is at a school with no more travel time than the 1st and I have friends there that I get to work with everyday :)

* I changed my Master's program...

* and, a whole HOST of other events that I won't bore you with

Yes, people - 5 weeks of injuries, planning, hosting, stressing, and at-the-point-of-a-nervous-breakdown-moments. I have dreaded 30, but never did I imagine what the beginning of a new decade would have in store for me!!

Yet, this too shall pass...might as well start out rock solid CRAZY, so hopefully it will end with a FABULOUS finish! :)

I decided I might as well embrace this new level of craziness in my life and take charge of CHANGE - I have ventured from my always a French pedicure to my mama's signature OPI "Cajun Shrimp"...this is the first time in YEARS to have anything but a Frenchy on my piggies :)

Life altering, no...but, it's something I can control and right now I need something I feel I chose :) It's the small things, people!!

And, I keep reminding myself...

God is good.
God is good!
God is GOOD!!

Thank you, Jesus for something that NEVER changes and I can ALWAYS count on!

Surprise!!

2011-09-13T17:57:00.000-05:00

Well, y'all...I turned 30 last Monday. It was super rainy and dreary all day, thanks to hurricane Irene - what appropriate weather for a day I have not exactly looked forward to!! In reality, I know it's just a number, and there are soooo many wonderful things going on in my life right now, but it's gonna take me a while to "embrace" being a 30-something *sigh*...

Thankfully, I have A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. friends and family that love me and thought my 30th birthday was worth celebrating in a BIG way...so, they threw a spectacular SURPRISE party for me a few days before the BIG day!!!

Our 4 Favorites were beyond excited to meet me at the car to bring me in to the party :)

I was COMPLETELY overwhelmed at the room FULL of people there to celebrate with me!! It's always good to be reminded of all the wonderful people in your life that love you!

You know the saying "always the bridesmaid, never the bride"? Well, I'm always the host, never the guest of honor when it comes to parties! It was fun to switch roles for the night! ;)

My mom did all the food, of course, and had some of my very favorites...and, my sweet friends Kim and Gina did all the flowers :)

And, Bradley...well, his job was to get me to the party - which was not a very easy task...

Love these gals!!

And, these sweet girls too!! The read a sweet poem they had written for me :)

I was accused of knowing about the party, because my clothes matched the color scheme, right down to the invitations!! HA!

It was a wonderful night, and we all had a great time! Thank you so much to everyone that played a part in helping to celebrate!!!! I will definitely not forget this birthday!

The Last Day...

2011-09-04T23:45:00.000-05:00

...of being in my twenties.

I have struggled with turning 30 since the day I turned 29. When you're 30, you're REALLY an adult - and, I don't know that I'm all that ready to be a REAL adult. I've kind of enjoyed being in my twenties, and trying to figure out who and what I want to be when I grow up.

As you know, I have a 30 by 30 list that I started almost a year and a half ago, and well, it's ummmm, not complete...and, that drives me crazy. I am a goal driven, checking things off the list kind-a girl and when there's things left un-checked on the list, I don't get the satisfying feeling of accomplishment. *Sigh*

And, to be just really honest, I don't like the idea of growing old. There I said it. I don't want wrinkles, and gray hair (which I have ALOT of already that's hidden thanks to my wonderful "hair-apist"!), and to be looked at as being "old". I've always been the youngest - I was the youngest child in my family, the youngest in my class at school, the youngest at every place I've ever worked, etc. BOO to getting older!!

BUT, as my daddy has reminded me - getting older is better than the alternative!...

So, I've tried to enjoy my last day as a twenty-something, although I've said "this will be my last time to do ____________ in my twenties!" Today has been a good day, doing things that I love:

1. Spending the morning worshipping Jesus with my church family!
2. Having lunch with some of my all-time favorite people in the world - my former youth pastor and his wife. Although we stay in touch through phone calls and Facebook, we only get to see each other once every couple of years, and I savor every moment. They played a TREMENDOUS role in my life as a high school and college student, and they are treasures to me. What a sweet blessing to spend time with them my last day in my twenties!!!
3. Having this sweet girl to love on me - no matter how old I am!! ;)

4. Spending the afternoon with Brad and my parents laughing and talking and eating yummy food!!
5. Being at my all time favorite place in all the world - the lake!!!
6. These shoes - I mean really, who can be unhappy when wearing these cute little zebra print numbers??!!

Twenties, you have been some more of a roller-coaster decade for me! In the past 10 years, I have gotten engaged, married, graduated from college, became an aunt (4 times over!), started my Master's, started my career, changed jobs (5 times...), struggled with the pain of lost pregnancies and infertility, learned a lot about who I am and who God is, learned to love Brad more every day, blessed with friendships and dear sisters in Christ, got our first "baby" - Miss Ellie Jane!, and so much more.

I'm closing the door of 10 years that have molded me and shaped me into who I am today...

30, here I come - you better watch out!!!!

A SUPER Birthday!

2011-08-31T21:51:00.000-05:00

"Calling all super heroes:

throw on your cape fast as a flash!

Be ready to make a big splash!

Sam needs your help to celebrate

his 5th Birthday bash!"

Our only "boy" of the 4 Favorites - sweet Sam - turned 5!!! When Valerie asked him what kind of party he wanted, he said a swimming super hero party...so, that's what we did!! We can make just about any kind of theme work! :) Valerie and the Cricut became the best of friends during the planning of this party - we even made the adorable invitations using the Cricut! With me in the middle of getting ready for students in my new classroom, Valerie had to do a lot of the prep work on her own and then I helped her set up. It turned out so cute!

She made this city scene out of a black plastic tablecloth and yellow electrical tape for windows. The little Super Hero boy and girl (that we even personalized for the party with their snorkels and goggles!!) were cut from the Cricut as well as the little pop word bubbles that had words like BAM!, SPLASH!, POP!, and CANNON BALL! on them.

We even used the pop word bubbles to name the food super hero names like Batman Burgers, Super Dogs, Hero Beans, POW! Potatoes, and Super Power Chips! And, we used some of Sam's Super Hero dress up clothes - masks, capes, and costumes to dress the table...

Valerie made each child a felt mask and plastic cape to wear at the party - and, yes, even the girls LOVED the theme!!!

Valerie even made tiny little masks for the youngest of guests - look at this little Super Hero cutie pie!!

And, of course a Super Hero party wouldn't be complete without a "villian" coming to try to break up the party...thankfully, all of these Super Heros were able to fight him off with their super powers!!

Valerie had each guest a beach towel to take home as a thank you gift for coming to the party - since it was the end of the season, she got them on sale!! Great gift idea!

Sam had a SUPER party - it was so cute, and the kids had a great time!!!

Happy 5th Birthday, Sammy!!! We love you!

Tangled Up In Birthday FUN!

2011-08-20T23:50:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, Carolyne celebrated her 7th birthday with a Rapunzel themed slumber party! She chose this theme months ago when she fell in love with the Disney movie "Tangled", and Valerie and I had lots of fun with the theme for the party :) We braided what seemed like 100s of feet of yellow yarn for hair that we used all around the house for decoration! I made this little sign to greet the excited girls at the front door as they arrived to the party.

We decided to focus on decorating the dining room since that would be where the girls would eat and do crafts. I painted a tower, and we added lots and lots of moss and artificial flowers from the dollar store, and of course Rapunzel's hair!!

We wanted the party to be super girly, so we used pink and purple as the main color scheme, with touches of yellow (with the hair!!). We covered the table in layers of purple and pink satin and tulle, and scattered flowers down the middle. We also tied tulle bows around the chairs, and put little flower bouquets in the middle of the bows - so adorable!

For the food table, Valerie made the cute "Happy Birthday" banner with the purple pennants and yes, more "hair"!

Valerie had each of the girls a little crown to wear - they all look like little princesses :)

The girls made several crafts during the party, and one were these super cute chameleon party blowers (if you've seen the movie, you'll remember the little chameleon that was Rapunzel's friend)

And, they painted canvases, and they all turned out absolutely ADORABLE!! We had several templates to let them choose from, then we let them paint and decorate their canvas however they wanted...they are all little artists!!

We ended the night watching the movie, Tangled, of course!!

The party turned out just perfect, and the girls had a fabulous time! This age is so fun, and Carolyne was sooo excited about her Rapunzel party :)

Happy 7th Birthday, Carolyne!!! I love you!

Here I Am

2011-08-14T21:20:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all - hope everyone has had a good weekend! We have been CRAZY BUSY working in my classroom...I haven't shared with y'all, but I took a new teaching position in a different school system! *cheers* It has without a doubt been one of the scariest, biggest leaps of faith I have ever taken but we know and trust the Lord opened this door for me. I left every bit of my comfort zone - tenure, a job I have loved for 6 years, and some of my dearest friends that I also was blessed to work with - and went to a job that I know very little about and know very few people...BUT, it's a job that I'm passionate and excited about doing and have UNBELIEVABLE peace that surpasses all understanding! Thank you, Jesus for this new chapter in my life and for new purpose!

This song has been on my heart so much this week, because of its relavence to my life right now...I wanted to share in hopes that it would speak to you as well. Enjoy! :)

Sometimes your calling, comes in dreams
Sometimes it comes in the Spirit's breeze,
You reach for the deepest hope in me,
And call out for the things of eternity.

But I'm a man, of dust and stains,
You move in me, so I can say,

Here I am, Lord send me,
All of my life, I make an offering,
Here I am, Lord send me,
Somehow my story, Is part of your plan,
Here I am

When setbacks and failures, and upset plans,
Test my faith and leave me with empty hands,
Are you not the closest when it's hardest to stand?
I know that you will finish what you began.

These broken parts you redeem,
Become the song, that I can sing

Here I am, Lord send me,
All of my life, I make an offering,
Here I am, Lord send me,
Somehow my story, Is part of your plan,
Here I am

Overwhelmed by the thought of my weakness,
And the fear that I'll fail You in the end,
In this mess, I'm just one of the pieces,
I can't put this together but You can.

Here I am, Lord send me,
All of my life, I make an offering,
Here I am, Lord send me,
Somehow my story, Is part of your plan,
Here I am

My Favorite Place...

2011-08-08T19:48:00.001-05:00

...is without a doubt to be at the lake. Sleeping in late, playing in the water, riding the boat, grilling out...ahhhh, it doesn't get much better than that for me!! Don't get me wrong, I L.O.V.E. the BEACH but the lake and mountains are just "in my bones". Sitting on the dock looking out across the water is where my heart is most content. This summer, Brad and I have taken FULL advantage of every possible free minute to be at the lake, going for weeks at a time (really, we have been there as much as we've been home!)

And, Miss Ellie Jane is a "lake dog" - she knows when we pull up at the gate where we are, and immediately starts scratching at the window ready to get out :) That's my girl!!

A couple of weeks ago we spent the week with Brad's family, and had a great time! Our sweet friend, Vickie came down and took some family pics for us - thank you Mrs. Vickie!!

I'm so thankful for our families, and that their not just our family but our friends - we laugh and have the best time just hanging out!

And, 2 of our 4 Favorites with our 2 MOST favorite fur babies - Nikki and Ellie!

It has been a very blessed summer, and one that I really hate to see come to an end!! Teacher work days started today in our schools, and summer is official over for me :-/ But, I have lots of sweet memories of summer 2011 and I can't wait for next year!!

Sweet Sixteen

2011-07-31T23:59:00.002-05:00

Hey y'all!! I feel like all I have done the past several weeks is tell y'all about flowers and parties...and, well...that's been a lot of what my time has consisted of!! This past weekend, I got to plan and decorate for a super duper fun party - a SWEET 16 SURPRISE party for my sweet Meg that is in our youth group at church!! Her mom gave me the date and the color scheme, and left the decorating up to me. Everything was in bubblegum pink, black, and white, with lots of zebra and polka dot prints...and what better way to welcome everyone to the party than with one of my infamous tulle rag wreaths :)

I found black and white polka dot and zebra pattern balloons - SO CUTE!!

We wanted the party to be super girly, and no other flower is more FUN and girly than gerber daisies - in shades of pink and white of course! It's hard to tell, but the flowers were arranged in moss covered purse containers...love these - I think they would be adorable for bridesmaids to carry for a real casual wedding (my wheels are already turning...)

We set up a table for the guest of honor and her girl friends to sit at, and then everyone else sat around the pool and porch.

We set up the food tables on the porch, and had lots and lots of these big pink Chinese lanterns hanging everywhere - these are so eye catching and super cheap but make a statement. I've done several black and pink themed parties, so I already had the polka dot cloths and lots of fun serving pieces that we were able to use...

And, of course the best way to celebrate a SWEET 16 birthday is to have a SWEETS table! I made the little sign and black and white jelly bean arrangements with pink rock candy suckers instead of using flowers on this table, and we had Meg's favorite candy, cookies, and of course her cake...

And, YES she was very SURPRISED!! :) Happy birthday, Meghan...hope you had a very happy SWEET 16!! :)

80 Years Young

2011-07-21T22:38:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, I did some floral designs for a very special lady's 80th SURPRISE birthday party. Mrs. Dot Brasher is known and loved by most people in our community - she was a teacher for many, many years and who most say was the best teacher they ever had. I was honored to be a part of this very special day to celebrate this milestone birthday!!

The surprise party was a Garden Party, and I chose flowers that had an heirloom look to them - I wanted them to look like flowers my grandmother used to grow along the edge of her vegetable garden. I used zinnias in vibrant shades of pinks, orange, and yellow as well as hydrangeas and snapdragons...

And, I did fresh cut in water so they looked like they came straight out of the garden.

I used watering cans and old Ball jars for containers.

Her family had worked so hard to make it a special day, and it turned out to be a perfect garden party for a perfectly SURPRISED honoree!!

Happy 80th Birthday, Mrs. Brasher!

God is WILD about us!!

2011-07-18T23:59:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago we had a WILD week of VBS at church...we learned that God is WILD about us!!

We do our VBS a little different than most churches - the teachers have one lesson that we teach every night for the whole week, and the children (Kindergarten - 5th grade) rotate to a different teacher each night. (The preschoolers stay with their teachers through the whole week.) It makes it fun to get to have a different group each night, and you only prepare for one lesson so you know it REALLY WELL.

My lesson was about Hannah and Samuel, and how God answered Hannah's prayer for a child (Ironic for me to teach this lesson I know!!) And, we learned through this story that, "God gives good gifts", which was our Bible Truth for my lesson.

To make figuring out the Bible Truth and Memory Verse for the story a little more fun for the kids - I made cards with my Cricut with each word, laminated, and put Velcro on the back. Then I had them each in gift bags and told the kids I had a special gift to share with them. They took the bags, and had to unscrabble the words, which led to talking about God's good gifts. They all loved it! :)

We had a great group of kids each night, and they were all so excited about VBS :)

We painted and decorated canvas bags for my craft, and the kids LOVED this!! Great craft for a party too...

VBS was a great success - lots of children came and learned fun new songs, made some cute crafts, played silly games, made new friends, but most of all they heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ every night!

It was a great week!!! Thank you Mrs. Becky and Mrs. Shanna for all your hard work!!

Bailey Bash 2011

2011-07-16T22:47:00.000-05:00

Hello friends!! Hope everyone is enjoying summer...I sure am! We have been on vacation the past 2 weeks, so I took a little break from unpacking to share a little bit about what we've been up to. If you have been reading long, you know my family has our annual Bailey Bash on the Bay the week of the 4th and it is BY FAR my most favorite week of the whole year!!

We stay at the lake with my whole extended family - aunts, uncles, cousins, and anyone else considered a "Bailey" - and we have the BEST time playing, swimming, laughing, cooking, eating, and making memories :)

All of the kids (and, Ellie too!!) are in the community Independence Day Parade - so much fun!

It was SOOO HOT, so ice cream and popsicles were a very welcomed treat :)

I love that Carolyne and Sam enjoy this week as much as us "big kids" and get to see what family is all about!!

Each year, a sweet family friend who also is a great photographer comes to do family pictures for us - thank you Mrs. Vickie!! This year, we did a "Team Spirit" picture since the Bailey family (with the exception of 3 misfits - but I won't name any names...HA!!) are all AUBURN FANS!! We ARE the AUBURN Family - All In!!!

The Auburn men...

We had a wonderful week, and were sad as usual to see it come to an end. I hope all of you and your family had a blessed 4th as well!! I'm so thankful to live in a country where we have the gift of freedom!!

News Flash

2011-06-29T12:25:00.001-05:00

My precious Mama was featured today in our town's newspaper in the Food Section where they feature local "celebrity" cooks! Click here to read the article.

If you know anything about my family, you know the reputation Mama has as an incredible cook!! Her life has been surrounded by the food service industry - whether it's cooking for her family, catering for hundreds, or supervising the nutrition program in our school system that feeds several thousand children each day. My friends laugh when I say we never ate supper out of a box growing up - everything, every night was made from scratch -and "fast food" was a special treat. I'm so glad my Mama taught me how to not only cook, but to prepare great meals for my family.

So proud of you, Mama!!

A Decade!!

2011-06-26T21:57:00.000-05:00

Ten years ago today I went to lunch at the Station House Grille with my friend Callie, her husband Robert, and met Brad for the first time. I had gotten a cute new outfit to wear, had painted my nails red the night before, and had rolled my hair that morning. Brad stood outside the restaurant waiting on us, and shook my hand and introduced himself when we arrived. We talked and laughed with Callie and Robert over lunch about family, church, and some of Robert and Brad's "adventures". I had Cajun Chicken Salad; he ate a hamburger steak. He took Callie and I back to work in his shiny charcoal gray Silverado, that still had the new car scent lingering in the air. He told me he enjoyed lunch, and maybe we could do it again sometime.

And, that was that.

I had no clue going to lunch that day a new chapter of my life would begin. Brad says he knew the INSTANT he laid eyes on me he would marry me...I took a little more convincing ;)

(This was just a couple months after we started dating)

Our 2 years of dating were SO MUCH FUN - trips to Atlanta to visit Valerie and Rob, Auburn games, days on the lake, late night phone calls, dreaming big about our future, learning about each other, and falling in love. Oh, how very carefree the days were!! Our 8 years of marriage have been a learning experience (FOR SURE!!), and is nothing like I ever thought it would be...but, how thankful I am that the Lord has given us every single experience to make us who we are today!!

I can not believe we have been together 10 YEARS - a whole DECADE!!! Man, Brad is getting O-L-D!!! HA!

I love you, Bradley...thank you for loving me, believing in me, praying for me, laughing with me, and sharing this life with me for the past 10 years!!! You're my favorite :)

A Beautiful Summer Wedding

2011-06-21T20:59:00.000-05:00

This weekend, I had the pleasure of doing the floral designs for a sweet bride in Guntersville. The color scheme - pink, lime, and cream. She LOVES flowers, and adores "Old South" heirloom kinds of flowers - peonies and hydrangeas were the 2 stars of the show! And, as any good Southern lady should, she loves monograms - so we did moss covered "W"s on the front door for her new last name.

I used lots and lots and lots (did I say lots??) of green moss on the containers to keep the focus more on the flowers than the containers themselves. This little topiary arrangement was on the Bride's Book table in the foyer of the church.

More monogrammed sashes were used on the Mother's and Grandmother's reserved seats - my mom makes these (she's the best!!!)

The rest of the pews in the center aisle had a mix of hydrangeas arrangements in the cone shaped baskets.

These candelabras do not belong to me, but I absolutely love them!! They are real rusty looking, and just look like an antique, but are really not. My daddy and engineer-minded husband were discussing how we could have some made - I sure hope that works out! :)

The reception was at Dream Ranch which sits on top of the mountain overlooking the lake - isn't the view just beautiful??!!

Arrangement in the foyer - lots and lots of beautiful pink peonies!!

The mantle inside...

I only added the flowers to the cake, but I had to show it to y'all - it's hard to see in the picture, but those shiny circles on the cake were broaches!! It was absolutely gorgeous!

Mantle outside...

And, I could just shoot myself, but I got busy and did not get any pictures of the bouquets!!!!! Since the amazing Bentley Gray was the photographer for the wedding, maybe I can get some pictures and share - Lindsey, maybe you can work on that ;)...

Flowers!

2011-06-16T16:27:00.000-05:00

When the back of my vehicle is filled to the brim with fresh cut blooms it can only mean one thing - a wedding is this weekend!! And, when your using flowers in shades of pinks, lime, and white with names like 'Annabelle', 'Royal Blush', and 'Virginia' it's sure to truly be a Southern summer wedding!!

Check back on Monday for some shots of the wedding!

I'm Still Here...

2011-06-08T03:15:00.002-05:00

So, when did I become this post once a week (or less) kind of blogger??!! Y'all, I'm tired of hearing my excuses, and I know you must be completely fed up with my slacker attitude! My heart and mind haven't been clear and focused enough to post anything lately, and to be honest sometimes things have to be put on the back burner because *gasp* as much as I try to be I have come to the conclusion that I'm not superhuman and can do it all. ;).

And, as if post slacking wasn't enough I have been camera slacking as well! *HUGE gasp*. I know it's hard to believe...

But, Brad and I upgraded to iPhones recently (LOVE them!!) and I have at least had sense to snap some pics with my phone - yea! So, since we need to do some catching up, here's a little glimpse into our lives recently....

We went to the final season of the Atlanta Passion Play - phenomenal!!

This cracks me up every. Single. Time. I look at it (and, my mother will ring my neck for posting it) but this is sooo my Daddy!

Sweet Ellie Jane :)

Our oldest of the Favorites - Kailey - turned 7!!!!! Wow!

My precious friend Kim and I having lunch...what a sweet blessing she is in my life!! Love you, Kimmy!!

GORGEOUS purple peonies...

May was quite the month for flowers and weddings....

And, more weddings and flowers...

(and, did I mention we did 2 weddings in 1 day - that's a whole post within itself!!)

Oh the sadness of the current non working order of our pool :(. I sent this pic to our insurance, and the good news is we will be up and running with a beautiful, tear free liner in a few short days! Woohoo!

A full post about this is soon to come, but oh the work that Brad and I have done in our yard!!

Well friends, that's a little smidge of what has been going on in the world of the Powell's! I hope life is good for all of you, and your enjoying summer as much as I am! I'll be back soon...

What time is it??????

2011-06-01T21:38:00.000-05:00

It's SUMMER TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hallelujah, and praise the Lord!!! I don't think I could have made it another day...

I'm not a High School Musical fan or anything, but this video and song cracks me up, because it is EXACTLY how I felt counting down the last minutes of the school year...I was basically like the little guy break dancing down the hall ;)

YEA for summer vacation!!!!!

You're Gonna Miss This

2011-05-22T01:25:00.000-05:00

Tis the season to hear Pomp and Circumstance all across the land, and I have heard so many Seniors this year say, "I'm leaving and not coming back" and "Graduation day couldn't have gotten here sooner" - I remember feeling a little bit like that myself, but oh how I wish I could go back now!! Not for long, maybe just a day or two to remember the care free days of no job or responsibility and the day to be filled with friends and worrying about what our plans would be for the weekend ;) Ahh, I definitely miss that!!

When I heard this song the other day, I immediately thought of those kids graduating, but it also made me think of myself in the here and now. I have such a bad habit of "wishing life away" and having the "can't-wait-til-itis" that I almost let life quietly and quickly slip by and not enjoy the season of life I'm in...and, I know if the day comes for Brad and I to be parents, I will definitely at times miss the "before babies" season such as:

* sleeping in late on Saturdays
* making last minute decisions to go on weekend trips
* spending money on things just for Brad and I - although we all know I certainly won't mind buying sweet little smocked outfits! ;)
* the quiet!

No matter what season of life we may be in - fun or not - there are always things we can find to enjoy about that season and cherish the time we have those things.

I'm gonna enjoy life today - what about you??

Another Year Survived

2011-05-09T22:49:00.000-05:00

First, I want to say Happy Mother's Day to my mother, who is without a shadow of a doubt my rock in life. I have no idea where or what I would be without her, and I am so blessed to have just known her. She is an example of God's grace, and a reminder of what a true lady is. I love her beyond words!!

Alright, just to keep it real - y'all, yesteday was a hard day for me. I share this with caution because I do not want to sound like a whine bag or that I'm search of being consoled...believe me, that's not what this is. And, I am so happy for the millions of mother's out there celebrating - maybe even for the first time - the precious gift of being called Mom. However, every Mother's Day is hard for me - it's a "in my face" reminder of the 6 year long longing in my heart that hasn't been filled - but I usually glide through just kinda holding my breath and keeping the tears at bay. The week leading up to M.Day, I had prayed HARD for the Lord to help me get through the day with strength, to remind me of His promises in my life, to be filled with joy and love for the wonderful mother and mother-in-law I have, to not allow the day to become a day of sadness, and by all means to please help me to hold the tears back.

WELL...

to protect the "innocent" I won't share the nitty gritty details, but to say I "cried" at church would be the strongest understatement of the year...much more like an "ugly cry" situation. Not pretty. And, please don't think something or someone hurt my feelings by doing or saying something heartless because that was not the case. It was very much the opposite. I was completely and totally overwhelmed by the gentleness and love in actions and words by a few special people and the tears could not be stopped. I kept trying to stop, and they kept flowing. I got mad at myself that I couldn't just STOP, and yet...the tears continued. No one that I know of even saw me crying, but I was so embarassed by my tears and felt like I had a red flashing arrow above my head. When we got in the car, I burst in to tears again and told Brad how I had prayed and prayed the days leading up that the Lord would help me to not cry today, but today had by far been the most emotional Mother's Day for me to date.

And, in Brad's way that he always does, he spoke truth over me. He said, "Hayley, sometimes it IS better to just cry. Sometimes not crying is just not the best thing at that moment." The truth in that statement: Just one more reminder that it's out of my control. It. Is. Out. Of. My. Control. The tears. God's timing. A baby. Being a mother. Sometimes even the littlest things - like crying - need to be done despite our own willing because we (i.e. "I") never need to lose sight that everything is out of our (i.e. my) control, no matter how much we (i.e. "I") try to control life.

Doesn't take the longing or sadness away. Just reminds me - "I'll never leave you, nor forsake you" is truth, and "I will give you the desires of your heart" will be in His perfect timing. And, sometimes it's ok to not be able to hold it together, but to just cry.

I've shared this video before, but it so perfectly shares what this hard journey called "infertility" is for us. No matter how our journey of infertility ends - whether getting pregnant, adopting, or neither - we will never ever be the same again.

http://www.tearsandhope.com/emptyarms_video.html

Praise You In The Storm

2011-05-02T14:52:00.000-05:00

The loss that my great state has endured the past several days has been so overwhelming. Last Wednesday night, numerous tornados ripped through our state, leaving unsurmountable devastation. My heart is so sad for so many that lost their homes, lost their "normal", lost family members. I've heard story after story of mothers, fathers, and children that were swept up in the wind and are no where to be found. Sooo very sad. My family was so very blessed - with the exception of a couple trees down, and the inconvenience of no electricity or water for several days - no one was hurt.

photo credit

Although we don't understand natural disasters like this, we trust our God is a mighty God, and much bigger than even this. We praise Him for the lives spared, and for this opportunity to serve Him by helping others.

Please pray for the thousands of people still without power, no homes to go to, and that have lost loved ones.

If This Were Survivor I Would Have Already Been Voted Off...

2011-04-19T23:11:00.000-05:00

Y'all, really I have been a rotten blogger.

You're vote to cast me off the island is completely understandable...I would have done it to myself too if I were in your shoes.

I have so much to share, and so little time to post these days! Lots of pictures, lots of stories, sooo much heart searching. I double pinky promise I'll be back VERY SOON...really, I PROMISE and I HATE to break a promise!!

And, if you would like, please pray for Brad and I. So much going on in our lives right now, so much God is trying to do in us and through us....

Love y'all and thankful for friends that enjoy the ol' blog enough to miss it when I've been MIA :) We'll chat soon...

Eight

2011-04-06T21:43:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, Brad and I celebrated our 8th anniversary!!!! Wow - it's hard to believe we have been married that long! It seems like just yesterday was April 5, 2003 and I was walking down the aisle on my Daddy's arm to meet my husband-to-be at the alter!!

We have had 8 amazingly crazy, fun, busy, stressful, happy, roller-coaster-of-a-ride years of marriage...and, I'm thankful to be on this journey with the one "my heart loves"! And, the fact that Brad knows life with me is always going to be C-R-A-Z-Y, and he loves me inspite of it, makes me love him even more each day :)

I love you, Bradley...you're by far my favorite! :) Happy 8th!!!!

30 by 30 One Year Update

2011-03-26T20:35:00.000-05:00

So today marks the one year anniversary of making my 30 by 30 list...and, y'all the clock is ticking VERY LOUD reminding me of how VERY close the big 3-0 is for me!! Actually, 160 days to be exact - YIKES!!!! I've got to get on the ball to complete my list...

1. Take a cake decorating class
2. Become much more “picture taking” and “editing” literate
3. ~~Learn how to can food~~ (7/2010)
4. Learn to drive a stick shift
5. Make pasta from scratch
6. Become a mother
7. Visit the Amish Country
8. ~~Go on a weeklong vacation with Brad that is far enough away it would require a plane, train, or boat to get there~~ (5/2010)
9. ~~Attend Beth Moore LIVE! in Atlanta~~ (4/2010)
10. Go to at least one Auburn game this fall…I so miss being on the Plains on Gameday!!
11. Have a Girl's Night with my best girlfriends from High School
12. ~~Be accepted into Graduate School~~ (4/2010)
13. Complete my Master’s Degree
14. Have Brad at least 2/3 finished with Seminary
15. See 2 people that I have been praying fervently for to find salvation!!
16. ~~See one of my dearest friends become a Mrs.!!~~ (11/2010)
17. Plant a vegetable garden
18. Become part of a CSA
19. ~~Get a puppy~~ (4/2010)
20. Shed enough pounds and inches to wear the dress I wore on mine and Brad’s 1st date (yes, I’m pathetic…9 years later and I still have it!)
21. ~~Start recycling~~ (1/2011)
22. Organize and preserve my digital photos
23. Make Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Rolls
24. ~~Redo landscaping around house and pool~~ (8/2010)
25. ~~Complete at least one of the projects off my Home Improvement Wish List~~ (We've crossed off a BUNCH of these...I'll be posting soon on all our handy work!)
26. ~~See the movie "Blindside"~~ (10/2010)
27. Go on a picnic with Brad
28. Make an effort to call or send a card once a week to someone for encouragement
29. ~~De-clutter. Organize. Simplify.~~ (10/2010...more about this soon)
30. Consciously remind myself to find joy in every day!

I've crossed off 11, but that still leaves 19...hmmmm, not so sure I'm gonna make it (and, there's some that are quite obviously not gonna make the time limit unless there's some divine intervention - such as #6.) Oh well, I still want to keep these things on my list, and what I don't accomplish before the big 3-0 I'll hopefully do before the big 3-1! HA!!

The Life

2011-03-23T23:04:00.000-05:00

Bird watching...

and sleeping...

...ahhhhh, it must be the life! ;)

Complete

2011-03-16T12:17:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, I took some of my high school girls from church to Complete, an all girls retreat. We had a GREAT time!!

The girls were soo excited about this weekend, and I was too! We have such a great group of girls!

Our Bible Study leader was Amy Pierson, and she is PHENOMENAL!!! She has such a heart for Girls' Ministry and them knowing the Lord and His Word intimately. She has a new book out that I can't wait to dive in to, Table for Two.

Our worship leader for the weekend was the AWESOME Kerrie Roberts, who you have heard if you listen to Contemporary Christian at all...her #1 hit No Matter What is a fav of mine!

While at the conference, they prayed over the Acteen Activator groups that would be serving this summer on various mission trips. When I was in high school, I went on an Acteen's Activator trip and was one of my most favorite mission trips...I pray the Lord would use these girls to minister to others as well as to speak to their own hearts as they prepare to serve and while they are there!

We didn't have a tremendous amount of free time, but we enjoyed every minute we had together!! What better way to enjoy a Girls' Night than to share a little Krispy Kreme!! :)

I can't wait to share another GREAT weekend with my sweet girls and the Lord...how very blessed I am!!

Easter is Coming!

2011-03-10T21:40:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Are you participating in Lent this year?

Last year, Brad and I did - we fasted from sugar. I had someone to ask me last year, "Why are you doing Lent?? We're Baptist!" To which I replied, "Lent is a time to fast and prepare our hearts for Easter...that sounds like something that ALL Christ followers should be doing - no matter what denomination they are!!"

The Bible does not mention Ash Wednesday or the custom of Lent, however, the practice of repentance and mourning in ashes is found in 2 Samuel 13:19; Esther 4:1; Job 2:8; Daniel 9:3; and Matthew 11:21.

Sooo, this year I have decided to fast from soft drinks...you know, sodas...or, if you live in the South - Coke (we call ALL soft drinks Coke!)

I am anxiously anticipating celebrating my Risen Savior this Easter!! Are you??

This Is The Stuff

2011-03-08T22:04:00.001-06:00

Y'all, I'm in a funk :-/ I feel like I'm up against waaaayyyyy toooo many deadlines, and I'm s-t-r-e-s-s-e-d...sorry I don't have any peppy, exciting words to share lately!! I'll be fine and back to my normal self soon, pinky promise!!

In the mean time, Francesca once again knows exactly what's going on in my life and wrote a song about it ;) Enjoy...

What's For Dinner?

2011-03-01T22:13:00.000-06:00

Hey y'all! I have friends and family asking me all the time for good weeknight recipes to make for dinner that are good, fast, and easy...so, I thought I would start sharing with y'all some of my tried and true meals that Brad and I enjoy, and a few "tricks" that I do to make cooking supper super easy!!

One of my most favorite items in my kitchen is...my crockpot. Yep, not the most "exciting" kitchen appliance or gadget, but with out a doubt one of the most efficient and time saving - you throw in your ingredients in the morning and when you get home, supper's ready! The slow cooking does magic to tenderize meats and make soups rich and wonderful. I make a crock pot meal at least once a week! In fact, we had a crock pot meal tonight, and I thought some of y'all might like to try it out - Chicken and Wild Rice. Brad and I really like this dish, and it's one of my staples. I just added some asparagus bundles (just wrap 5 or 6 spears with a half piece of bacon and bake in the oven...YUM-O!!!!) and crescent rolls for our sides. It took me about 5-10 minutes this morning to throw everything in the crockpot, and about 20 minutes tonight to get everything ready...a wonderful, delicious home made meal in less time than it would take to go pick up take out!!

Chicken and Wild Rice

To your crockpot add:

3 - 4 chicken breasts (you can use bone-in or boneless - whichever floats your boat)

2 cans Cream of Mushroom Soup (I've used the Original, Heart Healthy, and Fat Free...the consensus: they all work great!! No major difference in the taste)

1 small onion, chopped in chunks

1 small can mushrooms, drained

Cook on LOW 8 hours.

Prepare a box of Uncle Ben's Wild-Long Grain Rice with the seasoning packet (the quick-cook box is what I use) according to package directions. Mix in to the crockpot with cooked chicken, and let the flavors "marry" for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. (I usually put the rice in to the crockpot, and then get my sides ready.)

I got the original recipe from here, but I of course have changed it slightly :) This dish is great with green beans, asparagus, carrots, peas, or even a salad.

Delicious, quick, and easy...what more could you ask for out of a meal?!

I'll be the first to admit it...

2011-02-27T21:59:00.000-06:00

I've been a major blog slacker this month!!!! Life has actually not been over-the-top busy, which is incredibly unusual, I just haven't been focused enough to sit down and post anything. I have a "part 2" to my last post (which was 2 weeks ago), but I'm not finished with it. I'll post it soon...

So, let's see - in the past 14 days life has consisted of

1. celebrating the Day o' Love at home - I made one of Brad's favs, Alice Springs Chicken, and we watched a movie. It was a quiet night at home, and neither one of us had school work to do - it was great! :)
2. painting (not fun painting, just doors in our house)
3. helping Brad lay wood floors!!! (they are BEAUTIFUL, and he is AWESOME!!! Pictures soon!)
4. graduate school - BOOO
5. having a colonoscopy (oh what FUN that was...NOT...)
6. cheering for our boys and girls basketball teams on at the Regional Tournament (from home)...and, our boys WON!! They're now in the state playoffs - GOOOOO WILDCATS!
7. and, absolutely L.O.V.I.N.G. the Spring-like weather we have had...I even broke out the flip flops one day! It has been wonderful!

And, y'all I haven't gotten my camera out one.single.time. in the past few weeks! I know, I know - what is happening to me??? I'll get back on track soon, I promise :) Brad and I are just very consumed with getting some things done in our house right now, and I haven't been able to focus on much of anything else. March will be a better month for me :) Love y'all!!

Wait. Hope. Trust.

2011-02-12T23:50:00.000-06:00

I have shared this with y'all before, but the Lord always seems to have to knock me up side the head to get my attention sometimes. Over the past few weeks, 3 words and 1 verse have been repeatedly put in conversations, sermons, and Bible Study. Does that ever happen to anyone else??

A few weeks ago in our Bible Study we are doing with our youth, we were reading out of Isaiah 40. We were watching a video segment of Louie Giglio, and he was referring specifically to Isaiah 40:31.

I have a Parallel Bible (you can find a zillion of them on Amazon) that has 4 versions in one Bible. It's WONDERFUL when we are doing Bible Study to be able to see what the different versions say, and helps to better understand the text. Anyway, I always automatically look at each one when hearing a verse to see how each is written. This is what each of them said for Isaiah 40:31:

King James:
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

NIV:
"But those who hope in the LORD, will renew their strength, They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

New American Standard:
"Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary."

New Living:
"But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."

Hmm, each version translated the verse all verbatim to one another except for one word was different - wait, hope, wait, trust. Louie went on to say that the Greek translation for the word "wait" is literally "to hope" or "to trust". (So, each version is right...this is not a debate about a particular version of the Bible being right or wrong - don't get side tracked!!)

Isn't it interesting that the word "wait" - which instantly makes me fidgety - means the same thing as "trust" and "hope"?? Waiting somehow is a negative word to me. When I think of "waiting" on ANYTHING, I get annoyed, fidgety, and think of all the reasons why I don't/can't wait. But, when I think of "trust" and "hope" I feel like there's possibility and certainty of something better happening soon.

Brad and I always, always, always, seem to be in "waiting" mode...did I say always??? (The frustrating, fidgety kind of waiting) Waiting to do things in our house, waiting to make plans about our future, waiting for a baby, waiting until we're finished with seminary, waiting on job opportunities, waiting until we have more money saved...waiting, waiting, waiting. Whether it's for 5 minutes or 5 years, waiting drives. me. insane. But, the Lord reminded me of this verse that when I wait for Him, He will give me strength. When I put my hope in Him, He will renew my strength. When I trust in Him, I will find new strength.

And, His strength will make the waiting, the trusting, the hoping much less of a load of burden and much more a load of joy.

But, what happens when - after waiting and being FAITHFUL to Him, feeling you have been completely OBEDIENT to Him - His answer to your waiting is not "Yes" or "No", but "Not yet - continue to wait"??

...to be continued...come back tomorrow for part 2 of this rambling insight :)

The Land of Ma'am

2011-02-10T22:44:00.002-06:00

Today, I was in a meeting with someone from Oregon, and she made a statement that stuck in my head. She was sharing that when she landed at the Birmingham airport, she called her husband to let him know she had landed in Alabama safely. He responded by saying, "So, you're back in the land of ma'am!" She went on to say that she loves the South, particularly Alabama, because most people are so welcoming and hospitable and call her "ma'am" - something that is rarely heard in her home state.

That reminded me how much I love the South and how proud I am to call it home :)

I love
our ice cold sweet tea,
our Southern drawl,
our nostalgia to the past,
our long, hot summers (I'll feel differently in July I'm sure!),
our excitement over an inch of snow in the winter,
our love for college football :),
our yummy food (biscuits, gravy, grits, fried chicken, and so much more),
our AMAZING produce in the summer,
our beautiful farmlands,
our words - ("y'all" and "fixin' to" just to name a few!)
our Southern hospitality,
and yes, that most of us still say "Sir" and "Ma'am"!

It's great to live in the Land of Ma'am!

Happy Birthday, Ellie Jane!

2011-02-06T15:19:00.002-06:00

Our sweet girl - Miss Ellie Jane - had her first birthday a few weeks ago!

She of course had no clue, but we couldn't let the day go by without having a little celebration :) The 4 Favorites just adore Ellie, and were very excited to celebrate her birthday. Since I love pretty much any excuse to decorate, we had the kids over for a sleep over and we partied while they were here. I had helped a friend decorate for her daughter's birthday party several months ago, and the theme was "Pink Poodle"; I had made these polka dot tablecloths and pink poodle fabric runners for that, so I got to reuse everything for our "puppy party"!

I made them each a little party hat out of felt, complete with a black paw print on front and paw print ribbons to tie them on...

We had paw print cupcakes from the bakery, and we made bone shaped Rice Krispie treats for our party snack.

We sang Happy Birthday to Ellie with a cupcake, but don't worry - we didn't actually let her eat it. She got to celebrate by having some chicken :)

It was a GREAT party...

After the "party" the 4 favorites had a BLAST! (They always do...they play so good together!)

We all had a great time with the kids here, and celebrating our little Ellie being in our family! It was a great weekend!

Happy Birthday, Ellie!!

Life in a List

2011-02-02T23:39:00.000-06:00

1. We have had revivial with David Engesath at church this week, and WOW...it has been sooooo soooo soooo good! God is doing great things at Mt. Vernon!! David is not just a "preacher" but he is a potter, and he does pottery during his messages. It is so powerful, and makes the verse "I am the potter, you are the clay" come to life!!

2. Last weekend we had the 4 Favorites over for a spend the night party...we had a GREAT time! While they were here, we threw Ellie a birthday party for her 1st birthday. It was so cute, and the kids had an absolute B.L.A.S.T. at our puppy themed party!! Pictures to come soon!!

3. Speaking of Ellie, she had surgery today to repair her right leg and knee. She has a little genetic knee problem, and the vet felt it should go ahead and be fixed before she got too much older. She is having to stay overnight, and I will be able to pick her up tomorrow. Say a little prayer for our sweet fur baby...I hate the thought of her being in any kind of pain :(

4. Now that revival is over we will be getting back in to FULL SWING of finishing up some home projects that we have started. I forsee lots and lots of painting in my future...and, then we will be laying hard wood!! YEA!!!!!

5. I booked the first wedding for 2011 last week!! The past several weeks have been a wonderful break from flowers and catering and decorating (although I absolutely love all of it!!) I'm enjoying my "time off" because I know my calendar for the year will be jam packed before I can blink!

Bebo

2011-01-26T23:32:00.000-06:00

Bebo Norman that is.

Ahhhh, I just ADORE his music....love, love, love it. He was one of my very first favorite contemporary Christian artists years ago, and he stills ranks right up there close to the top. I love his music, but I love his testimony even more that is on his website:

One of the things I am most thankful for in playing music for a living is that it was never my intention. I am an accidental musician, at best, who sort of stumbled uncomfortably onto this journey half-protesting and with great trepidation. Admittedly, much of my fear was based in the mystery of the unknown and the lack of control of things, much like any graduating college student heading out into the real world, but quite a bit more was based in the fact that I never quite felt “cut out” for this sort of work. I always felt like a bit of an imposter…like I would some day, inevitably, be “found out” and everyone would realize that all this time I was just pretending to be a songwriter, just posing as an artist...All I know for certain is that music was meant to be part of the story God was choosing to tell for me, whether I planned it or not. I was just a college kid with a Biology Degree and firm sites set on absolutely nothing apart from medical school. But I also wrote songs. My own little “personal therapy sessions,” as I like to call them, were never really intended for use outside of my living room walls. But thanks to a few close friends who quite literally forced me to face the possibility of “seeing what would happen” with music, here I am today. A 1-year “experiment” before planning to apply for medical school has turned into a 15-year career of writing and playing songs. I can say with all honesty that I have no idea how it happened. People ask me all the time how to “get started” in music and I have to tell them that I quite literally don’t know. I can say this. It was not comfortable for me. It was not my dream. It was not my life’s ambition. I was afraid. I was insecure. I was not up for the task. But I believe that God was. I believe that God saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. I believe there was a Spirit flowing in a certain direction and I knew only enough to not try to swim against it...What I know to be true is that, for whatever reason, God is for us and He chooses to use us. And He wants to use us right where we are.

Thank you, Lord for knowing what is best for us even we don't have a clue what You're doing!

I of course have to share one of Bebo's songs, and I could post every single one of them I just love them so much. Bebo has a way of sharing his heart so personally in his songs. "Nothing Without You" is one of my all time favs...enjoy!!

Get Out Of That Pit

2011-01-20T23:13:00.000-06:00

I have been listening to one of my very favorite authors and teachers of the Word...none other than Beth Moore!!...on CD in my car the past few days.

I got the book, "Get Out Of That Pit" book on CDs back in the summer, but God knew my heart wouldn't be ready to listen until now. I popped it in yesterday, and have been taking a little extra time driving because I don't want to turn it off!! I actually have the book too, and read it about 6 years ago...but, oh how I needed to hear Beth's words of wisdom and Bible teaching about God's deliverance for me once again!

If you are looking for a book to read (and, are willing for your heart to be pierced and "toes to be stepped on") this one is great!!

My View From Here...

2011-01-12T16:00:00.001-06:00

Snow and ice are every where you look! I've decided instead of grumbling about the inconvenience of it, to embrace the beauty and enjoy the time the Lord has forced us to stay home and relax. And, it is sooo very beautiful!! From the...

Icicles hanging off the eaves of the house...

to the thick blanket of snow hovering over our back door steps...

to the frozen pool...anyone up for ice skating or maybe a polar bear plunge??

To the snowflakes trickling down again...

to everything captured in a shell of ice...

to snow finding a home in any place possible...

And, quietly sneaking closer and closer to our front door (no worries, friends...I learned my lesson last year - all these pictures were taken while standing on the porch!!)

All the cold outside makes staying inside and sipping on some hot chocolate taste even better!

Hope where ever you may be you are embracing the beauty of the season :)

National Champs!!!!

2011-01-11T16:10:00.000-06:00

Can I just say...

WARRRRRRRRRRRR EAGLE, HEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It is GREAT to be an Auburn Tiger today!!!!! Auburn played a great game against Oregon, with us on the edge of our seats (and lots of yelling, clapping, and jumping around) the whole game. After lots of controversy, lots of obstacles, and lots of bashing, Auburn played their hearts out and all their hard work throughout the season paid off to become the National Champs!

photo credit

Long before we even knew snow would be in the forecast for the day, Brad and I had planned to stay home for the game, and watch it here. As soon as I took down my Christmas decor, I put my Auburn stuff back out. Come rain, hail, sleet, or snow we support the ORANGE and BLUE!!!! WAR EAGLE!!

...but we mainly wanted to watch the game at home because Brad and I can scream and holler and dance around like fools in the comfort of our own home instead of trying to somewhat hold our composer when watching with others! HA!

I cooked most of the afternoon so we had a spread of "game food" to snack on throughout the game...yum!! I made several dips - Tomato Horseradish Dip, Creamy Corn Dip, and Hot Cheese Dip; stuffed mushrooms (sooo good!!), Hot Olive Cheese Bread, and one of Brad's favs - Chex Mix.

We were BEYOND WORDS excited at the end of the game...I think we scared poor little Ellie to death with all the cheering and celebrating! :) I'm so proud for our team, our school, and the Auburn Family!

WAR EAGLE!

First Snow of 2011!!

2011-01-10T11:51:00.002-06:00

Have you heard the entire South East is covered in snow??

Across North Alabama, there is between 6-12 inches of snow...I know, I know - to most of the country that doesn't seem like a whole lot to write about. But, in the South, that's a WHOLE LOT to write about!! Pretty much everything is closed - schools, banks, businesses. Even Brad's company closed due to severe driving conditions.

We've had a blast getting to be home, and play :) We took a little walk around our neighborhood and everything was just so pretty!!

There were lots out tubing and sledding, and a few were trying to build snowmen (it's not good snow for snowman building though...way too icy).

Miss Ellie Jane liked this snow lots better than the snow we had at Christmas. There is a thick sheet of ice on top of the snow, so she could run and not sink down into the snow...she was so funny running around!!

We've spent the rest of the day staying warm in the house, and getting ready for the BIG GAME tonight!!!! Can't wait to watch our Tigers!! :)

Sleepy, Sleepy, Sleepy

2011-01-06T21:28:00.000-06:00

Hey y'all! I hope everyone has had a great week back in to their regular routine after the holiday break. Brad and I have had a HARD TIME getting in bed and getting up in the mornings :-/ We have collapsed when we've gotten home and have been completely useless in the evenings!

I think even little Ellie Jane has had a hard time getting back on a routine...she had gotten used to getting to go with us (which is her most FAV thing to do - GO and ride!) throughout the holidays and she's been cooped up in the house all week. When we get home, she doesn't let us out of her sight! HA!

Have y'all been watching all the Bowl Games?? WE HAVE! We've been so proud of the SEC (and, I was so disappointed for Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl). But, the B.I.G. game is on Monday...can't WAIT to watch our Tigers play for the National Championship against the Ducks!!!! WOOHOO!!!!!

We've got plans for the weekend to finish up some projects we've been working on in the house...I can't wait to show y'all some pics of what all we've been doing!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

2010 Reflections

2011-01-02T21:26:00.001-06:00

Are we for sure 2010 is already over?? Wow, it came and went fast! As I looked back at posts and pictures from this past year, I realized what a good year it had been. Lots of fun, happy memories; lots of celebration of life; lots of heart searching and learning; lots of love. Yep, 2010 was a pretty good year for the Powells. This time last year I made a commitment to finding JOY in my life, and it was definitely a joyous year!! Thanks for sticking around to read about our lives...I pray that 2011 will AMAZING for each of you and your families.

Our year in snapshots...

From our family to yours, we wish you a very Happy New Year!!!

A Merry Little Christmas

2010-12-31T14:49:00.001-06:00

Throughout the month, we have all sorts of Christmas get togethers with extended family and friends, but my favorites are the ones we have on Christmas because they're with our closest family!

On Christmas Eve, I have brunch at my house for mine and Brad's immediate families. I love that we can have a special time with both our families together, and the 4 Favorties LOVE getting to be at Aunt Hayley and Uncle Brad's house!! This year, I had gingerbread cookies for them to decorate after we ate. They were so cute!

Christmas Eve night, we went to Brad's parents house for dinner, exchanging gifts, and playing games. We had a great time!! We had been hearing "rumors" that we might get a little snow on Christmas day, but we were not really expecting it to happen...BUT, we woke up to a Winter Wonderland!!! After Brad and I had our traditional Christmas breakfast and gift exchange at home, we headed to my mom and dad's. Besides a little dusting we had one year when I was a child, it has never snowed on Christmas day in my life, so we were just as excited as the kids!

We had snow ball fights...

Built a giant snowman...

...and well, Sam mostly ate the snow! HA!!

And, this little girl thought her first snow experience was AWESOME!! Ellie was like a streak of lightning running around the yard in the snow!! HA!

We had such a fun day playing and laughing, eating yummy food, exchanging gifts, and watching Christmas movies!

We always have our Bailey Christmas gathering the day after Christmas. We stay all day long, and we have a wonderful time. This year we had it at the Bailey Farm, and got an awesome picture in the snow of EVERYONE - even my cousin came home from California for Christmas this year - with my grandparents house in the background...isn't it beautiful?! (I hi-jacked this picture from Lori's facebook page - thanks Lori!!) I really am so very blessed with an incredible family!!

After all the family gatherings, my immediate family went and stayed at the lake for 3 days and it was W.O.N.D.E.R.F.U.L. to sleep late and not have anywhere to be or anything to do but play and relax...and, I didn't take a single picture!

I hope that each of you had a blessed Christmas!

Receptions, Weddings, and Christmas Plays - Oh My!

2010-12-30T23:03:00.000-06:00

Hey y'all! I hope everyone had a wonderfully splendid Christmas filled with lots of love, joy, family, and friends!! My month was soooo incredibly busy with so many things going on that Christmas Day really snuck up on me. And, since I haven't shared many pics with y'all during the entire month, I thought I should catch you up to speed on what in the world has kept me so busy!

I had the pleasure of doing some floral arrangements and decorating for a 50th Wedding Anniversary reception of a very special couple in our church, Mr. and Mrs. Parker! Their family is so very special to us, and it was an honor to get to be a part of planning for this day for them. I sure do hope this will be Brad and I one day! :)

I didn't get a lot of pictures at the reception, but this was the main food table...

We also did a wedding this month (the weekend before Christmas - yes, we are COMPLETELY crazy!!!) It actually was at the church I grew up at, so it was fun to get to see soooo many familiar faces. The bride was one of "my girls" from way back when, and I taught her small group Bible Study group when she was in high school...so, it was really special to get to do her wedding! Congratulations, Jerika and Bo!!

The colors of the wedding were moss green (my FAVORITE color!!!), reds, and creamy white...it was so elegant and wintery and Christmasy!! This was one of the bridesmaids bouquets...

I HANDMADE these wreaths that lined the center aisle pews. They were made of different greenery and berries, and a wired scrolly "B" made of pearls hung in the middle of them. They were just beautiful (if I may say so myself)

The church already looked beautiful with all the Christmas decorations, so just adding a few flowers and candlelight was all that was needed.

We also did the reception and catering. My mom always does a FAB job with all the food!

And, last but most definitely not least we had a Christmas Program at church the week before Christmas. The cast of characters was primarily played by some of our children and teenagers, and they did a phenomenal job in "The Best Gift EVER!"

Goodness gracious, I'm wore out just telling you about all of that!! I can't wait to share with you tomorrow about the wonderful WHITE Christmas we had here in North Alabama!!!

Perspective

2010-12-21T22:56:00.007-06:00

Hey y'all!! Things have been quiet on the blog the past few days, but life has been VERY LOUD and BUSY!! I have lots of pictures and life tidbits to share with you (tomorrow hopefully) about what we have been completely engrossed in the past week - an anniversary reception, a wedding, church Christmas program, school Christmas stuff, still doing home renovations, and...oh yeah, getting ready for CHRISTMAS!!! Y'all, I am SO TIRED...so very tired. Yes, physically, but mentally I'm just pooped. The past several weeks have kinda just been a blur with all that has been going on. Tonight, I sat down in the middle of a store while Christmas shopping. I was looking for the LAST present to be bought, and after having looked and looked and looked I could not find this one thing that I had hoped to get. I felt completely overwhelmed and as I waited for a call back from Brad for an alternate gift idea, I just plopped down. I had not really been paying attention to what music was playing in the store until I took my seat, but as I sat I heard the quiet melody of "Silent night, holy night...all is calm, all is bright...". I first chuckled in my head at the irony of such a tender song about the night Jesus was born playing in a store that was full of loud shoppers bustling around to purchase the last of their Christmas gifts, completely oblivious to a song talking about a "holy infant so tender and mild". But, the more I thought about it, don't we find ourselves in that state all too often? So focused on the 'here and now' that our perspective of real life is off kilter and the thought of "heavenly peace" is far from our minds?

I know what Christmas is all about - I talk about Jesus and His birth often during this season. I even wrote in many of my Christmas cards about experiencing the joy of the miracle of His coming. But, yet I find myself wrapped up in gift buying, decorating, and the obligatory get togethers that sometimes I don't give the MIRACLE of the birth of JESUS the attention and praise and admiration it deserves.

Thank you, Lord for reminding me of that silent night, Holy night on this very un-silent, very busy night!!

I read a post tonight by Leslie at Goodbye House, Hello Home that is EXACTLY what I feel like. When a post is titled Mary Did You Know Bethlehem Doesn't Have a Hobby Lobby? , you knows it's gonna be good!! I wanted to share my most favorite part, but please by all means click on over to read the whole post. Awesome, Leslie!!

2,000 years ago, our dying race was given the most beautiful present ever imaginable. Was it wrapped in polka-dotted ribbon? With a glittery tag? Was this gift placed under a dazzling tree?

Nope.

This gift lay in a mucky, lightless, unbeautified and unembellished barn. Mary did not visit Hobby Lobby or Michael's for ribbon, wreaths or bulbs. Joseph wasn't up on the roof attaching light strands with thatch clips. I am pretty sure that there wasn't any eggnog or wassail to imbibe.

But what we ARE told is that this night, the light of the world came to us. This night, the neighborhood was visited by it's first ever Heavenly carolers. This night, heaven came to earth and emancipated it.

I can still deck our halls and hang the mistletoe. But, as I sing along with each hymn, display each shining item that I have found on sale or in a box on someone's driveway, as I liberate the crafts designed years ago by my toddler's fingers and arrange and rearrange the lights on the bushes, I will remember that the reason I treasure this season so much is that my Jesus is the true light of the world, the creative embellisher, the original beautifier and liberator of treasures, emancipator of souls.

He is the gift to my heart.

And Hobby Lobby has nothing on sale that compares to that.

And I'll bet Mary would have said the same thing.

Holly Jolly Christmas

2010-12-13T23:13:00.089-06:00

Welcome to our home dressed up for the holidays!! These are a few of my most favorite things in our home this year...

My Willow Tree nativity set is on the dresser in our foyer area when you first walk in - Jesus is the reason for the season!!

Our fireplace and mantle is BRIGHT and FUN :)

I had to get new stockings this year so Ellie would have one that coordinated with mine and Brad's. I love that we added a paw print to her name.

As you could see on my mantle, I have a large collection of nutcrackers. Brad gives me one every year, and others have given them to me as gifts. I love the Joseph and Mary with Baby Jesus Nutcrackers that I got last year!

On our coffee table is my funky green twig basket filled with fun ornaments, and an arrangement with amaryllis, paper whites, maiden hair fern, and lots of bright green moss.

Nothing will make me feel more in the Christmas spirit than to smell fresh pine and cedar! I love to tuck it in all sorts of containers around the house. (Yes, these are fresh flowers...a delightful thing about doing floral designs for events all the time is having a few flowers left over to use in my own house!!)

I also collect Department 56 "Christmas in the City" village. Here are just a FEW pieces...

On to the kitchen!! A little holiday cheer in my window sill...

...and, a few cute tea towels hanging on the oven.

In our dining room, I have all sorts of cute Christmas platters and at the bottom I have a CANDY BAR!!!

I started this last year, and it was a huge hit! When friends and family stop by during the holidays, I like to have a little something special for them when they leave. I have out treat bags and napkins and tell people to help themselves to take a treat with them. And, of course the 4 Favorites LOVE visiting this little sweet spot!

This is a cute little sign that a local artist made...so cute!! You can check her stuff out here.

This is the only tree I decided to put up this year. I normally have several up, but decided this year one tree would be just fine...however, this is not the best picture of it - oh well, you get the idea :)

Of course, we have to have a little Christmas happy in the bathroom too! This moss and berry topiary is one of a set of two that I made several years ago...it's amazing what I can do with a hot glue gun!!

I'm not big on Santa Claus, but I think this one is a cutie!

I just love everything about this sign that's hanging on the closet doors of our hall closet!

And, this little girl is the best Christmas decoration there is :)

From our home to yours, we hope you and your family have a Christmas filled with the JOY of the Lord!! Merry Christmas!

If you would like to see other homes in the Christmas Tour of Homes, check out the Nester and Kelly's Korner.

I Need a Silent Night

2010-12-12T21:29:00.000-06:00

I had not ever heard this song until tonight, but it is EXACTLY how I feel this Christmas season...not so much about the whole shopping scene because I have not had to do as much shopping this year. But, the feeling of being soooo BUSY..All the hustle bustle, and not a minute to take a break...feeling completely overwhelmed.

JESUS is the reason for the season. I want to bask in that - to celebrate His coming, to prepare my heart for what that means, to rejoice in what it all means.

Lord, I need a silent night, a holy night. To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise. I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here. To end this crazy day with a silent night.

I've made the same mistake before

Too many malls, too many stores
December traffic, Christmas rush
It breaks me till I push and shove

Children are crying while mothers are trying
To photograph Santa and sleigh
The shopping and buying and standing forever in line
What can I say?

I need a silent night, a holy night
To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here
To end this crazy day with a silent night

December comes then disappears
Faster and faster every year
Did my own mother keep this pace
Or was the world a different place?
Where people stayed home wishing for snow
Watching three channels on their TV
Look at us now rushing around
Trying to buy Christmas peace

I need a silent night, a holy night
To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here
To end this crazy day with a silent night

What was it like back there in Bethlehem
With peace on earth, good will toward men?

Every shepherd's out in the field
Keeping watch over their clock by night
And the glory of the Lord shone around them
And they were so afraid

And the angels said fear not for behold
I bring you good news of a great joy that shall be for all people
For unto you is born this day a Savior, who is Christ the Lord
And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace

I need a silent night, a holy night
To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here
To end this crazy day with a silent night
To end this crazy day with a silent night

Ultimate Comfort on a COLD Day

2010-12-06T21:25:00.000-06:00

Today has been soooo cold in North Alabama...at least to us it has been. When it's this cold, there's only one thing I want to eat - a steaming hot bowl of homemade Chicken Noodle Soup and a piece of Broccoli Cheese Cornbread. Yes, I said Broccoli Cheese Cornbread. It is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!!! Don't turn your nose up, or think it's weird....it is so incredibly yummy! It's is the ULTIMATE comfort food - it's always the first thing I want to eat when I'm not feeling well. I don't know why, but it's rare for me to cook it any other time than when I make chicken noodle soup...as good as it is, you would think I would make it all the time!!

So, I thought I would share the wonderful cornbready goodness with y'all! A dear family friend gave me this recipe when I got married...thank you SO MUCH Carla - it's one of mine and Brad's FAVORITES!!!

Broccoli Cheese Cornbread

1 8oz. box Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix

2 eggs (I'm a brown egg kind of girl, but you by all means can go the basic white route)

1/2 c milk (I use whole milk for this, but I'm sure skim or 2% would be fine)

1 stick butter, melted

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 onion, chopped

1/2 box frozen broccoli

Preheat oven to 325. Combine Jiffy mix, eggs, and milk. Add cheese, onion, and broccoli and stir to coat. Add butter a little at a time to temper the batter; stirring ingredients to incorporate butter. Pour in GREASED 9x13 and bake for 50 minutes. Let cool and cut in to squares.

This is BEST after it has sat and cooled...not like regular cornbread and best straight out of the oven. Let set for a good 15 minutes to give it time to set up.

Oh, y'all...you'll be thanking me for this one just like I'm thanking Carla almost 10 years and a jazillion pans later....mercy, it's good!!

We ARE the Champions!!!

2010-12-04T18:51:00.000-06:00

WOOOOOOHOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! Our Tigers played an AWESOME game against the Gamecocks, and won the SEC Championship title!!!

And, we should be on the road to Glendale, Arizona to battle for the National Championship in January!! It's a GREAT day to be an Auburn Tiger, and I'm proud to be in the Auburn Family!

WARRRR EAGLE, HEY!

30 Days of Thanks...Sweet Endings

2010-11-30T22:15:00.001-06:00

Today is November 30th. The past 30 days my thoughts have been geared towards being thankful. What a blessing it has been to be in a mental state of thankfulness. It's reminded me to be thankful in the BIG things, as well as the small things.

On this last day of my thankfulness posts, I'm thankful for YOU. For those of you that take the time to read this crazy little blog about our lives. It's so humbling to know that there are people interested enough in what's going on with us to continue to read. I write like no one is reading, and am suprised every time someone tells me they read my blog. Every. single. time.

I know that you each check in for different things - maybe it's just because your curious, maybe to see about a recipe, maybe because you're on a journey of waiting with hope too, maybe because you're interested in finding out about the newest mess I've gotten myself in to, maybe to see the last event or flowers that have been arranged, or maybe for something else that I haven't even thought of. Whatever the reason you stop by Reflections of Grace, thank you! I hope that you always find this to be a place to hear truth, to be inspired creatively and/or spiritually, and that His grace in our lives would be reflected in every word read.

I hope that this month's posts have helped you to turn your heart and mind toward a state of living in thankfulness. God always has a funny way of teaching me things. During this month, my life has been more hectic than I can ever remember it being. I have been stressed, tired, and overwhelmed. It's been CRAZY. Isn't it funny that He would put on my heart to seek thankfulness in a month that would end up being like that?? Somedays it's been hard to think about being thankful, because I've been consumed with life around me. BUT, God helped me to see that amidst chaos and stress there is STILL soooo much to be thankful for. It's been a heart piercing learning experience, and I've felt the sting of thankfulness much more than I would have if the month had just been rosy. Thank you, Lord for helping me to understand even what it means to be thankful.

It's been a blessed month! Thanks for staying with me :)

30 Days of Thanks...Day 29

2010-11-29T23:36:00.000-06:00

Peace.

Solitude.

Rest.

Quiet.

Oh how very thankful I am today for a day at home, away from the world to recoop from the weekend. It's rainy and cold, and I've been able to snuggle up with my little Ellie, watch reruns, do a little pre-holiday casseroles for the freezer, and clean my kitchen. No one has needed anything from me today - no questions that needed to be answered, no decisions to be made, no flowers to be arranged, no children to teach. I've needed rest physically and mentally, and how very thankful I am to have been given this day to do just that!

When I was on Facebook earlier, I read one of my friend's status' that just spoke to my heart:

"God is so good. He has provided for me and loved me even when I was so unloveable. Thank you Lord. I pray I can love like you love today and give like you give....You are my King. Thanks for another day to work."

Oh how I pray that I can have that attitude every day - a thankfulness for another day to work for Him, instead of dreading morning because of what the day holds.

Father, thank you for this day of rest and renewal. Thank you for loving me. I pray I can love like you love today and give like you give. You are my King. Thanks for another day to work!

30 Days of Thanks...Day 28

2010-11-28T22:41:00.002-06:00

Y'all, I can't believe I've missed my "30 Days of Thanks" posts the past 3 days!! Life has been jam packed, and not a minute free to even think about blogging...I've actually not even seen a computer since I posted on Wednesday until now!!

Soooo, what have I been doing that's taken up every waking minute of my life the past several days??? Getting ready for a day that we have prayed to come for so many years - how very thankful I am to have the honor of being a part of Lori and Brandon's WEDDING DAY!!! YEA!!!

If you remember, not only was I a bridesmaid, but we also did the floral designs and catering for the wedding and reception!! One word - WHEW!!! Boy, are we T.I.R.E.D. But, it was absolutely gorgeous, and everything I hope Lori hoped it would be. The wedding was in a BEAUTIFUL little town with gorgeous old buildings. All the flowers were in shades of reds and greens, and lots and lots of fresh cedar and berries.

I was a little bit occupied with arranging flowers, helping in the kitchen, getting my hair and make up done, and having my picture made to take pictures of everything like I normally do, but I did snap a few quick pics of some of the flowers. Hopefully I can borrow some from others that were taking pictures and share with y'all soon!

I was so very thankful for Brad and how much he helped me during the wedding...he's the best! :)

Valerie, myself, and Carolyne...our dresses were black with champagne sashes; Carolyne's was in the same colors, just opposite of ours. They were so pretty!

Lori and Brandon left in a horse drawn carriage, and do you notice something that appears to be coming from the sky?? They had a SNOW machine at the front door when they left the reception - it was magical! And, look close to see Lori's RED shoes...LOVE it!! I ~~stole~~ borrowed Lori's shoes while she was getting ready and all the bridesmaids and a few other special ladies wrote congratulatory wishes on the soles!

It was a fairy tale wedding, and I'm so thankful for what the Lord has done in Lori and Bradon's lives bringing them together!! To God be the glory!

30 Days of Thanks...Day 24

2010-11-24T22:31:00.000-06:00

Today I'm thankful for simple pleasures. Things that can turn a stressful morning into a little bit more manageable day...moments that just make you smile :)

And, today my simple pleasure was a wonderfully sweet, scrumptious pleasure. If you haven't been introduced to Chick-Fil-A's Peppermint Chocolate Chip Milkshake, you have missed OUT!!

In the words of Martha, It's a Good Thing!!

30 Days of Thanks...Day 23

2010-11-23T23:04:00.001-06:00

Today, I am so thankful for FRIENDS!! People that encourage me, inspire me, are there for me, and always make me laugh!

I'm often reminded that many times friends are closer than family, and I would definitely count many of my friends as my family.

So blessed to have wonderful people in my life :)

30 Days of Thanks...Day 22

2010-11-22T23:39:00.000-06:00

Today, I'm thankful for my Bradley! He works SO HARD for our little family, and it makes me so very proud of him! The past couple of months has been really busy for him - more so than normal. We are doing a good bit of renovations to our home (pictures to come soon!) and we are doing everything ourselves. He is in Seminary taking 2 extremely difficult classes this semester. He has a very demanding job - demanding of his time, attention, energy. And, Youth ministry!! WHEW...Sometimes, I wonder how on earth he does what he does.

I love him more each day, and thank God for him every single day. He's by far my favorite :)

How thankful I am the Lord put us in each other's lives 9 1/2 years ago!! How blessed we are :)

I love you, Bradley!!

30 Days of Thanks...Day 21

2010-11-21T23:00:00.000-06:00

Thank you Lord for all of your MANY blessings in my life!!! We had our Community Thanksgiving Service tonight, and I was reminded how often it is to see the sadness, heartaches, frustrations, hurt, loss, and many rough spots that we go through...but, you know what? There are too many blessings in our lives to even begin to count them. So, today I give God the glory for all awesome things in my life He has blessed me with! Thank you, Lord for reminding me of that!!!!

And, this songs sums it all up...I have always loved this song so much by Rachael Lampa - "I Am Blessed" - so I just had to share it with y'all :) Happy Sunday!!

I may never climb a mountain,

So I could see the world from there.

I may never ride the waves,

And taste the salty ocean air.

Or build a bridge,

That would last a hundred years.

But no matter where the road leads,

One thing is always clear....

(chorus)

I am blessed,

From when I rise up in the morning,

'Till I lay my head to rest,

I feel you near me,

You sooth me when I'm weary.

Oh, Lord,

For all the worst and all the best,

I am blessed.

All along the road less traveled,

I have crawled and I have run.

I have wandered through the winds and rains,

Until I found the sun.

But watching eyes,

Asked me why,

I walk this narrow way,

I will gladly give the reason,

For the hope I have today....

(chorus)

You've given me joy,

You've given me love,

You give me stength,

When I want to give up.

You came from heaven,

To rescue my soul.

This is the reason,

I know,

I know.

(chorus)

30 Days of Thanks...Day 20

2010-11-20T23:40:00.000-06:00

I'm thankful for a wonderful day today with some of my favorite ladies! We had a "Fall Garden Party Luncheon" with Lori today for all the bridesmaids and her closest friends before the big day next weekend. We all wore our hats and pearls, and had so much fun! It doesn't matter how old you are, it's always fun to dress up :)

My mother looked like a true Southern belle...doesn't she look beautiful?? And, Valerie didn't look too bad either ;)

Lori with our gracious host, Ms. Tammy! LOVED her hat!!

The party should have been in a Southern Lady magazine...it was sooooo cute!! Lots and lots of details that I didn't even get a picture of, but here are some of my favorites. The "Thankful Tree" where we each wrote Lori a note of why we were thankful for her, then we clipped them to the tree. Also loved the white pumpkins with Lori and Brandon's initials!

I wanted to grab this cotton bouquet and run with it!!! HA!! It was made out of cotton and had pearls mixed in the cotton, with small tree branches sprayed white for the "stems"...LOVE IT!!!

Of course I would love a wreath! Tammy had used all different pictures of Lori and Brandon in a sepia tone color to make this "Happily Ever After" wreath. It was hanging on an old door behind the food table.

This picture does not do the food table justice...of course, it doesn't help that I took this picture AFTER we ate!

Me with my 2 sisters :)

It was a great day! So thankful to get to share it with Lori!!

This next week is going to be lots of fun and CRAZY BUSY!!! Have I told y'all our special events business, Judith B. and Company, will be doing the catering and floral designs...AND, Valerie and I are both in the wedding?? This is definitely a first - we have done LOTS of weddings, lots of catering, and lots of flowers...but, never have we been bridesmaids in a wedding we are doing...um, during the week of Thanksgiving at that!! I wouldn't do it for anyone else though, than Lori!

30 Days of Thanks...Day 19

2010-11-19T23:46:00.000-06:00

Thankful today for people that make me laugh. Laughter is truly good for the soul :)

One of those good ol' laughing fits where you have tears streaming down your face, stomach hurting, and nothing in the world could stop you from laughing at that moment...it just makes me you feel so much better :)

And, just in case you haven't had a good laugh lately, you need to watch and hear this baby laughing. It'll make you at least crack a grin and chuckle...

30 Days of Thanks...Day 18

2010-11-18T23:01:00.000-06:00

Yea!! So thankful tomorrow is FRIDAY...that means no more school (for me anyway) until after Thanksgiving AND my house gets clean tomorrow by my sweet Elena! :) What a blessing!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Friday full of thanks!

30 Days of Thanks...Day 17

2010-11-17T23:15:00.001-06:00

Today, I'm thankful for "my girls". So blessed to be called to work beside Brad and teach these girls about loving Jesus, loving others, and loving themselves.

We have an AWESOME group of children and teenagers, and we feel like they are all of "ours". But, my group of girls are extra special to me (no offense boys!!)...that's where my heart for ministry is, and rightfully so.

They teach me so much, and I love to hear how they see the world through their eyes. I'm thankful to have a close relationship with each of them, and they feel like they can share their hearts with me.

And, Lord have mercy they make me laugh!! So so so very blessed to be a part of their lives!!

I love you, girls!

30 Days of Thanks...Day 16

2010-11-16T23:30:00.000-06:00

Today I'm thankful for my Daddy who turned the big 6-0 today!!!!!!!!!

We love you so much and are so thankful to call you Daddy!!! We hope you have a wonderful birthday!

30 Days of Thanks...Day 15

2010-11-15T22:34:00.000-06:00

Thankful for this beautiful season of autumn!! Oh how I love it...

photo credit

~ I love the colors of the trees...I didn't take the picture above, but if I had had my camera with me as I rode to church yesterday, this would have been a similar scene of the gorgeous view as I drove up the mountain.

~ I love pumpkins on my porch...just makes me smile :)

~ I love the crisp, cool nights

~ I love to come home to a steaming hot pot of soup and some corn bread...I usually only make soup in the fall and winter, and it's so comforting.

~ I love the smell (and taste!!) of hot apple cider...ahhh!

~ I love to spend Saturdays watching SEC football!!

~ I love to wear comfy sweaters

~ I love having a season that reminds me to be thankful!!

30 Days of Thanks...Day 14

2010-11-14T22:44:00.000-06:00

Today I'm so very thankful for a quiet weekend at home...ALL...WEEKEND...LONG. That NEVER happens in the crazy busy world of the Powells. But, when they come it is sheer bliss. And, this low-key weekend couldn't have came at a better time. After having a rough week last week, and knowing the B.U.S.Y. weeks that are right around the corner involving Thanksgiving, wedding(s), Christmas, and all the hustle bustle that comes with all of that - we needed a weekend to catch our breaths and just be at home.

And, boy did we enjoy watching our Tigers win another game to make them the SEC West Champs!! Can I get a WARRRR EAGLE!!!!!!!

30 Days of Thanks...Day 13

2010-11-13T23:49:00.000-06:00

After getting flower orders and last minute details in order today, I can't help but be so thankful that my dear cousin (much more of a sister and friend though) Lori has found Mr. Right and will be tying the knot 2 WEEKS from today!!!!

I'm so happy for her, and that God saw fit - at the most perfect time - to send her the love of her life.

I can't wait for the big day!! :)

30 Days of Thanks...Day 12

2010-11-12T22:24:00.002-06:00

Isn't it amazing when you start something, that Satan tries to take your eyes and focus away? This week has been hard - hard to stay focused on being thankful, hard to keep my mind in a state of thankfulness...just plain hard. I have been incredibly overwhelmed and frustrated about different things, and those are the thoughts I have had to FIGHT...realize that some things are out of my control...and, search for thankfulness in the midst of chaos.

But, you know what? As much power as Satan has, God has a MILLION times more power. When we truly ask from our heart for help...comfort...peace...understanding...the Will to fight the negative just comes. God will never leave us nor fosake us - He's there. We just ask, and He's willing. And the awesome thing - He WANTS us to call on Him.

So, today I'm thankful for a God that is always here for me, ready and waiting to step in and fix what I have messed up. For a God that ALWAYS will out do what Satan may have tried to do in our hearts and minds.

I'm thankful for the times that God allows me to get in a "funk" just so I am reminded that I can always count on Him to be there.

Thank you, Lord for loving me inspite of everything. For always being my comforter, and the peacemaker in my heart!

30 Days of Thanks...Day 11

2010-11-11T23:34:00.000-06:00

Thankful today for this sweet girl...what a blessing she has been to our little family! She brings us hours of entertainment, is always SO HAPPY to see us, and loves snuggle up close :) We love our Ellie!

30 Days of Thanks...Day 10

2010-11-10T21:56:00.004-06:00

Y'all, I contemplated earlier today posting I was just thankful today was over...whew, it has been a doozy. I could totally relate to Alexander today...

But, once again I found myself being thankful - blessed - in the midst of what would typically be written off as an emotionally draining, frustrating, beating-your-head-against-a-brick-wall kind of day. I got in my car, and was really telling the Lord what a rotten day it had been, and my radio came on blaring music (typical)...and, you know what? It was like breathing peace into my soul. I love how music can do that to you - it can comfort you, prick your heart, make you instantly happy, bring a memory, bring peace. It's like an old friend that knows you oh so well - and, it doesn't hurt to have a Heavenly Father that uses it to speak to your heart.

So, today I'm thankful for my music that I love so very much :) And, I adore this song by Francesca Battistelli (isn't that just the coolest name??) which happened to be the song blaring out my speakers today, and the words are SOOOO my life (yeah, except the first line that says "twenty years of age and I'm still looking for a dream - how 'bout trying "twenty NINE years of age and I'm still looking for a dream!)...isn't that amazing? God always has a way of doing that, doesn't He? Hope you enjoy the song (lyrics following)...

At twenty years of age I'm still looking for a dream

A war's already waged for my destiny
But You've already won the battle
And You've got great plans for me
Though I can’t always see

(Chorus)
‘Cause I got a couple dents in my fender
Got a couple rips in my jeans
Try to fit the pieces together
But perfection is my enemy
On my own I'm so clumsy
But on Your shoulders I can see
I'm free to be me

When I was just a girl I thought I had it figured out
My life would turn out right, and I'd make it here somehow
But things don't always come that easy
And sometimes I would doubt

(Chorus)

And you’re free to be you
Sometimes I believe that I can do anything
Yet other times I think I've got nothing good to bring
But You look at my heart and You tell me
That I've got all You seek
And it’s easy to believe
Even though

(Chorus)

30 Days of Thanks...Day 9

2010-11-09T22:07:00.000-06:00

Thankful to have these 2 very special ladies in my life - my mama and my sister. Where on earth I would be without them, only God knows!!

Thankful for their love, friendship, example that they set for me, prayers they pray for me, and the many many laughs that we have shared. Thankful for our willingness to do whatever we have to for each other - because that's just who we are. Thankful that I can count on the two of them no matter what pickle I have found myself in - they'll be there to help me figure out what to do. There are few days that I can remember not talking to them, and most days it is at least 2 or 3 times...and, I wouldn't have it any other way! I love that we all know instantly by a sigh, a sound in each other's voices, or a look how each other's day has been. We are connected not just by blood, but by our love and friendship...and, that's what I'm most thankful for.

30 Days of Thanks...Day 8

2010-11-08T21:11:00.000-06:00

Today I'm thankful for those small opportunities the Lord gives us to be a part of something much bigger than we are. Whether it's being able to help someone in need at Christmas, give money to a friend doing mission work, or helping take care of a child for a while when parents have extenuating circumstances...each of these may seem "small" to us that are on the giving end, but much much "bigger" to those receiving. I'm thankful He gives us those opportunities...it always seems in the beginning we are blessing someone else, but in the end we are the ones that received the blessing.

Thank you, Lord!

30 Days of Thanks...Day 7

2010-11-07T20:35:00.000-06:00

Happy Sunday!! Our first week of November has already came and went so incredibly fast!! Have you been thinking about what you're thankful for?? I've really enjoyed sharing what I'm thankful for each day...if you're bored with my 30 Days of Thanks, I'll be back to my normal posts in December...but, stick around - who knows, you might catch yourself being thankful for the little things each day :)

Today, I'm thankful for something that the Lord has reminded me of the past 2 Sundays. Last week, Brad preached a sermon about obedience...this week, we had missionaries visit our church and share about their experiences on the mission field. In each of the 3 missionaries that shared, there was a common thread in their stories - obedience and trust. The missionary that spoke tonight used the exact phrase that Brad used last week in his sermon - "God doesn't need our abilities, He needs our availability."

We so often feel like we are not smart enough, not talented enough, we don't speak well in front of others, we are uncomfortable sharing our faith, someone will think we are stupid, and a jazillion other things that we get in our heads that are the reason we can't do something for God. But, He doesn't want our abilities, because you know what? On our own, we would fail...miserably. All He wants of us is to be willing to be available to be used by Him. He will do all the work in us and through us...we just have to be available.

Thank you, Lord for reminding me of how you need me to just be available...be willing...to be used by You. I am yours!

30 Days of Thanks...Day 6

2010-11-06T23:30:00.000-05:00

I am sooo thankful tonight that we get to ROLL our clocks BACK, and get an extra hour of sleep!!!

We helped my sister and brother-in-law move today, and the best gift we could have been given was an extra hour in the day!! Don't forget to roll your clock back...or, you may be the first to arrive at church in the morning...

30 Days of Thanks...Day 5 - The Birthday Girl

2010-11-05T22:46:00.000-05:00

Today, I'm thankful for this very special birthday girl!

The youngest of our 4 Favorites - our little Kenedi - turns the big 4 on Sunday!!

She is a funny little thing, and NEVER misses anything!! We're so thankful to have her in our lives :)

And, she absolutely LOVES Ellie Jane...she would keep her if we would let her!! It was a definite that Ellie was invited to the birthday party :)

Happy Birthday, Kenedi!! We love you!

30 Days of Thanks...Day 4

2010-11-04T21:48:00.000-05:00

Thankful today for my sweet Carolyne and her funny little personality. She keeps me on my toes, and keeps us all laughing. All of her "Carolyne-isms" should be written in a book :)

I love you, Carolyne Kay!

30 Days of Thanks...Day 3

2010-11-03T23:39:00.000-05:00

Thankful today for my little family!! Thankful for what God is doing in our lives right now, and the doors that He is opening for us...and, thankful I get to share it with a wonderful man and sweet little "fur-baby" Miss Ellie Jane!

Thank you, Lord for Your blessings!

30 Days of Thanks...Day 2

2010-11-02T22:39:00.001-05:00

Thankful today for those people in my life that immediately remind me that I'm loved and cared for...not by saying it, but by showing it. For those people that ask, "How are you doing?" and genuinely want to know how life is, not just making small talk. For those that call at random to say, "I've been praying for you, and I know God has a plan for you - don't give up."

I'm thankful to not just have them in my life, but to have been blessed to know them at all.

30 Days of Thanks...starts NOW!

2010-11-01T19:18:00.001-05:00

What does the word "thanksgiving" mean to you? Does it bring images of turkey and sweet potatoes with everyone gathered around the table...pilgrims and indians....football...parades...or, maybe even shopping on Black Friday?? Or, does it bring you to a place of being overwhelmingly grateful, appreciative, pleased, blessed?

Last year, I chose to do a post of "thanks" each week during the month of November...but, there were soooo many more things that I could have posted about. So, I decided this year to try to do a post each day of the month about something I'm thankful for.

So, today on November 1st, following an entire month of receiving cards, letters, child drawn pictures, sweet gifts, and words of encouragement and love in honor of Pastor Appreciation Month...I'm completely overwhelmed with thankfulness for our church family.

Yesterday marked 4 years that Brad and I have served at Mount Vernon - WOW! It has been a learning and growing experience for us in our ministry, and we are reminded over and over how very BLESSED we are to do what we do!!

To some, Children and Youth Ministry may just seem like we're just playing loud music and doing crazy stuff all the time...but it's SOOO MUCH MORE than that.

It's learning, growing, building relationships, and sharing Christ in any way that we can.

How thankful I am for a church that "gets" that. That appreciates what we do, and supports us soooo much!! We are beyond words grateful!!

So, what about you...are you up to the challenge of dedicating a month to thanks??

Happy, Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T22:42:00.002-05:00

We had a great Halloween! I don't like scary Halloween stuff - just the fun costumes, candy, and yummy fall food. Brad and I live in a fantastic neighborhood for trick or treating, so our family always comes and hangs out at our house to eat and see all the cuties dressed up :)

We had lots of trick or treaters, but the cutest were these 3 princesses and 1 particular super hero...

...and, this little pumpkin stole the show! She absolutely had a ball watching all the kids - she's such a little social butterfly! HA!

And, I couldn't NOT share some of my fall decorations! Y'all know how I love to dec out the porch each season...

I LOVE how my pumpkin topiaries turned out!! I used 3 different kinds/colors/sizes of pumpkins, put them in 2 big black urns, and stuffed reindeer moss around the edges.

Cute, cute, cute!!

I hope all of you had a fun HALLOWEEN!! It's hard to believe tomorrow is the first day of November - this year has went soooo fast! Since November is the month we celebrate Thanksgiving, I'm going to challenge myself to post about something that I'm thankful for each day of the month...and, believe me I have PLENTY to be thankful for, so this won't be hard at all! Check back in tomorrow for my first post...

Be Our Guest!

2010-10-29T22:12:00.002-05:00

I am joining Kelly's Korner tour of guest rooms today!

We have 2 guest rooms ...

This room I just redid a few months ago. Everything is black, white, and red. This is the view from the hall -

I made yet another rag wreath (I'm not completely obsessed, I promise...just a little) with scraps of fabric I had in red, black, and white. The "P" in the middle of the wreath I got from Hobby Lobby and spray painted it black.

For the bedding, I used a white matelasse coverlet because I LOVE them - I have a coverlet on every bed in our house. The red is a minky dot comforter set that my sister bought and decided she didn't want to use...so, I gladly took it off her hands :) I got the white with black polka dots, black with white polka dots (my curtains), and black and white floral pattern at a local fabric store off the 50% off table!!

The furniture was my grandmother's (remember her dresser that's in my foyer? It's from this set.) I covered the vanity bench cushion with the floral and a pillow for the rocker.

I made the curtains with black and white polka dot fabric and added red ric rac trim to the bottom. They're simple and cute!

Our second guest room is red and white. I have had the bedding forever, but I still love it!

The furniture in this room was my childhood bedroom furniture. It was an antique when my parents bought it. I must have had a major memory loss when I was taking pictures in this room because I forgot to take pictures of the other pieces besides the bed, but to the left of the bed is a wardrobe with a full length mirror on the front. It's such a neat piece - I hope my children get to use it someday!

I love milk glass, and have several pieces including the lamp on the chest. And um, somehow I didn't get a picture of the other wall to the right, but I have several white plates hanging on each side of the window...just imagine in your head how pretty it must be! HA!

Okay, so now I'm ready for some guests! Thanks for stopping by :)

One WILD Night...

2010-10-27T23:27:00.000-05:00

***for all persons of the male species...be prepared for a very girly post of pictures containing lots of pink, fluff, florals, and feathers...not that all of my posts are not mostly girly, but still just wanted to prepare you.***

Lori's wedding is just right around the corner, and I have been so excited to get to host her Lingerie Shower! It was just her closest friends, so it was more like a fun girls night than a shower...we had SO MUCH FUN, and laughed more than I have in years!!

The theme of the party was "One WILD Night", so everything was animal prints with accents of hot pink and lime green. I made a rag wreath for the front door with tulle, zebra and cheetah print ribbon, and made a little sign for the middle. I will be posting soon on how to make a rag wreath - they're easy peasy, and lots of fun to put together!!

I set up the table to look like a bed, similar to what we did for Carolyne's slumber party...

I saw this idea in a magaizine, and had to do it - I covered this dress form with fresh zinnias and pom poms, and added tulle at the bottom for the skirt...it was sooo cute!!

Everyone got a boa to wear when they arrived, and I used one to make a little clothesline/garland for the mantle. The gifts sitting on the mantle were prizes for games we played...

...and, we had a BLAST playing some hilarious games! Lori was such a good sport!!!

It was a great night, and so fun to just be "with the girls"...sometimes you forget how important it is to be with your girlfriends!! Now, the countdown to the wedding BEGINS...4 1/2 weeks for Lori to become a Mrs.!! I can't wait :)

Fall Fun

2010-10-26T22:43:00.002-05:00

Last week was my Fall Break...it came and went so fast!!!! The beginning of the week Brad and I spent some time with my parents at the lake - we had a WONDERFUL time...and, I didn't even take my camera! The rest of the week I was gearing up for a F.U.L.L. weekend o' fun full of hosting a shower, Fall Fest at church, and grad school projects!!

We had an incredible Fall Fest!! Tons of children came and we had lots of different carnival games, inflatables (does anyone else remember when the only "inflatable" was the MoonWalk...and we thought it was the coolest thing EVER??!!), and of course lots of candy!!

All my sweet Acteen girls helped at the "Welcome Station", and Abby became the official tattoo artist (By the way - tattoos are sooooo much better than face paint, trust me!!!!) :)

We take every opportunity we can to share with our children about Jesus, and Brad shared a very special message using the patches of a scarecrow - it was a great teaching tool since we see scarecrows everywhere this time of year!

But, I have to give credit where credit is due...this idea was inspired by these bookmarks we got to use as a prize for one of the games. You can buy them here.

We enjoyed spending the day with our church friends and soooo many guests. A HUMONGOUS thanks to everyone that helped make this day such a success...from people who sent donations, helped with games, brought food, invited friends - each person played a part in helping us! We appreciate our church family SO MUCH!!! It was a great day!!