Today I am not feeling fabulous... so rather than being consumed on that, I am going to focus on what makes me happy in hopes that it will take my mind off things...
* Listening to my kids pray.
* Singing worship songs in my car.
* Holding hands with my husband.
* A good cup of coffee.
* Hearing I did a good job on something at work.
* Having my mom to bounce ideas off of.
* Facebook
* Sitting in a bubble bath, reading a book.
* A good talk with an old friend.
* The smell of my new favorite lotion "Dark Kiss" from Bath and Body Works.
* Daisies
* Getting a pedicure.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
3 Years Ago Today...
3 years ago today, I was introduced to my husband. It was a quiet night at home with the kids, we were just watching TV and hanging out when I got a text from my friend Mary asking if I was seeing someone. I had just started dating Ian again, but it had been an on/off relationship and never anything serious, so I told her nothing exlusive, why?
She told me she works with this guy that I would be perfect for. Uh, yeah... this had disaster written all over it. She told me a little about him and asked if she could give him my number. Sure, whatever. Didnt think a whole lot about it.
A little while later, I got a text saying "Hi, this is Bryan. I'm Mary's friend"... and we started talking and finding out some about each other. This went on for a couple days and he asked if we could meet for dinner that Friday after NYE. Sure, why not... but I had plans with my friends to go out dancing that night, but if we just went to dinner I'd have plenty of time.
We met at Iggy's in Layton. I remember being so nervous. I had never talked to him on the phone, only through text, but when we got there he gave me a hug hello and we went in to eat. We talked for hours, well past the time it took us to eat. Finally I had to go to get over to my friends house to go to SLC so we said goodbye and he said he'd talk to me tomorrow.
I guess when I got to Liz's I was beaming. She said I had a glow around me and she thought I should invite him dancing with us. Uh, ok. I love my friends, dont get me wrong... but they girls are loud and obnoxious (or were, at the time) and the guys were touchy feely. I guess we may as well throw him in b/c this was my life... time to see if he sinks or swims!
I sent him a text to see if he wanted to meet us at Port O'Call and he said yes... and the rest is history. Here we are 3 yrs later in a wonderful marriage and a family of 5. We are going to go to a movie tonight to celebrate, but Saturday is really our "anniversary date" b/c we are going to the Jazz game with great seats!
Thank you Lord, for putting this amazing man in my life. Everything is in Your time and I think my relationship with Bryan is a prime example of that. You put him in my life when I was ready to accept him and see what a good relationship could be. I am so grateful. Amen.
She told me she works with this guy that I would be perfect for. Uh, yeah... this had disaster written all over it. She told me a little about him and asked if she could give him my number. Sure, whatever. Didnt think a whole lot about it.
A little while later, I got a text saying "Hi, this is Bryan. I'm Mary's friend"... and we started talking and finding out some about each other. This went on for a couple days and he asked if we could meet for dinner that Friday after NYE. Sure, why not... but I had plans with my friends to go out dancing that night, but if we just went to dinner I'd have plenty of time.
We met at Iggy's in Layton. I remember being so nervous. I had never talked to him on the phone, only through text, but when we got there he gave me a hug hello and we went in to eat. We talked for hours, well past the time it took us to eat. Finally I had to go to get over to my friends house to go to SLC so we said goodbye and he said he'd talk to me tomorrow.
I guess when I got to Liz's I was beaming. She said I had a glow around me and she thought I should invite him dancing with us. Uh, ok. I love my friends, dont get me wrong... but they girls are loud and obnoxious (or were, at the time) and the guys were touchy feely. I guess we may as well throw him in b/c this was my life... time to see if he sinks or swims!
I sent him a text to see if he wanted to meet us at Port O'Call and he said yes... and the rest is history. Here we are 3 yrs later in a wonderful marriage and a family of 5. We are going to go to a movie tonight to celebrate, but Saturday is really our "anniversary date" b/c we are going to the Jazz game with great seats!
Thank you Lord, for putting this amazing man in my life. Everything is in Your time and I think my relationship with Bryan is a prime example of that. You put him in my life when I was ready to accept him and see what a good relationship could be. I am so grateful. Amen.
Monday, December 27, 2010
On the 12th Day of Christmas My Blog Swap Friend Gave to Me...
a beautiful necklace... it has 2 charms on it, one is silver and says "Believe" and the other is gold with a cross. I LOVE it!!!!
I am so thankful for everything my Swap Partner got me. Thank you so much Jenny. It's been a lot of fun :)
I am so thankful for everything my Swap Partner got me. Thank you so much Jenny. It's been a lot of fun :)
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
On the 11th day of Christmas my blog swap friend gave to me...
a really cool Psalms calendar. It has a verse for every day and it's small enough that when I rip them off, I can put it in my bible case if I want to save it.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
On the 10th Day of Christmas my Blog Swap Friend Gave to Me...
a husband that isn't grumpy... No, I'm just teasing... although that is what I sang to him this morning as I was trying to wake him up when he didnt need to (he took the day off) just after he hit me with the pillow. LOL
Seriously, Jenny got me a beautiful journal. The funny thing was as soon as I opened it I thought "What a lovely place to put some of my favorite quotes and bible verses" and then I remembered her note saying to look at the front page b/c she wrote something in it for me... and it was a bible verse. Simply amazing.
Seriously, Jenny got me a beautiful journal. The funny thing was as soon as I opened it I thought "What a lovely place to put some of my favorite quotes and bible verses" and then I remembered her note saying to look at the front page b/c she wrote something in it for me... and it was a bible verse. Simply amazing.
Monday, December 20, 2010
On the 9th Day of Christmas my Blog Swap Friend Gave to Me...
A Breast Cancer Awareness Bunco Game!
I am not sure I have ever played before but I know a lot of the gals from church do and it sounds like a lot of fun. My in-laws always play games on New Years Eve, so I think I am going to take it over there to play with them. Very cool gift!
I am not sure I have ever played before but I know a lot of the gals from church do and it sounds like a lot of fun. My in-laws always play games on New Years Eve, so I think I am going to take it over there to play with them. Very cool gift!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
On the 7th and 8th Days of Christmas my Blog Swap Friend Gave to Me...
A pair of lounge socks infused with vanilla and shea butter and a bottle of lotion, both from Bath and Body Works. Yay!!
Sorry it's a little burry... Drew took it for me :)
This stuff is great! I went back and got the bubble bath to match.
Friday, December 17, 2010
All About Forgiveness
The dictionary definition of Forgiveness:
for·give·ness /fərˈgɪvnɪs/
[fer-giv-nis]
–noun
1. act of forgiving; state of being forgiven.
2. disposition or willingness to forgive.
Origin:
bef. 900; ME forgifenesse, OE forgifennys. See forgive, -ness
—Related forms
pre·for·give·ness, noun
Bible Verses About Forgiveness:
"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
Matthew 6:14-15 New International Version
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
1 John 1:9 New International Version
"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace."
Ephesians 1:7 New International Version
Forgiveness has been on my mind a lot lately... A lot of things are going on around me that are terrible and heartbreaking. A lot of broken, hurting people and it makes me wonder about the whole aspect of forgiving.
If you forgive someone, do you have to forget what they did? If you forgive them, does it mean you are ok with their actions? I guess all I can do is just keep remembering that its not my place to judge them... God has called us to love our brothers inspite of their weaknesses and faults. God sent His son to die for our sins... all of them, not the little ones or the ones that arent "too bad"... all of them. If God can forgive, who am I not to?
I dont know how I would react in the situation that some of my friends are in; and I pray that I never have to deal with that; however I will just continue to love on them and support them in any way I can. My prayers are with the hurting people around me.
Lord, comfort them. Show your mercy to them. Just hold them and love them and let them know that with You, they will be ok. Amen.
for·give·ness /fərˈgɪvnɪs/
[fer-giv-nis]
–noun
1. act of forgiving; state of being forgiven.
2. disposition or willingness to forgive.
Origin:
bef. 900; ME forgifenesse, OE forgifennys. See forgive, -ness
—Related forms
pre·for·give·ness, noun
Bible Verses About Forgiveness:
"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
Matthew 6:14-15 New International Version
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
1 John 1:9 New International Version
"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace."
Ephesians 1:7 New International Version
Forgiveness has been on my mind a lot lately... A lot of things are going on around me that are terrible and heartbreaking. A lot of broken, hurting people and it makes me wonder about the whole aspect of forgiving.
If you forgive someone, do you have to forget what they did? If you forgive them, does it mean you are ok with their actions? I guess all I can do is just keep remembering that its not my place to judge them... God has called us to love our brothers inspite of their weaknesses and faults. God sent His son to die for our sins... all of them, not the little ones or the ones that arent "too bad"... all of them. If God can forgive, who am I not to?
I dont know how I would react in the situation that some of my friends are in; and I pray that I never have to deal with that; however I will just continue to love on them and support them in any way I can. My prayers are with the hurting people around me.
Lord, comfort them. Show your mercy to them. Just hold them and love them and let them know that with You, they will be ok. Amen.
On the 6th Day of Christmas my Blog Swap Friend Gave to Me...
One of her favorite books!
When Jenny and I first started talking, we found out that we both share a love of books. I am so excited to start reading this one. I hadnt heard of it before... so I cant wait to see what its about!
When Jenny and I first started talking, we found out that we both share a love of books. I am so excited to start reading this one. I hadnt heard of it before... so I cant wait to see what its about!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
On the 5th Day of Christmas my Blog Swap Friend Gave to Me...
YUMMY candy!!
I laugh because the kids are so into this... Ty reads the letter. Drew wears the packaging. They fight over who they think gets the first candy, although they are nuts if they think I'm sharing. LOL
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Encouraging Word 12/15/10
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God.
~ Ephesians 2:8, NLT
Amen to that!!!
~ Ephesians 2:8, NLT
Amen to that!!!
On the 4th Day of Christmas my Blog Swap Friend Gave to Me...
A very awesome candle... cinnamon flavored... that has a ceramic top (that didnt break, btw!!). I love it... I couldn't keep Drew's nose out of it all morning :)
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Encouraging Word 12/14/10
But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.
~ 1 John 1:9, NLT
I have rewritten a post to go along with this bible verse like 3x this morning... and nothing is coming out how I want it to... so I am just going to say thanks.
Thank you Lord, for your forgiveness. We are all broken people, we arent perfect yet you love us inspite of our faults and for that, I am grateful. Amen.
~ 1 John 1:9, NLT
I have rewritten a post to go along with this bible verse like 3x this morning... and nothing is coming out how I want it to... so I am just going to say thanks.
Thank you Lord, for your forgiveness. We are all broken people, we arent perfect yet you love us inspite of our faults and for that, I am grateful. Amen.
On the 3rd Day of Christmas My Swap Friend Gave to Me...
The kids told me to read it quickly so we know what to do with change, so that's the plan for tonight!
Monday, December 13, 2010
On the 2nd Day of Christmas My Blog Swap Friend Gave to Me...
Jenny knows that I enjoy spending time with my family... so what a nice treat it was to open Day 2 and find Hot Chocolate packages, mugs for each of us, and a tin with treats in it. Yum!
On the 1st Day of Christmas my Blog Swap Friend Gave to Me...
Oh my! My box came in the mail.... the kids dragged it in off the porch and couldn't wait to see what was inside.
They were bummed that we couldn't open each gift right then and there and they really tempted me...but no, I'll stick to the game and keep the anticipation going.
My Swap partner is Jenny from Oklahoma.... and here is what she sent me for Day 1.
Drew had to get in the action too... lovely bow honey.
I told Jenny about my mom's fight against breast cancer... so she got me a beautiful Christmas tree ornament, purse hanger, and bracelet that says "Save the TaTas", which matches my car magnet :)
They were bummed that we couldn't open each gift right then and there and they really tempted me...but no, I'll stick to the game and keep the anticipation going.
My Swap partner is Jenny from Oklahoma.... and here is what she sent me for Day 1.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Christmas Request/Ministry
As some of you know, there is a family that is very dear to me that is going through a difficult time. They are strong and will get through this, however, that does not minimize their pain, their fear, and their feeling of loneliness in this season.
Over the next couple weeks, when you are doing your regular Christmas shopping, would you consider making a few extra purchases in order to bless this family this Christmas? They deserve an amazing Christmas, a small (make that a big) reminder that God loves them and that they still have people who care deeply for them. My hope is that they will be overwhelmed with support during this Christmas season.
Ideas and Areas of need:
Toys for a 10 yr old boy: - he loves LEGOS!
2 teenage girls - girly stuff - make-up, jewelry, etc.
Mom: - jewelry, make-up, dinner gift cards, get her a massage, gift cards to to Bath and Body Works, etc.
If you want to get them clothes, I can get sizes…
Family: they have a Wii so games are a good idea, they play as a family a lot… they also need groceries, gas for the car, etc.
If you feel led, please remember this dear family during this holiday season. Spread the Word. Let's be the body.
"Stop telling us that you're the chosen people. Start living like the chosen people." -Jason Upton-
Over the next couple weeks, when you are doing your regular Christmas shopping, would you consider making a few extra purchases in order to bless this family this Christmas? They deserve an amazing Christmas, a small (make that a big) reminder that God loves them and that they still have people who care deeply for them. My hope is that they will be overwhelmed with support during this Christmas season.
Ideas and Areas of need:
Toys for a 10 yr old boy: - he loves LEGOS!
2 teenage girls - girly stuff - make-up, jewelry, etc.
Mom: - jewelry, make-up, dinner gift cards, get her a massage, gift cards to to Bath and Body Works, etc.
If you want to get them clothes, I can get sizes…
Family: they have a Wii so games are a good idea, they play as a family a lot… they also need groceries, gas for the car, etc.
If you feel led, please remember this dear family during this holiday season. Spread the Word. Let's be the body.
"Stop telling us that you're the chosen people. Start living like the chosen people." -Jason Upton-
Encouraging Word 12/8/10
He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.
~ Psalm 40:2, NLT
This bible verse reminds me of a song the youth group at church loves.... "He is... so good, so so good to me. He is... so good, so so good to me. He picked me up and he turned me around and placed my feet up on solid ground, hallelujah... hallelujah!"
~ Psalm 40:2, NLT
This bible verse reminds me of a song the youth group at church loves.... "He is... so good, so so good to me. He is... so good, so so good to me. He picked me up and he turned me around and placed my feet up on solid ground, hallelujah... hallelujah!"
Somethings I Love About My Husband
December 27th 2007 was the day I got a text from my friend Mary that said “Are you seeing anyone?”. I remember that dreaded text because I knew what the following one would be… something like “I’ve got this great guy I want you to meet”. Ugh, a blind date!
I had gone through my divorce in 2005 and was in a pretty serious relationship right after that for a year and a half, both which left me absolutely heartbroken and jaded. I took a while to just be me… to be crazy when I wanted to be, to do what I wanted when I wanted, and to not worry about anything (on the weekends I didn’t have my kids, of course!!). So when I finally calmed down, found Jesus, and saw my self-worth again is when I got that text message from my friend.
At the time I had started seeing a guy I had dated before but nothing serious, so I told her sure, why not? She gave Bryan my # and he started texting me… who knew that here we would be, almost 3 yrs later… married… raising a family together…going to church together… and even more in love.
The thing is, I had prayed that God give me balance… and peace… and a faithful, loving man who knew Him. Obviously He does things in His time and not mine… but I am glad that He opened my heart to allow Bryan in. God knows what He’s doing, that’s for sure.
Some of the things I love about my husband…
He treats my kids as if they were his own. He does homework with them, goes to their sports games, and has stayed home sick with them before.
He holds my hand. I think there is nothing more romantic than someone reaching for your hand. It’s a public display of love.
He cleans my house… ‘Nuff said.
He comes to church with me now… he was so anti-church in the beginning until he saw what a relationship with Jesus looked like, rather than religion. It’s great to see him at worship or serving the community.
I am so blessed to have him as my husband. I love him so.
I had gone through my divorce in 2005 and was in a pretty serious relationship right after that for a year and a half, both which left me absolutely heartbroken and jaded. I took a while to just be me… to be crazy when I wanted to be, to do what I wanted when I wanted, and to not worry about anything (on the weekends I didn’t have my kids, of course!!). So when I finally calmed down, found Jesus, and saw my self-worth again is when I got that text message from my friend.
At the time I had started seeing a guy I had dated before but nothing serious, so I told her sure, why not? She gave Bryan my # and he started texting me… who knew that here we would be, almost 3 yrs later… married… raising a family together…going to church together… and even more in love.
The thing is, I had prayed that God give me balance… and peace… and a faithful, loving man who knew Him. Obviously He does things in His time and not mine… but I am glad that He opened my heart to allow Bryan in. God knows what He’s doing, that’s for sure.
Some of the things I love about my husband…
He treats my kids as if they were his own. He does homework with them, goes to their sports games, and has stayed home sick with them before.
He holds my hand. I think there is nothing more romantic than someone reaching for your hand. It’s a public display of love.
He cleans my house… ‘Nuff said.
He comes to church with me now… he was so anti-church in the beginning until he saw what a relationship with Jesus looked like, rather than religion. It’s great to see him at worship or serving the community.
I am so blessed to have him as my husband. I love him so.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Just a little update from the Erwin-Williams clan…
Ty is doing better at school. We changed some things around in how we do homework and although its taking us longer every night, the grades are going up so we are doing something right. She just got done with her basketball season. She did great. I am so proud of her… she has improved so much since last time. (My camera battery died on Saturday so I am waiting for the coach's wife to email me the ones she took)
Drew is still a clown… he makes me laugh. He has been very lovey lately so I am getting lots of hugs and kisses from him. I’m not complaining! He is doing pretty good with school, just working on a couple of things with him as well. I hope Santa brings him books for Christmas!
Because of the holidays and visitation weekends, it’s been a while since Taylor has been over… so not a lot of update with him right now, other than in 2 wks he will be 13. We will have a teenager!!! Boy, that makes Bryan old! LOL
Bryan is super busy with work and will be gone a lot over the next two weeks. I would much rather be with him Vegas or Orlando, but instead I am going to be here in this rainy/snowy/yucky weather. Bah!
I am doing good too… busy with church and work and life. I have a couple of things on my heart regarding a missions trip and youth group. I am praying that God shows me where he wants me to be. If it’s meant to be, it will come in His time. We will see how it goes. I think all our Christmas gifts are bought… half are wrapped. Hoping to do all that while Bryan is gone so he doesn’t peek!!
A friend of mine from my old church lost her son on Saturday… so please keep the Barrett family in your prayers.
Everyone have a great week!
Drew is still a clown… he makes me laugh. He has been very lovey lately so I am getting lots of hugs and kisses from him. I’m not complaining! He is doing pretty good with school, just working on a couple of things with him as well. I hope Santa brings him books for Christmas!
Because of the holidays and visitation weekends, it’s been a while since Taylor has been over… so not a lot of update with him right now, other than in 2 wks he will be 13. We will have a teenager!!! Boy, that makes Bryan old! LOL
Bryan is super busy with work and will be gone a lot over the next two weeks. I would much rather be with him Vegas or Orlando, but instead I am going to be here in this rainy/snowy/yucky weather. Bah!
I am doing good too… busy with church and work and life. I have a couple of things on my heart regarding a missions trip and youth group. I am praying that God shows me where he wants me to be. If it’s meant to be, it will come in His time. We will see how it goes. I think all our Christmas gifts are bought… half are wrapped. Hoping to do all that while Bryan is gone so he doesn’t peek!!
A friend of mine from my old church lost her son on Saturday… so please keep the Barrett family in your prayers.
Everyone have a great week!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Christmas Craft Idea Needed!!
Somehow I got nominated to come up with the craft for my husband's family Christmas party. I need something that anyone from 5-70 yrs can do... that isnt going to cost a fortune. Help!!!
12 Days of Christmas Swap Update
Sooo… I finished all my shopping for my 12 Days of Christmas Swap. It was harder than I thought it would be. Not because Jenny was difficult to buy for; that was the easy part… we are so similar!
The hard part was keeping it around $50. I found so many things I wanted to get. I finally narrowed it down to things I know I’d be happy if I get, so I hope she feels the same way. It has been fun getting to know my new friend from Oklahoma and I hope we keep in touch after the swap is done.I wrapped up everything last night and got it all ready to be boxed and realized I don’t have any packing tape. Oops! I guess I will have to stop on the way home and get some so I can get the gift out right away.
Although a little blurry and sideways, here is a picture of my wrapped gifts... just to build to her suspense! LOL
The hard part was keeping it around $50. I found so many things I wanted to get. I finally narrowed it down to things I know I’d be happy if I get, so I hope she feels the same way. It has been fun getting to know my new friend from Oklahoma and I hope we keep in touch after the swap is done.I wrapped up everything last night and got it all ready to be boxed and realized I don’t have any packing tape. Oops! I guess I will have to stop on the way home and get some so I can get the gift out right away.
Although a little blurry and sideways, here is a picture of my wrapped gifts... just to build to her suspense! LOL
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