My Girl is 11

Wow... Time has gone so fast in the past 11 years. A lot has happened in my family in the past 11 years (birth, death, divorce, cancer, marriage, etc)... but today is a very special day... On this day, 11 years ago my little Ty was born.

It was a scheduled induction and my mom and her dad were there. We went in at like 8am and she was born at 4:32pm weighing 6 lbs 1oz and 19 inches long. My mom cut her umbilical cord. She looked like a little peanut. Today, she is wearing my sister's clothes and has feet almost as big as mine. LOL

Ty has grown into an amazing girl. She is a child of God. She is mature, independant, and a little sassy (Kinda like her momma). I am so thankful to be blessed with her. Happy birthday sweet girl!

Friday Confessional

Hello Friday... welcome back.

I confess... that I watched American Idol last night. I didnt plan on it... I blame Ty. Part two of this confession, I freaking cried when that last girl sang. Ugh.

I confess... that its been a crazy week at work. I am out of my comfort zone and I dont like being out of my comfort zone. I am a creature of habit and when people throw new things at me, I tend to shut down. So far, I am ok... we will see how it goes.

I confess.. I am LOVE Dog the Bounty Hunter. Yes, Duane Lee is easy on the eyes... however I love to see them put a little Jesus in the fugitives lives. They are doing good works... in a nontraditional way.

I confess... it made my heart feel good when my friend told everyone in our bible study that I inspired her enough to start coming to a Christian church. Leading someone to Jesus is a big deal and I am honored she feels that way.

I confess... I am totally looking forward to going to see Anything Goes tomorrow at WSU. I was in that musical back when I lived in Indiana and I loved it. It was such a cute show. I know I am going to be going around the house singing for days.... bonus, my husband is excited to go with me too :)

Encouraging Word 1/27/11

Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

~ 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, NLT

Are you a CBL??

Yesterday, Pastor Jeff’s wife IMed me and asked if I wanted to be a sub for their Bunco Night. I keep hearing about Bunco, but had no idea what it was. I agreed b/c I really like the girls who were playing, but didn’t know anything about the game.


I got to her house around 630 (after getting lost, of course) and they had dinner ready before we played. Then Jennifer took 2 of us aside to explain to us how to play and warn us who to stay away from… some of the ladies really get into the game and become vicious!

Her son came up to me and said “Youre a CBL now?”… My reply was, “Im a what?”… and he said, “You know… a Crazy Bunco Lady”. LOL. He said that last month, they screamed so loud it woke him up and he thought his ear drums were popping. LOL


First go around… I get Bunco on my first roll!! Beginners luck b/c I didn’t do so well after that… but had a wonderful time. I didn’t get clawed or hit, the way I was lead to believe what would happen but I did come out with sore cheeks from laughing so hard.

I hope they call me to be a sub again. It was fun 

Being Bold

Our church is redoing the way they do Wednesday nights. It used to just be the Youth Group would meet… but now they do Youth, Kids ministry, and 6 adult classes (bible studies, recovery, healthy marriages, etc). The kids are going to the kids ministry and they are learning about the bible, how to read the bible, who wrote the bible, etc in a very fun way that they are enjoying.

I am going to the women’s bible study and LOVE it. There were about 10 ladies in their last week so we will see what tomorrow brings. It’s a great chance to refocus midweek. We are learning about being bold… Boldness means to be confident and to be strong. That’s exactly what I want to be… confident and strong for Jesus. This study has touched my heart b/c for a week now, the word BOLD has been floating around in my head. I am looking forward to tomorrow.




If anyone wants to join, the more the merrier. http://www.genesisutah.com/ for more information!

Because I have no idea what I am doing...

I didnt know that I had to enable my email... still not 100% sure what it does, but I did it! LOL

Taking Back Monday

I love this jewelry... everything screams "Lisa" when I look at it. It could be trouble. Uh oh!

Friday Confessional

I Confess...
That I get irritated easily... over dumb little things. Is it really going to matter that there are army men going to battle on my counter? Does it really matter if things arent put away perfectly in her room?

I Confess...
I miss my husband. Now that its tax season he is working some crazy hours and leaves for work at 830am and doesnt get home until after 10pm. I am so glad we were able to go to breakfast together yesterday!!

I Confess...
I am addicted to Facebook. I am on their 24/7 thanks to my iPhone, but thats besides the point. I think I am scared of missing out on something.

I Confess...
Even though my mom is going on 3 yrs postdiagnosis for her breast cancer, I worry every day about it coming back. She's had it 2x and I know she's been through surgeries and treatments and what not, but I am still TERRIFIED of losing her.

I Confess...
When I get mad or upset, I cry. Its normally not the most opportune times to cry either... in my bosses office, the Dr's office, the car dealership. The minute I hear something I dont like, the tears fill up in my eyes. I am getting better... b/c I pray before every situation that I think will make me cry, but it still happens and I end up feeling like an idiot and apologizing.

I've Got a Happy Heart Today...

My daughter is loving doing Bible Devotions. She has a whole bag packed up with a notebook, bible, devotion book, etc that she has brought into my room for the past 2 nights. It makes my heart sing to hear her read from the bible.






Drew just makes me laugh. Yesterday he calls me (which he rarely does) and says “Momma, this is your boy, Drew.” And proceeded to tell me that he is going to clean his room and do his homework and put on his PJ’s. Mind you, it was 330 in the afternoon, but that’s ok.






I had a good talk with an old friend… discussed some negativity that I’ve felt lately and he helped me to refocus. My issues are nothing compared to the negativity that Jesus felt and I need to keep them in perspective.






I am so excited to be part of the 5 Star team at church. I love being part of something and this team is going to work out so well for me and the needs of my family. It’s just on Sunday mornings, my kids can be there, and I am going to make a difference in the life of the people who walk through our doors.






Tonight starts the GP Life program at church… we are going to have classes for the kids, youth, and adults. I am going to go to the women’s bible study, although there are marriage classes and other bible studies available. The kids are very excited for the new Kids Ministry program that is going to start.






I am just so thankful for my life… I see what some of my friends are going through and I cant imagine how that life would be. I know that God has a plan for each of us and He wont give us more than we can handle, which makes me see what STRONG women these ladies are. I am just happy to be blessed with a good husband and wonderful kids. Praise God!

Talkin' about it Tuesday

1. What’s your favorite color to paint your nails?

My toe nails vary... I am pretty good about having a pedicure so they are way cute with designs and whatnot, which reminds me... I should probably use that gift certificate I got from Christmas. They arent looking so cute right now. LOL

2. Do you like to sneeze?

No... my eyes tear up and my nose runs.

3. How often do you fill up your car with gas?

Way too often... although my new car is better on gas than my old car. But I still cringe when I see the $$$ racking up.

4. Were you named after anyone?

Nope

5. Have you made any good recipes lately?

Yeah, I dont really cook... although my family loves my Snickers Salad recipe that I stole from someone else. LOL

6. What’s an easy money-saving tip that you use regularly?

I sign up for every rewards club I see. My husband laughs at me. I have a whole wallet designated for all those cards and coupons and what not. He can laugh all he wants as I am eating free!


7. Would you rather have a sore throat or an ear ache?

I'd prefer neither. Being a mom, wife, and full time employee you dont get to rest... even if you stay home you worry... so please keep all your sore throat, ear ache germs away from me.

8. Do you have any scars? What are they from?

Oh goodness... right ankle- broke my leg playing softball for AOL and had to have surgery to repair it. I've had breast biopsies and lumpectomies, I've had my appendix out, my utereus out, my tubes tied (I guess Ive got the order backwards, huh?), and most recently an ovary out. Because of that last surgery, I now have a scar where my nose ring once was b/c it had to come out for surgery and I cant get it back in. I think that's all...

9. What are you “known for” in your circle of friends/family?

Well... I used to be known for dancing on pianos at the Piano Bar, but those days are in the past. Now I am known to be a servant, a prayer, and a deep thinker.


10. How do you like to eat your pancakes?

Only syrup please.

Bible Study Time

This week the women's bible study starts back up at church. To get back in the Word, I got a new Beth Moore Devotional Journal. It's the first time I have ever done one and I love it. Its hard for me not to get ahead of myself and do more than I am supposed to at once. Ty saw me reading my bible and the next thing I know, she went to her room and got her bible, a teen devotional journal (that I didnt even know she had!!) and a notebook.

She sat down and told me what bible verse to read and then she read a story out of the journal and then she read the bible verse at the bottom that said to memorize. She got her notebook out and wrote the bible verse in it to help her remember it.

This is the kid who is struggling at school... the one who hates homework... yet she loved doing this little bible study. I guess I know how she is going to spend her 20 minutes of reading for the rest of the year.

Awesome job, Ty. I am very proud of you and the little Christian lady you are becoming. Remember to put your armor on!

Great Weekend

My hubby has been working a lot later due to tax season... he isnt getting home until like 830pm every night so I havent been getting to see him a whole lot in the past 2 weeks. The last time we didnt have the kids was the weekend I had surgery, so it feels like months have passed since it was just us hanging out.

He made it a point to be off at 6pm on Friday so we could go to City Club for dinner and then to worship. I am so glad he did because it was an amazing worship service with some good testimony which I could tell touched his heart. Saturday we went down to SLC to get a new seat for the bike. It has like double the cushion the stock seat did. I am so excited, praying for no broken tailbones this year! We ended up going to a couple stores and the mall and whatnot down there before we came home and went to the comedy club to see Bone Hampton perform. I love when he is in town, I laugh so hard. My cheeks hurt so bad!

Sunday I started a new position at church, on the 5 Star Team. Its basically greeting people as they come in, helping out before/during service as needed, giving coffee to our visitors, etc. I feel like its a good position for me and I am excited to work with the other people on this team, they are great!

I had a great weekend and am so thankful for all the blessings I have in my life. Thank you Jesus!

Taking Back Monday Giveaway

OMGosh! I love those arm warmers... more for my daughter than for me... AND she has a birthday coming up. Hmmm, if I dont win, I may have to buy her a pair!! Check these out! http://www.etsy.com/shop/MadebyMoonlight

Friday Confessional

 I decided to join in on this fun idea... and on a personal note, I did not hyperventilate while posting this, like I used to in the confessional growing up Catholic. LOL

I Confess:
I love coffee. A lot. Its like the one thing that I crave. I cant get enough. Even if its right before bed, I don't care. Its not the caffeine, b/c it doesn't affect me. I am so glad we have a coffee shop at church. Worship and coffee go hand in hand in my book!

I Confess:
I hate cleaning my bathroom. I let it go until it disgusts me enough to do something about it. I really need to clean out under my sink b/c if I didn't have all that junk under there, then maybe I'd have the cleaning supplies a little closer and then I may scrub it more often... or not, I dunno.

I Confess:
I enjoy the time when my kids are with their dad. It gives me a little break. It allows me to recharge and get some special time with my husband.

I Confess:
I cant wait until Sunday nights when they come home from their dads. I sure miss them!

I Confess:
I am THRILLED that Big Love starts back up this Sunday. Yay!!

Proud Mother Moment.

My kids are very mature for their age, Ty especially. We'd always joke around when she was 2-3 saying she acted like a 10 yr old... and now that she is 10, she acts like she is 18.
I can count on her... to watch her brother, to work on her homework when she gets home, to start dinner if I ask... pretty much anything. She is someone I can talk to about ANYTHING, including things that are more grown up than her age, because she gets it.

Unfortunately, we have had to have talks about what to do if someone is inappropriate with her... what to do, who to talk to, as well as why we were having the conversation in the first place. Some bad things have gone on AROUND her, but thank God, not TO her. Because of those conversations, she feels comfortable coming to me about anything that comes up.

Last night she came in my room and was acting kind of off so I asked her what's up and she said that morning a little girl came to school in a tank top with hand marks all over her arms. The little girl was upset, crying, and freezing. Ty approached her to ask what was going on and offered her the coat she was wearing. According to the girl, her parents are divorced and her mom gets really mad at her sometimes and hits her. (Wow. Brings tears to my eyes typing it as it did when she told me about it.)

I asked her what she did... and she said right then the bell rang and the girl went to class, but Ty and another friend went straight to the office to talk to their principal. She knew what was happening wasn't right and this little girl in her class needed help.

The principal listened to the girls and said he would take care of it. Later on that day, he and the guidance counselor for the school found Ty to tell her thank you again and they were getting the girl some help.

What an amazing thing Ty did for this girl. I am so thankful that she felt led to address the issue with an adult. Thank you Lord!!

I know there are times as a parent (especially as a single mother, as I once was one) that you feel at your wits-end... I also know that hurting a child is not right and there are other things you need to do if you are that upset. Unfortunately that mother didn't feel the same way and I hope she gets the help she needs and reestablish a bond with her child.

I pray for them, that they are comforted by God's love and can deal with their situations in a better manner... and I pray for my daughter, thanking God for such a wonderful child. I am blessed to call her my daughter. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Amen.

Proof...

I just found this quote and it fit what I am feeling perfectly...

"Proof of your devotion to Jesus Christ and your willingness to share His gospel is not found in whether or not you cut and paste viral Facebook statuses, re-tweet a twitter or forward an email to ten of your friends. The proof is found in your willingness to share his truths in your own wor...ds and worship." - Katherine Walden

My God is Everywhere!

Something has been on my heart recently… something that I have been praying about and I have been led to make this post. It’s kind of two sided, so I am going to start with the “bad” side first.


I have had people comment on my Facebook and on my blog regarding my relationship with Jesus. Those who are questioning things or making comments are people who are not Saved and they seem irritated by my postings. Although, I am trying to not let it bother me too much, I’ve come to the conclusion that they can decide not to be my “Friend” or follow my blog if they choose… b/c I am not going to change who I am to make them more comfortable with what they read on my sites. In the area I live in, I can see why people question my beliefs b/c to them, it’s about religion and following rules. When I was Saved, I figured out that there is more than that… My salvation isn’t based on what I did or didn’t do, my salvation based on my relationship with my Savior.


I truly believe that my God is everywhere… in a church, in the mountains, in the faces of the homeless people we serve, and even on Facebook. I have been a witness to people through Facebook and my blog. People have been lead to Christ by the example I have been to them. People have seen the difference in my life since I have accepted Him and they want that too. Praise God!

I want people to see Him through me, regardless if its in person or through a computer. Countless times, I will get messages asking me to pray with them and for them. I am all for it. Some of these people are ones I don’t see often, or have even seen since high school, and if I can witness to them in an unconventional way that helps them to strengthen their relationship with God, I absolutely will.


Here are some bible verses that have popped out at me when thinking about all this:

Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9


But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15


Father God, please use me. Fill my mouth with your words so that I may witness to those who don’t know you. Let me be able to answer questions and help those who are struggling. Lord, be with me when I come across persecution, help me to stay strong. Lord, open they eyes of our hearts so we may see You. I say these things in your name. Amen!

I AM ME!!

I am a Jesus freak… I am a wife to an amazing guy... I am a mom, x3… I am a hard worker… I am a friend and confidant… I am a homemade card maker… I am a coffee drinker… I am a singer, usually in my car… I am in love with my Nook… I am organized at work and in my life in general, but not in my closet… I am a Facebook addict… I am all about my family… I am a breast cancer research advocate, let’s find a cure… I am a failed Crazy Coupon Lady…  I have been through a lot in my 32 years and am stronger for every instance… I am a servant, I love the community service projects we do at church… I am a baseball fan… I am loving Bath and Body Work’s Dark Kiss lotion… I am a little crazy, a little forgetful, a lot of fun… I am ME!!

My Story in Pictures

Here are the rules: Type the answer to each question into a Google image search, and you pick an image from the first page of results... a BIG tip make sure you set your Google search to use "strict filtering" (Filter both explicit text and explicit images).

Age on my next birthday

Name of my Grandma

My first job

Name of an old love (Dustin)

Dream Vacation

My first name

My favorite animal

My favorite color

Where I was born (South Bend, IN)

Bad habit

Name of 1st pet (My dashound, Sox)

Favorite Food

Favorite place to vacation

Where I went to college

Clean Bill of Health.

I went to the doctor on Friday for my post-op appointment and I have a clean bill of health. They were concerned that my right ovary was enlarged 2-3x what it should be and I had 2 very large (racquetball sized) cysts on the right side so when they took it out they sent it to pathology and had me do a CA-125 blood test. Everything came back normal, Praise God!

I am so happy to be on the mend. Thanks to everyone for their prayers!

Yay for Swaps!!

I am going to participate in another swap and I am way excited. This is a pink swap, yay! Thanks to Mamarazzi for letting me in :)








 

Encouraging Word 01/10/11

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

~ Ephesians 3:20, NLT

The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.

~ Proverbs 27:9, NLT



Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.

~ Proverbs 19:20, NLT

A Date with Drewby

This weekend, I had the opportunity to spend a lot of 1on1 time with Drew. Friday night, we went shopping, to dinner at Golden Corral (of course!), and then to church... then on Saturday we went to his cousin's LDS baptism and to lunch before we went to my cousin's daughter's birthday party. It was fun to hang out with just him... sometimes you just need some 1on1 time with each of the kids.

We took some fun pictures after we got ready for the baptism. Enjoy!

Swap Time Again

We need one more person... anyone want to get in on the blog swap fun??

http://symmetry-in-motion.blogspot.com/2010/12/youre-gonna-have-to-trust-me.html

Bubble Bath, Please?

It's funny how something really doesnt matter, until its gone. In this case, I mean my bubble baths. I think I took them for granted. Sure, when my water pressure was going weird I was sad b/c it took freaking forever to fill up the tub, but atleast I was still able to get in. Having the Dr specifically leave a note that says "No bath tubs until Dr approves, only showers" really hurt my feelings. Does she not understand my love affair with my bath tub?

I specifically built a specialty tub in my bathroom when I built my townhouse... its oversized and with jets. I am obsessed with bubbles and my husband says he needs stock in Bath and Body Works, especially when they have a sale b/c I stock up. To me, there is nothing better than getting in a super hot bubble bath with water up to my chin and reading a book. I could lay in their for hours... sometimes I do, with adding more hot water along the way. Its my get away... and I sure hope the Dr says I am healthy enough to return to my tub. I've sure missed it.

Family In Need of Help

A gal I go to church with is friends with the family in Clearfield who lost everything (including their 5 yr old daughter) in a house fire over the weekend. The house was a complete loss, meaning they have nothing. I am going to go through my closets to see what I can give so I am asking that any of you who are reading this and are local to see if you can help as well.

Dad- XL size 36 pants
Mom- XL size 18 pants
2 boys- husky 10-11 yr olds
girl- petitie 8 yr old.

I am going to try to go through things by this Friday to take to church with me Friday night, so if you are able to give please let me know. God bless!

Coffee, Tea, or Me?

A friend of mine from high school opened up a tea business. Being that I LOVE coffee, I thought I'd give this a shot as well. Some of the flavors she has sound amazing! I just purchased the infused mug and 3 samples. Cafe Latte, Toasted Coconut, and White Chocolate Pumpkin Spice. I cant wait for it to get here... I'm so excited!!

Check her out at: http://www.thenecessiteas.com/store/about_us.php

New Years Resolutions

Every year at this time, people make goals to lose weight, quit smoking, etc. I am going to choose to love more... especially with my kids, my little blessings.

Sometimes when I am at my wits end, it is easier for me to yell and scream, when I should really watch what comes out of my mouth during those times. With others, I tend to prethink my conversations and the outcomes that could happen dependant on those conversations/words; however they are the ones I should do that with first. There is no doubt that I love them, but there is also no doubt my patience is very thin when it comes to them at times so that's what I want to work on... no matter how I am feeling (sick, tired, etc).

I want to be the type of mom they can come to with any issue or problem and that is going to happen by building a strong relationship with them now. I am going to put more energy into them. I am going to pray with them more. I am going to leave them little notes of love and encouragement. I never want to take them for granted and I will continue to thank God for them daily.

New Years 2011

Well... New Years 2011 wasnt exactly what I was hoping for.
 
I ended up going to the emergency room, Dr's office, OBGYN's office, and back to the hospital on Thursday afternoon due to pain in my abdomain. The U/S I had done earlier in the week showed I had an enlarged ovary on the right side along with 2 raquetball sized cysts. My pain went crazy Thursday afternoon and after seeing Dr after Dr, they decided to take me to the hospital to remove the ovary and cysts on the right side and drain the new cyst that had popped up on the left. I am super tired and in some pain, but I know in the long run having this done is going to be much better b/c of what I've been going through the past couple of weeks.
 
They sent the ovary to pathology and did an ovarian cancer blood test, so I ask for prayers of not only healing, but good news.
 
My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.

~ Psalms 73:26, NLT