Women's Retreat Goody Bags

Alesia and JoAnn workin' on the candles...Alesia was a good sport considering crafting is not really her thing...she hung in there and helped with EVERY project!

Me & Colette...we made 60 of these candles...along with all the other projects multiplied by 60

Today was so much fun! I got the privilege of hanging out with some great friends from my church...Colette, JoAnn, and Alesia. We started early this morning (around 9:30 am) making Agape gifts for the goody bags that we'll be giving the ladies at the upcoming Women's Retreat. I honestly thought we'd be done by noon...but we were just getting started by then and worked until after 3pm. We had a great time in fellowship, sharing life, and laughing...I literally laughed until I cried! It is such a wonderful thing to have Godly friends to do life with. Here's some of the things we got finished today.

Individually, custom wrapped chocolate...what could be better?

Lavender soak for your relaxing bath

The candle project...trust me..the picture does not do these justice!

Ok ladies, if you live in Northeast Arkansas and you're not signed up to go to this retreat, you are so gonna regret it! We are going to have a blast relaxing and enjoying each other's company.

My Super Exciting Life

I had a blog complaint this week...the complaint was that I haven't posted in a week and she really was missing her daily dose. Well....

life really hasn't been that exciting...I mean, I just cleaned the refrigerator on a Friday night...it doesn't get much better than that. You'd think with school starting and not being home ONE SINGLE NIGHT THIS WEEK that there would be something exciting. So...let me see if I can dig up something from the past week.

Monday...yeah, pretty much nothing. Work and school.

Tuesday...Mallorye had her first volleyball game, but the JV team didn't play, so she just cheered her team on. They did sport their new Pink uniforms that they're wearing at home games to bring awareness to Breast Cancer.

Wednesday...church and a Christmas Production planning meeting. That is exciting! It's going to be an awesome production this year..."Festival Of The King"...that's all you're gettin'...you'll have to come and see for yourself in December just how awesome it is!

Thursday...another ballgame. This time she played and did pretty good considering it's only been 6 weeks since she broke her leg. Her friend Micah and her mom (my BF) Lisa came and cheered the girls on. Micah plays for our rival school, but they didn't have a game last night, so it was a good chance for her to come support Mal.

And now it's Friday. Surely something exciting will happen this weekend. I do have a few posts swirling around in my head...just haven't had time to get them into words...you know..with all the excitement around here and all.

Ok..have a great weekend!

Altered Picture Frame

Ok...just to prove to some people (uhm Lisa) that I actually do use the crafting supplies that I purchase...I thought I'd share one of the things I made to give as a Christmas gift this year.

I found this cute little white frame on clearance at Hobby Lobby and just added some rub-on lettering from Stampin Up.

What could be cuter...and easier...than that!?

Guest Blogger-Mallorye

This is one of my favorites from Mallorye's recent photo shoot for her 16th Birthday~you gotta love the attitude and personality in this shot!

Mallorye without the hair and makeup...lol!

AHHH!..that is how my first week was. I pretty much hate school, and all the work. It might be a little better if more of my friends were in my classes. Today was fun however, because we had assemblies all day for yearbook =)! We signed everybody's yearbook today <3> Ok..gotta run..I have a dance in 30 minutes and I have to get ready..bye ~~Mallorye

Definite Pageant Photogenic picture!

Love this! The old building in the background...the high heels...the Charlotte Russe ad quality.

Fredia did an amazing job on all of Mal's photos...very hard to choose just a few!

Guest Blogger-Blake

I thought I'd let my kiddos tell you how their first week of school went instead of my trying to write their thoughts. WARNING! I did not change any grammatical or spelling errors...this is just the way he typed it! Welcome, Guest Blogger #1, Blake...a 7th grader at PJHS.

Well the week is almost over and its pretty much good. I have alot of classes with my friends. My favorite class is science with Mr. Dial and isshe. Isshe the class pet and its a 4' 4# ball python. Today i got to watch isshe eat a black and white mouse. I also got to put isshe on my shoulders the past couple of days after school....it's cool. My least favorite class is english. I don't like it because...umm
Inside a 7th grade backpack

The vast array of pens & pencils needed for a 7th grader

What Blake would rather be doing and does everyday after school before supper...his way of unwinding he tells us...lol.

We Now Return To Your Regular Broadcast....

....I have not fallen off the ends of the earth.

...My routines however, have.

...I am determined that tomorrow I will...
*get up on time
*get to work on time
*get my family out the door on time

...this back to school schedule is kickin' my rear

...hang in there, I promise I'll start posting again SOON!

Back To School 2008

I absolutely love the first day of school...my kids...I'm sure would tell you that they do not. For me, it's a time when life gets back to routines and well, let's face it, I love me some routine...although today was anything but routine! (a couple of major upheavals in some friends lives that I won't even begin to go into right now...but know that everything is much better now!)

The morning didn't get quite the early start that I had planned, but we did manage to sit down at the breakfast table and have toast and fruit before everyone went their separate ways. Mallorye drove her and her brother to school for the first time this morning...I'm quite certain that Blake loves not having to ride the bus or walk to school.


Blake survived his first day of Jr. High and even got the homeroom teacher that he really wanted. He has 3 Pre-Ap classes (Math, Science, & History) this year which should keep him on his toes and he has most of his classes with his buddies.

Mallorye was just thankful that she didn't have homework tonight! She has a very tough course load this year...College Anatomy & Physiology (which I have to pay for, but much cheaper than taking it in college), AP US History, AP English, Trig/Pre-Calculus, Spanish II, Journalism, and Multimedia...I told you it was tough and that doesn't even take into consideration that she also has volleyball after school. Whew! Glad I'm not her!! LOL! Sr. High had Open House tonight, so I was able to meet all of her teachers and even catch up with some she had from last year.


All in all, it turned out to be a pretty good first day of school. Blake's Open House is tomorrow night and I think I'll have the kids guest blog at the end of the week...we'll see if I can con them into that.

Hope everyone had a great day back to normal life!

Stress?! Who Me?

So, today ranks right up there as ... one of the most stressful days I've had.

I took Mallorye (16) to the doctor today to have her thyroid checked...I kind of had a feeling what they were going to tell us. We've been monitoring her thyroid function for the past 4 years when the first signs of a goiter appeared and it was discovered that she had a "marker"...elevated antithryglobulin antibody. Over the past 4 years her TSH and T4 has remained within normal limits, so we haven't stressed to terribly bad...but the past 3 months she has become more symptomatic...losing her voice, strangling in her sleep, difficulty swallowing...those kinds of things. Well today confirmed that her goiter was in fact growing and compromising her airway and that her antithyroglobulin antibody is even higher.

We were given three choices;
1) start her on suppressants which only have a 40% success rate with a small goiter...her's is large. The doctor did not feel that this would be a successful treatment for Mallorye
2) try radioactive iodine therapy...there is a high risk of several different types of cancers with this treatment and is not recommended for young adults
3) have a total thyroidectomy in which she'll be placed on meds for the rest of her life

Not much of an option if you ask me, but we went with door #3. I'm very nervous. I don't like the idea of my child being put to sleep and a knife being put to her throat for such a life altering surgery, but it really is the only choice. Her surgery is scheduled for the day before Thanksgiving (so she won't miss much school). Please be in prayer for us!

On a lighter note...a good friend of mine sent me the following picture of my youngest to cheer me up. This was taken at a swim party this past week.

Jenni, Blake, & Adrienne...hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil!

Downtown in My Town

Take a walk with me around my town...

In 1882 two railroads built their lines into the county and crossed at a point where a town would be built. One was the St. Louis and Iron Mountain Railroad, later to be known as the Missouri Pacific, headed by the famous railroad magnate, Jay Gould. The other railroad was Texas and St. Louis, later called the Cotton Belt. The line was built to ship Texas cotton to St. Louis. J.W. Paramore served as president.

Caboose that resides downtown behind the local merchant shops...also where the annual Loose Caboose Festival is held every year in May

When a name was sought for the newly created town at the junction of the two railroads, “Para-Gould” was derived form the surnames of two early railroad tycoons, J. W. Paramore and Jay Gould. Paragould evolved by combining syllables from the names Paramore and Gould, a truly original name for a unique town.

Mural painted on one of the old buildings downtown depicting early life in Paragould

Paragould was incorporated March 3, 1883, while it was still an uncultivated timber-covered tract. Most of the area was part of a 281-acre farm owned by a settler from Tennessee, Willie Pruett, who had purchased it in 1869

The Collins Theater, which as you can see, is still used today. I remember watching my very first movie on the big screen here..."The Muppets Take Manhatten." Today the theatre is used to host beauty pageants, gospel singings, The Nutcracker performance and many other events....The big screen is reserved for the new theatre in the heart of uptown.

The old courthouse which now is home to the Chamber of Commerce...was restored several years ago

The old clock tower that rests high upon the old courthouse...every day at noon it chimes it's songs

This older, more historic part of the town is often forgotten, but it really has some beautiful sights. Even the street signs are quaint, black iron with little filligree embellishing.

Paragould now has around 25,000 people and more than 30 manufacturing facilities. The newer part of the town boasts some of the best restaurants...Chili's, TaMolly's, Dixie Cafe, Zaxby's and more. We have two very large schools...Paragould School District and the Greene County Tech School District...an awesome community center...

It's just a great place to live. I've often threatened that I want to get out of this town, but as I get older (and wiser) I realize this is home. This is where I want to be. To raise my family. To hang out with my friends. To live life.

I hope you enjoyed my little mini tour of my town...there is so much more to see, but that will have to wait for another time and another post.

Historic information taken from Paragould Chamber of Commerce website.

Crafting Therapy

Tonight was our monthly Marker Club meeting and I enjoyed the low stress evening. Just being able to make a card and chat with friends was a great night...and so much better than the busy weekend of cleaning I just had!

Lisa A., JoAnn, Amy, Me, and Misty

We made this adorable card using the Sock Monkey stamp...I can't wait till some little person has a birthday so I can share the love!

And I had a little creative moment before I went to the meeting tonight and made this....

Wish lists for each person in my family! No more guessing what they want...when you think of something add it to the list! I've already added something to mine...not sure if you can read it if you click on the image or not, but it's a Nikon D60 Digital SLR Camera...10.1 megapixel...that's all...any takers?

Bloggy Makeover Giveaway!

Ok...many of you have said how much you like my new bloggy makeover...well, it's all thanks to Christy over at Ruby and Roja. You need to check them out. Today. Seriously! They're giving away a Bloggy Makeover for their Grand Re-Opening! Go Now. Check them out!!

100 Things About Me

1. I was born in Northeast Arkansas
2. To an unwed teenage mother
3. Who raised me to be independent...and I am
4. I was adopted at age 14...by my stepdad
5. Then my parents divorced when I was 17
6. I also happened to be 5 months pregnant at this time
7. And had just been voted Homecoming Queen of my high school
8. I graduated in the top 5 of my class
9. There were only 25 people in my graduating class...lol
10. I have a rebel side
11. I was married the summer I graduated high school
12. After giving birth to a beautiful little girl
13. And then later, to a gorgeous son
14. I was saved when I was 27
15. After realizing I'd been living a lie for years
16. Now, I'm a daughter of The King
17. I sing alto in our Praise Band
18. I desire to sing in a Praise Band FULL TIME
19. My husband and I teach a small group in our home
20. This is WAY out of my comfort zone
21. I actually love being an Army wife
22. Even if most consider us part-timers (I happen to think going to war makes us full time)
23. I love organization
24. Ok...so I'm a little on the OCD side
25. My vegetable cans are arranged alphabetically
26. I'm deathly afraid of the dark
27. And thunderstorms
28. Oh, and mice
29. I love the color black..even though some argue it's not a color
30. I'm a compulsive list maker
31. I have an extra bone in the roof of my mouth called a torri
32. I had braces put on when I was 18
33. And wore them for FIVE years!
34. I did not wear my retainer
35. Therefore...I need them again..ugh!
36. I have a tatoo
37. That I got while my husband was in Iraq
38. To mark the hardspots...just in case I forget someday
39. I have also had my belly button pierced
40. I was MUCH skinnier when I did that
41. And I did it on a complete whim during my lunch break
42. I was Mrs. Northeast Arkansas 1999
43. And placed 5th in the Mrs. Arkansas pageant that same year
44. In 2001 I was Mrs. Tri-County Arkansas
45. I did not place in Mrs. Arkansas that year :(
46. I was Little Miss Greene County in 1978..first 4 year old to win
47. I loved to play with frogs, mud, and barbies when I was growing up
48. My first real job was at TCBY
49. I still love yogurt!
50. I'm 1/2 way there!! This is tough
51. I have had a myriad of jobs in my life
52. Secretary for a Lumber Yard
53. ...Secretary for an Attorney (hated that job)
54. ...Cashier at a grocery store (loved this job)
55. ...Pest Control Technician...yes, I sprayed for roaches..yuk!
56. ...Nurse
57. Oh Yeah, I have a license to practice nursing
58. But, I don't use it
59. But because of it, I've been able to touch a human heart...very kewl!
60. And see the miracle of birth many times
61. I love helping women bring babies into the world
62. And even had a co-worker ask me to film his daughter's birth (I didn't know his wife)
63. But, I did it anyway and it was an awesome experience
64. I now work as an Administrative Assistant for a construction company
65. I love to scrapbook
66. And I love taking photographs
67. I have more rubber stamps than the stamp store
68. I love to read..ALOT
69. My favorite book to read is the Bible of course
70. And I'm blown away by pretty much any Beth Moore Bible Study
71. I cannot whistle
72. But I can roll my tongue
73. Blogging is my new obsession
74. And as you can see, I'm pretty transparent
75. I enjoy party planning
76. I am blessed to have several really great friends
77. I still talk to my best friend from high school every week
78. I seen the ocean for the first time this year and thought it was awesome
79. I'm a bit of a daredevil
80. And not much of a rule follower
81. I'm also very blunt with my friends
82. I've never smoked in my life
83. I'm not a drinker either...only on occasion
84. I do have a temper
85. But I don't cuss even when I'm mad
86. I'm trying to give up sodas permanently
87. Because I need to lose 50 pounds
88. No, I'm serious!
89. I'm a romantic at heart
90. And love sappy movies
91. SHMILY is our code word in our family
92. I absolutely love being a mother
93. And I love being a wife
94. My hearts desire is to be a stay at home wife and mother
95. I'm not wealthy (at least in money terms)
96. I don't play the lottery
97. And I'm in debt
98. So, I will continue to work instead of stay home
99. I love my life
100. And if you read to the end...I have some pretty loyal blog readers!

Happy 16th Anniversary

Today is our 16th Wedding Anniversary. I think back to the day we were married...a day that was full of excitement, anxiety, intimdation. I had absolutely no idea how to be a wife, or for that matter, even how to love...but you were so patient and understanding. You have always loved me unconditionally and you waited patiently for God to work in my heart until I could return that love. I'm so thankful that you did. I honestly think that we have one of the best marriages around. We've seen our share of heartaches and hard times, but we've also experienced immense joy and laughter and good times. Just last night I was trying so hard to be stern with you because you had frustrated me and you had me laughing before I could even explain why I was angry. Sometimes you exasperate me, but I love you! These have been a hard 16 years...but I wouldn't trade them for anything.

Happy Anniversary baby....here's to the next year of life, love, and laughter!

Baby Love

My mom made these adorable burp cloths for my aunt to give at a baby shower. Aren't they just adorable??!

Cardboard Testimonies

This may be a bit long...but oh so worth it!! I have chills down my arms and tears streaming down my face....


My cardboard testimony?

Sexually Immoral
Unwed Teeenage Mother

Forgiven
Marriage Restored

What's your testimony?

Random Nothingness...

Tired...

...can't sleep....

.....keep falling asleep at the keyboard....

but....

....when my head hits my pillow....

........I'm wide awake again.....

AAARGH!!!!!!

Confessions of a Slacker

Just finished the Lisa Whelchel Bible Study..."My Story"....ok, actually, the class is over but Ginger is not finished!! I am so terribly behind that my new goal (instead of the original 8 weeks) is now to have my book finished by the end of the year. Is that wrong?

I am such a slacker...but in my defense, I was doing 2 Bible studies...and I'm current with the other one. And I did read several books over the past 8 weeks...just not the ONE I was supposed to be reading...aargh.

Ok, I'll do better next time?!

Blake's 13th Birthday Party!

Temperature's soared into the upper 90's yesterday, but that didn't stop us from having an awesome time at Blake's party. You know, you always worry with these summer birthdays if anyone will actually show up...so many gone on vacation...but show up they did! I think our final count was 22 kids and 9 adults. Not bad for a hot August day...

Group shot of most of the kids

Blake and the Cake

Getting a little payback from Adrienne...nice, ice cold water dousing

Showing off his new picture frame from Aunt Liz

Adrienne, Jeremy, & Justin got him this pink Hollister shirt...he absolutely loves the color pink...here he's telling his buds that real men wear pink!

Jenni, Alexis, Cody, & Evan

Ally, Adrienne, Mallorye (Big Sis), & McKinlee

McKinlee, Alexis, Blake, Alex, & Cody

That'd be Evan on Alex' shoulders...what memories are made of

McKinlee, Jenni, & Alexis...scoping out guys??

Looks like trouble! Daniel, Alex, and Caleb

Sylvia...Jack's granddaughter

My mom and her boyfriend Jack

The cutest nephews in the South...Little Caleb & Little Daniel

Caleb getting pelted by brother with a water balloon...I see a retaliation coming!

The kids had a great time swimming, hanging out, and eating cake...so what better way to end the day than with....a water balloon fight...about 500 balloons to be exact!

Alex, Alexis, Sylvia, & Evan....looks like a group effort

Run for cover!!