Learning Grace...

...the hard way!

Webster's defines grace as a virtue coming from God, lenient or compassionate treatment, something that implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it.

I've never been a very merciful person and just cannot understand this attitude of grace. Well, you know? God knows that. So, he sent me my very own life lesson on grace and man has it been tough!! I haven't arrived by no means, but I'm learning...sometimes we just have to offer forgiveness and extend grace, even when our heart cries out for justice...for something to make the pain you're feeling avenged.

I have no idea how this situation I'm facing will turn out, but I do know that for now...I offer grace.

"my grace is sufficient...."

Harvest Swap

I successfully participated in my first swap hosted by Carrie & Monica. I was paired with an awesome partner...Lura at The Simple Homemaker. Lura and I found out we have quite a bit in common and our boxes showed that.

Close up of the mug I altered and card I made to put in Lura's box.

Above is the box I sent Lura

This is the box Lura sent me! Cocoa, chocolate, a great book, cookie cutter, dish towels, harvest decorations, candle, and a cute mug.

The mug didn't quite make the trip...but I can tell it was super cute.

This was so much fun to participate in and I made a new friend. I'm excited about doing this again sometime soon. Thank you Lura for an awesome box and thank you Monica and Carrie for hosting this event. Check it out here for more Harvest Swap stories!

Thoughts on the Election

First thought, thank God that it's over.

After getting over my disappointment, I've moved on to consider my responsibility as an American citizen and a child of God. We have a new person in authority and I believe we're called to respect that authority. I do not, nor will I ever, approve of all of our Presidents policies and convictions...but that doesn't change my responsibility to obey the laws of the land and respect those that are put in authority.

A blog I read put this in wonderful perspective...exactly what I'm feeling...so head over to The Preacher's Wife and see what she had to say about the Election. (no need for me to re-write it, when she has done it so eloquently)

Side note; I am in awe that I've been able to witness history once again. This election in so many ways, (first African-American President, a female running mate...) will pave the way for future elections...and I firmly believe what Mr. Obama stated...we can now tell our children with complete confidence that they CAN be anything they desire....the glass ceiling has been shattered.

Finally...The Blue Angels!

The long awaited Blue Angels post...complete with pictures!

So, a few weeks back, the Blue Angels were at the Little Rock AFB and Q and I couldn't pass up the opportunity. As you know, his brother has just recently moved back to Arkansas from Pennsylvania, and he tagged along as well...and my sister's kids had never been to anything like this...so Aunt Ginger brought them along. It was a long day, but so worth it!

This was the first thing that we saw...a 500 man drop...all those specks are paratroopers! The boys thought this was super cool...you wouldn't believe how many pictures I have of this scenario!

Caleb & Daniel...checking out the cockpit of one of the planes on display. I really think they enjoyed getting up close and personal with the aircraft much more than they enjoyed the actual show...except Caleb hated the backpack/harness I made him wear. He kept saying, "I want this monkey off my back." With over 200,000 people in attendance...I wasn't about to give in!

Aunt Ginger and her buds!

Nose view of an F22 Raptor...my hubby was super excited that this plane was on exhibition...but it was roped off, so no one was getting too close.

Caleb couldn't take the excitement anymore....He fell asleep just after the Blue Angels started their demonstration...which would be right after the potty break that took us a mile across the base. I'm not kidding! Fat Albert was flying...which means that the Blue Angels are about to take center stage and Caleb decided he needed to potty, which was a nice little trek across the base...and at this point he did not want to walk. I couldn't believe that he needed to go now. But, go we did and thanks to Aunt Ginger's fast feet...we made it back before take off! Whew!


I love this picture! Hubby did an awesome job with the camera!

Trademark diamond formation.

It was an awesome day! Admission and parking were free (LRAFB Open House), so it was pretty cheap entertainment. We did get the boys some souvenirs since this was their first air show and of course food was astronomical...but hey...we got to see the Blue Angels, so I'm pretty happy. Hope you enjoyed the pictures!

Party All Day...And Every Night

Ok...so these aren't the best pictures. I've been without blogging for a while and I guess was out of practice and didn't take the camera with me anywhere today...even though we had a gazillion parties to attend...but I did use my ingenuity, and used my cell phone to snap these pictures tonight at Adrienne's birthday party.

Adrienne (13th birthday), Blake, & Katelyn (12th birthday)

Teenagers! Need I say more?

Is this not an awesome cake?! My friend, Tracy, made this cake...I so wish I'd known she made cakes when I was planning Mallorye's Sweet 16...this cake rocks!!

"and so it was"...that there was an awesome party...with an awesome bonfire!

The kids trying to roast marshmallows and hot dogs!

This was all from Adrienne's party...Blake also attended his good friend Katelyn's birthday party earlier today and a Halloween party at the McCullar Ranch last night...complete with haunted hayride. Quentin and I look forward to that party as much as he does I think! He's quite the social bug as you can see.

And of course the weekend wouldn't be complete without a few other things to do...so I went to a baby shower this afternoon and have another one tomorrow after church! Whew!! Almost makes me wish it was Monday....nah!

It's Back :)

Ok, so I'm at home...and guess what...

Yep...the internet is back!

I ended up fixing it myself...go me...hard-wired instead of wireless, but hey...whatever works, right?!

I'm off to a birthday party now, but I WILL be back later tonight for a post with pictures!!

I am so happy.