Thoughts on a Sunday

Hold your breath for 2 minutes.

Did you do it? What did you notice?

Our bodies were created to need oxygen and when we go without it..even intentionally...there becomes this desperation. Breathing oxygen is not something we think about. We just naturally do it...automatically...without thinking.

We were also created with a need for a relationship with Christ....a fellowship with Him...worship of Him....and when we go to long without that need being met, there is a desperation. Worship of the Creator God should be automatic. We should not have to think about whether or not we're going to give Him praise.

I'm reading an awesome book right now that hammers that point home....Praise Habit by David Crowder. This book has challenged me to look at worship in a different light. Where do I find God? Because really...He's everywhere. He doesn't move...but do I notice Him?

Smile Complete

Really, what is the point in having a blog if you can't use it to embarrass you children?

Wednesday was a banner day in the Bales' house...Blake got his braces off...after nearly 2 years! We have now successfully put 3 of our family of 4 through the brave world of orthodontic treatment...and beautiful smiles of course.

I was not able to go to this visit, but my best bud Misty, happens to work at the Furgus/Burris Orthodontic office and thought to snap these photos for me! That is a great friend!

The staff singing to Blake after he got his braces removed...I think this made him just a little "red-faced."

Receiving his water bottle (that I will use) filled with all the candy he wasn't supposed to eat during his orthodontic treatment (which I'm sure he ate most of what was in there while the braces were on).

And here we are...with our new smile!

Thank you Dr. Burris & Dr. Fergus! (check them out...they're the best...and coolest!)

Sunday Inspiration

There is coming a day! Absolutely love this song

The Great Camera Debate

Ok...the time has finally come. Funds are finally available to purchase me a new camera (a digital SLR) and now that it's here, I'm indecisive.



I have had my sights on this camera....

...the Nikon D60...probably close to 2 years now. I have a friend that has the Nikon D40 and I love the picture quality, but I want to get the best bang for my buck.

That's where you guys come in...any suggestions? What camera do you just love? And why? This one has got to go the distance for me. This is Mallorye's Senior Year and daddy will be far away...not to mention I just love photography...and I'm pretty sure hubby won't let me buy another one for A.Long.Time!

So chime in! I need suggestions and fast....I'm making this purchase in the next 10 days...do or die~!

Schools In Sessoin

Yes, that's right. School is back in full swing...and while I would love to share with you the fabulous first day pictures, I cannot. Why? Because my SD Card apparently is bad...according to my computer...and I have no idea how to get those pictures off of that SD Card. (if anyone knows I would be forever indebted)

Ok...so how'd the first day go?

Great. Well, for the most part. Everyone got up on time, out the door on time, to school on time...all major accomplishments.

Mallorye got to make a grand entrance with her class to the "classic" song "Ice Ice Baby"...these Seniors...I tell ya, they are crazy! I still can't believe this is her last year. I think she was feeling a little nostalgic...I know I was. I think the only "mishap" of the day was that somehow she was in Boys Choir and had to get that changed, which ended up knocking her out of College Algebra and into AP Calculus...she's none too happy about that.

Blake insisted on arriving at school at 7:20am and was really excited. As an 8th grader this year, he's top dog in his building...lol! His "mishap" was leaving his gym bag at school...somewhere...he couldn't remember where...ugh~boys!

It's been crazy busy...as always...and already my calendar is filling up with parties and ballgames and teacher conferences and..and...and...but I love it. I love being a mom and being busy with and for my kids. Too soon these days will be gone and I'll be staring at a blank calendar wishing for something to fill my days. But for now, I'll sleep little, drive much, laugh often, and love always.

Hopefully, one of you will send me a solution to my SD Card problem and I'll post pictures with the kids version of the first week....until then...

I hate being sick. There's nothing worse in my opinion....unless you count being sick while hubby is home for the weekend. Bless his heart...he's had to take care of me ever since he got home Friday.

I have a horrendous cough....my back & ribs are actually sore from all the coughing. I have a headache and a low grade fever. I'm whiny and cranky.

Hubby's been a great sport. I just hate I've been such horrible company. Well...here's hoping tomorrow I'm all better.

Memorial Weekend Room Makeover...finally

As you know, Blogger did not like me for a few months, and I couldn't get pictures to upload to my Blog...well...we've made up :) So here is the pictures from Memorial Weekend...when Quentin & I repainted Mallorye's bedroom....

The paint colors! Hot Pink & Blush Pink...hey, the girl likes pink...

Daddy...doin' his thang! Really, he is an awesome painter! He is so patient and meticulous. However, he did totally underestimate the time it would take to paint this room...he was thinking we could be done in a day...more like 3 DAYS!

A pop of color on the inside of the closet...


These were built in drawers before paint...which tells you sort of what her room looked like before the makeover...drab. (since I failed to get a before picture)

...and my awesome paint job...yet another pop of color!

I even spray painted the hardware black...a first for me...and I think they turned out lovely...

Finished product...I also painted the letters of her name and I love that they fit exactly over her window...how awesome is that?!

Still need a few more framed pictures around the "M", but all in all I think it's great

Paper Lanterns finally hung...she's had them for a year...and by the way..the canvas with the "M"...I made that..yes I did! All by myself..and I free handed the "M" when I cut it out of my scrapbook paper...impressive, I know.

and the final verdict...Mallorye loved it! Phew!!

Next room? Bathroom or Office??