I have decided to change my blog and have created a completely different one. I no longer use the email/username this blog was created under and have no way to change it.
Please head over to Loving My Life to see the new blog and keep up with our crazy little family! I enjoy having all my readers and hope to have you all follow me there :)
Blessings!
August 8, 2011
May 18, 2011
He is with me - but I am not with Him!
Do you ever have those days where you feel very disconnected? It might be from your spouse, kids, parents, or friends; it could also be from God. Lately, a lot of my days have been very disconnected and mostly from God. This somehow also leads me to be distant from everyone else, as well.
I can't pinpoint exactly what happened that knocked me off my path, but I haven't been on it in a very long time. It is hard for me to admit that because I am a very strong believer in faith and I know God is there to see me through whatever may come. But, lately I just don't have the relationship I need and want with our Savior - it is missing.
My house is a very busy place. Some days we meet each other coming and going while other days we do well to say hello. Yes, we realize this isn't healthy, but we do what we can when we can. My husband works very hard as a college professor and I am a substitute teacher for the county school system. We also have many other activities on top of our full-time jobs, but not any we are willing to give up because most of them have to do with church and/or our relationship with God. So - we press on in to our busy lives.
I have noticed lately that my husband is continuing to strengthen his relationship with God each day despite the growing busyness. While noticing this, I also realized mine is growing weaker...wow, didn't see that coming, or did I?!?
Since leaving Grant's Chapel in 2009, when my husband received his appointment as a bi-vocational pastor, I have been slipping further and further away from the faith and my relationship with God that I have known for so long. Because Charlie pastors two churches, I don't get the chance to attend Sunday School at either church. I didn't realize how much I missed that until recently. At Grant's our Sunday School class was a great time for fellowship, friendship, and sharing. Sometimes we made it to our lesson and sometimes the lesson came out of someones need or weekly event during class that particular day. Whatever happened, I was sure to leave there feeling empowered by the Holy Spirit and ready to face my week. I miss that feeling and the assurance that came from it.
I am now on a mission of my own to find what I have lost and get it back 10 fold. I need God on my side every minute of every day! But, I am not the type of person who can find that strength by studying the word alone. I want to fellowship with others who encounter the same struggles. I want to dig deep into God's word and will for my life with others who have the same yearning for him. I need to find peace and comfort in my daily life so I can show God's love to everyone I encounter daily.
I began looking at a Bible study yesterday called "Desperate Women of the Bible" by Jo Kaldecek. It is a study of the un-named women in the Bible and the trials they endured. Just one chapter into the book, I am anxious to lead a study group with this book. I am in the process of asking some friends if they would like to join me and beginning to put it together as I will teach it. Please pray for me as I make this journey to get back on my path and as I lead a study that I will bring someone else to their path or at least help them along the one they are already on.
I can't pinpoint exactly what happened that knocked me off my path, but I haven't been on it in a very long time. It is hard for me to admit that because I am a very strong believer in faith and I know God is there to see me through whatever may come. But, lately I just don't have the relationship I need and want with our Savior - it is missing.
My house is a very busy place. Some days we meet each other coming and going while other days we do well to say hello. Yes, we realize this isn't healthy, but we do what we can when we can. My husband works very hard as a college professor and I am a substitute teacher for the county school system. We also have many other activities on top of our full-time jobs, but not any we are willing to give up because most of them have to do with church and/or our relationship with God. So - we press on in to our busy lives.
I have noticed lately that my husband is continuing to strengthen his relationship with God each day despite the growing busyness. While noticing this, I also realized mine is growing weaker...wow, didn't see that coming, or did I?!?
Since leaving Grant's Chapel in 2009, when my husband received his appointment as a bi-vocational pastor, I have been slipping further and further away from the faith and my relationship with God that I have known for so long. Because Charlie pastors two churches, I don't get the chance to attend Sunday School at either church. I didn't realize how much I missed that until recently. At Grant's our Sunday School class was a great time for fellowship, friendship, and sharing. Sometimes we made it to our lesson and sometimes the lesson came out of someones need or weekly event during class that particular day. Whatever happened, I was sure to leave there feeling empowered by the Holy Spirit and ready to face my week. I miss that feeling and the assurance that came from it.
I am now on a mission of my own to find what I have lost and get it back 10 fold. I need God on my side every minute of every day! But, I am not the type of person who can find that strength by studying the word alone. I want to fellowship with others who encounter the same struggles. I want to dig deep into God's word and will for my life with others who have the same yearning for him. I need to find peace and comfort in my daily life so I can show God's love to everyone I encounter daily.
I began looking at a Bible study yesterday called "Desperate Women of the Bible" by Jo Kaldecek. It is a study of the un-named women in the Bible and the trials they endured. Just one chapter into the book, I am anxious to lead a study group with this book. I am in the process of asking some friends if they would like to join me and beginning to put it together as I will teach it. Please pray for me as I make this journey to get back on my path and as I lead a study that I will bring someone else to their path or at least help them along the one they are already on.
February 9, 2011
Stepping Into the Past Part 1 of ?
A few months back, I took a small interest in finding out about my family tree. I feel that Lawson will want/need this information later in life, to understand his heritage on both sides of his family. I worked on it for a few days, and then kind of lost interest from lack of knowing where to look and how to begin. I had set up a free account at Ancestry's website, but could not follow the links without paying the subscription fee; I was not prepared to do this at the time. So, I let it go...
Fast forward to last Thursday evening. My husband works at Walters State Community College and found out they were doing a performance of "Walk Toward the Sunset" - a play about the Melungeon people of Hancock County, TN. Because his family history traces back to these people, he was anxious to see this performace - so we went! This was what set off the past few days of my life. I have been tracing family history since that night and cannot stop! I have looked at his family and my family, on both sides; the deeper I dig, the more I find.
I am excited about beginning to trace this for Lawson and being able to have paper and online record of everything I find. I want him to understand where his family comes from and I am anxious to find out more about my family, but even more about Charlie's. Charlie's family has such interesting trace and I am excited to see where my research will lead.
I am sure I will post as I find new and interesting details...I hope you will enjoy hearing about my searches as much I am will enjoy sharing my findings!
Fast forward to last Thursday evening. My husband works at Walters State Community College and found out they were doing a performance of "Walk Toward the Sunset" - a play about the Melungeon people of Hancock County, TN. Because his family history traces back to these people, he was anxious to see this performace - so we went! This was what set off the past few days of my life. I have been tracing family history since that night and cannot stop! I have looked at his family and my family, on both sides; the deeper I dig, the more I find.
I am excited about beginning to trace this for Lawson and being able to have paper and online record of everything I find. I want him to understand where his family comes from and I am anxious to find out more about my family, but even more about Charlie's. Charlie's family has such interesting trace and I am excited to see where my research will lead.
I am sure I will post as I find new and interesting details...I hope you will enjoy hearing about my searches as much I am will enjoy sharing my findings!
December 3, 2010
A New Beginning
I would like to warn you now...this will be long. If you make it to the end, thanks :)
Thanksgiving is always a great day to reflect on the past year and all the blessings you have received. I must admit, even after losing my sister in 2004 early on Thanksgiving morning, I still love the holiday! But, it seems like it is a little cursed for me at this point!
This year has been tough on my husband and me. We have been very busy and seemed like we never saw each other or spent any time together. There have been lots of arguments - even fights. But, through it all, we never gave up because at the end of the day, we are truly in love with each other.
Charlie hasn't been feeling well for a long time now, but no doctor could, or would, figure out exactly what was going on. We know he has diabetes - he figured that out on his own while teaching his class how to check blood sugar levels. Still something has not been right. He has been short of breath, tiring easily, and other symptoms that indicated a problem with his heart. But, after multiple trips to the hospital, blood work, EKG's, and stress tests, there was nothing showing up that could be wrong.
Thanksgiving Day was one of those "pick" days for us. Charlie wasn't feeling well again and I kept insisting he go to the doctor; he, of course, would not go. So, every time we were alone, I said something about it again. By the end of the night, it had turned into a full blown fight...about absolutely nothing!
Fast forward about an hour - I was quite certain my husband was having a heart attack in our living room. But, because of his stubborn nature, he was not going to the doctor nor was I calling 911...he assured me he would not go to the hospital if I did call! So, I gave up...I told him fine and I sat down on the couch and started knitting. A few minutes later, he decided he maybe should see what was going on.
So, I took him to South station in Dandridge so the medics on the truck could do an EKG - that was the closest we were getting to help at the time! After the EKG showing now difference, the medics (who were on my side, thank goodness) talked him into going on to the hospital; I did find out later the only reason he went was so I wouldn't worry - whatever got him there is fine!
Fast forward again - or this will be a book! Friday afternoon the cardiologist decided, in light of past results, to not do any tests that had already been done. He wanted to skip them all and do the heart cath - I was scared and relieved at the same time, as was Charlie. We wanted to know what was going on! Well, we sure did find out; the results of the heart cath showed 4 blockages in his heart - one 100% and three 70%. The next thing we know, he is on the way to UT Knoxville for bypass surgery.
I cannot even begin to explain to you what happened to me when I found out this was happening - my mental train wrecked and I stayed that way until yesterday...seriously!
So, we get to UTK and are informed the surgery will probably not be until Monday...what, really?!?!?!? This meant we would sit in the hospital all weekend to worry about what was to come. Thank God a doctor was sent to us who had no plans of that happening; the surgery would be Saturday morning at 8:00 am.
I didn't sleep at all that night - mostly I just cried. I know there were people all over praying and that God was in the midst of it all, but all I could think about was "what if something happens to him?". I am just not sure I can do this thing called life alone!
God came through, as He always does :) Charlie's surgery went well and his recovery is also. We were able to come home on Wednesday following the surgery. The doctor is very pleased with his progress so far; he is doing quite well considering the caliber of surgery he went through. Now we just pray the recovery continues to progress as it should and that he can stay on track with the plans.
We are celebrating our 6th anniversary today, and it just seems so much sweeter now. Through everything this year, and now this huge health scare, we know that together we will make it through anything. This is a brand new beginning for us and we are ready!
Thanksgiving is always a great day to reflect on the past year and all the blessings you have received. I must admit, even after losing my sister in 2004 early on Thanksgiving morning, I still love the holiday! But, it seems like it is a little cursed for me at this point!
This year has been tough on my husband and me. We have been very busy and seemed like we never saw each other or spent any time together. There have been lots of arguments - even fights. But, through it all, we never gave up because at the end of the day, we are truly in love with each other.
Charlie hasn't been feeling well for a long time now, but no doctor could, or would, figure out exactly what was going on. We know he has diabetes - he figured that out on his own while teaching his class how to check blood sugar levels. Still something has not been right. He has been short of breath, tiring easily, and other symptoms that indicated a problem with his heart. But, after multiple trips to the hospital, blood work, EKG's, and stress tests, there was nothing showing up that could be wrong.
Thanksgiving Day was one of those "pick" days for us. Charlie wasn't feeling well again and I kept insisting he go to the doctor; he, of course, would not go. So, every time we were alone, I said something about it again. By the end of the night, it had turned into a full blown fight...about absolutely nothing!
Fast forward about an hour - I was quite certain my husband was having a heart attack in our living room. But, because of his stubborn nature, he was not going to the doctor nor was I calling 911...he assured me he would not go to the hospital if I did call! So, I gave up...I told him fine and I sat down on the couch and started knitting. A few minutes later, he decided he maybe should see what was going on.
So, I took him to South station in Dandridge so the medics on the truck could do an EKG - that was the closest we were getting to help at the time! After the EKG showing now difference, the medics (who were on my side, thank goodness) talked him into going on to the hospital; I did find out later the only reason he went was so I wouldn't worry - whatever got him there is fine!
Fast forward again - or this will be a book! Friday afternoon the cardiologist decided, in light of past results, to not do any tests that had already been done. He wanted to skip them all and do the heart cath - I was scared and relieved at the same time, as was Charlie. We wanted to know what was going on! Well, we sure did find out; the results of the heart cath showed 4 blockages in his heart - one 100% and three 70%. The next thing we know, he is on the way to UT Knoxville for bypass surgery.
I cannot even begin to explain to you what happened to me when I found out this was happening - my mental train wrecked and I stayed that way until yesterday...seriously!
So, we get to UTK and are informed the surgery will probably not be until Monday...what, really?!?!?!? This meant we would sit in the hospital all weekend to worry about what was to come. Thank God a doctor was sent to us who had no plans of that happening; the surgery would be Saturday morning at 8:00 am.
I didn't sleep at all that night - mostly I just cried. I know there were people all over praying and that God was in the midst of it all, but all I could think about was "what if something happens to him?". I am just not sure I can do this thing called life alone!
God came through, as He always does :) Charlie's surgery went well and his recovery is also. We were able to come home on Wednesday following the surgery. The doctor is very pleased with his progress so far; he is doing quite well considering the caliber of surgery he went through. Now we just pray the recovery continues to progress as it should and that he can stay on track with the plans.
We are celebrating our 6th anniversary today, and it just seems so much sweeter now. Through everything this year, and now this huge health scare, we know that together we will make it through anything. This is a brand new beginning for us and we are ready!
October 22, 2010
Long time...so sorry!
Wow, I didn't realize until today how long it has been since I posted! Life has been crazy and I have neglected everything :(
So, I will do short updates for you on life events...maybe that will keep this post from becoming a small novel :)
Wiley and Siara got married on September 18. The wedding was beautiful and everything went great! Please just keep them in your prayers at this point though; I do not wish to go into detail, but God knows the need.
Monika - my heart sister - has given birth to a precious baby girl, Sophia Belle! She made her debut into the world one month ago today, on September 22, 2010. She was born at 9:11 am weighing 6 lbs. 12 oz. and she is beautiful, though I am a bit bias!
Last week we finally got to go on vacation...and it was much needed! We left on Thursday and headed to Myrtle Beach; it was me, my hubby, our little man, and my Dad. Now, my Dad hates the beach - anything outdoors really - but he goes with us because of Lawson :) We spent the weekend having a blast at the beach, swimming in the pool, eating, and shopping...it was wonderful! I hated for Monday to come so quickly, but was indeed ready to come home - as was the rest of my crew.
I have also made a change with me - I got my hair cut...short :) I love it...I want it shorter in the back once the cut is complete; it is a work in progress! Whatcha think...?
Ok...I think that is the short version of all that has happened! I will try to do better from now on and blog more than once a month :)
September 14, 2010
I WON!
I hardly ever win anything, but I love to enter contests. Well, lately I have won several, but last night takes the cake so far!
I support United Way and am a fan of a local chapter on Facebook. Well, yesterday afternoon they did a contest for concert tickets to see The Band Perry at The Tennessee Valley Fair. So, on a whim, I entered thinking there was no way I would win...WRONG! I did win...then the mess started...
How hard can it be to find someone to go to a FREE concert with you?!? Well, apparently very hard, especially when the concert starts 5 hours after you win the tickets!!! I posted on Facebook that I won and needed someone to go with me...and waited...and waited... I couldn't wait any longer so I started calling/texting people to see if they could go...no one could go. This went on for a while and ended with me bummed out, crying in the shower because I wasn't gonna get to go...yes, I am pathetic, I know!
Finally, the first person I called texted me and said she could go but would have to take her little girl...WOOT!!! So, at 7:00 pm - 1 hour before concert start time - we are loading a 1 year old, a 4 year old, two strollers, and all our junk in my van to head to Knoxville :) We had to drive to the United Way office, where my tickets were taped to the front door, then back to the fair grounds for the concert...off we went and I was stoked!
Well, we made it to United Way and then to the fair grounds. We walked into the concert at 8:05...man we are good :) The concert was great and both kids LOVED it. I was so proud of my little man for actually hanging out through the entire concert!
I must say, if you ever get the chance to see The Band Perry, go...they were great!
I support United Way and am a fan of a local chapter on Facebook. Well, yesterday afternoon they did a contest for concert tickets to see The Band Perry at The Tennessee Valley Fair. So, on a whim, I entered thinking there was no way I would win...WRONG! I did win...then the mess started...
How hard can it be to find someone to go to a FREE concert with you?!? Well, apparently very hard, especially when the concert starts 5 hours after you win the tickets!!! I posted on Facebook that I won and needed someone to go with me...and waited...and waited... I couldn't wait any longer so I started calling/texting people to see if they could go...no one could go. This went on for a while and ended with me bummed out, crying in the shower because I wasn't gonna get to go...yes, I am pathetic, I know!
Finally, the first person I called texted me and said she could go but would have to take her little girl...WOOT!!! So, at 7:00 pm - 1 hour before concert start time - we are loading a 1 year old, a 4 year old, two strollers, and all our junk in my van to head to Knoxville :) We had to drive to the United Way office, where my tickets were taped to the front door, then back to the fair grounds for the concert...off we went and I was stoked!
Well, we made it to United Way and then to the fair grounds. We walked into the concert at 8:05...man we are good :) The concert was great and both kids LOVED it. I was so proud of my little man for actually hanging out through the entire concert!
I must say, if you ever get the chance to see The Band Perry, go...they were great!
And, since my little guy was so great during the concert, he of course got to enjoy the fair as well...
September 9, 2010
Knitting
As I shared in a previous post, my knitting has become an addiction! Well, I have decided to try a business venture with it and would like to introduce you to my new business name...
I started with a different name, but found it was too close to several already in use. So, the search began and it took a lot of time for me to come up with just the right name. But, the name I settled on seems to fit me very well :) The logo was another task...it was created by Tatorbug Creations and I think it is perfect for me! Stephanie is also a saint to put up with my particular ways but she is wonderful to work with ;)
I have an abundance of baby hats and am working on a couple of new projects now...I hope to share them early next week! I have opened up my Etsy Shop and plan to post items in it this weekend. You can also visit my fan page on Facebook - Hip Knits.
Let me know if there is an item you would like and if I don't have it, I will make it. If I have never made it, I will try it! I hope to learn many new projects in the coming weeks and be able to offer a large variety for all ages.
September 7, 2010
Craziness!
I am a bad, bad blogger...especially when life gets crazy busy! That has been exactly the case the past two weeks...and it isn't slowing down anytime soon! Man, I am ready for a vacation :)
As most of you know, I run a small shop in the heart of downtown Dandridge, TN. I love it and have a lot of "sweat equity" in the place! I decided to have a big sale because I want to order some new items for the shop. So, I have been busy working on sorting and stickering everything in my shop for that sale...now it is in full swing and I am kinda settling for a bit.
I am also in the midst of putting the finishing touches on my stepson's wedding, which will take place September 18. I have loved working with Siara to plan this wedding, but I will be so glad when it is over. Shew, it has been some work...but it gonna be beautiful!
I am also trying to get my house organized...this is the biggest job of all, believe it or not! My ADHD kicks in and I just sit and stare. It isn't exactly how I would like it to go, but sometimes it just happens that way. Luckily, my aunt/bff is wonderful and loves me! She came up yesterday and helped me jumpstart my cleaning escapade. We knocked out quite a bit, and I now LOVE how my living room is set up. I have had an amazing canvas picture - that she gave me - sitting in my bedroom floor for 2 years, just waiting for that perfect spot on the wall. Well, as of yesterday, Audrey Hepburn dressed in her "Breakfast at Tiffany's" attire, found her spot...and I must say, she looks gorgeous!
I also sent me husband off to Chicago yesterday morning; he will be there until next Monday. It has been one day and I am ready for him to be home...I do not like it when he is gone :( But, I have a wonderful (soon-to-be) daughter-in-law, who is staying with me this week so I am not alone at night...I love her :)
This was just a quick update, as I have a million other things I have to get done today. But, hopefully in the next couple of weeks, I can blog regularly. I hope you are all enjoying the "cooler" weather that seems to be slowly making it's way in...I know I am ready for fall!
All I can say is - HURRY UP OCTOBER 15!!! That is the day I head to Myrtle Beach for a couple of relaxing days...so ready :)
As most of you know, I run a small shop in the heart of downtown Dandridge, TN. I love it and have a lot of "sweat equity" in the place! I decided to have a big sale because I want to order some new items for the shop. So, I have been busy working on sorting and stickering everything in my shop for that sale...now it is in full swing and I am kinda settling for a bit.
I am also in the midst of putting the finishing touches on my stepson's wedding, which will take place September 18. I have loved working with Siara to plan this wedding, but I will be so glad when it is over. Shew, it has been some work...but it gonna be beautiful!
I am also trying to get my house organized...this is the biggest job of all, believe it or not! My ADHD kicks in and I just sit and stare. It isn't exactly how I would like it to go, but sometimes it just happens that way. Luckily, my aunt/bff is wonderful and loves me! She came up yesterday and helped me jumpstart my cleaning escapade. We knocked out quite a bit, and I now LOVE how my living room is set up. I have had an amazing canvas picture - that she gave me - sitting in my bedroom floor for 2 years, just waiting for that perfect spot on the wall. Well, as of yesterday, Audrey Hepburn dressed in her "Breakfast at Tiffany's" attire, found her spot...and I must say, she looks gorgeous!
I also sent me husband off to Chicago yesterday morning; he will be there until next Monday. It has been one day and I am ready for him to be home...I do not like it when he is gone :( But, I have a wonderful (soon-to-be) daughter-in-law, who is staying with me this week so I am not alone at night...I love her :)
This was just a quick update, as I have a million other things I have to get done today. But, hopefully in the next couple of weeks, I can blog regularly. I hope you are all enjoying the "cooler" weather that seems to be slowly making it's way in...I know I am ready for fall!
All I can say is - HURRY UP OCTOBER 15!!! That is the day I head to Myrtle Beach for a couple of relaxing days...so ready :)
August 18, 2010
Knitting...my new addiction!
June 20, 2010: My 28th birthday. Why is this significant you ask? Well, on this day, I decided I needed a new hobby. I love hand knitted items, especially for babies, so I decided knitting it would be! I had my husband take me Wal-Mart where I purchased the "I Taught Myself Knitting" kit and 2 skeins of yarn. Then, I went home and started learning!
Now, my husband, being the skeptic that he is (because he knows me), swore I would put it down within a week and never pick it back up. Well, even if I had wanted to do that, I couldn't now because he would then be right...not gonna let that happen!
But, much to his surprise (and mine), I love it! It has now been roughly 6 weeks since I decided this would be my new hobby and I am going full force. I was strictly needle knitting to begin with until a friend suggested I try looms. She said it is much easier to use and doesn't make your hands hurt as bad. So, I went out to Hobby Lobby and bought the Knifty Knitter round loom set...well, now I am completely addicted!
I knit all the time now. At home, at work (I run my own shop), in the car (when hubby is driving, of course), and anywhere I can find the time. If I go a full day without knitting, I feel like I haven't done anything that day! I still needle knit some but mostly I use the loom. I now have the Flower Loom and I am enjoying making embellishments for my baby hats. But, I plan to get the long looms in a couple of weeks and then I can make so much more!
My problem lately is finding patterns for the round looms. I can find thousands of patterns for needle knitting, but I really want to use my larger looms. So far I have only used the small blue loom to make the baby hats. If I don't learn to make something else soon, I am going to have to build a room onto the house just for the baby hats, ha! If you know of any good loom pattern sites, please pass them along to me :)
Here are three of the hats I have made...I have plenty more! My Etsy Shop is open and I will add items soon; be sure to visit - Hip Knits.
Now, my husband, being the skeptic that he is (because he knows me), swore I would put it down within a week and never pick it back up. Well, even if I had wanted to do that, I couldn't now because he would then be right...not gonna let that happen!
But, much to his surprise (and mine), I love it! It has now been roughly 6 weeks since I decided this would be my new hobby and I am going full force. I was strictly needle knitting to begin with until a friend suggested I try looms. She said it is much easier to use and doesn't make your hands hurt as bad. So, I went out to Hobby Lobby and bought the Knifty Knitter round loom set...well, now I am completely addicted!
I knit all the time now. At home, at work (I run my own shop), in the car (when hubby is driving, of course), and anywhere I can find the time. If I go a full day without knitting, I feel like I haven't done anything that day! I still needle knit some but mostly I use the loom. I now have the Flower Loom and I am enjoying making embellishments for my baby hats. But, I plan to get the long looms in a couple of weeks and then I can make so much more!
My problem lately is finding patterns for the round looms. I can find thousands of patterns for needle knitting, but I really want to use my larger looms. So far I have only used the small blue loom to make the baby hats. If I don't learn to make something else soon, I am going to have to build a room onto the house just for the baby hats, ha! If you know of any good loom pattern sites, please pass them along to me :)
Here are three of the hats I have made...I have plenty more! My Etsy Shop is open and I will add items soon; be sure to visit - Hip Knits.
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| Baby Boy - Variegated Brown/Green/Blue/Tan |
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| Baby Girl - Variegated Pink/Brown/Beige |
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| Preemie Girl - Variegated Pink/Black/White |
These two are my first order! They are for a friend who is just beginning her photography business :)
Please visit her site: Shatera Marshall Photography
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| Baby Girl - Pink |
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| Baby Boy - Blue |
August 11, 2010
Makin' Memories
Yesterday was such a great day and a wonderful blessing! I have a great friend who is a wonderful wife and mother. Like everyone else, they have been having a hard time lately. She has two awesome kids and wants nothing more than to make them happy. I decided she and the kids needed a day trip.
I had tickets to Dollywood, a local theme park, and decided we should go. It was awesome to be able to take her and do this for her and the kids. They had never been and she hadn't been in many years...we had a BLAST!
Sometimes you don't realize what something means to a person. As we were leaving the park, Steph told me "thank you" for about the 1 millionth time...but this time it was different. She told me thank you because I helped her make memories with her kids, something that is priceless but she could not have afforded to do herself. While I did not do this for the "thank you", it was nice to hear. It hurt my heart a little to know how appreciative she was but that she couldn't do it without someone's help.
While memories are made with your children every day, it is something special to be able to share with them memories from your own childhood. I know Steph was so grateful for this opportunity and will cherish these memories for a lifetime.
My prayer is that all families have the opportunity to make the memories they want. I pray that people who have the resources to help others will do so, whatever that may be. I also pray the people helping will do it, not for the "thank you" or the recognition, but for the knowledge that they were able to help someone who wasn't able to do it themselves!
I had tickets to Dollywood, a local theme park, and decided we should go. It was awesome to be able to take her and do this for her and the kids. They had never been and she hadn't been in many years...we had a BLAST!
Sometimes you don't realize what something means to a person. As we were leaving the park, Steph told me "thank you" for about the 1 millionth time...but this time it was different. She told me thank you because I helped her make memories with her kids, something that is priceless but she could not have afforded to do herself. While I did not do this for the "thank you", it was nice to hear. It hurt my heart a little to know how appreciative she was but that she couldn't do it without someone's help.
While memories are made with your children every day, it is something special to be able to share with them memories from your own childhood. I know Steph was so grateful for this opportunity and will cherish these memories for a lifetime.
My prayer is that all families have the opportunity to make the memories they want. I pray that people who have the resources to help others will do so, whatever that may be. I also pray the people helping will do it, not for the "thank you" or the recognition, but for the knowledge that they were able to help someone who wasn't able to do it themselves!
August 9, 2010
My "Heart Sister"
God has blessed me with a wonderful friend...she is my "heart sister." Monika and I met about 7 years ago when I got a job where she was working. We didn't hit it off right away; I thought she was snob and she thought I was a little out there because I am very outspoken. But, as time went on, and we worked together a lot more, we found out we had a lot to talk about. It was the beginning of a great friendship!
I quit working at the store about 2 years after I started. I had gotten married and was pregnant with my first child. I wanted to stay home with him for a while so I quit working. After I quit, Monika and I lost touch for a while. I would still see her at the bookstore, but the she got another job. There was a long gap in our communication at this point.
I am really not sure what exactly brought us back together. I think a lot of it was her getting married. When she got married I was the only friend she had who was also married, so it was easy for us to relate. We began talking more, and the friendship blossomed.
Fast forward...
We are now great friends and she is expecting her first baby...a precious baby girl they will name Sophia Belle. Today, I had the pleasure of hosting her first baby shower. I decided to theme the shower based on Monika's personality and love of animal print and pink :) So, here are a few pictures for you to enjoy!
I quit working at the store about 2 years after I started. I had gotten married and was pregnant with my first child. I wanted to stay home with him for a while so I quit working. After I quit, Monika and I lost touch for a while. I would still see her at the bookstore, but the she got another job. There was a long gap in our communication at this point.
I am really not sure what exactly brought us back together. I think a lot of it was her getting married. When she got married I was the only friend she had who was also married, so it was easy for us to relate. We began talking more, and the friendship blossomed.
Fast forward...
We are now great friends and she is expecting her first baby...a precious baby girl they will name Sophia Belle. Today, I had the pleasure of hosting her first baby shower. I decided to theme the shower based on Monika's personality and love of animal print and pink :) So, here are a few pictures for you to enjoy!
August 4, 2010
I think I moved...
...and someone forgot to tell me! It is H-O-T! I live in Tennessee where the weather is usually average and life is good with the A/C on 74...notice I said usually :) This is NOT normal!!!
The past few weeks have been sweltering and this week "takes the cake", so to speak. At 11:30 am this morning, it was 94 degrees outside...94!!! That is what it would normally be on a hot day at the very hottest point in the day :/ But, with the heat index included, we have hit up to 105 this week; today we could make it to 108...geez!
At this point, it is too hot to even go to the pool/lake and try to cool off. Lawson has been begging me to go to the splash pad lately and I hate telling him no, but it is too hot for him or me to be out.
I must say this weather is not great for the business either. Because I am right in a historic district where shop access is from the street, people are just not out. I pray the weather will give us relief soon and people can enjoy some time outdoors before the cold weather decides to grace us with its presence :)
The past few weeks have been sweltering and this week "takes the cake", so to speak. At 11:30 am this morning, it was 94 degrees outside...94!!! That is what it would normally be on a hot day at the very hottest point in the day :/ But, with the heat index included, we have hit up to 105 this week; today we could make it to 108...geez!
At this point, it is too hot to even go to the pool/lake and try to cool off. Lawson has been begging me to go to the splash pad lately and I hate telling him no, but it is too hot for him or me to be out.
I must say this weather is not great for the business either. Because I am right in a historic district where shop access is from the street, people are just not out. I pray the weather will give us relief soon and people can enjoy some time outdoors before the cold weather decides to grace us with its presence :)
August 1, 2010
Wow...10 years!?!
This weekend brought my 10 year high school reunion. I happened to be on the committee of planning and very much enjoyed that part. But, I still can't believe it has been 10 years since I graduated high school!!!
Friday night was a family night - fun night for the kids. We had it at the Field of Dreams in Dandridge so we could all sit around and visit while our kids played. It was great just chatting with old friends/classmates and seeing everyone's children. You know...time changes people, and so do children (usually).
Saturday night was our adult night in Knoxville - too much fun! We had everything at the Crowne Plaza which was a great choice. Dinner - dancing - drinks...great night! I ended up sitting at a table with someone I never thought I would speak to again, due to a past history. But, we ended up laughing, talking and having a great time! Like I said...time changes people, even me :)
All in all, I think the reunion went very well! It seemed like everyone had a great time just laughing, talking and catching up. I hope we will all get together again soon...probably in 5 years!
*I will post pix as soon as I have some. We had a photographer so I have to wait until I get my DVD of pix.*
July 28, 2010
Life and the pursuit of...love!
I want to first apologize for the length of this post...sometimes I get long winded, and with this one I definitely did :) But, I hope you enjoy the read!
Most girls begin dreaming of marriage, kids and all that entails at a young age. They think about growing up, meeting their prince charming, being a beautiful bride, and then starting a family. Some dreams are big...some are small. No matter how large or small the dream is, it is still something that goes on from a young age.
Sleepovers, notes in class, talks in the hallway between class...they all are leading up to this dream of love that girls have. We giggled, we laughed, we oohed and ahhed, we cried, and we planned. But, does the "dream" turn into reality? Most definitely yes...and no.
I always dreamed of the prince charming. The guy who would sweep my off my feet, make me breakfast in bed, bring me flowers for no reason...all that mushy romantic stuff! Then...I grew up!
My "love" life was a rocky road for a long time. In fact, though I thought I was in love several times, I really never was. I was content. I could do as I pleased, go where I wanted and never worry about anyone else but me. Well, in a relationship, that isn't how it works! But, I was young and didn't know any better...blah blah blah...
Then came September 2004. I was in school at WSCC and met Charlie. He was one of the instructors of the class I was taking. Though he wasn't my specific instructor, they took turns teaching so I had him a lot because of the days I went to class. I was also on the rescue squad at the time and decided to switch shifts to the be on the truck with my instructors. It was great being on shift with them because I could study, ask questions and get hands on instruction with the equipment we had at the station.
During the nights at the station, Charlie and I began talking. We talked about class, religion, politics, people...everything. We found out we had a lot in common. We liked the same music, movies, foods, and had a lot of the same views on religion, which is important to both of us. After a couple of weeks of talking in person, we began talking on the phone...for hours at a time. Fast forward...
After late night talks, dinners, cooking together, meeting family - everything that goes with the "whirlwind romance" - I married my prince charming on December 3, 2004; this was approximately 2 months after our first real "date."
Wow, life changes when you have a baby...but it's all worth it! I won't bore you with the details, but if you have had a baby, I am sure you know! Now...let's skip to 2010...
Most girls begin dreaming of marriage, kids and all that entails at a young age. They think about growing up, meeting their prince charming, being a beautiful bride, and then starting a family. Some dreams are big...some are small. No matter how large or small the dream is, it is still something that goes on from a young age.
Sleepovers, notes in class, talks in the hallway between class...they all are leading up to this dream of love that girls have. We giggled, we laughed, we oohed and ahhed, we cried, and we planned. But, does the "dream" turn into reality? Most definitely yes...and no.
I always dreamed of the prince charming. The guy who would sweep my off my feet, make me breakfast in bed, bring me flowers for no reason...all that mushy romantic stuff! Then...I grew up!
My "love" life was a rocky road for a long time. In fact, though I thought I was in love several times, I really never was. I was content. I could do as I pleased, go where I wanted and never worry about anyone else but me. Well, in a relationship, that isn't how it works! But, I was young and didn't know any better...blah blah blah...
Then came September 2004. I was in school at WSCC and met Charlie. He was one of the instructors of the class I was taking. Though he wasn't my specific instructor, they took turns teaching so I had him a lot because of the days I went to class. I was also on the rescue squad at the time and decided to switch shifts to the be on the truck with my instructors. It was great being on shift with them because I could study, ask questions and get hands on instruction with the equipment we had at the station.
During the nights at the station, Charlie and I began talking. We talked about class, religion, politics, people...everything. We found out we had a lot in common. We liked the same music, movies, foods, and had a lot of the same views on religion, which is important to both of us. After a couple of weeks of talking in person, we began talking on the phone...for hours at a time. Fast forward...
 |
| December 3, 2004 |
Now, remember I said that "prince charming" would make me breakfast in bed and bring me flowers for no reason...yeah right! We were married on Friday evening and back at work/school Monday morning. But, we were happy and very happy to be together.
In May 2005, we found out we would be adding two little feet to our family :) This was the plan from the beginning and we were very excited! So, life went on with work, family, doctors appointments, etc...
 |
| James-Charles Lawson Williams January 19, 2006 7 lbs 12 oz * 19.5 in long |
Wow, life changes when you have a baby...but it's all worth it! I won't bore you with the details, but if you have had a baby, I am sure you know! Now...let's skip to 2010...
 |
| Lawson * June 2010 * 4 years old |
My unrealistic expectations of love have gone, but they have been replaced with reality which is much sweeter than anything I could have dreamed! I now have a "Love Is" list and will share it with you in a future post :)
July 24, 2010
I like to take picutres...
I don't just like to take pictures...I LOVE IT! I am not, however, a photographer. Sometimes a creative genius comes out, but not very often. But, after the snapshots are taken, I do like to get creative with the editing. I have played with Photoshop a lot, and like it, but just don't have the use for an expensive program. So, I went in search of a great editing program that was free and found...PhotoScape! It is free to download and has some of the Photoshop features. I use Picnik online, but really like having a downloaded program for when I have my computer but no WiFi :)
 |
| My sis and her new baby boy...I love their faces :) |
July 22, 2010
Irritated...*Update*
Last week I worked on my blog for hours to get it just like I wanted it. I found the perfect background, the coordinating banner, and customized my fonts/colors so it would all be the same. I think it looks great and it is just what I wanted!
Today, I click to look at my blog and make sure my latest change is there. Once my site loads, there is a note in the top corner from "The Cutest Blog on the Block" - where my background and banner came from - saying my background will disappear from my blog on Friday, July 23 and to click on their banner for an explanation. It also says if I don't get through the first time to keep clicking because of the high volume of users. So...I click. The site takes *forever* to load and then comes up saying it is down for maintenance and should be up in the next 2 hours...really?!?
Normally I love their website but now I am doubly irritated...my blog that I worked so hard on will disappear tomorrow and I can't find out why!!!! Grrrr....
*UPDATE*
Ok...I was finally able to see on their site what is happening and have everything fixed! Photobucket is shutting down their account and they have moved everything to their own server...thank goodness! I was able to change part of the background code and now I won't lose it :) Man...I was about to panic!!!
Today, I click to look at my blog and make sure my latest change is there. Once my site loads, there is a note in the top corner from "The Cutest Blog on the Block" - where my background and banner came from - saying my background will disappear from my blog on Friday, July 23 and to click on their banner for an explanation. It also says if I don't get through the first time to keep clicking because of the high volume of users. So...I click. The site takes *forever* to load and then comes up saying it is down for maintenance and should be up in the next 2 hours...really?!?
Normally I love their website but now I am doubly irritated...my blog that I worked so hard on will disappear tomorrow and I can't find out why!!!! Grrrr....
*UPDATE*
Ok...I was finally able to see on their site what is happening and have everything fixed! Photobucket is shutting down their account and they have moved everything to their own server...thank goodness! I was able to change part of the background code and now I won't lose it :) Man...I was about to panic!!!
July 18, 2010
Happy Birthday in Heaven, Sister
Today would have been my middle sister's 23rd birthday. We lost her November 24, 2004, due to a car accident. I am sure she is watching over me, our sister and brother, and her two nephew's from Heaven. So, Happy Birthday Nikita! I love you always :)
July 15, 2010
Crazy...wonderful...LIFE!
Wow...it has been a while since I updated! Life has been crazy, but wonderful! In the past couple of months I found out my stepson is gonna be a Daddy again and will be marrying a wonderful girl, Siara :) Lawson has had some more problems in daycare so we removed him and are now attending therapy so he can begin Pre-K in September. I became the aunt of an adorable little guy who already has my heart wrapped around his tiny finger! And these are just the biggies!!!
Becoming a Ya-Ya (that's Grandmother in Greek):
Wiley and Siara told us about a month ago they will be welcoming an addition to the family in early February 2011. Their original plan was to get married in May 2011, but they have decided to move that to September 2010 so they can readily prepare for their precious gift. I have been working with Siara to plan the details of her first big day, becoming a wife. I am excited for them and very happy to welcome her into our family!
Lawson - my sweet little man - my hyper little man:
Lawson continued to have issues at daycare with hitting and not listening to his teachers. After a meeting with the directors and teachers, we decided to give it a couple of weeks to see if we could get things under control. But, that didn't last. Due to, what I believe was their lack of desire, he was removed from daycare almost two weeks ago. Luckily, it has not been an issue for childcare as I have a wonderful family so willing to help! I also think in the long run, that will be what was best for Lawson.
We have found a new therapist that is very skilled in working with children Lawson's age. We see him once a week and, at this time, he has not specifically diagnosed Lawson with ADHD, but will in time. We know this is the issue, we just have to make sure we specify it correctly. In the meantime, we will continue to meet with the doctor once per week, and figure out how to help Lawson be more aware of himself and his surroundings.
Becoming an Auntie:
On June 30 at 4:01 pm, I became an aunt! Jeremiah Jachob De'Quan Johnson made his appearance into the world. He weighed 6 lbs. 13 oz. and was 19 5/8 in long with a head full of black hair! I was so blessed to be with my sister as she gave birth to this little guy. It was amazing to watch a new life come into the world and see her face the first time she saw him. Her pregnancy was hard and, at times, I wasn't sure she was ready...I could not have been more wrong. She has become a different person in the past two weeks and is an amazing little mommy...JJ is lucky to have a mother that loves him so much!
Life - what an adventure:
Other than the big things, I continue to run the shop in Dandridge. I love it so much better since we moved from Jefferson City. I am working on setting up a Vintage room and hope to have it open by early August.
I celebrated my 28th birthday on June 20 and decided I wanted to teach myself a new skill...so, I bought the "I Taught Myself Knitting" kit and off I went. I am doing pretty good so far...if I do say so myself! I have made a baby hat and, though it wasn't great, it turned out pretty good. I am working on one for JJ now and hope to have it done by Saturday for his first pictures :)
Charlie is working a lot lately and I have been working on some other things, so we haven't spent much time together...hopefully after summer life will slow down and we can take a couple of days to do some family things. We are going to the beach in October and I am pretty sure that cannot get here fast enough!
Becoming a Ya-Ya (that's Grandmother in Greek):
Wiley and Siara told us about a month ago they will be welcoming an addition to the family in early February 2011. Their original plan was to get married in May 2011, but they have decided to move that to September 2010 so they can readily prepare for their precious gift. I have been working with Siara to plan the details of her first big day, becoming a wife. I am excited for them and very happy to welcome her into our family!
Lawson - my sweet little man - my hyper little man:
We have found a new therapist that is very skilled in working with children Lawson's age. We see him once a week and, at this time, he has not specifically diagnosed Lawson with ADHD, but will in time. We know this is the issue, we just have to make sure we specify it correctly. In the meantime, we will continue to meet with the doctor once per week, and figure out how to help Lawson be more aware of himself and his surroundings.
Becoming an Auntie:
On June 30 at 4:01 pm, I became an aunt! Jeremiah Jachob De'Quan Johnson made his appearance into the world. He weighed 6 lbs. 13 oz. and was 19 5/8 in long with a head full of black hair! I was so blessed to be with my sister as she gave birth to this little guy. It was amazing to watch a new life come into the world and see her face the first time she saw him. Her pregnancy was hard and, at times, I wasn't sure she was ready...I could not have been more wrong. She has become a different person in the past two weeks and is an amazing little mommy...JJ is lucky to have a mother that loves him so much!
Life - what an adventure:
Other than the big things, I continue to run the shop in Dandridge. I love it so much better since we moved from Jefferson City. I am working on setting up a Vintage room and hope to have it open by early August.
I celebrated my 28th birthday on June 20 and decided I wanted to teach myself a new skill...so, I bought the "I Taught Myself Knitting" kit and off I went. I am doing pretty good so far...if I do say so myself! I have made a baby hat and, though it wasn't great, it turned out pretty good. I am working on one for JJ now and hope to have it done by Saturday for his first pictures :)
Charlie is working a lot lately and I have been working on some other things, so we haven't spent much time together...hopefully after summer life will slow down and we can take a couple of days to do some family things. We are going to the beach in October and I am pretty sure that cannot get here fast enough!
June 4, 2010
Introducing our new fur baby...
We have added a new fur baby to our family...Sassie. We got her from a couple in Georgia almost 3 weeks ago. They loved her but just couldn't keep her so we had the opportunity to get her. She is great! She is just over a year old and very hyper. She is a Silky Terrier, so hyper was expected :)
Lawson loves her and, most of the time, they get along great! When she is ready to rest and he isn't, she gets a little uptight ;)
May 27, 2010
Moved the business, got a new logo...
Well, we moved the bookstore from Jefferson City to Dandridge and have now been open almost 2 weeks! I love it...it was a great decision to move!
When we moved, we decided to stay with the same Christian bookstore roots we began with and add a few more things to the mix. We now have Bibles, books, gifts, and antiques! We are very excited to have added antiques to what we already carry. As of now we only have glassware (mostly) but we intend to also add some antique books and other neat items :)
Since we changed our inventory a little, it seemed only fitting we get a new logo. We also had to have a new, and very different, sign and what we had just didn't work well. So, I called a wonderful friend of mine who does custom logo designs and BAM...our new logo was born!
Now for the real reason of this post...
If you need a logo for your business or a new logo for a fresh look, let me suggest Tatorbug Creations! Stephanie is a wonderful designer and has some amazing ideas. She can do custom logos, business cards, wedding and birth announcements, and much more! She also does thread art and can customize blankets, shirts, and bags. She is one multi-talented lady! If you contact her, please let her know you found out about her from my blog. She loves knowing where her customers come from!
Here is the logo she custom designed for us :)
When we moved, we decided to stay with the same Christian bookstore roots we began with and add a few more things to the mix. We now have Bibles, books, gifts, and antiques! We are very excited to have added antiques to what we already carry. As of now we only have glassware (mostly) but we intend to also add some antique books and other neat items :)
Since we changed our inventory a little, it seemed only fitting we get a new logo. We also had to have a new, and very different, sign and what we had just didn't work well. So, I called a wonderful friend of mine who does custom logo designs and BAM...our new logo was born!
Now for the real reason of this post...
If you need a logo for your business or a new logo for a fresh look, let me suggest Tatorbug Creations! Stephanie is a wonderful designer and has some amazing ideas. She can do custom logos, business cards, wedding and birth announcements, and much more! She also does thread art and can customize blankets, shirts, and bags. She is one multi-talented lady! If you contact her, please let her know you found out about her from my blog. She loves knowing where her customers come from!
Here is the logo she custom designed for us :)
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