jersey boys

WOWEE~WOW~WOW!!

This is one fabulous show. I had no idea, really, what it was about and therefore, had NO expectations for it when we arrived at The Fox last night. I just hoped we wouldn't be too bored.

Can I just say......that it was AMAZING!! If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it. I took my hubby, and my brother came with my SIL (it's usually just the girls!) and even they enjoyed it. That's saying something!

Check out the website here if you are in Atlanta or here is you live somewhere else and just want to know more about where to get tickets.

last day of school

Today was the last day of school. I can't believe another year has gone by so quickly and the next one will be here before we know it. This year marks the end of Stevie's school days (at least the ones that I must get her to). I know there are great things ahead for her and we'll reveal those in another post.
Luke finished up the 7th grade with a bang, and his level of maturity amazes me every day. I love reveling in the man that he is becoming. It seems like only yesterday that he was that sweet little baby that I adored. AND, while he will always be my "baby", he's certainly not little (although he is still sweet--we just don't let on that we know it).
I'm looking forward to starting our summer starting with this weekend. Luke has a BIG day on Friday......................he's getting his braces off!! YEAH!!!!! I'll be posting a picture of that big moment, you better believe it. So, here's a pic of him with the braces just as a reminder b/c the next time you see him.............there will be NO MORE METAL.

and the last................

outfits # 2 and # 3

senior pics: outfit #1

miss invisible

One size does not fit all.

This is the first line in this book, and it only gets better from there! It's funny, smart, and very well-written. I'm planning on finding all I can by this author (Laura Jensen Walker) --she's great!

wild olive tees

Just found a great t-shirt site. These shirts send a message from the greatest message giver of all! AND they are pretty! Check out these three that I plan on getting:

Philippians 4:8
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.

James 1:2-3
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

Philippians 1:6
He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

And lastly, check out their website which also includes a link to their blog which talks about their charities.

summer faves

I'm not really a fan of hot weather, and therefore summer is my least favorite season. However, there are some things I love about summer..............how about you?


1. First and foremost, I have to say (because it wasn't said earlier) that while I didn't get to watch the American Idol finale (I was on the road), I did a little whoop-dee-doop when Steve called me as the winner was announced, and the winner (in case you live in a cave and don't know) was.......

KRIS ALLEN

2. Nobody likes hot feet (do they?), especially me. I have recently found these and just love the way they feel on my feet. The soles look like they would be hard, but they are actually soft and very, very comfy--which to me is the number one requirement!

3. I love fresh fruits and vegetables. So, while I don't garden (too darn hot), I love the benefits of them. This is one my most favorite ones:

4. I know this next one is weird, but I love this because it kicks off our vacation every year. Which this year, might be here or here or possibly somewhere not yet linked!

5. I love, love, love ice cream. However, for a cool treat that's different I like Rita's Georgia Peach ice.

Leave a comment about your summer faves, and we'll add those to the list :)

trip

My trip went very well, thanks for asking! I enjoyed shopping with Shea where she got one of these (my treat, although Steve says she is off the payroll ; )

The main attraction, though, was the BIG graduation! Yeah, SAM!!

bonding

I'm off tomorrow to do some bonding with my two beautiful daughters. Can't wait to spend all day Wed. with them shopping and such. Please pray for safe travel for Stevie and me as we go tomorrow and return on Thursday.

Our little Sam is graduating from preschool tomorrow night, too (another reason we're going). I cannot believe that he is already 5 and getting ready to start kindergarten. It seems like only yesterday that Bill and Tracy got back from Italy and told us they were going to have a little one! He is such a smart little guy and we love him bunches!! I'm sure I'll have nine thousand pictures to choose from to post on here since his momma is a picture-taking fool :)

Anyway, I'll leave you with this thought I've been thinking about a challenge issued on another blog. Angie @Poppy Joy issued a challenge to her readers about memorizing scripture. This is something that I have always struggled with, but have decided to choose something and give it a try. Haven't decided yet exactly what I am going to memorize. Anyone else want to take that challenge?

pks

While at the ballgame Thursday night, two men sitting behind me began discussing another man with whom they had grown up. One of the men said, "preacher's sons are a different breed". I wondered why he would think such a thing much less say it.

Preacher's kids or pks are just kids. They don't ask to be pks, the majority of them (and none that I know of) WANT that burden, so why do we expect them to live up to impossible standards? Isn't being a kid these days hard enough without constantly being judged and juried by people they barely know?

I don't really think Jesus views my children any differently than any other child he's put here, so why should we? Hug your pks this Sunday...............I know I'm going to hug mine a little closer :)
and remember...
"It's amazing how a handful of ordinary words can linger upon the ears of which they're heard." song heard of season one of Joan of Arcadia

american idol

I am a huge American Idol fan. Steve and I watch it from the very beginning to the bitter end. Next week will be the end........we shall see if it is bitter (if Adam wins) or sweet (if Kris wins). I am really tired of the judges this season. They have gone on and on and on ad nauseam about Adam. My word, could they be more prejudicial? I think they don't like Kris because he is a christian and he seems like a genuinely nice guy. Can't have that in Hollywood, now can we?

Kris became my absolute favorite a week or so before my last favorite (Matt) was voted off. I loved Matt, but sadly, it was time for him to go. I liked Danny from the beginning, and those on the internet hate him and have said some nasty things about him (untrue, I'm sure!). But Kris can SING!! He doesn't screech like Adam (or look weird, or do strange things with his tongue), he sings. And afterall, isn't this a singing competition (as Simon likes to say)?

So, I hope AI fans/voters get it right next week (right according to me) and Kris wins! I would love it for two reasons:

1. He deserves to win. The judges have been downright mean to him on several occasions, and what was Kara's problem on Tuesday night that she criticized him singing a song that she picked?!

2. That would mean that the judges didn't get their way even though they begged people to vote for Adam.

My feelings about this is the same as last year's presidential election. I don't care for John McCain, but had to vote for him because, in so doing, it was a vote against the media bias surrounding Obama. It was sickening, and so is this Love-fest for Adam.

GO KRIS!!

random

Okay, so here's my random post for this month.

I am totally addicted to facebook, but I seriously do not get twitter. (who cares what I am doing every second of the day?)

I am totally addicted to blogging, but I seriously do not want a wiki, a ning, or a webpage.

I am totally addicted to diet dr. pepper (one of the most caffeinated beverages made), but I seriously do not want anything at all to do with coffee.

I am totally addicted to cake (especially chocolate),but seriously do not like twinkies or anything resembling a twinkie.

I am totally addicted to vacation, but seriously do not like to go in the summer or anywhere that is crowded.

I am totally addicted to reading, but seriously do not like non-fiction (especially the self-help kind).

I could go on and on (like you care!), but seriously need a nap! What are you totally addicted to?

goat milk soap

Has anyone used this stuff? I saw some at the farmer's market last weekend, and it certainly smelled good. I wasn't sure that it was worth the price they were charging, and then I searched for it on the internet and saw that it was even more expensive when ordering plus you have to pay shipping. I think I might have to check it out. The raspberry sure did smell good! If you've used it, let me know how you like it. Otherwise, I'll report back after I get some.

vulnerable

I have been feeling very vulnerable lately.



I. Don't. Like. It.



I cry at the drop of a hat, almost as though I am on an emotional roller coaster. Now, I know what some of you are thinking..............it must be that time of the month! But, alas, I no longer have that issue (Yeah, me & Dr. Wynstra!!).



So, I've been thinking....................what the heck is wrong with me???

I think it's because there is something BIG on the horizon. It's because GOD keeps his promises. Promises that He made to me (promises I am not ready to share here) and they are BIG! I am daily seeking His face and asking what He wants. I am daily asking for His blessings for me, my husband, my children, my church. I am getting ready. I am excited!

That's why I feel vulnerable, because He is working. He is beginning a NEW work in Me, and I am making myself available for that work. I know it's coming...........I want to be ready!

So, I will continue to humble myself before the Father. Continue to seek His will, His desires, and that makes me vulnerable. I believe that real vulnerability comes when we fall on our knees in front of our Father and ask Him to use us. GUESS WHAT?? He will! He wants to!

Am I scared? a little, God is Powerful.

Am I willing? oh yeah!

Am I excited? you betcha!

But all-in-all it will be worth it. I want to lay it all out for Him. Bare myself for Him. But that doesn't mean that I am going to like the feelings that come out of me in an effort to be honest and open in my relationship to Him or to others! I will continue to be uncomfortable letting my guard down.......especially with those I don't know well or people who tend to judge based on what they think I should be doing or feeling. So, I feel unstable; in unchartered waters; on rocky ground.

BUT.....

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not rust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace;
In ev’ry high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, His covenant, His blood, support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.

When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,All other ground is sinking sand.
http://www.invitationtochrist.org/solid_rock.htm

So, I will stand on solid ground knowing that even in my vulnerabilities, He is faithful!

what I'm reading

This is a series that I found on another blog quite by accident. The title, of course, intrigued me so I ordered it from half.com (which is a great site to buy and sell books). I liked it. The authors, while not pastor's wives themselves, interviewed wives of pastors to gain insight into our lives. These books follow the stories of four different women from different denominations, and with varying problems.

I found a little of myself in each of the featured women especially the one who wants to maintain her individuality through her career, and the one who longs to be everything to everyone. Two items that I seem particularly struggling with right now. (that's the next post, though about vulnerablility.)

Anyway, as summer approaches and you have more time to spend in leisurely reading, I recommend these books. They aren't only for those whose husbands choose to serve God as a vocation, but for anyone who wants to engage with characters who will make you laugh and cry!

chicken strut festival

I wish you could really see the rust that was caked on these rides! And THIS was the big festival. Yep, they shut down a major road for this shin-dig! I did NOT see one single chicken strutting!

cake wreck

Here's a cake wreck that Steve found in the store the other day. What do you reckon it is????????

family

We have family in (sort of) for the rest of this week, so I doubt I will have much time to blog. However, check back very soon for pictures of the Chicken Strut....yes, there really was one; our new family member, Dixie; and pictures of the boys from their visit!

Pray for Stevie this Saturday, please!!!!!!!!

stevie's hair

Stevie got a new hair-do today! It looks great! Thanks, Susie!!!!!!!

Not Me! Monday

Welcome to Not Me! Monday, a post about the things that I could not have possibly done over the past week. You can read many, many Not Me! posts at: www.mycharmingkids.blogpsot.com where MckMama invented this clever little ditty to give people like me something to post about on Mondays! So, I am gonna give it the ole college try and see how you like it!

While walking with my 77 year old partner last week I did not whine and complain about the hills and the heat while she quietly trudged along beside me for two very long miles. I also did not complain to a person twice my age that my hips and back were hurting. No, Not Me! I am a trooper!

I definitely did not strut on down to the chicken strut festival to watch the people parade by whilst my kids rode rusty old carnival rides and ate funnel cake! No, Not Me!

I also did not, no way, tell my allergy-suffering husband that he needed to stop that dry, hacking cough so that I could sleep! No, Not Me!

Being the education-driven mom that I am, I absolutely did not sign my son out of school early on Friday after the band concert so that we could go and see Wolverine at the matinee price! No, Not Me!

I also did not, NO WAY think that my son was the most talented player in the entire band at said concert! Absolutely NOT!

So tell me, what did you NOT do?

making a difference

"One person can make a difference. and Everyone should try."

I don't watch the show, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, but apparently this was a quote from tonight's episode. How profound coming from a 17 year old girl. We have been talking about just this thing in our home.

There's a skit that I've seen done in churches where one person says, "I'm only one person. What can I do? One person can't do anything." Then, another person stands up and says the same thing along with the first person. Then another person, then another, then another. Finally, several people stand up in the congregation all over the sanctuary and they all say the phrase together. It makes a powerful statement. If each of us does our part without concerning ourselves that we are seemingly alone in our good deeds, then the good deeds multiply.

What can you do today that can make a difference? This is the question you need to ask yourself.

attitude

Sometimes my attitude stinks. It does! I know it shouldn't, I don't have any reason for it too, it just does. I know that I am expected to be cheery all of the time because that's what the people want. I mean, after all, who wants a preacher's wife who isn't perfect???????????????

"Your attitude is the aroma of your heart."

This is, BY FAR, my most favorite quote from FTG which, if you will recall, I watched last night. I want to smell sweet.....not like buttercream sweet, but kinda like cinnamon-spice cookie sweet (gotta have the spice or Patty is a very boring girl!).

So, I am going to keep saying this to myself over and over again until I get it. Remember though, that this quote is not just for the preacher's wife...............you get to think about it, too

What does your attitude smell like?

looking to the Father

I love the movie, Facing the Giants. I have seen it like 20 times at least, and I cry every time at the same places like I don't know what is going to happen.

We watched it again tonight, and as always, I noticed things that I hadn't noticed before. For example, the coach's car has cardboard instead of glass for one of the windows and his grill is held onto the car with duct tape. Too funny!

However, I also noticed something else tonight. One of my favorite characters is David. He's the back-up kicker for the team who's never played football before (he played soccer). His dad is in a wheelchair, and encourages David to try out for the team because the school doesn't have a soccer team.

What I noticed was this: every time David gets into the game to kick a field goal, he looks to the sideline for his father, and HIS FATHER IS ALWAYS THERE! This got me to thinking (and I am sure that it was suppose to) that just like David's father in the movie, our Heavenly Father is always there when we look to Him. Just like David, we should be looking to Him every time.

There have been so many times that I have not looked for the Father, and yet wondered where He was. If only I had looked! I would have seen Him there cheering me on!

At the end of the movie, David's father has to move to the end zone so David can see him. I love this line, "I'm standing for my son." Don't you think Jesus has said those same words for us? He has stood in Satan's path and protected us from the giants who seek to destroy.

I'm so grateful that I have Him to stand for me.