My 2014 word

Last year I decided evolve was going to be my word of the year.  I think it was a pretty good choice considering the huge evolution we went through as a family and the evolution my body, mind, and soul went through as I made the journey into motherhood.

As I was reflecting on how that word encapsulated my year, I started thinking about this year's word.

It came to me pretty quickly actually:

Christmas Eve 2014

EMBRACE.

1. to hold close with the arms; a sign of affection

2. an enclosure or encirclement

3. eager acceptance

There are so many things I want to embrace this year.  I want to remember every tear, laugh, frustration, and joy that comes my way as a mother, wife, friend, daughter, sister, etc.

We were going on three hours of CT crying one night and nothing I did seem to console him.  I found myself looking ahead to the nights when there won't be that 4 a.m. wake up call and it hit me: those nights that I'm looking ahead to will mean that this stage of his life is over.  The nights when he doesn't wake me up at 4 a.m. will be the nights that he is no longer a newborn.  No way do I want to wish these moments away.  No way do I want to look forward.

I want to embrace the now.

I want to embrace it all.  The wardrobe malfunctions.  The explosive poopy diapers.  The moments he has his eyes open or smiles or laughs or lifts his head.  The moments he won't stop crying unless I hold him.  The nights he won't sleep unless in my arms.

Fact of the matter is, so much of what I'm experiencing now is not going to last forever.
Therefore, each little thing, I will embrace.

What's your word for 2014?

Reset Button

sometimes you need to take a moment in your life and hit "RESET"
things pile up and weigh on you and it becomes difficult to realize all the good.

sometimes we get so busy with life that we forget to notice all the small awesome things taking place around us.  it's easy to watch the news, read the paper, or listen to coworkers and fall into the crab pot.

Via

you know the one.  here you are making progress, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and then a coworker or colleague or friend or whoever comes up and starts tugging you back.
down.
into.
the.
darkness.

so we need to reset.  reestablish our goals, realign priorities, revisit old dreams, and remind ourselves of what is truly important.   i urge you, hit your reset button and take off!

once in a while we slip for a day, a week, or more...
and resetting gets us back on track.  i know for me my personal health and eating choices are something i struggle with at times and it's no secret that the past 2-3 weeks i've allowed pregnancy to be an excuse to eat whatever i wanted or craved at that moment.

yes.  i've been very concerned with weight gain.
yes.  i've continued running and exercising (not as much though).
yes.  i'm still making healthy choices.

but...
i've also made a lot of bad choices like 2 bowls of ice cream in one evening or 6 oreos and a cup of milk after every meal.  how about the nights i just put my feet up, let the housework go, never thought twice about a run/walk and watched homeland on demand for hours with my husband?

so, i've hit reset.  i'm starting over this week.
luckily, my 2-3 week rock bottom won't break me and i can get back on track.
so can you.

life after december 13

Psssst!  Tomorrow is September's CelebrateEVERYTHING link-up!

Make sure you stop back by and link up your celebrations.

Top: Motherhood (given to me), Jeans: Liz Lange Maternity, Shoes: Sanuk

last monday I sat down at my desk at work and suddenly i felt very overwhelmed; like i couldn't stand to teach that day, wanted to sit there and cry it out.  it was like all my grad school work and all my school responsibilities and everything just got piled on me all at once.  i wanted to give up.

i emailed my husband telling him i didn't know if i could do it all - that i was feeling so overwhelmed.  he reminded me that i was very far ahead in my program (i'm NOT a procrastinator so i'm literally 2 weeks ahead on assignments/readings just in case anything happens) and that i could just make a list of what needed to get done each day and cross things off as i went.  he also assured me that things that weren't crossed off could be done the next day.  

boy, do i love him.

then i started thinking about what life will be like after december 13th.  i graduate that day.  that means no more reading 15+ articles/chapters from textbooks each week on top of grading, planning, and school paperwork.  no more conducting research within my classroom; instead, focusing on what i want to do with my students and what we decide to do together.

the best part: graduating on december 13 leaves me with one whole month to be a wife to my husband before i become a mom, too.  a month for us to have as many date nights as we want, to share our last christmas just "us," and to really prepare for the beginning of our next journey.

i'm not wishing away time, but i'm looking forward to life after december 13th.

Grab this button from my sidebar and put it in tomorrow's post to link up your celebrations tomorrow!

Why Women are STRONGER

Necklace: Groopdealz, Shirt: Liz Lange Maternity, Skirt: Banana Republic (non-maternity), Bracelets: random shop & Stella&Dot

Can I just take a minute to be a little feministic today?  I hate the way the word feminist sounds because it almost sounds like a derogatory thing rolling off the tongue and that's not what I associate with it.  I mean, I'm not trying to gather a group to go burning bras or anything.  I just really think women deserve some credit for ALL the things we do.  Amen?

A feminist is someone who supports the rights and equality of women.

I think I fall into that category.  When it comes down to it, I want everyone to have the same rights and equality as long as they haven't done anything to lose that privilege.  I just don't want people to think I'm going around being a man basher

But, women....
Women are special.
Women are powerful.
Women do things that no man can do.

Women are STRONGER because...

• They bring life into this world.  They endure hours (months really) of pain to breath new life into the world.  That's amazing.
• They multitask.  A woman can make dinner, feed the baby, answer the phone, and look good doing it.  Let's see a man do that without breaking a sweat. ;o)
• Nobody expects them to be.  Constantly, someone is expecting a woman to fail or become emotional or stress out.  I love it when that doesn't happen.
• They work all day and come home to take care of their husband, the house, and the kids.  
• They look good doing it!

I'm not discrediting all the work men do, but I am going out on a limb and saying that women don't just rock, they are rocks.

Coffee Date

If we were to sit down for a cup of coffee right now to catch up on life...

I would probably be drinking tea since I made the switch while doing Whole 30.

I would tap my mug against yours in celebration of the fact that I've completed my National Boards.  And I would thank you for your words of encouragement, understanding ear, and support through the whole process.  I would ask you to pray for me on May 31st because I test that day.

I would talk about my desires for this blog.  My idea for a monthly link-up and the fact that I'm so nervous to even share it with anyone because I'm afraid it won't fly in Blogland.  So nervous, in fact, that I can't even imagine who to share it with first to help me launch/host it!

I would get excited when you ask how many days are left of school.  Something about being home all day with my pups and having the freedom to sew, work out, and take care of my man excites me.

I would ask you what's on your mind and if you've cleared your head lately?

I would talk about my dogs and the beautiful park we visited on Mother's Day.  I would tell you about the trails and the water fall and invite you to come with us some time.

I would ask for advice on what to wear to my 10 year reunion this summer.

I would probably pick your mind about the JawboneUP, the Polar FT4, and any DSLR you've ever experienced.  I want one of each, but can't figure out which one is top priority.

I would share my ridiculous amount of excitement over the fact that finally Jess and Nick are together on New Girl.  And then I would probably confess that I wish I could be her friend in real life.

I would realize that when I am surrounded by people I love, I tend to overshare.  I would take a deep breath, smile at you, and genuinely ask...

How are you doing?

Optimist's Worst Weekend

If you know me, you know I normally avoid pity parties and practically never throw one for myself.  But, guys, this weekend was seriously the worst!!  Let's see if we can find the silver lining...

My weekend actually started Thursday (heck yeah!) because I took Friday off to work on National Boards from home...

But, Thursday I went for a run and was attacked and bit by a dog.

Luckily, the dog's teeth didn't break my skin

it's up to date on its shots

and I wasn't hurt badly.

Since I got bit, I had to file a police report

Thankfully, the police were understanding

it didn't take much time

and the people were apologetic.

Saturday morning my husband backed into my car, hard.

At least he wasn't hurt

the damage is  mostly cosmetic

Saturday night I attended the Blogger Buzz with Angela and Ashley

My silver lining!

Thankful for time with women that I have a lot in common with 

and for hearing Lauren speak inspiration into our hearts.

On the way home from Blugger Buzz, I could smell oil burning

I was able to pull over 3x on my way home.

We think its just too full now that we put more in it after the "bump" Sat.

Fingers crossed I get a loaner in the mean time.

Sunday, my husband took me out to Indian food and I hit up the JCrew sale at the oulets.

I scored 2 new pencil skirts and a bracelet

for less than 1/2 original price

AND in a size smaller than I was just 5 weeks ago.

As if I'm not a glutton, I stepped on the scale Sunday

I'm down 5.6 pounds since starting Whole 30!

Moral of the Story:

If you look hard enough, there is always a silver lining.

Maybe Mondays aren't so bad after all.

Via

Season of Change

I love autumn.  The crisp air.  The falling leaves.  The colors.  It's a beautiful time of year.

I'm taking the opportunity to make this beautiful time of year a beautiful time in my life.  I am getting back to what makes me "me" and no longer asking why all the time.  I'm branching out and saying...

Why not?

I'm back in the gym adding weight training to my regular running schedule.  I'm going back to my clean eating habits.  And I'm done making excuses and taking the "convenient" way out.  

I'm standing up for myself.  I'm cutting back on the things that I'm not passionate about so that I might focus on those most important to me.  

I sense a season of change rolling in.  Change in pace of life.  Change in priorities.  

I'm not one to accept change well.  I tend to avoid it.  Change creates anxiety in my life and causes me to stress over things that would typically not be stressors.  It makes me excited and scared at the same time.  The way I felt before moving to the south or walking down the aisle.  

Not bad feelings.  Different feelings.  Changing feelings.  

I'm taking time to stop and "smell the roses."  I'm enjoying a good cup of coffee.  I thrive on a game of fetch with my pups.  I'm relaxing on the couch more and running around less.  I'm branching out creatively and connecting with people with whom I share similar interests.  I'm worrying less and laughing more.  I'm not concerned with what others may think or say about what I'm wearing, who I'm with, or where I go.  

I'm opening up my heart and mind.  I'm ready to embrace whatever is in store for me.  I'm looking forward to this season.  I'm ready to embrace this season of change.

Liebster Blog Award

I'm really honored and excited (you know how I is) that Laura of Calm Delight nominated me for the Liebster Award! I really enjoy Laura's blog because she is down to earth and pulls together real life outfits that I could see myself wearing.  She also shares the most adorable pictures of her babe and glimpses into her life while living in Alaska!  I feel like if we didn't live on opposite sides of America, we could be real-life friends.

The Liebster Award (based on what I read) is given to bloggers that have less than 200 followers to give them recognition for being AWESOME!  Liebster is actually German for "dearest."

Here are the rules:

1. List 11 things about yourself
2. Answer the 11 questions asked by the blogger who tagged you
3. Post 11 questions of your own
4. Nominate 5 friends that deserve the same recognition!
5. Be sure to paste the award in your blog post and inform the people you are tagging.**
6. Also, share the love by linking back to the blogger who tagged you

11 Things About Me:

1. I'm a believer and I'm forever grateful for His grace.
2. I teach middle school.
3. I am a runner by choice!
4. I drive a VW Jetta.
5. I like to sew and repurpose articles of clothing.
6. I am deathly afraid of worms...weird, I know.
7. My heart is the biggest organ in my body.  No matter what the textbooks say.
8. My feet have not grown since 5th grade.
9. I have red hair and pray for ginger babies one day.
10.  Fall is my favorite season.
11. When people comment on my blog, my heart grows wings.

And to answer Laura's questions...

1. What is your fashion style in just one word?
   Elegant
   
2. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
   I think it would be Charleston, SC.  I love that there is the city life, the beach, and history in one place.
3. What do you love most about blogging?
   I love the creative outlet.  It's like my adult conversation for the day with people that I have so much in common with.  It's not always possible to create friendships/interact with friends daily when you are in the "real world."
4. What is your fitness regime like?
   I work out almost every single day and the days that I don't, I struggle.  I guess running/working out is a good thing to be addicted to, but the days that I let my body rest always seem to be the days I want/need to run the most.
5. Favorite male actor?
   Hands down, Edward Norton.  Something about him...
6. How would your best friend describe you?
   I think my best friend would describe me as loving, understanding, and fun.  I wear my heart on my sleeve and she has seen that get the best and worst of me at times.  We always talk to each other about our worries, fears, successes, and goals and we have never had an argument - we just know how to have fun and enjoy life together.
7. What's your go-to, never-fail recipe?
   I think my "go-to" is either pot roast or poppy seed chicken.  Hubby loves both.
8. What is your dream job?
   In a perfect world, I would be able to teach a half day and then go home at noon to be with my babes.  I want to be a stay at home mom, but I don't want to give up my teaching career.  I am a morning person so this would be the best of both worlds.
9. Favorite brand of jeans?
   I think I'm going to have to go with Joes since I own so many pair.
10. What is your most proud accomplishment this year?
    I received the best compliment (in my opinion) ever from my principal this year.  Based on her words, I am living life leaving the legacy that I feel called to leave.
11. How late do you stay up blogging?
    I'm an old soul.  I mean, on a school night, I'm rarely up past 10:00. 

Now for my questions...

1. What initiated your desire to blog?
2. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
3. What is your favorite accessory?
4. What is your favorite "treat"?
5.  If you found $100 on the street this afternoon, how would you use it?
6. What store is most represented in your closet?
7. What is your biggest dream?
8. If you had a Saturday all to yourself, how would you spend it?
9. What is your life mantra?
10. In five words or less, how do you want your readers to perceive you?
11. What album could be the soundtrack for your life?

 Thank you again, Laura for tagging me in this!

I tag...
Fashion is my Day Job
Shabby, Chic, and Cheap
Outfit Inspirations
Create, Hope, Inspire
Green Fashionista

Humility

We had a fantastic sermon Sunday at Freedom Family Church and I feel led to share some of the notes I took away since I've been talking about true beauty on here lately.

The bible states that the "basics" God asks of us are:

1. That we seek justice (treat others with fairness and equality)
2. That we love mercy (choosing to NOT give people what they deserve sometimes)
3. That we walk HUMBLY with our God

The whole humbly thing stepped on my toes a little bit especially when I got to thinking about pride.

See humility means to think of yourself less.  It's not saying to think less of yourself.

Think of yourself less.

And that's when it hit me...

If you look in the mirror and the first thing you see is your flaws, you are too prideful to see past them.  When you look in the mirror, you shouldn't be able to immediately point out all the things you hate about yourself.  Get over yourself.  Don't put yourself down - that is not humility.

I have a tendency of picking myself apart in my photos on this blog.  Ones I share and ones that I end up deciding not to share for whatever reason.  I see all the small "flaws" or "imperfections" that other people can't see.  In fact, some of the things I think are flaws, other people love.

Some people think that humility is thinking less of yourself.  So we constantly tell ourselves that we aren't good enough, we aren't pretty enough, and we are failures.  That is not humility.  The devil puts us down enough - we need to stop doing it to ourselves!  We need to stop adding fuel to the fire.

At first, I would do this.  I would constantly try to do things to make up for all the ways I fail God every day and finally I realized I can't make up for it.  No matter what I do, I don't deserve this life or eternal life, but by His grace, I have received it.  For that I am grateful.

Putting yourself down is not pleasing to God.  In fact, it is just as dis-pleasing as constantly bragging on yourself and boasting about how great you are.  We need to, instead, be happy with the body He provided us, treat it like the temple that it is, and humbly use it in whatever way best serves Him.

Humility doesn't mean I make myself a doormat and allow other people to walk all over me.  For a while I let that happen until I realized humility doesn't mean that I should feel worthless or lesser than another person.  No one deserves to be abused, but it does mean that I put others first when they deserve it.

"But he gives us even more grace to stand up against such evil desires.  As the Scriptures say, 'God opposes the proud but favors the humble.'" James 4:6

Scarf: me, Tank: Old Navy, Skirt: me, Watch: Silpada

So when I look at this picture I refuse to look at my flaws and what I dislike about it.

Instead, I will embrace (with humility) the wonderful way in which the Lord made me.

I encourage you to stop picking yourself apart, stop looking in the mirror and comparing yourself to others.  Just stop it.  It doesn't make you feel good and it is not healthy.

Instead, be joyful in who you are and what you have.

My lunch packed up, my shoes tied tight...

And....we're back.

I'm actually really excited for this school year.

Can't you tell?!

Okay, I'm going to get to work,

but be sure to come back Monday for my first

GIVEAWAY!!

And to hear about my awesome evening with the ladies of TriFABB.

Friendship

Friendship is one of the most valuable gifts.

Since moving to NC and being a "Yankee" there have been many times I've cried to my extremely understanding and loving hubby about how I "don't have any good friends here."

Which is not entirely true and a little selfish of me to say.

I do have some select friends here that are absolutely wonderful to me.

They don't mind the fact that I talk different or grew up with different stories/experiences/traditions.

So, for all the times I've said the above, I am truly sorry to those friends that are amazing.

I've always been the type of person to have a small group of GREAT friends as opposed to a large group of good friends/acquaintances.

My heart is big and there is room for lots of people, but if you hurt it, you get evicted effective immediately.

I am one of the most loyal people you will meet.  Loyal meaning if you hurt my friend I will rip your head off and feed it to the lions.

For reals.

This past weekend I got to see some of the best friends I could have ever made.

I went to college 9 hours from home.  I feel pretty certain divine intervention is what caused me to make that decision because, quite frankly, I can't imagine my life without these people.

We are all so different yet we compliment each other so well.

When we get together its as though we were never separated.

Our love is unconditional; we have seen each other at our absolute worst, we have cried together, we have sweat together, we have hurt each other and forgiven each other.

We've even showered together (we played soccer at JC!)

These are the people I will raise my children with, they are the people that I am willing to drive 8 hours to see just for a weekend, people that I can call after going 6 mos without seeing each other just to talk or listen.

People that God placed in my life to make me a better person and to teach me what true friendship really is and why its so important.

This here picture is us doing what we call the "Focus Face"

Let me tell you a little about these girls: (from left to right)

Evan: I have grown closer to Evan since graduating JC and she is the most darling person.  She is absolutely beautiful if you can't tell, but even more beautiful on the inside if you can imagine.  She is going to be a great doctor and she is very understanding, loving, and rooted in her faith.

Me: The red head.  I'm just grateful these girls allowed me in.  I have a big heart and I think they like that.  They love me for me and accept my insecurities and flaws.  I love them so much.

Alicia: Lish is the first friend I made at JC and my best friend.  She is so fun to be around - literally pee your pants funny.  She is also so understanding and trustworthy.  I call her and cry, vent, etc. and she always listens, gives occasional advice, and never tells a soul.  She is extremely supportive and wants what is best for me - no matter what.

Kelly: Kelly is one of the most intelligent people I've ever known.  She is the most supportive, encouraging person.  She will be your biggest fan.  She, too, is unconditionally loving and will crack you up with her jokes.  I love her personality and her smile.  She was a leader on the soccer field and she is a leader in life.  I am proud to say I am her friend.

Kristen: Kristen is the sweetest person ever.  She has a huge heart and loves animals, people, etc.  I adore the fact that she is so true to herself.  She is very loving and will be the first to swoop in with a hug, a hand-squeeze, or an understanding glance.  She is an extremely loyal friend; I've never heard her say a negative thing about anyone.

Russo: Her real name is Lisa, but no one really knows that.  She was the goal keeper on our soccer team and in many ways, that role has carried over into real life/friendship.  Russ is real; she doesn't sugar coat things or beat around the bush.  To know Russo is to know her heart because she puts everything out there.  She is one of the most dedicated, hard working women I know.  She is the originator of the "Focus Face" because she would be so focused in a soccer game that she constantly had this expression.  In college, if she wasn't on the soccer field or in the gym, you would find her in the lab.

I am very blessed to know these women and to have them in my life.  I thank God regularly for their friendship, love, counsel, and laughter.

I know they think I'm the mushy one (and I am), but I really don't know what I would do without them.

I love you girls.

 That's what I did this weekend!
 

Confessions

I confess...

...I miss the old Usher.

...I only have buyer's remorse over things I don't purchase.

...while I was shopping the other day, I secretly wished I could get all your opinions on what I was trying on. (Does that make me sad and creepy?)

...I am ready to go back to school.  There, I said it.

...I won't order anything at a restaurant that I can make at home myself.

...I prefer shopping by myself to shopping with others.

...I forget to put deo on so often that I keep a stick at work.

...I've started biting my finger nails...again.

...I don't watch The Bachelorette or The Bachelor Pad.

...I am addicted to RHONJ, RHOC, and RHOA.  I prefer to watch my drama from behind a screen as opposed to in actual reality.

Weekly Recap

This week has been fabulous.  Like most of America, I've been glued to the television set watching the Olympics.  I am so proud to be an American.  How can you not just love this country?  I mean, I have shed tears over that flying squirrel, Gaby Douglas.  I've pounded the arm of my chair as Phelps earned his 3peat.  I'm praying for the male gymnasts and their future wives....and the ability to reproduce.  I mean, I'm totally immersed.  Every night, the hubs and I sit down to that.  I haven't seen an alligator get shot or a man eating a cow's privates in over a week! (Typical evening tv in this hizzouse - not you?)

I've been training for my third half marathon and training is going awesome.  It is very hot, but still, training is going well.  Sometimes I go out for a short run and end up coming back 4 or 5 miles later.  I impress myself!

I came home from a run last night and laid in the recliner; Irie wanted to snuggle so she jumped up there with me and Justin captured this shot.  She's the sweetest bigdogthatthinksshesalittledog in the world.

My life group (I lead a group of teenage girls) and I started a new bible study the other day.  I have to admit coming up with content for a bible study can be a struggle.  We meet once every other week and I only conduct the lesson for about 30-45 minutes so that we have time to pray for each other, hang out, and eat snacks, but I'm trying not to do a cookie-cutter lesson so that naturally it applies to all of us and we get something out of it.  I'm really excited about what God gave me...

Today I'm rewarding myself for not having shopped (much) this summer because this weekend is Tax Free Weekend in NC!  Whoop Whooooop!  And if you recall, I have some style goals to meet.  By the way, did I mention I deserve this because I've been dog-sitting my in-laws' 2 basset hounds all week while they are at the beach?!  That means this house has been home to 4 dogs this week!  Justin's comment last night: "We're definitely not having 4 kids."  I just don't know how people do it!

My Heart

I always enjoy reading facts about other people so today I thought I would share my heart with you...

1. I am so grateful that I get to go to heaven.  It is the biggest blessing God gives.

2. I want to have babies, but I am so scared that I won't be able to or that I won't be good at it.

3. I have 2 dogs that I treat better than some parents treat their babies (shame on you, parents).  They are my babies right now.

4.  I am a runner...self-diagnosed.  Currently training for my third half marathon.

5.  I have red hair, freckles, and green eyes.  I am the recessive gene pool in one body.  (And I pray every night that my future children are gingers as well.)

6.  I am blessed with a curse.  I teach...middle school.  My heart beats for those kids.  I want to hug them, make them feel loved, fill them with knowledge, and teach them the ways of the land.

7.  I have 2 best friends that mean the absolute world to me.

8.  If I could do one crazy thing, it would be to audition for SNL.

9.  My favorite season is fall.  I love the crunchy leaves, colors, and football season.

10.  I am allergic to the cold.  No, it's not just that I don't appreciate the cold...I am legite allergic.  When I was 6, my dad and I were skiing and he rushed me to the hospital thinking I had frostbite.  Turns out, there is a fluid in our body that activates when we are cold causing us to shiver; I'm allergic to it.  Leave it to me!

11.  I played soccer in England/Scotland.  For a little over a week.  It was one of the best experiences of my life.  Our college team went over together - you can't beat it.

12.  My brother is my life-line.  I love him more than he knows.  I am the most over-protective, annoying big sister there could possibly ever be.  He puts up with me.

13.  I met my husband by way of motorcycle accident.  Long story.

14.  I care way too much what others think.  I am prayerfully getting past that.  

15.  I was blessed with the best parents I could ever have asked for.  They are the most loving, giving, exemplary people out there.  Which brings me to my fear of parenthood - I want to give my kids what I had.

16.  I grew up in a small town, graduated with 28 in my class.

17.  I want to become superintendent of a school system so that I can rip off the band-aid the government has placed over the wound and actually get to the root of the matter.  Our education system is not prioritized as it should be and I want to fix that by getting rid of bad teachers, employing great ones, setting up a family unit within the schools, creating a school system that is unified, and inspiring kids to greatness.

18.  I went to college 9 hours from home, but never once felt as though I wasn't at home.  (Juniata College in PA is the bomb(dot)com - if you're graduating soon, check it outtttt)

19.  My Mimi is the most beautiful woman I know...inside and out.  I aspire to be like her.  She taught me to laugh from my belly, sew, and throw a mad tea party.  Things I want to teach my future grandchildren one day.

20.  I love my husband.  We are not perfect; we will never claim to be.  My love for him is unconditional and undying.  We will make it through anything that comes our way because of our covenant we made on our wedding day.  My marriage is my #2 priority (my relationship with Jesus being #1.)

It's not much.  I'm nothing special.  Some of you knew these things about me already anyway.  Just a glimpse into my heart.  Thanks for getting to know a lil more about moi.

If you want to catch more glimpses than even my mother can appreciate follow me:
Twitter: @missgarvey
Instagram: @coachgaines13
Facebook: Lindsay Gaines

#ifeelweirdandoddlystilltired

I've felt strange the last few days;

more tired than usual,

a lingering headache,

unlike myself.

Today, I took a luxurious nap,

and dove into the good book.

Sometimes, the Word is the

best medicine.

I also came to realize and accept

that I have become a 2-cupper.

Eventually, I will be okay with that.

VBS: Survivor Style

I am so blessed to be the Vacation Bible School director at my church, Freedom Family Church.  If you live in the area (Piedmont Triad, NC), you need to check it out!  We aren't just an ordinary church; we are a church for the rest of us.

This week is our VBS and the theme is Survivor.  VBS is so important to me because as a teacher, I have learned that not all kids are as lucky as I was growing up.  I know that I brag on my parents a lot, but its because they did a pretty darn good job raising me and they deserve it!  I didn't take it easy on them all the time.  Not all children have this luxury.  Some kids go days, weeks even, without getting a hug or hearing "I love you."  Some have parents that aren't present or are consumed by drugs and alcohol.  For some kids, my smiling face is the only one they see each day.  Then summer comes.

Summer equates inconsistency and hunger for a lot of kids.  Hunger for food, hunger for attention, and hunger for love.  I can't provide these things for kids during the summer except through VBS.  Thank God, I've been given this ministry so that I can rest assured that every child that attends feels God's love in one way, shape, or form. So many children do not learn the values of Christianity - I'm not talking memorizing bible verses - I'm talking what truly matters.  The roots of Christianity.  In my opinion (forgive me if I'm wrong), what truly matters is that kids grow up doing the right thing by God's standards, displaying unconditional love, and modeling that love and desire to do good to others.  Once those things are established, bible reading, verse memorization, and prayer add icing to the cake.

Faces and kids like this are why God has given me this ministry.

Here are a few pictures to show what we're up to at Freedom Park Sunday - Thursday from 6:30-8:30 p.m.  The excitement and competitive spirit in the Survivor Challenges is palpable.  The hearts being touched are warming.  And the praise/worship being displayed is energizing!  To God be the glory!

"In all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us." Romans 8:37

The week's scripture

She tie dyed her shirt the colors of her tribe

Ready to dye their shirts for the Survivor Challenges

Worshiping God and giving Him the glory

I am the Game Maker; a.k.a. I tell everyone what to do in the Survivor Challenges.

Zebulum Tribe is currently in first place!

Gilead Tribe is ready for battle at Survivor Challenges

A Perfect Day Off

Yesterday was the perfect day off...

I started off the morning with a hot cup o' joe with my hubby (There is nothing quite like a cup of coffee in the morning while watching the news.  Can I get an Amen?)

I had a doctor's appointment at 9:15 in Sanford, my old stomping grounds.  I must say, I keep all of my doctors in Sanford still because it gives me an excuse to visit every now and then.  I have to admit, I miss Sanford.  It's strange to some people to hear me say that because Sanford is nothing spectacular, but I genuinely miss the convenience, social life, and community.

 As I was driving to Sanford, I couldn't help but stare at my left hand and feel so blessed.

Do you ever have moments where you just can't believe that this is your life?

After my appointment, I went to Walmart and purchased a boo-coo (love that expression) of flowers to plant at our house.  I love this time of year simply for the harvest that is about to take place.  This year in particular I am super excited because we have also started a veggie garden on our back porch using 5 gallon buckets.

In it, we have tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, squash, zucchini, and okra.

I can't wait to harvest!

Perhaps the best part of my afternoon was lunch with my good friend, Laura.  I do not see Laura often enough and miss her terribly.  We are such busy women and can't always find make time to get together.  We ate at Miss Lacy's tea house and chatted for two hours!  It was bliss.

Once I got home I completed my (extremely belated) birthday present for my father.  I almost posted a picture until I realized he hasn't opened it yet and will see it if I do that!  So pictures on that (and perhaps my first tutorial??) later.

Then, my dear husband came home and took me out to sushi and The Hunger Games!

He had not seen the movie yet and we both enjoyed it.

On the way out of the movie theater, I saw the sweetest old couple holding hands.  I love it!