ACU WHO-ACU YOU!

Anyone want to go back to college with me?

We got jipped!

A Must Listen To Series for Every Woman!

Ladies,

I have been convicted. It's not something I talk about here in blogland because I don't want to sound preachy but a radio series that every woman needs to listen to is playing here. if you are a woman, listen to this. There are about 5 different segements for you to listen to.

Trust me, every woman, single or married should listen to these.

And that is all I have for now.

I will be back later with birthday pictures.

Have a great Tuesday!

Susan

Happy Birthday To Me!

Can you believe that this is the face of a 30 year old?

Actually this was the face of a 29 year old.

Remember that night in January where I told you all that I was playing with my camera taking self portraits in the mirror...well here is what you didn't see.

I knew one day I would find a use for these silly things.

As I was driving home from 27 Dresses (must see movie, by the way) a song came on my CD player.

My Next 30 Years by Tim McGraw.

let's just say I took a moment to celebrate my age.

Rock on!

I'm Thirty, Flirty and Thriving!

(oh and rach, thanks for the card, I laughed out loud)

P.S. I manipulated the post date and time. Since my mom has a standing tradition of calling me at the time I was born I thought I would post on that time. But since I am going to be sitting with Tee-Nah at 10:10 tomorrow morning I figured what the heck, my blog, my birthday, my rules.

24 Hours Away

In less than 24 hours I will be 30 and I am super excited about it.

A new decade, a new era, a new beginning.

The twenties have been good to me. I met many wonderful people while at ACU, came home at the perfect time to meet and fall in love with Jeff, married the man of my dreams, let go of past hurts and dissappointments, met some wonderful people in my married life, kept in touch with most of my friends from childhood, started pursuing a few of my dreams and have learned the art of living in the moment.

Life is good.

Life should be celebrated.

I swear this is the last year that I will go all out on my birthday. Next year will just be cake and ice cream with my family and a night out with my sweetie. But this year...well I am moving into a new decade and so therefore I want to celebrate my journey.

Tonight sister friend and I are heading to the movies to see 27 dresses. (just a good excuse to go see a movie at night since I ususally only see matinees since it is so much cheaper)

Tomorrow, my birthday, I am getting up early to head to the local garden park for a few hours with my LORD, praising Him for all that He has done and all that He is going to do in my life. Then I will head over to see one of my favorite people named TEE-NAH (I am getting a mani/pedi) Later that evening I am dressing up and heading to the City Club for dinner with Sam and my mom (Jeff is working). And Sam swooped in to save the day since I was truly, truly bummed that Jeff wasn't able to get off work. Thank you Sam!

Friday night I am scrapbooking with a few of my favorite scrappy chicks at "The Pad". What's funny is I have a few friends coming who have known me since I was a teenager and a few friends I met in my twenties. It will be a sweet time together-celebrating friendships that span the years.

Saturday Jeff is taken me out on the town and taking me to pick out my birthday present. Let's just say I will be watching March Madness in style.

Sunday night we are having the traditional family dinner at Macaroni Grill.

And that, my friends is my birthday in a nutshell.

Yes it is over the top. And yes I am a bit embarrassed about all of it.

But next year, I am scaling it way, way down.

But one thing I truly believe in...everyone's birthday from young to old deserves to be celebrated. Because your life is special and deserves to be honored. And so that is why I choose to celebrate all my friends and family on their day. And choose to celebrate my day, my life, my journey in style.


Have a great few days, I am obviously going to lay low from blogland. But I promise a full wrap up when I return.

Reason 10,000,000 Why They Call Me Ding A Ling

I have been selling a few of my old scrapbook albums on EBAY.

I have a pair of stark white albums that Jeff once bought me at COSTCO in order to help me scrapbook on a budget. These albums never really found their way into my heart so out they went this week.

I was so excited when someone decided they wanted them.

The minute they paid the money I shipped these albums right on out of here.

I guess in my haste I forgot to check the albums before I shipped them off.

I don't even remember using them. But I guess I did because I got an email today from the buyer telling me that she had a few of my personal layouts and would like to send them back.

I am so embarassed by this because I have no clue what pages are in those albums.

No Clue.

I vaguely remember using the albums as a holding cell for a few layouts when I had no album but these two beasts to put them in.

I guess I will know by the end of this week because this sweet buyer already mailed them out to me.

Note to self: Check the merchandise you sell before you ship it out.

4 Days and Counting

The birthday celebrating has begun. The other night I was organizing some old memorabila from high school to start a scrapbook of my life story. I thought this would be a fun week to look through this stuff and get it ready to one day assemble it into an album. While I was looking through this box I came across this banner picture above. If you look close, you will notice it is a Strawberry Shortcake banner.

On each of my birthdays growing up my mom would hang it over our fireplace. This poor thing hasn't been hung since my eighteenth birthday. I figure 30 is a good year for it to make a reunion in our house.

While sorting out the past (i.e letters, pictures, old birthday cards) Bravo was playing Grease 2. If you know me at all, then you know that this was my and still is one of my all time favorite movies. I watched it over and over again when I was a small girl. What I thought was funny is that Bravo played it two times in a row. It was like they knew I me or something. I had a blast!

Saturday afternoon we celebrated my cousin Lauren's new baby on the way.

I am posting a few pictures for the cousins who couldn't make it.

The Hostesses with Lauren. Doesn't Lauren look cute?

The Sisters, both pregnant with little boys...

A current picture of Cousin Paige and Me...my mom did very good. I am proud of you mom for taking this picture!!!


Sweet baby lovin'...



This morning Jeff and I planned to go to RHCC to hear Cousin Andrew's group sing. Usually I never have to set the alarm because I wake up at 7 a.m with or without the alarm. When I woke up at 7 today I was going to shut my eyes for a few more minutes and sleep for a bit. I didn't wake up until 11:30! Yeah that's right, I slept way too late. Sorry Andrew, we really were going to come and see you.



Jeff and I had a wonderful day though doing nothing but hanging around the house. I don't remember the last time we just took time out for us. Hubby even made pancakes.



See...


And right now we are watching The Brave One. I am a little scared so I am blogging to keep me distracted from the scary plot line. This is why I lean towards TCM, those movies are not that scary.

(spell check where are yoU!? help a lazy writer and bad speller out will you?!?!)

A Romantic Dinner @ Home

Valentine's Day is a sweet day. It is one that I have enjoyed since I was old enough to realize that my birthday was coming a week later. I have always viewed Valentine's Day as the kick off to my birthday week. And if you have been reading since last year than you are aware that in our house you are allowed to celebrate your birthday for a full week if you choose.



We aren't big on going all out on Valentine's Day. Call me crazy, but if we are going to do anything romantic I would prefer it be on my birthday not a hallmark holiday as Jeff describes it. And you see one birthday not too long ago, Jeff proposed to me. Obviously now we have a special place in our hearts for my birthday rather than Valentine's.



But...



Jeff's work schedule changed for this week. He is home at night with me for the next 5 days. He asked me a few days ago if I would like to go out to eat. I said, "Nah! Let's stay home." (Having worked in the resturant industry for many years, eating out is the last thing I want to do on this day) So he said, "Are you going to cook then?" I said, "Nope not cooking but I will think of something."



Before Jeff came home yesterday, I went to Wal-Mart to enjoy watching the hussle and bustle of men buying junk for their sweeties. Make sure you mark that on your to-do list for next year, it was so much fun watching men trying to figure out if they should get a teddy bear, balloon or flowers? Some looked very nervous, some looked mad that they had to buy it and some had the sweetest look on thier face which made me want to follow them home to see what was up thier sleeve for sweetie. I spent a few minutes standing off to the side watching this and it was the best free entertainment of the year.



Then I hurried home to close down the office before Jeff came home. Office=living room. I cleaned the house, finished and hung a few loads of laundry and pulled out a few candleabra's that have never been used since we were first married...5 years ago.



Jeff called on his way home from work so I called in our dinner.



When Jeff came home, this is what he came home to



And later we watched "The Good Year" that we got in the mail from Netflix. Although we didn't finish is because the disc was too scratched up at the end. So we ended the evening watching Ace of Cakes, my all time favorite cooking show.

It was a sweet night without flowers, a 5 star dinner and dressy clothes. Who says you need all that junk to say Happy Valentine's Day to the one you love?

I Love This Man!

I love that he knows just what to say to get me rolling. My side hurts most days from laughing at something he said or did.

I love the fact that Elijiah started to cry this day when we told him Uncle Jeff had to leave for work. I love the fact that Jeff ran late to work that night to throw little man in the air a few more times.



I love the fact that he will play girly games with the chicks. He let them paint his nails and put make up on him this day. They love dressing up Uncle Jeff.



I love the fact that Hayley is so much like her Uncle Jeff. We call them two peas in a pod. They have the same way of methodically thinking through things. Be it the food they order at dinner, the latest gadget to buy or what to say in converstation- neither one will do anything without thinking it through. And they are buds, sweet friends these two are.

I thank God for bringing you into my world Jeff. Thank you for making me laugh. Thank you for making coffee for us on Sunday mornings and pancakes on Saturdays. Thank you for discussing the Bible with me. Thank you for giving me advice on how to deal with different situations. Thank you for getting up early every Sunday morning for praise team practice when you could sleep in so that we can ride together to church. Thank you for comforting me when life doesn't go the way we had planned. Thank you for encouraging me to keep my chin up and to wait on the Lord's timing. Thank you for making dinner last night. Thank you for calling to say hello this morning. Thank you for being my best friend, my soul mate. And most of all, thank you for leading our family. God has blessed us and I could not imagine life without you.

I love you!
S

Letting Go

I didn't know when I started this journal that God would use this time to change many of my stubborn ways. I didn't know starting into this time that He was going to show me that I am sooo not in control of my little world as I had hoped.

Please forgive me if my absence is noticed the next few days. I just need to take time out this week to get some clarity on a few things.

I do have a praise though that I think is worth dancing a jig. My father in law has his 3rd interview today at 2 with a wonderful company. To God be the glory with wherever He leads him.

Enjoy the next few days

Susan

It's A Simple Thing That Make Me Happy

My goal for today was quite simple.

Laundry and rest.

I finally shooed Jeff out the door so I could enjoy the solitude of cleaning my house without interupption. Don't get me wrong, I love Jeff but he likes to get in the way more than help. And the confindes of our little one bedroom apartment can become a bit unnerving at times.

Today I have done more than laundry and rest.

I have chatted with family members, dusted, vaccumed, cleaned out my closet, did our lesson for small group tomorrow and have relished every minute of my time to myself.

My closet brought me a wonderful surprise today too.

I have a shirt that I bought online from Harold's awhile back. When it arrived in the mail I couldn't zip it up on the side. I was so dissappointed and chastized myself for trying to buy clothes without trying it on. For the last few months, every once in a while I will see that darling little shirt hanging in my closet and just have to try it to see if it fits. Every time, I get closer and closer to closing up the trap so to speak. Today I decided I would try it on once again to see if I could get it to fit. Imagine my delight when I not only was able to zip it up but was able to breathe, move around and raise my arms without it being too tight on my arms. Jub-i-lation!

Couldn't life get more better than that for a woman? Not sure. Because today I am so happy I just my burst my shirt that I have spent many, many months trying to fit into.

When Jeff saw me wearing the shirt he asked me when I planned on wearing it? I said, I would wear it when he threw me the birthday party of the year to which he just shook his head and walked away muttering something along the lines of "Lord help me."

I tell you what loosing 30 pounds has been the best birthday present for this soon to be 30 year old. I just can't wait to see what gift is coming next.

I am off to clean and watch the Absent Minded Professor.


(spell check is down, forgive the mistakes yet again!)

Real Life Happens

A few weeks ago I spent the evening trying to capture real life moments of myself.

And with the help of the mirrors in the bedroom and my camera, I was able to capture what I look like while I am having quiet time.

During that week the Chronological Bible took us through the book of Job. I have never really grasped the meaning of Job so I spent lots of time reading my Bible commentaries. Never underestimate the significance of diving deeper to understand a book of the Bible. God will use that time to either touch your life or pass it on to someone else in thier time of need.



Over the last two weeks I have found myself sharing what I have learned with others.

Real Life Happens. And sometimes we don't understand why this or that is taking place but I believe all God desires of us is draw near to God and He will draw near to us. (James 4:8) And I have never been more encouraged than when God will use my time in the Word with Him in conversations with people in my daily life.

I pray that this post will encourage you to dive a little deeper this weekend into the Word. I am going to spend this weekend doing nothing and loving every minute of it.

This chick has hit her wall after going non-stop for many, many weeks. I am going to love every minute.

Have a great weekend!

(Spell check is down and I am too lazy to edit on my own, please forgive)

Do Not Disturb Granny!

My sweet Granny is a HUGE fan of Jeopardy.

I just called her to say hello and while the phone was ringing I saw the time.

11:00 A.M a.k.a Jeopardy Time!

When she said hello, I asked her if she wanted me to call her back in 30 minutes.

She said, "Of course I do!" And hung up.

Well...

The moral of the story: Do NOT Disturbe Granny during Jeopardy!

Good-Bye To You!

Good-bye 30 pounds.

So long farewell.

Thank you for finally realizing that you have overstayed your welcome.

What a surprise it was for me today when I realized that you are no longer a part of my life.

I appreciate the fact that after all this hard work of trying to get you out of here, you finally decided to fall right on out of here.

I didn't realize I had lost you because I haven't checked in with the scale in over two months.

But low and behold, you are gone.

And man, was I am happy to see you were gone! Gone! Gone! Gone!

I thought I was going to have to push real hard this last few days before I turned 30, to reach my goal, but you have already done all the work for me.

You left.

You're gone.

In fact you exceeded my expectations and took a few friends along. I never thought I would be only 5 pounds from what I was the year Jeff and I got married. Never in my wildest dreams.

So no more talk about weight, I will continue to eat right and enjoy the new slimmer me.

Happy 30th birthday to me (20 days early)

Now I am off to tone up my body!

Happy Birthday Paige

happy birthday to you couz, happy birthday to you! happy birthday to YOU! happy birthday to you.

I hope you have a day full of blessings and laughter.

What a blessing you have been in my life.

Especially college years and beyond.

Thank you for being my ACU sister and keeping an eye on me my freshman year.

I always loved to come back to my room after a long day of classes and see a note from you on my door. Or running into you in the student center before chapel and you checking in with your younger cousins like you were the Mother Hen for us. You were sweet and a huge blessing!

I loved spending that summer at Camp Deer Run with you and still could get you for not coming as a camper with all of us.

I love watching you scrapbook rapid fire style. I mean you put a whole new spin on slapping a picture on a page in style.

I love hearing your stories in blogland of the little cousins. They couldn't be more cute and full of character.

I love seeing how God is growing you and enriching your life daily.

May this year be full of many blessings for you as you continue to take life one day at a time.

Enjoy your journey couz!

I love you
Susan

So Much To Say But Not Enough Time

Lots has happened this week. Many ups & downs. Blessings and praises. Real Life happenings.

• FIL had 2 job interviews with a company this week. He is now waiting this week for a callback for a in person interview. I pray that the Lord provides. He has been without a job for over 365 days.


• My morning quiet times have been extra special this week. God has brought many verses that have literally jumped off the page for me. Some I have shared with other people, some I have journaled to show how God has been speaking to me the last few days. My favorite verse is Psalms 68:19. "Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, The God who is our salvation."


• My sister-in-law lost her baby this week. This has hit me very hard. As sad as I was that my time had not yet come I would never wish this on anyone. Never! I just pray that God continues to open doors for me to minister to her. We have cried many times this week together and I have spent many hours in prayer for her.


• Jeff and I praise God that we just finished reading the Book of Job. We realized two things while reading this, 1) God is soverign and He is fully in control 2) Sometimes the best thing we can do for those who are hurting is just walk alongside them with mouths closed and arms open.


• We had a wonderful women's retreat this weekend. God blessed us in so many ways and I am so thankful for the ladies who helped me get this thing together the last few months. Many read the blog so let me just take a moment to tell you ladies THANK YOU! You rock!


• And one last note, Jeff told me the other day that his first priority in the next few months is buying us a house. I have kept quiet and told him that I fully trust his wisdom. I was encouraged the other day when Pastor passed on a house flyer for me to give to Jeff when I was over hanging with Pastor's wife getting ready for the retreat. He said, "Jeff and I have been talking about this house." I said thank you while trying not to get my hopes up too much...I love the house, love the neighborhood. But one thing I am excited about is that God has Jeff and I right where we need to be. I am content. I also trust God and my husband to lead us.

The IPOD Game

I saw this on Wade's Blog and thought I would do it since I have no time to write this week. Plus I laughed out loud on many of Wade's choices and then did the same with my own answers.

fyi: Amy (my SIL) birthday post to come tomorrow. Happy Birthday Sister!

The Rules
1. Put your music player on shuffle.
2. Press forward for each question.
3. Use the song title as the answer to the question.
4. NO CHEATING.

Q: What does next year have in store for you?
A: Somebody's Crying-Chris Issac

Q: What does your love life look like next year?
A: Amazing Love-Bebo Norman

Q: What do you say when life gets hard?
A: To Know You-Nicole Nordeman

(Truth is, I do sing this song when life gets hard, click on the title to read the lyrics! It is my theme song for this waiting period)

Q: Song that reminds you of good times?
A: In Your Presence-Jeremy Camp

Q: What do you think when you get up in the morning?
A: The Sun is Shining-Third Day (I didn't cheat...promise!)

Q: What song will you dance to at your wedding?
Open Skies-David Crowder Band

Q: Song that reminds you of your first kiss?
A: Better is One Day-Matt Redman (that dosen't fit!)

Q: Your favorite saying?
A: I Could Be the One-Staci Orrico

Q: Favorite place?
A: Daydream Believer-The Monkees (that's kind of funny)

Q: Most Missed Memory?
A: Diamonds and Pearls-The Pardons
(I bought this song for my in-laws 40th reuninon celebration)

Q: What song describes your best friend?
A: Happy Together-The Turtles
(I cheated here, the first song made us sound like we were lovers, so I hit the next button)

Q: What song describes your ex?
A: On the Road Again-Willie Nelson
(He hated Willie but I knew Jeff was the one because he LOVES Willie Nelson)

Q: Where would you go on a first date?
A: Boulevard of Broken Dreams-Green Day

Q: Drug of choice?
A: I Still Believe-Jeremy Camp (HA!)

Q: What song describes yourself?
A: Somewhere Out There-Linda Rondstadt (sadly, it fits)

Q: What is the thing you like doing most?
It Takes Two-Marvin Gaye & Kim West

Q: The song that best describes the president?
A: Seperate Ways (Worlds Apart) Journey

Q: Where will you be in 10 years?
A: Greatest American Hero Theme Song (Oh how I have loved this song for most of my life!)

Q: Your love life right now?
A: When the Lights Go Down-Faith Hill

Q: What is your state of mind like at the moment?
A: Champagne Supernova-Oasis (Susan it's only 10 in the morning!!)

Q: How will you die?
A: Learning to Fly-Tom Petty