Beauty From the Storm

I woke up this morning with a piece of my fingernail in my mouth. At some point in the night, I had a dream that I was trimming my fingernails. I guess I used my teeth to do so which explains the reason there was a fingernail bit in my mouth. At this point, I was a bit confused, not sure what was between my teeth. When I realized what it was, to my utter dismay, I spit it out and tried to fall back to sleep.

Sleep did not come.

I got out of bed and did my lesson for the small group study at church.

When that was done, I still had this you need to do something feeling gnawing away.

I started to organize my lyrics for this weeks music at church. I was missing a song or two.

I usually do not turn on the computer until after 9 in the morning. It is a little rule I have established for myself to keep my life a little more balanced. I typically never turn on the computer on a Sunday because I enjoy having one day completely computer free. Most Saturday nights I spend getting my stuff ready before I go to bed. Last night, I was enjoying a little NCAA basketball.

But I needed my music so when I finished, I found myself surfing blogs to see if this would help me fall asleep.

And then came Boo Mama's post from today.

I can not describe the emotions that came when I saw the picture. Peace, awe, total awareness that God is making EVERYTHING beautiful in His own time for my life. Isn't that a beautiful picture of God's beauty that comes after a storm?

I realize that I am not the only one in a difficult season. Truth is, I don't think difficult is the right word to describe this journey for Jeff and my life, I think it is better than difficult. I think it is fundamental for our journey ahead to walk this road. This time is teaching us and molding us in ways we could never even imagine. And so I choose to walk this season with praise, utter dependence on God every step of the way, knowing that God does have a plan for every part of our life.

But the outcome of this season can be illustrated in the picture on Boo Mama's blog.

I believe after the storms have passed we too will have a beautiful picture to show for this journey, a blossom so to speak.

That my friends is worth the wait, isn't it?

Putting Myself in Time Out

(The picture has nothing to do with this post, it's just a picture of what I wish I was doing)

Is it just me or has this week been nuts?

I was talking to one of my co-workers this week and he said he was ready to hit the eject button on this week because it has been nuts. I couldn't agree more.

This time of year is very busy for me in the furniture business. I guess it is because everyone is getting income tax checks and buying more furniture. But the extra does of busyness leaves me not being able to catch up on all the other things on my to-do list.

And it's not like I am trying to complain about my life. I realize I am blessed and enjoy what I do. And I praise God for all that He has given me. But then there are weeks like this were I just can't wait for it to end.

So this weekend, I am going to take a time out. To unwind. To catch up on all my work and to file all the catalog pages that are piled up on my living room floor. (Yes Jodi, I am going to my happy place)

And on Saturday I am going to breakfast with my husband and my favorite 6 year old then hitting the store of her choice for a bit of birthday shopping.

(Missy we will come by at 9:30-I will email you too. LOL!)

The plan is to R-E-L-A-X!

So have a great weekend, enjoy the nice weather and take a moment to chill with the rest of us.

Ladies! Do You Want to Laugh?!?!?

My friend send this to me tonight and I died laughing (no not literally-DUH!)

If you are a lady you can soooo relate.

Thanks Marie for the blog material. It's been one of those weeks and my brain is not functioning on all 4 cylinders. (And don't you say, "When does it ever?")

THE WASHCLOTH

I was due for an appointment with the gynecologist later in the week.

Early one morning, I received a call from the doctor's office to Tell me that I had been rescheduled for that morning at 9:30 am. I had just packed everyone off to work and school, and it was already around 8:45am. The trip to his office took about 35 minutes, so I didn't have any time to spare.

As most women do, I like to take a little extra effort over Hygiene when making such visits, but this time I wasn't going to be able to make the full effort. So, I rushed upstairs, threw off my pajamas, wet the washcloth that was sitting next to the sink, and gave myself a quick wash in that area to make sure I was at least presentable. I threw the washcloth in the clothes basket, donned some clothes, hopped in the car and raced to my appointment.

I was in the waiting room for only a few minutes when I was Called in. Knowing the procedure, as I'm sure you do, I hopped up on the table, looked over at the other side of the room and pretended that I was in Paris or some other place a million miles away.

I was a little surprised when the doctor said, "My, we have made an extra effort this morning, haven't we?" I didn't respond.

After the appointment, I heaved a sigh of relief and went home.
The rest of the day was normal . Some shopping, cleaning, cooking.

After school when my 6 year old daughter was playing, she called out from the bathroom, "Mommy, where's my washcloth?" I told her to get another one from the cupboard.
She replied, "No, I need the one that was here by the sink, it had all my glitter and sparkles saved inside it."

Never going back to that doctor ever.

(Side Note from Susan: This is a forward not something that happened to me or my friend.)

Easter Weekend Eggstravaganza

This weekend was busy and it was fun. Jeff and I talked about how much fun it was to spend quality time with all the nieces and nephew.

Here are the highlights from our weekend.

1. I decorated eggs with the J-kids this weekend while Mommy and Daddy were at church. They did very, very well sharing the colors. Poor E got tired at the end and laid down on the kitchen floor. I later picked him up and put him on the couch. You can tell from the pictures how tired he was.







2. Later we went over to celebrate our friend Chris's 30th birthday. The kids had so much fun playing with the blow up joust, llamas, jumping on the trampoline, Guitar Hero, Skee Ball and busting a pinata. Chris and Jenn, you guys know how to throw a fun party! Thanks again for all the fun events



And we all fall down...















I love this picture of little Sarah. She & Katy became great friends




E loved to play Skeeball. He kept saying in the car on the way home "Where Skeeball go?"







Faith's victory pose after she beat all the boys one at a time.







Look at the concentration on both Faith and Marie! :)







The birthday boy, Chris




3. The next day Jeff and I headed to church. What a blessing it was to worship the Lord's resurrection. As I was singing, I was moved by the fact that we had to add chairs so that everyone could have a seat. I also enjoyed watching a few of the kids sing very well this Easter Sunday. Last year we had a hard time getting them to sing but this year a few really came out of their shell. Jeff's sister and niece came to church today too. I loved seeing Hayley in her Easter dress. She is growing up so fast!



Jeff and I later discussed how you NEVER take pictures of a group of women looking down at the camera. We all look like we have big ole chins. And my sweater...so not flattering in pictures. Oh well, what do you do!

Oh and Mike we missed you this weekend! Hurry back! :)




Sweet mother and daughter picture




4. Later we went over to Jeff's parents to celebrate the day away. Hayley was the event planner and boy did she not disappoint. We colored eggs, smashed a pinata that Hayley made in her Spanish class and made the men hunt Easter eggs. This whole weekend was super fun and a real blessing for us to just unwind a bit. I hope you all had a wonderful Easter Holiday.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   Look at the pieces flying off the egg from Meredith's whack!
   

   

   Which way do I go?!?!
   

   
   

   
   

   
   
   

   The Chicks! If you look closely, my t-shirt on the arm says, "Chick"
   

   

   the men were the finders, Hayley hid the eggs.
   

   
   

   Uncle Jeff won the golden egg for the most eggs found. Hayley wanted to determine the winner by each of the men doing thumb wars! Thankfully Nanny stopped that and counted the number of eggs instead. Hayley is going to make a great camp counselor one day.
   

   
   
   
   
   
   
   HE IS RISEN!!!!!!!!! Alleluia

Oh and Bonner and I are tied in the March Madness bracket fun!

Today Is the Best Day EVER!

Why is that Susan?

Because March Madness is in full swing! Duh!

And as it stands in Round One at 8:31 pm I lead Bonner by one Game.

(Bonner= my grandfather for those out of the loop)

I called my grandfather last week and my Granny answered.

She says, "Bonner, it's your gambling buddy!"

And without missing a beat he says, " Ah Ding a ling let me have it!" (That's me!)

And no we aren't truly gambling but we are keeping track of who wins what games for pride sake and bragging rights. All though this Sunday Granny asked what was at stake and I said, "Your life Granny, what else?"

She soon shooed me out the door.

Jeff and I are happy too b/c his Alma mater is playing in the NCAA- Go Cal State Fullerton!

Folks we have just entered my all time favorite time of the year.

I will let you know as we go who wins, Bonner or Ding a Ling.

And for you fellow March Madness fans, who is your pick to make it to the Final 4?

The End Of An Era Came Today

My home away from home is moving locations. Today was the last day for my local library to be open. Have I told you how much I love this place?

I love this building because before it was the local library it was my church home. I learned to walk in these halls. I went to pre-school here where I met some sweet friends, some I still am in close contact. I wrote my senior thesis paper at one of the tables in the middle. Every other week, I visit my local library to get more books to read.

I love to read.

I love the library.

I know I am going to love the new library but the new location is not less than a mile away. The new location doesn't have the history and the new location isn't my home away from home. Yet...

My friendly librarian encouraged me last week to check out as many books as I wanted. She said they weren't due back until the new library was open...6 weeks from now. You would have thought I won the local lottery. "Are you serious?" She was... she is a librarian after all.

When I walked in the door with all my books, Jeff thought I had lost my mind.

You going to read all those books in two weeks?

No sweets, I am going to read them in 6 weeks. It is my gift from one book lover to another.

And then I explained that they were closing down and moving to the new place. Do you know what he said, "Don't loose it, we don't want to have a fine."

Oh ye of little faith! I usually have to track down his books not mine. And he only does one at a time, not two.

For those of you curious to see what I will be reading, here is my list of books to read.

Happy #6 Katy Bug!

Isn't she sweet!


My sweet niece Katelyn turns 6 today.




She and her family are enjoying a family vacation this week so I went over early to get a few pictures of my favorite SIX YEAR OLD!



Katy Bug, where has the time gone?


5 years ago at my wedding, you were almost a year old and you slept through the whole thing. On our honeymoon Jeff and I talked about how we couldn't believe you were turning one in a few days. The other night, 5 years later, we talked about how we couldn't believe that you were about to turn 6. We can't believe how fast you are growing.


This year we have loved watching you come out of your shell. Sometimes I wonder if your parents wish you were still in that shell! :)





We have loved seeing your personality come out in you. Your sense of humor has left us talking for days. You are one funny chick-a-dee!

We loved helping you learn to Rollerblade that night and teaching what it means to have confidence. You later proudly showed your parents how you could skate and you said, "It's because I have confidence!" Sweet Katelyn, confidence is a huge element to success so don't ever forget that with a bit of confidence you can try or do anything new.

Uncle Jeff and I pray often for each one of the nieces and nephew. And our prayer is always that you will grow up in wisdom and stature and follow God all the days of your life. We enjoy watching you learn new things at school. We enjoy hearing you tell us of the new friends you are making at school. God has great plans for you little Katy Bug. And for some reason I feel it necessary to remind you that it's cool to stay in school! :)



We love you sweet girl and can't wait to spend the day with you at IHOP and buying your birthday gift at the place of your choice.

have fun in Colorado, we will see you when you get back.

Love, Uncle Jeff and Aunt Sue Sue

God's Timing Is Perfect!

Yes, I have been more quiet than usual.

Here's why.

Imagine my disappointment when I came up not pregnant the night of our anniversary.

I hesitate to mention this because I don't want it to sound like once again I am complaining about not having a baby. I am in a good place and here is why.

I knew that if something didn't happen this month, I would go to the doctor.

I called in on Monday to get an appointment. Before I even dialed the phone, I prayed for God to show me if this was the direction that He wanted for us to go down. I waited while the nurse checked the calendar. She had something for Tuesday at 10:10 in the morning. Click here to read why 10:10 is a significant time for me.

So I head into the doctor on Tuesday. I was a little nervous and came very close to calling my mom to go to the doctor with me. But I figure since I am 30 I should act like an adult and go by myself. On the drive over, my all time favorite song, Walk By Faith by Jeremy Camp was playing on the radio. By the time I got to the doctor I was fully at peace.

The doctor did the usual stuff but the whole time she kept telling me, "The timing is perfect for you to come in today. It couldn't get more better than this." And I am thinking to myself, "Praise you Lord, Praise YOU!"

You see most of the tests that she has to run had to happen this week or I would have to wait another full month for the tests. That day, the day of the appointment was the last day I could do one of the tests. Praise God for His timing! I got it done and was able to schedule all the rest for the rest of the week.

Today I had another test to see if the inner workings were opened properly. I am happy to report that they are doing just fine.

Now my reasoning for sharing with you all is simple, I want to glorify God. Jeff and I are taking life one day at a time and are trying our best to enjoy the journey. I believe joy is a choice. I believe you can choose to be sad and bitter for what God is not doing or you can look at what He is doing and give Him a standing ovation. I believe that walking by faith also means that we have to die to our wills and trust God to work it all out for His glory.

I refuse to let Satan get the best of me. I refuse to bottle myself up and not tell people all that God is doing even when the big requests aren't happening. I believe that there is a reason for everything and God will use every facet of our lives to get our focus to Him.

For me this waiting period is proving to me, time and time again that I am not in control. I am using this time to draw near to God, to rest in His plan for my life. Even if His plan does not include children. I simply have to wait with total confidence that the Lord will answer all my requests in due time. And by golly, I am going to enjoy this journey. I will not hide out and be sad, mad or angry because it's not happening to me. I will rejoice with others and I will be happy, content, at peace and have full satisfaction with wherever God may lead us.

Friends, if you too are waiting-don't let Satan get the best of you!
Trust God to show you the way because His timing is perfect!!!

"He has made everything beautiful in It's time!"

Ecclesiastes 3:11

Positive Reinforcement from A Coffee Cup

There is nothing like a cup of coffee calling you a Bad A&& to kick start your day.

Or....

Driving by a deserted parking lot yesterday, I saw a lady in full Statue of Liberty attire walking in the parking lot. I wish I had my camera because she was decked out in Lady Liberty gear. I thought she may be one of those people businesses hire to stand out on the curb and wave you in but there were no businesses anywhere near where she was or where she was heading. Maybe she just couldn't find anything to wear. Or maybe she just felt like playing dress up and walking along a deserted parking lot. I give her props for being an individual.

Wedding Pictures

When Jeff and I got married we got a heck of a deal from a friend of ours to take our wedding pictures. Super sweet deal! But the catch was that she wanted to use our wedding pictures in her advertisments. We said, "Sure, why not!" I mean if you would have known the deal we got you would have jumped too. I found her website today to walk down memory lane, if you would like to look to, click here.

Oh and there is another bride in the mix who is from Puerto Rico she and I worked together back in the day. That girl was super full of life and taught me all I ever wanted to know about fashion and such. :) I was clueless before I met Sonya. She is the skinny one with her head thrown back laughing and has the rose petals thrown around her. Oh how I miss sweet Sonya!

Going Back to Where It All Started

Last night Jeff and I went out to dinner. I thought we were going to my favorite pizza joint but he had other plans.

When he turned in the wrong direction of the original location, I asked in a not so friendly tone, "Where are you going?" I don't know why I just don't go with it because 9 times out of 10 he is about to do something sweet.

Jeff says, "We are going back to the place it all started."

Knowing this route very well, after having worked there for 8 years, I smile and say, "You're sweet!" He smiled because he knew he was doing something good.

Friends, if you don't know already where it all started was at Chili's. I was waiting tables-he was a brother to one of my managers.

Sitting in that restaurant last night was very surreal for me. We were sitting at the same table (by accident of course) where I told my friend Scarecrow that I think I met the one. Since Scarecrow has known me since I was 8 years old and had heard those very same words many, many times from a few of the other boys I dated he probably wanted to laugh. But Scarecrow being the good friend that he has been to me for many years, started to quiz me about Jeff's character, job and his intentions. I told him about his character and his job but I didn't know what to say about Jeff's intentions. We were just having a good time getting to know each other. I am happy to report that I got the thumbs up from good ole Scarecrow. And I am happy to report that my conversation with him gave me the courage to talk to Jeff about where this relationship was heading.

I am sure you can guess the outcome of the story since we are celebrating 5 years of marriage today.

Last night was also a huge blessing for me to look back and see God was moving when I just knew that He had forgotten about me. I hated being home after being at college with all my friends. I was not happy with me and I was trying hard to get back on track with God. Time and time again, during those years post ACU, God brought just the right people at just the right time to help me on my journey. Meeting Jeff was a total fluke. Falling in love with Jeff was a total gift. And spending the past 7 years, 5 of those married, have been the best years of my life.

God blessed me at just the right time without me having to even look for it or manipulate the situation. Jeff fell into my lap like a gift from above. Our marriage, like all marriages has had it's ups and downs. In fact last night, we were fighting for the covers in the wee small hours of the morning and he said, "I don't know if we are going to make it to 5 years." To which I replied, "Yeah because I am going to knock you out before morning if you don't shut up!"
But I will take the good with the bad because both bring us closer to each other and God's will for our lives.

Life has been sweet with Jeff.

I am blessed.

God has blessed us.

Now I am off to scrub the joint while Jeff is off running errands.
I have learned over the past 5 years, his favorite thing of all time is to walk into a house that smells all clean and fresh. And what my baby wants, my baby gets.

I Have Good News With Great Joy!

My documents and pictures have been found.

They once were lost but now they are found, Amazing Grace all around

How you say?

Don't know

But I do know that my Father-In-Law is a GENIUS! He had a plan and his plan worked.

I think I will keep him.

I will also keep my husband who I have been married to for 5 years on Saturday.

I tell you this so when I am not around much in the next few days you can say, "Oh she is out with hubs."

He is off work this week and has declared it his week to cook. He is a great cook but he does not cook light food so I may gain a pound or two this week but that's okay. I am not having to cook so who am I to complain? Plus he makes the bed, did the grocery shopping, ran an errand for me for work, etc. etc. He is a huge help on his days off. Actually he is a huge help every day.

I would be stupid to get rid of him. :)

I see a bit of feet rubbing in my future for the sweet hubs.
I mean it is the least I can do, right?!?!

Have a great few days.

And...

Happy 5 years to Clay and Maurine who were married on the same day many years ago.

Time flies when you are having fun!

I Will Survive

The last few days have been a little hectic here.

My computer crashed. I lost everything. And I mean everything. All my daily devotionals from back in the day, all my pictures, all my spreadsheets for work and a bunch of other stuff that I am choosing to ignore at this point because I am sick of thinking about it all. Sick and tired of trying to remember it all.


So if you have not backed up your computer in awhile and not put your pictures on CD's than stop right there and get to work. From this point forward all pictures will automatically be downloaded to the computer then saved to a CD.

Oh well, you win some you lose some.

At least I have my health