Random...

Do you ever have a bunch of posts you want to write but really don't have the time to write them all? My blog is feeling a bit neglected so I thought I would write a bunch of random things happening in our world. Photos will come later since they are all still on my camera.


1. May is a busy month in the Young household. Birthday parties,(12 total) mother's day, end of the school year events makes May a very busy month
2. June looks like it will be more of the same...sigh
3. I have turned my office inside out this week reorganizing and decorating. I am exhausted from all the moving and shaking I have done but very happy with results (photos coming soon)
4. I decided to hang curtains in my living room Tuesday afternoon, drove to wal-mart at 7 then had them hung by 10 that night. Jeff did not know I was doing this so when I called him at work he said, "Seriously, you did that tonight?"
5. Thankfully he came home and said, "It looks very nice. Great job!"
6. Yesterday afternoon I decided to clean out my storage unit on our patio. I threw away 5 bags of junk between work and the past mementos. I did not throw away my Bald Girls Have More Fun t-shirt from when I was a baby. I still can't believe that I was bald until I was 2, my mom has pictures to back it up though.
7. I found a box of old love letters that Jeff wrote me when we were dating. I cried when I read them probably because the letters don't come as often as they used to, say like um, never :)
8. He does tell me he loves me every day so I can't complain
9. I also found an outfit my grandmother made with the tag "Made with love by Granny" sewed in. I will never throw this outfit out because of that little tag.
10. I took my grandfather to get a cataract removed. Afterwards we feasted on Sonic burgers and had a nice long chat about life in general. I pray that God uses these conversations to open doors for me to talk to him about God.
11. Work just called, got to go be a good, hardworking employee now.


Man that was a random post
Happy Friday!

Happy Birthday Faithers!

Today my niece Faith turns 10! She makes being an aunt so much fun. I love our friendship and the special bond that we have simply because she was the first to call me Aunt Sue Sue.

But I was reminded the other night how fast she is growing up....

This picture was taken after she made a very funny comment to me. Well funny to me but not so funny to her mom and dad. In the middle of telling me about how she will be next year's school Treasurer she let a little confession slip from her mouth.

"And the boy in my life is the President!"

Right at that moment, Missy (her mom) walks by to refill her drink.

"What?!?! The boy in your life! Who is this?!?!?"

And her Dad pipes in and says, "There will be no boys in your life just yet. I am the man in your life and Elijah (her little brother) is the boy in your life."

Faith just laughs.

It's funny to me but also very sad at the same time. These kids sure do grow up fast and it makes me want to cherish every moment with them.

Notice in the picture below her dad's protective hand.


God help him the day she has her first date or maybe I should say God help the boy who is brave enough to knock on the door. :)

I love you Faith Gwen! You are a precious young lady from the inside out and God has great plans for you!

P.S. Mom's birthday celebration was yesterday and I promise you Mom you will get a special post all of your own in the next few days

Menu Planning: Grocery Shopping

One of my favorite household chores is grocery shopping. I guess it is because it makes me feel like a big girl. :) Or as Jeff would tell you, I love any excuse to plan and make a list.

When I make my grocery list, I first start with my menu plan. I write down the ingredients that I will need to make dinner. I also write down any items on my "short list."

Short List- an ongoing list of any items that you may be running low and or out of . I keep my short list on the refrigerator for easy access.

When I make my grocery list, I divide it into different categories. You know meat, dairy, can goods and household items. Here is a bonus tip, if you have an ITouch or IPhone you must get The Shopper App It is fantastic! It will divide it into categories for you plus it makes life much more simpler.

Here is what I used prior to being blessed with the Shopper ap.

I try to keep my grocery shopping simple. I usually shop at one store instead of going to where the deal is. It is just what works for me. I will buy the items that I use often in bulk because that saves us money in the end. But I have found that making a menu, grocery list and sticking to the list has been a huge help in the money saving department.

If you coupon shop or have any tips for saving on the bottom line, I would love to hear your ideas.

My New Summer Style

I have been on a hunt lately for some cute summer skirts. I am not usually in the mood for skirts or dresses but have found them to be quite comfortable lately. It also could because Clinton and Stacey (What Not To Wear) were telling someone the other day how practical a skirt can actually be and I wanted to be practical too. Although, let me go on record by saying I do not agree that you need to wear a skirt while walking the dog nor do I think there is anything wrong with wearing running shorts and a tee shirt while grocery shopping at Wal Mart. If you could see the people that shop at my Wal-Mart, you would realize I am many steps above the typical patron's attire of pajama pants and fuzzy slippers. Call me crazy but there is something not right with that.

I am happy to report that after a few weeks of trying on dresses and skirts, I found this dress **that I adore at my favorite store. I also scored a sweet deal on these shoes from my other favorite store. Tomorrow I plan on heading to the mall to see if I can find a good flowery skirt like the picture above. I am also looking forward to sporting the dress and shoes to church on Sunday because nothing says "Happy Sunday" like wearing a new dress. :)

**the link is not working for the dress, it's the blue trapanuto dress at the bottom of the page (you will understand when you click on the link)

Menu Planning-Phase One

I am working on stream lining my menu plan and grocery shopping. My goal is to be able to have a 6-week rotation established so that I can create a standard grocery list and buy what I need in bulk.

My post it notes have been a huge help in keeping track of what we eat. (Please note the lasagna listed twice in a four week period, it's hubs all time favorite food) I usually try to keep it simple during the week since hubs works nights and has to be out the door by 6:15. Because of his work schedule, I try to avoid recipes that take 30-45 minutes. Lasagna obviously takes longer but it is the perfect meal to prepare in advance so all you have to do is throw it in the oven an hour before you eat.

When I am planning my menu, I follow this simple list.

Monday- salad or soup, sometimes both
Tuesday- Mexican
Wednesday- Chicken
Thursday- Pasta (lasagna, manicotti, spaghetti)
Friday night- Pizza night (sometimes with the family but most times a pizza from sam's club)
Saturday & Sunday- usually the kitchen is closed but every once in awhile I will cook gourmet sandwiches or Jeff will grill out

As you can see, I like things quick and easy. Nothing too over the top and nothing that requires much time.

Come back next Wednesday for Phase Two: Establishing a Grocery List.

Feel free to share your menu planning tips as well.

Overhaulin the Living Room/Office

The biggest thorn in my flesh is my living room/office. I have not done anything with this little place because I kept thinking we were going to move. And as you already know that is not the case right now, at least for another 6 months. Now my living room/office is going to get a major overhaul because I am choosing to fully embrace this period of our life.

The plan is simple: throw away and redecorate.

Here is a few of the things I am going to do.

• I am keeping the desk because I really need the storage for catalog pictures.

• I am changing out the office chair to something with more pizazz. Maybe a zebra print dining chair
• I am adding a hutch to my makeshift desk to house my notebooks and other misc office stuff.
• I am adding curtains to the windows since Jeff refuses to paint.
• I am also giving the love seat that the in laws gave to us to my sister in law (she has the matching sofa)
• I am bringing in my favorite chair and ottoman from storage.
• I plan to add a few lamps since we do not have an overhead light in the living room.
  
• I have a rug that I am going to throw down on our worn, dull apartment carpet.

My goal is to have the office serve as an office by day and a living room by night. At the end of the day, I want to clean off my desk and sit in my comfy chair without having to look at all this junk.

I realize that this is going to be a huge challenge but I am looking forward to having this project to sink my teeth into. I will keep you posted as I progress.

P.S. The above picture is what my desk looks like during the middle of catalog update season. It can get to be pretty scary and messy at times.

Motherhood isn't for wimps

I am playing house with the nieces and nephew for a few days while the parents are in Israel.

I had a good chuckle to myself last night once the kids were all in their beds.  They were very thoughtful last night to let me know that it was officially time for bed.  We talked about this in advance.  I asked them to give me a signal when they were ready to head upstairs they said don't worry they will. And lo and behold right around bedtime they all melted down one after the other, just like a stack of dominoes. Aren't they nice to oblige their dear aunt?

Little E was so tired that he even told his sister "Don't you even think about praying for me tonight!"  Faith wasn't phased by this and prayed anyway.  Which may be the reason he slept all night, in his own bed.  Praise Yah Jesus

Anyway the chuckle came when I was dragging myself to bed completely and totally whipped from my day. I just had to laugh at my tired butt since most of my friends live this life 24-7. I mean motherhood is not for wimps.  Thankfully they start small, that's all I'm saying.

On a side note, I would like to take a moment to thank the Lord for a little miracle that happened today. The 7-year old only said "I don't know what I want to wear" 30 times instead of 150.  She sure did get moving fast when I told her that if she wasn't dressed when the muffins were ready that she would have to get cereal.  This girl will do almost anything for a food that can be paired with butter.

Good times at our place.  

Good times.

P.S. the other miracle is happening as we speak, Eli is sound asleep on the couch after falling asleep in the car.  We are now going into the 45 minute stretch 

This TIme Last Year...

I wanted to post a blog specifically for a few readers who are feeling what I was feeling this time last year.  For those of us who want to be mothers yet struggle with infertility, this weekend will not be easy.  Last year was my hardest year to go through, all I wanted to do is crawl in a whole until Mother's day was done.  

I have a few people I am thinking about tonight and my heart aches for you.  I know that you are struggling and I know that you feel like God has forgotten you.  And yes, it's hard but I promise it gets easier.

You see this time last year, I was in the darkest part of my journey with infertility.  I was angry, bitter and self loathing.  I tried to cover up by pretending I was doing good, yet God brought a few friends in my life that could see right through my facade.  These friends have been godsends to me this past year.  They call and encourage me.  They cry with me and they pray with me.  I encourage those of you who are where I was this time last year to let go and reach out to those around you.  I encourage you to get on your knees and allow God to carry your load.

This year, I would be lying if I told you that I wasn't sad.  I would be lying if I didn't tell you that I never imagined another Mother's day without a baby on the way or one cuddled in my arms.  Yet, this is where I am today.  This is my reality.  For the past 2 years, I have been on an emotional roller coaster.  Month after month, I received the same news.  Yet month after month I have found that God's strength is enough to carry me through.  Month after month, the dark days have become shorter and the happy days longer.  I have grown in my faith and love for God.  I have cherished more of my journey this past year more than anytime in my life.  I have replaced my bitterness with joy and praise God for bringing me to where I am today.

So for those of you where I was this time last year, don't loose hope.  Lay your burdens at the feet of Jesus and let Him heal you, let Him transform you from the inside out.  God is with you even in your darkest days, He is with you.

This year, Jeff is taking me on  a special outing on Saturday afternoon.  This year, Jeff and I are going to serve together in the children's church on Sunday.  Oh how we love these kids.  We are also going to celebrate our mom's who have been a huge source of strength to both of us this year.  I praise God for this man who has been a rock to me especially the past few months.

This year I choose joy.  

This year I choose peace.

This year I celebrate with many friends who have been blessed with children this year after many years of trying. (You know who you are...wink. wink)

This year I wait with hope.

This year I trust God and the plans He has for me.

My Living In The Moment Happy List

There is a peace in my heart that runs deep today. Praise God for whom all blessings flow! It would be easy for me to grow mad at the fact that we are in the middle of another waiting period but this time around everything feels different. I don't really feel like I am in a holding pattern but I feel I am right where God wants us.

The following is a list of things I enjoy right now in this season of my life. I call it my living in the moment list. It's very helpful to have a list like this handy for those days where the peace is not running so deep.

1. Walks & Talks with Jeff- every afternoon Jeff and I walk our neighborhood. We have one rule and that is we are supposed to talk. Jeff is a very quiet person by nature so this has been fun to hear his thoughts as we walk and talk.

2. Reading a Good Book- I love a good book, something I can sink my teeth into and turn off the day with.

3. Prayer Journal- going back and reading my heart and how God has transformed my prayers has been a real blessing. I can see we are right where we need to be and look forward to how God is using this time to grow and transform us.

4. Feeling Crafty- I went through a crafting hiatus when I thought we were about to move. I am starting to feel the creative juices flow again and can't wait to spend a good chunk of my evening one night getting crafty.

5. Hanging with friends (big & small) - I have some great friends and these friends have some fun kiddos. Jeff and I are not one of those couples who hates being around kids. In fact, we find much joy in sitting outside and talking to our little friends. The things that come out of our little friends mouths are HILARIOUS and keeping us laughing for days.

6. Learning new things- I love to try new things. Right now I am learning to bake new things like bread and fancy snacks. Lots of fun but not very good for the diet. Praise God for freezers to store them in. :)

7. Redecorating- for so long I have been waiting for us to move and have missed opportunities to nest in my place. This past week I went to World Market and had one of those moments where my decorating surges went into overdrive. I decided to take the money that I had set aside to decorate up our home and use a little of it for the apartment. As my friend Andrea says, "Surround yourself with the things you love." (I will share a blog post when I finish, promise)

8. Serving God in the moment- It would be easy for me to grow bitter and nasty for the waiting period but instead I am open to wherever God leads. I believe that because my heart is open, God has opened up many opportunities for me to serve Him in the waiting. I praise God for these opportunities to look beyond myself and bless others. This to me is one of the greatest joys I have found over the past few years.


There you have it- a little glimpse into the things that make me happy.

God is blessing our journey!