Halloween Flashback and the Kids

I was cleaning out some old photo albums last night, moving my senior year pictures to the same book as my college years pictures. It takes up less space when they are in one book instead of two. Anyway, I found this picture from Halloween my senior year and had to post.

Do you see me? I promise I am in the picture.

I was going to wait until sister posted pictures of her own kids on her blog but I couldn't wait any longer. I just had to show my nieces and nephew off, I am the Aunt, and that is what Aunts do.

Jeff and I picked up a passenger in Galveston. Here I am giving Hayley a piggy-back ride back to our hotel.
Faith aka Miley Cyrus. Her wig for Hannah Montana was gross so Missy vetoed it. Faith didn't mind but we had to call her Miley not Hannah. She also was able to get her face painted while at the carnival. I think she was happy and super cute. Katelyn, wearing the cheerleader costume that Missy wore at that age. On the side of her skirt is says "Missy." Isn't she cute?!?
Elijah who went as Jack Jack from the Incredibles. He was a fast mover too. Once he got into the games there was no pulling him off the games. Later when we went to eat, he was hyped up on candy and would yell, "Hi" to all the people in the restaurant. He also danced a little jig and at one point did a move that looked similar to pelvic thrusts. I wonder where he picked that up?


Okay, I am heading back to the pile of laundry that I am happy to report is almost finished.

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig

(A picture from Kentucky on Abraham Lincoln's boyhood home)

As we were driving home yesterday, Jeff's cell phone rang. It was work calling saying they needed him to come in early tonight. As Jeff hung up the phone, I patted his back and said, "Welcome Home!"

It's hard coming back to the real world especially after having such a great time.

I found myself trying hard not to cry last night as Jeff headed to work and I went back to sleeping single in a double bed. Give me a week and I will be back on track but for now I am fighting the "my husband works an opposite schedule than me blues."

As you can tell, we really, really had a great time.

I plan to finish out the pictures from my trip on the Road Trip Blog but it will be in a few days.

There are more important things to take care of than blogging, I am afraid.

Work is one, Trick or Treating with my nieces and nephew is another and grocery shopping is next.

So I planned a few fun things to start up once I got back but the truth is, I don't really have the time right now. Blogging will have to wait.

I just wanted to let everyone know that we are home, we are safe and we are slowly trying to get back into some sort of routine.

Tah-tah for now.

"On the Road Again!"

You never know where the road will take us.

We have been known to make some crazy detours along the way, to keep up with us the next couple of days go here.

Otherwise tune in November 1st for a new addition to the blog world

and

the 1st ever

BLESSED ASSURANCES giveaway.

Get Ready, Get Set, Let's GO!

First off, thank you for your comments on the last post. I shared my story to encourage others who have felt fat at one point in their life. I hope if you are that person that you too will remember that you are a beautiful work of art made by God, no matter what you weigh!

Now, I can't be serious anymore because I am going on a ROAD TRIP.

Have you ever noticed that when you are gearing up to go somewhere that the to-do list becomes a mile long? It's been a little nuts around here. The plan is to work, work, work tonight so I can start goofing off tomorrow.

the to-do list goes something like this:

}finish up the 15th work reports

}file all the junk from my desk

}put the finishing touches on the women's ministry newsletter (1st edition)

}scrub the kitchen so it will be clean when I come home

}pedicure & manicure

}coffee with a few friends tomorrow night after bible study

}check out travel books and audio books at the library

}go to the grocery store for the travel necessities and snacks

}go by the storage unit and pick up suitcase and camping equipment

(Jeff and I are camping out one night in Kentucky)

}make the ROAD TRIP music CD because the IPOD does not work in rental car

}charge the camera battery

}check the weather and then pack up the fun fall clothes that I have yet to wear in Texas

}get the addresses together for our postcards

}Set Amazon account to "Vacation" mode

}Mail the EBAY stuff I sold this week to pay for scrapbook weekend

}pick up postcard stamps at post office so we don't have to hunt for stamps on vacation

}call the Mom & Dad before I leave and call my grandparents too

}quit making a to-do list I keep adding stuff to do before we go

}post the link to the ROAD TRIP blog so you all can keep up with us next week, you know you want to

Okay friends, as you can see I have some work to do. I will post the link when we are heading out of town so you can come check in with us there.

A Weighty Issue

When I was growing up, I never struggled with my weight.

In fact, I can remember my grandmother telling me I need to eat more because I was "skinny as a rail." She worried that I was too thin.

In college, I didn't gain the "freshman ten". In fact, I didn't really know what the girls on my floor were really talking about. I could eat whatever, whenever I wanted and never gain a pound.

Two years after Jeff and I were married all of that started to change.

I didn't realize I was gaining weight until someone said to me, "Oh I can see you are a happily married woman."

I asked this person, "What do you mean by that?"

She tried to backtrack her statement rather quickly after she realized she may have crossed a line and said, "Nothing-I was just making a joke because you had put on a little weight, in a good way though."

I tried to ignore this person's comment and pretend like it really didn't bother me that I had gained a few pounds to where someone would notice. But the truth is, those words did hurt.

A year later, I started to take hormone shots to help with my endometriosis. One of the side of effects, that I did not know going into this was I would gain weight. I gained 40 pounds while taking these shots. Yes, 40 pounds in just a few weeks!

I was miserable. I stopped taking my picture after I saw my double chin, flabby arms and the rolls around my stomach. I became the photographer instead of the model. I started to starve myself in order to lose weight. This may come as a surprise to some of you but it's true. In fact, this is probably the first time I admitted it to anyone other than God that I was starving myself.

A little over a year ago, the weight was not coming off. It seemed like nothing was working even something as drastic as starving myself.

I believe that God often meets you where you are to help in time of need. He helped me by bringing friends into my life to walk alongside me as I began a healthy approach to loosing weight. I started eating 6 small meals a day, instead of one yogurt and then gorging myself at dinner. Each meal was well rounded and not huge portions. I started to walk more and just move more in general. By doing all of this I lost 13 pounds. And then I hit the wall. If you have been loosing weight you will understand what I mean. The technical term is I hit a plateau. I knew I needed help if I wanted to continue my healthy approach to loosing weight.

6 weeks ago, I joined Weight Watchers. I joined at the same time a few of my friends at church started WW too. We have all been a support system to each other as we continue to loose weight together. I thank God for these people who are walking alongside me.

I won't lie, I still struggle with how I look when I look in the mirror, I struggle with the number and I hate that I don't look like all those girls you see on television. I have realized in the 6 weeks doing weight watchers that I am too focused on the things listed above. I am really trying to retrain my thoughts about my weight. It is something that I have been praying about and I have asked the Lord to give me guidance in this new thought pattern. But it hasn't been easy.

Today before my WW meeting I was already feeling defeated. I just felt fat and truthfully I felt like skipping the weigh in all together because I knew I would feel horrible afterwards. I wake up to the radio in the morning, so the radio was still playing as I was getting dressed. The song "Fingerprints of God" by Steven Curtis Chapman started to play on the radio. I sat and listened to the words as the song played out. Click here to read them for yourself. As I was sitting down, I looked in the mirror and had a little heart to heart with God.

Let's just say that this song is my new theme song for this phase of my life.

Since my journey is still be played out, let me close with my favorite part of this song.

"Never has there been and never again Will there be another you

Fashioned by God's hand

And perfectly planned To be just who you are

And what He's been creating Since the first beat of your heart Is a living breathing priceless work of art..."


I pray that you too will remember the next time you look in the mirror that you are a priceless work of art in God's eyes.



God Bless Your Journey!


(thank you AJ for encouraging me to write this post today)

The Plan...Sort Of

Jeff and I don't normally plan out what we do, we only plan the stops.

the original plan was to go to Disney world.

but neither one of wanted to drive all that much since we are tethered to Galveston Island for the family reunion that takes place at the end of our vacation.

so NO MORE GUESSING, here is the plan.

1st stop-Memphis, TN where we will see these and of course no visit to Memphis would be complete without going here

2ND stop-St. Louis where we will go here and make a pit stop to here

3rd stop-Kentucky for a bit of this and that and for Jeff a lot of this

We have more stops on the way but those aren't yet fully planned.

But our final stop will be in Galveston Island for a little family reunion, where Jeff will serve as a bouncer in case a family brawl breaks out.

Should be a fun time had by all.

But on another note, does anyone have any suggestions for books to listen to while on the road?

We were talking about it today and came up with a few but I figured I would poll blog land to see if anyone had any ideas.

So please tell.

Road Trip 2007: Clue #1

The states in red show where Jeff and I have already been to on previous Road Trips.

Where we are going this time does not include one of these states and close enough for us to be in Galveston, TX for a reunion at the end of our trip.

And remember, it's not Disney World!

Any Guesses?

Edited to Add: I changed the map b/c it wasn't accurate. I had to pull out the handy atlas that actually shows where all we have been on the map. Let's just say I sometimes get a little stir crazy on these jaunts! You know since I took the time to put a check mark after we cross a different state line in the new state. :)



create your own visited states map

"...a few of my favorite things!"

Do you have anything in your home that you just love?

You know that thing that brings you warm fuzzies each time you see it?

I consider myself pretty lucky since I have many things that make me happy throughout my house.

But in an effort to keep it simple, I will show you my newest favorite thing.

Say hello to Anthroplogie's Voluspa "Baltic Amber" candle.


The other day, when I was shopping with my mom. We walked by the store and they had this candle burning. I walked right in and fell in love. Every time I walked closer to where the candle was burning I declared how great it smelt. Finally I broke down and bought it. The best thing I have splurged on in a long time.

Each night, I grab my favorite book series that I am reading for the 100Th time-light a candle and read late into the night.

I tell you life is good.

Life is good.

If you have a favorite thing you like feel free to tell us about it.

Happy Birthday Hayley Bayley!

Hayley is 10!

Uncle Jeff is walking around scratching his head wondering where did the time go? I am just so happy because she is now into double digits. Back in my day this was a BIG DAY!




I met Hayley when she was 3, just barely 3 actually. We bonded from our first big adventure around the ice skating rink when I knocked her down and she said, "Are you okay? I tank I hurt you!" Actually it was the other way around, I tank I hurt you! Just shows you what a sweet spirit she has, our little Hayley Bayley!

By the way, I knew Jeff was the one for me when he started to tell me about his niece Hayley. Feel in love, weak in the knees, I did. He loves Hayley to pieces and so do I. Maybe she is the real matchmaker between Jeff and I. :)

Hayley keeps me on my toes. I have long since stopped playing the "Animal Game" with her because to me, a bear is a bear and a turtle is a turtle. But to a girl who watches Animal Planet 24-7, a bear is a bunch of different types from different regions and words too big for Aunt Sue-Sue to contain in my small little head.

Hayley, God has blessed you with a great brain that can retain all types of information, don't ever stop learning and gaining more knowledge. Even if you do stump the adults!

"Merebear" and Hayley playing the animal game. Meredith is stumped in the picture too! LOL! (Called you out Meredith!)



Dancing to her song: "California Girls" by the Beach Boys

"I wish they all could be California Girls!"

And of course, one last picture of sweet Hayley at CDR this summer. Did I tell you that she got best camper? OH I did! Well I thought I would throw it in one more time. I am just so proud.


Hayley,

Uncle Jeff and I love you dearly and can't wait to take you to IHOP and shopping for your big day. You are a precious little girl inside and out and we know that God has great plans for you! Continue to seek Him and He will take you far.

We love you!

Uncle Jeff and Aunt Susan

Happy Birthday F.I.L!

Yes bloggers that's right another one today.

Today is F.I.L's day!

Funny side story for you all:

For a few years the in-laws and Jeff and I all went to the same church. Before MIL and FIL moved and decided to find something closer to home. I have called my in-laws, MIL and FIL for quite sometime. I am big on nicknames and usually if I find one that sticks I run with it. Well, I called FIL, FIL because you know, that's my name for him, many times at church. One guy came up to him and said "Hey PHIL how's it going?" And Jon (aka FIL) answered him like nothing was wrong. Oh I laughed and laughed. Later when I was alone with the guy that called him PHIL, I explained that his name is actually Jon not PHIL. And I call him F.I.L because he is my father in law.

Happy Birthday F.I.L!

May your day be all that you want, need or desire.

We love you bunches!

The kids gave their parents a night away-their faces are priceless. This is one couple that truly loves each other.



Jeff snapped this picture of FIL. The boys have a standing tradition of smoking cigars at big events. This was in honor of 40 years of marriage. I think he deserves a cigar, don't you?



Up until the 40 years together party, I did not know FIL could dance. And let me tell you, he should be on Dancing With The Stars!

And finally, he loves his granddaughter Hayley and the feeling is mutual. Hayley is a big fan of her Poppy! They are sweet, sweet friends. And I love to see them together. Poppy's face lights up when her name is mentioned.

Tomorrow is Hayley's day so the birthday posts will continue for one more day.

Happy {Almost Belated} Birthday Missy!

I slept most of the day today, I think my body is trying to play catch from the last two weeks, which have been non-stop go!

Anyway, I woke up at 6 tonight and realized I had not called my siter in law. So Missy forgive me for being horrible today and not calling. but will a blog do? You are a regular reader after all.

Happy Birthday Sweet Sister!

You are such a blessing to us all!

I love you to pieces and am holding you close to my heart this week as you are going it alone while G is out of town.

{Call me so we can go to the pumpkin patch that I went to this weekend. It's close and super cute!}

Pumpkin Patch Photos

Last night I photographed these cute little pumpkins.

To the mom's of these 3 cuties,

I am working on putting these pictures in Kodak Easy Share for you these week and will email it soon.

Enjoyed the girl time, can't wait to see you all again!

Road Trip 2007

Jeff and I are in the planning stages of the 2007 Road Trip.

Tonight we pulled out the Atlas and pulled up Mapquest on the computer so we could plan the next big adventure.

We mentioned earlier on the blog (if you are a regular reader) that we were going to Disney World. Those plans have now been changed. Why? Well if you know us,you know that we NEVER stick to the original plan-we are always tweaking and flying by the seat of our pants.

This time, I am the one who throw the wrench in the plans.

Today, while shopping with my stylist (aka Mom) I mentioned how I was tired of the hot weather. (Avg temp 92 degrees this week) Mom mentioned something about it being the same in Florida only more humid. So this started my wheels a turning. I don't want hot weather on my vacation. I want something cooler. I want to go somewhere so I can wear my cute Fall Fashions that I was in the process of buying today. I don't want Florida or sand shores after all. I want something new and exciting.

Jeff said, "Okay let's plan somewhere else."


So... we leave in two weeks for our big adventure. Am I going to tell you where we are going? Uh no! You will have to tune in to the blog to see where the Garmin takes us.

But I will be throwing out clues the next few weeks and while we are on our trip I will post a picture of the big landmarks to see if you can guess "Where in the world are Jeff and Susan?"

I know you are thinking I am going to tell you before we leave. I'm not!

I know my friends and family are shaking their heads saying, "Oh she will tell us! She can't keep secrets."

Nope. Sorry, not going to do it.

Let's just call this training for other secrets we may or may not be sharing these days.

And again, I am not going to tell you.

Stay Tuned.

And I am serious when I say, "We are not telling a soul."

You will just have to watch and find out.

Silence is Golden

The summer Jeff and I visited our nation's capital we went to Arlington National Cemetery to see John F Kennedy's grave site. This sign grabbed me. I liked the fact that everyone who came to visit the site was silent as they passed by. Children who usually were running and laughing stood in silence as they watched the flame flicker on top of the tomb. I wonder why we aren't silent more. Why do we feel like we have to constantly have noise around us?

Last night, my friend lost her sweet Granddaddy. Jeff and I said a prayer last night for her and her family when we heard the news. Our hearts are still a bit raw from the loss of my great-grandmother last spring. So although we rejoice that she is in Heaven we still miss her sweet presence here on earth. I praise God for Grandaddy Leon's legacy he left behind too. I pray for her family who now mourns their loss.

This weekend was also amazing for me. I was able to attend a "Revive Our Hearts Conference" with some sweet friends from church. If you do not know about Nancy Leigh Demoss or normally don't listen to her radio show then you are missing out on some good, solid biblical truth. (Click on the Revive Our Hearts button to the left for her website)

My life is forever changed.

At the beginning of the conference she encouraged us to take a media break until the conference is finished. I continue to feel God is calling me to continue my "fast" from media. Especially this blog which has become too much a part of my life. I need to find my balance, friends. I am distracted by this and will read blogs before I read the Bible. I realize balance is a work in progress. And it will be something that everyday will be a struggle. But I don't want to miss out on the Lord speaking to me. And if the blog is keeping me from hearing His voice than I need to lay low a few days.

So with that, I start my blog fast.

I will be lurking but may not be commenting.

My goal for myself is to keep in touch with my real life friends and family beyond the blog. I want to be intentional about spending time with them in the real world and not just via the blog. But I will be back to blogland too.

I just need to take a moment to sit at the feet of Jesus. My first love.

A Quick Prayer for a Friend

"Lord, sometimes we don't know where to begin. Sometimes our hearts are just too heavy to speak. But it is in these times that your Spirit interceeds for us.

Lord I pray for Jodi and her family. Grant them peace that passes all understanding. I pray for Grandmommy who is saying goodbye to her sweet husband. Comfort her-walk with her. She needs to feel your presence today.

And Lord we thank you for the legacy that Grandaddy has left this sweet family. We thank you for the fact that Leon knows you intimately and you know Him. Oh the angels will be dancing and singing soon.

Lord help all of us who know Jodi and her family to find ways to comfort them. If it means us babysitting the crew for all the parents-so be it. If it means cooking a warm meal-so be it. If it means just sitting with mouth shuts arms open-so be it.

We love you Lord. We know that it is in these times, friends hurting, grandparents dying that you are with us. We praise you Lord for Christian community. We thank you Lord for putting relationships in our path that span across two generations.

Lord, be with us. Show us your glory this weekend.

And Lord on a personal note, speak to us and the ladies of Metro this weekend at the Nancy Leigh Demoss conference. May we come home renewed and changed by being in YOUR presence this weekend.

In Jesus name,
Amen

Pumpkin Update

Yes, one of the things that was on my long to-do list was to

PAINT THE PUMPKIN.

And you thought I was working?!?!


Before:

After:



Now I am off to catch up on this:



You got to love apartment living hence the white walls and ugly/dirty carpet.

Here is my dream room I found on the Better Homes and Garden website tonight.



You just wait until we move into a house,

I will have

NO WHITE WALLS IN MY HOUSE.

I guarantee it!

Waiting.

This is a must read post, go on read it. You won't hurt my feelings for skipping my post today.

I find myself in holding patterns so often in my life that now I don't know how to deal with God moving us ahead.

Does that make sense?

I have been praying for a few things to happen and now that they are happening I keep wanting to say "Whoa God, whoa!"

Oh we humans are funny, fickle people.

Ahh, but the growth is a sweet time. A sweet, sweet time.

God is faithful. Faithful even when I am not.

God is loving. Loving me even when I am unlovable.

God is compassionate. He is compassionate to those who show no compassion.

And I am busy, very, very busy this week.

Too busy to be blogging but knew that I couldn't go without putting my two cents in on waiting.

Okay, good bye blog land. I will miss you this week. But I need to get a few checks next to my to-do list.

Shop-A-Thon=Mother Load of Good Stuff

The other night after Bible Study, I went to the Garden Ridge Shop-A-Thon. I went the first night, it really wasn't that busy or picked over yet. I thoroughly enjoyed walking the aisles and looking at all the new stuff. Christmas decor was the last aisle I walked down and let's just say I hit the mother load of ornaments.

Do you know how much fun this was for me? No husband telling me to get a move on and no need to rush because they were staying open until Sunday night at midnight?!? I am so blessed. Really, I am blessed.

:)

For the last two years, I have done a new theme on our small 4 ft tree that we display in our apartment. I got this idea from my friend Dr. Sam. You may remember last Christmas I showed you his different trees and themes for each room. He has 17 1/2 different trees. My idea is to have all different type themes for different rooms just like him one day...when we buy a house of course.

Last Christmas, I displayed all of our ornaments from the numerous road trips for the "Makin' A Memory" tree. We started doing this the first year we were married and in the last 4 1/2 years have collected lots of fun ornaments from all over the USA. I think this tree will be the perfect "Family Room" tree.

At the end of Christmas last year, I started working on this year's themed tree, the kitchen. You must remember before I tell you this I was planning on being in a house by Christmas this year. And well, as I have learned, it is better not to plan that far in advance... sometimes God has other plans that aren't our own.

Anywho...

The kitchen tree idea came from a friend passing on a string of "apple garland" to my mom last year. You know someone Else's junk becomes anothers treasure. Well this garland is precious! A little bit more country than I like but cute nonetheless, not to mention free. And well, if it's free it's for me! So over the last year, anytime my mom and I would go shopping we kept our eyes out for "kitchen tree ornaments." You can imagine how hard this was since most places don't carry Christmas ornaments year round.

I found only three things: Santa in a chef hat mixing up a batch of goodies, a tiny little mixer and a mash potato masher.

But at the Garden Ridge Shop A Thon, I hit the mother load of "Kitchen Tree Ornaments." Garden Ridge is my BFF!

I scored big time!

If you click on the picture you can see the tiny mixer and mash potato masher thrown in too. Sadly the apple garland and Santa Chef are locked away in the storage unit down the street. I promise that when I un-box the Christmas stuff I will snap a photo so you can see.

Could Christmas get here any sooner? I can't wait to display all of this stuff.

I may even put it up early this year for good measure...or because I just can't wait to see what it all will look like put together.

Committed.

Marriage has it's ups and downs, ins and outs, highs and lows.

It's just one of those things that we have to go through. Do you think we can blame all of this on Eve? Or do we blame Adam?

A few weeks ago, I was ready to throw in the towel. Not really, but you know how it is, you get so dad gum frustrated and the thing that seems most appealing is to walk away. This is the point where I tell Jeff, "I'll be back."

Those three words are my code to him that he better walk away or let me walk away and not follow. This works for us. Neither one of us want to say anything out of anger that we will have to take back after all is better. Truth is, we are both so stubborn that the best thing for us to do is to retreat and take a "time out."

In the ebb and flow that we call marriage, I have filled my prayer journal with requests to make our marriage stronger. And true to His word, God has put us through relational boot camp. But why does it always seem like I am the one that is having to change?

"Lord, I wanted you to work on HIM not ME!!!"

And I kid you not, I said those words one night when I was having a tantrum before the Lord....followed by what my friend and I have defined as a "Holy Spanking."

The spanking can come in three many forms: the Bible verse that pricks your heart, the sermon that grabs your prideful spirit and swings it out the door and the friend who was kind enough to say, "I don't think you acted right then" making your realize you need to admit you were wrong.

Anyway, I had a "Holy Spanking" a few weeks ago and decided then and there to FINALLY do it God's way.

Allow me to skip ahead at this point to where we are today. Jeff and I have found a common ground. Jeff and I both are growing. Jeff is leading our family and communicating in ways that I never thought possible. I didn't realize that what needed to happen was for me to step out of the way a bit for God to transform my man.

And the Lord has blessed us. The Lord has provided us with a church family that is willing to go the extra mile with us as we learn what it means to be committed to each other.

So as my mama said the other night, "You just need to be committed to your marriage no matter what."

Committed to the Lord.

Committed to my husband.

Committed to the marriage.

Fall Into Reading 2007

Fall- the season of reaping, gathering in, harvesting and rejoicing.

One reason why I love to blog is because of people like Katrina. Many people host different meme's and challenges but the reading challenges is one that I look forward to each new season. This summer I read over 50 books. If you know me, you know I am always reading. The library is my favorite place to visit. I have found this to be the highlight of my week. I go, pick out 4 books and read all four books during the two weeks that I have them to myself. I have also loved getting to know new authors based on the recommendations from my GOOD READ friends and the others who participate in this challenge.



So with no further ado, here is my fall "To Be Read" list:



1. Church History in Plain Language by Bruce Shelly

(Side note: This book is very out of character for me but it is for the Women's Book Club at church, they say it will be worth the read. I am a little scared though!)



2. Having a Mary Heart In a Martha World by Joanna Weaver



3. Becoming A Woman of Discretion by Nancy Leigh Demoss



4. If I Gained the World by Linda Nichols



5. At the Scent of Water by Linda Nichols



6. Forever in Blue by Ann Brashares



7. The Last Summer by Ann Brashares



8. Playing for Pizza by John Grisham



9. The Center of Everything by Laura Moriarty



10. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini



11. My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult



12. Flabbergasted by Ray Blackston



13. Me & Emma Elizabeth Flock



14. Elementary, My Dear Watkins (A Smart Chick Mystrey) by Mindy Clark Starns



This of course, is not the complete list. I actually have 23 books in my Good Reads cue but this should last me for at least a few weeks. Okay, I can't wait to stop by everyone else who is participating, really most of these books come recommended by others in blog land. Who knew blogging could be so inspiring?!?

What Would You Do?

What would you do if on your way to bible study you get stopped at a red light?

What if while at this red light-a few drivers from other cars get out and start fist fighting?

What would you do if they were fighting in the lane that you needed to drive through to make it make it to Bible Study on time.

What would you do? Really!

Well I would first check that my doors are locked. Pull around them and turn up Casting Crowns new CD. I then would pray. And wait for the light to turn green. And pray for some divine intervention.

"Dear Lord now would be a good time to um, beam me up Scottie! If I am allowed such a request."

But then when the fighting comes closer to your car again and you are still waiting on the light that will not turn red what would you do?

Well-I sat and watched and laughed at the men.

Especially when another driver gets out of his car and yells to the man, "You "messed" up my car!"

And the other guy says, "So.....something, something something" (hands wagging pointing fingers to the car behind him) And then the man who was fighting gets back in his car.

The guy whose car was "messed" up during the fight, grabs his cell phone and follows the man to Point B. Not sure what happened next because I was driving to Bible Study to learn about the Book of Acts.

Later when I get home, I call Jeff. Who is at work.

We share a cell phone. I use it during the day-he uses it at night. I did not have a cell phone last night and for the first time ever I wished I did have one. But for the record, I don't carry one because I would never use it.

But this morning, Jeff emails me the picture below of a pink gun he found for me. I guess he got a little worried because of the "Fist Fight One Act Play" I witnessed last night. On my way to Bible study-nonetheless. LOL! Isn't she a beauty!?!?

Thirteen Celebrities That I am Tired of Reading About as Front Page News

1. Britney Spears


2. Rosie and Elisabeth's spat


3. Celebrities getting DUI's


4. This guy-who says "I didn't do it!"


5. This chick again! (But he's still cute...)


6. And now this girl is all they talk about


7. The Global Warming Ex-VP


8. Here's my fifty cents on this duo


9. The chick that I am going to call the "Southwest Mini"


10. He's cute but really the girl once kissed her brother with her tongue -I don' t get it!


11. Didn't he retire?!?!


12. Seriously Enough ALREADY!


13. I just posted him on here because of the picture of his hair. Are you playing Samson in a revival of Samson and Deliah?

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
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Wacky Wednesday

What do you do when your husband works nights and you are all alone and bored?

Read. Watch television. Bask in the glow of the computer screen.

But what do you do when your brother in law is working nights and his girlfriend is home alone too?

The two of you get together and do something wild and crazy...or wacky! Of COURSE!

She came over after work, ate dinner and then we waited until Jeff left for work and went to Hobby Lobby.

Hobby Lobby is having a fantastic sale on all things home decor this week. Not to mention all things Fall.

We walked the ailses until they gave the big annoncement that they were closing for the night.

"Closing time. You don't have to go home but you can't stay here." -Semisonic

So we kept shopping...

I bought a wrought iron pumpkin that was 1/2 off. It's super cute.

But I don't like the color- it's blue. YES BLUE!!!



Don't believe me? Here, see for yourself ...




Can you tell? It's BLUE! When did pumpkins become blue?!?



Next stop was Home Depot which was a quick jaunt to my left.

"To the left, to the left" -Beyonce



Anyway the pumpkin is about to be a pretty rust color, you know almost orange but a little more red. I will post a picture tomorrow. It will be better to paint when the sun comes out tomorrow.



"The sun will come out tomorrow." -Annie

Oh how I love the movie Annie.

Meredith says it was her all time favorite growing up. I told her that I liked her. In fact I told her that i loved her because she loves Annie.

Jenni and I used to be Annie buddies but she had to grow up and be a missionary or something special like that.

Oh Jenni, where for art though Jenni!?!?

(Real World Chicks, let's see if this brings her out of the woodwork!)

Menu Planning-Phase One

I am not going to sit here and tell you that I have menu planning down to fine art or that I do this consistently every week. You see the minute Jeff comes to check to see if his name has been mentioned via the blog (yet again) he will call my bluff, so this chick won't tell you no lies. But I will venture out and tell you that I am getting better and for that Jeff and his full stomach thank me.

Now, I am only writing this because one dear friend recently mentioned to me that she would love a step by step version of my menu plan. And since I am a people pleaser, here it is.

When I started out, I found the whole process very daunting. So today I will only write what I consider to be Phase One.

Phase One-Planning and Compiling the Grocery List

What Phase One will Cover:

1. Pick a Day that Works for You and Your Family
2 Write down 7 meals that work are your family favorite recipes.
3. Get a magnetic notepad to stick to your refrigerator for the household to write down things needed.
4. Make your grocery list by the way the grocery store has the section layed out.
5. Clean Out the Fridge Before You Go.

1. Pick a day that works for you and your family to do your weekly grocery shopping.

What works for me may not work for you and your family but I do my grocery shopping on Tuesday mornings. Two reasons, it is the slowest day and the shelves have been restocked from the weekend rush. Whatever day works for you and your household-stick to that day as best you can. Also, try to get out of the habit of running to the store every time you need to cook. The reason menu planning is helpful is because it should decrease the amount of running back and forth to the grocery store. It also helps you save on the bottom line.

2. Gather your favorite family recipes (enlist their help if you need it) and come up with at least 7 meals.

I usually do not cook 7 meals a week but I do write down seven dinner ideas so that I have "an in case of emergency" meal just in case something comes up with work the next week and I am unable to grocery shop on Tuesday. Gather up the recipes and write down all the ingredients that you will need for that week. Make sure you check the pantry before you put it on the list. At one point I had 15 cans of Red Beans because one recipe called for it and every week I would purchase a can or two thinking I did not have it on hand. (Red Beans and Rice is Jeff's favorite food and my least favorite. Bleck!)

This is also a good time to look at the weekly calendar. If you have lots of late night activities happening then pull out the crock pot recipes. If you have pot luck at church or holiday gatherings, get your list for that too. I got all my holiday food ingredients last year before the holidays and boy did it make like easier.

Only focus on the 7 meals for now, you can add to it but I won't discuss that until Phase Two. Seriously folks, I was so stressed the first time I tried to do this so I am trying not to overwhelm you.


3. Get a magnetic notepad and stick it to the front of the fridge.

I use my notepad so often through out the week that Jeff knows not to take it off the fridge. I write down any and everything we may need. I ran out of Paprika the other day and I threw the empty bottle away then wrote Paprika on my list. No, I don't typically use Paprika all that much but I want to make sure I have it ready for the next time that I do. Jeff is known to put toilet paper on the list when we start to run low.

4. Make a list based on how the grocery store is laid out.

Sarah at In the Midst of It posted a template that she uses a few weeks ago for her menu planning. I made my own at the first of the year in Excel because I am an Excel nerd and get great satisfaction from things like this. If you would like my version, email me at blessedassurances@gmail.com and I will send it to you. I divided mine up into sections based on the layout of my local Wal-Mart. (Deli/Produce, Can Goods*, Frozen Food, Household, Dairy, Meat) Did you know that I have cut back my grocery shopping by at least 20 minutes by writing my list in categories? It really doesn't take that much longer if you already have the grocery lists pre-printed and ready to write down.

*Can Goods is all the little aisles in the center of the store which also includes baking stuff.

5. Clean out the fridge before you go.

A FLYLADY trick that I have actually kept. Usually the fridge is almost empty so this is a good time to quickly wipe down the shelves and throw out the little science projects. Trust me, it will help you when you come home to put away your groceries too.

The reason I do menu planning is because it simplifies my life and helps me limit the running around like a chicken with his head cutoff. I see this as a work in progress, therefore, I don't beat myself up for not having it done just right but I do want my home to be a peaceful atmosphere. And menu planning is one way to help me do this.

Now please don't stress out about this. Try it for a week and let me know if it works for you.

Next week we will move on to Phase Two-The Actual Plan.

Sunday Afternoon Naps Lead to Sleepless Sunday Nights

Oh what does one do when you are lying in bed at night and you can't sleep?

You blog of course.

I did something very out of character for me this weekend. I turned off the computer. Tonight when I couldn't sleep, I decided to check out GOOGLE READER to see if anyone had posted. It seems I was the only one who stayed away from the computer. For the first time, in the history of me using GOOGLE READER, I had over 50 posts to read. I decided that I would hold off reading all of these until in the morning, when I have a fresh cup of coffee brewing, a wonderful case of bed head and teeth that are in dire need of a good brushing. Nothing says "Good Morning Blog land" better than bad breath and sweet smelling coffee. Jeff calls it "A Case of the Exactlys" ...because your mouth smells exactly like your @#S! Oh my husband thinks he is soooo funny! And he seems to be getting so many requests to start a blog of his own that he is getting a little scared. Gun shy as I like to call it.

Speaking of guns. Were we speaking of guns? Not sure. But we are NOW! Jeff has been looking to get a handgun for a very, very, very long time. Almost as long as we have been looking for a house. This past Saturday we were driving home from his brothers when he asked if I would happen to like to get my concealed hand gun license too. I thought about it for a second and said, "Sure, why not. Can I get a pink one?"

Oh he laughed. Hard. I asked him what was so funny. A pink hand gun seemed like a reasonable request. He said, "Susan, a pink handgun?" I sat there silent. Then he replied "You know I did see a pink glock (the thing that holds the bullets, I think) that you can put inside your gun. Do you want to do it with me?"

Girls (and Wade) I think I do. I really, think I do. I just think with Jeff working nights and me home alone and this world going to hell in a hand basket, I think I would feel safer. Not to mention the fun we can have shooting at each other paper people targets.

And don't worry, we are looking to buy a safe to store our one black, one pink gun in. Also we are going to have to take a 10 hour safety course before we buy. Safety First, People! Safety first!

I know my sisters-in-law are going to start not allowing the kids to come over and play once they read this post. (don't worry sisters, you know your children will probably be 18 before Jeff finds the gun he wants anyway.

But you know, I grew up around guns. My dad taught us well. For some reason, carrying my own gun around seems like what I was born to do.

Especially a gun that is pink.

By the way, this post has taken on a whole new dimension. i really did not plan on telling you about my dream of having a gun. But I just did. I guess i get loose lips (or fingers) when I am tired and it is fast approaching 1 AM.

Okay, pleasant dreams. I will see you on the flip side!

The Google Game

Have you ever played the Google game?

You know the one where you google yourself and see what you find?

I never actually find the real Susan. I just find others with my same name who are a little more ambitious than me.

For example, I have been a songwriter, a motivational speaker in Florida and a doctor.

But the best was the one I found last night when I entered in my longtime friends name.

Here is what Google Says-

jodi's weblog: Slap the beaver - Slap the beaver. the_beav.jpg So I come up number one now if you Google search "beaver jodi". Small pleasures, folks. In other news, my wrist feels much ...www.jodigreen.ca/blog/archives/2005/01/slap_the_beaver.html - 9k -

Can you guess who I googled Real Life Friends?

The picture that pops up is what cracks me up even more. I am so glad that your kids don't look like this Jodi!

Now that's what they call a Friday funny!

Thursday Thirteen: I Haven't Done One of These in Say...FOREVER!

Thirteen Places I would Rather Be Than Home...in bed...with a sore throat and a headache.

1. On a Beach In Florida (Um, check that-I will be there in October)

2. At A Family Reunion meeting Jeff's crazy cousins (Um, Check, doing that in October)

3. Magic Kingdom (Check, Check-going when we are in Florida)

4. Cruising the Interstate with Jeff (yes, yes, that too will be covered in October driving to FL)

5. Sitting on the Couch at MIL and FIL's cheering on the Chargers (Duh! Football Season is Here! GO CHARGERS!)

6. Standing on a scale that shows that I am 16 pounds lighter (taking it off one pound at a time my friends, one pound at a time!)

7. In Vegas Playing the slot machines (Still working on Jeff, he says no I say"Let's GO!")

8. At my brother and sister in law's house watching HSM2 with the girls. I know a few of the dances now...thank you very much

9. Getting a pedicure with my friend Tina-this girl knows how to massage my feet! (Give me another week and I will be there!)

10. Barnes and Noble reading a book sipping on a non-fat latte with the latest People Magazine in my life (I have to admit, I am getting a little tired of Brittany and friends but I will get my fix later tonight)

11. Scrapbook weekend- Take me away Kim! NOW! I need to get away! (Oh alright, I will wait until November

12. Camping in the mountains (Jeff and I are trying to work out the logistics)

13. In my new house with my feet kicked up on my ottoman (Um, not so much-will try again in 6 months. For those of you who followed this "house hunt" journey-don't worry I am fine with it, thanks to lots and lots of prayers and a husband who is not being lazy but proactive in getting a great cushion for us. Blame Dave Ramsey if you want! lol!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

A Good Routine Is In The Eye Of The Beholder

Let's face it we are all a little busy these days. I know I am not the only one running from morning until night. I have come to believe it is what us women do. We work and we work hard...while our husbands sit and watch football. LOL!

Lately I have been restructuring my daily routines. I tried the Fly Lady* thing, it worked for a little while. Actually it helped jump start my whole love for a good routine. But after awhile, I realized her routines are not really my routines. We at the Blessed Assurances house like to beat to our own drum. I have embraced this part about Jeff and I. I mean not every household has a husband who works nights and a stay at home housewife that works for the #1 Furniture Brand in the country (or that's what the company likes to tell us over and over) in her living room. It can get a little insane at times in my little living room.

But here's the thing. We have found a routine that works for us. I have read many, many books about order in the midst of chaos and I think I am close to getting it under control. And let me tell you, I know like every season in life this too shall pass, so for now this is what works for me.

Yes, I will share with you our weekly routine but only under the preface that you must find a routine that works for you and your family. How do you know a routine is working for you anyway?

1. When it becomes second nature
2. When your house can be straightened up in less than 15 minutes and scrubbed down in less than an hour
3. When you can leave the house on a certain day and time and your husband doesn't have to wonder where you are because he knows it is grocery day.
4. When the laundry pile is not overflowing and the clothes are put away.
5. Finally when the ring around the tub is a nice off white and not a dark brown ring.

These 5 things are a good guide to knowing you are doing a great job.

So here is how we at the Blessed Assurance house roll.

Monday-lazy days, spent catching up from the weekend and planning out the menu
Tuesday-Grocery Day
Wednesday-laundry day-wash, dry, fold and put away
Thursday-Me time, I get out of the house for Bible Study and afterwards treat myself to an hour at Barnes and Noble
Friday-errand day (Bank, Post Office, Cleaners, etc)
Saturday-clean the house, catch up on laundry, get ready for Sunday
*we try to have the house finished before noon and start the morning off with Jeff's infamous pancakes
Sunday-Church, Small Group and Charger Football

So there you have it. A basic weekly schedule that works for us. If you have any routines that work for you, I would love to hear your thoughts so feel free to comment on what works for your family.

Next up: Menu Planning 101

*Flylady is a wonderful resource if you need help establishing a routine, she will take you step by step through the process in a loving, compassionate way. If you need help-try her out. I promise you and your house will be happy.

Happy Birthday Kim!

Today is my friend Kim's birthday! I talked to this girl for quite sometime today and she did not even tell me it was her birthday. You big toot! For that you get a blog post for all the world to read.

1. Kim and I met at Pantego Bible Church when Jeff and I were newly, newly married.
2. I met her when Hudson was less than a year old (he is now 5) and Emma wasn't even a thought yet.
3. Our little small group split off from a bigger small group so that group became fast friends.
4. We had great discussions on Sunday.
5. Jeff was a new Christain during this time. Her husband Danny and another guy name Todd took Jeff under thier wing. They all used to meet for coffee once a week back in the day.
6. One summer Holly, Kim and I did a Bible Study together on Romans. I guess you can say the girls took me under thier wing too. I grew so much that summer.
7. Emma was less than a month old at this time.
8. We bonded while I was able to get my "baby fix" by rocking her little one.
9. All 3 of us and our husbands left Pantego at the same time.
10. Jeff heard about Metro Bible (our home church now) from Danny, Kim's husband.
11. I was so glad to have a familar face at church that first week in our new church.
12. Ever since that first day, we have tried to sit close to each other during church.
13. Kim and I bonded over our love of scrapbooking and getting crafty.
14. We also have bonded over our love of Jesus.
15. And we have bonded over blogging. She started reading my blog first and then got inspired to do her own. I love her blog. In her quiet way, she continues to challenge others to be more like Jesus.
16. One time she gave me a book, "Loving God with All Your Mind" that she thought would be a good read for me.
17. This book changed my life. And she said it would. You should read it too.
18. She is the "Scrappy Chick" weekend coordinator.
19. I am so thankful for her taking time to put this together every 6 months.
20. We all enjoy a good amount of bonding over this weekend.
21. She cracks me up when she says during the weekend, "Let's put on a movie."
22. She prefers a movie with a good soundtrack for scrapbooking.
23. Top Gun is always in the mix-I think it is because she likes the volleyball scene but she won't admit it.
24. She hates the sound of smacking gum just as much as I do.
25. Her kids are so precious to Jeff and I.
26. Emma comes into the santuary while we are practicing singing and waves hello to me while she dances a "Holy Jig" to the music. This girl is NOT shy and I love that about her.
27. Hudson made Jeff and I so proud this Sunday by memorizing the scripture that had pretty big words through out. He is growing up so fast. He has grown by leaps and bounds the last few months. God has great plans for this little man!
28. I am so thankful for Kim and Danny's friendship.
29. Danny works nights as a K-9 officer and she is the one friend that truly understands how hard it is to have a husband who works nights.
30. Especially when you are trying to start a family.
31. I am so thankful that God brought you in my life, Kim.
32. You are such a blessing to me.
33. And I am thankful that we still get to see each other once a week at church.
34. Not to mention, that you are my most faithful blog commenter.
35. Here's to the big 3-5!

And here is one to grow on: Thank you for inspiring me this summer to lose the weight. You look good girlfriend, you look good.

Pretend I Am Not Really Here, KAY!

It's been a little crazy around here this week, I will tell you about it...oh wait, I don't have the time. I promised myself that I would do 4 things before I came back to blog.

They are as follows:

1)grocery shopping
2) wash, fold and put away the pile of laundry
3) file all new catalog pictures for work
4) clean off my desk


And since I am halfway there, I thought I would reward myself by writing a post.


I found this article very funny.

And you know what is even funnier? Someone asked me for parenting advice this week.

Here is what I was thinking:

(Are you serious!?!? You want MY advice! You must be desperate to ask me?!?!)

Here is what I actually said:

"Umm. I don't know! Ask someone else."

I just knew this was a test from the Big Man Upstairs. If you asked me advice, oh say, a year ago and I would have jumped at a chance to talk non-stop. But the truth is, I don't know and I won't know until I have been there and done that.

But here is what I promise to do for any of you moms out there at the end of your rope.

I will pray for you.

I will pray for your spouse.

I will pray for your child and the demon that sometimes posses that child.

And I will give you a big hug and say "You are doing a great job!" Because you are. Really you are! Go ahead give yourself a quick pat on the back. Go on, you deserve it!!

To all the mothers out there in my life: Please know that on the horrible-no-good-very-bad days I am praying for you. And then on the wonderful days, where everything goes according to plan, I am rejoicing with you. (I'm curious, does it ever really go according to plan?)

And if you ever need me to pray for you and your child, then all you have to do is ask or don't, I will still pray for your little monster angel.

I may be under a pile of paperwork and laundry right now but I can still pray.

When I finish my to-do list I will come back to tell you about the conversation last night with Jeff. The one where he announced to me that he was going to pursue acting.

Blogging now acting. My husband is ambitious!

(ohh, I spelled ambitious right the first go round. I am one smart spelling chick)

On Bended Knee I Come

You prayed with me for Canon Perkins, you prayed with me for Canon Norman, you prayed with me for Cousin Kanyon. Now I ask you to pray with me for baby Bennett. You can keep up to date with the latest here. http://www.totsites.com/tot/bennettmitchell/journal/.


Will you join me in praying for Travis, Kelly and Baby Bennett?


I am taking a few days off of the blog to get some other things done around here. So I will see you all in a few days.

God bless your Journey!

Summer 2007

I made this little diddy to compile all of our summer pictures together! Enjoy!

Click the play button to start the music if you want the soundtrack version. Or leave it alone if you would like the silent movie version.

So Long Summer, So Long

Summer- A time to defend, nurture, guard and protect yourself.

This SUMMER has been exactly what I want while at the same time being nothing like I expected. I did everything that was on the Summer Plans List while other things have come as a complete surprise. One of the most unexpected things from this summer is how God transformed me.

I started out this summer anxious about the next phase and instead of giving it to God, I talked about it with my friends non-stop.

Early on in the summer, I made the decision to turn off the television for the summer. By doing this, I found myself getting quieter on the inside. I felt God calling me to keep silent and trust Him with the "next phase." I prayed more and talked less.

Many things came up this summer that were completely out of my control. Often times, I felt like I was in a series of tests to see if I truly meant what I said when I said I would trust God.

The big apartment flood, the colon cancer scare, the increased work load, not getting pregnant when I wanted, all of these have served as a reminder that God is fully in control of my life-not me. Oh I cried and I tried to pray in a way that would get God to do things my way. But each time He would gently remind me that my ways are not His ways.

When my mom started to pack up her apartment we decided to clean out a few of our "memory boxes." As you already know from the past post, I enjoyed my walk down memory lane. But I found a quote in my prayer journal that hit home even today. To be honest, I don't know if I wrote this or if I found this and wrote it down. I don't think I wrote it because it is too profound for even I to write. But I think this quote is a perfect way to wrap up my "So Long Summer" post.

"God has more for you than plans; He also has a purpose. You do not have to fear getting on a side track when God is setting your course. If He is speaking, listen. If He is guiding, follow. And when you arrive to the place He has chosen, let your heart be still. He not only knows where He as taken you, He also knows what He is doing with you while He has you here."

God Bless Your Journey!