Help Me Decide...

I am on a hunt for seat cushions for our dining room table and I need your help deciding.

Tell me which one you like best.

I am going for the love at first sight feeling---so which one do you love first?


Is it the red, blue and cream?

Or is is the yellow, cream and black?



Seriously, your opinion matters.

J has already said, "I don't care, you decide!" So I really, really need the chicks in my life to cast a vote.

Guess What Time It Is?!?!

It's Tim Gunn time! Oh how I love Project Runway.

I won't promise that I will post every week but I am going to try. Plus the things flying out of the designers mouths this week...priceless! Who wouldn't dedicate a post to Project Runway after these hilarious one liners?

"I don't call it plus size, I call it plus sexy" Qristyl

"Hello fabric! What would you like me to make you in to today?" -Ari

"I surprise people a lot- I'm blonde, I'm from the south, people don't usually attach those things to, like, intelligence or just...I don't know...things...sorry, I lost my train of thought." Carrol

"I try to meditate on the mood, where the garment will be, what it will become, where it will be scene." -Ari

"I don't even know what smocking is?" Christopher (Mr No Design School or Training and Won!)

Johnny's meltdown...TV GREATNESS only because it was the first challenge...dude, are you serious?

Tim comforting Johnny=another TV GREAT

"This is emotional-it's emotional for me!" (Way to turn it back to you, Tim Gunn!)

and my favorite part of the show: Tim's advice to the designers

1) "Forgive me but I am afraid this is going to look like a halter diaper" (Said to Ari's dress)
2) "The big butt factor is a big but..."

And one final quote from Tim, I think it is funny because he wasn't even paying attention to what Ari said, he just said "Yeah!"

Ari, "Oh, she has big feet like me!!"

And Tim says, "Yeah!!"

Oh Project Runway you are just too much fun!

This Week's Booted Designer: Ari and her "disc-soccer ball dress"

Blooming List # 1: Learn to Knit

Forever Young

When Jeff and I first got married, I was introduced to the art of scrapbooking. At first, I documented the nieces and nephew because I thought that was what scrapbooking was all about-documenting the children. Then one day I went shopping and came across the pictures shown above. At our wedding, after the "I Do. Do You?" portion, we began our new life with Rod Stewart singing to us the words Forever Young. This song was the perfect start to our brand new life.

One day I was visiting my local scrapbooking store when I came across the stickers above. Jeff and I had just got back from our first road trip ever to Nawlins, the summer before the big flood. It was one of my all time favorite trips. I told Jeff on that trip that I was going to start scrapbooking our many adventures. He gave me his pat answer for most hobbies I try, "If it makes you happy-do it!" and a hobby was born.

This past summer I have decided to start documenting a new phase of my life. I like to call it the Blooming Where You Are Planted phase. I have been trying to think up things that would be fun to do at this stage of my life. At first I thought I would share the entire list at one time but in recent days have changed my mind. Instead I will post a blog as I check off a new item on my list.

So let the Journey Begin...

1. Learn to Knit

I found a local knitting store that gives lessons on Saturday mornings. You pay for 3 lessons and they teach you the basic skills to knit a scarf. You can then come back for more lessons. The thing I love about this store is the cozy environment. The store is filled with comfy chairs and classical music-two things I thoroughly enjoy. September 5Th is the first class and I can't wait to get started. Even though Jeff thinks I am a super big dork for doing this, I know I am going to have fun.


And really, isn't that the point to a Blooming Where You're Planted list to have fun?


Stay tuned more adventures coming soon.

Blooming Where I am Planted

This summer has been wonderful for me! I have grown in the waiting period or as one friend said a few weeks ago, "I believe you have bloomed where you are planted."

It's a sweet time for Jeff and I, one filled with peace, love and joy. We are blessed.

I think Elisabeth Elliot summed up our family motto quite nicely, "We accept and thank God for what is given, not allowing the not-given to spoil it." Good huh?

You see the reason we are filled with peace, love and joy is because we are resting in God's timing. We know that God has a reason for this moment. It would be easy to compare our lives to the others around us and start to begin to think we are not good enough because we aren't on the same page with others. Do you see how that is stupid thinking? I believe God has a plan for me just like He has a plan for you. My plans may not look like your plans and your plans may not look like mine. The question though I ask myself, "Does that make any of our journeys less significant than the other?" Um, no.

Jeff and I have desires and longings just like many of you. Yet one of the most encouraging things about Jeff is that he does not let his desires and longings get in the way of God's plan for him in the present moment. He truly is amazing! :) We both try to live day to day. Some days we are called to serve, other days we are called to be served and some days we are called to do nothing at all. The trick though is going with the flow and taking life one step at a time.

I recently started re-reading Loving God with All Your Heart by Elizabeth George. This my friends is a MUST READ. In the chapter titled "Thinking the Truth About-The Future" she closes with this list of Bible verses.

A list that "brings peace instead of worry when we choose to believe the Bible's promises that God will superintend every future event."

• Nothing will ever happen in you that God does not already know about (Psalms 139: 1-4)
• Nothing will ever happen to you that is a mistake. (Psalms 139:4,16)
• Nothing will ever happen that you cannot handle by God's power and grace (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
• Nothing will ever happen to you that will not eventually be used by God for some good purpose in your life (Romans 8:28)
• Nothing will ever happen to you with God's presence (Matthew 28:20)

Take a moment and soak up these truths. Cool, huh?

I don't know about you but I want to live out my life free of worry and fear of the future. I want to thrive in every season of my life especially in the waiting. With that idea in mind, I have come up with a list of things that will allow me to truly bloom-where-I-am-planted.

Tune in next week to see that list. Some of the things on this list have made Jeff say the words "Susan, you are nuts!" I think he is just jealous that a few of the ideas he didn't think up first.

Apparently Green is My Favorite Color

A few weeks ago, I was shopping with a friend who made a very astute observation.

Susan, is green your favorite color?

Um, I dunno, why?

Apparently, our last three shopping trips I had bought something in the shade of green. The most recent purchase being this green purse.



That is when it hit me that green has played a major role in my color scheme.

1) The Bridesmaids Dresses in our wedding-Green (sorry bridesmaid friends)



2) My Scrapbook Albums-Green



3) I have redone our bedroom in a Tommy Bahama style decor and the accents are green.

Curtains from World Market-Green



Accent Pillows on Bed from World Market and Pier One-Green


{Side Note the two floral pillows were from Pier One, I got them both for $12, originally $24 each. That right there is the #1 reason I never buy anything full price}


My favorite colander that I use for every meal, you guessed it...Green!


It's funny to me that without my friend's observation I probably would have never realized how much green showed up in my day to day life.

What can I say, I heart green. :)

How 'Bout A Pitstop to 1982 on the Way to Shiner, TX?

During our mini road trip to Central Texas, Jeff and I made a side trip to Shiner, TX. Population- super small. We had two hours to kill before the next brewery tour and thought we would be good stewards of our time and grab a bite to eat. Unfortunately, Shiner is not a thriving metropolis for food so we had to drive a little longer than planned. I am sure we could have found something eatable at the local 1 pump gas station, but who really wants to eat 10 year old can of beanie weenies or rock hard chocolate mars bars while on vacation. Besides, I was planning on serving that for dinner the first night back home and didn't want to spoil Jeff's dinner.

Thankfully we found the mecca of small town food eateries, Pizza Inn. Not a Pizza Hut...Pizza INN. I could have sworn Pizza Inn was no longer in business, but I could be wrong.

When we walked into the diner I had a strange, out of body experience. I could have sworn that I had just stepped into the 80's. The decor, the games, the tables, the light fixtures, the carpeting on the floor, my fellow patrons all looked like something from the 80's. I wish I had my camera to show you this. Shoulder pads, teased hair and gobs of blue eye shadow were on almost every single lady in the restaurant. Brown wicker light fixtures hung on dusty old gold chains above the tables. The same red curtains with the gold diamond pattern were on all the windows. The red vinyl booths had seen better days but I guarantee it was the original fabric from back in the day. I don't tell you this to make fun, I just had to share how strange it was to be sitting in 2009 but all around me was 1982.

I kept waiting for Jeff to slap a few quarters on the table, and give me the same speech my dad said every time he gave us quarters, "This is all the quarters I have and all you will get so don't even think about asking for more. Now have fun and share with your brother."

Sadly, there were no quarters in Jeff's pockets. Probably because all he had on him was a debit card because you know it is 2009 after all.

This is me, before the tour have a little sample.



And this is us after the tour taking our standard Road Trip picture.

let's go to Luckenbach, TX

Luckenbach, TX is a small little nugget in the middle of Central Texas. It is about 30 to 45 minutes from Fredicksburg. If you have not ever been, you should, it's fun. But let me suggest that you google yourself directions so you don't get lost. You see, this was our second attempt to head to Luckenbach. The first time we were SO close but gave up way too soon. At least I thought so but Jeff seemed to think driving for an hour and half to try to locate was plenty of time. To each it's own, I guess. This time I told Jeff come hell or high water, we are going to Luckenbach, TX. Thankfully my googled directions lead us right to it or I would have lost out again. Proof that Luckenbach is a very small town! :)



When we parked, in a open field Jeff was feeling a bit unsure. His first words were "It looks like we are interrupting a private party. I don't want to crash a party." This was the day I gave him a new nickname, "Listen hear, Mr. San Diego, this is how it is done in Texas. We have no rules in Luckenbach, everyone is welcome. So get your butt out of the car and let's go see the sights."

The Luckenbach Post office was built in the 1800's and holds souvenirs and the little bar in the back. Jeff and I talked about how if someone dropped a cigarette butt too close to the building the whole place would burn in an instance. Fortunately we don't smoke so the building was still standing when we left. Hee! Hee!

Here is Mr. San Diego himself enjoying a Lone Star beer. California has wine, Texans have BEER! And he is even wearing his San Diego ball cap. Why have I not bought him a cowboy hat? Probably because he wears a size 7 3/4 hat and that is super huge! {PS. I have been praying for small headed children...}




Later, I played him the Luckenbach, TX song sung by Waylon and Willie. Mr. San Diego said, "What's the name of this song?"

"Luckenbach, TX."

"Hmm, interesting."

Which looking back on this conversation, I think he was pulling my leg about not knowing the song because he is a huge Willie fan so how could he not know "Let's go to Luckenbach, TX with Waylon, Willie and the boys"?

Luckenbach was a fun side trip and one I think everyone should experience at least once.

Posts coming soon...

Jeff is heading back to work tonight which means I am going to have a bit more time to myself and can maybe update the neglected blog

I promise to post about the following topics:

1) Our mini road trip with a pit stop in Luckenbach, TX
2) the latest organization trick I put together for traveling
3) and maybe a random topic or two for old times sake

I will be back soon...PROMISE!

The Supporting Role

Above is Jeff, teaching Children's Church. Sadly I did not have the camera with me to illustrate the story I am about to tell.

A few weeks ago I was practicing with the praise team before church, while Jeff sat out in the pews. It's the same scenario every Sunday I sing. We arrive together two hours before church starts and Jeff sits and watches us practice. I do not expect him to do this but he says he doesn't mind. As I was practicing the other day, I looked out into the audience and saw Jeff sitting contently on the sidelines. I stopped and said a quick prayer to myself for God to reverse the scenario--Jeff serving in his ministry and me sitting on the sidelines, supporting him.

This same Sunday we were teaching Children's Church. During the Hug & Howdy time, I saw Jeff walking behind the row of chairs where the children sit during praise and worship. As he walks, he is smiling and talking to each of the children. A few he is having to quiet down but most are behaving. As I watched, I realized that Jeff is where he loves to be, the back row surrounded by a bunch of children. Later we take the kids out to the playground. For a few minutes, he and I are both sitting on a little bench that allows us the perfect viewpoint of the children at play. One child comes over and Jeff begins asking him about his recent family vacation to New Jersey. This little boy is laughing and enjoying telling us every detail, Jeff is actively listening to every word. While they continue to talk, I realize more and more kids are coming over to talk to Jeff. At this time there are probably 5 kids standing in front of us. I was perfectly happy to sit back and watch the kids and Jeff interact with each other. A few minutes goes by and Jeff says, "Who wants to play a game?" I kid you not, every single child came running over to join in the game.

The game consisted of Jeff taking the kids through an made up obstacle course on the playground. Each child had to finish each stage in order to move ahead. What made me laugh was watching Jeff demonstrate each obstacle for the children. He was in his element. As I continued to sit on the bench, I realized for the first time that during Children's Church I was the supporting player. There is nothing more rewarding than to see your husband thrive in the ministry that God has given him.

Even on Sundays that we are not teaching Children's Church, the kids still come up to Jeff to tell him about their week or the upcoming events in their life. The supporting role is really one of my favorite ministries that God has given to me.

Thank you Lord for all that you have done in our lives.

A Happy 4th of July

Jeff and I had so much fun this year celebrating 4th of July. We kicked off the weekend with fireworks at Jeff's cousin's house. Doug & Libby's backyard is the perfect viewing spot for the firework show.

(Click on the Picture to view the pictures bigger)

The next morning we celebrated Cousin Britt's first birthday which was duckie themed. Tim & Brandy filled the pool with rubber ducks, it turned out to be great fun for the little cousins to throw at each other. Baby Britt is such a honey with kissable cheeks, the best babies in my opinion are the ones with...kissable cheeks. At the end of the party, Brandy and I jumped in the pool with our clothes on, it was too hot not to.

We finished off the 4th with a cookout at the in-laws house. Every party has a pooper and this year's pooper was the little nephew. He is still the cutest littlest nephew yet.

By Sunday, Jeff and I were exhausted. After church we went to see Public Enemy...Sunday Movie matinee's are my favorite summer tradition. I ended the weekend falling asleep at 9 and slept until 7 that morning. Yep, I was tired but the weekend was chalk full of laughter and fond memories..

Happy Birthday America and Cousin Britt

Happy 4Th Of July!

This weekend is jammed packed full of 4th of July celebrations. I can't wait celebrating America's freedom, watching fireworks and spending the weekend relaxing.

Happy 4th of July everyone!

Let freedom ring!!!

Waving My White Flag

I have been working on a little ditty called surrender. Oh man, it hasn't been easy but it something that has to be done. I must surrender to the LORD'S PLAN FOR MY LIFE AND NOT SUSAN'S PLAN.

A friend asked me almost a year ago, "What will you do if you never have children?" In my head I thought to myself "Whatever, it will never happen. We will have children." Out loud I said, "Move ahead with joy, I guess, because I will not be a bitter, barren woman." And we laughed at the thought of me becoming bitter and the word barren. Yet, it has been my biggest fear thus far in my life. Bitter and Barren are strange words to me.

Hang with me please.

By no means are you to read this post and think Jeff and I are giving up on children. But I must tell you this in order to get you to the point I am trying to make. Sometimes life does not turn out the way we choose. If Jeff and I had our way, we would be spending this summer decorating our new home with hopefully a little one on the way. None of these things have happened though, so we are learning to move ahead.

Questions I find myself working through...Does it mean that God is not there because the Clomid didn't work? NO! Does it mean that He cares for us any less because we are still in a holding pattern? NO! God has shown us over and over that His hand is guiding us every step of the way. Over the past three years, Jeff and I have grown closer in our marriage and both of us would say that our quiet times have been sweeter because of the waiting period. To God be the glory great things He hath done.

But let me tell you about what God is doing in my heart, today. One, I am realizing that I don't need to plan the next detail or sit wondering about the what ifs, I can live fully even if the wait seems long (or if the wait goes on forever). I have found that I am more relaxed because I am not allowing the hope of a house or baby to be my ultimate joy. My ultimate joy is living in the moment, serving God fully and giving Him the reigns for every aspect of my life. I know one day I am going to look back on this season and shed a few happy tears. I can look back even now and shed a few happy tears because of all that God has done in our hearts. Again, to God be the glory great things He hath done.

Is it easy to let go? Hell, no! (Sorry I just had to say it with that amount of force.) But has it been rewarding? Hell, YEA it has! (Sorry, last time I say it like that, promise)

And to make this post even more hippity-hoppity-all over the place. When I was in high school, I was introduced to Rich Mullins music. I heart me some Rich Mullin's tunes.

One song, above all has stuck with me to this day. It's call Hold Me Jesus. There is one line that I have chewed on many times in recent weeks, it so describes what I am going through.

Surrender don't come natural to me

I'd rather fight You for something I don't really want

Than to take what You give that I need

And I've beat my head against so many walls

Now I'm falling down, I'm falling on my knees

Last night I did something I have been meaning to do for sometime now. I went to my home Church's prayer garden. There is a section of open field where three crosses stand in the sun. I grabbed my camera so I could document this journey. Last night, before the sun went down, I sat at the cross and sang, "I Surrender All." I didn't really care if anyone heard me or saw me worshipping there. It wasn't about how I looked or sounded, it was what was going on inside my heart that really mattered.

When all was said and done, I left that garden a changed woman. I fully surrender to the Lord's plan for my life. Kids or no kids. House or no house. I rest in His plans for me. It feels good but strange at the same time. I was quite comfortable carrying that burden around with me these past few years. But not anymore, I am freed from the need to do things my own way. God, you are fully in control with whatever this life leads.








All to Jesus, I surrender. All to Him I freely give. I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence daily live. I surrender all. I surrender all. All to thee my blessed Savior, I surrender all.

NOT A FAN...

I hate water bugs. They are gross and apparently they have decided that my bathroom is a nice place to dwell. This of course leaves me no choice but to send them to Thy Maker.

The First Incident:

It was a Friday night and Jeff and I were chilling at the house. I walked into the bathroom, set down to do my buz-ness and right at my feet was the first of the nasty offenders. I screamed loud. lifted my legs and begged Jeff to come save me. Thankfully I scared myself from having to do any buz-ness. Jeff says come out and I will take care of it. With one eye looking over my shoulder, I ran out of the bathroom while trying to pull up the pants. The blasted thing charged after me! I screamed and heard a loud WHAP! Jeff aka knight in shining armor whacked it with his shoe. I will never complain again when he leaves his shoes in the middle of the floor.

Jeff said later that he was surprised I was scared of bugs after spending my summers at Camp Deer Run. Water bugs and I are not friends!

The Second Incident:

Tuesday morning I was up before the sun heading to the summer bible study. I had just taken off my glasses when I saw something scurry on the bathroom floor. I quickly grabbed the glasses, since I am blind as a bat. This was the day I realized that my bathmat is the exact color of a water bug. I heard it move across the floor (isn't that gross?) and told myself to be a big girl and kill it...since Jeff was not home yet. I grabbed the roach spray and doused the bug's general area in poison. The result was a water bug spinning out of control. This bug was not as smart as it's friend and ran into the bathtub. I sprayed it some more and enjoyed watching it die. No that's not true, I grabbed the broom and dust pan and picked it up and flopped it into the toilet with my eyes closed. A flush for good luck and away it went...TO THY MAKER!

Now every time I go to the bathroom I turn on the lights and wear my glasses (if my contacts are out). This of course makes the middle of the night potty breaks a little rough since I am one who is blind without contacts or glasses. As I walk to the bathroom I say a quick prayer "Dear Lord, please keep the water bugs from my path tonight!"

Thankfully the bug man is coming today to aid our efforts in clearing out the water bugs.

Bug man=my second knight in shining armor.

Thank you and good night.

Elijah-Age 3

I am trying desperately to get back into scrapbooking and have enjoyed looking through some pictures from 2009. When I saw these pictures of Elijah-the three year old nephew- I just had to blog about it.

A few months ago, Gunnar & Missy were in Israel for a worship trip with Gateway Church. I had the joy of keeping the kids for a few days. G & M's living room has a great spot for natural light pictures because of all the great floor to ceiling windows. Elijah did very well posing for me in his natural state. Natural state being all smiles or trying to play a game with you. I thought the pictures turned out well and have been meaning to post them long before now. My favorites include the picture on the top left, the picture of his foot and hand and the picture of he and Maddie chilling on the sofa.

I would love to do this with all the nieces and nephew but somehow I don't think I could get as natural of poses from the bigger kids.

More pictures to come soon.

Good Times Ahead...

Jeff and I are strapping on the chef's hats and heating up the grill to cook for our church's youth group this weekend.

We are both looking forward to a game of corn hole, Ultimate Turkey Toss (playing football with a defrosted turkey---mmm, mmm good!) and enjoying the company of good friends. Yet we sure are going to miss the Green's.

Have a great weekend and we will see you guys when we return.

My Moving Beyond the Funk List

Have you ever had a day where you were in a funk for no reason at all?

I had one yesterday.

Today I am feeling much better and wanted to make a list.

A list in order to help me move beyond the funk (for the next time the funk returns)

Feel free to add to this list if you have any tips.

1. Take a nap- you are probably over tired and could use the extra sleep
2. Don't beat yourself up for having an off day-everyone has these from time to time.
3. Take a shower-you could be in a funk simple because you smell like trash.
4. Call a good friend and have a good laugh.
5. Eat ice cream with magic shell smothered on top
6. Cry-you always feel better after a good cry.
7. sit on the couch and watch aimless television (it's okay to be lazy every now and then)
8. order take out-who wants to cook when you are in a funk
9. light your favorite candle (sometimes that helps me)
10. get lost in your favorite movie and or book
11. just go with it knowing that tomorrow will be a better day
12. make a to do list since you know that putting things off automatically puts you in a funk (that one if my own personal one)

So...

You got any ideas to get beyond the funk? Please share.

2 Pounds A Week

I have a goal that I am working towards this summer. My goal is to loose 2 pounds a week by increasing my daily exercise and reevaluating the foods I consume.

When I told Jeff my goal, he quickly praised me for my efforts but then followed it up with a warning about how I should not be discouraged if the weight does not come off quickly. Instead he wanted me to focus on the benefits of exercise and a balanced diet and make it a lifestyle change not a crash diet.

You see, Jeff knows me pretty well. He has seen me crash and burn many times in the past two years when I have tried to get rid of the extra pounds infertility treatments has brought to me. Thank you Clomid for the 25 pound gift-you big jerk.

Usually after the first two weeks, if the scales are not heading south, I stop everything. I then get so mad at myself that I justify my feelings with a carton of Ben and Jerry's or greasy fries from Wing Stop. Both of which are super yummy!

On June 1st I started the Summer Workout Schedule of 2009 by signing up for three months at the local rec center. (Have you ever noticed that I title every season or big event in my life? Young Family Road trip, Positive Plus Sign Journey, The Great Escape of 2009, etc.) I refuse to quit during the time of June 1st to August 31st-that will give me 13 weeks to achieve the results I want.

For the past two weeks I have been faithful to workout Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. I have been tracking my calorie intake as well. So far I have lost 4 pounds so yes, I have hit my goal of 2 pounds a week.

But last night something happened that I thought I should mention. I decided to try out a few of the fitness classes the rec center offers. As I was standing in front of the wall of mirrors, I started to evaluate my figure and let's just say I did not like what I saw. By the end of the class not only was I sweating profusely but I was feeling a little defeated. I had criticized myself to the point to where I was wondering what's the point with all the hard work? I was beating myself up and that was just plain stupid. Later when I was soaking my muscles in a hot bath, I took a few moments to reflect on what I saw in the mirror.

Here is what I came up with: it doesn't matter what I look like now, two weeks into my three month goal. What matters is that I am doing something to better myself today. Why would I allow myself to be berated by my own ugly thoughts when I was up off the couch, working out and loving every minute . (Any class that plays 2 Legit 2 Quit by MC Hammer or Baby Got Back is a class that I will come back to...in a heartbeat). I made a promise to myself that I will not allow the present image in the mirror to stop me from reaching my goals over the next few weeks. I promised myself that I would not become obsessed with my looks but focus instead on the beauty that God sees when He looks at me.

This summer I am doing the Beth Moore Bible Study on Esther and she has already reminded of this verse:

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." 1 Peter 3: 3-4

Today my goal is to slap this verse on my mirror so that I can see it every time I look at myself.

A sweet thing happened this morning that blessed me especially after last night's self inflicted berating of my figure. When Jeff came home from work he asked me how my workout went. Since I was still half asleep I only told him that it was good but now I am sore. He then put his hand on my waist and said, "I can tell your waist is getting firmer."

Those were the perfect words to start my day even with being super duper sore.

Goodbye Long Hair

You may have not known this but I have been growing my hair out to donate to Locks of Love.



I have always wanted to do this and have spent the last year and a half growing it out. Towards the end, it became a real labor of love and I was happy to chop it off on Saturday.


The process wasn't made easier by my co-workers who nicknamed me Penny Pentecostal due to my long locks. Or that I made the mistake of relaying this story to Jeff and he started calling me Penny as well. One night I was sitting in B & N when a guy started to hit on me. I was wearing one of my new summer skirts, a tee shirt and had my hair in a bun. I probably didn't have a lot of make up on because by 8 p.m. it had worn off already and why would I touch it up that late in the night? The conversation turned into a ministry opportunity for me and by the end I had invited him to church. You won't believe the first thing he asked once he heard I went to church.




"Is it a Pentecostal church?"



Seriously?!? I knew then it was time to cut my hair.



(Side note: I mean no harm to the Pentecostal religion, the women typically keep their hair very, very long---that's all)




This past Saturday was the day. As she was chopping off my hair I had a moment where I thought "Am I making a mistake?" Flashbacks to the haircut of 1996 were flashing through my mind. A haircut I choose not to repeat. Ever.




Thankfully, I am very happy with the results. I feel like I am getting a fresh start and that is a wonderful feeling these days. Not to mention that Jeff LOVES it! I mean LOVES. IT.


Here is the best picture I could get while home alone tonight. I went for the serious look in this one.




And here is another one...I was feeling a bit sassy. Can you tell?

I can't wait to send in my Locks of Love this week.

1) Because the "tail" kind of gives me the creeps and I have hidden it in a drawer.
2) Someone is going to be blessed with a wig from my long locks.

Celebrating God's Goodness

The other night I joined my mom and brother at a praise and worship night for small group leaders at their church. It was my mom's birthday and she wanted her kids with her so we could worship together.

Throughout the night, I was reminded of God's faithfulness to our little family of three. Who would have thought that 20 years after my parent's divorce that all 3 of us would be serving in some capacity at our churches. It gives me great joy to realize that God could us warts and all to further His kingdom.

We have been blessed throughout these years to see God's mighty hand at work in our lives. In recent years we have been blessed to see God turn the bad into good. And I want to take a moment to publicly applaud my mom.

This past two years she has been ministering to a group of ladies she calls Lemonade Ladies. Each one of these ladies are choosing to take the lemons that have been thrown at them and turn them into something sweet. My mom is pouring out her life experiences into each one of their lives and pointing them back to the only one who can fix the mess, Jesus Christ. I am proud of her and enjoy hearing how each Lemonade Ladies life has touched my mom.

I was reminded the night of my mom's birthday that God does hear our cries and answers our prayers. I have learned over the years one simple truth about God: if you seek Him, you will find Him.

MOM, you are doing a great job and I am proud of you for taking your lemons and turning them into lemonade. Continue the path that God has laid out for you and be still and know that He is God. XOXOX Love you to pieces!!!

- your blue-eyed Susan

P.S We may look a little rough in the picture because all three of us were a puddle of tears at one point in the night. Just keeping it real, peeps! Just keeping it real

Summer Reading 2009

Nothing says summer like a reading list, maybe this stems from my school days.

I absolutely love sitting by the pool and sticking my nose in a good book. This summer I am putting away the biographies and pulling out the fluff. Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed the biographies but it's summer, I need a break. Oh how I love the slower pace that summer brings!