Relay for Life

My other way of remembering my Mema is participating in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. After she passed away I really wanted to do something to honor her memory and that's when I learned about Relay for Life.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length. www.relayforlife.org

So in 2008 Team Moseley was formed and we participated in our first NE Tarrant County Relay for Life. We raised money beforehand and ended up selling hamburgers and hot dogs at the Relay to raise more money. From 6 pm to 6 am we all took turns walking the track...it was cold and we got tired, but we pushed through. The survivor lap at the beginning of Relay was amazing to watch and the luminaria ceremony was truly emotional and touching. We really enjoyed our first Relay for Life. My desire to do something more for Relay led me to join the Relay Committee the next year and more specifically the Hospitality Committee. I went around to various businesses and restaurants seeking corporate sponsors and gift card donations for the various activities held throughout the night. Although the 2009 Relay was cut short because of thunderstorms, we had a successful event and fabulous time once again. I've been the team captain the past two years and have organized everything...this year I'm seriously behind though. The 2010 Relay is just months away and by that time I will have an almost one month old little boy. Sadly, I've been really busy but I still plan on doing what I can for the Relay this year. If you know of someone that has battled cancer and want to honor or remember that special person, please take the time to visit the American Cancer Society website at www.cancer.org or the Relay for Life website at www.relayforlife.org for more information on how to give back.

A little controversy for your Friday

A few years back Derek Webb (originally a member of the Christian music group Caedmon's Call) came out with a solo album called "She Must and Shall Go Free".  He created a lot of waves at the time, partly because the album was quite a departure from his work with Caedmon's Call, and partly because of his lyrics and subject matter.  The album did quite a bit of calling Christians out, and one song in particular was so direct and harsh in its' language that a few major Christian retailers initially refused to sell the album.  As I was driving to work this morning that particular song popped up on my iPod.

When the album came out I was at a point in my life that I just didn't want to fake it any more.  I had grown to resent putting on my smiling shiny face on a Sunday morning at church, when in reality I was going through some really rough stuff.  And it brought me to the realization that far, far too many of us do that, and it serves no purpose but to make people question Christians sincerity and authenticity.  Now I'm not saying that we should all spill our dirtiest laundry when someone asks how we're doing on a Sunday morning, but I am saying that portraying a cookie cutter life with no struggles on a day in day out basis really does not help anyone when that's not really the truth of your life.  At that particular time, I had come to a point of realizing how deep my failures really are, and what it really means to be forgiven by Christ.  I had always been a "good girl", and thus never really comprehended why Christ would really have any big issue with me, if that makes sense.  It took making some mistakes, and paying the price for those mistakes, to see who I really was in Christ.  I had to understand what I was capable of, before I could understand His mercy and grace.  And as painful as all of that was for me, it's the most valuable lesson I have ever learned, and it changed me forever.  Frankly, it made me a far better person than I was before, back when I thought I had it all down.

So whenever the song "Wedding Dress" comes up on shuffle, it always transports me right to that place of remembering just how thankful I am to have a loving Savior.  And how even on our best behavior, we are unfaithful to Christ in so many ways.  I need that reminder to knock me back to reality every once in awhile.  And I need that reminder to renew my own mercy and grace for other people in my life.  Because really, we're all in the same boat, just on different levels and at different times.  Finding that mercy changed my life, and if I can help someone else find it...well there's really nothing better I could do for them.  

Maybe that's one of the things Derek Webb had in mind when he wrote this song and fought to put it on this album and have it distributed.  He made the choice to use two words in the song that many find offensive.  I actually like how they offend me, because it reminds me of just how offensive I can be when I'm not honoring Christ with my life and my actions.  And I think that's a reminder that's serves a very good purpose. So there's your disclaimer.  Now take a few minutes to listen...

If you're interested in reading the lyrics, and an excerpt from an interview he did regarding the song, you can find that here.  There used to be an entry up on his website explaining the song, but he's promoting a new album and I can't find that anymore.  You can hear more from She Must and Shall Go Free here, or just more awesome Derek Webb here.

So I feel like I took the party down a notch from the previous post. Sorry about that, but sometimes I just have to say what's on my mind. :)

Poopie

My heart is very heavy for a friend right now, and I just can't think of anything interesting or meaningful to blog about. So here goes nothing... Someone (I won't say who, but I share a bed with him.) just gave me an analogy that quickly reminded me of something. The Poopie List. The Poopie List was emailed around sometime during my early years of college. In fact, I can actually remember sitting in the library computer lab reading it. I guess it really made an impression! Have you read it? If you don't appreciate bathroom humor (Who are you?!), please stop reading now. Seriously. But if you do, here's a refresher course. :)

THE POOPIE LIST

Ghost Poopie - The kind where you feel the poopie come out, but there is no poopie in the toilet.

Clean Poopie - The kind where you poopie it out, see it in the toilet, but there is nothing on the toilet paper.

Wet Poopie - The kind where you wipe 50 times and it still feels unwiped, so you have to put some toilet paper between your butt and underwear so you won't ruin them with a stain.

Second Wave Poopie - This happens when you're done Poopie-ing and you've pulled up your pants to your knees, and you realize that you have to Poopie some more.

Pop-A-Vein-In-Your-Forehead-Poopie - The kind where you strain so much to get it out, you practically have a stroke.

Gassy Poopie - It's so noisy, everyone within earshot is laughing.

Drinker Poopie - Its most noticeable trait is the skid marks on the bottom of the toilet.

Lincoln Log Poopie - The kind of Poopie that is so huge you're afraid to flush without first breaking it into little pieces with the toilet brush.

Corn Poopie - Self-explanatory.

Gee-I-Wish-I-Could-Poopie Poopie - The kind where you want to Poopie but all you do is sit on the toilet and fart a few times.

Spinal Tap Poopie - That's where it hurts so badly coming out, you would swear it was leaving you sideways.

Wet Cheeks Poopie (The Power Dump) - The kind that comes out so fast, your cheeks gets splashed with water.

Liquid Poopie - The kind where liquid shoots out and splashes all over the toilet bowl.

The Surprise Poopie - You're not even at the toilet because you are sure you're about to fart, but oops.......a Poopie!!!

The Dangling Poopie - This Poopie refuses to drop into the toilet even though you know you are done Poopie-ing it. You just pray that a shake or two will cut it loose.

And here are a few that have been added since I originally saw the list:

Crowd Pleaser Poopie - This is so intriguing in size and/or appearance that you have to show it to someone before flushing.

The Ritual Poopie - This occurs at the same time each day and is accomplished with the aid of a newspaper.

Honeymoon's Over Poopie - This is any poopie created in the presence of another person.

Phantom Poopie - This appears in the toilet mysteriously and no one will admit to putting it there.

Bombshell Poopie - A poopie that comes as a complete surprise at a time that is either inappropriate to poopie (i.e., during lovemaking or a root canal) or you are nowhere near poopie-ing facilities.

Snake Charmer Poopie - A long skinny poopie which has managed to coil itself into a frightening position -- usually harmless.

Premeditated Poopie - Laxative induced. Doesn't count.

Houdini Poopie - (Same as Ghost Poopie) You go, then you stand up to flush, and the thing has disappeared. Where'd it go? Did it creep down the pipe? Did you dream the whole thing? Is it lurking out of sight? Should you wipe...maybe you should just to make sure you went. Should you flush? you'd better, because if you don't, you know it will reappear and smile at the next person who comes in.

Wishing you all clean poopies today!

To Spank or Not to Spank, that is the question!

So I would like to get some feedback on what your opinion is on spanking. Of course Reagan is too young to get a spanking, but I am sure we are not far away from needing some sort of discipline. She already gets into things that she knows she is not supposed to. How do I know she knows? Well when she heads for it, and then turns to see if we are looking and we say no, she gets a big smile on her face and goes for it. It is cute right now, but what do you do when it could possibly be something that could injure her? My sister and I were both spanked. Now we weren't spanked all the time and when we were, we definitely deserved it. My parents didn't spank us out of anger, but out of love. Trying to teach us wrong and right. My sister and I turned out great. I know my husband was also spanked as a child and turned out great. And frankly sometimes time out just doesn't cut it. I am reminded of a story I heard from a friend. She was in Walmart one day and a child was really misbehaving. The mother of the child spanked the child on the rear end and another person standing near by called the police. When the police got there, my friend came to the defense of the mother. The police understood and left. Now, I am not in agreement of spanking your child in a public place. I think she should have left the store and taken the child home. However, that was definitely not abusive behavior and did not warrant a call to the police! Can a spanking be abusive. Definitely! When it is done out of anger and is excessive (leaving bruises, etc...). But spankings can also bring about correction and change. It is not a parents job to make their children happy. It is a parents job to make their children holy. I have definitely seen a trend of parents not spanking their children or even doing much discipline at all. The result, I see so many unruly children and especially teenagers out there. Have you stepped foot on a high school campus lately? Scary stuff! Not that if those kids had been spanked they wouldn't have turned out the way they did, but there is definitely a lack of respect for their parents and adults in general. And I just don't remember it being this extreme when I was growing up. The parents should be running the house, not vice versa.

Here are some verses from Proverbs that address discipline.

13:24
Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent
to discipline him.

22:15
Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline
drives it far from him.

23:13-14
Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod,
he will not die. If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul
from Sheol.

29:15
The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings
shame to his mother.

So will we spank Reagan when she misbehaves? At this point I just don't know. I guess we will cross that bridge when we come to it.

And by the way... I know this posted on Tuesday. I wrote it yesterday, but got sidetracked and forgot to post!

Happy 3rd Birthday Mema

Today marks my Mema's 3rd birthday in Heaven. This may sound silly to you but it is my special way of remembering my Mema and when she passed away. Besides, I believe that if you know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior then when you die you go to Heaven...and that's when the fun really begins. Your old body is gone and you are brand new again! So I envision my Mema up there sportin her 3-year-old, cancer-free, Heaven body and it makes me smile. While I'm sad that she's no longer here with us, I know that she's free from pain and in a much better place.





Stay tuned for next week's blog when I talk about a special way I remember my Mema and how you too can remember those in your life affected by cancer.

Loving me some hubby time...

So, this week my hubby took off from work to hang out with me and Allie.

It has been such a fun week...usually, when Randy has taken off a week from work it is because we are going on a vacation- but, this week we stayed home and have just hung out, ran errands together, worked out, played with our baby girl, and just enjoyed "being"...it has been a nice week and one I would recommend to anyone, that is, to take time off work to just stay home...

Until next Thursday...Stace

Mary, Mary, Why you Buggin'?

Today is our sweet Mary's birthday, so here are...

The Top Reasons I Love Mary!

She's so great at letting her friends know her true self, even if it means telling on herself or admitting faults.

She can poke fun at you without coming across as hurtful. (Except when she still pokes fun at you for an outfit you wore in high school, almost FOURTEEN years later. I'm not bitter.)

She can poke fun at herself. (And can crack herself up over it!)

When you really make her laugh, she'll hold her hand to her chest as if to keep anything from splattering out if it were to burst!

She's the kind of friend who will bring you a Sonic Dr. Pepper just because you sound like you're having a long day.

She's a big enough person to apologize when she's wronged someone. (For example, she apologized for calling me names behind my back in 8th grade. This was all because she felt that I "stole" her boyfriend, even though she was the one who broke up with him before I even met him.)

She is beautiful, inside and out.

She has continued to amaze me (and herself, I think) by her response to all the ways God has stretched her throughout the years we've been friends.

Happy Birthday, Mary. I am blessed to call you friend.

You're getting sleepy, veeerrrry sleepy....

Sleep - I love it. Remember when staying up late was a treat or a thrill and going to bed early was lame and boring? Maybe that still holds true for some of you out there, but for me - my how times have changed!!! Sure, under the right circumstances it can still be fun to stay up (or out) late, but it's definitely not a goal in my life like it used to be!

In the past year I have thought about, talked about, and answered questions about sleep more than I ever imagined possible. Between being pregnant and having Asher, it's one of the main topics of conversation that comes up (How are you sleeping? How is he sleeping? Sleeping through the night? Are you getting any sleep? and so on and so forth.) The topics of baby and sleep just go hand in hand, apparently. I admit, it makes sense. Babies definitely don't have a reputation for following the household sleep schedule. And it's true that sleep is definitely different for me now that Ash is in the picture. I've always been an 8-hour-minimum type of gal, and I've always slept very soundly. These days, 8 hours in a row doesn't happen very often anymore (my own fault a lot of the time), and if I hear the slightest peep on the monitor now I'm WIDE AWAKE. My friend at work tells me that I'll be able to sleep through the little noises eventually...we'll see.

If I may get slightly off-topic for a moment, Ash has started flipping over and sleeping on his stomach at night now. I'm not sure how I feel about that. My instinct has been to go in and turn him over, but more than half the time he just rolls over again as soon as I leave the room, so I guess that's pointless.

I will say that Ash has been a good sleeper since he was about 11 weeks old. That's about the time he quit middle-of-the-night nursing and started sleeping 7-10 hours in a row, which is obviously wonderful. Now if I could just start going to bed earlier instead of staying up watching 30 Rock on DVR, I'd be all set in the sleep department. Last week I even got a wild hair and went to see a late movie on a work night. I didn't get home until after 1:00, then Asher was up at 5:30. Ouch. It seemed like a good idea at the time!

So, I love sleep. I think having the baby has made me appreciate and love it even more. I think, in fact, that I'll go appreciate it right now.

Sweet dreams!

Food

Ok so I love food! I mean who doesn't? So I decided to dedicate this blog post to food! :)

Top 5 favorite Restaurants:
1. Cantina Laredo (Texas)
2. Mi Chulas (Texas)
3. The Bacchanal (Crested Butte, CO)
4. Bully's BBQ (Illinois)
5. Celebrity Cafe (Texas)

Top 5 favorite foods:
1. Chips and salsa
2. sour cream chicken enchiladas
3. fajitas
4. chicken salad sandwiches
5. pimento cheese sandwiches (homemade)

And now 2 of my staple recipes I use at home:

King Ranch Chicken

4 boneless chicken breasts cooked and shredded
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can Rotel
1 cup of sour cream
corn tortillas
1 8oz bag of cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350. Spray a 13x9 dish with cooking spray. Mix soup, Rotel and sour cream together in a bowl. Break tortillas into pieces and place one layer on the bottom of the dish. Spread half the soup mixture on top of the tortillas. Spread half the chicken on top and then half the cheese. Repeat with a 2nd layer (ending in cheese). Bake for 30 minutes. Enjoy!

Spinach Pie

1 pound lean ground beef
oregano
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 package chopped spinach thawed and drained
1 package saltine crackers
2 tbs butter
mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 350. Spray any size casserole dish with cooking spray. In a saucepan cook the ground beef with oregano til fully cooked, add cream of mushroom soup and spinach. Cook til heated through. Pour into dish. Cover with Mozzarella cheese. In a separate saucepan melt butter and mix with crushed crackers. Spread crackers over the cheese and bake for 30 minutes.. Enjoy!

I would love for yall to comment back with some of your favorite recipes!

Saying shhhh is not going to work

Okay, so here's a pet peeve of mine...when people take small children to the movies. Now I'm all for taking kids to see kid-oriented movies, don't get me wrong, but this afternoon Scott and I went to see The Book of Eli (which is Rated R) and sitting right behind us were at least a 5-year-old and then another child probably 2 or 3. SERIOUSLY!? The movie hadn't even started yet and this kid was just gabbing away, making noises here and there. Once the movie finally started the parents did their best to keep the child quiet (you know, with the constant "shhhh"), but how can you honestly expect a child younger than 5 to sit through a two hour movie and not say anything? You can't. Why would these people bring their two small children to this kind of movie in the first place? It's obviously Rated R for a reason (some language but mainly violence). Then there's the fact that your child is disturbing everyone else around him/her...people who paid to see the movie without having some kid yelling and talking during it. It took almost 45 minutes, maybe, before the mom finally got up with the child and even then she just went down the stairs and into the little hallway...she didn't even leave the theater and we could still hear the child talking. They finally just left (hallelujah). Next time they should find a babysitter, or go to a movie that their children can watch. I don't have kids, yet, but I do know that I would never take my child to see a Rated R movie...bring on the fun animated movies, which I do love by the way.

Also, the movie was really good if you haven't seen it...and if you can get past a few cuss words and some violence.

Happy Birthday to me!

So, it's not actually my birthday yet, but I stumbled upon a little birthday miracle this weekend.  I was out running errands and met up with Amelia and Aidan at Marshall's in Lewisville.  We were perusing the aisles when she mentioned that she found something a few aisles over that looked awfully similar to that Jewelry Tree I was pining over a few weeks ago.  To refresh your memory:

Lo and behold, Amelia had spotted this little beauty:

It's slightly different, but exactly what I was looking for!  And here's what's even better...I loved this so much that I was willing to blow my birthday money, spending $59.99 plus shipping at Red Envelope...and I paid $16.99 at Marshall's.  SIXTEEN NINETY-NINE!

Obviously, I brought it right home and loaded it up with jewelry.  And the best part?  Those two little glass sparrows were my Grannie's, and they always sat on her dresser on a little mirror next to her jewelry dish.  And now they have found the perfect spot in my home too, where they will remind me of my sweet grandmother every morning.

(Pretend like you don't see the dust - I was too excited about picture taking to worry about dusting!)

Thankful...

This Sunday marks the 11 year anniversary of an accident that nearly took my life. Sounds pretty dramatic, and really it was...I was heading back (in a 15 passenger van) to Abilene from being in Sterling, Co for the weekend. I had been a youth leader for a Disciple Now that weekend, hanging out with 10 senior high school students- a fun weekend for sure. There were 8 of us in the accident, the van flipped 6 times and I was thrown through the windshield and was ejected 70 feet...my best friend, Kami was in the accident too, and as soon as the van stopped flipping- she jumped out of the van and ran to find me. She found me in a field in REALLY bad shape- I can't even imagine how hard that was for Kami to see...anyways, to make a really long story short...I was care flighted to Denver General and spent 3 days in ICU with internal bleeding(which led to the removal of my spleen that had burst), a broken shoulder bone, broken wrist, 2 broken vertebrae(t-7, T-8), massive concussion, a collapsed right lung, a few broken teeth, and shards of glass all over my body...along with receiving 3 blood transfusions. I was moved to a normal room once my condition was stable and spent another 7 days in the hospital- where I experienced 2 very scary pulmonary embolisms which kept on blood thinners for about a year. My ability to walk was compromised, and the doctor's told me that I may never run and that I may experience complications in the future with arthritis and with the possibility of having children. The future was looking bleek...so, I flew home Superbowl Sunday that year(1999) when Denver was in the bowl...upon coming home, obviously I stayed home that semester from HSU because I was completely dependent on my parents to dress me, bathe me, help me try to walk, get in bed, or out of bed, go to the bathroom-that was fun times to have your mom help you with that at 20 yrs old...I wore a turtle shell type back brace at ALL times- even in the bath...more fun time, I know! So, I had 6 different doctors that I had to visit to monitor my progress- and each doctor had a prognosis that my recovery would take 9-12 months and then I could discuss possible back surgery(basically sticking 2 steel rods up my spine- with a 50% chance of paralysis)...we'll it was about 4 1/2 months later that I had my last visit with my orthopedic doctor- he was in complete shock when he saw my x-rays that day- because he came back into the office to tell me that he couldn't fully explain it, but that my broken spine was healed...he even said, there must be something bigger out there to do such a miracle. All I could think was MY GOD IS SO BIG, SO STRONG AND SO MIGHTY, THERE IS NOTHING MY GOD CANNOT DO! So, I was actually back up and walking in no time and headed back to HSU by the summer to start classes and make up my time lost.In fact, when I graduated in 2000 I was just a semester behind... Fast forward to a few years later, and God blew me away again by giving me the ability to run my first marathon(in 2002), and the doctor's said I'd never run again...and then went on to run 2 more full marathons and 2 half marathons, and like 15- 5K's...My GOD is so BIG! And to add more to God's amazing ability to blow me away...my hubby and I welcomed our baby girl September 2008- and I was told I may never have kids? And to add one more thing- we are welcoming our baby boy this May...Praise the Lord, so amazing!

Before my accident, I had always struggled with the idea of God's sovereignty- that I wasn't in control of my own life- in fact if something didn't turn out my way it used to make me mad...and through this experience- I have realized how thankful I am that HE is Sovereign and in control of my life...and how much better life is with HIM in control and ultimately that God does all of this because He loves me and He can be trusted with the twist and turns of my life.

So, I almost lost my life, to realize that actually that is what is it all about...losing your life, to live for Christ...there are so many things that have changed about in me from this experience...it's too hard to even put in to words...one thing I do know is- I should have died 11 years ago, but for some reason God kept me alive...talk about finding purpose in that...He had a reason to keep me here(and for you too)...so each day is such a gift! There haven't been many days that I haven't been impacted by that...overall my health is great...I do have arthritis that in my spine and neck area that gives me pain everyday, but other than that I feel great(no back surgery needed). I have had such a miraculous recovery that trying to share this story with people-they almost don't believe me...so, I have a 13 inch scar down the front of my torso(from the internal bleeding) to prove this miracle is true(you can see my scar in the above picture-I'm 9 mo's preggo in it)...plus it serves as a reminder to me of how faithful and BIG my God is!

So, every year on January 17th I like to stop reflect on all those things- and thank the Lord for the last 11 years he has given me to see His power in my life. Thank you Lord- all the glory goes to You!

Blessings, Staci

The Bachelor

I can't believe I am even admitting this to all of you, but yes, I watch The Bachelor. I'm not such a loyal fan that I've watched from the beginning and still have Trista and Ryan's wedding on my DVR, but I like it. And ever since I started watching it, I just can't bring myself to stop. What sort of craziness might I miss??! So let's talk about this season. Or actually, we'll have to start with last season. I liked Jake. Even though the whole crying and telling Jillian about the loser dude's girlfriend was a bit over the top (such a surprise for that show!), I still liked Jake. He seems like a good guy, but I do realize that's not saying much in comparison to some of the others that were on the show. Mainly, I think I'm referring to the guy who ripped off his shirt and howled like a wolf. Anyway... So when they made the announcement that Jake was going to be the next Bachelor, I was about 74% excited and 26% worried I would throw up in my mouth a little if I had to hear him call someone "doll-face" again! He could be a bit corny, but overall, I think he was a good choice. And so far, I haven't been too grossed out by his choice of affectionate wording. I think he has a fairly decent selection of gals, and hopefully he'll find whatever it is he's looking for. Or at least make ABC lots more money and send a few more girls into depressions. So this week, we all learned (SPOILER ALERT if you haven't watched it yet) that Rozlyn had an inappropriate relationship with one of the Bachelor staffers. The music started, or did it completely stop for even more of a dramatic moment, I can't remember. Chris Harrison confronts her in as much of an awkward and over the top way as possible. He talks about how that's not fair for Jake or the other girls and how she should go home, considering what kind of show it is. UM, did anyone else find it completely ironic that he's totally calling her out and judging her for this "inappropriate relationship" when they are setting up the star of their show to have "inappropriate relationships" with way more than two people at a time??! Now, don't get me wrong. I'm glad they sent her home. I don't think it's a good thing if you're doing whatever an "inappropriate relationship" entails while you're seeing someone else. BUT, it's just a bit hilarious that they who are setting someone up to do exactly that, are standing there judging her and sending her home for it. I do realize it's all about the drama, and they just want the ratings. Oh, and they said they fired the staffer. Do you think he really got fired, or do you think he got a big, fat raise? Even with all the ridiculousness, I just keep watching. Are you a with me? If so, write us a comment and admit it. It feels good. :)

Winning the Lottery

At the end of the workday today, one of my co-workers jokingly said that she probably wouldn't be here tomorrow because she was going to buy a winning lottery ticket on the way home. I know that great wealth brings great challenges with it, but let it be known that that's one challenge I would be willing to try out! :) Anyway, her comment got me thinking...

So here's what I would do if I won the lottery (assuming it was $1M or more), in no particular order:

1. Pay off our house and Adam's student loan.
2. Probably buy a bigger house in the hill country (nothing outrageous, just something with an awesome view).
3. Tithe at least 10% to our church.
4. Help out family and friends.
5. Throw a big fun party.
6. TOTALLY QUIT MY JOB - LIKE RIGHT AWAY - AND TAKE A NICE LONG BREAK AND SEVERAL VACATIONS!!!!!!!!!!
7. Find an trustworthy investment advisor to see how to stretch the rest as much as possible.
8. Make a sizeable donation to one or more charities.
9. Of course, make sure to save for our children's future.

Such a nice dream!!! In the meantime, we'll keep plugging away, working hard, saving, and being thankful for God's daily provision!

Baby It's Cold Outside!

Ok so I mentioned before that we moved to Illinois from Texas back in April. So here we are experiencing our first Midwest winter, and it hasn't been this cold in Southern Illinois in 10 years. I find this quite hilarious being that I am not a big fan of cold. Don't get me wrong I like snow. I love to go skiing. But when you go skiing you are usually only there a week or so, and then you can go home. We have had snow on the ground for about 2 weeks now. The other night the windchill was -25. I have attached some pics I have taken of the snow.

My Ways

This past week I have been reminded of the following verses:

Isaiah 55:8-9
⁸ "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the LORD.

⁹ "As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Last Monday my doctor's office called to tell me that my blood work from the initial glucose test came back and that my levels were elevated. So that meant that I had to go in and take the 3 hour glucose test. Let's talk about how much of a beating that is...you have to fast for 8 hours before taking the test and then you drink this nasty orange substance and have your blood drawn 4 times in a three hour period. The only part I was worried about was the not eating part...there are some days when my little man won't even give me a chance to eat in the morning before I get sick. Luckily I didn't get sick or else I would have had to start the process all over on another day. Well I got another call from my doctor on Thursday and my levels were still elevated, which means that I have gestational diabetes (GD). GD is high blood sugar that starts or is first diagnosed during pregnancy. The goals of treatment are to keep blood glucose levels within normal limits during pregnancy and to make sure the baby is healthy. I knew that this was a possibility after having to go in for the second test, but I can honestly say that was I still surprised and definitely upset when the nurse called to tell me. I am the type of person who likes to be in control of things...I usually have everything pretty planned out and deviating from that plan is out of the question. GD was really not in my pregnancy plan. So after a good cry in my car (because that seemed like a good thing to do at the time), I called my mom and told her the news. She's been so supportive and encouraging during my pregnancy and this time was no different. She knows me so well and knew that I would be feeling helpless and she so gently reminded me of the above-mentioned verses...that my ways are not God's ways...His ways are higher than mine. God knew this was going to happen during my pregnancy and he knows how the rest is going to play out. I can plan all I want, but God is going to do what He wants to do...because HE KNOWS WHAT'S BEST FOR ME (and my baby)! My mom even said to just go ahead and plan on having a c-section, that way it won't be any surprise to me if it happens. So this "has-a-plan-and-needs-to-stick-with-it" girl is learning to let go and let God take control, once again. I meet with my doctor tomorrow and then a diabetes specialist on Tuesday. I know that whatever my treatment is, I can do it with God's help.

Sometimes we all need to be reminded that:

⁸ "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the LORD.

⁹ "As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Cass

Shopping Part Deux

More shopping goodness...as promised:

When I'm looking for something a little less traditional, I always check out Wishing Fish and Uncommon Goods.  Creativity abounds at both and prices run the gamut, so it's always worth a look.  Wishing Fish doesn't have a huge selection, which is actually kind of refreshing.  I tend to have a wee bit of trouble with decision making, so it's kind of nice not to have a million choices. They also change out their stock fairly frequently, so it's not just the same stuff month after month.

A few peeks at Wishing Fish:

Uncommon Goods has a bigger selection, and all kinds of options for sorting out just what you're looking for by recipient, price, occasion, or department.  Very user friendly.  Here are some fun picks:

I also frequent Mighty Goods, Mighty Junior, and Mighty Haus.  These sites are the brainchild of Mighty Girl, Maggie Mason.  She and her cohorts do the footwork for you and come up with great products from various sites.  I always make a point to peruse the gift guides at Christmas, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, etc. on the Mighty sites.  They never fail to find something good that I probably never would have found if left to my own devices!  Coincidentally, Ms. Mason also wrote "No One Cares What You Had For Lunch:  100 Ideas for Your Blog", which has been on my reading list for awhile now.  Hey, we can all use a little inspiration every now and then, right?

Struggling...

My mind is all over the place these days so it is hard to focus in on one topic to blog about...(could it be the pregnancy plus a very active 15 month old?)

So, here is some randomness-hope you enjoy or at least tolerate it...

We found out we are having a boy! I am so excited and look forward to seeing the world through my daugher and now my sons eyes ...what fun! Oh yeah, his name is Chase William Hollar...love writing his name...

Another thing, I'm not big on making New year's resolutions- I have found more personal success in doing ongoing self-assessments through the year to decide if I need to change goals, make new ones, etc...I do love the start of a new year, though- and look forward to all the possibilities it holds...good, bad, ugly...makes life interesting!

Also, I have been trying to be consistent with flossing...ugh, it seems like it is such a chore- how silly is that? It takes like 1 minutes, but the idea of adding one more step to my bed time routine- about does me in...however, I am pushing through to improve my dental health...geesh! My mom keeps telling me it will keep me from getting dentures one day...we'll see...

Lastly, I would just like to say how much I am enjoying my new bible I got from randy for Christmas...I was a little apprehensive to get a new one, but it has been challenging to read a clean bible with no underlines/highlights in it- so I see things with fresh eyes and don't just go to verses I have already deemed to be important on a page...I have already been challenged to dig deeper in my Bible to seek out new things.

That wraps up my randomness for the evening...I am hoping for more "on task" blogs in the future...see you next Thursday!

PS- I just realized I didn't rinse out the conditioner in my hair from a shower I took an hour ago...ooops! My brain may be turning to mush...

God's 'To Do' List May Look a Bit Different Than Mine

My middle child, Emerson, takes a dance class at one of the local community centers. In December, she had her first dance recital. As her teacher started off the recital, she introduced her beautiful family and then said a few words about how they, as Christians, celebrate the birth of Christ and what a beautiful thing it was for God to give his son Jesus for us. It was short and sweet, but it was very well-put, and I came away thinking I would send her an encouraging email that week, just thanking her for her boldness. I know it took guts to say that in front of such a large and diverse group, and it was apparent that she allowed God to speak gentle words through her. Nothing was offensive to those who may have different beliefs. It was just quite clear what her beliefs are. Anyway, life, of course, got busy that week, and I never took time to send that email. Well, I ended up being the last one there after class today, and she sat down in the hall with me for a moment. It came to my mind that I hadn't ever sent that email, so I took a moment to let her know my thoughts. She thanked me for encouraging her in that, and then she asked if I knew how the enemy sometimes will put little thoughts in your head. She went on to say that she had been lying in bed last night, and she just kept thinking about those things she had said at the recital. She said she just felt like someone was saying, "How dare you bring your personal life into this?" and "Why would you say those things in front of all those people?" I told her I had intended to email her that a few weeks ago, but that it sounded like God wanted to save that encouragement for just this moment when she needed it. We both got chills thinking about this. His timing is so very perfect, even in the smallest of things such as this conversation. Who knew that three weeks later she would be second guessing those perfectly spoken words. He did! His timing is so perfect. In life, I am waiting on several things to happen. What happened today was a great reminder that He really does have His hand in it all, even the tiniest of things. So I let go, and I trust that His timing will always be better than mine. Even thought I can't possibly fathom at times why my way isn't best, it feels so much better to truly let go and trust that He has it all under control. And someday I'll probably look back and say, "Ah-ha! That is why he wanted me to wait."

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." Eccl. 3:1

Mishaps

Ok... so I came across these and laughed so hard so I had to share.

Church Bulletin Bloopers:

The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new tithing campaign slogan last Sunday "I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours."

Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.

Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B.S. is done.

The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.

Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 pm - prayer and medication to follow.

Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles, and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.

A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.

During the absence of our Pastor, we enjoyed the rare privilege of hearing a good sermon when J.F. Stubbs supplied our pulpit.

Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.

Bertha Belch, a missionary from Africa, will be speaking tonight at Calvary Methodist. Come hear Bertha Belch all the way from Africa.

Please join us as we show our support for Amy and Alan in preparing for the girth of their first child.

Next Sunday, a special collection will be taken to defray the cost of the new carpet. All those wishing to do something on the new carpet will come forward and get a piece of paper.

This afternoon there will be a meeting in the south and north ends of the church. Children will be baptized at both ends.

This being Easter Sunday, we will ask Mrs. Lewis to come forward and lay an egg on the altar.

For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

Just a little humor for the start of 2010! By the way are you calling it twenty ten or two thousand ten?

What's on Your List?

You know, I'm not really one for making New Year's resolutions. I mean, I've attempted to make some resolutions in the past but nothing ever really came of them after a month or so into the new year. I've made the usual resolutions like everyone else as far as "this year I'm going to start working out," or "this year I'm going on a diet and will eat better." If you've made those resolutions in the past and succeeded then a round of applause to you, but really, who are we kidding? Most people usually only make it through the first month, maybe the second, and then they've fallen off the wagon. It's just so much easier to be lazy and eat junk food, right? But in the spirit of the new year and just for fun, here's a few things I'd like to accomplish this coming year:

-Working out: I'd like to get back on the wagon with working out. I used to go 2-3 times a week before I got pregnant and then I stopped going because my entire first trimester I was so sick that working out just wasn't going to happen. And as you may know from experience, once you stop doing something for an extended period of time it gets harder and harder to get back on it. So my goal is to start working out again. I'll have to stick to my pregnancy workout videos for now and then hopefully add more after the baby gets here (b/c I'll have so much free time, right?).

-Here's another good one - eating better: Last year I went on Weight Watchers to lose some weight (which I've gained back now) and I got pretty good at determining what foods I could eat and not overdo it in the process. I think once I got over being sick during my first trimester it was like a free for all in the food department...I didn't so much go crazy eating everything I could, but I did lose sight of all that I had worked for. I know that you're supposed to eat more calories when you're pregnant but not a whole lot more, so I just need to be mindful from here on out on what I'm putting in my mouth. And more than likely I'll get back on the WW wagon after I have this baby because if I could lose the weight once, I can do it again.

-I want to work on my quiet times with God...reading the Bible, praying, etc. This is something I struggle with but also something that is very important to me. I know that I just need to get in the habit of doing it everyday and eventually it will just be a part of my daily routine.

-Being more intentional with my family and friends...not taking them for granted, telling them how much I love and appreciate them, making time for them, etc. Also taking the time to be more intentional to those I don't know very well...develop new friendships.

-Read more books

-Try new recipes (I know Scott will appreciate this one)

And here's a few I've mentioned before:

-Stop snoozing so long and get my booty out of bed so that I can get completely ready for work (no more doing my makeup in the car) and leave my house so that I have plenty of time to get to work.

-Pray more for my husband.

So here's to 2010...may your year be filled with many blessings! For those brave souls who made resolutions...I'd love to hear what you came up with...and, best of luck to you!

Cass

Wishing you the happiest...

I decided to postpone Part Two of the shopping post for one more week, because who am I to just breeze past a New Year's Day blog post without waxing poetic about life and time and the year ahead?  And truly - one of my goals this year is to do a little less shopping, so I'd hate to set the wrong precedent here on January 1st!

I have found that looking back has never done me too many favors, so let's focus straight ahead here for a minute.  I have a mental list of resolutions that has been brewing in my mind this week.  However, as I start to tick through them I become painfully aware that most of them are terribly cliche, so on second thought, maybe we should just skip that formality this year. 

I think it's fair to say that we could all use a fresh start every once in awhile.  A clean slate with an acceptable reason to call the past the past and do something new is a rarity.  I'm thankful for the big to-do about New Year's because it's really a much needed reprieve.  How often, as adults, do we get the opportunity to start over with no strings attached?  New Year's lets us off the hook.  Maybe we didn't lose that weight last year - but hey - all is forgiven - maybe this will be the year.  Maybe life didn't bring all that we hoped, maybe opportunities were missed, or maybe disappointments hit hard and we never quite recovered.  The beauty of the New Year is lovingly packing those things away in the 2009 box and placing it neatly in the top of the closet.  We label it "the past" and give ourselves the chance and the hope of getting it right this next time.  I for one, don't extend myself that kind of grace very often, do you?

So maybe I shouldn't knock my list of cliched resolutions quite so hard.  I like the promise of the New Year and the reminder that anything is possible, however arbitrary the reason for feeling that way.  I came across a quote today that I think sums up exactly what's on my mind...

"The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year.  It is that we should have a new soul and a new nose; new feet, a new backbone, new ears, and new eyes."  G.K. Chesterton

I hope you find something new in yourself this year that knocks your little socks off.  I'll let you in on a secret...I'm hoping the same for me too.