Get Your Verse On. . . .

I have always been kind of funny about tee shirts and what not with Bible verses on them. I dunno. . . just not really my style.

But these? These are my style. I love 'em! I think I gotta have one.

See my button on the side? God's faithfulness to us is great, isn't it? The button came from Wild Olive Tees, too! I wish I could remember which of you cool cats had the Wild Olive Tee button weeks ago that led me to this great site. Because if I could remember? I'd give you a shout out right here!!

What are you still doing here? Hop on over to the Wild Olive Tees now and "get your verse on"!!

Just Curious. . . and a Blog Award!

When did it become acceptable to be attending a meeting and checking your email on your crackberry, all at the same time? without shame?

Am I the only ding bat who can get side tracked by a visiting neighbor and forget I’m boiling eggs? Like until there’s no water left and the eggs are brown and the kitchen smells like a big ole’ fire?

Do dogs really know when something’s not quite right at home? Belle seemed to really know that I was home alone last night. That’s a good thing!

Are ticks not the grosses things ever? ICK!

How’s it so easy to get so used to having a hubby at home. Last night I am pretty sure I slept so fitfully I woke up every time the AC cut on. Or the wind blew.

Is cream cheese icing not just the yummiest?

Is Jen Lancaster not hysterical? I’m reading her second book (granted, it’s completely not edifying, simply just easy reading) now, and I am cracking up! I could do without some of the profanity, though.

Are this year’s mosquitos not three times larger than last years?

Is it a surefire sign of baby fever when every single thing a baby or a child does is absolutely precious to you?

Okay, so I received a blog award ~ YAY! ~ from Shanda! It's the Golden Heart Award, and I heart it! Thanks, Shanda!

As with any great blog award, I get to give it to five other bloggers who I follow or read, someone who has touched my heart and my life.

Seoul-Mama: She's my cousin, she's my friend. I admire Seoul-Mama for so many things, and I am so excited as she and her family prepare their home, hearts, minds, and family for a baby from Korea. Check out her blog, won't you?

Ally: Ally is the first person I ever knew who blogged. My husband followed her blog, and I began following Ally. She's a dear, sweet friend, and I love her stories of chasing after her Father, searching for her Prince Charming, living life abundantly, and loving her family.

Christina: Besides always sharing amazingly precious pictures of her girls, Christina has a precious little girl who has a rare chromosome disorder. Her most recent post is about a BBQ they're hosting later this summer for families who also fight this disorder. What a ministry!

Little April Rose: B is somewhat anonymous on her blog, despite the fact that she has a bajillion readers. April Rose is her baby girl who's yet to be born. An amazing story she has already. You gotta go check her out. Be sure to check out her His Will Wednesdays, too. Totally moving.

Grace.Gets.Greater: She just says it best in her profile, "I've learned through having my life torn down around me and rebuilt one piece at a time, that I serve a God who offers me grace. When the going gets tough, the Grace Gets Greater." She's real. She's honest. She's funny. Read her!!!

Again, thanks for being part of my blog family! I heart you guys!!! Before you go checkin' out all these cool ladies and their blogs, tell me, what are you curious about?

Wednesday's Walk: A little of this, a lot of that!, and Blogger Appreciation Week

Whew, lately it’s been like I’ve rushed to get up some blog posts just so I can stay connected. I’ve not really put a ton of myself into this blog, and I miss it!!!

So, in honor of Wednesday’s Walk, I’m going to tell you all about our Memorial Day weekend, how we accomplished oh, so much, about my art project, and maybe even I’ll throw a little blogosphere-games in the mix!! So hold on tight, y’all, here we goooooooo!!!!

This past weekend, Tim and I were stoked to be at home for an entire weekend! Add to that fun that we had Monday off, and we were chompin’ at the bit to figure out what all we could get into! I did work Saturday morning, but other than that, it was all fun times for us! We watched three – yes, three! – movies over the course of the weekend. The best one? Marley and Me. Hands down. If you’re an animal lover whatsoever, you’ll surely enjoy this family movie! Just make sure you have your tissues (or a big ole' comfy afghan will do, if you're like me and you spontaneously cry throughout the entire movie. Cry bigtime. Like Boo Hoo Cry.) handy.

We also painted the final room in our house! Well, actually Tim really did most of the painting. I don’t mind painting the big areas with a roller, but I was little messy on Saturday. Eek?!? So, I was quickly excused from that project to tackle my own arts & crafts. . .

Ah, yes, the door sign. So I’ve sort of seen similar, much more detailed things recently, and since we’ve painted our front door Posh Red, I decided I would prefer something simple, clean, and crisp on our front door and forego a wreath for a little while.

Enter the need to go to Hobby Lobby.

Tim obliged, so Saturday we headed to Hobby Lobby so I could load up on supplies. Only after, though, we visited Lane Packing Company and enjoyed some delicious homemade strawberry ice cream!

So, check out my creation! Whatcha think? Seriously, artsy folks, give me any tips and suggestions you might have. Melissa, be thankful I don’t know your phone number, otherwise I’m sure I would’ve called you a million times asking a million questions as I painted! I really have a new, refreshed admiration for your talent! Only straight lines for this chickadee, and it still has room for improvement!

We also took Belle and Buddy to the dog park and then bathed them, so they’re worn out and clean pups!

As for blog games, this week is Blogger Appreciation Week. This week, we have the chance to share with our readers why we blog, why we write, how reading other blogs has touched your heart, what God’s doing in your life through blogging, mention others you’ve met through blogging, etc. . . Shanda even suggesting including titles of some of your favorite posts so that visitors can see what your faves are. Of course, after posting, make sure to put your post info into Daveda’s Mr. Linky.

Make sure to visit other participants while you’re at Daveda’s site, too! We bloggers heart comments and encouragement!

So, I celebrate Blogger Appreciation Week this week for a number of reasons. In high school, I realized I loved to write. While I’m not stellar at it, I do enjoy every minute of it, and I definitely feel the release from writing is phenomenal! I was hesitant to blog because we currently don’t have kids, so I didn’t know really what I’d talk about. I had no idea when I started blogging that themes exist for virtually every day of the week!

Nor did I know the incredible women I’d meet through this blogging world. I love that so many of my blog chums are folks I’d never meet otherwise. Some of you are big city folks, others live on farms and ranches. Many of you are moms, which I definitely admire. And many of you are amazing Christian women who’ve taught me so many things about my Heavenly Father! And that is amazing!

The blogs I most look forward to reading are those that are so popular their authors definitely don’t read my measly little blog, but who doesn’t crave a good dose of LPM every day? And for goodness sake if you believe Miracles Happen, you definitely know all about precious Harper in Kelly’s Korner! Shanda is one of those incredible Christian ladies who I just know would be a fast friend of mine if we lived closer! And Jeriann, I just eat up her posts every day! I love them! So thanks, y’all, for reading along as I live this crazy thing called life. It’s fun times!

Okay, so this has gotten crazy long, so I’m waiting til tomorrow to talk about another blog award / game! Later, taters!

Titus 2 Tuesday: Jennifer

For today’s Titus 2 Tuesday, I’m honoring a dear, life-long friend, Jennifer. I met Jennifer on the first day of first grade. I don’t remember this exactly, but my mom has always said I came home from school and told her there was a new girl in my class, her name was Jennifer, and I did NOT like her. In fact, I called her a witch!?! Mother told me we don’t say mean things about people, reminded me that I’d just met Jennifer, and scolded me for being so harsh.

Days, even weeks passed.

One evening at supper, I announced that my new friend Jennifer had invited me to spend the night with her. My parents asked me if this was the same friend who I’d earlier told them was a witch.

Yep. That’s the one. She also wears big bows in her hair, and they always match her dresses. She always wears dresses.

Well, my parents let me spend the night with Jennifer, thus beginning a true blue friendship that’s lasted through band-nerds-to-cool-girls, first loves, proms, high school graduations, colleges (at different schools), weddings, and careers. I remember when she called me to tell me her granddaddy had passed away; I think we were in fourth grade, maybe?. . . It was the first funeral I attended, and I remember her catching my eye during the song, "In His Time". Both of our eyes were filled to the brim with tears. But somehow, I felt better just knowing my friend knew I was there. The Good Lord knew then that we'd comfort each other many times over in our lives. And each time, I'm reminded that He does make all things beautiful . . . in His time.

Today, Jen is that friend who’s always checking in to see how we are doing, she’s busier than I can imagine with a job that’s competitive, challenging, and flat out HARD WORK, and she’s the most compassionate person I know!

Anyone who knows Jen knows that a voicemail from her is almost like a song, “Hey, B, it’s Jen, hope you’re doing well. I’m just working along the coast today and thought I’d check in to see how you are while I’m on the road. We’re good, just staying busy.” This is only the beginning of her voicemail. We laugh at how you aren’t sure there’s a need to call her back because Jen tells you everything in her message! It’s priceless!

This weekend, Jen shared with me that she’s expecting. She and her husband are pregnant, and baby Fanning is due on Christmas Day! Jennifer will be an amazing mother. This is know for sure. After all, she’s been an amazing friend to me for years and years.

Heavenly Father, I thank you so much for putting Jennifer in my life almost 24 years ago. Thank you for the lady she is, for the mother she will be, and for her precious husband who cherishes her as she should be cherished. And, thank you for choosing her to carry a precious baby for your glory.

Recipes for Everyone!

After my post yesterday, a couple of you commented that you’d like my recipes. Well, see, the thing is they’re so simple that it’s ridiculous! You’ll certainly be amazed! But since you asked, here goes. . . .

Grilled Shrimp
Unpeel and devein raw shrimp. In a shallow dish, spread out shrimp and lightly coat with olive oil. I put shrimp into a grill basket before placing them on the grill. Grill on each side about 6 – 8 minutes or until the shrimp are cooked thoroughly. Lightly salt and pepper before serving.

Broiled Asparagus
Wash asparagus, snap off the ends and discard. Lay asparagus in a baking dish in a single layer. Lightly coat with olive oil and a little bit of garlic salt. Broil at 500 for 10 – 12 minutes (I kept them in for 15 because I prefer for my veggies to be really done!). My recipe book (Joy of Cooking, da BOMB for new wives like me!) recommended adding the garlic, but it also said you could add parmesan cheese (YUM).

See how easy? And I promise it’s so yummy!!! And quick! Bon Appetite!

Titus 2 Tuesday: My Health Nut Buddies

Join us for Titus 2 Tuesdays. It's a great way to celebrate the women in your life, and to recognize what you are learning or have learned from those women.

Today, I celebrate two of my friends who have helped me think outside of the box in the last couple of days in regards to health, weight loss, and exercise.

I've referred to my constant weight battle numerous times on this blog, and I've even written a letter to these extra 10 pounds "declaring war". Apparently, it takes more than that. . . .

So, yesterday I decided to enlist the help of some of my health nut buddies. Those girls that I know who exercise because they love it, they eat healthy because they want to. Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah.

(I realize that the first thing I need is an attitude adjustment about the "Blah Blah Blah" part. I've changed my outlook, and I'm praying constantly God will help me in this fight!)

Lori and Amber are my two friends who've helped me in the last two days. It is Amber who took the time to write out a looonnnnggggg but very beneficial email to me, telling me what she eats on a daily basis, outlining her exercise plans, and giving me other ideas. Amber's lost 20 pounds in the last 6 months, and it just helps so much to know there's success behind what she's doing. Lori helped me, too, by also sharing her food intake and her exercising. Lori also asked if I'd be interested in being accountability partners in our weight loss; we both want to lose 10 pounds.

After getting all the helpful hints and ideas from Lori and Amber, I was so pumped last night about my new, true health endeavor! I've never been so excited to eat broiled asparagus, grilled shrimp, and salad. And it was D.I.V.I.N.E. Yummy! Delicious! We ate outside on our back patio, enjoying the great spring weather! Even Better!

But I did still think mean thoughts to Jillian while doing her DVD. So, no, I'm not totally there yet with my health nut chums, but I'm getting there. And if you ask me, that's half the battle!

Winner & a GPS Mishap

Thank you all so much for commenting and congratulating me on my 100th blog! The winner of my giveaway is Kristin at These Little Girls of Mine! Hop on over and meet Kristin, and while you're visiting, make sure you check out herprecious new clothing line, SummerSuzette! Kristin, your package is coming soon! Thanks for playing along!

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So, we went to Birmingham this weekend for a wedding shower for Tim's brother, Josh and his fiance, Kelli. I would've sworn up and down to you that I had saved the address for the party in our until-this-moment-perfect GPS, so we're leaving the hotel for the party with Tim's parents in our car. Kelli's parents and uncle were following us. We assured them we could get to the party. I mean, for goodness sake, Tim went to grad school in the Ham just a few years ago. And remember, we have our trusty Tom Tom.

While Tim's driving, we are busy raving to his parents about the Tom Tom. Telling them how we used it to find that great italian spot in Asheville, NC, on the fly last December. Oh, and just a couple of weeks ago, remember we used it to get to the other party for Josh and Kelli in Tallahassee? Yep, these things are super handy!

A few minutes later, we're in Hoover, turning into a neighborhood. I do remember thinking, for a fleeting second, "I thought Josh said this couple lived in a new house. These houses don't look new." We continued driving, following Tom Tom. All the while, still raving to Tim's parents about how handy these systems are. They'll take you anywhere you want to go! See how easy this is!!!

We pull up at 551 Twin Creek Drive, and there are festive candles in the windows. But no cars. Where are the people?

Kelli's parents pull up beside us. As my mother-in-law and I are trying to figure out where everyone's cars are, Kelli's parents tell us we're on Turtle Creek Drive. Not Twin Creek Drive!

We are NOT at the right house!!! Not in the right neighborhood! Well, at least we're in Hoover!?!?!

At which point I promptly take back everything I've just said about tom-tom and refuse to believe that stupid computer can get us anywhere.

We back track, thankful for Tim's knowledge of where he is and how to get around (at least a little bit). Josh directs us by phone: "Call me when you get to the car dealership." Then "Call me when you're at the school."

We made it to Twin Creek Drive; nevermind we were a good forty minutes late!?!?! It's apparently too new of a street for our not-so-trusty-anymore Tom Tom. Gee Whiz. Sometimes good ole' fashion directions from someone who knows are the only way to go!