I am . . .

Right now, I am… Posted: 28 Sep 2011 04:13 AM PDT …in a hurry to get this RFP finished so I can have the weekend off!  …kind of frustrated because the lady I work with is slow when it comes to computers and working efficiently!  …a little jealous of people who just can throw anything on and look super cute. …immensely grateful that I love a man that loves me no matter how rough I treat him after a bad day at work(working on this).  …remembering exactly how blessed I am to have great friends and an amazing support system!  …thankful that Shauna and I are in good health and it is important to us to always be that way.  …hoping to get everything packed, cooked, and iced down for the first leg of our road trip tomorrow night.  …excited because I get to see my best friend, Katie this weekend!!!  …still hemming and hawing about getting the wall paper finished in the kitchen.  …encouraged by the appreciation I am now feeling at work after finally standing up for myself.  …discouraged by the lack of motivation in my boss to expand and move more technologically based within our department.  …happy that I have a partner that always makes things 50/50. . . it's important to do things together and be a team. Thankful he feels the same.  …loving the amazing weather we are having . . . i want to move my desk oursidE!  …remembering that I need to make sure Rocky Bones is taken care of this weekend while we are away.  …wishing it was already Thursday afternoon!  …low on caffeine this morning.  …tired of high gas prices, road trips are for saving on money!  …excited about watching AR football live in Dallas Stadium with the best friends a girl could ask for!  …happy that the kinks have been pretty much worked out for the weekend. . . smooth sailing for  here on out!  …anxious to get all pack, loaded, and on the road!  …heading off to get everyone fed and ready to go out the door. What are you doing/thinking right now?

Be you!

"Each bird must sing with his own throat."
-- Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906)

There are times in my life when I wish I could do something as well as someone else or possibly even be someone else. I think if we were being honest, we would have to admit we have done this once, twice or maybe every day. As hard as we try, for whatever reason, we will never be someone other than ourselves. BUT . . . . We can be amazing at who we truly are!

We all write, dance, learn, pray, and love in different ways. We have to love ourselves other for our individuality. . . because after all, that’s what makes us who we are! 

We can learn from others, build on what they have done, and apply our own unique touch to it. I have had to realize that no matter how hard I try, I am not perfect. Situations aren’t always going to be perfect, plans aren’t always going to go perfect, and my hair isn’t always going to look perfect. : )  Once I came to realize this, I felt as if I was finally living. I don't seem to worry about the little things as much any more. I give each day the best shot I can and that’s all I can do. When I lay my head down at night I want to know I gave it my all- every time!

You make a really great you!! March to your own drum and sing your own song . . . when we are being who we truly are on the inside it shows on the outside! Accept yourself and start living!! 

Life IS hard!

You just have to keep getting up and keep on trying!

“Success is getting up ONE more time than you fall”

I'm gonna keep on, keep on, lovin' you!

A year ago today was the day Shaun implied he wanted me to be his girlfriend . . . I say implied because it was never really said out loud but only suggested in a quick conversation that occurred the night we returned from celebrating Rusty and Katie's engagement in St. Louis. The past years journey has created so many lasting memories. I say this a lot, but I mean it every time . . . I am a lucky girl! There are so many mushy gushy things I could say about Shaun, but to avoid you all gagging from all the corny . . . I will just tell you a few of the funny things I love and have learned from Shaun over the past year.

• The world doesn't come to a stand still if I don't have a plan. Shaun would say we are still working on this one. 
• Boxing is actually a lot of fun to watch. He is patient and answers all of my many questions. . . until I fall asleep right before the main event. Unfortunately, I have a hard time making it all they way through. 
• Watching CNN makes me feel like more of an American. 
• Loving a hairy shedding dog with 10 different names has turned into one of the many high lights of my day.  
• It's ok for the man to be better in the kitchen! It takes a lot to admit, but this does work out in my favor sometimes. He is such a great teacher. I have learned a lot from him so far. 
• It's ok to have different opinions and look at things from different perspectives. Together it gives us a more well rounded view of the situation.  
• Rocking out to Snoop Dogg and others in the genre can be enjoyable every now and then! 
• There doesn't have to be constant conversation. I struggled with this in the beginning. . . imagine that! 
• I love live music. . . Especially when Shaun plays the bongos.  
• Where I am weak Shaun is strong.
•  It's ok to disagree or be upset with one another. Conflict can be a good thing at times. 
• Life is too short to not be happy . . . Enjoy what you doing no matter what it is.
• Spend time with the people that mean the most to you and cherish every moment! 

This is a picture of us from the St. Louis engagement.

 I had a lot less hair on my head and he had a lot less on his face!

  What a difference a year can make! 

On the road again . . .

      These past couple of weeks have been a whirl wind. I am not real sure if I am coming or going at this point. I have been very busy with work . . . We have had a lot of workshops out of town and this past weekend I spoke to a couple of groups at the Infant Toddler Extravaganza in Little Rock. I ended up coming back to Little Rock Monday afternoon in order to be here first thing this morning for a two day strength based coaching adventure. So far so good. . .

      My grandparents just so happened to be in town tonight. My Pop is having an outpatient procedure tomorrow to remove scar tissue from his last prostate surgery. Please keep him in your prayers. The procedure is tomorrow morning at 6. We stopped by Target tonight after dinner to load up on cookies and candy for the night. He loves his sweets! 

      So much going on but not much that is very interesting . . . Just wanted you all to know I am still alive, but just super busy. After tomorrow I am hoping things will settle down for a little bit. Looking forward to next weekend . . . Praying Shaun and I have good weather for our TENT camping weekend!! Yes I said tent . . . We shall see how this turns out! That will be a post all in it's self. 

Here are just a few things that make me smile!! 

Shaun knows I love Vera Bradley. . . 

The one thing I didn't have! 

It's one of my little daily reminder of how lucky I am to have such a supportive, caring, and loving man. 

 Katie recently introduce me to my new favorite snack . . . 

Nutella spread on a flour tortilla! Suggest you try it!!

These are some of the delicious strawberries Mrs. Lin shared with us. 

Some of them have recently been smothered in chocolate! Just think about that for a minute. . . YUMMM! 

Until NExt time! 

Crazy Girl

Eli Young Band is one of my favorite bands. They just so happen to be coming to the Rev Room in April and I am hoping to be able to round some people up to go. This is one of their newest songs.  As much as I don't like to admit it . . . I am a CRAZY girl! 

What I'm Loving

I'm loving cooking with Shaun! : ) 

Heart shaped sweet potato . . . made with "love"! 

I'm loving how much Lainey is enjoying her new job. 

She has wanted one for so long now. I am proud of how hard she is working. Blurry picture, but she still is super cute in her Dairy Queen getup! 

I'm loving this bedspread. 

Shabby chic with a little bit of that dark blue makes it a good mix of masculine and feminine. 

I'm loving my Pop's Valentines Day card for my Nana! 

I'm loving my Nana. 

She is always there for me and can make me laugh harder than just about anyone I know. Always pushing and wanting what is best for me. She is an inspiration. 

I'm loving her cooking!! 

White beans and home made corn bread. . . doesn't get much better! 

I'm loving lazy days with Jimmy! 

Isn't he precious! 

I'm loving that I was able to sign my name to my first official training this week. 

I have been training under Ms. Jo's name and number since I started. The paper work finally came through and it made me official! 

I'm loving my Aunt Vera's wedding dress! 

She and Uncle Bobby look so happy in this picture. I love the length. 

Makes me think. . . What will mine look like? : )

I'm loving this house! 

I drive past it every time I work with Nicole in West Memphis. 

There is something about it that I just think is gorgeous! 

I'm loving Melanie's new job. 

She got a job working with the classifieds section at the local newspaper. 

She seems to really like it. I am proud of her! 

I'm loving the new cupcake shop in West Memphis. 

Delicious, moist, and unforgettable! 

What are you loving?? 

Missing you!

I just got a text from a great friend I had in college. Mark and Matt Slavik are twins I met during my first few days at UCA. They are wonderful Christian men and were great friends to me during my time in Conway. Mark's text said that his Dad has passed away and then ended with the visitation and funeral times. I have lost touch with these guys and a lot of other friends over the past few years. It is sad how we all allow this to happen. I have no idea what has been going on with his dad. Now is not the time to drill him with a lot of questions, but it makes me sick to my stomach to think that one of my best friends just a few short years ago, has been going through something like this and I had no idea.

I need to do a better job of keeping in touch with friends and family. We never know what tomorrow might hold. I have experienced losing someone very close to me. Someone that knew me almost as well as I knew myself. The moments you think that will be recreated the next time you see that person. . . might not ever come to be for whatever reason. Please take time to contact these people and reconnect with them. Make the most of the time you have with the people that mean the most to you.  We all have those people in our lives that even though it might be months since the last time we talked about them. . . it really doesn't feel that way. Don't let something happen and regret not keeping in touch.

Day 5- Daddy

This is another one of those days where we will have to change it up for our special person. In my case this would be for my . . .  the one of these days, fingers crossed, hopefully I get married before I am passed my child baring years (as Lainey says),  baby daddy! : ) I have always been told I need to pray for my future husband. . . This is one of the main things I pray for when I pray for him. 


If your man is already a daddy, this is a prayer that is probably constantly on your heart. I know that it is for me. If you do not yet have children, this is the perfect time to start praying for them, by praying for their daddy.

Our Focus:

Teach him to train his children up in godliness.

May his time with his children be increased.

Grant him wisdom, patience and endless love.

Grow his children up to always bring joy to their daddy.

Prepare him to use 'life' as a teacher for his children.

Inspire him through his offspring.

May he always see the wonders of the Lord in his children.

Day 4- Husband

Today's topic is specific for husbands. You can take this and turn it however you would like. I am just leaving it the way it is because I think it is good for those that are praying for them. I hope everyone has a wonderful week! Sorry these posts have been sporadic and a little crazy.  


God has been doing some good things in my heart as I've put much time and focus on the spiritual well-being of my husband. Anyone else?

Today, let's focus on our person as just that, a husband. If you are not yet married, pray for your guy as he steps into the role of husband.  For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church. Your husband, my husband, is the leader. Already. It's settled. You don't have to negotiate it or loose sleep over it, they are the head of the home. Christ appointed them to that role. 

In thinking about praying for this role,  it was hard for me to stripe this roll from the other rolls he fulfills. Yet, it is the one role that is solely created for me. Funny, isn't it?

Our focus:

Encourage him in his leadership of me, his wife. 

Continue to develop him into a man that always makes marriage a priority

Give him a deep love for me, his spouse.

Give him new revelation into your heart for marriage.

Guard his eyes from Satan's attempts to steal his affection from me. 

May he be a model of submission as he submits to the Lord.

Give him wisdom in leadership.

Day 3- Job

To start off this work week right, let's pray for our dude's job. Whatever it is that he does to 'bring home the bacon,' let's ask that Jesus meet him there today.

We all know our husband's jobs well, so spend some time today personalizing your prayer in the way your husband needs them most. Try to take yourself out of the prayers. Don't pray for what you would be pleased to see happen, but rather things that would bring growth to your dude.

Our focus:

May their workplace be/become a place where they have freedom and show their creativity and use their gifts.

That they would gain encouragement, specifically today, from their co-workers.

That they would be effective.

A thankful heart for a job that provides.

Give clarity to any callings that the Lord may be placing in their heart. 

Professional growth.

Day 2- Worship

I thought I had posted day 2 from my sweet new iphone, but i guess it didn't work. I was going to post Day 3 today. . . late. . . and realized that Day 2 was still a draft!! Soo sorry! I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

Worship, as you know, is a matter of the heart. So, let's begin by praying for their heart. I know what it feels like to have a heavy or burdened or uneasy heart. Don't you? Let's come together against this for our special person.


Our focus:
Take the burdens from their heart.
Replace them with freedom.
In that freedom, begin to teach us what it truly means to worship You in spirit and in truth.
Come and meet us where we are.
Allow them to find rest in their home and in their current circumstances.
Begin to lay new words and encouragement on their heart.
Develop them into a person who is capable of being in a constant spirit of worship.

Day 1- Leadership

Happy Tuesday! I hope this finds you all well!  If you have thought of your special person . . .please join me for day 1 of prayer focused on that person. Below is the information from Texas blog for day 1 on leadership. I have changed it up a little in order for it to focus on anyone . . . not just husbands! : ) 

Let's begin by praying for our special person as a leader. 

All of us are leaders in one way or another and most of them lead in multiple areas. The men in our lives are all the leaders in our relationships and homes. Many of them lead multiple people in their place of work. And whether you realize it or not, many of your husband's friends look to your husband as a leader in their friendship. For those of you who have been in leadership roles yourselves, you know the burden and pressure that can come from such roles. Recognize that your husband or your special person is a leader to many people, even in situations that you may be unaware of. Let's ask the Lord to bless them in this role, to teach them through leadership and to use them to influence others. 

Our focus:

Increase their wisdom in making decisions for those they lead.

God would give them confidence as a leader.

Call them to step out in their role and calling. 

Give them influence in the lives of others.

That they would view their leadership as a way to lead as the Lord has lead them. 

Teach them through leading others. 

A teachable spirit. 

Use the next twenty-four hours to focus on your husband's roles in leadership. Take them before the Lord, specifically as a leader.

Taking Them To Jesus

My friend Meagan Pearson mentioned to me about a challenge her and her friend started last week. It is called Taking Your Man To Jesus. It was originally made up by a lady from Texas The Ingram Gang that prayed for her husband. I don't have a husband so I am going to pray for a special person in my life. It doesn't have to be your husband or even a man. You can let this person know you are praying for them or you can just do it privately. Each day you pray that they will become stronger in a specific aspect of their life. I feel like I pray for the sick, my family, and my friends, but I don't feel like I pray enough for the specific things each of them might need.

After reading through some of the days I feel like I need to challenge myself to do this. I will post the topics from her blog daily. This can be twisted and turned to focus on anyone you would like. I challenge you to pick a specific person or maybe even a group you would like to focus on for the next 10 days. Use today to decide who you are going to pray for and I will post our first topic tomorrow.

Texas ends her intro by saying . . . This isn't a dare or a lengthy challenge, just a way that one gal can encourage another gal in praying for a special someone.

Prayer is powerful!!

Let me know if you decide to join me. I would love to hear your stories. . .  Keep me posted! : )

this is the stuff you use

I have to trust that you know exactly what you're doing.

 It might not be what I would choose, but this is the stuff you use! 

We can't just say I love you, We have to live I love you!

Lovers Day this year was made special by one amazing guy! Shaun and I have been together for almost a year and let me tell ya . . . it has been one great ride. We have such great friends that we make memories with, but the moments that mean the most to me are the ones when we spend time with just the two of us. We didn't have big valentines plans because he didn't get off until 8. I met him at Shortly Smalls during his quick dinner break. We have really become fond of this place. . . Their fries are the best in town and their honey mustard is AWESOME! It our special little dinner place during the week so I saw no other way to spend valentines day. After he finished working I met him at his house where we were going to just spend a little time together and exchange the gifts we got each other. He started by opening the one I wrapped for him . . . In the pretty valentines wrapping paper with a matching bow was a razorback license plate that he had mentioned a while back he would like to have. Along with a sweet card I also put some pictures I had printed of us. After he finished it was my turn. I always get nervous when opening presents because he does such a good job of keeping things a secret. I had no idea what he had decided to do for me. He went to the pantry and pulled out two little boxes that he had wrapped in phone book pages. Apparently someone forgot to leave the valentine wrapping paper over there. . . that would be me! : ) It was so cute! He is such a great wrapper. I did say WRAPPER not RAPPER . . . even though he would agree with both! HA! After almost crying while reading my sweet card I went to open my little boxes. I asked which one I should open first and he said it didn't matter. . . I would know what it was by either one of them. Apparently they were connected in some way. I was totally blown away when I opened the box to find a new iPhone. For those of you that don't know . . . Shaun and the rest of our friends have had iPhone's for a while now. My phone on the other hand, has been around the block a few times. Don't get me wrong. . . I will fall in love with my new iPhone, but it's going to take a lot of patience and practice. I am so excited! I have been wanting a new iPod so this works as both. Can't wait to get it all hooked up and get started using it!! I will keep you posted on my progress! Oh yeah, and he got me a sweet case to go with it. I am pretty rough with things so it will keep it nice and safe!

Here is his fantastic wrapping job! : )

 I am a lucky girl . . . not just because of my gift, but because Shaun does his best DAILY to make me feel special. He is truly a great man and I am so very thankful for all the sunshine he brings into my life. I heard a song recently that sums it up pretty much perfectly: He loves me for me. Not for what I have done or what I will become. He loves me for ME!

                              I love us! 

Lots of catching up to do!

       One great part about my job is that I get to travel ever so often. Last week I had a training in Blytheville and was about to meet my Pop, Nana (on the right), and two of her sisters for lunch. Tradition in our family is to eat bar-b-que when you visit town. We had a great visit. It was really good to see all of them. 

Here is my version of the football cupcakes for our super bowl party. . . They turned out pretty good! I decided to make chocolate footballs instead of using icing. They sure did taste better that way! 

       This past weekend we ladies shipped the men off to Greeres Fairy to stay at a cabin for the weekend while we got together for some much needed girl time. We had been talking for a couple of weeks about how much fun we were going to have sitting around in our pajamas, snacking, and chatting while watching sappy girlie movies. Unfortunately, one thing led to another and one by one the ladies plans fell apart. Not to worry. . . we all took a rain check and will be getting together SOON! Even though Rocky Bones and I weren’t able to get together with our ladies . . . we decided to take a road trip to Pocahontas to visit Shaun’s family. We met them Friday night for their traditional Friday Night Fish Date. They love Captain Catfish and have told us for a long time that we should come join them. Now I know why . . . It was some of the best catfish I have had.
         Mrs. Lin planned for her and I to find me some new/old fixer upper furniture for my new place (Post for another time). We went to several different antique places around town where we found soo many goodies! Unfortunately, they cherish their fantastic finds a little more than I was willing to pay right now.  Even though we came home empty handed . . . she and I had just a great day together. I got to see parts of Pocahontas I have never seen. We enjoyed an awesome root beer float, laughed until we cried listening to Chonda Pierce CD, and got some good ideas for the future. 

         Mrs. Lin just goes on and on about playing cards with her mom and her friends. We have said for a while now that I will have to come up and have them teach me how to play hand and foot. Saturday was a perfect day for it. We met up with Ms. Wanda and Ms. Fannie and had so much fun!! They are serious about their cards, but are great teachers. We celebrates Ms. Wanda's 39th ;) birthday with rice crispies and strawberries! I am blessed to have such great Christian women in my life. I look up to these ladies and strive to be more like them daily! Thank you for all the laughs this weekend!! 

.

       

           

Dinner and a Movie

Between the year-end reports we are working on at the office, turbo tax Tuesday, catching up from a weekend at home, trainings I have had at night this week, and celebrating a good friends birthday . . . this has been one crazy busy week! I love staying busy, but believe me . . . I love to slow it down too! I am looking forward to not having anything that just HAS to be done this weekend. Luckily Shaun is off tonight so we are going to have a date night! First one we have really had in a while. Dinner and a movie. He even said I get to pick the movie. . . after the Black Swan choice from last time . . . think he owes me! : )  Can't wait!!

I mentioned that we celebrated a friends birthday. One year ago yesterday I met the most amazing group of people. Katie's brother coaches with my dad in Magnolia. He knew I was new in town and didn't know anyone so he had her give me a call. It just happened to work out that they were going to be going out for Rusty's birthday that week. I decided to go and the rest is history. There is no way I would have made it in this town, after moving here alone, without them! They keep me on my toes, laughing until it hurts, and have my back no matter what! I am always looking forward to the next time we will be able to see each other. I love them like family and I am so blessed to have them. 

Our first date! Goofy from day one :  ) 

 My plan for Saturday. . . SLEEP IN! : ) After that, if weather permits, I would like to go antique looking and shopping at some junk stores here in town. I am wanting to make myself a craft room at some point. . . have to get my own place and find time to craft, but when I do I want to be prepared! I would love to find some old pieces of furniture like these to transform! 

  

We are all getting together for the Super Bowl on Sunday. I am in charge of bringing the cupcakes. This is what my intention is for the project. We shall see what they end up looking like . . . fingers crossed they don't turn out like the key lime cupcakes! : /  story for another time. . . still to soon to talk about it! 

  

Have a fabulous weekend!! 

back to my roots

I am so lucky to have a great family. My parents are both strong Christians that have raised me to walk in their footsteps. I love going back home because it brings me back to my roots and reminds me of who I truly am. When I think I have it all figured out I am quickly reminded that I have no clue. I am thankful for the way we are able to communicate as a family. I am thankful for the faith they have put in my decision making skills and the trust they have had in me through the years. It would be so hard to be where I am today without my great support system!

Nie Nie. . . the author of a blog I have been following, asked a somewhat simple question today.

http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/

What makes you happy? I am taking this year to find myself again. I feel like it is time for me to get back to where I should be in every aspect of my life. Tired of just going through the motions and not making the most of every day God gives me. While in search of my new self I have been trying to figure out what I can do to make myself a happier person. . . The simple things that I can do on a daily basis that makes me feel like I am giving back, making the most of my day, and making an impact on someones life for the better.  This question might be simple for some people, but I have a hard time with it. I have worked on a list and this is what I have so far. . .
1. spending time with people I care about and care about me
2. helping people
3. solving problems
4. serving
5. making things . . . being crafty
6. mini weekend vacations to random places I have never been before
7. experiencing things I have never experienced
8. having good conversation with friends I have lost touch with
9. riding in the car with windows down singing my favorite songs
10. cooking for people I love
11. at times I love girl time . . .  coffee, girl talk, desperate housewives, bachelor, and anything that doesn't have to do with the guys ; )
12. watching my favorite movies over and over again
13. playing card games
14. having alone time
15. going to weddings
16. planning events/vacations/day trips . . . just planning in general
17. a little coffee with my cream and sugar
18. clean sheets and warm towels just out of the dryer
19. having people in my life I can trust
20. feeling wanted/needed
21. getting compliments
22. being made to feel special and irreplaceable
23. visiting a church and being made to feel like you have known them your whole life
24. being with someone and not feeling like you have to say anything
25. diet coke
26. decorating for Christmas
27. flowers
28. pictures
29. hearing a baby laugh and watching them smile
30. hearing the words "i love you"
31. going different places and doing things without a time frame
32. looking around in target or hobby lobby

When I really started thinking about it I realized that there is a lot in my life that makes me happy. I am growing daily and by surrounding myself with those people I want to be like is truly helping me in that process of becoming a strong Christians.  I am blessed to have such a wonderful life, family, friends, and the start of a great church family.