HAHAHAHA! I know what y'all are thinking...30 Day Blog Challenge?
It's Ok...we all should've known that a 30 day blogging challenge for me would actually take about 45-60 days.
BUT, I'm determined not to quit! So, you will at least get 30 blog posts.
Sorry for the delay...soon after the last post, my work exploded...this week both of my bosses are on vacation...so I've been able to get caught up. Being busy at work is good...being so busy that I can barely breathe is not good.
Day 6 - What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?
I thought this was actually Day 5's topic...and I already had this post written in my head two weeks ago...so here goes.
The day before it had stormed...nothing horrific...just a regular, ordinary summer storm...lightning, thunder, rain. I woke up the next morning and just marveled about how beautiful the morning was. The sun was out...the birds were chirping...everything looked clean and bright.
And that's what I feel about the hardest things I've experienced.
I could make a list of them right here...but in my mind, the hardest things that I've experienced have been some of the greatest joys...once the storm passed. Maybe I'm avoiding the topic, but really and truly I don't want to relive them...in real life or here in this blog.
I want to focus on the beauty after the storm...the warm sunshine...the beautiful song...how everything looked clean and bright.
Focusing and reliving the hardest things in our lives will only continue to bring us sorrow, grief, pain...but when we focus on the morning after the storm, we can find the joy that comes after the sorrow.
I'm always thankful for the sunshine after the storm.
Have a great weekend, my friends!
Friday, June 29, 2012
Friday, June 15, 2012
Just a moment...
I just tucked in my almost 16 year old son. We were watching TV & he just conked out on the couch. As I was pulling a blanket up over his shoulders, I went back in time...and all of the sudden he wasn't almost 16...he was almost 6...and I was sneaking back in his room after he was asleep to check on him. Or for one brief moment I was standing by his crib...watching his even breathing and marveling at the thought that this was my kid. As crazy as it is most days to think that I have an almost 16 year old kid...I am often more amazed & humbled that God chose me to be his Mom.
Tonight I was given a rare gift...to watch my son sleep for just a moment. Thank you Lord for blessing me with this child & with this simple moment.
Tonight I was given a rare gift...to watch my son sleep for just a moment. Thank you Lord for blessing me with this child & with this simple moment.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 5
What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
I have a lot of things that make me happy in my life...but these are the five I choose for this blog post. :)
1. Watching the little birds that have hatched in my hanging basket grow. They have grown so fast and I know it's just a matter of time before they move on and leave the nest. I have so loved watching them go from egg to hatchlings to quickly growing birds.
2. Dylan went "antique-ing" yesterday and bought this clock...he claims that its for my birthday...I'm not so sure about that. But I do love the clock. :)
And yes...it's hanging in my kitchen. I think I love the fact that it buzzes from the electricity running through the lights most of all.
3. Getting e-mails from my BFF that have things like this in them...
Because that it is really us! ;)
4. Summer - I don't think this needs any explanation.
5. All of my kiddos - Dylan, Alyson & Ayden (I claim the niece & nephew as mine as often as I can)...even when Ayden doesn't want to be my friend...but is happy to go on and on about his truck and how he wants to "hook something on it". Even when they are being the worst versions of their little selves (well, big self when you are talking about Dylan!), they always make me happy! :)
Happy Thursday...hold on, friends...weekend's almost here!
I have a lot of things that make me happy in my life...but these are the five I choose for this blog post. :)
1. Watching the little birds that have hatched in my hanging basket grow. They have grown so fast and I know it's just a matter of time before they move on and leave the nest. I have so loved watching them go from egg to hatchlings to quickly growing birds.
2. Dylan went "antique-ing" yesterday and bought this clock...he claims that its for my birthday...I'm not so sure about that. But I do love the clock. :)
And yes...it's hanging in my kitchen. I think I love the fact that it buzzes from the electricity running through the lights most of all.
3. Getting e-mails from my BFF that have things like this in them...
Because that it is really us! ;)
4. Summer - I don't think this needs any explanation.
5. All of my kiddos - Dylan, Alyson & Ayden (I claim the niece & nephew as mine as often as I can)...even when Ayden doesn't want to be my friend...but is happy to go on and on about his truck and how he wants to "hook something on it". Even when they are being the worst versions of their little selves (well, big self when you are talking about Dylan!), they always make me happy! :)
Happy Thursday...hold on, friends...weekend's almost here!
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 4
Yesterday, there was just not any extra time for blogging...and my laptop is still in a thousand pieces...so it just didn't happen.
Today I'm listing 10 things I would tell my 16-year old self, if I could.
1. Mailboxes are often way closer to your bumper than you think.
2. Stick to your beliefs and morals - no matter what. Don't let anyone sway you from what you believe in.
3. When you do stray away from what you believe in, it's OK...God has a plan for it all.
4. Credit cards are really not a good idea.
5. Your best friend now will not be your best friend later...but God has already introduced you to your best friend later...and she's awesomer.
6. Some life experiences are not going to be fun...to be honest, they are gonna be really hard. But when it's all said and done, life is good.
7. If you ever go looking for your heart's desire, don't look any further than your own backyard.
OK - maybe I stole that one from Dorothy...
8. You really will like your sister one day.
9. You are way stronger and way smarter than you give yourself credit for being.
10. Really & seriously...don't slack off in your senior year. I mean, you will do OK...but you can do better.
:)
Today I'm listing 10 things I would tell my 16-year old self, if I could.
1. Mailboxes are often way closer to your bumper than you think.
2. Stick to your beliefs and morals - no matter what. Don't let anyone sway you from what you believe in.
3. When you do stray away from what you believe in, it's OK...God has a plan for it all.
4. Credit cards are really not a good idea.
5. Your best friend now will not be your best friend later...but God has already introduced you to your best friend later...and she's awesomer.
6. Some life experiences are not going to be fun...to be honest, they are gonna be really hard. But when it's all said and done, life is good.
7. If you ever go looking for your heart's desire, don't look any further than your own backyard.
OK - maybe I stole that one from Dorothy...
8. You really will like your sister one day.
9. You are way stronger and way smarter than you give yourself credit for being.
10. Really & seriously...don't slack off in your senior year. I mean, you will do OK...but you can do better.
:)
Sunday, June 10, 2012
30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 3
Describe your relationship with your parents.
I feel like I have a really good relationship with my parents...especially considering I lived with them until just four years ago! That's not to say that I don't get aggravated with them...but it's just little stuff - nothing major. I'm thankful to have great parents that have been great role models and have been so good to me & Dylan!
:)
I feel like I have a really good relationship with my parents...especially considering I lived with them until just four years ago! That's not to say that I don't get aggravated with them...but it's just little stuff - nothing major. I'm thankful to have great parents that have been great role models and have been so good to me & Dylan!
Saturday, June 9, 2012
30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 2
Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
I can't say that I have a lot of fears. That's not to say that I'm overly brave or courageous...or even "fearless". But I honestly can't think of one single thing that keeps me from doing something else. That being said...these are three fears that I have...
#1 - Falling down the steps at work - our office has a basement with additional offices that is accessed by a stair case they added on when they finished the basement. The stairs are VERY steep and I have this fear that I am one day going to fall down them. Knowing that the basement floor is a concrete slab doesn't help at all.
#2 - I am scared of the dark - for real. I don't know why I am, but I've never been a fan of the dark. I try not to go outside of my house at night, unless it's to my car under the carport with the light on. You never know what's lurking out there.
#3 - Spiders, snakes, mice, rodents of any kind - I don't mind seeing these things, behind glass or from afar...but I don't want to see them in my house or around my house. We had our first snake (that I'm aware of) this year...I had to have Dylan kill it...although everyone told me I should've left him because it was a black snake and black snakes eat mice & rats. All I could think about was the little baby bunnies that had been hanging out in my flower bed, as well as the baby birds ready to hatch any day.
I can't say that I have a lot of fears. That's not to say that I'm overly brave or courageous...or even "fearless". But I honestly can't think of one single thing that keeps me from doing something else. That being said...these are three fears that I have...
#1 - Falling down the steps at work - our office has a basement with additional offices that is accessed by a stair case they added on when they finished the basement. The stairs are VERY steep and I have this fear that I am one day going to fall down them. Knowing that the basement floor is a concrete slab doesn't help at all.
#2 - I am scared of the dark - for real. I don't know why I am, but I've never been a fan of the dark. I try not to go outside of my house at night, unless it's to my car under the carport with the light on. You never know what's lurking out there.
#3 - Spiders, snakes, mice, rodents of any kind - I don't mind seeing these things, behind glass or from afar...but I don't want to see them in my house or around my house. We had our first snake (that I'm aware of) this year...I had to have Dylan kill it...although everyone told me I should've left him because it was a black snake and black snakes eat mice & rats. All I could think about was the little baby bunnies that had been hanging out in my flower bed, as well as the baby birds ready to hatch any day.
Friday, June 8, 2012
30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 1
I have decided to join in on a 30 Day Blog Challenge that my friend Rachel is doing on her blog! She's a few days ahead of me...but I wasn't able to start when she did! I'm hoping this will get me back in the blogging world! :)
20 Random Facts about me...this is a toughie...because I put random stuff about me on here all the time. But I'll try! :)
1. My first plane ride ever was from Greensboro NC to Winston-Salem NC. If you know anything about NC at all, it only takes 20-30 minutes to DRIVE from Greensboro to Winston-Salem...and I do believe the flight was about the same time! I did this through Girl Scouts and it was BIG deal back then!
2. I went to California when I was 9. California is the only West Coast state I have ever visited.
3. I have been to the Louisville Slugger bat factory...TWICE. Ironically, it's no longer based in Lousiville, KY...but is actually in Indiana...just over the bridge from Louisville. The best part? They send you home with a miniature wooden Louisville Slugger bat. Of course, that was years ago (I was in high school)...so not sure if they still do that or not.
4. My first friend was a girl named Amy who lived across the street. I was so sad the year that she moved away and always wondered what happened to her. Last year, we had both joined a prayer chain/group on Facebook and she sent me a message! I was so excited to hear from her!
5. I do not like milk. I will drink chocolate milk, but that is all. Regular milk just seems gross to me.
6. I can still remember going to see my sister in the hospital when she was born. I don't remember it exactly, but pieces and parts. That was over 30 years ago!
7. My kindergarten teacher was named Mrs. Nutt and her assistant was Mr. Baldwin.
8. I had to get stitches in my upper lip when I was about three years old. I rolled off the couch into a coffee table & split my lip. I still have a small scar where it happend.
9. I don't remember how old I was, but I cracked the bone around my eye once...from jumping on the bed! It really is dangerous!! For many years, I could feel the crack...but now it appears to have fused itself back together.
10. My first broken bone (other than my eye) was my arm...when I was 31. I tripped over a curb going into a pizza place and landed on my palms. When I did that, I cracked the tip of the bone that allows you to twist your arm (the radius?). Fortunately, this is a quick heal; although I still have some trouble with it from time to time.
11. When I was younger, I had a recurring nightmare that the Wicked Witch from The Wizard of Oz kidnapped me.
12. I really wanted to learn how to play the violin when I was younger. Just recently, Alyson said that SHE wanted to learn to play the violin! :)
13. If & when Dylan & I ever get a dog, we are naming him/her "Muddy". Muddy was the name of one of Dylan's imaginary friends when he was little...and Muddy was always getting into trouble. Not as much as his best imaginary friend, Chuck...but Muddy was a trouble maker. I even blamed something on Muddy once!
14. I always wanted blue eyes...although I am quite content with my brown ones for now.
15. My favorite book series of all time is Anne of Green Gables. I have read the entire series multiple times.
16. My grandfather was a POW during World War II for 44 days; however, he wasn't "officially" recognized until I was a teenager. He also earned a Purple Heart. His leg was permanenty damaged by shrapnel and he wore a specially made shoe with a lift that the VA provided him.
17. My first car was a Buick Skyhawk...which my sister totalled when she was 16.
18. I have hit at least 3 mailboxes in my driving experience...possibly 4. I just can't remember exactly how many. Mostly I backed into them. I now have a phobia towards backing into mailboxes.
19. I love Scooby Doo.
20. I think Kevin Bacon is ugly.
OK - that was 20 random things...you would not believe how long it took for me to come up with that list! I hope that the next 29 days are a little easier! ;)
1. My first plane ride ever was from Greensboro NC to Winston-Salem NC. If you know anything about NC at all, it only takes 20-30 minutes to DRIVE from Greensboro to Winston-Salem...and I do believe the flight was about the same time! I did this through Girl Scouts and it was BIG deal back then!
2. I went to California when I was 9. California is the only West Coast state I have ever visited.
3. I have been to the Louisville Slugger bat factory...TWICE. Ironically, it's no longer based in Lousiville, KY...but is actually in Indiana...just over the bridge from Louisville. The best part? They send you home with a miniature wooden Louisville Slugger bat. Of course, that was years ago (I was in high school)...so not sure if they still do that or not.
4. My first friend was a girl named Amy who lived across the street. I was so sad the year that she moved away and always wondered what happened to her. Last year, we had both joined a prayer chain/group on Facebook and she sent me a message! I was so excited to hear from her!
5. I do not like milk. I will drink chocolate milk, but that is all. Regular milk just seems gross to me.
6. I can still remember going to see my sister in the hospital when she was born. I don't remember it exactly, but pieces and parts. That was over 30 years ago!
7. My kindergarten teacher was named Mrs. Nutt and her assistant was Mr. Baldwin.
8. I had to get stitches in my upper lip when I was about three years old. I rolled off the couch into a coffee table & split my lip. I still have a small scar where it happend.
9. I don't remember how old I was, but I cracked the bone around my eye once...from jumping on the bed! It really is dangerous!! For many years, I could feel the crack...but now it appears to have fused itself back together.
10. My first broken bone (other than my eye) was my arm...when I was 31. I tripped over a curb going into a pizza place and landed on my palms. When I did that, I cracked the tip of the bone that allows you to twist your arm (the radius?). Fortunately, this is a quick heal; although I still have some trouble with it from time to time.
11. When I was younger, I had a recurring nightmare that the Wicked Witch from The Wizard of Oz kidnapped me.
12. I really wanted to learn how to play the violin when I was younger. Just recently, Alyson said that SHE wanted to learn to play the violin! :)
13. If & when Dylan & I ever get a dog, we are naming him/her "Muddy". Muddy was the name of one of Dylan's imaginary friends when he was little...and Muddy was always getting into trouble. Not as much as his best imaginary friend, Chuck...but Muddy was a trouble maker. I even blamed something on Muddy once!
14. I always wanted blue eyes...although I am quite content with my brown ones for now.
15. My favorite book series of all time is Anne of Green Gables. I have read the entire series multiple times.
16. My grandfather was a POW during World War II for 44 days; however, he wasn't "officially" recognized until I was a teenager. He also earned a Purple Heart. His leg was permanenty damaged by shrapnel and he wore a specially made shoe with a lift that the VA provided him.
17. My first car was a Buick Skyhawk...which my sister totalled when she was 16.
18. I have hit at least 3 mailboxes in my driving experience...possibly 4. I just can't remember exactly how many. Mostly I backed into them. I now have a phobia towards backing into mailboxes.
19. I love Scooby Doo.
20. I think Kevin Bacon is ugly.
OK - that was 20 random things...you would not believe how long it took for me to come up with that list! I hope that the next 29 days are a little easier! ;)
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Catching up...
How bad is it that I couldn't remember the last thing I posted on my blog??? I had to go read it...and realized that I closed it out with "Hope you have a wonder Wednesday"...not wonderFUL...just wonder.
*sigh*
Anyway...I would love to tell you that I've just been so busy that I haven't had time to blog, but that's not quite the truth. Other than this past weekend, I've really done NOTHING over the past few weeks. Although, to be fair, I can only blog at work...since my computer currently looks like this:
Our power connector broke (literally)...so it seemed cheaper to just replace the part. And it is...except that you have to take the entire thing apart to switch it out! I'm hoping to get this resolved quickly!
Anywho...I finally have my flower beds complete and I am loving how they turned out! All of the hosta in the big flower bed I already had...we just spread it out...and I sent some home with my mom...and I'll probably have to split them again next year! They are HUGE!
This past weekend, we had the opportunity to go to the beach. A few weeks ago I had noticed an opening in my schedule (which is rare during the summer!) and I planned us a short get away! Plus, Dylan was exempt from his exams...so we didn't have to come home until Monday!
We went to the aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores, which is teeny tiny, but we had fun!
All in all, it was a good break...a good getaway...we laughed a lot, got some sun and I read a lot on my new Nook...which I am in love with! :)
Tomorrow, I am going to begin a 30 Day Blog Challenge that my friend Rachel is doing over on her blog. So...*fingers crossed*...you will be seeing a lot of me here on the blog over the next month! I know you can not contain your excitement! ;)
Have a great Thursday!
*sigh*
Anyway...I would love to tell you that I've just been so busy that I haven't had time to blog, but that's not quite the truth. Other than this past weekend, I've really done NOTHING over the past few weeks. Although, to be fair, I can only blog at work...since my computer currently looks like this:
Our power connector broke (literally)...so it seemed cheaper to just replace the part. And it is...except that you have to take the entire thing apart to switch it out! I'm hoping to get this resolved quickly!
Anywho...I finally have my flower beds complete and I am loving how they turned out! All of the hosta in the big flower bed I already had...we just spread it out...and I sent some home with my mom...and I'll probably have to split them again next year! They are HUGE!
We also have found some sweet baby bunnies in our flower bed that liked to hid under the hosta...but we haven't seen them over the last week or so! I choose to believe they have relocated themselves! As you can see though, they are very friendly...or just too scared of the big kid trying to pet them!
And...we have a next of baby birds in one of the hanging baskets on my porch!
This pic only shows two of them hatched...but I believe now they all have hatched! It's kind of hard to tell...there's a lot of pink fuzziness in that nest! :)
This past weekend, we had the opportunity to go to the beach. A few weeks ago I had noticed an opening in my schedule (which is rare during the summer!) and I planned us a short get away! Plus, Dylan was exempt from his exams...so we didn't have to come home until Monday!
We went to the aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores, which is teeny tiny, but we had fun!
This is a pic as we are going from Emerald Isle back to the "mainland"...the intercoastal waterway...
On Sunday, we went to Hammocks Beach...which is a state park on Bear Island. It is undeveloped and only accessible by boat or ferry. It was an ABSOLUTELY gorgeous day and I love that not many people go out to Hammocks Beach! There were a few other people out there with us, but we had a good bit of space just for us!
All in all, it was a good break...a good getaway...we laughed a lot, got some sun and I read a lot on my new Nook...which I am in love with! :)
Tomorrow, I am going to begin a 30 Day Blog Challenge that my friend Rachel is doing over on her blog. So...*fingers crossed*...you will be seeing a lot of me here on the blog over the next month! I know you can not contain your excitement! ;)
Have a great Thursday!
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