January...Where have you gone?

So this morning after dropping my little buddy off at school the sister starts in on "When is summer coming?".  She has asked no fewer than 5 times in the last two weeks when we can go swimming at Uncle Kevin's house. So as I am trying to calculate how many more sleeps it will be until summer is here. I realize that January is almost over. It's kind of depressing. We haven't had a snow storm here yet. Our house is still on the market. And I'm way behind on some of my goals.

That being said. This month has had quite a few good great things. We have had 6 showings on the house, one really low offer. But still faithful in knowing God has a plan for us and where we are going.

 I got put on-call. I bought some super cute work shoes.

We spent an afternoon at the Superbowl village.

Mr D and I officially became members at The Creek.

I dressed up like a cowgirl and spent an entire morning with my favorite cowboy and a bunch of other kindergarten children.

I haven't done such a great job on my "goals". I'm still not super stretchy or limber. I have however connected with a dear friend and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast with her gorgeous face. I have read my bible on a almost daily basis. (I'm on track with my reading plan). I didn't finish my 30 day photo challenge. But hey I did a pretty decent job.

I have given in and started buying things I've been wanting for a while for the house. Just bought all new bedding. And contrary to Mr. D's belief that these puppies only existed in the 80's, I found one and love it.

So...How has 2012 been treating you?

30 Day Photo Challenge Day 29

This picture makes me smile for several reasons. The memory of this day and how awesome the kids thought it was to have mommma paint a smile face on the wall. It's a classic example of my marriage too. I thought it was silly and not a huge deal, the hubs was all "You'll be able to see that once we paint over it". There are days I wish that were true. Just like in this picture the smile is faint, you have to look to see it. I think life is that way sometimes too. Sometimes the smile isn't just standing there right in front of you, but it's there if you really stop and look....

Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile

30 Day Photo Challenge Day 28

I don't know where this comes from but yes white vans freak me out. I am most freaked out by the one's without windows. Just creepy!

Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of

30 Day Photo Challenge Day 24

Something I wish I could change would be diabetes. I wish I could forget it. I wish it didn't exist. But one thing I couldn't live without would be my pump.

Day 24 A picture of something you wish you could change.

30 Day Photo Challenge Day 23

OK this isn't my nook, but it was too hard for me to pick a favorite book. I love love love to read, and every time I read a new book it suddenly becomes my favorite until I read another. Some of my favorite titles are What Dreams May Come (although I liked the movie better), Shelter Me (sad, but worth the read), Twilight series (need I say more?),and Belong to Me.

30 Day Photo Challenge Day 22

Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at

Yoga  Playing the Piano  Cooking

Blogging  Singing  Gardening

Sewing  Photography  Saving Money

30 Day Photo Challenge Day 21

I don't have a picture of something I would like to forget.

 There are lots of things in my life that have sucked, but in each of those I have been brought closer to God and to the place where He would have me to be.

I'm a firm believer in the saying that everything happens for a reason, and in my own life I don't need to know the reason, I don't need to forget it. Mistakes are made in order to learn. Tragedies happen in life and we may never know why, but they do teach us about ourselves and others, and if we listen closely enough they will teach us about the love that Jesus has for us.

Just as I'm sure that Joseph would have loved to forget that he was pushed into the well, sold into slavery, or put in prison, he learned that even in the darkest of places, God could see him.

Even in my darkest places and in times of embarrassment or regret, I know that God sees me and wants me to know that He is there. He wants me to learn and to turn to Him, and that is something I hope to never forget.

30 Day Photo Challenge Day 20

I've been to Disney World several times and always can't wait to go back. I guess right now in my life I would love to go a lot of places, but I would pick a place where we can all have fun and magic together as a family.

 

Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel

30 Day Photo Challenge Day 19

Day 19 - A picture and a letter

A letter? What kind of letter? Like an ABC letter? Like a Dear Ann letter? I don't know so I'm gonna go with the ABC kind of letter. Drum roll please.... The letter I pick is T. I pick T because it is the initial that my mother in law used for all three of her boys. I used it 4 times naming my son. And because a little t reminds me of a cross. So friends today is brought to you by the letter.....

30 Day Photo Challenge Day 18

Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity

OK, so we are friends right?
I hate to tell y'all this but I have a only a few select peeps that I would share what my biggest insecurities are, let alone post them for all to see. Therefore this post will be sans pictures.

But I will share with you a couple things that I am absolutely not insecure about.

1. My teeth. More specifically my bottom teeth. They are not in a perfect straight line. In fact they are far from straight, even though I spent an obscene amount of time in braces. I think that they give my smile character. My top teeth are a different story all together.....

2. My stretch marks. The lower half of my belly is covered in stretch marks. They go side to side and up and down. I didn't realize I had stretch marks when I was preggos, couldn't see below my belly button and Mr. D didn't have the heart to tell me. But I can tell you that if I could have another baby I'd take triple the stretch marks....in a heartbeat.

30 Day Photo Challenge Day 17

I would absolutely say that having our house on the market has had a huge impact on my life recently. From packing to unpacking, house hunting, cleaning, showing, crying with excitement and crying with frustration. After about 5 months now of being on, off, and back on the market, I feel really serene. I've learned how to get the house in tip top shape in no time flat for a showing. I've  learned that I am in no way in control of this situation. It is kind of scary to think I'm not sure that we will be living here much longer, or to not know if our dream house will still be available for us to buy. It's all God and right now I'm OK with that.



Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently



30 Day Photo Challenge Day 16 Plus a Generic Update

Fearsomely creative title for this post...don't ya think?

Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you.

Well I have no picture for today.....Mostly because I'm a slacker. The last few days have been crazy. It all started on Friday with the power going out. Yes it was freezing and it was out for six hours, basically shot my day. Saturday afternoon, between working two 12-hour shifts we had a showing on the house. Not sure if it was promising yet or not. We were blessed to be able to attend Foundation Class at The Creek on Sunday. Which meant less sleep on Sunday but incredibly worth it. Then today we had another showing, only to find that they didn't like the layout of our house. So I spent the morning cleaning then the rest of the day out of the house. Granted I spent it with two of my favorite people, the Momma and Pop. But laying around in my PJs all day sounded pretty good.

Anywhoo, back to the someone who inspires me. I'm inspired by so many people. Most of them are women. I'm super inspired by my mom for so many reasons I can't even begin to type them. She is simply an amazing woman, full of love, creativity, and generosity. I'm inspired by most all of the women in my family. My mother has two amazing sisters and they are equally amazing Aunts. The love they have for their daughters and the strength they have shown through the trials in their lives have been something to be admired. My Grandmothers are amazing as well. They are two of the greatest women I have ever met. They have encouraged and loved me when I needed it most.

30 Day Photo Challenge Day 15

The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center
Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die 

Someday....I would love to see this. Isn't it every girl's dream to be a ballerina?

30 Day Photo Challenge Day 14

I never want to imagine my life without these three people....
Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without



30 Day Photo Challenge Day 13

It was just too hard to pick one....from left to right top to bottom.

Phil Coulter

 Pink

 Brittney

Eminem

 Adelle

Tom Petty

Foo Fighters

 Nickelback

Tim McGraw

CCR

 Oasis

Alabama

Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist

30 DaY Photo Challenge Day 12

Day 12 : A picture of something I love.....my family as depicted by Peanut, age 4. Darby is even there in the top right corner :)

30 Day Photo Challenge Day 11

I hate eosinophilic esophagitis
Day 11 A picture of something you hate.

 Very high magnification micrograph of eosinophilic esophagitis

Tebowing

This morning when I was driving home from school drop off the topic of conversation on the radio was that of Tim Tebow. I don't know much about the guy. I'm a foot ball fan, but had somehow missed who this guy was for awhile, until our pastor mentioned him a few months ago. Now you can't turn on the news without hearing about it or people and their opinions on "Tebowing". So if everyone can give their opinion on it so can I......

It started this week when Wyatt brought home a book from school. The teacher puts these books together and they include kindergarten versions of special events. This last one was the story of Thanksgiving. Now Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday to celebrate. I love the time of year, I love the food, I love the idea of everyone coming together celebrating each other and giving thanks. I also love Thanksgiving because my family has a special connection to the first. I have a (to many to count) Great Grandfather, John Howland, that was on the Mayflower and signed the Mayflower Compact. That trip was made so that those folks could worship in the way they wanted to....not the way somebody told them to.

I think if Tim Tebow should want to worship, give thanks, praise God, or spread the Word. He should be allowed to do so as he wants. Just as I feel that if my child wants to pray in school he should be able to. We as a country accommodate everyone and everything. We bend over backwards to make sure our "freedom of speech" is protected. I love that people are talking about him and the the whole act of "Tebowing". Maybe just maybe some young child who is scared of what his friends will think will see how cool Tebow is. Regardless of what team he belongs to and even though I am a "blue" blooded Colts fan, I know that Tim Tebow and I are on the same team.

30 Day Photo Challenge Day 10

Yes, I do have a real picture of this fabulous lady, but instead I chose to give you my interpretation. My partner in crime friend K. My kiddos call her Nana although we are no relation other than through Christ. Even saying that, some of the strangest things happen when I'm with this gal. I laugh so hard random liquid (ex. hot chocolate) comes out of my nose. We have participated in spit ball battles, seen powdered donut balls fly through the air, and been involved in wars where gaseous weapons were fired. We have even saved folks from a burning building.

I tell you folks, if you can find a friend like this, hold on to them. Or at least watch them really close. You might end up in the trunk of their car, or worse yet attached on the hood wearing goggles and sitting in a  lawn chair....wink, wink.

Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most ****** up things with

30 Day Photo Challenge Day 9

There really isn't a picture of the person who has gotten me through the most in my life. But this picture represents what He has done for me. I thought about people that I am surrounded by that have gotten me through so many things, my hubs, my family, my friends, but really all these people were put in my life by Him and used by Him to help me along my path. So reality is.... Jesus has gotten me through it all.

30 Day Photo Challenge Day 8

This makes me laugh every time....


Photo courtesy of my little buddy and his budding photography skills
Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh



30 Day Photo Challenge Day 7

One of my most treasured items.....Phillipians 4:6-7

 

30 Day Photo Challenge Day 6

Because who wouldn't want to be a princess for a day?

Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day

30 Day Photo Challenge Day 5

I actually have two favorite memories. But this pic sums them up best. My completed family, the hubs, our buddy and a brand new little sweet pea. Mr. D with a deer in headlights look cracks me up here too. (I'm not one of those mom's who looks good immediately after delivery so I'm on the other side of this photo, but I promise you I was there.)

Day 5-A picture of a favorite memory.

30 Day Photo Challenge Day 4

A Picture of my night.

This isn't everynight, but I love this pic from a Sunday night last fall.