'Happy Birthday!' Oh wait. It's not my Birthday!

Last night we had a wonderful time with our friends, Christy and Jason. Christy and I have been best friends for around 10 years, and she and Jason are expecting a baby in July!

We went to this great Mexican restaurant and then hung out at their house playing Wii. (By the way, I want one of those!) After dinner, we were waiting on our checks, and we were just chatting. All the sudden, Christy gets this funny look on her face. Just as I say, "what?" a huge sombrero comes down on my head and every waiter in the place starts singing in Spanish! We were all laughing hysterically! The funniest part was, it wasn't even my Birthday! Good times.

Daddy Dearest

My dad (age 70) went to have his annual physical on Tuesday. They did an EKG on him, and it came back abnormal. They didn't say exactly what it was, but they referred him to a cardiologist. He's been going through a series of test this week, and we find out Friday if it is anything to be alarmed about.

Now, if you know my daddy, you know that even at age 70, he is the hardest worker around. He works at McDonald's doing maintenance and groundswork, and he unloads all of the trucks all by himself...up and down stairs to the basement. His work is very strenuous. He can run cirles around those teenagers! Literally! He is amazing. And yet, he has never had one health problem. Nope, not one. He is extremely healthy for his age, and I am so thankful.

But, it is never far from my mind that Daddy is getting older. He won't be around too many more years, and that absolutely terrifies me. So, to hear news like this is almost devastating because my head starts saying, "it's happening. He's getting closer and closer to leaving you." Crazy, huh? What can I say? He's my daddy, and I am a Daddy's girl. I am truly thankful that God has allowed us to avoid any major health issues with my parents, and that he is 70 years old and he is JUST NOW having to have an EKG! But, I still fear.

Please pray. Pray for his health. Pray for me. Pray for my momma.

Thanks.

Leviticus 1-4

I'm starting this a little late, but I am attempting to read the Bible in one year. I am following the plan in my Bible. Today's reading was Lev. 1-4.

Sometimes reading the Bible, especially the Old Testament, can be boring. It is easy to read the words, but not pay attention or understand the meaning. Particularly in the OT, it sometimes seems as if it has nothing to do with our world today, because it took place before Christ. For example, today I read about animal sacrifices. This doesn't have an obvious application to my life today. But, as I thought about it, here is what I realized.

I am so thankful that animal sacrifices are not required any longer, because Jesus Christ took the place of ALL sacrifices!

God does speak to us, just as he spoke to Moses. That doesn't change. Just because we might not run into a burning bush talking doesn't mean He doesn't speak!

God deserves our very best! At that time, their best was their flocks and herds!
That is how they lived, so sacrificing a perfect, flawless animal was like us sacrificing our great jobs, homes, and all of our income!

Dear Lord,
Thank you for sending your SON to die for my sins, even though I am undeserving. Thank you for giving YOUR son as a sacrifice so that we wouldn't have to worry about the sacrifice! Thank you, God, for speaking to us. Sometimes we fail to hear you, and I am sorry. please speak to me today, and open my ears, heart, and mind, to hear what you are saying. Give me the strength and courage to obey! God, I know that I rarely give you my best. I barely give you anything at all! Forgive me! Help me to learn your expectations of me, and help me to meet them as best I can. Help me to remember that nothing I have is mine, but it all belongs to YOU!

In Jesus' name. Amen!

Fireproof

a href="http://photobucket.com/images/fireproof" target="_blank">

It's no secret that I absolutely LOVE this movie. I love it so much, in fact, that I HAD to go out in the rain last night (the day it came out) to buy it. I cried just as much the 2nd time as I did in the theatre! This is a very powerful movie, and I highly recommend it...married or not!

For more info, click here.

I've been corrupted

Brandon is a huge gamer. He loves all kinds of video games. And I (of course) tend to loathe them, especially his violent ones. I have never been into games ever since the Super Nintendo was discontinued. However, I have gotten a little addicted to the Tomb Raider games for Xbox360. Brandon had TR Legend and TR Anniversary, and while we lived with my parents and stayed home all the time, I tried them out and got hooked.

For Christmas, he got the brand new TR game (Underworld). I love this game! It is quite difficult, but so much fun. :-)

One of Obama's first measures

This doesn't come as a surprise, but President Obama has officially done away with the abortion law that bans the U.S. from giving funds internationally to other countries that perform abortions and provide information on planned parenthood. This is exactly why I didn't vote for him. Historic? Yes! And it IS great that America can vote someone into office who is other than white (although I don't think it was "regardless of color." People just want it to seem that way.), but the man has no morals. Ok, I should say instead that his morals do not match up with the Bible. The Bible is VERY clear about this issue, and I obviously amd VERY passionate about it.

Do I feel sorry for a woman who becomes pregnant from a situation she had no control over, such as rape? Of course! But I also believe in an amazing God who NEVER allows us to be faced with something that HE will not give us the strength, courage, and love to overcome, without murdering an innocent child first. Do I feel sorry for a woman who is faced with a pregnancy that is endagering her own life, and is faced with the unbearable decision of her own life or her child's? Definitely! But I believe in a God who is more powerful, more faithful, and more healing than any medicine or procedure or doctor. Do I feel sorry for a woman who "accidentally" got pregnant? No way. I love her, but I do not feel sorry for her because she made that choice. When you choose to have sex, protected or not, you risk pregnancy. If you are not ready for that, no matter what the reason may be, it's simple...don't have sex! There is a 100% chance you won't get pregnant that way!

All that being said, I suppose this weighs so heavily on my heart because Brandon and I have been trying since June to get pregnant. Sometimes I think it will NEVER happen! I would give anything to be a mom, and yet there are people all over the place who are just killing their babies like they are a wart simply to be removed. This hurts me terribly! Some of you may say, "why don't you adopt?" Well, that's simple. I don't have 12 15 or 30 thousand dollars to just pass to someone. Adoption is ridiculously expensive. And while I think it is awesome for someone to take in a child who otherwise wouldn't have a home, not all can afford it. If I could, trust me, I would be in Bethany Christian Services' office tomorrow.

Brandon's a daddy

Don't get excited.



He's a "daddy" to his new favortie toy, a Vizio 42" LCD HDTV. I can't believe I let him talk me into this, but apparently I was too sick to argue!

Look what I can do!

Like the new layout? I am a little technologically illiterate, but I have finally figured out how to use a layout other than what blogger.com offers! Yay! Now, if someone could tell me how in the world to make a layout using personal photos....

A few accomplishments

Here are a few more accomplishments from my 101 in 1001!

38. Buy everyone something for Christmas. This was the 1st year since getting married that we have been able to buy for our families.

45. Fit everyone in for the holidays.

49. Make a difference in someone's life. Recently, God has (at least I think/hope) used me and my past troubles to minister to a great friend, and I hope I have been able to give her the love and support she needed in such a hard season of life.

51. Make Christmas goodies to share. I did a ridiculous amount of baking this year and loved it!

54. Send out Christmas cards.

Boy, it feels great to cross things off!

36. Buy him something

36. Buy Brandon something nice, just because.

Yeah...he got something REAL nice. That is, if you consider a new, 42" flat screen LCD HD Television nice, which I do. I hope you enjoy it, hun :P

18. Winter activities

I wanted to find things for us to do this winter instead of stayin in front of the TV. We haven't done a lot so far, but still, more than last year.

We did many Christmas activities, including but not limited to, the Opryland Hotel, baking cookies together, and lots of board games! And this weekend I bought some Play-doh for us to play with! (Get your mind out of the gutter!) I got the idea for a Play-Doh date from my friend Christy. I'm looking forward to having some childish fun! We also are planning to go to a Predators game this year! I am stoked since I have never been to one!!

My husband Rocks!

I have been very sick for the past week. Very flu-like symptoms. I have barely moved off of the couch other than to use the restroom, occasionally take a shower, and every once in a while pick up one of the huge messes of snotty tissues I left laying around (it's gross, I know, but when you're that sick you are NOT getting up to throw every single tissue away. I eventually had the trash can by the couch). So, for the past week, my amazing, wonderful, loving husband, has taken wonderful care of me. He would get off the couch just to get ME a drink, he basically made all of my meals for me...even a simple sandwich, he kept the house pretty clean, and I cannot tell you how many times he braved the cold to make "one more" trip to the store for more Kleenex, cough drops, or medicine. He even got out of bed one day after only 4 hours of sleep just to cook dinner because I didn't have the energy. And the best part is...he didn't complain about any of it!! Not even once! Yep, that's right, folks. I officially have the most AMAZING husband in the world! As a child might say, "my husband can kick your husband's butt!" Haha! Of course, I am partial :-)

Baby, thank you SO much for all you do, especially this past week! I love you so so much! I really appreciate you more than you know!

For more info on MHR Fridays, click here!

Illness = failure

Ok, so that's an exaggeration. But I totally fell off my goal-oriented wagon this week. I have been terribly sick (I am convinced it was the flu). While I am not at 100% just yet (probably another week or so), I am going back to work tomorrow, and I will get back on that wagon. I refuse to fail this time. I may fall off a million times. Heck, I might spend my whole year falling off, but I want to stay focused on getting back on that wagon. So, if I have to pick myself up every month, every week, or every day, I'll do it.

On the upside, my friend Bekah has been doing WW, and has lost 8 lbs! Congrats girl!!!

Our new President

Well I am home sick again today, so I decided to watch the inauguration. It all went pretty well, and I was impressed by Rick Warren's speech (of course, I'm partial). I was actually impressed that "Brother Rick" got as much respect as he did...I expected a lot of booing.

The one thing that disgusted me about the ceremony was when the Rev. giving the benediction (forgive me, I forgot his name) felt the need to go through all the "colors." My question is, why did he feel the need to say, "when white will do right?" Was that necessary? THAT is the kind of thing that angers me about the whole thing. All the sudden, I hear tons of comments that make it sound as if we are "below" them. That is uncalled for.

Other than that, I thought Obama's speech was well said, and for the most part it was non-partial or racial. I appreciated that.

My prayer for today is this:

Father,
I come to you with a heavy heart. There are so many emotions being passed around our country today. Joy, fear, anger, uncertainty. My prayer is that all citizens, no matter the color, will come to accept and respect one another. I ask that you guide all of us in helping us come together as a team, love one another, and work together to rise up out of our economic crises. I ask that you be with President Obama and his family. Protect them with your mighty hand from any harm. Guide him in every decision placed before him. I pray that he will be open to your Word, and will follow your direction. I pray that I am wrong. Lord, I trust you. I know that only you know what is in store for this country that is so quickly succumbing to sin...homosexuality, violence, hatred, racism, divorce, promiscuity, and so much more. Help our nation, God. We need you. Help me. Help me to know my place, and my part. Use me. Show me how to minister to those who I come in contact with. Help me to love everyone, especially those who are hardest to love.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

English Only

Most of you have heard on the news about the special ballot taking place, initiated by Eric Crafton, to make English the official language of Nashville. If this passes, businesses will not be allowed to post signs in any other language, and we will not pay for translation services for non-English speaking residents. What are your thoughts??

Personally, I hope it passes. Not because I have ANYTHING against people from other lands, and definitely not because I don't respect one's background. But, this is America. We speak English. My opinion is, if you want to become a citizen, it should be required to take English classes and pass extensive testing. If I go to Mexico or Spain or even France, whether it be on vacation or to live, I would be expected to learn that language. And I would have sense enough to do so. I know how frustrating it is to work in retail and other public places, and have to converse with people who don't know one word of English. And then they want to make YOU feel like the bad guy. I have a big heart (regardless of what some may think), and I would go to the ends of the earth to help anyone! But this would make it much easier. If you learn the language, you will have a much easier time, and so will everyone else!

I grew up in the most diverse home anyone could imagine. I grew up in a home with 12 "foster" kids, we'll call em, at a time...and they were from all different walks of life. All different countries. And I found their stories and backgrounds fascinating! However, if you want to live here, it would be common sense to learn the language, don't you think? At least try.

Memory

I am working on scripture memory. This is something I have never seemed to have time for. Isn't it odd how it seems so hard to make time for God's word, even when we want so badly to be closer to Him? Why is that? Why is ten or fifteen minutes out of my day for scripture so hard to find, but we find hours to watch tv, play video games, or shop? The better question would be, why is it that we simply DON"T make the time?

"Wait for the Lord. Be strong, take heart, and wait for the Lord." Psalm 27:14

National Fig Newton Day

Yep, you read right. Today is National Fig newton day! Go here for more info on funny holidays!

My Husband Rocks!

I stayed home sick today. After working hard ALL NIGHT LONG, my wonderful husband came home with cough medicine, cough drops, and popscicles for me, then made me a great breakfast (buttermilk pancakes, sausage links, and scrambles eggs...oh, and chocolate milk!), and now he's cleaning the house for me!!!!! I love you, baby. Thanks for taking care of me.

The road ahead

Ok, so my blogging has gone downhill lately...I apologize, I promise to do better! Truthfully, I have a hard time thinking of what to blog about. Hopefully I'm not the only one!

Brandon is shooting for a promotion at work. His dept's backup is possibly going to be leaving, and if he does, Brandon might get his spot, which would be great! He probably won't get a raise since he'll go from nights to days, but that's just it...he'll be back on days! And, that is the next step for him to get a Dept Manager position, which is the ultimate goal. He really deserves it, and I hope he gets it. He's been trying forever and they just won't cut him a break. So, I'm praying that this works out.

I may as well put it out there...Brandon and I are trying to start our family. It's not been easy, either. Without going into detail, I have some problems that are causing some obstacles for us. My mom had a LOT of problems (including 5 miscarriages and 18 years of trying before my sis was born), and I am praying that this isn't the case with me. I am on Prometrium and Clomid. No success last month, so we're going for round two. Send some baby dust this way....and prayers, too, of course.

Gov. Bredesen has decided to possibly lay off 2,000 state employees this year. I am praying VERY hard that this will not include me. Of course, that's what everyone is thinking. We will be in big trouble if I lose my job, especially if we get pregnant. BUT, I have faith that, no matter what happens, HE will provide! He is much more capable than we are! Praise God for that!

I have found myself drawing closer to God recently...developing a desire to really dig into the word. I've always wanted to REALLY study the Bible...the people, places, the history, etc. But I have never known where to start. So, I am working on something I have never done before (get ready to gasp). I am learning the books of the Bible for the first time. Yeah, I know. Pathetic, right? What kind of Christian AM I? I also am learning the authors and time periods of each book, as well as who it is directed toward, and what category they fit into (books of law, epistles, gospels, minor and major prophets, etc). So, wish me luck! :-)

Ten loves

1. Sunday afternoon naps
2. Jammies in the winter
3. Spiced tea
4. Text messages
5. Unexpected calls from friends
6. Sunday morning Worship!
7. Seeing old friends
8. Girl talk
9. When Brandon puts his arm around me in church...I think it's sweet.
10. The Warren Barfield album!

Random thoughts

1. I am not nearly as knowledgeable about the Bible as I should be, and I need to work on that.
2. I don't pray enough.
3. It's 9pm and I am kind of hungry.
4. My husband bought me fat free ice cream tonight :-)
5. I am loving my new Mp3 player
6. I'm thankful that My uncle Tommy is getting better each day!
7. It's so nice to have a home phone after 2.5 years of marriage!
8. I need "baby dust," as I have heard it called.
9. I need to log my Weight Watchers points for today.
10. I'm excited about going to TRBC in the am...I miss it.

Praise God!!! My Uncle Tommy (see previous post) has gotten some movement in his left side! This is amazing, and this proves that God is good, and miracles DO happen!

Rude awakening

So, I awoke this morning at 5:18am...on a Saturday. Really? You've GOT to be kidding me?! So, I rolled over to go back to sleep, and as I was attempting to drift back into dreamland, my husband starts talking to me. Let me put it this way...he wasn't speaking English....he was talking in is sleep! He does that sometimes. I tried to ignore him, so he started snoring. I covered my ears. Then he rolled over on TOP of me! He took up the whole stinkin bed! After 30 minutes, I decided it was no use, he was out of it and I didn't want to wake him (he'd been up for over 24 hours), so I crawled out of bed...and am now cleaning. Before 6am. Ugh. The joys of sharing your bed.


Those of you who are getting married and think it'll be sooo sweet and romantic to share your bed and go to sleep being held all night....BAHAHAHA!!! Boy are you in for a rude awakening...literally!

My Husband Rocks!

Brandon hasn't had the best life. He's had many many obstacles to overcome that a lot of us would never have to THINK about. This has always had a large affect on his life, and how he sees himself. However, I am thankful and proud of him because he could have turned out so much differently. He could have followed in the footsteps of his parents, but he hasn't. He has overcome the odds. And he is so thoughtful and loving. I am thankful that God turned his mess into a message!

Seriously???

Check this out.

Our Nation is falling apart (which I think is no coincidence...God's behind it all), and you want us to use our money to boost the SIN industry? Seriously?

Can people not wake up and see that God is trying to tell them something???

Disappointed

So, I weighed in this morning (on WW, you weigh in once a week), and was sad to see that I lost NOTHING this week! Nope. Not one ounce.

Normally, this is where I give up and convince myself that it isn't going to work. But, I am determined. Although this setback did steal some of my motivation, I am going to try using it as a motivator. So, this week, I am going to drink my water and pump up my exercise. Now, like I said, my main focus right now is deterring myself from sweets, which I have succeeded at so far. Water and exercise will come once I accomplish ridding myself of my sweet tooth. However, I can still work on it. I'm not going to start a solid exercise routine yet, but I am going to just move more. Maybe clean out my closets, do some hard cleaning, I have been walking for 15-20 minutes on my break, so I will pump that up, and take advantage of chilcare tonight by taking a much faster stroll with them. For now, I'll just do things I normally do, and just do it faster and harder. Baby steps. I do NOT want to overwhelm myself! Maybe this past week's efforts are just late showing up...maybe they will show up next week when I weigh in. We shall see.

So far...so hungry

Well, not really. So far I have done really well. I've made it almost a week with NO SWEETS! Well, other than a 100 calorie pack, but that doesn't count as sweets. And stop laughing hysterically..this is a big achievement for me, since I seem to think dessert is part of a balanced diet.

The first few days doing WW, I was absolutely starving...or so it seemed. I just couldn't get satisfied! It is taking my body some getting used to eating much smaller portions...normal portions. But it IS getting used to it! I almost gave into some ice cream last night, but resisted. Yay!

I would like to take a moment to say how thankful I am to my friend, Bekah. She has been such an encouragement to me, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. She's actually the one who convinced me to start WW again...without trying to convince me! She's always so motivated, and I am feeding off of her motivation. This seems much easier with a "weight loss buddy" to do it with. She's a great friend, and I am thankful for her. Thanks, girl. Love ya!

Here's to a healthier 2009 and a new me!

Cheesy Chili Mac

This is a dish from Weight Watchers, and it was great! Scoring in at only 5 points, this dish was very filling, and full of protein!


1 spray(s) cooking spray
2/3 pound(s) raw extra lean ground beef (I used a whole pound because that's what I had)
2 medium onion(s), chopped (this is a LOT of onion. I used 1/2 of a lg onion, and it was plenty...then again, I'm not an onion person)
29 oz canned stewed tomatoes, Mexican-style (undrained) (I used dices, and I liked it better)
2 1/2 cup(s) canned tomato juice (yes, juice, not sauce.)
4 oz canned green chili peppers, diced, drained
2 tsp chili powder
1 1/2 cup(s) uncooked macaroni, elbow
31 oz canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed (next time I think I'll use kidney or chili beans. Pintos were kinda mushy)
1/2 cup(s) low-fat shredded cheddar cheese



Coat a large skillet with cooking spray. Cook ground beef and onion over medium-high heat until meat is browned, about 10 minutes; drain off fat.
Stir in undrained stewed tomatoes including juice, tomato juice, chili peppers and chili powder; bring mixture to a boil.
Stir in macaroni and beans; return to boiling. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until macaroni is tender, about 15 minutes. Spoon chili into bowls and sprinkle with cheese. Yields about 1 cup of chili and 1 tablespoon of cheese per serving.

Click here for the official link.

Uncle T

I thought I would take advantage of the blogging world and ask for your prayers, and, if you don't mind, link this to other blogs to ask for their prayers as well.



My Uncle Tommy, who lives in Missouri, had a severe aneurysm this week. By God's grace, he survived! The neurosurgeon said that he has never seen someone survive such a bad bleed, but God is good! However, he is still in pretty bad shape. His left side is completely paralyzed, and he can't move much on his own. He is in St. John's Hospital, and he will be there for several months undergoing extremely intense physical therapy....8 hours a day!!! They are hopeful that he will regain 85% of his usage, and will escape with maybe just a slight drag in his foot.



This has been very hard on my aunt Maria. She has quit her job to stay with him, and is literally living in the hospital. She sleeps on the couch in the waiting room for an hour or so at a time, and washes up in the sink, while her friends bring her clean clothes (hopefully now that he is out of ICU and in a regular room, she'll be able to use his shower and sleep in his room). She is amazing, and an icon for what a wonderful wife is. She is completely selfless, and I admire that, and I hope that if something like this were to ever happen to Brandon, I could be that strong.



Anyway, I am asking for your prayers...for healing, and for strength. This is going to be a very intense few months for him and my aunt, and they need strength! Maria refuses to leave the hospital until he goes home.

"My Husband Rocks"

He sends me a text message every morning to tell me good morning, so I wake up to him even though he isn't there :-) And that rocks.