Finally

Praise God that I'm feeling better since my last post.  I went back to the doctor and changed medicines again, this time to have finally found one I think will work.  I am feeling more myself than I have the past six weeks.  I am still having bouts with anxiety but not anything compared to what I experienced a while back.  I  couldn't be more thankful to laugh again and look forward to life.  It's a process- but I see the light that I knew was coming!

Stay well, my friends.  I know there are some of you dealing with the flu or other viruses, and I hope you recover before the holidays.  I'm taking Vitamin C, drinking grape juice daily (read online it prevents the stomach virus), and am washing my hands a million times a day.  I'm determined that no sickness will keep me from my sweet niece and family on Christmas.

If I don't post before, Merry Christmas!  Let us always be thankful for life, regardless of the trials it entails, and cherish every single second.  Celebrate Jesus, who is the only hope we have of relieving this world of the evil that lives in it.  Praise God of His mercies and spread His joy!

Blessings...

It's Just Real Life

You may find this post different than most of my others.  I typically don't post things too personal and attempt to keep my blog light hearted and fun.  But, this is real.  And somtimes I think we aren't real often enough.  The truth is, my life isn't all rainbows and gumdrops.  I don't sit at home and make new pinterest projects or try out new recipes 24/7 like my blog may depict.  My reality is this:  I am a sufferer of generalized anxiety disorder.  It pains me to admit it, and I'm really not quite sure why I'm choosing to write about it.  I just feel like maybe someone somewhere will come across this post at just the right time and find some sort of light from my momentary troubles.  I don't know what God's plan is, but I feel led to share my thoughts.

If you've never experienced anxiety attacks or panic disorder, get on your knees and thank God now.  It is the most debilitating and miserable thing I have ever experienced in my lifetime.  We've all gotten stressed, frazzled, feel frantic, and want to scream.  Hear me loud and clear.  That is NOT what I speak of here.  When you feel you have lost touch with all reality, struggle to hold on to the rope that is life, feel it almost impossible to get out of bed and begin the day, and experience the feeling of impending doom- that at any moment your life will be gone- then you've had the type of panic attacks/depression/anxiety I'm talking about. 

I had my first panic attack in 2000, and with the help of medicine, have been pretty successful in treating them...until about four weeks ago.  Those of you close to me know a good friend of mine was in a car accident and was med-flighted to Huntsville for treatment.  Praise God she is recovering and will be okay, but the trauma and stress I suffered in being at the hospital and witnessing her experience is what I believe triggered my "relapse," if you will.  (***Very important note: In NO way am I attempting to imply my struggles are in any way equal or worse than hers or anyone else's.  To assume that would be an enormous misconception.)  Since my dad died a few years ago, being inside a hospital brings about anxiety.  As is my fashion, I maintained my composure in the midst of  the "madness," and dealt with it days after.  I don't know why, but my anxiety tends to have delayed reactions.  After visiting with my doctor, we decided it best to change my medication.  That was 25 days ago, and my world has been rocked to the core.  Unfortunately, with SSRI's it takes up to six weeks for your body to become used to the mediciation and for it to take effect.  This period of time for me has been almost unbearable.  Sure, I've had small fleating moments where I laugh and can find joy in certain situations, but for the most part I've become a poster 'adult' for anxiety.  I have become scared to leave my home for fear of having an anxiety attack.  I have felt void of hope that my future would look anything unlike what I see in the midst of this.  I have cried more tears than I care to admit.  I have felt as if something in my body has gone so awry that it was going to literally self destruct. I have questioned why in the world my God would want His child to suffer as I have.  I don't know the answers to any of these just yet, but here's what I know for sure.

1.  My God is MIGHTY and He is FAITHFUL.  In my struggles, He allows me to see just what He can do and as He says- "His power is made perfect in my weakness."
2.  He gives me an opportunity to comfort others.  I fear some will misunderstand this post as my search for pity.  Please hear me again...that is NOT what I seek.  I believe through this, God is and will use me to comfort someone else. 
3.  He has provided an opportunity for the suffering of Jesus to flow into my life.  It connects me to Jesus in a way I haven't been before.
4.  I know, for a FACT, I absolutely, positively cannot rely on myself anymore.  The One that sustains me and helps me keep going is the one that raises the dead! He breaks my independent spirit and makes me dependent on His Holy Spirit and His grace.  I have never, EVER felt more dependent upon my Father than now.

I don't know that I've ever been tested in my faith as I have through this.  But if you're suffering and Satan has tempted you to question God- don't give in for a minute.  Just hang on......

"I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on, and there will be an end to this trouble.  But until that day comes, STILL I WILL PRAISE YOU..."

On A Scale of 1-10...

How well do you like this comforter?  I'm in the market for a new one.  I refuse to paint my walls beacuse 1- I hate to paint and 2- I still like the color.  It's light blue, which I hope would match the color in this comforter.  I'm looking for something with lots of color, opposite the black/white/gray theme I have now.  My furniture came over on the ark with Noah and is black. If you beg me you master crafters, I might just let someone paint it some bright random color, too. But only if you beg me. ;)  By the way- what do I do for a bedskirt here?  Because I will need one.  In my dream world, I want to totally re-decorate my master bedroom and include a sitting area.  I'd love a cute chair and little table against the wall, facing the tv. 
We'll start with a comforter though...

Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup

I'm on a roll, folks!  If it weren't for Pinterest, I'd say I'm a Paula Deen in the making.  I was craving soup last week, and pinned a random recipe for Broccoli Cheese Soup.  It sounded simple enough, so I bought the ingredients (only five of them!) this weekend and made it tonight.  Oh.my.word.  It far surpassed my expectations and is in fact, the BEST broccoli cheese soup I have ever tasted.  It's just perfect.  I would go as far to say it blows Panera out of the water and would compete with any fancy schmancy restaurants out there.  If you loved my honey chicken, you won't want to miss this!

Broccoli Cheese Soup

1/2 cup onions, chopped

2 tablespoons butter

1 (10 ounce) can of cream of chicken soup

1 1/2 cups milk

1 lb Velveeta cheese, cubed

Saute onion in butter.  Combine all ingredients in crockpot and cook on low for 3-4 hours.  Do not add salt.

**I wanted to speed up the process, so I bought a bag of broccoli I could steam in the microwave.  I then sauteed my onions and put the already steamed broccoli in the crockpot.  I cooked about an hour on high and it was perfect.  

And, you're welcome.  :)

U-T-I Equals T-M-I

I am willing to admit it now...I am NOT a good patient.  I never have been.  I am a wimp and don't deal well with not feeling good and being stuck inside a house all day and night.  I wasn't sure about whether to blog about my being sick this week because honestly, a UTI is just weird to talk about.  I felt very odd telling the doctor details about my visits to the restroom and quite frankly, feeling like I had to pee every dadgum second.  How embarrassing!  Speaking of embarrassing, so is having to pee in a cup and walk with it THROUGH THE WAITING ROOM to return it to the nurse!  Have mercy!

I just need to say this.....these things are AWFUL!  I had heard horror stories but man, I wasn't prepared.  Who knew it would make me feel like I had the flu, go through two rolls of toilet paper in a day (Don't say I didn't warn you), feel like I had a stomach virus, too, AND run fever?  T-E-R-R-I-B-L-E!  Thankfully, I am armed with antibiotics and finally feel like I can re-join the land of the living as of today.  This thing did a number on me, I tell ya.  Hallelujah for healing!

Three Cheese Tortellini Soup

This soup is sooooooo good!!!

I got this recipe a couple weeks ago and finally got around to making it tonight.  Honestly, I questioned how good it would be because there are so few ingredients and the directions are so simple.  My skeptical self had a bite.....and another, and several more.  I will now be making this regularly.  It's wonderful.  It's fast.  It makes enough to feed five or six people.  It's inexpensive.  Let's face it.  It's perfect, people.  Stir up a simple cornbread muffin mix and you have yourself a meal.

1 package Three Cheese Tortellini

1 lb ground beef

1 can Italian diced tomatoes

1 jar picante sauce

1 tablespoon basil

3 cans chicken broth

Brown ground beef.. (I cooked it in the microwave using my Pampered Chef Micro Cooker for eight minutes.) Boil tortellini and drain.  Mix all ingredients together until warm.  

Enjoy!

Dreaming of Chevron

Where are those questionnaires, ladies?  Let's go, now!  Chop Chop!!

So, I've been in the "I want to rearrange furniture and redecorate my whole house" type of mood lately.  It all started when I sent a big plant from my foyer to the curb...literally.  I never watered it, it was ugly, completely dried up, and frankly I just didn't want it in my house any longer.  In taking out the plant, I'm left with an entire corner of my foyer empty.  The space looks so much bigger now, and I just want to redecorate the entire area! Here are pictures of what I'm dealing with.

 

I've had the black table since I moved in.  It used to be under the mirror, but it left the doorway to the kitchen a little crowded.  I decided to move it to it's current location and it makes the area much more open.  Also, I always wanted a lamp on top of the table, but there wasn't an outlet on that wall.  Now that I've moved it to where you see it above, I do have an outlet.  I will be getting a cute lamp to go in my entryway asap.  I think it would be good to add some height. I'm thinking about moving the black corked cabinet door over the light switch and painting a canvas with my favorite verse on it to go over the black table.  I also want a round chevron rug to go in the doorway.  I need something large to cover the majority of the floor because some freak of nature person thought white laminate flooring was the way to go back then.  It is super hard to keep clean and regardless of how often I mop, it just looks dirty to me. Next issue....the wall with the mirror looks empty with nothing below it now.  There isn't enough space for another table or shelf.  Do I leave it or what other options do I have?  I'm open to suggestions.  So, all you Martha Stewarts and Candance Olsen's, hop on it!

I Love These!

....Questionnaires.  More than I love posting them, I love reading YOUR answers.  If you copy and paste this post, change my answers to your own and re-post, I will enter your name into a drawing for a $100 gift card from Target.  Okay, that's a lie.  But I will really be happy.  Just do it.

1.  Most hated chore on the household chore list? Definitely cleaning the shower

2.  What bad habits of other people drive you crazy? Incorrect grammar, smacking

3.  What is your worst travel experience? Getting sick on the flight from Las Vegas to Oakland, CA

4.  Last thing you ate? Kashi crackers

5.  Favorite lunch meat? honey ham

6.  Favorite cereal? too many- Banana Nut Cheerios at the moment

7.  Where's the farthest you've been from home? Antigua

8.  Favorite TV show? BIG BROTHER- in mourning the finale is tomorrow night

9.  What time did you go to bed last night?  11ish
10. If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? for sure play the piano
11. If you have 30 minutes of free time, what do you do?  pinterest/facebook/blog
12.  What did you do growing up that got you in trouble?  I had a very bad "smart mouth"- feel guilty about it
13.  What one thing do you miss about being a kid? no financial responsibility
14.  Song stuck in your head today? Amazed by Zoe
15.  If you HAD to change your name, what would you change it to? anything that didn't start
       with an A, so my monogram initials wouldn't be aBc
16.  Sweet or salty? salty
17.  Favorite home cooked meal? My mom's meatloaf and mac n' cheese (INCREDIBLE)
18.  Favorite grab and go meal? Fuji apple chicken salad from Panera
19.  Have you ever been horseback riding? once when i was little- thing bucked me right off
20.  Favorite soup? Potato or Tomato Basil

Who's next?

P.S.  I've loved hearing several of you say you tried the Honey Garlic Chicken this week.  Hope you loved it as much as I did!

PicMonkey

Let's face it.  Auburn football has been nothing less than a crapshoot the past two weeks.  So when the game was set to come on today, I decided to give myself a little distraction to prevent turning into a mean serpant-like snake while watching like I did last week.  As the television was on and I listened to the game, I decided to give my blog a makeover.

Let me just say- PicMonkey is so awesome!  You can basically do anything from editing photos to designing collages, and the best part is....it's FREE!  In honor of my team (and the fact that the colors orange and blue look totally awesome together), I went with that color scheme.  I found a background on The Cutest Blog on the Block, added a HTML gadget on my blogger dashboard, and installed it.  I loved the header template they provided, but I couldn't fit the title of my blog into the small design it offered.  That's when PicMonkey came to the rescue.  Obviously, it's very plain and basic, but it serves its purpose.  If you know me, you know the entire layout will probably change in a few weeks, so taking hours to design one would be a waste.    It's simple, but it's me.  

Can I insert here that I've blogged three times in the past few days?  Yes.  You're welcome. I hope all three of my readers are happy.

Honey Garlic Chicken

Two in two days...record.

I've been all about trying new Pinterest recipes lately.  The favorites thusfar have been ones in which I can use my crockpot.  There's nothing like being able to throw something in a bowl, turn on the heat, and pronto....five hours later, it's done!  The following recipe is one I made THREE TIMES last week.  It's sooooo good and soooooo easy!

Honey Garlic Chicken

6-10 frozen chicken tenderloins
minced garlic
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup honey

Place frozen chicken tenders in the crockpot.  Drop minced garlic on top (I usually use 1-2 teaspoons.  Just "eyeball" it.)  Whisk ketchup, soy sauce, and honey in small bowl.  Pour over chicken and cook 4-5 hours on low.

You can thank me later.

I'm Baaaaack!

That was a pretty long hiatus!  Summer was great- BUSY, as usual.  I got to travel a lot, which I love.  I counted the other day and I have now visited 20 states out of the 50.  Sign up below for which state you would like to accompany me to and we will plan the trip.  Don't fight over Hawaii, now.

School is now in session.  I adjusted fairly well to getting up early and getting back into the swing of things...partially thanks to Xooma and my new found energy.  And, I have absolutely no shame in putting a plug in for this product.  Don't knock it til you try it.  "Haters gonna hate" (right, Bekah?) is my motto.  I am 110% convinced it was a gift from God to me and He has answered my prayers in more than one way due to my becoming part of this company.  Ahhh, I feel better.  #soapbox

In other news, remember the post I wrote a couple months ago about finally catching the blasted snake that was in my yard and the relief I felt to now be able to walk in my front door without the terror and fear of one slithering across my feet?  Yeah, well forget what I said.  I found a snake skin yesterday.  A skin measuring approximately three feet.  A skin right beside my front doorstep.  I.am.not.happy.  It flat out makes me MAD.  Thankfully, fall is coming and those jokers better run for hibernation because I'm on a stakeout to strike them with some venom of my own.  Then, come May, God willing- the house may be for sale.

Since my last post, I've also begun my 36- you read that right- 36 year of life.  A day I dreaded and expected to be pull of grief over the things in life I don't have turned into a day of celebration and blessings, thanks to my friends and family. I felt loved...and it was awesome.  The most amazing thing is I've decided on this, my 36 year, to change a few things.  I'm choosing HOPE this year.  I'm choosing to fight harder in my rounds with Satan and go to battle with my breastplate ready.  I'm not bowing down to his gimmicks and he will not cause me to bow down to his lies that I'm not worthy.  My God is the God of hope and as Joyce Meyer says, I will "expect something good to happen to me today."  It's phenomenal how much lighter I feel and how happy I've become.  I still have to fight, but the victories are outweighing the defeats.  A new favorite verse: Psalm 20:4- "May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed."
I can't wait to see what God has in store for me!

Wish List- from the Cosmetic Aisle

I need to stop trying to keep up with those Kardashians, because they're causing me to want to hire a makeup artist and spend hundreds of dollars (that I don't have) on cosmetics!  They may be crazy, ridiculous, and immoral- but their makeup sure does look flawless.  So yes, tonight's episode and a trip to Target inspired this post.

Wish List:

1.  Sonia Kashuk Brush Set- I do know enough to know that eye shadow application is all about the brushes.  I pretty much think I want need these.

2. Nude Lip Gloss- Again, I do think Kim K's makeup is impeccable.  I love the shade she wears on her lips...not that I watch the show much or anything. ;)

3.  Fake Eyelashes- My eyelashes just simply aren't  up to par.  They are actually a decent length, but they stick straight out and will NOT cooperate with an eyelash curler at all.  I've tried it and they will stay curled for a few minutes and then nothing. I'm totally open to tricks and tips on making your eyelashes look longer, fuller, etc.  I've tried different mascaras and nothing has worked.

4.  Self Explanatory

I realize this post is pretty much superficial, but what girl doesn't dream of the perfect product or cosmetic to make her look like a movie star?  Call me weird, but I do. No shame here.

Minnesota

As I mentioned in a previous post, I just returned from a great trip to Minnesota.  It was my first visit there and I came home with the conclusion that the south has met its match as far as hospitality and kindness.  Everywhere we went people would ask how we were, how our day was going, open doors for us, offer to carry our food to the car, etc.  They are some of the most genuine people I've ever been around.  It was so encouraging and just outright heartwarming to know there are still many nice people in the world...even up north! :)

I visited the Mall of America, which is insane!  It's ginormous and has so many roller coasters and rides in the middle of it.  I'm not a fan of roller coasters, so I watched as everyone else rode...other than the kiddy one I rode with Ryder.  It was just my speed.  Ha!

I got to go to a lot of Twins games and see Josh play.  He hit three home runs while I was there, so I'd pretty much say I brought him good luck.  Target Field is so pretty.  We got to go on the field and watch fireworks in honor of Memorial Day.  I got to go in the Twins' dugout, which was really neat.  One observation to add- this team is made up of some really good looking men!  Wow.

We also traveled to Kansas City, in which I got to drive through Iowa and cross over the border into Kansas.  Iowa was nothing but corn, flat land, corn again, and these windmills/wind turbines/whatever they're called.  I had never seen anything like it!

I got to add the Royals stadium to my list of those I've visited.  It was pretty, too.

I'm so thankful to have had this opportunity and to have visited several states I had never been to before. I flew back to Birmingham and got to spend a few days with my favorite one year old and my sister and brother.  LOVE them!

Her new beach hat.  She's ready!

I'm home now but will be leaving to sing at a youth event next week, AcaFest in Nashville the week after that, meet up with some girlfriends for a weekend of fun, and the family beach trip in mid July.  I love me some summertime!

I'm Lovin' It!

Now that summer is here and my travels are over for the moment, I've had time to sit down and play around with Picnik's replacement website PicMonkey.  I actually think I like it a little better!  It's very easy to use and the best part is...it's FREE!  I made my new blog header and did one for my sister, too.  It's SO much fun!  Not only do I have a new look, it motivates me to blog more.  We'll see how long it lasts...

Life List Re-visted (and yes, I'm still a blogger)

Each summer, it is my goal to work especially hard to check things off my life list.  I copied and pasted this from a post I wrote last summer.

My Life List: (in random order)

1. Visit Los Angeles/Hollywood/Laguna Beach
2. Visit New York City
3 Travel to (or at least through) all states in the U.S.
4. Ride a gondola in Italy
5. Take a cooking class
6. Go to Paris
7. See Gavin DeGraw in concert
8. Go on a mission trip
9. Get married
10. Have children
11. Buy a house 
12. Be debt-free
13. Attend a taping of a daytime talk show (Oprah, the View, Regis and Kelly, etc.)
14. Learn how to drive a stick shift
15. Go camping
16. Go to the Mall of America
17. Visit Washington D.C. again, and this time appreciate what's there


One of my goals is to visit every state in the country.  I just returned from a great trip to visit friends in Minnesota.  We took a road trip through Iowa to Kansas City (which is right on the border of Kansas and Missouri if you're geographically challenged like me).  On my flight home, I had a layover in Texas.  I count that.  :)  I can now mark off Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas, and Texas.  That's huge and call me a geek if you choose, but I'm excited!  Who wants to take me to Hawaii?  Any nice, rich, handsome man out there dying to go??

I can also check off number 16, which was visit the Mall of America.  Wow!  That place is insane!  Pictures coming soon of that awesome experience.

Happy Summer to all of you! I can't wait to read the exciting things you do and document. :)

Ding Dong, the SNAKE is Dead...and Updates

You read that right, folks.  That blasted snake (and yes, I'm choosing to believe it was the same one) is DEAD.  I've been inside sick for several days the past week and my precious mom came over Sunday to deliver lunch.  As soon as I opened the door she slid inside with a squeal and informed me it was back.  Just sunbathing in the yard at almost the exact spot it was before.  Let me inject here that the moth ball myth is a hoax! I had the entire neighborhood smelling like a nursing home and this little trickster didn't mind.  We called my precious uncle immediately and he came to the rescue...broke his hoe and all while planning the exact and proper execution.  Hallelujah!  Now, if I see another one- the "For Sale" sign is going up.

Bentley- Well, things have been better with the little one.  He's learning to use the bathroom on his papers and has somewhat began playing independently.  It's still a struggle.  I appreciate all the advice you have given me.  JENNIFER- oh my.  I'm SO sorry I never responded to your fb message.  Between being sick and dealing with the above, it slipped my mind.  So, please accept my public apologies and thanks. :)  I'm not as desperate to get rid of him like I was a week or so ago.  I find myself just content to not make the decision right now.  I love him- mostly when he's asleep (HA), so will allow him to manage my life for a little while longer for now. 

Other than the snake and the dog, I have been battling the worst viral issues ever!  I started running fever and having a sore throat almost suddenly last Tuesday night.  I felt AWFUL and was waiting for my doctor's office to open Wednesday morning to get some relief.  He checked for strep and it was negative, but didn't check for the flu because he was confident it wasn't that.  He said it was viral, gave me a steroid shot, and sent me home with antibiotics just in case.  I felt much better that day (Steriod shots are such precious gifts.) and most of the next, but it started going downhill from there.  My ear completely stopped up on Friday, which is absolutey miserable.  My throat continued to bother me off and on, and I began coughing 24/7.  I called the nurse back and had them call me in some cough medicine.  Lesson learned: Do not take cough medicine with codeine.  It sure helped the cough, but a tornado could have come and completely removed my house from its foundation and placed it in a different state, and I would have had no idea.  The next day I was still out of it.  I went home early from school and stayed home yesterday, too.  I FINALLY feel like myself again today.  My ear is still totally clogged, but I feel much better.  I'm not convinced it wasn't the flu.  I don't ever remember being down for that long with a "cold."

Mom and I get to keep sweet Sarah Taylor this weekend while Cort and Trey go to the Opryland Hotel to celebrate his big 30th birthday.  We are so excited! 

What Was I Thinking?

I don't know what I've done.  It seems as if everything in my life defies all odds and my sweet little puppy seems no different.  Wow!  I knew to expect a lot of work and a lot of "accident" clean ups, but what I'm experiencing is nothing short of exhaustion.  Today marks two weeks I've had him.  He isn't anywhere close to being potty trained.  He thinks his puppy pads are toys and finds it very enjoyable to grab them and run around the house as if he's Superman and has just recovered his cape.  He chews on my one and only plant in the house and bites pieces of it off.  It stands almost four feet tall so there's nowhere for me to move it out of his reach.  He wants to do nothing that doesn't involve me.  His attention span with his toys lasts about 2 minutes before he runs to find me and whines until I give him attention or pick him up!  I feel like he's bored even though I play with him as much as I can and have bought him about ten toys.  I tried to take him out for a walk to release some of his energy and he would.not.have.it.  He didn't want to even get close to the street and I was having to drag him with the leash, so I gave up.  He claws on the couch with his sharp little paws, which I'm afraid is going to result in a rip or tear on my furniture.  I tried crating him and he completely and totally drenched the thing and relieved himself over and over throughout the night.  I feel like he needs me every second I'm home and there's never a chance for me to relax.  I would never compare a dog to a child nor do I think the responsibilities can be compared.  BUT, I feel like I've signed up prematurely to be a single parent and it's not sitting well with me! To top it all off, I'm paranoid I'm allergic to him.  I thought he was supposed to be hypoallergenic.  However, while I have allergy issues each year, it's really bad right now.  When I stopped to think about it, it seems like it started when I got him and has gotten progressively worse.  I woke up this morning with a sore throat and I just outright feel crummy.  What does that leave me to do?  I feel like a failure and I'm not typically one that gives up on something that I really want.  I guess either my dog is extra demanding or I had no idea what I was getting myself into.  Maybe it's the last of the two.  If I'd known it would be like this, I don't think I would have gotten him.  It makes me really sad because he's precious and I do love him.  He's just hyper and unless he's fast asleep, there isn't a time he will let me hold him and love on him without biting the fire out of me or striking at me like a snake! (And you know my issues with those!)  What do I do, friends?  I go back and forth each day.  I'm embarrassed to be honest.  I thought I knew what this would entail and I guess I just didn't.  I want what's best for him.  I really do.  If I'm not that, then I want him with a family with children that will love him and play with him like he deserves.  I guess the issue is to just figure out if that's me or someone else. :(

Finally...

I FINALLY got an iPhone this week!  After talking to Verizon hundreds several times, they finally realized it wasn’t ideal to send me Droid X #6 after almost two years of troubleshooting. Instead, they gave me an upgrade two months early, and I am one happy girl! This iPhone is nothing short of amazeballs.  I’m enjoying lots of new apps that I didn’t have the luxury of using before.  One of them is Instagram.  I know it’s old news to you apple veterans, but I’m just learning it for myself.  I was encouraged by my friend Haley to do the April photo challenge, where you post a photo each day in April of a specified person, place, event, etc.  Today’s challenge is someone that makes you happy.  I not only dedicated Instagram to this special person, but today’s blog post too.  It’s none other than my sweet Sarah Taylor, who has the ability to make me happy in a way that no one else can.  She is my light, my sunshine, and I love her to pieces.

                     

 If any of you "Instagramers" are interested in the April Photo Challenge, here's the list.  Find me and let's be friends. ;)

My Fellow Crafters will Love This!

If you're into crafts like I am and love to make fun seasonal home decorations or recipes, this blog is for you!  Melissa is a friend of mine that lives in Murfreesboro, TN.  She just began this blog and has already been featured in Tatertots and Jello, as well as others.  Leave her a comment and tell her I sent you!

www.daisymaebelle.com

Where Joy and Sorrow Meet

Today has been the long anticipated day that I....wait for it....was due to go pick up MY NEW PUPPY!  Those that know me well laugh and are still in a state of shock that I, the anti-outdoorsy, bug, tick/flea, dirt kind of girl decided to take on the task of becoming a dog owner.  It's something I've considered off and on for a year or more.  Let's face it, I get lonely living alone and was ready for a companion.  If a canine companion is all I can muster at the moment, then I decided to bring it on!  I was very picky about my choice of dog and waited for just the right one at just the right price.  Unexpectedly, I came across a girl I knew from high school selling puppies her dog had.  They are yorkie poos, half mini-poodle and half yorkie.  They are small dogs full grown, hypo-allergenic, don't shed, easy to train, etc.  Pair those traits with the awesome price she asked and I found myself a puppy!  Risking the ridicule of most friends and family, I decided that due to my fear of ticks and allergy to grass that I would paper train this new little housemate.  I've done some research on how to do it best and am determined to make it work.  Since I just got him this afternoon, I don't have much to report as far as that goes yet.

So, I woke up early this morning thinking of all I wanted to do before I brought Bentley home.  I got everything finished early and was literally on my way out the door when I look, as I do very often, out my window to check for snakes.  ***If you don't recall the posts I wrote previously about snake sightings at my house, go back and search my archives if you'd like.  Terrified isn't the word.  Petrified is more like it.  Only in winter am I able to walk in and out of my house without being scared of another sighting.  Today, I saw it.  A snake.  A big black snake.  I.FROZE. and began to sweat...a lot, as in my hair was wet.  I think I would have been less scared had I looked out to see a grizzly bear.

All I knew was that my door was bolted and there was no way in this world I was sitting foot out there.  I called my precious uncle and he arrived quickly with a hoe to attempt the cold-blooded murder.  Do I realize it was only some sort of harmless snake that is actually good to have around to kill mice, insects,etc?  Yes.  Do I care?  NO!  He got a couple good jabs at it before it slithered in a hole underground. This was not my friends, the result I was hoping for.  Our next step was to try and wash it out.  While I was still behind closed doors, my uncle stuck the water hose in one hole and turned the water on.  Nothing.  We then got some ammonia, which is said to work in bringing the little varment out.  Nothing.  Did I stop there?  No.  I went and got three more bottles of ammonia and poured the entire contents of them down the hole. Nothing.  I'm hoping (and praying) the thing died in the hole from the blunt force of the hoe, or from suffocating from the fumes.  Either way, I am now once again terrified to enter or leave my house.  Feel sorry for me.  I'm not in the least bit exaggerating.

Needless to say, the above put a large damper on the excitement I was feeling about getting the puppy.  After running and screaming down the sidewalk to my car, I proceeded to go pick up sweet Bentley.  Let me just say he is THE cutest puppy ever!  He weighs four pounds and is already completely attached to me. I can't go anywhere in the house without him following me.  He doesn't want to be anywhere other than in my lap.  He went to the vet and got his first shot today, along with some oral treatment I am supposed to start tomorrow.  

To top off my day, in typical Amy fashion, I was holding Bentley tonight and noticed a tiny little "something" on my jeans.  I looked closely and noticed it was moving.  UGHHHHHH!  Poor Bentley evidently has worms.  I hear it's very common and I'm pretty sure that's what the oral meds are for I am to begin giving him tomorrow.  But, I don't do well with stuff like this.  Between this and the snake, I'm pretty much spent.  I put sweet Bentley to bed (in which he's sleeping soundly and not crying..thank goodness) and vacuumed the entire downstairs and then got a shower.  I still feel like I need another one.  I'm not a very happy camper right now.  I plan to call the vet in the morning to get specific directions on what to do.  But, those little jokers better disappear quickly and leave my sweet Bentley alone!

How's this for a mix of emotions in a day?  I'd love advice from you dog owners about dealing with worms, tips on paper training, or suggestions in general.  At this point, I'm trying not to regret my decision. 

Favorite Things- Diet Edition

“Favorite Things” posts are by far the most fun to write!  Since starting this diet (update at the bottom of the post), I have learned to adapt my taste buds to all different types of foods.  I’ve found some really great low-carb ideas and some not so great.  I wanted to dedicate this “Favorite Things” post to my new favorite diet foods.

1.      Kangaroo Pita Chips- Technically, I am not supposed to be eating any packaged foods.  However, who has time or even wants to have time to cook three meals a day?  Not this girl.  So, if I find packaged foods that meet my criteria of low carb/high fiber, I snatch them up!  These chips are an example.   There are only 18g of carbs and 3g of fiber in 11 chips, which is plenty.  Most chips have little to no fiber, which helps balance out the carbs.  These puppies are seasoned so they’re good by themselves, or even better with some sort of dip.

2.      Guacamole from ALDI- I'm a new fan of guacamole...especially when it's cheap AND tastes good!  I can't remember what brand it is, but it's the only type I saw at ALDI.  It does have a lot of fat, but it's the "good" fat and is very healthy due to being made from avocados.  To use for dipping, I make my own chips.  I take a carb balance tortilla, cut into thin strips, and bake  on 425 for about 10-15 minutes.  They work perfectly.

3.      Progresso Tomato Basil Soup-  This soup is very high in fiber and tastes like it came from your favorite girly sandwich shop downtown with those cute little crackers and mint leaves on top.  I take string cheese and melt it in the soup.  Perfect combination. 

4.      Life Choice Peanut Butter Crunch Protein Bars- Albeit another packaged food, they have 10g of protein and 6g of fiber, with only 23g of carbohydrates. 

5.       Florida Oranges- I've become obsessed with oranges.  I can't get enough!

6.      Sweet Potato Fries- Sweet potatoes are full of fiber so surprisingly, they are allowed on this diet.  I stick these in the oven for about 30 minutes and they’re crispy and downright tasty!

Update:

The diet is going well, I guess.  It’s sooooo  slow, though, and I don’t do well with that.  I’ve been trudging away at eating protein, fruits,  veggies, and doing without SUGAR for about six weeks now and have been stuck at 7-8 pounds for a long time.  I won’t say there haven’t been times when I’ve eaten things I shouldn’t, because there have been.  However, I am pretty doggone proud of myself for how hard I’ve worked, regardless of what the scale is saying.  This week in particular (cough cough) I have been craving any morsel of sweetness I can find.  I’ve managed to refrain for the most part.  I feel MUCH better physically, and I appreciate the favor I’m doing my body in feeding it all the right things.  I never eat as healthy as I do when I’m on this “diet.”  I am choosing from now on to refer to it as my new lifestyle.  I hope to eat like this from now on.  I owe it to myself and my God to honor the temple He has given me.  Prayers are still appreciated, as I am still learning to transition into healthy eating habits.

Ms. Spontaneity

I'm not sure how I would explain my personality. I am all about having a plan. I don't like surprises. My calendar is my best friend. I have a "to-do" list beside me at my desk 24/7. However, there's a part of me that's very spontaneous. Once I get something on my mind, it's almost impossible to let it go. This happened last Thursday. Around 1:00 pm, I decided I wanted to paint my kitchen....immediately. I got out of school at 3:00 and by 4, I had picked out the color, gone to the store, and had my gallon of paint ready to go. I sought out the help of some friends but was so impatient, I ended up painting the whole thing before they even arrived! I was pretty proud of myself! Here's a shot of the before- I didn't like the green the first day I walked in and saw it being painted.

And, here's the after. I LOVE it and am so glad I followed through with the oh so spontaneous idea of mine.  It looks more blue in the pictures that it really is.  It's more of a blue-gray color.  It's very tranquil- perfect and exactly what I was going for.

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My Valentine

Yep- for this girl, Valentine's Day is dreaded every year.  With each passing one, I hope the next will bring something different.  So far, it hasn't, but my faith isn't in myself or a man- it's in MY GOD!  That's the love I chose to celebrate yesterday.  Although I woke up in a terrible not so good mood, my heart was full and content by the end of the day.

It started off before school when my sweet co-teacher brought in the cutest notecards and a precious note that made me feel special.  Then, it continued around 9:00 am with office aide #1 bringing in a bright red wrapped gift.  I was very confused when she said, "It's for you."  I read the note and tears came to my eyes.  The gift was a coffee pot (notice the note), in which Scarlett had heard me say recently that I didn't have and needed to purchase due to my new craving for coffee.  She's so thoughtful and creative!  I LOVED it! 

Later yesterday afternoon, office aide #2 comes in with three roses and a bright pink bag.  Again, "It's for you."  What in the world?  Inside the bag was a candle, chocolates, and a heart-shaped soap.  This note was one of the kindest and special ones I've ever received.  I will keep it forever.  I still don't know who sent it, but I think God used them yesterday to fill my heart and provide me an earthly representation of HIS love.  I will never forget it.  The note says this:  Amy- Thank you for being who you are.  You are someone that can turn a bad day into a great day.  You know how to make others feel special simply by how you treat them.  You are a fantastic teacher and I know for a fact your kids adore you.  On this day of love, I want you to know so many love you and that's because you show love to others.  Most of all, thank you for showing others that being a child of God is so special.  God has blessed my life (along with others) for knowing you.  MHBS is very lucky to have someone like you. (Please believe I shared this not to boast or be prideful of myself.  I, in fact, feel very undeserving of the words this person spoke.)

After school, I come to my car to find this.  It's a gift basket for my mom and me from my precious friend, Amanda.  Inside was chicken salad, chocolate covered strawberries, homemade heart cookies, plates and polka-dot napkins, and more.  Overwhelmed....that's what I was.  Another reminder of how blessed I am by the absolute best friends in the world. 

My day ended with dinner with my sweet and precious Mom.  She is the most incredible person and is my rock.  I couldn't have asked for a better Valentine's date. :)

I don't know what I did to deserve all my "happys" yesterday.  Somehow that dreaded day turned out to be such a blessing.  I'm seeing God more and more lately and I think yesterday was just another way He made His presence known to me through some truly awesome people.  THANK YOU- to everyone who played a part in making my day so special. I will have a new perspective next Valentine's Day.  I will make sure those closest to me know they're loved, like I knew yesterday.  Although, it wouldn't hurt to have a husband for next year either.... :)

In Recent News....

This post has been a long time coming.  I have logged in numerous times only to sit and look at the screen in hopes a blog topic would grace the presence of my brain.  Obviously, it never happened.  I typically don't write about my life because...well...there just isn't much exciting about it.  I work, I go home, and I work again.  It's a monotonous, BLESSED, and sometimes boring cycle.  But then I thought, you know....this blog is for me and it's always fun to look back over old posts to see what I was up to at that time.  Hence, this post. Lately.......

I'm still obsessed with my precious niece.  She's just the best thing that has ever happened to me and I think about her nonstop.  She's starting to talk more and more now and we just all think everything she says and does is the cutest.  I miss her from the moment they walk out the door to head home until the time I see her again.  She's my sweet angel. 

I've been spending a lot of time rehearsing for Winterfest.  If you remember my post from last year, it's a youth conference my friends second family and I sing at in February.  Last year was our first year and boy, was I nervous!  We sing on stage in front of 6500 people and I'm certainly not used to that type of audience!  It was such a blessing last year and I absolutely cannot wait to go back next weekend.  We're learning new songs that are amazing.  If you're interested, download Stronger by Hillsong, Awakening by Chris Tomlin, and Mighty Fortress by Christy Nockels.  If you love Christian music, you will LOVE these songs.

I started the low-glycemic index diet again two weeks ago.  This is the same diet I was able to lose over 20 pounds on a couple years ago.  I did well until Thanksgiving and well, you know how hard it is to be on a diet around the holidays.  I've prayed about this for a while and thanks to God found the strength despite my hesitation, to start it again.    It's basically leaving out all carbs (unless they are natural carbs found in fruit), no processed food, etc.  This diet makes me feel SO much better.  I love that what I am feeding my body is all-natural and HEALTHY.  It's not always easy, but the reward outweighs the struggle.  I covet your prayers to stay strong and keep this lifestyle up.  I've lost 5.6 pounds the first two weeks and am hoping to lose lots more.  For now, my new favorite foods are a Jennie-O turkey burger between two pieces of lettuce, Carb-balance tortillas and natural peanut butter wraps, and peanuts.  I can't do without those staples!

I can't believe school is nearing an end.  Summer break is still over three months away, but time is flying!  I'm excited to go to the beach again with my family this summer.  We're moving the party from Gulf Shores to Destin this year.  That will be a nice change.  I'm super excited to go to Minneapolis as soon as school is out to visit Josh and Ginger, the boys, and new baby boy Willingham.  I've always wanted to visit the Mall of America so Lord willing, this summer will be my chance.  Don't count on me to ride the roller coaster in there, though.  I was the one scared to death on the kiddie coaster at Waterville in Gulf Shores.  If only I had a video of my face.......

I guess that wraps it up!  I will post pictures from Winterfest when I return.  I am going to try and post my dieting progress again occasionally, just in hopes of keeping myself accountable.   If it bores you, feel free to pass on those posts.  I hope this finds everyone doing well....and doing a snow dance by the way.  What's winter without at least one snow day?  That's what I'm hoping for.  Happy Hump Day!

Amateur Design Challenge

If you're a regular reader (anyone?), then it's no secret that the bare wall in my living room has been an eyesore  since I moved in.  I wrote a plea for help a few months ago in which I explained my debacle.  I decided that Santa's task this Christmas would be to save me from this design dilemma.  I asked for Hobby Lobby gift cards, money for furniture, and a bookshelf I found online just hoping I could find something, ANYTHING, to fix this wall that bothered me daily.  Well, Santa delivered.  I in no way claim to be Candace Olsen or a female version of Nate Berkus, but I'm pleased with how it turned out.  It's still not 100% complete and there are a few things I am still searching for, but it's much better than before.  Here's the before and after. (Thank you, Picnik.)

As you can see, the television table was too short to fill the wall, but too tall to place a picture above it.  I didn't know what to place on each side.  My symmetric mentality limited the possibilities.  I felt like what went on one side needed to go on the other.  Finally, I gave that up and decided to go with a chair and bookshelf.  The chair is a brown chenille wingback from Kirklands.  It was $329, marked down to $229, and the day I went in.....it was $185.  I checked my phone on a whim for a coupon and found a 15% off so I used it right away.  I ended up paying around $160 for the chair.  You can't beat that!  Santa (aka my mom that went all the way to Decatur for me) bought me the bookshelf for Christmas.  I searched all over for the perfect one.  This one came from BIG LOTS for $60.  I loved the open back and the criss-cross pattern on each side.  The curtains are from World Market- one of my obsessions, and the cross is from Hobby Lobby.  

It's a work in progress, but I have had so much fun designing my own little space.  Next, the bedroom.  :)

Playing Around with Picnik

What do you get on a night when nothing is on TV?  A new blog design!  I had so much fun playing around on Picnik making this new blog design.  True, it's nothing in comparison to Haley's (She designs them for anyone, so send her an email if you're interested.), but I was pretty proud of myself!  Now, on to some "pinteresting" and shopping around on Ebay.  What would we do without the internet??

2012...I'm coming.

I Am the New Year


I am the new year.  I am an unspoiled page in your book of time.


I am your next chance at the art of living.  I am your opportunity to practice what you have learned about life during the last twelve months.


All that you sought and didn't find is hidden in me, waiting for you to search it but with more determination.


All the good that you tried for and didn't achieve is mine to grant when you have fewer conflicting desires.


All that you dreamed but didn't dare to do, all that you hoped but did not will, all the faith that you claimed but did not have- these slumber lightly, waiting to be awakened by the touch of a strong purpose.  


I am your opportunity to renew your allegiance to Him who said, "Behold, I make all things new."


Happy New Year, friends.


Am the New Year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bible Illustrator