The Yellow Room Makeover

When we moved into this house I knew right away I wanted a bright room for Ella. She loves the color yellow, so the walls were painted this color. Plus, I am not one for changing things a lot and yellow just seemed alright from toddler to who knows what. Anyways, my sister in law, Lisa, the wonderful decorator she is, agreed to help me with some bedding and curtains, etc, as part of Ella's bday and Christmas gift a few years ago. Let me tell you, that quilt she made? A LABOR OF LOVE. I know it took her hours upon hours. It's beautiful, and I am never letting go of it! I had found that fabric on my own, through Ebay, and thought it was perfect for this little girl's room of mine. She also made the pillows, and then delicately stitched patches and hearts of various fabrics on the white curtain. The little frame on Ella's dresser she put together. The frame beside it is one I had altered awhile back, with a picture of our other place, when Ella was very little. The box tied with ribbon to hang was also created by Lisa, as were the letters on the wall. The two tutus hanging up are very special to me. The pink one was made by my Grandma. She also made my niece, Abigail, one. The white one is also another Lisa creation. You really should check out her blog. They are still trying to fnd a house near here, etc., so I know she hasn't done much with it as of late, and she had another blog but decided to switch back to blogger. Anyways, hope you enjoyed the pics. I sure do!! LOL! My closet photos did not turn out, and just as well, because I would probably get comments here like what PROBLEM do you have with clothes??!?!? I would reply, well, I love them. Especially on little girls! There is one pic of some of my favorite dresses Ella wears these days. Or, rather, has not worn yet but will hopefully soon. The doll was mine growing up. My favorite one. It has a definite played with look, but that just adds to her charm. The hat you see is one I found at an antique store. Not real antique or vintage though. I really enjoy Ella's room. I put her books in a drawer under her bed. We had this pottery barn like dollhouse shelf on the floor but it just got so messy with all her toys. Putting them in those storage units helped so much. ALL of the items in there are basically those little toys that just go everywhere and you lose. I almost forgot- the canopy with butterflies was a consignment store find. I like it because it sort of hides Ella's play space. The dollhouse was a great garage sale find. Also, hanging on Ella's closet door is a box purse I altered by painting and then papering. I added a touch of beads and letter stickers. It's hard to get Ella not to play with that, as I really prefer it as a decoration though! Next time, I'll get a shot of my wacky pink 80s radio Ella found in my childhood loot in the basement. It works, still, which I think is great. Brings back memories.

All I want to say is

It's done!
Finished!
Ella's room, floor, bed, dresser, and closet!
Yipeeeeeeeee!
All rid up, organized, put away, ready to give away, thrown away, decorated...
Whew. I am TIRED. It was a lot of work.
The kids love it (yes Buddy is really liking her room too!).
Someday I will do his. Not this month though. LOL.

Trying to simplify things

So Wednesday I worked hard at trying to sort things out we don't need and packing away stuff that is in closets so it's not IN the closets so we have the stuff we DO use very nicely at hand. I overdid it, and my body is SORE. But not as bad as if I had decided to move furniture around, which I WON'T do, but really would like to, since I just have to wait for someone else to do it for me. Oh dear. Anyways, yes, I am really trying to just get rid of things we haven't used...I have some decorations that I should just throw out, but it's hard to do that, you know. I really should get rid of 2 tubs of things, but mentally freeing yourself from something you MAY use down the line is hard to do. My plan is, for this summer, to simplify our belongings, and get the basement to be organized and look decent for anyone to go down there. Oh, I know some of you feel my pain. *WINK*

Tuesday, I was painfully tired and didn't accomplish much at ALL! Except to make dinner. Monday, Rich was tired, and he actually called off from work. Good for him!!!!

Last night, I actually spent four hours, and more (due to someone in our group who left her lights on and we all decided to let everyone just guess who it was- Vanda, Kimmy, Beth, or me), talking with friends. It was a wonderful get together. I really needed that. They did too, I think. When I got to Applebee's I ended up ordering my old standby, the southwest chicken salad YUMMY, and then also the chocolate meltdown, or whatever it was called. I really could do that same thing tonight, but I MUST have some self control! These days food imagery is really strong for me, as I actually TASTE the food I crave. Very strange. And it makes it difficult for me to eat something other than what I am thinking about. So then I break down and just go get what I really want to eat! Rich is getting used to this routine now! Last week, let's see, I went to the Lazy Bean two days in a row (not spending much mind you) and got pizza or whatever at a another local place THREE different times! LOL! I would've gone today except I just didn't want to spend more money. We are going out to breakfast, at the airport cafe, of course, with my grandparents. My pie was delayed a bit, since my gram had some trouble with erratic heart beats earlier in the week, but she has one she wants to give me tonight. I really think she is so giving and such a strong person, even if not technically in the physical way, but just in the way she approaches life.

Tonight, I get to go to a Party Lite party and I hope to find something that I can get, even if for a gift for a family/friend at a later date. But, shhhh, don't tell Kimmy I am really coming just for the cheesecake. The whole buying bit, just to throw her off. :-)

The time today has just flown by. Because it was so dreary outside, I am glad the day went by quickly. I let the kids play outside a bit, and I have figured out what to do while they are outside, since I have to be outside with them always. I bring out 2 big boxes of stuff and start scrapbooking. It really works out quite nicely.

Oh I did forget to mention that Vacation Bible School through The Gate started yesterday morning. Every Wednesday morning, we are meeting at a house that is big enough to accommodate 30 kids or so, and a few adults. Ella and Philip did so well. I really appreciated all the time and effort that the leaders of VBS, and volunteers, put into it. The theme is about sports, or rather, the Olympics. Next week, they'll get their shirts back they painted on, etc. They say on the front, above a cross they made by putting paint over masking tape shaped into a cross and then removing that tape, "God's Team." Philip acted a bit shy at times, going underneath my shirt, which really wasn't flattering to me at times! I think he'll do a bit better next time. They ate "torches", too...ice cream cones with sherbet and dipped in red sprinkles. Everything was so well done. Can't wait for next week and the next and the next..

There's somethings going on inside my heart recently, and after I sort them out, I'll share. I really do believe that the whole simplicity thing is very important, and when you do that, and honestly, let God show you how to do that, He can use you in so many different ways then you would expect. My own health, emotionally and physically, has seem to determine quite a bit what we do as a family and participate in. It's the whole learning, and changing, process that takes time and diligence. So, the number one thing to do to be humble and listen, is to make sure there is daily quality time in devotions, and prayer, and just deciding to do it and DOING this will enrich your life in so many ways.

Some of my thoughts have taken me back to think of fond memories, and one of them being the photo lab where I had worked during high school and college, and shortly afterwards. The girls there were wonderful to work with. I just got an invitation to a reunion of sorts for us in July! I am very excited. VERY EXCITED! Yeah! The girl who is organizing this get together lives out of state, but her parents are nearby us, and we have known that family since I was very little. Anyways, it will be a wonderful time.

To honor my dad and husband

I have put a Civil War song list on my blog now. The first song was the main theme I believe from Ken Burns' Civil War documentary. Rich and I play this song whenever we play somewhere, more often than not. We have the piano arrangement, which is a beautiful backdrop for Rich on the harmonica or mandolin. Tuesday, at a local library, there will be a presentation, including playing, of Civil War music. We are planning to go, as well as Rich's banjo. I bet he'll be able to tag along musically quite easily. My dad is excited about going, too. They'll both be wearing appropriate attire. Dad's love of participating in the Civil War reenactments has truly rubbed off on my wonderful husband. I am so glad that both of these wonderful men in my life enjoy something like this so much.

Sunday, Rich and I split up with the kids to go to different churches. Philip and Rich sure had fun at my parents' church. My grandparents and my uncle also were there. A pancake breakfast every 3rd Sunday in the summer is held in the state park as well, and so thus, one of the main reasons the guys went there! I didn't mind going different places, as long as it isn't a habit. :-) Ella loves going to church, and to her class, and has made some new friends. I am very happy for her.

Rich's dad fried a turkey, made large potato fries, and also made ice cream for Father's Day. I thought this was terribly nice of him, especially since it was a day to celebrate dad's. All quite yummy. The kids love that whole process of making ice cream. They'll make raspberry flavored ice cream sooner or later. They have the berries for those I do believe, or at least will in their garden area. The other great berry news is that my grandma is making a strawberry pie for me us and bringing it over so I can have it all share.

Little girl, ALL little girl still

Off to bed, but before I do, just a little pic from one of the hot days this week. This picture really shows me how LITTLE she still is.

We have a busy weekend ahead of us, and a busy day behind us. Mommy got some new duds for being more comfortable in this weather (meaning- sleeveless tops- YEAH!). Ella and Philip each got a new doggy from Build A Bear, husky and lab, respectively. Philip was so original when he named his doggy. Buddy. LOL. We call Philip BUDDY. So, thus, it's funny. I HAD to laugh when he told me the doggy's name.

At a cousin's graduation party, we saw Verity (yes Verity, THE precious daughter of two great people!), swing a baseball bat about 10 different times to try to crack open the pinata filled with the chocolate that Ella and Philip won't eat much of but will give to their wonderful mother. :-)

This week, noteworthy correspondance occured b/w me and a good friend. She's one of those friends who you know will talk to you even if you don't talk for months! One of these days I will link her site to my blog, but for the meantime, be praying for Anne Marie. She's going to Africa for teaching ESL. I LOVE this girl. She amazes me. She has gone through challenges like no one I know. She emits JOY like my dad does. She is so positive, fun loving, and extremely humble. I learn a lot from her.

When I was in Nashville for a short summer with World Relief, she was ALSO in Tennessee. One fine day, we met halfway b/w Memphis, I believe, and Nashville, for lunch at a Cracker Barrell. That was one of the highlights of my time there. It was great to see a friend soooo far away from home. And, she is not a novice of doing that. She's already been to Africa, and she's going again for two years. LOVE YOU ANNE MARIE!

And, looking at The Gate church website, I see that her dad will be a guest one Sunday this summer, in July, and I think that is fantastic.

I woke up with Nostalgia

and still had a bit of Nostalgia at the end. You see, later throughout the day I thought about locking myself in the bathroom. Twice I thought that. I didn't though. I thought about it. That's the Nostalgia I ended the day with. :-)

But yet I will explain why I had that pleasant mood this morning, which made up for the rest of the day with two kids who were being kids, and one who had told me after the bath that she accidentally you-know-what in the bathtub when her and her brother just got in to get CLEAN, and then I washed her hair with that water and her brother, like always, found some way to have bath (bath?) water in his mouth and out again. Funny sounding to some, but to me....yes, it is. YES. I need to laugh at that because this day, although as trying as it was, went by with a blink.

Anyways, I went through some old photographs at my parents' house recently, and found a variety of things. My dad and I camping. Jr. High girlfriends and I at a sleepover. Church choir concerts. My mom beaming when my brother graduated from Mount Vernon. A few of my Grandpa and Grandma Duvall at one past Christmas. Charles Dickens (the Snyder family cat way back). The small jazz choir I was in, with two of my best high school friends. And, some even of my brother and his then girlfriend and fiance Lisa, who is his wife now.

However, one set of photographs set themselves apart for me. My grandparents had lived out in the country all the years that I remembered until about 3 years ago, when they became "city" folk. Crestview Road. What a grand place. I got stung by a bee on that road. Hiked the train tracks there, too. Had my first best friend on that road. Had my first "garden" in their backyard. Apple fights with the green and sour apple tree in the backyard. Just so many many memories that made me want to be there for just even a minute. I really miss that house, and the country air, and all that the house brought in my life. Not the house itself, of course, but who lived here, visited, grew....I miss it. It has quite changed since then. New owners. I can't imagine what it looks like now.

On to the photographs taken on that road, in the backyard of my grandparents' house. Rich received a handmade by me walking stick for Christmas that year (not sure what year it is right now). My grandpa went with me through their backwoods, and even over to the neighbors' backwoods to look for the perfect stick to alter. We hiked. Talked. Smiled. Prayed. I am so thankful for these four photos I have of this time. I'm making a small album with the whole why I made a hiking stick for Rich that year story (and honestly I cannot remember why I did! but I'll figure it out), and will give it to him for Father's Day. It's small, just right for his desk at work. My grandparents' are wearing wonderful smiles in that photograph. They still wear those wonderful smiles. God bless them.

Been thinking of names....

I check out names whenever I'm reading something. I received my new Victoria magazine today, and in the reader's letters a name just popped out at me.

Annie.

Now, we don't know what we are having, and I am always one to get those girl names in my head faster than the boys (but anyways, the boy name is for sure picked out- Max (my mom's mother's name is Maxine)). Anywhoo....

I really love that name. And Rich did too! Middle name, JOY, after my grandmother (it was her middle name). I may have to squeeze in an Elizabeth for my other grandmother, as that is HER middle name.

But, having a baby Annie just sounds so sweet to me.

I turned the page of that Victoria and came across some wonderful information about an Anne of Green Gables fair/festival thing at Prince Edward Island, of course. Ahhh..what a neat thing to go to. We can't of course, but it sure looks like fun. Lots of great photographs to take, and opportunities! I loved the books growing up, and the movies. I think I still have a couple books from my childhood book collection that my mom lovingly stored in her attic for 20+ years. I also have all the antique books I collected, all my miniatures and dollhouses, and more books, such as Little House on the Prarie (all of them) and Mandy books, a Christian series for young girls that was in a historical setting.

My body hurt today, and I think I just wore the wrong shoes- thin flip flops. That was not very smart of me. Since 6 o'clock I've been in a daze of fatique and pain, and I am TRYING to accomplish somthing. Well, I guess I did- fed the kids their bedtime snack and got them both in bed sleeping around 8:30ish. Our friend, Joe, called and I chatted with him for awhile. HE has a gal he has been talking to and I am quite excited for him.

Rich and I completly bombed out with two movies we rented recently- Juno and some other one that I can't even think of the name. Had Christian Bale in it so thought it'd be good but just was not anything I was into. Juno...omigoodness. This is just my opinion, but don't watch it. I thought it was supposed to be good. The first ten minutes introduced the viewer with a bunch of imagery, especially, that I feel was vey negative. I was NOT going to waste my time watching it. I am sensitive to certain things...now, I can handle R rated movies, war stuff, etc....but some other things, no way. I don't even want to say what you would be shown. Just take my advice.

But, I did watch another Hallmark movie, the Valley of Light- about a wandering fisherman. Love story, a very sad part, but it was a wonderful film. There was a part I had the kids watch (since they are into fishing- well really they are into finding worms!!!). The fisherman and a boy who befriends him look for worms together. And they hold them up! EWW! LOL!

The kids had a blast tonight outside with their daddy. My sister in law, Jessica, picked up something at TRU for $5- a sand/water/play table thing. Has little boats, and a "dumper" truck (per Philip). There's a wheel you manually turn, and it makes the boats go round the edge of this toy. It is very neat! I hope my friend Katie and her little girl, Autumn, can come over again (they came over Friday), because I think Autumn would love it. She's about 20 months old. It was too cute when she played with Philip Friday. She kinda attached herself to him, probably because he was closer to her age, and voluntarily kept giving him hugs. He giggled quite a bit at that!

I am severely tired now, but this writing was relaxing to me tonight. I guess I usually don't go until too much detail. Nice for a change.

Am I wearing a sign?

That says: Please. Splash. Me.

I must be, for three times in a row of going to the Community Center to swim, some boy (each a different one, too) has purposely and ignorantly splashed me in the face. Um, HELLO? That is very rude. Especially to a pregnant lady. And parental supervision is nada. If my boy splashed someone on purpose- and if it were an adult, look out- I would WANT to be approached by another adult and told of that incident. It is so ignorant. The second time, the boy was very ignorant in doing the splashing. The other day, the boy was semi in fun but he doesn't know me! I don't get it! I want to take the kids again, because it's so hot, but I got to figure out where this sign on my body is and peel it off first.

We were able to attend church yesterday, and that was wonderful, and right after had some birthday celebrations to do at Rich's parents' house. The kids are taking over the dining room table!!!! 7 grandchildren, and two more on the way, ours and Rich's sister. Totally taking over their table! During those hot hours, Rich picked some strawberries from my inlaws' patch. They are so little, and takes awhile de-stem them, but oh so worth it. Very yummy.

I really have a lot to do around here but the heat is zapping me today. Add in very little sleep, and there you have someone that has no pep. Hoping for a cooler day tomorrow so I can feel like I can work around the house a bit.

I have been scrapbooking quite a bit lately, so I need to post a few pages sometime soon. I have really been enjoying doing that lately. Well, I need to go take care of some needy children...

NASA Photos

Someone directed me to these FANTASTIC photographs you do not want to miss! Pretty breathtaking.

Had a sweet phone call from the pastor's wife at The Gate. We're missed. :-) It was nice to chat with her.

Picked up some strawberries freshly picked locally today!!!!! 3.95/qt and that is not bad. My gram thought it would be $5. Ella's preschool picnic was today. I cried. I admit it. I cried. She was so happy to see her friends and play and eat junk food. LOL. Philip felt a little out of it though, because Ella took off without him sometimes to play with her girl-friends. It was extremely hot and humid. All three of us were glad to be home in cool air. Rich got to come for a little bit, yeah! And, my grandparents came to cheer Ella on during this final preschool program. What a blessing the day was (despite my own difficult with the heat and being easily irritated).

This weekend we are going to try to go to a hot air balloon festival, maybe spending the night Saturday, maybe not. Just depends. Sunday afternoon we have to go celebrate some birthdays at the inlaws. Ella's, Philip's, and little Kaylin- and I am not sure if I spelled my niece's name right! Isn't that horrible? She turned a year a couple months ago. We try TRY TRY to do several bdays at once, celebration wise, so it's not every month. We have to do July and August later this summer too.

July 8th, at 9:30 am we find out if it's a girl or boy! Maybe I mentioned that already, but here it is again, because I am just so excited.



Kimmy, Kevin, Mike, and Beth- Rich and I are praying for your family AND so are members of my family. We love you.

Get rid of this please

My migraine.

It's everywhere- under my eyes, over my eyes, in my neck, my temples, and making me more sick to my stomach than I already am.

Off to lay down again. So glad my grandparents picked up Ella from school for me today.

**Here's a great thing to do (free lemonade stand) if you have a child 7-12 years old and sign up to raise money for a charity. I found this on another forum and many mom's had done this before. Too bad my daughter is only 5. I would have loved to do this!

Another day

in a church funk. LOL. We are having a Bible story read here..after BOZ is done, and then, we are going to go to Skyline Diner by the airport for lunch. It'll be a great time of airplane watching for the kids. We went there for breakfast Friday, and it was super fun for them. Great place to eat, too. They are only open for breakfast and lunch most days, and closed Tuesday. My sleep- or lack thereof- is just giving me a hard time. Mornings just aren't real fast moving. Or the rest of the day for that matter! I know of a friend of mine that has dealt with the whole where to go to church thing, well, a couple friends, and it is not the easiest thing in the world. You could be settled, but then maybe not. And it's hard to know. We're keeping this in lots of prayer of course. I think missing a few weeks at the place we were going really threw me off. Anyways, off to finish our Sunday morning here, and then to enjoy the sunny day.

OH, well, I am trying to keep on scrapbooking consistently but quite frankly I don't care for the pages I did lately at all. Phooey. I am trying to do things to them so I like them, but they just, well, I don't know. I suppose not everyone can have layouts that they can put out there for people to see all the time! Oh well!

Gee I am back because I forgot to say that I am still nauseous and today is no exception.

And, I love Indiana Jones, but I am a diehard archaeology fan and the new movie wasn't for me. Those aliens, why did they have to land out west anyways?

Rich and I went on a lovely date at the Columbiana Theater and I did enjoy the movie,not as much as I had thought, but I expected something different.

I will always love

classical piano. ALWAYS. I was in a nostalgic mood, as well as really wanting to brush up on these piano favs of mine. So, that's why there is another change to the music on my blog again, and so soon, too. When you are not into practicing your technique, you falter much, well at least I do.

The first song is my absolutely favorite to play. You may recall hearing it in the movie The Secret Garden (wonderful book and movie- a favorite of my childhood). The second, one that I couldn't play as well as this recording, but I still love to play. The fourth song is another I rank up high on the list. Just beautiful. Love going fast with that. The Rach. one, well...I loved the theme and do like to fumble around a bit with the music I bought for that...actually need an orchestra to really sound good though. LOL. The others, all ones that really touched my soul. You'll notice I'm into minor keys and very contemplative pieces.

Dad- I hope you enjoy the take down memory lane.

The feat of the....year

I cleaned out the inside of my car (well, still needs swept)..looks tons better. I have the toys in a couple piles and the kids will have to bring those in. I was tired out after that job.

I was able to watch a really good movie that was on the Hallmark channel recently. King Solomon's Mines, with Patrick Swazye, of all people..sorry if I butchered that spelling. Set mostly in Africa, it is an adventure where a young woman needs help to rescue her archaeologist father, who is being held against his will to enable a certain African king the chance to retreive a coveted map. The map, of course, is for King Solomon's Mines. FOUR hours long. HOWEVER, it really was not boring at all. JUST FANTASTIC. I would say similar to Indiana Jones in a way, but Swayze's character is more, emotionally real, I think. I was really impressed. Should have been a movie, really should have been, in the theater. AND GET OUT OF HERE. I just looked it up on the internet and the heroine is Alison Doody, who played Dr. Elsa Schneider in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Huh. No wonder it was really good. Her acting in this was great. I did NOT recognize her as being Elsa, and the Last Crusade is my favorite Indy movie. Anyways, if somehow you are able to rent it or something, do it. It is soooo good. Based on a novel written in the 1880's. I loved the historic nature of the story. Just great.



TRAILER

Interview

When you get a favorite...

The first layout is one that I have named a FAVORITE. The next, not a fav., but one I just did last night. Philip is SOOO little in that photo!

excuse the warped look- will fix tomorrow with natural light (****FIXED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)IF i can tweak something on my camera equipment- it's been terribly annoying as of late as I am getting some blurry pics.

add that to the terribly annoying fact that since this 3rd pregnancy i seem to almost always park crooked in a parking space.

and still can't eat chicken a whole lot.

and don't sleep good.

but I do like my chocolate still!

In the morning

we're home today, due to lack of sleep and a tummy ache for mommy. i think i may have had a touch of food poisoning from friday- not sure- but i am feeling better now. looking forward to some family time tomorrow, though rich is working. i'll take the kids to a parade, hopefully, in the morning, and then, to my parents.

i got to work on some scrapbooking recently. YEAH!

Beautiful Idol Ending

Great Sadness

Tuesday night, I thought that American Idol's David Cook reminded me Steven Curtis Chapman when he sang his second round's song. I thought, wow...it just brought me back to a few songs of SCC's that sounded similar, or had the same feel.

This morning, I am unbearably saddened by the news of a terrible accident that has given this family- the Curtis's- a great loss I cannot imagine. The family needs our prayers. The Curtis family is strong, there's no doubt. And they are because of Him.

Here is Cinderella....about a daddy's little girl...sung by Steven.


If you prefer a different version:


This morning, also, I need to call Ella's doctor to address something that is, well, my fault, or something I should have been up on. Let's just say, there's some major healing to be done with my daughter's pierced ears. Please pray that her right earlobe, the one with the most to worry about (and I cannot even SAY why), heals quickly. The left, I am not that worried about. Both, I hope that scarring doesn't occur. Anyways, I'd appreciate your prayers. Ella, too. She's not in pain, at least she has not told me, and with that fact, I am in disbelief...I'll update when I can.

Still

Do you like being still?

I do. I suppose I always have, even when in my childhood and teenage days I was superbly involved in activities of all kind. I am a "still" kind of person.

Yesterday, I finished up a project that makes me think of stillness, in a way. I created something that makes me stop when I see it. Not that I think there is a real grandness about it, but it is appealing to me because I see not only my own heart, but my daughters, and God's. Here it is...

I need a nap

I really really, really do need. A. Nap.

It's cold in this house. Or, maybe it's just me. It's COLD. I cannot get warm. I even had hot chai tea, which I haven't had for a loooong time. Still cold.

Started working on a "big" project last night. Didn't get very far. LOL. I am decorating around a large print that goes into an even bigger frame. I have this 11x14 black and white photo of Ella. So beautiful. Hoping it turns out alright.

Did you know my husband is just so smart? Well, I had a mini meltdown Saturday and he took me and the kids to Red Lobster. I have more no nausea days and that was one of them. Although, I could not eat those cheddar baked biscuits. I usually have THREE but I couldn't get past the one bite. Yuck. He's also so smart b/c he can work on our cars. He fixed something in the transmission of my Neon on Sunday. Saved us lots right there.

I put some new music off to the right. I like Loreena's music, although I have only one cd of hers. The Highwayman is my favorite. It is LONG. I loved the poem growing up. Don't know why. It's kind of a bizarre poem to be in a childrens book but it was. In a Childkraft volume. It probably is my favorite poem. Anyways, I do like a lot of the other songs she has done, so I am sharing a HUGE list. The Mummer's Dance was featured in the film "Ever After" with Drew Barrymore. I really like #2 and #6. To see the whole list, you'll need to click on the launch stand alone.

Didn't get to pick up cheesecake ingredients b/c I couldn't find the recipe that I thought would work for me. Maybe today. If I decide to brave the cold, rainy weather. Rich has a music practice session with a group he is in (they have a gazillion workshops and stuff this coming weekend) so I may need to get out of the house to do SOMETHING today. Oh mi gosh. I have been into asparagus lately. I need to get some more really soon. I had some with a premium shells and cheese serving and it was delicious. I cleaned out the freezer so we have room to freeze fresh asparagus..and STRAWBERRIES next month. NEXT MONTH! YEAH! I won't begin to freeze until right before the season ends though. Gosh...I need to figure out what other houses I can borrow some freezer space from. Our family loves strawberries. I love to make the shortbread biscuits and then add freshly finely cut, mashed, and juicy strawberries over top. The local grown ones are the best. The store ones have not been that great whenever I've gotten them. Alright with a bunch of sugar but not the kind you can just pop right into your mouth and enjoy. Oh and the strawberry pies from the Dutch House. Delish.

I had to add this funny and cute video that Lauren from SC had on her blog today. ENJOY!
Check out this video: Treadmill Kittens



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oooh lala!

Just a few of my favorite things....

Cheesecake- I have to make some of my own today, since I am already planning on going to the store. Just need to find a not so rich recipe. I don't want to eat the kind that gives you a headache b/c it hurts your teeth.

Studio G stamps- don't have any, but sure am trying to find these ONE DOLLAR alphabet SET rubber stamps!! ONE DOLLAR for a whole set of the alphabet!

My new scrapbooking organizer box- Hope to post a picture soon. The person who gave this to me, well, let's just say blessed my day.

My children- Ella was truly so joyful at church, and it rubbed off on Buddy. Buddy was very cuddly this morning! A treat for me!

Window shopping- going to do that this morning. Just feel like taking off and looking at some things with the kids.

Idea Books- just purchased some on ebay and can't wait to see them! Got them at a fraction of the cost.

Music- Rich played a wonderful medley on the harmonica at the Chapel yesterday. I got to play, although very out of tune, the piano. I had to skip over the notes that just aren't in the same key LOL. But that's okay. I really enjoyed myself there and then..

Pancake Breakfast- We went to the donation only breakfast at Beaver Creek following our service at church. Very enjoyable and yummy! We ate outdoors, but under a roof LOL. The kids and Rich walked around for a few minutes to observe the work on the bridge. It was a tad chilly but ended up being fairly sunny while we were there.

A praying church- Soon after the guest speaker began his sermon, a gentleman passed out, and went limp in his seat. A woman there was truly so quick on her feet to assist him, it was only the Lord. Truly. He is doing okay, after being taken to the hospital via the ambulance. And the church congregation prayed while we waited for the assistance.

Beautiful flowers at the front of my house- The flowers I received on Mother's Day are still beautiful and are even more stunning with the additional color provided by my pretty pink bushes. :-)

God bless you all!

I have been so tired as of late

so that is why I have very minimal blog entries. I probably won't go into a "book" about the past weekend, but here's a quick rundown.

Went to the new theater and saw Breakfast At Tiffany's with my husband. Beforehand there were many desserts to sample. I hadn't been a cheesecake for a long time. But, after THAT cheesecake, I'm BACK! It was a superb date with my sweetie. I really had wanted a special day for ME on Mother's Day. We usually go to both parents' houses, but this time stopped in at my mom's for a wonderful meal, and also to have the kids stay there while on our date.

Saturday though, was Philip's small party to celebrate him turning 3. It was small. Just a few of his little friends, but I really couldn't handle the thought of an official party. The only activity planned was the Thomas pinata. Wouldn't you know it, it was a "string" pulling one, and Ella got the string to open the pinata. AND the string was the LAST one, of all things! Pretty funny! I was kinda worried it wasn't even going to work! But it did!

Hoping for a mellow weekend, too. Last Sunday we attended my parents' church because I was needed to fill in for my mom on the piano, while she interpreted for someone that had attended. I need to ask them about this week. ;-)

I stalled out on furniture shopping. Maybe next week if I have some energy. I think we'll order our new couch first and then maybe wait on the dining room table set. Maybe. We really need to replace those items. Badly. It will be so nice to have some new furniture!

******I reread my post just now I saw something I wrote that is pretty funny- on my behalf- and I won't correct it but will just say I needed to add the word "fan" after the word "cheesecake."
;-)

Hubby Panic Button

Hehee.

Go here (it's a scrapbook company site) and then go to the green box on the left. Funny! I wonder if I'll have to ever use it!?

Back to before

I didn't like that change as much so we're back to plain jane!

I just finished watching a most wonderful movie. I literally was in tears 95% of the time.

August Rush.

A beautiful music based story that is incredibly moving. Incredible. I can't wait to rewatch it- probably with my sweetie. I know he'll love it too.

Since the main actor in one of my favorite shows is actually in August Rush, as a supporting actor, I need to express deep sadness in the cancellation of Moonlight. :-( Rich had liked the show, The Brothers Donnely, or something like that, and it had gotten cancelled. So, now I know how he feels. I think they might let go of my other fav, New Amsterdam. More of these: :-(
There are many fans of Moonlight contacting various people expressing that they would like more time with the show- and I was one of them. Hope it helps and gets revived. Season (hopefully not series) finale is Friday. Like ALL shows, I really try to use discretion when I watch...all shows these days have at least ONE negative element going for it. Anyways, that said, I had really like My Name is Earl and then it got too bold with some things for my tastes at time. So I don't watch that anymore. I like Ghost Whisperer too, but again, that show REALLY has some moments that don't go with my beliefs. What happened to the good old days of Full House and Home Improvement! LOL!

I am trying to change this blog

but I messed up. HELP!!! How do I get the top of the blog to show me where to click to get to HERE, the dashboard? Where did my lists of people go? I can't change the color of the entry titles! AGHHHH!!!!!

Despite the cloudiness and rain

I really had a great day. I will share with you novel length later on what the day unfolded to be.

But, first..thank you to all that wished me a happy Mother's Day- and here's a Happy Mother's Day to you mother's too!

And- I just feel I need to mention that when we got home tonight, there was a single message waiting to be heard on our answering machine...and I just KNEW who it'd be.

And I was correct.

Thank you my far-away in KY friend, Jen. It made me cry!

I'm gonna be a soccer mom

I'm gonna be a soccer mom!



Probably won't be your normal soccer mom but I'll try!



Ella is signed up for soccer camp in July and then the official end of summer playing! I'm excited for her!

We should expect

the media to misinterpret news- some of the time? Or most of the time. I'm not sure! LOL!

Remember the photos recently of Miley Cyrus? Well....

A favorite author, Karen Kingsbury, has discussed things personally with Miley and her mother...check out this link instead. It doesn't expell a whole lot of information but does say that things were not presented correctly. Scroll down a little bit and you'll see some about it.

Run down of weekend..

A non party birthday party for Philip (who turned 3 exactly a week ago and who also had his first buzz cut given by dad yesterday) on Saturday.

Today we are going to Rich's grandparents for a nice visit (and on the way, to a music store that Rich likes...). And today's craving, since it's for a sub, a stop for that, too. Wednesday I had a craving for a salad, and while eating that salad (out on the town with Beth) I also ordered a hamburger and fries. Thought I was turning the corner after those TWO meals but then yesterday didn't feel so great part of the day.

Then, Sunday after The Gate (yes- our new church- I think I did forget to say that's where we've decided to attend) to my mom's for dinner and then DIRECTLY to The Encore for a dessert buffet and the afternoon showing of Breakfast At Tiffany's. I CANNOT WAIT! That was "our" date movie and Rich played Moon River for me at our wedding. Very sentimental movie. I am so excited! As long as we can score tickets- I am not sure if you can get them early and then, I hope they aren't sold out. LOL! It'd be my luck!

I like to think about Nashville now and then

And it's one of those "now" times.

An internship at World Relief, the Nashville office, still remains one of the best times of my life, in every aspect. During that time, I went away from home for a length of time- the first time I ever did that-, did something I loved- working with various cultures-, and got engaged. I wish very much to someday be able to work in this environment..someday.

But until someday, I did some digging yesterday on the website of World Relief and came upon a blog of someone that does work with the refugees. I WISH that I could share in the same way she is sharing..through writing like this. Reading her entries brought back many memories and reminded me that praying for refugees is something I need to start doing. I hope you enjoy- and learn from- this blog.

Laura Story's music

is so refreshing to me. I love all aspects. She's such a beautiful and tender song writer and piano player. Her voice is tender. Enjoy the songs that are to the right...and, forgot to mention, she's the one that wrote Indescribable.

Like the twists and turns of a mountain road, Laura Story's life has held its share of unexpected moments - some exhilarating, some terrifying, and some simply beautiful to behold. Leaning solely on her faith in the sovereignty of God, Story has learned that no matter what comes around the next bend, it's going to be an incredible view.

Set to release her label debut on INO Records (Sara Groves, MercyMe, Derek Webb) in 2008, Story is still learning that God's plan is far deeper and wider than she ever thought possible.

Once an aspiring symphony conductor, Story didn't even know she could sing - much less write songs - until she was in her early twenties. Today, Story is not only a gifted vocalist and worship leader but also the composer of one of the most beloved worship songs of our generation: "Indescribable." The song has topped charts and been recorded by multiple artists, but most importantly, it has helped people all over the world experience our magnificent God.

So how did a string bassist and YoungLife leader from South Carolina end up penning a worship anthem known and loved by millions? It all began with a providential moment in the class registration line her sophomore year at Columbia International University. There she met Shane Williams of the popular indie pop-rock band Silers Bald, who asked her to join his band.
Five years and many road miles later, Story found herself being led a different direction musically, just as Silers Bald was on the brink of signing a deal with Essential Records. When her manager suggested she record an independent album with the songs she had written while in Silers, Story was still unconvinced her vocals could stand on their own. Besides, she was out of money and didn't have enough songs for a full record.

But those challenges were overcome when God provided more money and more songs. In 2002, Story began recording her first independent album, trusting that last song she needed would come. Soon after, she was driving down a mountain road, eyes fixed on the majesty of her Creator, when she started worshiping and singing, "Indescribable, uncontainable, You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name …." Story added verses on the piano and finished the song while reading God's own description of His power and might in Job chapter 38. Her first record was now complete. "Indescribable" was the perfect title track.
What brought "Indescribable" into churches all across the U.S. and the world was when Chris Tomlin recorded it for his 2004 release, Arriving, produced by Ed Cash (Caedmon's Call, Bebo Norman, Bethany Dillon). "Laura has a genuine understanding of a well crafted lyric," says Chris Tomlin. "She carries herself with true humility as well. Laura is a wonderful songwriter and artist, and through the song 'Indescribable,' I am honored to be a small extension of her ministry." Immediately, the song flew up the AC Charts, where it stayed #1 for 7 weeks and in the top 15 for 50 weeks. The song was also included on the Passion CD/DVD in 2005, Tomlin's 2006 release, Live From Austin Music Hall, and performed by Avalon for WoW Worship 2006. The list of accolades goes on, but Story takes no more credit for writing it than she would for creating the Appalachian Mountains. "I always think the last song I wrote was my last song. Just when my mind is completely blank and I don't know if I'll write a song again, God surprises me. The songs are His. I'm just the first person who gets to hear them."

"I'll never forget meeting Laura Story," says producer Ed Cash. "I was behind the dining hall at a YoungLife camp in North Carolina, and she played me the song "Grace." I still remembered the words and melody to that song after years of not seeing her. Laura has an awesome anointing on her life for writing songs that call me closer to Jesus. She is a true worshipper of God and a joy to be around."
In 2005, Story released her second independent album, There Is Nothing, produced by Ed Cash and Mitch Dane (Jars of Clay). That same year she married her high school sweetheart, Martin Elvington, and moved to Atlanta to become the worship leader and women's pastor for the arts and music community at Perimeter Church.

Shortly after inking the deal with INO Records in 2006, a trial entered Story's life that would not only provide her with a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty. After one year of marriage, Story's husband was hospitalized with a brain tumor.

"There was a time he was on a breathing machine and we weren't sure he was going to make it. I spent my whole life singing, ''Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,' but until Jesus took me through something where my only option was to trust Him, I didn't really know that sweetness," reflects Story. While supporting her husband through surgery, radiation, complications, and intense physical therapy, Story composed new rubber-meets-the-road songs to reaffirm God's presence in her darkest hours.

"It's hard to understand why God would allow us to go through this, but I know He works all things together for good, and I feel my new album is reflecting that. Though He leads us through valleys, that's when we get to trust Him and draw closer to Him all the more. Though I've doubted, His grasp has never released, never slipped. He's remained completely faithful to me. He has proven that He really is my foundation and my hope."

Bless the Lord oh my soul, all that's in me bless your name,
Forget not your power untold, not your glory or your fame
For you came to heal the broken, to redeem and make me whole,
Bless the Lord, bless the Lord, oh my soul …

Story's new project titled Great God Who Saves, produced again by Ed Cash, declares her tried-by-fire confidence in God's faithfulness in unforgettable, utterly infectious songs like "Mighty To Save," "Immortal, Invisible God," "Great God Who Saves," and "Bless The Lord." Melodic, piano-driven worship imbued with the peace and joy that comes only on the heels of suffering.

Faith rising up from uncertain times, glimpses of the majestic in the ordinary.
Immortal, you are not bound by death, you're the living God of every breath
Invisible, you are not bound by space, but your glory is filling this place …
"On this last record," Cash says, of Story's label debut, "I wanted to make sure to highlight the authentic, organic nature of Laura's music. It's well worth preserving."

On a regular basis, Story gets to share this hope with the 100+ women she ministers to through her job at Perimeter Church; and it's not a job she's giving up anytime soon. After all, the opportunity to pour into others' lives and treasure each moment reminds Story that she is just a passenger on this remarkable journey.

"Mine is not the perfect voice or the perfect life. My life is as messy as the next person's, and God is using me to speak to the church. For this season of my life, God has really blessed me with some insight into who He is and what that has to do with me. For some reason He just gives it to me in song form."
With the way inspiration comes to Laura Story, it's exciting to wonder what will be around the next mountain bend ….

If you post here

at Studio Calico, in the bring a friend thread, after registering (you don't have to have a sub..or even plan to...or even like scrapbooking! LOL!) with a username, and say I recommended you (amyrjoy) then we both could win a 6 month subscription to this wonderful scrapbooking kit club! So..if you're game, I'd appreciate it!

a few more

A couple of pics from a kids thing, in a firetruck.
I had a post below this but thought of not having it here anymore b/c I do really like Paula. She just had a bad moment on American Idol :-)

Bliss

This photo cracks me up!

Springtime photography by Amy

:-)

Enjoy!

Prayers for this family

This past week I was deeply saddened for my former piano teacher's loss of her husband. Although I haven't seen or talked with the family members for several years, I will always remember Mr. Huebert's very encouraging words at piano performances at their church. God be with their family....

Oh dear!

Apparently I was in the local newspaper today, along with Ella! YIKES! That's not really what a pregnant lady wants to hear LOL!

The kids, Grandpa (my dad), and I went to a kids thing at a local branch of a state college...we attended a sing a long, and got photographed! I asked Richie- how did I look? He said, fine. UH oh. LOL. FINE. Sound good? NOT to me. Really though I don't care. We don't have a copy but hopefully someone will give us one. That usually happens.

Hoping for a calm week. We would really appreciate one. Off to get kids to bed..hopefully tomorrow I can post some pics of the kids I took today. I am VERY pleased with them. CANNOT wait to share!

This just got me

Hormones I suppose but this little shirt is so darn cute. Wish I could get it, but not probably. And that's alright...I love the darling phrase. What a lovely thought. Could be a lovely thought about many things, actually. God. A sunny day. A good friend. A good dinner (lost mine btw but tomorrow is another day).

Sniff Sniff sniff.

SCORE!

Philip and I went to a used book sale today and got lots of books (all within 10 cents to 1.00 but more of the 10 cent-30 cent range!!)..and I found the book I actually WENT to find: Morris Goes To School.

Anyone remember that from yesteryears (or, well, 20 years ago or so, elementary aged). It was my fav as a little reader. About a moose who, yeah, goes to school! I wanted it soooooooooo bad and it was there! Go figure!!

Tried to leave, I guess they wanted me to stay and buy more books.

My car wouldn't start.

Some elderly gentlemen helped get it started...but praying that it won't be much to get a new battery or whatever. AND I did NOT leave my lights on. LOL!

Anywhoo....we're home now, picked up Ella a little late, but it's alright.

This was neat. It's neat to find out how things in your life affect other people.

I was talking with a lady at the small group of women that meet on Wednesdays, from the Gate. We connected the dots, so to speak, as we know each other and family from Old North. Alrighty here's the neat story:

When I was a senior, I visited Asbury College in KY and actually did get accepted for Piano Performance. One of the recruiters came up to Old North to give a little talk about the college to the youth group. This lady from the small group had a son that ended up being interested. We both and the recruiter had lunch together..but here's the thing. I ended up NOT going to Asbury but HE did! AND, he met his future wife there. I thought, wow....that was really exciting to hear...my life was going one way but turned out to really point someone else that direction. And I stayed home for college. And met my guy via Beth, Mike, Kimmy and Kevin, kinda all in that order. Alright. So there you go...God works in all ways.

Syesha what a performance!

What a Broadway star she SHOULD be!!!!!!!!!!!!




LOVED THIS by David Cook as well!

Syesha what a performance!

What a Broadway star she SHOULD be!!!!!!!!!!!! Youtube show coming later!

Finally

we are members of the community center!!! and we went swimming today, the kids and I, this morning. They had a blast. We walked, since it's just a couple blocks away. I did promise Ella that we'd go after school, but I'm tired! LOL! Maybe we'll wait and see if daddy wants to go too. Anyways, just glad to have that all set up. I know that this summer, I'm going to need this membership to survive hot days! I'm THINKING (stress THINKING) of having Philip's birthday party there so I don't have to do anything. And, really, I wouldn't have to do ANYTHING, even games. The kids would just swim. Pizza, pop, and paper products are all provided. We'll see. I have to decide quickly, as his birthday is May 2nd, and it'd probably be the following weekend for a party, IF it's open. And, more good news, I feel so much better today. Wondering if it's a psychological thing, being as Monday's are bad days of feeling sick, and well, as a Tuesday, it's so much better. I guess I'll have to think of Mondays as, um, Fridays? LOL!

I really don't think we need Mondays anymore!

Just kidding.

But, really, I am deflected all calls every Monday from now until ? b/c Monday's are my WORST not feel good days. It's been TOUGH. I was so close to losing my lunch for a couple hours, but thankfully, I was able to rest quietly on my grandma's bed for awhile. I usually don't take her up on those offers, but today, yes.

Ella and I had lunch with Lisa and Abigail at the Bean and when I got to my grandparents to pick Philip up,, well, I just got on gram's bed and laid down. LOL! She was probably like, what's going on? Well, the kids had so more fun, and I got to rest. Then we pushed to the store. AND YUCKY. That's how I feel. I that's why I will not blog anymore today b/c like I said before, who wants to hear that?

Sending lots of love and prayers to my blog readers. I really appreciate all of you!

Turning 5 today

Today is a special day for our little girl! She had a party yesterday, but today was that actual special day. Can't believe how time flies.

The end of the week for me was very VERY busy (Ella had a friend over, had to shop for gifts and last minute party things, groceries, just STUFF). Whew. I am exhausted. After the party yesterday I came home and went to bed. WENT TO BED. I napped, then napped again, and napped again, and went to sleep. Exhaustion is still with me. It was hard to go to church today, but I made it. My stomach was off a bit too but it actually has been a bit better- if not from being so busy and running around so much, I don't know for sure.

Anyways, here are some photos from the storybook princess party...I planned several activities for the girls and it all worked out perfectly. They played hot potatoe with cinderella's slipper, and when the music stopped, that person was out but got to pick out a piece of cinderella slipper sidewalk chalk. HOW COOL IS THAT? And, they decorated foam books I put together with foam princessy stickers I found. We also "pinned" Rapunzel's hair on her (i drew a photo of a princess w/o hair in a castle and then drew, painted, and cut out long locks of hair (wig-like) for the game). That was cute. They liked that game too. Then, we had the girls sit on a "pea" under a cushion on a special chair and get sprinkled with princess dust. The "pea" was a golf ball painted green. LOL. I found that idea online somewhere. HAD TO DO IT! Then, I had created bingo cards with princess things on them, and we played Bingo. They had a blast. Other favors were princess stickers, notebooks, wands, organza bags with heart and bell charms (also doubled as bingo markers), and crowns. Then came pizza and other things such as wonderful chicken salad my gram brought, and fruit and veggies my mom put together. My sister in law, Jessica, made the cake. I had her create a storybook cake...loved doing this theme. The cake was YUMMY! Ella had 7 friends/cousins come, and that was a perfect number of children. The icing on the cake, haha, was when Ella's preschool teacher came (she had invited her back in January! LOL!) and per my request previously, read a story. What a grand reader she is. But, of course she would be! That was a special memory.

Today at church, my brother and his family visited. And, one of my sister in law's friends, Kim, also came. They are MOVING to the area (big announcement!) b/c my brother got a job around here and it's a wonderful thing. They are church hunting and I know wherever they go will be the right spot for them. Please be praying that they can quickly find the house they want and sell their other one.

I have been so behind on blogging. Not sure when I'll pop in again, but hopefully sometime. It seems that so much has changed lately that I would really like to talk more, but I am really spent these day. Gee, wonder why! Reminds me that we had an ultrasound Thursday. Everything is great. Due date is Nov. 22, just days before Thanksgiving!

I just need...

a friend today.

Anyone??????!!!!!!!

Just a thought, a call, or encouragement. yep. maybe!?

Probably - I'd feel better if

I could just throw up.

Yuck.

It's been really neat, on a happier note, to run into people at the church we've been attending as of late (THE GATE), which is a church plant from a church I had attended for 10 years, through jr high, high school, and college. Anyways, yeah....some distant, related by family family members, and then a cousin -that I had met before- of a school friend. Great church BTW.

If I could feel better I could accomplish the things I need to do- like spring cleaning-out (meaning, decluttering/purging of stuff we don't really need). But, well, not so today. Again, YUCK. Yucky. Eww.

Fiercely Mad

Michael Johns was the IDOL that was sent home...GRRRR....

SO WRONG!!!

Idol Gave Back...and this was the last song!!!!

Shout to the Lord..could NOT believe it!!!!


and one of my favs from this past week..hope he stays. singing Over the Rainbow, ukelele version- have always loved the original ukelele versions, myself.


one of my favs of the whole season. LOVE brooke white. SHe's real!


and this...love her piano...let it be


okay..to keep it going..here's another fav of mine, Michael Johns!!!! We will rock you/we are the champions:


and another I liked:


and my last idol fav, david cook


a lil softer song he sang, Little Sparrow:


oops..and David A of course, too (IMAGINE):

That song was BEAUTIFUL.

I just don't feel well

so who wants to hear that every day? that's why I don't blog anymore. someday when I am not throwing up, feeling like I need to throw up, and then eating well enough to not feel sick and weak, well, then I'll blog again! LOL! the 19th is Ella's bday party and the 20th her bday so I'm gearing up for that. 2 weeks after that is buddy's bday and then a week later, his party. anywho. i am off blogland again. really don't feel like being here blogging. until another day...

still here

finally had a better day yesterday- made pizza and pies.

enjoyed the sunshine

took a walk

started switching seasons closet-wise

reading a good book (the Bible) and another great book, about parenting.

Have a great day!