Monday, December 31, 2012

2012GOALS/2013GOALS

This is the last day of 2012!!!!! 
I have accomplished so much this year and 
achieved so many goals already, it makes me SO excited for this upcoming year!
To start off, God has given me so much grace this past year, when I messed up, didn't follow after his will, or blatantly decided that my plan would work better, he has always been there to pull me back in and push me in the right direction. I know I don't deserve any of the nice things I own, or deserve being in good health or even being alive.....but, I know God has a plan for my life and 2013 is going to be a year of growing and experiencing God on a whole new level, and i'm SO EXCITED!
________________________________________

Jeremiah 29:11-14a
"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord......

________________________________________

Goals from 2012
1. Lose 20lbs- I knew I wanted to do this the right way.... slowly, and no crash dieting, yet still eating. :) I have lost 26lbs this last year and it feels so good to be able to be active and do things I love without feeling held back. I have recently started running and that has really be a great outlet for me....I have never been a runner, nor had I every thought in a million years that it would be for me, HOWEVER....once you set your mind to something...it can be done! :) 

2. Move on my own- In August of this past year I moved into my little house by myself and have been LOVING it ever since, I love having a little place to call my own, and to be able to decorate and style it exactly like I want! I love adding little crafty touches to make it cozy and inviting, most importantly I love being able to have people over for coffee, dinner or a movie. 

3. Become solely dependent- For a while my dad and mom had been helping me out with my student loans, which I was EXTREMELY thankful for, starting out can be a tricky financially. But, I was determined to be completely self sufficient, so this year I accomplished that!!!
________________________________________

GOALS FOR 2013
1. NO Pop(soda) This Year 
2. Trip to Africa in June 
3. Getting more Involved at Church
4. Work on my Budgeting and get a chunk Saved 
5. Keep Steady with my Daily Devotionals 
6. Run a Half Marathon 
7. Lose 15 more lbs.
8. Sew a Quilt 
_____________________________________________________

Feel free to message or post me your New Years Goals!!!!

Sunday, December 30, 2012

KNITTING

During this week of vacation I decided on one thing...
I was determined to learn how to knit! 
My mother is an EXCELLENT knitter, she has done hats and little 
sweaters for the babies....so I knew with my week off I wanted to pick up a new little hobby! 
Mom started me off with taking me to the knitting shop close to home, 
it was a CUTE little country house that they turned into a shop and it had 
a bunch of different yarn textures and colors, it was hard not to go crazy seeing all the pretty
things! I picked up my yarn and needles, than we headed to a Tea Room for lunch 
that was close by....It was SOOO delicious!
 We both ordered Peach tea, Quiche, and Artichoke Soup! 
It was nice to just be able to sit and chat,
 knowing that once we were finished we wouldn't have to clean up afterwords. :)  
_________________________________________________________________________________

I knew I wanted to start off making a hat,  I know people normally 
start off with making potholders(or so I have heard), but since I have been burned 
countless times by these "so called" potholders, I decided that a hat would be a better option. :) 
I found a pattern on the internet for a " Cable Slouch Hat", which is EXACTLY 
what I was wanting! What luck! 
_________________________________________________________________________________

I started off on my practice yarn getting the feel for knitting 
by doing a couple rows than started on in...  


Then I started in on my real project!
 After 2 1/2 balls of yarn,  3 nights, sore fingers and alot of help...
I finished my HAT! :) 

"Think of it this way, by learning to knit now
you'll be a pro by the age of 40...thats when people normally
start knitting." 
-Tim-

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

CHRISTMAS2012

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

moms "candy cane cake" with coffee, grapefruit, and bacon 

left to right: Kaitlin, Justin, Kayla, Jake, Timmy, Colt, Mom
Dad, Emma, Ashley(baby ellie), Travis, Me and Cade 

The 3 boy cousins 

Mom with the grandbabies


All of us kids

_________________________________________________________________________________

LUKE 2:1-14

 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife,[a] who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Glory in the Highest

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold,[b] an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”[c]

Monday, December 24, 2012

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve 
Relaxing . Laughing . Eating Goodies . Decorations 


The house is all decorated beautifully..."white christmas" is on the tv and stockings are hung!!
 Today, was a success!!! Baking, christmas eve service at church, 3 mile run, and just setting around
doing nothing but talking. Before the end of the night Emma and Colt sat down and recited Luke 2 from memory, they were proud as punch to tell us all. 
I love being apart of a family that not only LOVES the holiday season, but who also doesn't forget the real reason for the season. Very blessed!



1. Peach baked brie 
2. Timmy's collection of nutcrackers  
3. Decorated living room  
4. Handmade Stockings 
_________________________________________________________________________________

Everyone get snuggled up in beds and sleep tight for...... 
CHRISTMAS MORNING!!!!!!! 

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Christmas Travels

FANTASTIC TRAVELS
 I spent most of the afternoon in the car 
traveling back home to my parents for CHRISTMAS!! 
Most people dread going on long car trips, but I really enjoy them....even if i'm alone 
I don't mind one bit! I turn my music on, roll the windows down and soak in the time
where I have to sit and not worry about what needs to be done or what I forgot to pack....If 
I left the house without it, than I don't need it! Here are a few of my favorite things that
make a roadtrip PERFECT for me :) 

Road trip Favorites: 
Explosions in the Sky
Jon Mclaughlin
Hair in a Ponytail 
Lady A
Gummy Bears
Dr. Pepper(fountain)
Watermark Church Podcasts

After arriving, we did some little things here and there to get around for Christmas,
than ended the night with a rousing game of "Mad Gab", 
if you have never played before I HIGHLY encourage it! :) 
Its really fun to play with a bunch of people...makes it a little more interesting :) 
_________________________________________________________________________________

Time to rest up before Christmas eve!!! 
Goodnight all! 

Thursday, December 20, 2012

today..was..a..great..day

Today...was....a....great...day

To start off....I had a good day at work, even though I got behind on my clients by 
30minutes and couldn't for the life of me catch up. OH WELL, one day of being late out of almost 4 years of doing hair...ISN'T too bad if you ask me. :) One of the things I love most about my job is 
talking to alllll kinds of people and hearing their stories....it's special to know that people trust me enough to tell me their life....and haircut after haircut getting to know them on a real relationship level. 
I'm defiantly thankful for a job that I LOVE. 
_________________________________________________________________________________

After, I got off work I went for a run across the lake, Temperature here in texas is UP and DOWN constantly, my run yesterday was 77degrees this time of night...and tonight it was 45degrees. I went from running in a tshirt, to a hoodie and earmuffs. haha at least i'm prepaired. 

After the run, my friend olivia and I went around 
town and admired all the christmas lights with christmas music blaring. I thought I was doing good with  my one string of lights on the front porch...TURNS out....people go CRAZYYYYY with lights around here! haha good thing I don't live in their neighborhood! 



Hope you enjoyed your night!!!!! :) 

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

FAITH>FEAR

I read this quote tonight, 
and instantly thought of HOW true it is....
_________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
FAITH AND FEAR
 CANNOT EXIST
IN THE SAME PLACE 
AT THE SAME TIME. 
__________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

There are alot of moments in my life where my 
flesh creeps in and I get fearful, it might be worrying about money
 or letting people down or about the simplest things...
yet it happens....time and time again. But, sometimes I need a slap in the face.....God has 
EVERYTHING under control and who am I to second guess or doubt his plan for 
my life, and doubt that he is in control of every minuscule detail. God has placed me in this moment in time, in this city, at this job, with specific people surrounding me for HIS divine plan....
why should I worry, when God has placed me here; he chose me.
_________________________________________________________________________________

I looked up the definitions of both....and they could not be FURTHER set apart....

 faith
noun 
1trustbeliefconfidenceconviction;optimismhopefulnesshope. ANTONYMS mistrust.

fearfuladjective1afraidfrightenedscared (stiff)scared to deathterrifiedpetrifiedalarmedpanickynervoustense,apprehensiveuneasyworried (sick)anxiousinformal jitteryjumpy.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Lamentations 3:22-23
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 
They are new ever morning; great is your faithfulness. 

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

ALMOND CHOCOLATE TOFFEE

Every year when christmas time rolls around I bring out my delicious recipes 
and kick my diet out the window for the next couple weeks. :)
 I recently brought a big batch of "chocolate almond toffee"
 to work and the ladies LOVED it....so much that tonight I have been making it like a mad woman...
3 batches to be exact. :) Two of which are for my coworkers and one batch split between the
 mailman and trashman....tis the season! 
_________________________________________________________________________________

Almond Chocolate Toffee
1/2 Cup almond slices 
1 Cup butter               
1 Cup sugar 
3 Tbls. water 
1 Tbls. light corn syrup 
1 Cup chocolate chips

Line 9x13" pan with foil (bending over the sides of pan).
Sprinkle Almonds on the bottom of pan.
Butter sides of 2 qt. saucepan.
Melt buter over low heat.
Stir in sugar, water and corn syrup. 
Cook and stir over medium high heat to boiling. 
Using a CANDY thermometer, cook to 290 degrees.
Pour in prepared pan. 
Let stand 2-3 minutes then sprinkle with chocolate chips....
wait a couple minutes til the chocolate chips are glossy and spread them out. 
Chill in fridge til firm. Break into peaces. 



Tips: 
Make sure you stir constantly or else it will burn very easily.
Be CAREFUL, when this gets on u it is like burns like tar and doesn't come off. 
For easy cleanup....right when you empty the saucepan put dawn dishsoap RIGHT in it with hot water, let set....and the toffee will wash right off.....do it right way though or else you will have a HARD impossible mess :) 

ENJOY

Monday, December 17, 2012

2 thoughts

Two things have really been weighing on my heart
for a long time now......
_________________________________________________________________________________

1

 What I have and what God has blessed me with. 
I don't deserve any of the nice things that I have, from my beautiful clothes, wonderful family, cozy home, delicious food, fluffy bed, amazing job, and countless other things. I really don't DESERVE anything. In a world where the main focus is to "one-up"....to have something nicer, bigger, prettier than the person beside you. Its sad that we have such a TWISTED mindset, 
and I am the FIRST to fall into the trap of materialism. 
We all need the little daily reminder that God has BLESSED us with another day to live, 
and that everything we own is his. My life could be so much more different
 if i were in someone else's shoes, I could live in a shack with a dirt floor, and just enough food to get by....God has BLESSED me and because of that I need to be a good steward of my money and use it for the good of others. In each of our lives no matter how poor or how rich we are, I pray that we all stay focused on one thing....that without his GRACE on us, we would have nothing...and we deserve...NOTHING

2

And also....My heart has been heavy for the past couple years about visiting Africa, 
I've always thought up a reason not to go as in money, time or feeling inapt.
 BUT,  this summer is my time....my time to set aside my stupid worries and put it in Gods hands and know in faith that he will provide everything that I need to go. I don't know how i'm going to do it, but thats the beauty about faith...

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3:5-6

God has instilled in me a calling to go to work with orphans and 
show them the love of Christ and that their life is worth living for; when they have been told by society their whole lives that they are unwanted and worthless. Even though I have never stepped foot in the country, I pray for their little hearts and mine as I prepare for Gods work to be done. 



Monday, December 10, 2012

DECORATING

This year has been a whirl wind of events that have happened, 
one thing I have LOVED is moving into my little home on my own. 
I love decorating and making it "homey" and "cheery" for the holiday season. 
Since i'm on a budget this year I had to get crafty
 and think of things I already had around the house....
_________________________________________________________________________________

  Above: Merry Christmas Garland- made out of paper and yarn I already had, and free handed letters with a pen. :) 
Garland- Remains from the Christmas tree 
TinyTree- Bought on sale and with another coupon that totaled it to $11

 Above: Metal bin-some antique store in missouri, I cant remember the price. 
Pinecones and balls-Left overs :) 

 Above: Sled- Missouri shop $35 bucks, little steep but VERY worth it
Greenery- Tree trimmings 
Sign- A gift from a friends mom 
Wreath- Old wreath I had that I spray painted gold. 

 Above: Picture frame- I acquired this from a friend who no longer wanted it, I took the picture out and painted the back panel with chalk paint than freehanded the "Joy to the World" 

 Above: Tree- A FRESH christmas tree :) 
Garland-sheet music I cut up and taped together
Bows-peiece of burlap I made into bows 
Above: chandelier hanging- Silver balls and yarn I already had :) 
_________________________________________________________________________________

Thursday, December 6, 2012

TIS THE SEASON

I LOVE the holiday season...
I love the crisp mornings, I love hot cocoa,
I love driving around looking at christmas lights, setting up the tree, buying special presents for 
people I love, listening to Mariah Carey christmas as loud as I can, spending 
time wrapping presents and making holiday cookies, candle light services, 
and most importantly....the reason for the season...Jesus. Without him i
wouldn't have any of these special things, I wouldn't be at peace this time of year knowing 
the true meaning of the season.
_________________________________________________________________________________

One thing I love about december is getting the christmas tree! 
Whenever I first moved to Texas I got into the tradition with my 
sister and her little family of going to the tree farm 
and cutting down our own tree(which i had never done previously). 
I wasn't able to go with them this year but I wanted to keep the tradition.....
so me and my friends packed up the pickup in the 80degree weather and went 
to pick out a tree :) 






_________________________________________________________________________________

I hope everyone has a great Thursday!!!! Let me know what your favorites 
are this holiday season! 

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

A NEW SEASON

These past few months have FLOWN by...I feel like it was just yesterday when I
was writing on here keeping faithful to the blogging world.

But, good news..IM BACK :) 

I've had a very crazy life here recently between going home for vacations,
 working at my job, spending time with friends....
But, I will say that this season of my life has been one of the best so far!
 I am learning to be totally dependent on God and how growing with him
and growing his kingdom is more important than any other thing I will accomplish in my lifetime.
It is a concept that sometimes I cannot wrap my mind around, being one person and having so much 
impact on those around me, and that God with his grace gave me a new life that I can share with others. 

I'm sooooo excited for this new chapter in my life and
how God is going to use me in ways I cannot fathom. I know his plan for me far outweighs anything I can think or imagine. Many new things are coming up in my life and I'm soooo excited to share them all with the blogging world!!

tf4s(thankful fors)-being healthy, fresh christmas trees, family, cardigans,
cute coffee mugs, and chilly mornings.