Monday Ramblings

Hello and Happy Monday! It was a dark and gloomy day in these parts and I hear many of my friends up north got a good bit of snow! Crazy Alabama weather!!

 So with this cold and gloomy day it called for a cup of hot chocolate this morning and some time with the Lord...perfect morning.

As I spent time with the Lord this morning I was reminded, as I am so often, of His faithfulness. Seriously, the Lord kept bringing to mind the hymn, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness." For Christmas, Brett's mom got me this devotional, Jesus Calling. It is just a daily devotional that I have been reading before I spend time with the Lord. There is one a read a few days ago that has stayed with me. It is short so I am going to write it out. It has been so encouraging. This book is presented as if God is speaking to you. 

"Relax in My healing presence. As you spend time with Me, your thoughts tend to jump ahead to today's plans and problems. Bring your mind back to Me for refreshment and renewal. Let the Light of My Presence soak into you, as you focus your thoughts on Me. Thus I equip you to face whatever the day brings. This sacrifice of time pleases Me and strengthens you. Do not skimp on our time together. Resist the clamor of tasks waiting to be done. You have chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from you."

I love this because I am so guilty of letting my thoughts wander or "skimping" on my time with the Lord. I am realizing more and more the importance of my time with Him. I thought it was so encouraging.

And....off the subject....but, check out this adorable mug from Anthropologie. 

Sweet Julie got me this mug for Christmas. I have always liked Anthropologie but NEVER bought anything from there. It is a bit pricey most of the time and although I LOVE the bright colors I see when I peruse their website.....not everything is practical. As I was looking around today, here are a few things I LOVED! Looking at these different things makes me excited to get married and have my own house!

I love this couch....but again...not terribly practical! :)

Cute vases...

Love these bowls!

And these too!!

Sorry, I know that is random but I was just looking around the website that I cannot afford and dreaming.... :) 

Other than wandering around and wasting time browsing the Anthropologie website I was actually productive today too. I have been in an organizing mood these past couple of weeks. It started with my closet, then all of my "teacher" stuff that I have been collecting for the past few years, and today it was my linen closet. Let me tell you it was a wreck. See, my mom shops at T.J. Maxx and stuff there is cheap so we used to buy towel sets often. That closet hasn't been cleaned out since I don't know when...it was definitely time. Everything was so crowded. I didn't really get a before picture but I did get a picture of EVERYTHING that was in the closet before...

I mean...who needs that many towels, hand towels, rags, and sheets? :) haha.

Here is the empty closet......

 And.....afterwards.....

Any of you girls who read this blog and have seen this closet know that this is looking so much better! :)

And tonight.....well, it is Brett's Christmas. Auburn is playing in the National Championship. 

And because I remember so many Auburn fans screaming, "Hook 'em Horns" last year......

I have one word: Quack!

13.1 and DONE!

It has come and gone. The weeks of training built up to this one day. In all honesty, there is not much to say. It went really well! I am so thankful that I did it and I am thankful that it is over. :) They say you catch this running bug while you do races like this....They say that it makes you want to do more after you do one. I can honestly say that during the race, I did not catch the bug. I was thinking...."Okay, way to go Laura! You completed your first and only half marathon." Now that it is over, I'll be surprised if I don't do another one! It feels so good to finish and I really would love to do it again........not tomorrow of course! :) 

Here are some pictures from the day....

 Sam....obviously pumped!

 Mangs and Pudge

 Downs and I

 And....we're off!

 Our cheering squad waited about halfway for all of us to pass.....Pudge in the lead!

 Here comes Sammy!

 The two beasts...

 Mangs and I....this is when I commented that this would be my last race. haha. I actually felt good at this point...

 Trained with him....but he is a stud.

 This boy literally didn't train. He ran our 10 mile run with us then a few days later went to London....got back on Friday and decided to run the half. Seriously? I obviously didn't get the running gene. haha.

 Colleen and LaJuan all done!!

 Coll and Jason

 Our turn to finish!! Feeling great right now! I have to give a HUGE thanks to my sister and best friend!!  Amy has been running for a while. This was her second race. She so didn't have to stay with me but she did the whole time. She has been such an encouragement through all the training and everything! So thankful for you Mangs!!

 All the runners and our cheering section!

Sammy and I after we finished. 

 So happy to be done!!

Oh, and I didn't get a picture with Brett cause he was taking all the pictures but he was a major encouragement through all of this too! 

Overall, this was such a fun experience. I kept thinking towards the end when I felt like I couldn't finish that I was so grateful that God has given me the ability to run because so many can't! He is so good! It was freezing and long and tiring and I am sore right now but I cannot wait to do another one.....eventually! :) 

"......and let us run with perseverance, the race marked out for us!" -Hebrews 12:1

Twas the Night Before the Half...

Guess what we went to pick up today?

That's right! Tomorrow is the day! I am so excited and just a little bit nervous about it! I'm definitely ready to just be running! 

I'll post an update tomorrow if I can. I'm sure it will be from the couch. I plan on napping and resting tomorrow afternoon! 

See you after 13.1 miles! :) Pray for me! 

he & she (january 2011)

..: he and she :..

She is job searching/subbing.

He is not looking forward to school starting.

She is enjoying her "stay-at-home-daughter life" :)

He is BEYOND ready for January 12th.

She is prepping to run 13.1 miles.

He is encouraging.

She is trying to cut back on diet coke....

And 2 a day is cutting back

He is cutting back on sports.

GASP.

They are enjoying being back in Mobile together.

I saw this little project on this website. It is quite possibly my new favorite blog. She does so many DIY projects and just seems so fun. I feel like we could be friends. She got the idea from this blog. The plan is to take one "interesting/unique" photo a month and write different thoughts that go along with that particular month. I liked the idea so we are gonna give it a go.

How cool to have one photo and remember a few random thoughts from that month.

In other news.....my half marathon is in 4 days! Eeek! I'm excited and a little nervous. Mostly just ready for it to be here!

Also, guess who has entered the wonderful world of blogging? I have been meaning to mention this but my dear sweet sister has become a blogger! Check out her blog here.

enjoy this rainy day. mmm..I love rainy days!

Happy Birthday Big Bro!

Today is your birthday and I hope it was really fun

I know you had to go to work and I'm sure you got a lot done!

So I have to say, you are getting kinda old

But, I will be 28 soon...or so I'm told.

Even though you are older you cannot be sad

Because, you are still a hot dad!

Now it is time for this poem to end

But before I do, one more message to send....

You are awesome my sweet big brother

And I have to say you are like no other!

I know...I know...you don't have to tell me, I should rethink my career choice! But seriously, Happy Birthday Eric!! I love you!!

Goodbye 2010....Hello 2011!

Well, it has come and gone. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was ringing in 2010! I mentioned last year that I really didn't do the "new years resolutions" but that there were things that I saw in 2009 that I wanted to change or new things that I wanted to try during 2010. I have been looking through that list lately. Let's just see how we did with those resolutions:

*I will write letters or an encouraging note to someone once every couple of months....not emails or facebook messages. Snail mail!

(This resolution=FAIL. I mean I won't even try to sugarcoat it. It was just a fail! )

*I want to remember that my role towards Brett is first and most importantly, his sister in Christ.

(I have to say, this is a struggle for me. If you know me, you know I am ready to get married and you know that I struggle with my patience in this area. For the most part, I feel that I was encouraging to Brett but I do have to remind myself that he is never going to satisfy me even when we do get married and that I am his sister in Christ!)

*I want to cook more and learn more about it from the best, mom!

(I think this is one that will be continued in 2011...I call myself a "stay-at-home-daughter right now and I am thinking I will take advantage of this role. However, for 2010, I believe I was somewhat successful, particularly with baking. haha.)

*Save money. Give it to those who are in need.

(This is something I want to continue in 2011 and of course throughout the rest of my life!)

*Blog more consistently...haha. Lets not be too specific. :)

(This was a success! I mean, I am on the blog train and honestly, I should probably get off a little bit. I really do enjoy this blogging business. I love writing on mine and also reading others! I also like to pretend that I have many faithful readers! :) haha)

*Be intentional with all that I do and not waste time.

(This is certainly a day by day thing that honestly cannot truly be measured. I'm sure I had great days and I'm sure there were weeks that I was terrible...)

*I want to be more faithful with my prayer life. I want to be consistent in praying for my family and friends and ask them specific ways that I can pray!

(This actually was better this year! I am so thankful! The Lord truly showed me the power of prayer and I tried to be more faithful in my prayer life.)

*I want to be more consistent with my time in the Word and with memorizing Scripture!

"I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You."-Psalm 119:11

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." -Matthew 24:35

(Again, not so great with this. I think it is because I had no plan to help me with being consistent)

*I want to read one book a month...I saw this on someone else's resolutions and I think that this is such a great idea and although school is overwhelming and crazy...I believe that this is completely reasonable and beneficial.

(I really did okay with this. Towards the end it was a struggle. I think once student teaching started it became more and more difficult to find time to read. I'm like a grandma...so once I get into bed....it's over. But, I want to do this again, because, I definitely read more than I would have and this blog kept me accountable for most of the months.)

*I want to take better care of my body as far as what I put into it with the things that I watch, listen to, read, and eat!

(Umm....I can't really measure this one either. It wasn't perfect but definitely a day by day thing.)

And now...for 2011:

I think I had maybe a few too many things I wanted to work on last year. I am going to try and focus on a few things this time.

1.) Back to memorizing more Scripture...Making a plan that is simple and doable.

2.) Plain and simple: Serving. Serving more and in unique ways.

3.) Being consistent. Being purposeful. (No, I don't know exactly what that will look like but I pray that I will be obedient and truly listen for what the Lord wants me to do.)

Well, that is all for now! There are plenty more things I should work on and hope to work on throughout this next year but for now, this is what I have!

I am CERTAIN that 2011 will be just as great as 2010!

Happy New Year and Come Lord Jesus! :)

Broken

That is the only word that describes how I felt this morning as I spent time with the Lord. I won't go into detail but I was brought to Psalm 33:

"Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then Iacknowledged my sin to you an did not cover up my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord'--and you forgave the guilt of my sin.Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found' surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule which have no understanding but must be controlled my bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!"

I am thankful that He breaks me. I am thankful for His grace and forgiveness.

And just because....

Been loving this song lately....

"Your sacrifice demands my life and I will live to honor Your holy name..."

Traditions...Old and New

Happy Christmas Eve!! While it was not a "typical" Christmas Eve, it has certainly been a great one with a few traditions and some new ones.

The day started out with breakfast with Julie at Spot of Tea. We didn't decide that this would be a tradition but I think it should be. Christmas Eve breakfast every year at Spot of Tea? What do you think Jules? :) This is one precious friend I have and I am so thankful for her!

The day was kinda crazy but we ended with our Christmas Eve tradition. Waffle House. No, we are not normal! haha. Not quite the same this year cause we were missing a big chunk of our family! But, it happens and we will all be together THURSDAY!!! So excited!!

Our special friends....

Love that Waffle House....haha.

Also, I was playing around with my camera last night. I had seen this tutorial and have wanted to try it for a while. I thought it was so cool!

My pictures weren't perfect but then again I didn't really take my time when creating the covering for my lens...But, I thought they still turned out pretty sweet.

Little Christmas trees!

And a few more of our tree....

I have thought a lot about this time of year and although I have learned that Jesus was not REALLY born during this month, it is the time that we celebrate His birth. I am so thankful for my Savior and that He came to this horrible world out of obedience to His Father. He lived His entire life in obedience until death on the cross. He was born to die for me. I also think a lot about Mary during this time of year. How incredibly brave and obedient she was as well....

"But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.' 'How will this be,' Mary asked the angel, 'since I am a virgin?' The angel answered, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.......For nothing is impossible with God.' 'I am the Lord's servant,' Mary answered. 'May it be to me as you have said.'" -Luke 1:30-38

I cannot imagine hearing that. I think about all of the emotions she must have felt. I know she was probably excited and scared and was probably looked down upon by many around her. I hope that I am always obedient to what the Lord calls me to and never question Him because His ways are not my ways.

Now, to leave you with a little something adorable this Christmas Eve..

Sounds more like, "Happy Day Daisy...." but you get the idea! :)

Happy Christmas!

Cupcakes, Cookies, and Canadians

Yesterday, my Canadian sister came over and we spent the day in the kitchen. We talked and laughed and really only made two things! Whoops! 

I found the recipe for Hot Chocolate cupcakes here and had been wanting to make them. 

One tip....do not put too much batter in the cupcake liners. One pan was fine for me and the other, I put a little much and when I took them back out to put the marshmallows on them, they sunk in the middle just a bit. Oh well, live and learn. :)

Bring them out and sprinkle some marshmallows on top....

Put them back in for about 5-7 minutes or until they are slightly brown on the top!

This is what they should look like....if you want cuter pictures, go to the link that I had at the top for where I found the cupcakes. I have this issue where I cook/bake things that taste great but the presentation is not so fab. Again, live and learn. :)

Colleen had her own recipe for gingerbread cookies so that is what she made!

 I helped with this part! :) 

It was so much fun and we made a huge mess. I can get the gingerbread recipe too if anyone wants it! It was a process but they were wonderful! 

That's all I got tonight....P.S. I tried to post this once and ended up deleting the majority of the post....therefore, it is much shorter than it was. I'm tired and had no patience for rewriting the entire blog post. :) Sorry folks!

Because...I love her!

After spending those few days in Phenix City with Brett's family, we headed to LaGrange to spend some time with Virginia! Eric and Linds had gone off for a short weekend trip to celebrate 5 years of marriage so LiLi, JimPa, Sam, Brett, and I got to hang with Miss Priss. I know, I blog about this child as if she is mine. I'm just trying to help her momma out by capturing every second of her life that I am with her. Enjoy the pictures of this beautiful, brilliant child. Seriously, she can spell her name, count, say her colors, and is basically a parrot and says anything we say! Yes, I might be slightly partial...

We really liked Santa from a distance....a little more nervous the closer we got...

 She loves to beat on her "pups" as she calls them!

 Pretty girl...

Lookin' at her LiLi

Don't worry Linds! I'll get these pictures to you soon!! I promise to document all of your children just like I document this one! :)

I will be back later with a recipe and early Christmas presents! :)