1. I should never commit to something after thinking about doing it for only 2 seconds.
2. Picture posts are king
3. David Letterman is insane
4. 31 days is a very long time
5. I am stubborn about finishing things I say I'm going to finish
6. I think that anyone that has read every post must just love me for me, because that was like 21 top ten lists too long
7. 10 is a much larger number than you could ever imagine
8. My brain gets fuzzy at number 8 every time and I start to lose hope of ever finishing
9. But then I usually think of one more thing, so then I have a number 9
10. 10 means done. Hallelujah. (or in the words of Madea..."Hallelujer")
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
10 Glimpses Inside My Soul {Day 30}
1. My heart is sad. Not defeated. But sad.
2. Sometimes I don't understand why God has allowed my family to walk the road that we've been walking with my Mom. Sometimes I sit and pout & say "why her?" I know that's immature, but it's how I feel sometimes.
3. I wish I could just tuck myself away for awhile and hide
4. I'm thankful for my kids. They bring me a lot of joy, even in very bleak circumstances
5. I hate satan. I hate his lies. I hate how he deceives people. I hate how he seduces people into sin. I hate the falleness of our world. I am so thankful that I serve the Redeemer who, one day, will turn everything right.
6. I think God has surrounded me by lots of brave people to inspire braveness in me.
7. I'm so grateful that Jesus is the friend of the brokenhearted
8. At the end of my life, I want people to say about me that I truly understood what grace meant--grace that has been shown to me from Jesus, and also grace that I gave to other people
9. Sometimes I wonder why God built me to be a daydreamer. I could sit and dream my days away. I love to create in my head and think up ideas and stories in my head. But sometimes that makes for a very full head. I wish there were a few more quiet moments in my day to get all those thoughts out of my head and onto paper.
10. I know that I learn lessons best when I'm walking through difficult times. God has more of my attention when there is great sorrow in my life. I don't know if that's normal, or if I'm just weak like that. I hope that by the end of my life I will have learned to cling to Jesus as much in the happy, prosperous, easy times of life as I do during the days of sorrow, pain and sadness.
2. Sometimes I don't understand why God has allowed my family to walk the road that we've been walking with my Mom. Sometimes I sit and pout & say "why her?" I know that's immature, but it's how I feel sometimes.
3. I wish I could just tuck myself away for awhile and hide
4. I'm thankful for my kids. They bring me a lot of joy, even in very bleak circumstances
5. I hate satan. I hate his lies. I hate how he deceives people. I hate how he seduces people into sin. I hate the falleness of our world. I am so thankful that I serve the Redeemer who, one day, will turn everything right.
6. I think God has surrounded me by lots of brave people to inspire braveness in me.
7. I'm so grateful that Jesus is the friend of the brokenhearted
8. At the end of my life, I want people to say about me that I truly understood what grace meant--grace that has been shown to me from Jesus, and also grace that I gave to other people
9. Sometimes I wonder why God built me to be a daydreamer. I could sit and dream my days away. I love to create in my head and think up ideas and stories in my head. But sometimes that makes for a very full head. I wish there were a few more quiet moments in my day to get all those thoughts out of my head and onto paper.
10. I know that I learn lessons best when I'm walking through difficult times. God has more of my attention when there is great sorrow in my life. I don't know if that's normal, or if I'm just weak like that. I hope that by the end of my life I will have learned to cling to Jesus as much in the happy, prosperous, easy times of life as I do during the days of sorrow, pain and sadness.
Friday, October 29, 2010
10 Reasons Why I Think My Mom Is Special (Day 29)
** We got very difficult news about my Mom today. I am still trying to soak it in...I will post more about it in the coming days. For now I just need to let the news sink in. But tonight I want to honor her with this post.
1. She raised me to love Jesus. Some of my earliest memories are of waking up early for school and finding my Mom already up and in God's Word.
2. She looks beautiful...even with no hair or eyelashes...she can really rock a scarf :)
3. She has dance parties with my girls
4. She gives good strong hugs that always make you feel better
5. She handles suffering with grace and even joy
6. I know she has kept on fighting because she loves her family so much
7. She has taught Emmy & I how to mother our kids w/ grace and patience (a lesson I'm still learning!)
8. She makes the best Christmas candy in the whole world
9. She is honest with us about how she's really feeling...even when she's doing bad. She told us that tears are a gift from God.
10. Her faith in God has never ever wavered. She is brave because her faith is built on the unshakeable faithfulness of God.
** my sissy Emmy helped me with this post
1. She raised me to love Jesus. Some of my earliest memories are of waking up early for school and finding my Mom already up and in God's Word.
2. She looks beautiful...even with no hair or eyelashes...she can really rock a scarf :)
3. She has dance parties with my girls
4. She gives good strong hugs that always make you feel better
5. She handles suffering with grace and even joy
6. I know she has kept on fighting because she loves her family so much
7. She has taught Emmy & I how to mother our kids w/ grace and patience (a lesson I'm still learning!)
8. She makes the best Christmas candy in the whole world
9. She is honest with us about how she's really feeling...even when she's doing bad. She told us that tears are a gift from God.
10. Her faith in God has never ever wavered. She is brave because her faith is built on the unshakeable faithfulness of God.
** my sissy Emmy helped me with this post
Thursday, October 28, 2010
10 Things I've Done Today (Day 28)
1. Woke up at 5:30am to do laundry
2. Packed up our car full of camping gear
3. Drove 10 minutes to our exotic campsite :)
4. Set up camp with my sister while 2 husbands were away at work and 3 wild & crazy (& cranky!) kids got into all kinds of mischief
5. Killed 4632467906424689954 misquitos that were trying to eat us alive
6. Sweated off 13 pounds
7. Worked for 1.5 hours to get my kids to nap...and then they napped for 30 minutes
8. Beat my sister at a rowdy game of Gin Rummy
9. Ate some of my Dad's fabulous chili
10. Stuffed my family in our tent and sat through a 45 minute rainstorm all the while laughing and yelling "serenity now!"
2. Packed up our car full of camping gear
3. Drove 10 minutes to our exotic campsite :)
4. Set up camp with my sister while 2 husbands were away at work and 3 wild & crazy (& cranky!) kids got into all kinds of mischief
5. Killed 4632467906424689954 misquitos that were trying to eat us alive
6. Sweated off 13 pounds
7. Worked for 1.5 hours to get my kids to nap...and then they napped for 30 minutes
8. Beat my sister at a rowdy game of Gin Rummy
9. Ate some of my Dad's fabulous chili
10. Stuffed my family in our tent and sat through a 45 minute rainstorm all the while laughing and yelling "serenity now!"
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
10 Things I Wish Were A Reality In My Life (Day 27)
1. Free housecleaners for tired Mommies
2. Chocolate that made you skinnier
3. Books that could be read by holding them up to your forehead
4. Laundry that washed itself
5. Children that were eternally clean and never needed baths
6. A personal grocery shopper who was also a coupon master who saved me a ton of money
7. Sleep
8. Floors with a special dirt, food & crumb shield
9. Having energy like a two year old
10. One day off. Every other day
**what about you?
2. Chocolate that made you skinnier
3. Books that could be read by holding them up to your forehead
4. Laundry that washed itself
5. Children that were eternally clean and never needed baths
6. A personal grocery shopper who was also a coupon master who saved me a ton of money
7. Sleep
8. Floors with a special dirt, food & crumb shield
9. Having energy like a two year old
10. One day off. Every other day
**what about you?
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
10 Favorite Pumpkin Patch Pictures {Day 26}
**I use the words "pumpkin patch" very loosely. You see, here in Florida, we don't really have such things as patches of pumpkins. We have road-side stands that put pumpkins on folding tables. But that's ok, I still like the pictures I got...just imagine more beautiful backgrounds :)
1. Ava girl--I think this one looks kind of vinatage
2. My sister with all the cousins on my side of the family
3. Ava & Isaac
4. My golden gal
5. Sisters!
1. Ava girl--I think this one looks kind of vinatage
2. My sister with all the cousins on my side of the family
3. Ava & Isaac
4. My golden gal
5. Sisters!
6. My little family
7. My parents with all their cute little grandkids!
8. My sister & her adorable little family!
7. My parents with all their cute little grandkids!
8. My sister & her adorable little family!
9. My Ethiopian princess
10. My wonderful parents
10. My wonderful parents
Monday, October 25, 2010
10 Things That Are Cool (To Me) {Day 25}
1. Ice cream (hahahaha....I crack myself up!)
**Ok, seriously now...
2. The color grey
3. Antiques--especially books, and teacups, and old windows
4. Girls that can pull of wearing a hat
5. Comfy pj pants that are waiting for you when you walk in the door at home. They are like wearing a hug around your legs
6. Words
7. People that can cook yummy food and then share it with, um, me
8. The new Harry Potter trailer
9. Framed pages from books in kids rooms--I really want to do this one day
10. People who are content with what God has given them & aren't driven to always consume more
**Ok, seriously now...
2. The color grey
3. Antiques--especially books, and teacups, and old windows
4. Girls that can pull of wearing a hat
5. Comfy pj pants that are waiting for you when you walk in the door at home. They are like wearing a hug around your legs
6. Words
7. People that can cook yummy food and then share it with, um, me
8. The new Harry Potter trailer
9. Framed pages from books in kids rooms--I really want to do this one day
10. People who are content with what God has given them & aren't driven to always consume more
Sunday, October 24, 2010
10 Things I Am Joyful About {Day 24}
1. Only 7 more days left in this silly little blog challenge :) Ha ha! This has proven way harder than I thought it would be! Ready for it to be complete.
2. God's faithful provision for my family. Yet again, God provided exactly what we needed to pay our bills. We are so humbled by God's gracious care of our family.
3. For a group of new friends who we are getting to live life with from our college group at church. I have been so challenged by this group--they are making me re-think everything. I feel so refreshed after spending time with them.
4. Getting to spend time with my whole family tonight. I am so grateful to live so close to my parents and my sister & brother in law. I need them in my life & I am so thankful that God has allowed us to be near them in this season of my life.
5. Losing my first couple of pounds in my self-inflicted weight loss challenge!
6. For all that God is teaching me in the book of Romans through the teaching & writings of my best friend. I have been awed again by the simple, yet incredible depth of the gospel.
7. For time spent with my husband this week, just the 2 of us--and a freshness in our relationship as a result.
8. For freedom that has come to us by striving to live more simply.
9. For good coffee from my friend Mel (Made in the Shade from Bongo Java in Nashville. Go buy some now--your life will be forever changed!!)
10. For 2 little girls who kissed me goodnight tonight--my heart aches with love and thankfulness for them.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
10 Things I'm Struggling With {Day 23}
1. The realization that my Mom is getting sicker. Her health is starting to fade. We sat together this afternoon and cried some quick tears about it. Then I came home and cried some more. There is nothing worse in this whole world than watching the people you love the most suffer.
2. I struggle in knowing how to discipline Jane. She is unreponsive to all conventional forms of discipline. I've started reading The Connected Child and hope that it offers me insight in how to lead my daughter.
3. Feeling like my life is too small. The dreams I dreamed as a teenager are not the reality that I'm living in. Is that because God has lead me down a different path or because we are choosing not to dream big dreams anymore?
4. This quote I read today by Mark Twain: "Most men die by the age of 27. We just don't bury them until they are 72."
5. Missing my husband while he is away...even though it's a short trip to speak in Jacksonville, just wish he was home tonight.
6. How to love both my girls enough. I want my girls to always know that Mommy is on their side. That I am for them. That I always will be. I want them to be secure in the love I have for them.
7. Jane's hair. I know it sound frivolous next to the others, but I just can't seem to find a line of products or even a mis-match of products that keep her hair from drying out & frizzing up by mid afternoon.
8. Missing some dear friends who live way too far away.
9. Laundry. I just cannot get ahead of the beast this week. It is piling up everywhere & I can't seem to get it done fast enough.
10. Knowing that God can...but seeing that He is choosing not to. And that in that He is good still. All the time good. Just being honest--hard for me to grapple with that one sometimes.
2. I struggle in knowing how to discipline Jane. She is unreponsive to all conventional forms of discipline. I've started reading The Connected Child and hope that it offers me insight in how to lead my daughter.
3. Feeling like my life is too small. The dreams I dreamed as a teenager are not the reality that I'm living in. Is that because God has lead me down a different path or because we are choosing not to dream big dreams anymore?
4. This quote I read today by Mark Twain: "Most men die by the age of 27. We just don't bury them until they are 72."
5. Missing my husband while he is away...even though it's a short trip to speak in Jacksonville, just wish he was home tonight.
6. How to love both my girls enough. I want my girls to always know that Mommy is on their side. That I am for them. That I always will be. I want them to be secure in the love I have for them.
7. Jane's hair. I know it sound frivolous next to the others, but I just can't seem to find a line of products or even a mis-match of products that keep her hair from drying out & frizzing up by mid afternoon.
8. Missing some dear friends who live way too far away.
9. Laundry. I just cannot get ahead of the beast this week. It is piling up everywhere & I can't seem to get it done fast enough.
10. Knowing that God can...but seeing that He is choosing not to. And that in that He is good still. All the time good. Just being honest--hard for me to grapple with that one sometimes.
Friday, October 22, 2010
10 Things I'm Pondering At The Moment {Day 22}
1. How life is truly just a vapor. A breath. And then it's over. We heard today that an old friend passed away in his sleep last night. He was 40--with a lovely wife and young daugther. Sometimes it is hard to see God's goodness in the midst of such tragedy. Praying for those closest to him as they grieve. Thankfully they can grieve with hope knowing that He is kneeling at the feet of Jesus tonight.
2. Should I read tonight or watch a movie?
3. What healthy foods can I eat tomorrow?
4. Is Jane going to survive our camping trip next week? Better question: are we going to survive bring Jane on our camping trip next week?
5. Have I allowed myself to really grasp the magnitude of what has happened in bringing Jane home? In what ways has adoption changed me? Do I better understand what God has done in adopting me?
6. Where is Jane's birthmom? Is she safe? Is she alive? Does she remember that her baby's birthday is coming up? Does she have peace? She is so heavy on my heart these days. I guess it's because of Jane's coming birthday. Just seems like that day should belong to her. She was there that day. That is something special that I was not a part of. And I'm truly truly ok with that. Wondering how we can honor her on November 2. Just wish I could hug her and whisper in her ear that Jane is loved and well taken care of. Would that bring her peace, or turmoil in her heart?
7. How can we keep Christmas focused on the True Gift that has been given to us?
8. Why has Ava been acting like a hormonal teenager this week? And how are we going to survive when she really is a hormonal teenager? Man I love that girl--drama and all.
9. Do both of my girls know that I love them both?
10. I hate getting ready for bed. I wish there was a machine you could stand in for 30 seconds that would wash your face, brush your teeth, take our your contacts, and maybe even fix your hair for the next day. That would be delightful.
2. Should I read tonight or watch a movie?
3. What healthy foods can I eat tomorrow?
4. Is Jane going to survive our camping trip next week? Better question: are we going to survive bring Jane on our camping trip next week?
5. Have I allowed myself to really grasp the magnitude of what has happened in bringing Jane home? In what ways has adoption changed me? Do I better understand what God has done in adopting me?
6. Where is Jane's birthmom? Is she safe? Is she alive? Does she remember that her baby's birthday is coming up? Does she have peace? She is so heavy on my heart these days. I guess it's because of Jane's coming birthday. Just seems like that day should belong to her. She was there that day. That is something special that I was not a part of. And I'm truly truly ok with that. Wondering how we can honor her on November 2. Just wish I could hug her and whisper in her ear that Jane is loved and well taken care of. Would that bring her peace, or turmoil in her heart?
7. How can we keep Christmas focused on the True Gift that has been given to us?
8. Why has Ava been acting like a hormonal teenager this week? And how are we going to survive when she really is a hormonal teenager? Man I love that girl--drama and all.
9. Do both of my girls know that I love them both?
10. I hate getting ready for bed. I wish there was a machine you could stand in for 30 seconds that would wash your face, brush your teeth, take our your contacts, and maybe even fix your hair for the next day. That would be delightful.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
10 Reasons Why I Love Date Night {Day 21}
1. I get to take a shower and fix my hair
2. I get to put on "fancy clothes" as Ava likes to call them
3. I get a break from feeding my kids dinner
4. I get a break from bedtime routines
5. I get to eat yummy food
6. I actually get to look at what I'm eating & taste my yummy food...and I get to do this sitting down. The whole meal. Wow. (those of you with toddlers know exactly what I mean :)
7. I get to hold hands with my husband
8. I get to say yes to dessert
9. I get to go to the movie theater like a real grown-up
10. I get to invest in my marriage
2. I get to put on "fancy clothes" as Ava likes to call them
3. I get a break from feeding my kids dinner
4. I get a break from bedtime routines
5. I get to eat yummy food
6. I actually get to look at what I'm eating & taste my yummy food...and I get to do this sitting down. The whole meal. Wow. (those of you with toddlers know exactly what I mean :)
7. I get to hold hands with my husband
8. I get to say yes to dessert
9. I get to go to the movie theater like a real grown-up
10. I get to invest in my marriage
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
10 Random Bullet Points {Day 20}
- 1. I made good healthy food choices today :) Yay!
- 2. Loving this video from Sesame Street!
(Love it even more after hearing that the song was written by a Daddy for his 5 year old daughter who was adopted from Ethiopia!)
- 3. I get to go on a date with my man tomorrow night! Super excited!! It's been too long since our last date night...so looking forward to spending some time together!
- 4. I am going through a Bible study on Romans that my best friend has written for our church. It is SO amazing & I am learning so so much! Wish I could go through it with all of you!
- 5. Christian rap has become some of my favorite music...so much of it is so theologically correct--it's almost like hearing a sermon put to song :) Here's why:
- 6. I Used To Do It Too by Lecrae: (PS...We are friends with KB--a new rapper that is featured on this song. So excited for him & his new deal with Reach Records!!!)
- 7. Here is a video of my girls dancing to this song...LOVE it!!
- 8. Today I got all of the girls old clothes sorted & ready to sell. I still have every piece of clothing from Ava & Jane, so this has been a HUGE 3 day task. Today I finally finished the work & I'm ready to consign my stuff to be able to buy the girls some winter clothes with the money. Yay for productivity!
- 9.This video is UNBELIEVABLE!! Read the story here about how they made it
- 10. I am in the process of making a Pippi Longstalking costume for Ava's school Fall Festival/Halloween. Please stop and take a moment of silence for my sanity!
PS...Just noticed all the videos are cut off on my blog...you can always click on them & watch them on You Tube if you want to see the whole picture
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
10 Blogs That Inspire Me {Day 19}
**There are so many more--but I could only pick 10!
1. Under The Sycamore
This Mom of 4 young kids does AWESOME do-it-yourself crafty things. I always read & think...I could do that. I love her style too. Oh & her photography is awesome!
2. A Blissful Heart
This is another adoptive Mom from our Ethiopia program. I have never met her, but I feel like I know her. She is completely honest about what it's like to mother adopted kids. I have learned so much from her--her wisdom & authenticity are such gifts.
3. Black Flipflops Designs
This is my friend Virginia's blog. She is the Mom of 4 kids 5 and under, a wife, and an AMAZINGLY talented scrapbooker. Her art is amazing & she is so down to earth. She always has cool websites to check out too--like this one: www.rollip.com Trust me--you'll want to check it out :)
4. The Estrangeiros
These are our good friends from seminary who are now missionaries in Portugal. They are so real & down to earth about what it's like to live and serve God in another country. I love to hear the stories of what God is doing in their country, and how they are falling more in love with the people there. Oh, and they are about the cutest family you will ever see!
5. Mary Beth Chapman
MaryBeth is the wife of Steven Curtis Chapman. Her writings about her grief over losing their daughter Maria are so touching, life-giving, encouraging, real, hard, raw and inspiring. She is a fellow adoptive Mom who has changed the landscape of adoption in our churches. She is an amazing woman!
6. Little Green Notebook
This is an interior designer that I follow. Don't even remember how I ever landed on her blog. Some of her designs are not my style, but I LOVE how she repurposes and recreates furniture. It is so fun to see her before & after pictures--complete with tutorials. Her work always makes me want to makeover my whole house!
7. The Pioneer Woman
If you're not reading The Pioneer Woman you are seriously missing out! She is so funny, so down to earth & so useful in so many ways! I especially love her cooking & photography blogs. You've probably already been reading her for years, like I have, but just in case there is anyone out there who isn't--run to her blog now!
8. The Sunshine Chronicles
This is my friend Debra. Although we've never met in real life, I feel like she is my friend! We have several mutual friends, and Matt has spent some time with her & her husband. Her style is amazing, her photography challenges are so fun to see, her kids are world-changers, her writing style is so genuine. Such a great blog!
9. Nesting Place
Another blog you're probably already reading, but I would hate for you to miss out on! Her motto is: It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful. She is a home decorator/organization guru, furniture recreator, etc. Right now she is doing 31 days to a less messy nest. Very cool & very do-able. Check her out!
10. Lisa Leonard Designs
The coolest jewelry you'll ever see! Lisa is one of those bloggers who you feel like you personally know (along with the other thousand ladies who are reading her blog :) Her jewelry is hand-stamped & can be personalized. So beautiful. She is the Mommy of 2 boys--one with a disability. Her jewelry business is how she is able to be more present for her family. Her blog is so sincere & her style is so fresh. Love it!
1. Under The Sycamore
This Mom of 4 young kids does AWESOME do-it-yourself crafty things. I always read & think...I could do that. I love her style too. Oh & her photography is awesome!
2. A Blissful Heart
This is another adoptive Mom from our Ethiopia program. I have never met her, but I feel like I know her. She is completely honest about what it's like to mother adopted kids. I have learned so much from her--her wisdom & authenticity are such gifts.
3. Black Flipflops Designs
This is my friend Virginia's blog. She is the Mom of 4 kids 5 and under, a wife, and an AMAZINGLY talented scrapbooker. Her art is amazing & she is so down to earth. She always has cool websites to check out too--like this one: www.rollip.com Trust me--you'll want to check it out :)
4. The Estrangeiros
These are our good friends from seminary who are now missionaries in Portugal. They are so real & down to earth about what it's like to live and serve God in another country. I love to hear the stories of what God is doing in their country, and how they are falling more in love with the people there. Oh, and they are about the cutest family you will ever see!
5. Mary Beth Chapman
MaryBeth is the wife of Steven Curtis Chapman. Her writings about her grief over losing their daughter Maria are so touching, life-giving, encouraging, real, hard, raw and inspiring. She is a fellow adoptive Mom who has changed the landscape of adoption in our churches. She is an amazing woman!
6. Little Green Notebook
This is an interior designer that I follow. Don't even remember how I ever landed on her blog. Some of her designs are not my style, but I LOVE how she repurposes and recreates furniture. It is so fun to see her before & after pictures--complete with tutorials. Her work always makes me want to makeover my whole house!
7. The Pioneer Woman
If you're not reading The Pioneer Woman you are seriously missing out! She is so funny, so down to earth & so useful in so many ways! I especially love her cooking & photography blogs. You've probably already been reading her for years, like I have, but just in case there is anyone out there who isn't--run to her blog now!
8. The Sunshine Chronicles
This is my friend Debra. Although we've never met in real life, I feel like she is my friend! We have several mutual friends, and Matt has spent some time with her & her husband. Her style is amazing, her photography challenges are so fun to see, her kids are world-changers, her writing style is so genuine. Such a great blog!
9. Nesting Place
Another blog you're probably already reading, but I would hate for you to miss out on! Her motto is: It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful. She is a home decorator/organization guru, furniture recreator, etc. Right now she is doing 31 days to a less messy nest. Very cool & very do-able. Check her out!
10. Lisa Leonard Designs
The coolest jewelry you'll ever see! Lisa is one of those bloggers who you feel like you personally know (along with the other thousand ladies who are reading her blog :) Her jewelry is hand-stamped & can be personalized. So beautiful. She is the Mommy of 2 boys--one with a disability. Her jewelry business is how she is able to be more present for her family. Her blog is so sincere & her style is so fresh. Love it!
Monday, October 18, 2010
10 Reasons Why I Love My College Girls Small Group {Day 18}
1. They are completely genuine
2. They are super commited and give up so much to come every week
3. They wear their pajamas to my house
4. They love junk food as much as me
5. They are in love with Jesus
6. They encourage me every week
7. They make me feel younger than I am
8. They are still sitting in my living room while I'm typing this & they have no idea that I'm talking about them :) Hehe!
9. We are like a family & we just live life together
1o. We get to have yearly sushi making parties & that is just cool
2. They are super commited and give up so much to come every week
3. They wear their pajamas to my house
4. They love junk food as much as me
5. They are in love with Jesus
6. They encourage me every week
7. They make me feel younger than I am
8. They are still sitting in my living room while I'm typing this & they have no idea that I'm talking about them :) Hehe!
9. We are like a family & we just live life together
1o. We get to have yearly sushi making parties & that is just cool
Sunday, October 17, 2010
10 Messes I Cleaned Up Today {Day 17}
1. Dirty diapers
2. Vomit off the carpet
3. Vomit off the crib rails
4. Vomit off the sheets
5. Vomit off the beloved baby doll
6. Blueberry applesauce cup that was thrown (and by thrown I really mean hurled) from the highchair
7. Blueberry applesauce all over pajamas
8. 1000000000 million crumbs off the floor
9. Pizza sauce off 2 cute little faces
10. One very loved glow bracelet that was dropped in a toilet full of pee
2. Vomit off the carpet
3. Vomit off the crib rails
4. Vomit off the sheets
5. Vomit off the beloved baby doll
6. Blueberry applesauce cup that was thrown (and by thrown I really mean hurled) from the highchair
7. Blueberry applesauce all over pajamas
8. 1000000000 million crumbs off the floor
9. Pizza sauce off 2 cute little faces
10. One very loved glow bracelet that was dropped in a toilet full of pee
Saturday, October 16, 2010
10 Things To Love About A Pirate Murder Mystery Party {Day 16}
1. You get to dress like a pirate
2. You get to say Booty as much as you want
3. You get to accuse your friends of murder
4. You get to play a character that is opposite of your real personality
5. You get to eat massive amounts of chocolate
6. You get to pain fake skull & cross-bone tattoos on your arms
7. You get to ask people questions you've always wanted to ask
8. You get to yell at, steal, bribe & cheat people
9. You get to wear plastic eye patches
10. You get to sing along to the Disney World pirate ride theme song...Yo Ho Yo Ho--The Pirate's Life For Me
2. You get to say Booty as much as you want
3. You get to accuse your friends of murder
4. You get to play a character that is opposite of your real personality
5. You get to eat massive amounts of chocolate
6. You get to pain fake skull & cross-bone tattoos on your arms
7. You get to ask people questions you've always wanted to ask
8. You get to yell at, steal, bribe & cheat people
9. You get to wear plastic eye patches
10. You get to sing along to the Disney World pirate ride theme song...Yo Ho Yo Ho--The Pirate's Life For Me
Friday, October 15, 2010
10 Things I Did Tonight {Day 15}
1. I drove all the way to the airport, dropped off a car, and then drove all the way home.
2. I got coffee at McDonald's
3. I stopped my girls from killing each other. 1549434048t6030393749 times
4. I ate pizza
5. I burned things
6. I made tissue paper poof balls
7. I laughed with my best friend
8. I tried to convince my husband to write a blog for me
9. I painted
10. I finished preparations for my other best friend's birthday party--in all it's awesome awesomeness
2. I got coffee at McDonald's
3. I stopped my girls from killing each other. 1549434048t6030393749 times
4. I ate pizza
5. I burned things
6. I made tissue paper poof balls
7. I laughed with my best friend
8. I tried to convince my husband to write a blog for me
9. I painted
10. I finished preparations for my other best friend's birthday party--in all it's awesome awesomeness
Thursday, October 14, 2010
10 Words Coming Out of My Brain Right Now {Day 14}
1. Uh-oh
2. Late
3. 12:35am
4. Sleep
5. Nertz
6. Coffee
7. Hibachi
8. Shoes
9. Gas
10. Pillow
2. Late
3. 12:35am
4. Sleep
5. Nertz
6. Coffee
7. Hibachi
8. Shoes
9. Gas
10. Pillow
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
10 Things I Love {Day 13}
1. Fall
2. The color grey
3. C.O Bigelow Mentha Shine lipgloss
2. The color grey
3. C.O Bigelow Mentha Shine lipgloss
4. Greek food
5. A clean house that stays clean for more than 26 seconds
6. Sunday afternoon naps
7. Anything shabby, antique, or vintage--especially stuff with chipped paint or rubbed off edges
8. Pumpkin spice candles
9. Hoodie sweatshirts
10. Hugs from my man
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
10 Reasons I Love Driving Through (Rural) Central Florida {Day 12}
1. Because the speed limit changes every 30 seconds: 65mph to 60 to 55 to 45 to 35 to 30 to 35 to 45 to 55 to 65. And then one minute later we get to start all over again. So fun.
2. Random oddities on the side of the road. Such as a tee-pee. And a Taxidermy Museum. With free parking.
3. Because 2/3rds of all signs are spray painted on plywood
4. Businesses with names like the "salon" I saw today: Hairy Business, Etc.
5. Billboards announcing that the town 3.4 miles ahead (Lawtey, Starke, etc) is a SPEED TRAP!!!!!!!!!!
6. Quaint roadside gift shops from the 1950's that are still stuck in 1950. But hey, where else can you buy a seashell chandelier, the South's finest pecan pralines, and a neon green shirt with a dancing orange on it? Oh, and have an hour long conversation with an old lady who strangely feels like she could be your Grandma.
7. Memorial Highways named after people with nicknames like "Skeet" and "Butch"
8. The way the sun shines through the Spanish moss covered trees and casts a golden light on all the farmland
9. Restaurants that have food "like your Granny cooked it"
10. Because you're never more than 5 minutes away from hot boiled peanuts, real (dead) stuffed gator heads, and freshly squeezed orange juice
**And because my friend Virginia pointed out that I only gave 9 Pride & Prejudice vocab words:
10. Fulsome
Thanks Virginia! PS...Everyone needs to go check out her comment on that post. Nothing short of pure awesomeness!
2. Random oddities on the side of the road. Such as a tee-pee. And a Taxidermy Museum. With free parking.
3. Because 2/3rds of all signs are spray painted on plywood
4. Businesses with names like the "salon" I saw today: Hairy Business, Etc.
5. Billboards announcing that the town 3.4 miles ahead (Lawtey, Starke, etc) is a SPEED TRAP!!!!!!!!!!
6. Quaint roadside gift shops from the 1950's that are still stuck in 1950. But hey, where else can you buy a seashell chandelier, the South's finest pecan pralines, and a neon green shirt with a dancing orange on it? Oh, and have an hour long conversation with an old lady who strangely feels like she could be your Grandma.
7. Memorial Highways named after people with nicknames like "Skeet" and "Butch"
8. The way the sun shines through the Spanish moss covered trees and casts a golden light on all the farmland
9. Restaurants that have food "like your Granny cooked it"
10. Because you're never more than 5 minutes away from hot boiled peanuts, real (dead) stuffed gator heads, and freshly squeezed orange juice
**And because my friend Virginia pointed out that I only gave 9 Pride & Prejudice vocab words:
10. Fulsome
Thanks Virginia! PS...Everyone needs to go check out her comment on that post. Nothing short of pure awesomeness!
Monday, October 11, 2010
10 Reason Why I May Explode Tonight While I'm Sleeping {Day 11}
*All my food-babies from Savannah:
1. Eggs Benedict from Huey's (our absolute favorite place in Savannah)
2. Tack on a side of beignets with hot praline pecan sauce drizzled over top
3. Pizza from Vinnie Van Go Gos--ok, so a LOT of pizza from Vinnies
4. A free sample of homemade caramel corn with Georgia pecans from the Savannah Candy Kitchen. And by free sample I mean a huge cup of it b/c they were about to close and wanted to get rid of it
5. Conquistador sandwich from Zunzi's Take Out--South African food at it's finest
6. More Vinnies pizza
7. Popcorn Shrimp basket from a whole in the wall place (called the Sugar Shack) at the Tybee Island Beach
8. Muffaletta sandwich with a side of cheese grits from the lovely Huey's again. Oh, and of course tack on a side of those world famous beignets
9. Pumpkin pancakes from J. Christophers...and a whole pot of coffee all to myself :)
10. Peppermint ice cream from Leopold's--around since 1919.
**Yes, it seems that all we did was eat all week
***Yes, we are fasting for the rest of our lives. Veggies and water from this day forward
1. Eggs Benedict from Huey's (our absolute favorite place in Savannah)
2. Tack on a side of beignets with hot praline pecan sauce drizzled over top
3. Pizza from Vinnie Van Go Gos--ok, so a LOT of pizza from Vinnies
4. A free sample of homemade caramel corn with Georgia pecans from the Savannah Candy Kitchen. And by free sample I mean a huge cup of it b/c they were about to close and wanted to get rid of it
5. Conquistador sandwich from Zunzi's Take Out--South African food at it's finest
6. More Vinnies pizza
7. Popcorn Shrimp basket from a whole in the wall place (called the Sugar Shack) at the Tybee Island Beach
8. Muffaletta sandwich with a side of cheese grits from the lovely Huey's again. Oh, and of course tack on a side of those world famous beignets
9. Pumpkin pancakes from J. Christophers...and a whole pot of coffee all to myself :)
10. Peppermint ice cream from Leopold's--around since 1919.
**Yes, it seems that all we did was eat all week
***Yes, we are fasting for the rest of our lives. Veggies and water from this day forward
Sunday, October 10, 2010
10 Reasons Why I Think I Have The Greatest Kids In The World (Day 10)
1. Ava loves to cuddle-bug with me
2. Jane scrunches up her nose when she smiles
3. They love to dance to Lecrae...and they have mad rhythm
4. Ava cracks me up by impersonating Mac Powell from Third Day...raspy voice and all
5. Jane kisses my arm 23747 times a day
6. Ava loves to read books as much as I do--especially chapter books (in the middle of Pippi Longstalking right now)
7. Jane says hi & blows a kiss to just about everyone we pass
8. Ava has a profound understanding of the Gospel already & her questions about Jesus blow my mind
9. Jane makes the funniest faces & is already showing signs that she is going to be the class clown
10. They love me and have patience with me even when I mess up as their Mommy
*ps...I typed this on my cell phone b/c the internet is down so please forgive any typos or formatting issues
2. Jane scrunches up her nose when she smiles
3. They love to dance to Lecrae...and they have mad rhythm
4. Ava cracks me up by impersonating Mac Powell from Third Day...raspy voice and all
5. Jane kisses my arm 23747 times a day
6. Ava loves to read books as much as I do--especially chapter books (in the middle of Pippi Longstalking right now)
7. Jane says hi & blows a kiss to just about everyone we pass
8. Ava has a profound understanding of the Gospel already & her questions about Jesus blow my mind
9. Jane makes the funniest faces & is already showing signs that she is going to be the class clown
10. They love me and have patience with me even when I mess up as their Mommy
*ps...I typed this on my cell phone b/c the internet is down so please forgive any typos or formatting issues
Saturday, October 9, 2010
10 Things You May Not Know About Me {Day 9}
1. I go to bed every night at 11:00 and wake up every morning at 6:00. Except on the days that I don't.
2. I have wanted to adopt since I was in kindergarten. It was the longest dream of my life that has come true.
3. Dark chocolate is my favorite chocolate.
4. I am slightly gangsta. I love Christian rap music. And I love Gangsta's Paradise by Coolio. I know every word.
5. I grew up listening to Paul Simon and Simon & Garfunkel...and their music still calms me down like when I was a kid.
6. I am a conspiracy theorist. I constantly think that there are bad guys around & that I'm living in an episode of Alias.
7. I like to re-read the same books over & over. I rarely read new books. I pretty much just cycle through the same books over & over.
8. I am very shy but I hate being labeled as the "shy girl".
9. I can't fall asleep unless I've put on Carmex brand chapstick.
10. I keep a hula girl on my kitchen sink. She has been with me since I was 15....I got her at an antique store when I was in 10th grade. She used to be in my car--now she watches over my sink. She is a small bit of whimsy in my kitchen.
2. I have wanted to adopt since I was in kindergarten. It was the longest dream of my life that has come true.
3. Dark chocolate is my favorite chocolate.
4. I am slightly gangsta. I love Christian rap music. And I love Gangsta's Paradise by Coolio. I know every word.
5. I grew up listening to Paul Simon and Simon & Garfunkel...and their music still calms me down like when I was a kid.
6. I am a conspiracy theorist. I constantly think that there are bad guys around & that I'm living in an episode of Alias.
7. I like to re-read the same books over & over. I rarely read new books. I pretty much just cycle through the same books over & over.
8. I am very shy but I hate being labeled as the "shy girl".
9. I can't fall asleep unless I've put on Carmex brand chapstick.
10. I keep a hula girl on my kitchen sink. She has been with me since I was 15....I got her at an antique store when I was in 10th grade. She used to be in my car--now she watches over my sink. She is a small bit of whimsy in my kitchen.
Friday, October 8, 2010
10 Words From Pride & Prejudice That We Should Resurrect In Our Daily Vocabulary {Day 8}
1. Deign
2. Felicity
3. Gallantry
4. Proxy
5. Simpleton
6. Villainous
7. Acquiesce
8. Simper
9. Vex
2. Felicity
3. Gallantry
4. Proxy
5. Simpleton
6. Villainous
7. Acquiesce
8. Simper
9. Vex
Thursday, October 7, 2010
10 Reasons Why I Can't Do A Top Ten List Tonight {Day 7}
1. I've been up since 3am and I'm very very tired
2. The first 4 hours of my day were spent doing laundry and packing & it has scarred me
3. I spent 7 hours in the car with my cranky kids today & my brain melted and fell out
4. Jane screamed from Ocala to Savannah and it may have made me go blind & deaf--hard to blog under such circumstances
5. I started re-reading The Magicians Nephew--the first book in the Chronicles of Narnia series--and truth be told I'd rather be curled up in bed reading instead of blogging
6. I got new jammies and they are comfy & I need to go put them on
7. I ate floppy frozen pizza for dinner & my stomach is not doing so well
8. The internet where we are staying is SSSSSSSSSSSLLLLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWW
9. I'm feeling uncreative, unwitty, unintelligent and un...hmmm just ran out of un words
10. My fingers have been all flinchy spasmy all day and it feels weird to type
PS...just call me a bloggy-brown-noser-can't-let-it go-perfectionist from here on out
2. The first 4 hours of my day were spent doing laundry and packing & it has scarred me
3. I spent 7 hours in the car with my cranky kids today & my brain melted and fell out
4. Jane screamed from Ocala to Savannah and it may have made me go blind & deaf--hard to blog under such circumstances
5. I started re-reading The Magicians Nephew--the first book in the Chronicles of Narnia series--and truth be told I'd rather be curled up in bed reading instead of blogging
6. I got new jammies and they are comfy & I need to go put them on
7. I ate floppy frozen pizza for dinner & my stomach is not doing so well
8. The internet where we are staying is SSSSSSSSSSSLLLLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWW
9. I'm feeling uncreative, unwitty, unintelligent and un...hmmm just ran out of un words
10. My fingers have been all flinchy spasmy all day and it feels weird to type
PS...just call me a bloggy-brown-noser-can't-let-it go-perfectionist from here on out
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
10 Favorite Literary Characters (That I Would Want To Be) {Day 6}
*I could pick 10 hundred more *
1. Elizabeth Bennett of Pride & Prejudice (Jane Austen)
2. Huckleberry Finn of Huckleberry Finn (Mark Twain)
3. Anne Shirley of Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery...AKA Lucy Maude)
4. Jane Eyre of Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte)
5. Charlie Bucket of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Roald Dahl)
6. Harry James Potter of Harry Potter (J.K. Rowling)
7. Elinor Dashwood of Sense & Sensibility (Jane Austen)
8. Laura Ingalls of Little House on the Prairie (Laura Ingalls Wilder)
9. Lucy of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (C.S. Lewis)
10. Jo March of Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
*What are some of your favorites?*
1. Elizabeth Bennett of Pride & Prejudice (Jane Austen)
2. Huckleberry Finn of Huckleberry Finn (Mark Twain)
3. Anne Shirley of Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery...AKA Lucy Maude)
4. Jane Eyre of Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte)
5. Charlie Bucket of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Roald Dahl)
6. Harry James Potter of Harry Potter (J.K. Rowling)
7. Elinor Dashwood of Sense & Sensibility (Jane Austen)
8. Laura Ingalls of Little House on the Prairie (Laura Ingalls Wilder)
9. Lucy of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (C.S. Lewis)
10. Jo March of Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
*What are some of your favorites?*
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
10 Things In My Life I Wish I Was Better At {Day 5}
*And am working on*
1. Praying without ceasing
2. Being brave when it comes to making new friends & putting myself out there with people that I don't know
3. Following through with laundry. I'm great at starting a load. Not so bad about putting said load into the dryer. Very bad at folding clothes. Terribly hideously bad at getting said clothes into drawers.
4. Memorizing Scripture.
5. Photography. I think I'm a decent amateur. But I would really love to really learn photography. I want to know what all the buttons on my camera mean & how to make them work really well.
6. Speaking only words that bring life to people. I tend to be overly critical (especially towards my husband). Constantly praying for God to "put a guard over my mouth".
7. Painting (not walls, but on canvas). I love to paint--I find it very therapeutic. However, I am really good at painting backgrounds. Then I stare at my canvas for hours. Then I write a word on it. I cannot for the life of me paint an object on my canvas! Cracks me up every time. My friend Erin & I joke that we are going to open a business where we sell background-painted canvases that other people can paint their objects on. Oh goodness.
8. Walking without tripping.
9. Making pancakes...mine always taste so blah
10. Having good posture.
1. Praying without ceasing
2. Being brave when it comes to making new friends & putting myself out there with people that I don't know
3. Following through with laundry. I'm great at starting a load. Not so bad about putting said load into the dryer. Very bad at folding clothes. Terribly hideously bad at getting said clothes into drawers.
4. Memorizing Scripture.
5. Photography. I think I'm a decent amateur. But I would really love to really learn photography. I want to know what all the buttons on my camera mean & how to make them work really well.
6. Speaking only words that bring life to people. I tend to be overly critical (especially towards my husband). Constantly praying for God to "put a guard over my mouth".
7. Painting (not walls, but on canvas). I love to paint--I find it very therapeutic. However, I am really good at painting backgrounds. Then I stare at my canvas for hours. Then I write a word on it. I cannot for the life of me paint an object on my canvas! Cracks me up every time. My friend Erin & I joke that we are going to open a business where we sell background-painted canvases that other people can paint their objects on. Oh goodness.
8. Walking without tripping.
9. Making pancakes...mine always taste so blah
10. Having good posture.
Monday, October 4, 2010
10 Pictures I'm Loving Right Now {Day 4}
1. Dress up fun...caught on my cell phone
3. A peaceful moment captured in my home while the girls were sleeping. I love the lighting in this shot
4. Ava with her cousin Isaac...just about the sweetest moment I've ever captured on camera!
5. My man and I at Diana & Jake's wedding. They had a photo booth set up with props...so fun!
6. Jane lip syncing in her fancy clothes a la Diana Ross
7. Ava playing the piano at our family photo shoot. *Photo by Ben Hewitt
8. Sister love
2. Ava as a flower girl in my friend Diana's wedding...such a beautiful shot! *Photo by Sandra Yu
3. A peaceful moment captured in my home while the girls were sleeping. I love the lighting in this shot
4. Ava with her cousin Isaac...just about the sweetest moment I've ever captured on camera!
5. My man and I at Diana & Jake's wedding. They had a photo booth set up with props...so fun!
6. Jane lip syncing in her fancy clothes a la Diana Ross
7. Ava playing the piano at our family photo shoot. *Photo by Ben Hewitt 
8. Sister love
9. Picture of my best friend Erin that I took during a fun little photo shoot in Plant City
10. Ava "getting some last Lola tail" before walking into school for her first day. Reminds me that she is still a little bit little :)
Sunday, October 3, 2010
10 Snacks I Love {Day 3}
1. Tzatziki with tortilla chips
2. Apple with peanut butter
3. Wasa toast w/ cream cheese, dill & sea salt
4. Dark chocolate chips
5. Chips & fresh salsa
6. Cutie brand tangerines
7. Chobani Greek yogurt (especially the pineapple kind!)
8. Cascadian Farms Granola cereal
9. Celery with peanut butter
10. Cape Cod reduced fat potato chips
PS...I'm now officially starving
2. Apple with peanut butter
3. Wasa toast w/ cream cheese, dill & sea salt
4. Dark chocolate chips
5. Chips & fresh salsa
6. Cutie brand tangerines
7. Chobani Greek yogurt (especially the pineapple kind!)
8. Cascadian Farms Granola cereal
9. Celery with peanut butter
10. Cape Cod reduced fat potato chips
PS...I'm now officially starving
Saturday, October 2, 2010
10 Reasons Why I Loved Today {Day 2}
1. My Nashville friend Mel(anie) was in town & we got to spend the whole day together.
2. I got to take a shower.
3. We ate (Wright's Deli) chocolate cake for breakfast.
4. I got to browse through Ikea but I didn't spend a dime. Yay self-control!
5. I got to introduce Mel to Gilmore Girls (we got us a Gilmore virgin!) Had to throw in that reference for all you GG fans out there :)
6. I got to see my Grandma for the first time since May (she's been in Michigan all summer)
7. We had a dinner picnic and watched Elf
8. I ate an egg roll
9. The temperature dropped below 90. To 89.
10. Good conversations about times past and dreams for the future.
2. I got to take a shower.
3. We ate (Wright's Deli) chocolate cake for breakfast.
4. I got to browse through Ikea but I didn't spend a dime. Yay self-control!
5. I got to introduce Mel to Gilmore Girls (we got us a Gilmore virgin!) Had to throw in that reference for all you GG fans out there :)
6. I got to see my Grandma for the first time since May (she's been in Michigan all summer)
7. We had a dinner picnic and watched Elf
8. I ate an egg roll
9. The temperature dropped below 90. To 89.
10. Good conversations about times past and dreams for the future.
Friday, October 1, 2010
10 Reasons Why I Stopped Blogging For A Month {Day 1}
1. I fell into the black hole that is my laundry pile.
2. The dog ate my computer.
3. I was too busy writing the next great American novel.
4. I was sunbathing in the French Rivera.
5. I took a month long nap & just woke up.
6. My kids made my brain turn to oozy mush & I forgot about my blog.
7. I turned into Martha Stewart and I've been too busy making my house look like a fall wonderland.
8. Termites ate my fingers and I couldn't type.
9. I jumped inside my television and went to visit the town of Stars Hollow for a month.
10. I just didn't feel like it.
2. The dog ate my computer.
3. I was too busy writing the next great American novel.
4. I was sunbathing in the French Rivera.
5. I took a month long nap & just woke up.
6. My kids made my brain turn to oozy mush & I forgot about my blog.
7. I turned into Martha Stewart and I've been too busy making my house look like a fall wonderland.
8. Termites ate my fingers and I couldn't type.
9. I jumped inside my television and went to visit the town of Stars Hollow for a month.
10. I just didn't feel like it.
{ten}
So. I forgot to blog. Sorry about that. Life got busy. I became wordless. The blog stood still for a month. But I'm back now. So hi!
I was inspired on another blog I read to do a little writer's challenge in the month of October. I'm going to tweak it quite a bit, so here is my interpretation:
October = the 10th month of the year.
so in honor of the number 10, I will be spending the next 31 days of October making top ten lists. I love lists. I love lists that have 10 things on them. I don't know why. It just seems complete when there are 10 things on a list. And that ole David Letterman really made us fall in love with top ten lists too. so it just seems right. I'm hoping I can keep this up. we shall see :) some lists will be silly. some will be nostalgic. some will be desperate. some will be serious. so here goes nothing--cheers to ten!
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