It's the small things in life

I bought this pretty white Crockpot a few years ago for myself. It was a 5 qt oval one that I got for $19.99. I was so proud of that Crockpot. I used it several times a week whether I was home all day or not. Over time, the poor thing has deteriorated. First, it got very rusty inside. Then I had a hard time keeping it clean (DUH, because the inside was WHITE for goodness sakes - what was I thinking?) - plus I have this awesome recipe for black bean burritos. Black beans and white Crockpot don't mix. Then the handle fell off the lid. It sat around and waited to be fixed for a few months. Finally, one day Wes fixed it. Then, I used it and used it again. Then we had the great oven fiasco of 2010 and it was nearly used every day. The screw he put on the handle eventually rusted away and I was left with a gimpy lid again. What is a girl to do? ♥ Buy a brand new one for herself. ♥

PS:Sorry for the crooked picture - I am having issues.
PSS : My, you are so very quiet. Please comment! I love hearing from you!

Caulking the holes in my life with Blue Bell.

For some mistaken reason, I thought pieces would all fall into place much more neatly following graduation. Instead, in the span of three months - somehow I ended up on my couch eating a whole pint of Blue Bell to keep from a compulsive addiction I've formed over the last two weeks - filling out teacher applications. I realized how out of control this was when I google mapped Garland to find that it's a round twenty five miles from my house - nevermind they pay better than any other district.

I've been attending the Wednesday night "service" at Faith, and I must say the next to last question was quite relevant. It was something about how do we know if God wants us to pursue our desires. Andy confirmed my desire to be a teacher, stating that as long as our desire could bring God glory - it's OK. I love teaching math, and I love the idea of doing it full time. However, I don't want to let anybody down in the process - and I might have risked that.

I can't help but think this won't happen till I grasp some sense of priority. I've got tasks that have been neglected. I started on the bamboo a couple weeks ago and progress has slowed to a crawl. I'm making a concerted effort to just rest in God's providence for my life and finish what I've started.

After thinking over these things, listening to Ed-ification.net (highly recommend it), I can't help but have a bright optimism for the calling in Christ that I have. All this said, I'm wondering what eating an entire pint of ice cream will do to me... It's just like drinking a big tall cup of chocolate milk probably.

I love you Amy Basinger, thanks for letting me be a part of your life and your blog. You're right, you do have me - and that's good... because sometimes even the best thought out backup plans can fail :-)

Check out this huge fish I caught ;-)

moratorium

This is how I felt last week. I think it pretty much explains itself, right? I am paring back some things and getting back to what is necessary for survival and what is special. Abby is gone to her Grandaddy's house (having a blast - I am positive!). I am only working one weekday this week.

When I lived way out in the trailer, I had dreamed constantly of the day when I could help people. We lived so far that I was unable have people over much (not to mention how unsafe and ugly the trailer was). A very tangible way to help people my age is to watch their children. I have countless friends who have small children. We all need help sometimes when a doctor appointment comes up or we have to work. I have watched numerous children in this house since we moved in 6 months ago (really, too many to count - several we kept overnight). I consider it a huge blessing and it humbles me to think that my friends trust me with their children. I am rounding a corner in my life when I have been struggled with being used or just being a convenient target. So, I am going to take a break from watching children at home (unless it is some kind of emergency or something) for a couple of months. I will be taking time to invest more in my children and getting back to reality. I realize that because of my moratorium, I will not have anyone to watch my children for me in return. But let's be honest - I never really had that in the first place. Knowing myself, after a couple of months I will jump back in and be excited to serve my friends again.

The summer flies by so fast. I am not in any hurry to miss these special years of my life that I will never get back. My children are a joy to me and I love spending time with them unfettered.

12 long years ago...

Twelve long years ago I was a very emotionally hurt person. Twelve long years ago I was alone, scared and unsure of my future. Twelve long years ago I was uncomfortably large and barely 17. That morning I remember getting up at a ridiculous hour to check in at the hospital to be induced. The labor was short, so short in fact that I was not allowed pain medication. It hurt. But she was born and she had fluffy black hair and a little squished up face. I named her Abigail Elizabeth. She was just more than 8 pounds. I took her home a day later but on the way, my mom took me to a mexican restaurant to have lunch.

We love you, Abby

Blog mention

Abby is turning 12 tomorrow and has been taking this class with my friend Anna. She got blog mention here this week.

<3 ~ Amy

chocolate and frosting everywhere!

We had a cake decorating party for Abby's 12th birthday this weekend. Not to be outdone, I also hosted a fondue party for the "Make Something" young craft-y moms today as well. Am I crazy? Maybe. Was it fun? yes!

This is quite a few of the children that I hosted at my home on Tuesday morning Make Something this summer.
They are learning a lesson about the Good Shepherd. We called it a backyard Bible club.

all in the name of procrastination

I had an elaborate post prepared this morning. Ya, it wouldn't have held your interest. So instead...

Simple Musings:

Why is it that we plan so much for ourselves when we know we are burning the candle at both ends already?

Why do children grow so fast?

I find that no matter how hard you try to get someone to do something - sometimes they just let you down.

Some people think they are better than you and treat you likewise.

Having a home is a wonderful experience.

Having a husband to work faithfully on the home is incredible.

Minivans are the single most incredible invention on the planet.

What the Bible says is true.

Mowing is fun.

Harboring bitterness feels terrible.

Little boys are cute - especially mine.

The End