Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
Friday, July 19, 2013
The past several weeks were pretty boring as they put in plumbing, electrical, HVAC, gas, cable, etc. But, things just got exciting again! We are thrilled! And, continue to be more and more excited!
So far we are on target to be moved in pretty soon after my daughter starts her first year of kindergarten!
So far we are on target to be moved in pretty soon after my daughter starts her first year of kindergarten!
Monday, July 1, 2013
Many of you have been following our story on Facebook or Instagram or here on this post or this post. For those of you just following along our now 3 1/2 year journey to sell and buy a house has been quite the journey. One that has been trying not just for me personally but for my family.
I have appreciated so much the support, prayers, and encouraging words along the way! It has been amazing. But, I wanted to post some pictures of our progress on the house we decided to build. But, before I do, I really want to shed light on how God is just pouring out his graciousness on us as we wholeheartedly trust Him with the plans that He has for us.
Back in March we decided to purchase some property in a neighborhood that was not even on our radar. The piece of land was unavailable at first owned by a different family until we got a phone call from our agent. She said the couple backed out of their contract and wondered if we were interested. It was a great piece of property located in a great neighborhood on a cul-de-sac. After 2 other attempts to buy property (either we didn't feel peace or our offer was not accepted) we felt a crazy sense of peace about this one. And God continues to unfold some great surprises - amazing neighbors, kids galore, community, and the list continues. I feel so loved, so incredible blessed, and ever so grateful that our patience, perseverance, and prayers are coming to fruition.
Here's a sneak peak at what is going on at the house so far! This will also be the NEW home of A Simple Bite Wellness Solutions!
I have appreciated so much the support, prayers, and encouraging words along the way! It has been amazing. But, I wanted to post some pictures of our progress on the house we decided to build. But, before I do, I really want to shed light on how God is just pouring out his graciousness on us as we wholeheartedly trust Him with the plans that He has for us.
Back in March we decided to purchase some property in a neighborhood that was not even on our radar. The piece of land was unavailable at first owned by a different family until we got a phone call from our agent. She said the couple backed out of their contract and wondered if we were interested. It was a great piece of property located in a great neighborhood on a cul-de-sac. After 2 other attempts to buy property (either we didn't feel peace or our offer was not accepted) we felt a crazy sense of peace about this one. And God continues to unfold some great surprises - amazing neighbors, kids galore, community, and the list continues. I feel so loved, so incredible blessed, and ever so grateful that our patience, perseverance, and prayers are coming to fruition.
Here's a sneak peak at what is going on at the house so far! This will also be the NEW home of A Simple Bite Wellness Solutions!
Friday, May 3, 2013
Our little life got flipped upside down about a month and a half ago. It hasn't really been too comfortable with our house being on the market for so long. We were the family who couldn't have too many family pictures up for fear of looking to "personal" in our home. But, at the point you put your house on the market, it really isn't your home any more. You have to disconnect emotionally from it. I did that about 2 1/2 years ago so when moving time came, it was actually pretty easy to give the keys over. The house had tons of great memories, ones that I have shared in more ways than one.
But...now we have closed on our house and are living with family and friends while we build a house! Yes, I said build. After tons and tons of searching, we finally landed on a property that we felt peace about. It resides in a quaint section of Fort Mill, SC right next to the strawberry fields. For those that know me, know I am a city girl through and through. I would live in the high rise if we didn't have kids! This however is a great compromise as it backs right up to the city!
This is also one of the reasons I haven't written in SO long. Our family is in a a serious transition state. The one where sometimes time can't seem to go fast enough so that it can be over. However, God is really doing a good work in me during this time. Here are some things I am learning:
1. Pray a lot! And...I don't mean just a lot, I mean a LOT! For everything!
2. Be patient! With the people you are around, your husband, your kids.
3. Learn to live with just the basics! Most of our "stuff" is in storage, and guess what?? Our kids are still happy!!
4. Spend quality time with one another.
5. Go on vacation.
6. Rely on your friends!!
7. Weed out bad friends who don't understand your particular situation.
8. LOVE on each other!
9. Serve others!
10. Find some time somewhere where you can have some alone time.
For me, these 10 things are getting me through this 8-9mos. moving journey! I will do my best to do a better job at posting pictures of the progress on our house.
But...now we have closed on our house and are living with family and friends while we build a house! Yes, I said build. After tons and tons of searching, we finally landed on a property that we felt peace about. It resides in a quaint section of Fort Mill, SC right next to the strawberry fields. For those that know me, know I am a city girl through and through. I would live in the high rise if we didn't have kids! This however is a great compromise as it backs right up to the city!
This is also one of the reasons I haven't written in SO long. Our family is in a a serious transition state. The one where sometimes time can't seem to go fast enough so that it can be over. However, God is really doing a good work in me during this time. Here are some things I am learning:
1. Pray a lot! And...I don't mean just a lot, I mean a LOT! For everything!
2. Be patient! With the people you are around, your husband, your kids.
3. Learn to live with just the basics! Most of our "stuff" is in storage, and guess what?? Our kids are still happy!!
4. Spend quality time with one another.
5. Go on vacation.
6. Rely on your friends!!
7. Weed out bad friends who don't understand your particular situation.
8. LOVE on each other!
9. Serve others!
10. Find some time somewhere where you can have some alone time.
For me, these 10 things are getting me through this 8-9mos. moving journey! I will do my best to do a better job at posting pictures of the progress on our house.
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| Our property |
Sunday, March 24, 2013
As I was rummaging through pictures, it is amazing how somethings are the same with you...you are so hilariously silly! You absolutely love to make people laugh, smile and bring joy. Well...you bring a sense of joy when you walk in the room. You are so loving to people...doesn't matter who they are. You share, you give of yourself, and you are such a servant.
I read a blog from a mom, just like myself and she made a list of things that she wants to teach her daughter. I want to do the same for you. So, besides presents this year...I want to give this to you as a gift. As a promise that during the time that I have you in my life, I hope to teach you these things. Some maybe similar to hers as I love how she put things. And...they are in no particular order. Happy, Happy Birthday sweet girl. She did 100, I did 50...I'm sure I will add as the years go on. This is a start.
1. Beauty is a state of mind, and a state of the heart, not a state of the body.
2. Loving your friends where they are is one of the best gifts you can give a friend.
3. "There will always be mean girls. But that doesn't mean we find a tower and Rapunzel ourselves away from the world."
4. Your daddy has loved you so well. Use that love as an example when you start to like boys!
5. Your brother and daddy will teach you how boys should treat you.
6. You are always welcome in my closet.
7. The world needs your point of view.
8. Food should be fuel for your body to do great things.
9. Your body is capable of doing so much more than you can imagine right now.
10. Do things because you love to do them, not because someone said you were meant to do them.
11. Pray. As much as you can. Communicating with the almighty God is more powerful than you think.
12. Dance...even at odd times...it makes all mundane tasks seem more fun.
13. You will never be too old for me to rock, hug, or snuggle!
14. The world needs your story!
15. No prayer request is ever to small, to silly, or too embarrassing to share.
16. Your family are your teammates...God has brought us together for a reason, and we stick together.
17. Blue eyes really do melt hearts.
18. Home is not where we live, but who we love.
19. Your name was chosen for a reason and hold special meaning to us.
20. Inevitably, I will disappoint you, but we will work it out together.
21. Reading books to you, with you, or for yourself is never time wasted.
22. The best way to never worry about people gossiping about you is to not gossip about anyone else.
23. Saying sorry first is a sign of strength, not weakness.
24. I'm on your side, especially when it doesn't feel like it.
25. "Your body is not just yours. It is a gift to your husband. I promise, it is a gift worth unwrapping together."
26. Marriage is an act of courage, commitment, a ton of selflessness, and sacrifice. But it is the most fun and fulfilling relationships you will ever have the pleasure to enjoy!
27. God says that He made all things good...that includes you. You are so beautiful and precious. No matter how you feel about your body.
28. "I love the curves you and your brother added to my body."
29. Please cry...sometimes its needed, and sometimes it encourages the heart and says your human.
30. Christian women aren't immune to sin, bad habits, and cliques. Love on regardless and forgive graciously.
31. Pursue your goals and think big. Even if you fail...at least you tried. "Failure is just feedback."
32. Be a great friend.
33. You can't control what others think of you, so let it go and move forward.
34. Stop for the small things in life. Soak them up.
35. Your dad has lots of things to teach you.
36. Ask lots of questions. There are so many great things to learn.
37. Love waits.
38. Patience is never wasted.
39. Don't just Instagram your life, live it.
40. Real life is always better than online.
41. Don't be afraid of a broken heart, you will learn so much.
42. I'm more interested in your growth than in your happiness.
43. Challenge yourself.
44. Jesus loves you more than anybody on this earth ever will. Once you grasp that...love becomes eternal.
45. Womanhood is a gift.
46. You are never too old to play.
47. I will never be tired of being your mother.
48. I will always come when you call.
49. You will always be my little girl.
50. Writing handwritten notes means more to people than you will ever know!
Friday, March 8, 2013
I will admit, I was a bit frustrated by this feeling because it would have made things a little easier with school and such as registration for Kindergarten starts tomorrow for Paige, but until we have a contract on a house, we cannot register her! We have a plan B in place, as we weren't even sure if we would sell our house in time, so we feel peace there, as it is a GREAT plan B. But, I never knew how stressful house hunting could be too...especially when you want to make the right LONG-TERM decision for your family!
Have I ever mentioned I am slightly a "planner, ocd, perfectionist" type of person? Yeah, well...I try and steer my urges in honorable to God directions, but my control tendencies can often get the best of me, especially when I just don't know! I'm usually ok with things if I can see or project the future outcome. Can I say just out loud, that God is really pushing me with this, but even still, I feel at peace! I haven't really shared this with many people, mostly because it is between me and God, but one of my New Year's resolutions was to practice being quick to listen and slow to speak. What I really think this has meant for me is to be prayerful in all things. In fact, I have looked back at our last couple of years as a small family, and prayer and patience has been such a HUGE part of our lives, almost a lifeline. So, although, slightly reluctant, I needed to release my anxiety about our next steps to Jesus. Because I was anxious!
So as we leave Hamilton Green today, I know my first steps are to be utterly grateful to God for providing such a great place to live, a roof over our heads, a safe haven for my kids, some amazing memories, all of the guests from the seminary that have stepped through our door to stay with us, the missionaries that we were honored to host because we had the room to host them for short and long-term, the friendships, and just a starting place as Wayne and I were merely newly weds when we bought this house. What a journey right?
Hang tight, because I KNOW God does amazing things to people that wait for his timing, as hard as it is to wait, to be patient, to NOT know anything, I know He will show up, and He will blow us/you away!
What have you had to wait for and be patient for, and then God has blown you away? Or...maybe you are waiting too? I would love to know!
Thursday, February 21, 2013
I realize it has been 6 years since this day. Many people have forgotten that we even had a son before our other 2 sweet children. But, I can't forget, I still feel the hurt, the pain, the anxiety that went with our particular situation. I still remember the doctors visit, the ultrasound when the nurse did not say anything or point the monitor in our direction. I still remember the doctor telling us the condition that he had was one that was gradually making him die inside my belly and that he would not survive much longer. I remember Wayne and I having to make this tough decision that I can't believe I had to make. Crying and throwing up in the parking lot of the doctors office....and then the day came, the horrific day, and I will spare you many details, but then he arrived, dead in my arms, but so alive in spirit, I could feel it! And...I held him, and although deeply hurting inside, I remember feeling peace too! It was so strange.
He was our first child. I had no idea at that point if I would be blessed with more children. Although assured by the doctor that this was a mere fluke. He had what was called Potter's Syndrome (I found comfort and met some great women on the link provided) which is a condition when something during the formation of the baby the kidneys never develop. Rare condition, but yet so real to me knowing that a human can survive with only 1 kidney but not 0. So we delivered our sweet son, and walked out with a box full of treasured material, but yet I never imagined I would leave the hospital empty handed. I agree with a sweet friend of mine, who lost a son on the same day, said there is a numbness that God uses to protect our heart from some really deep hurt. The numbness lasted at the funeral home, then signing the papers at the funeral home, but then the day came to pick up his remains and I remember I couldn't do it. I couldn't see the funeral home or step inside even to pick up my own son. My mom volunteered to do it, and I was so grateful. I remember the day like it was yesterday when she pulled in the driveway. Throughout this whole experience, I was never angry at God, definitely upset because I missed him, I wanted to get to know him and it was frustrating but never angry.
Fast forward six years later. I have two beautiful children, healthy as can be. Lively, full of spirit, and some amazing qualities that I just tear up thinking about. I didn't know why all of that happened on February 21, 2007, but I remember trusting God with my whole heart that He would use it to do something amazing. I remember asking specifically for it, because the hurt was so deep, that if something good didn't come of it, I would have felt it was for nothing. The hard part is not knowing what good will come of it, and maybe never knowing. It is this thing called having faith that there is something far greater than we could ever imagined with the story. That was what kept me going, persevering and continuing to believe, that there is a bigger picture, that I may not understand, but I have to trust the one true God to make use of it. My pain from missing him is still there, but I admit time does heal the broken heart. That experience, has made me who I am today, who I am to my children, to my husband. I am more compassionate to loss, more loving to other mommies who lose babies, and I have a strong desire to share our story when God sees fit.
I look back at how God has used our story, and some I have no idea and will never know (its ok with me), but one of the ways is our daughter, who would not be here if our sweet son had made it. Her life wouldn't exist. You see, we conceived her on his original due date. And...I know God has a purpose for her life! God has also put so many women in my life to connect with on this level, and I cherish those relationships like family.
Oh how I miss Jacob. I miss holding him, and I miss his sweet fingers on mine. But his little life made an impact. And, I pray the story will continue to bring God glory!
For his birthday I decided to make a free print in honor of his life and a friend of mine's two sons. I don't make prints normally...so you won't see a blog full of them or an etsy shop, but please feel free to download this print as a birthday present from me!
He was our first child. I had no idea at that point if I would be blessed with more children. Although assured by the doctor that this was a mere fluke. He had what was called Potter's Syndrome (I found comfort and met some great women on the link provided) which is a condition when something during the formation of the baby the kidneys never develop. Rare condition, but yet so real to me knowing that a human can survive with only 1 kidney but not 0. So we delivered our sweet son, and walked out with a box full of treasured material, but yet I never imagined I would leave the hospital empty handed. I agree with a sweet friend of mine, who lost a son on the same day, said there is a numbness that God uses to protect our heart from some really deep hurt. The numbness lasted at the funeral home, then signing the papers at the funeral home, but then the day came to pick up his remains and I remember I couldn't do it. I couldn't see the funeral home or step inside even to pick up my own son. My mom volunteered to do it, and I was so grateful. I remember the day like it was yesterday when she pulled in the driveway. Throughout this whole experience, I was never angry at God, definitely upset because I missed him, I wanted to get to know him and it was frustrating but never angry.
Fast forward six years later. I have two beautiful children, healthy as can be. Lively, full of spirit, and some amazing qualities that I just tear up thinking about. I didn't know why all of that happened on February 21, 2007, but I remember trusting God with my whole heart that He would use it to do something amazing. I remember asking specifically for it, because the hurt was so deep, that if something good didn't come of it, I would have felt it was for nothing. The hard part is not knowing what good will come of it, and maybe never knowing. It is this thing called having faith that there is something far greater than we could ever imagined with the story. That was what kept me going, persevering and continuing to believe, that there is a bigger picture, that I may not understand, but I have to trust the one true God to make use of it. My pain from missing him is still there, but I admit time does heal the broken heart. That experience, has made me who I am today, who I am to my children, to my husband. I am more compassionate to loss, more loving to other mommies who lose babies, and I have a strong desire to share our story when God sees fit.
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| This is our daughter sitting by the stone that we got our son when someone gave us a dogwood in his memory. |
Oh how I miss Jacob. I miss holding him, and I miss his sweet fingers on mine. But his little life made an impact. And, I pray the story will continue to bring God glory!
For his birthday I decided to make a free print in honor of his life and a friend of mine's two sons. I don't make prints normally...so you won't see a blog full of them or an etsy shop, but please feel free to download this print as a birthday present from me!
Monday, February 11, 2013
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2011 was a tough year for our little family, my 3 year old daughter, my husband and I. We spent the year waiting. Waiting for the baby we were hoping to adopt, that is, waiting for to be approved, waiting for the phone to ring with opportunity, waiting for either the phone call to scramble to the next step or the email that always started with the same d*mn sentence (So and So has chosen a family and unfortunately it wasn't yours…blah, blah, blah…it didn't really matter past the first sentence), waiting for babies you already loved and thought you would raise to be born, waiting to recover when you learn you won’t, waiting to feel like you can face people again, waiting to start the whole process over again, waiting to find out if the ending to your story was a happy one.
It was the end of January when we found out we were officially available to be chosen by Birth moms. I just *knew* we were going to be one of those couples that gets matched right away, so we really wouldn't have to wait long. (In defense of that particular foolishness, all 3 of the families we knew that used our agency had babies in about 6 weeks).
In February, I spent my wait time transforming the guest bedroom into a nursery—painting the walls, putting together my daughter’s old crib. After the years and uncertainty of infertility, being on a road with a definite baby at the end felt amazing. I bought two coming home outfits—one for a boy and one for a girl. I didn't even have to feel secretive and horrible inside for wasting money on a dream that life kept telling me I didn't deserve! The waiting was full of excitement. There was heartbreak too, but every. single. day. was a new chance for the phone to ring. I was glued to it. I never even went to the bathroom without my phone.
By the time I had waited myself into June, whole months without a phone call at all sometimes, I began to feel silly for carrying that stupid phone around. It mocked me, refusing to ring, making me jump out of my skin if the hairdresser called to confirm an appointment. That’s about when the wait got painful and made it hard to let my little girl play dolls in the nursery. We delayed and delayed making plans for our usual Summer vacation until it was clear that we would not have to then cancel them for a baby.
Near the end of July, after losing count of the number of women who decidedly did not want us to raise their baby…one did. The wait was over! Well, let me tell you, waiting for woman you've never met to give birth to “your” child in another state is a whole other ball of waiting wax. It is one full of fun and finally telling friends, but the anxiety of hoping all the pieces end up fitting together is nearly unbearable. Until the actual unbearable wait shows up, that is. The one that starts with a phone call and entails waiting for your universe to stop spinning while you literally gasp for air. This baby would not be our son. It was awful-- horrendous, but a known risk going in (adoptive parents assume ALL the risk, every step of the way).
We started over, got back on the roller coaster and agreed to wait some more. Blessedly short this time, we were matched again in September. A little more cautious, a little less to do since everything was ready. This wait promised to be short, as she was suspected to be due any day (no one actually knew for sure). Then the worst of all the waiting showed it’s nasty face…the agency lost track of her…for 11 days. Then she reconnected, had “our” son, felt conflicted and said she’d call when she figured out what she was going to do. She never called. Day by excruciating day, we lost hope by inches. We thought about waiting until we had healed to put ourselves back in the pool, but what was the point really? Wasn't the whole stupid game about waiting anyway? Under the pressure of one tenderhearted three year old girl who was desperate for her brother to come home, we decided to get back out there. But, the year came to a close with someone missing at Christmas, a dresser full of unworn baby boy clothes in the nursery and three broken hearts still waiting.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Just a small bite: Owning my own business, I have come to realize that it is difficult to get away. Each time we schedule something, a client of mine "needs" me in some way shape or form - and my rest or vacation is interrupted. It can be quite frustrating, and doesn't really allow for much rest for me or my family. Especially, since most of the business is on my shoulders (I don't have employees). But, I think rest goes beyond vacation doesn't it?? Why do we wait for vacations to rest?
There are two verses that come to mind when I think of rest, and I can't help but think that God has something very important to say in these verses. "Come to me all who are weary, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). Personally, when I don't rest, I not only feel disconnected, but I feel tired, heavy with worry, anxiety circles around me, and I have a hard time focusing. Sometimes the opposite can happen too, where I just literally feel like doing absolutely nothing! I am completely not engaged with my family (husband, children, etc) and life just gets blah. Not quite depression, but a great sign that I have not had rest. Rest isn't just 8hrs. of sleep a night. No, for me it goes far beyond that. Rest is being able to spend time alone (I am really an introvert who loves people), spending time in God's Word, spending time doing hobbies I enjoy, and spending time with my family. When I don't have these, I feel weary and I feel not rested.
I was reading in Hebrews, did you know the book alone has 14 words that relate back to rest?? But, one of the words was translated "restored" and I noticed the word "rest" in the word "restored"! (Hebrews 13:9) YES! That is how I feel when I am truly well rested! I feel like a new person and I feel God and my family, and the women I am blessed to serve, get my best. There is a piece of the wellness puzzle that cannot be forgotten, especially for us busy ladies, it is REST...in the many areas of our life. I want to be able to be my best and give my best so rest MUST become a priority.
What about you? What makes you feel well rested?
Monday, December 31, 2012
Its not quite 2013...but I wanted to do one last post before the clock turned. It will be short and sweet. My life is meant to give away! I have been blessed with opportunities, and even tough circumstances so that I can share with others all that God is doing in my life. I am looking forward to making a writing commitment to myself this year. To share, to converse, to love on each person that God puts in my path. I hope some of those people are through here, and I hope I get to shake hands, and hug others.
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To make sure that what I am doing, what I am writing, and that what I give is bigger than me, I have teamed up with a large group of women called The Influence Network. They all are fantastic! There is no doubt each of them have a glimpse of life to share with you! I hope you venture out to let their voices speak to your heart. I certainly cannot wait to read, and explore and allow their words to soak in to my heart and allow God to speak to me through them. Please also check this network out on Twitter @InfluenceNet #InfluenceNet and on Facebook.
Love to everyone for an amazing New Year!
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To make sure that what I am doing, what I am writing, and that what I give is bigger than me, I have teamed up with a large group of women called The Influence Network. They all are fantastic! There is no doubt each of them have a glimpse of life to share with you! I hope you venture out to let their voices speak to your heart. I certainly cannot wait to read, and explore and allow their words to soak in to my heart and allow God to speak to me through them. Please also check this network out on Twitter @InfluenceNet #InfluenceNet and on Facebook.
Love to everyone for an amazing New Year!
Jamie
Thursday, December 27, 2012
I think I am about to become extremely honest. I am writing this and venturing out. To pour out what I have been contemplating on for what seems like forever and to hopefully help and inspire others. Here is a small and simple bite of my story, and after that I hope to communicate what I want this blog to be about going forward. I am a writer, but not in the sense, that I work to write, I simply have always liked to write. Since I was 10! I have kept journals dating back to my preteen years with all kinds of crazy drama. Not quite a Harlequin but me being honest with God about my struggles, fears, happy places, etc. My journal was my escape place. Many of them are beautiful displays of how God communicates to me, and some are displays of God being completely silent with me. But, they have all been this "thing" that God and I have going on with our relationship. In 2007 I started a blog. I thought this is a great way to do what I have been doing with a journal but hopefully, it will provide some hope if someone reads it as well. It was a popular blog with quite a few readers. Soon after I started it I became pregnant with my first son, Jacob. So, I started writing to God, they were prayers about my son, the man I wanted him to become, and God's protection over him. Overnight, "life" over powered my joy, and we found out my son was going to die. You can read about the story here. I lost the passion to write.
Which leads me to the present, two more kids later, a little boy and little girl, God has been knocking on my writing door since 2010! I have constantly been shutting the idea of writing again down. For me, I had no inspiration. Then recently, this summer, I literally felt like I was being yelled at. So, I kinda "yelled" back just asking what I was supposed to write about. So, I began to work on somethings within myself.
- Who was I writing for?
- Why did I want to write?
- What do I write about?
I read a book recently by Haley Morgan Called the No Brainer Blog - for me I have heard a lot of these things, but it took reading it to bring some inspiration back. The biggest help from that book was two things, one find your look and feel (feel comfortable), the other was to be you! I read a few more books, several devotional type books, started writing in my journal again, and voila...I decided it was important for me to come back to my roots.
All in all, what I want this blog to be about is a conversational place, where community can happen if it wants to, where readers feel comfortable pulling up a chair, grabbing their own coffee and joining me in some conversations. I want to write about life, for me that means: wife, mom, small business entrepreneur and then to talk about what others are doing as well. A subject I am passionate about and I believe women often struggle with is overall wellness, how to juggle, life and not just look good but take care of your body that God has uniquely gifted us with. I recently went back to school to become a Nutritional Wellness Coach, so I hope to provide some expertise on certain subjects, easy healthy recipes that I have tried (I am not an experimental cook, but I love to try and tweak recipes), and of course love and encourage women who need the encouragement and support in this area. And, lastly, I am passionate about Jesus. I am the person who gets giddy around Christmas because I wish I was the 3 Magi bringing the baby the gifts. It just excites me. And, honestly, I feel lately I have been the quiet docile Christian, but not intentionally. I want to share the Truth in all 3 of these areas, converse with others, and hopefully encourage and inspire.
As 2013 approaches, I am committing to this blog, praying that God gives me the power and strength to write great content that is fulfilling and honors Him and lastly, praying for you that your journey would be deep and meaningful. So, sit back, relax, enjoy your cup, and I look forward to giving you some small bites!
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
I can't not start a blog and at least say hello! This is supposed to be a conversation right? Conversations are typically two ways BTW, so I expect that from you, please. Why a conversation? Because life is full of questions isn't it? At least for me, there is not a day that goes by without lots of questions. My prayer for you as you read, write your questions, etc. That you will hear the tone in my writing that this is a place to converse.
Secondly, don't you have questions about wellness or health "stuff"? All the time! Especially when I'm in the grocery store, or meal planning for the week, or even when I'm at those "healthy conferences" you will see me talk about on here every now and again. They are always full of information, that I always have questions about. Even Dr. Oz leaves me with questions (which is probably why I still watch!)
Now on to being uniquely you...these are the questions, or at least for me they are, that I often don't share with folks unless they are "those people" that I know won't judge me. I save them, for my journal, date nights with the hubs, or store them deep in my brain. They are the questions like, why did God bless me with my pear figure? Or...you will quickly find out about my OC tendencies...they are there, and unless you hang out with me or live with me, I tend to hide them and pretend I am a little more laid back than I actually am. Thank God for my children who after having them turned my world upside down and introduced me to the word "flexibility" but my tendencies still come out (just ask my husband!). What about you? What are your questions? About Life? About Wellness? and That question about being uniquely you that has been stored up, that you would love to share with some girlfriends?
Now on to being uniquely you...these are the questions, or at least for me they are, that I often don't share with folks unless they are "those people" that I know won't judge me. I save them, for my journal, date nights with the hubs, or store them deep in my brain. They are the questions like, why did God bless me with my pear figure? Or...you will quickly find out about my OC tendencies...they are there, and unless you hang out with me or live with me, I tend to hide them and pretend I am a little more laid back than I actually am. Thank God for my children who after having them turned my world upside down and introduced me to the word "flexibility" but my tendencies still come out (just ask my husband!). What about you? What are your questions? About Life? About Wellness? and That question about being uniquely you that has been stored up, that you would love to share with some girlfriends?
Monday, December 24, 2012
Ha...I almost did not do this for 2012. Over the last month or so our personal life has been a bit of a whirlwind, so trying to catch up on "traditions" and trying to make them happen, well, I'm a little behind. I apologize. Really, I do. Presents are going out late, and things that I have never been behind on, are just late. I guess, I am asking for a little grace as we are still playing a little bit of catch up from our move out/move back in day.
2012 in review is hard to nail down some major events as there were quite a few. Disney is probably the most memorable one. We completely enjoyed going. It was truly magical as the kids loved seeing the characters, riding the rides and ate in Cinderella's castle. What fun!
We took my dad as a 60th birthday/Christmas present and enjoyed seeing him see the magic too. It truly is like being a kid again. You often catch yourself skipping through the streets or singing tunes, or even swaying from side to side when you go through "Its a Small World"
We are looking forward to going back in 2013 if we can!
Paige turned 4 this year! My how the time flies. She is reading, doing math, and drawing like crazy! She loves crafts, and art, and I am amazed daily with her mind and how it works. She is inspiring me to look and find joy in the littlest things. She is always happy! If she isn't happy she is usually sick and even then, she will hop in your lap, lay her head next to you and smile. She finished up the 3 year old class in her preschool with one of her favorite people Ms. Ashley. I can't say enough kind words for her hard work and dedication to all the children, but particularly Paige. She invested so much in her. Paige was fortunate to have her for two years in a row!
Summer quickly came upon us, and I love summer, the kids are home and we are on our time vs. the schools or meetings and such that I have going on. We laughed and played together. We went to the pool a lot! The kids did some fun camps and we just enjoyed one another.
Zach has grown a ton this year! Although, already a big boy it shouldn't surprise you that he surpassed Paige this year in weight! He also started 2 year old preschool, which only puts him in class 2 days a week, but being the social bug that he is, it is just the right amount for him to come home talking non-stop about his day with his friends, on the playground, etc. Zach has a love for Monster Trucks. I am a very thankful mommy for growing up with a dad that introduced me to cars and some "boy things". Although, still learning from my boy, the names of each small truck he has, at least I know the names of his hot wheels cars. Especially when he says to me, mom this is a bug and this is a porche! It makes me glad I can relate to his interests. Zach just turned 3 a few days ago, and if you get to know him, or already know him, than you have not missed a chance for his sweet hugs! Although, boy to the core of his being, he also has a heart of gold for others! And...he absolutely adores his sister. They are the bestest of friends, and I hope and pray they stay that way for a very long time.
Wayne has transitioned quite a bit this year as they were doing layoffs at his work at Maersk. Which, leads me to our yearly theme or what God has been teaching us this year. I think the first is prayer, the second has been to relentlessly trust Him, and the 3rd is perseverance I couldn't pick one. As we knew his job was coming to a close, we prayed without ceasing every night that God would provide him the right job, at the right time. Even the kids would pray "for Daddy's new job". We prayed at breakfast, lunch, dinner and bedtime. I'm not kidding. We prayed with hope, we prayed with trust, we prayed with peace that God would answer, at the right time. And, at the 11th hour, which He often does with us, he answered. He answered with a job application that Wayne had placed with Bank of America 6mos. before he knew he was going to lose his job! Within two days he got a phone call, and was hired. He has been blessed with a great opportunity there. In fact, he just received an award for some programming he did on a project that just finished up. I often don't really know what Wayne does at work, but as his wife, it is wonderful to see him in a place where what he does excites him.
Lastly, what am I up to??? Well, I am soaking up all of this precious time with my children. They are growing WAY too fast. It is sad, and glorious as I get to be a part of walking them through their questions about life. I feel so far from being worthy of answering them. But, I feel so blessed to be walking this journey with them. I am beginning to grieve Paige going off to Kindergarten. Although, we are unsure of her schooling situation yet (you can continue to pray for that), I am certain that she will thrive at whatever she does. I have continued with my business.I did tackle a new passion towards it in Health/Nutrition/Wellness. I got two certifications this year, one in Nutrition, the other in Weightloss and I am also now able to conduct a DNA screening that allows me to customize plans for Nutrition/Supplementation/Exercise based off of this test. That has been the most exciting for me. I am just passionate about putting good information in people's hands, educating, and helping others. I helped a group of folks lose a combination of over 80lbs. in 12 weeks. I have been blessed to help several ladies with chronic illness maintain a quality of life they haven't had in a while. I have been educating, and doing some informal webinars. Out of this passion and people who have asked me when I was going to write things down, I decided to turn this blog upside down and give it new meaning and new purpose. I hope it will. With conversations on life, wellness, and being uniquely made. I am looking forward to sharing, conversing and "being" with other women in these areas. If you haven't already please sign up to get it, I'm hoping to have guests join me in the discussion. I hope God's purpose will be lit up all over this place.
I want to end here regarding our little family, but just as our family has prayed with trust, we have also tried to pray with perseverance We have been trying to sell our house for about 2 1/2 years now. We have taken it on and off the market, switched Realtor a few times, but for some reason, it is not our time yet. We thought it was in October, when our house had an offer on it that we excepted. The first offer. But, the buyers backed out a few days before closing and although still in shock we peacefully moved our stuff back in the house. I say peacefully, because not one time did we feel anxious, angry or give up. I think when Wayne and I got married, we knew life wasn't smooth, but we certainly have been delt a few bumps. But, through the bumps we have never lost site of the God we trust with our lives. He sees the bigger picture that we don't see. In every trial we have gone through, although we don't have all the answers, we see God's purpose in the trial. We grow, we stretch, and we cling tight as what is beyond the trial has ALWAYS without fail been far greater than we ever imagined. It makes it a little easier to persevere through the storm when we KNOW that what lies ahead will only prosper us! So here's to selling our house in 2013! We await the showings with joy and I will try not to grumble as much ;)
Life passes us by doesn't it? I heard a verse today that I am hoping to live by and think about each day as I go into 2013 "and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday." Isiah 58:10 After all that has happened in the last week or so with the elementary school shooting, I can't forget ever...that Good will always win over evil. Always. The bible ends that way, it ends with the triumphant Almighty God rising above and winning this battle over all the bad that is in this world. So, I hope our family in 2013 is spent using our gifts and talents giving back to others while we await His return.
I am always amazed at the hope that lies in this little babe, that was born in a manger to save the world! To God be the glory, have a very Merry Christmas!
2012 in review is hard to nail down some major events as there were quite a few. Disney is probably the most memorable one. We completely enjoyed going. It was truly magical as the kids loved seeing the characters, riding the rides and ate in Cinderella's castle. What fun!
We are looking forward to going back in 2013 if we can!
Paige turned 4 this year! My how the time flies. She is reading, doing math, and drawing like crazy! She loves crafts, and art, and I am amazed daily with her mind and how it works. She is inspiring me to look and find joy in the littlest things. She is always happy! If she isn't happy she is usually sick and even then, she will hop in your lap, lay her head next to you and smile. She finished up the 3 year old class in her preschool with one of her favorite people Ms. Ashley. I can't say enough kind words for her hard work and dedication to all the children, but particularly Paige. She invested so much in her. Paige was fortunate to have her for two years in a row!
Zach has grown a ton this year! Although, already a big boy it shouldn't surprise you that he surpassed Paige this year in weight! He also started 2 year old preschool, which only puts him in class 2 days a week, but being the social bug that he is, it is just the right amount for him to come home talking non-stop about his day with his friends, on the playground, etc. Zach has a love for Monster Trucks. I am a very thankful mommy for growing up with a dad that introduced me to cars and some "boy things". Although, still learning from my boy, the names of each small truck he has, at least I know the names of his hot wheels cars. Especially when he says to me, mom this is a bug and this is a porche! It makes me glad I can relate to his interests. Zach just turned 3 a few days ago, and if you get to know him, or already know him, than you have not missed a chance for his sweet hugs! Although, boy to the core of his being, he also has a heart of gold for others! And...he absolutely adores his sister. They are the bestest of friends, and I hope and pray they stay that way for a very long time.
Wayne has transitioned quite a bit this year as they were doing layoffs at his work at Maersk. Which, leads me to our yearly theme or what God has been teaching us this year. I think the first is prayer, the second has been to relentlessly trust Him, and the 3rd is perseverance I couldn't pick one. As we knew his job was coming to a close, we prayed without ceasing every night that God would provide him the right job, at the right time. Even the kids would pray "for Daddy's new job". We prayed at breakfast, lunch, dinner and bedtime. I'm not kidding. We prayed with hope, we prayed with trust, we prayed with peace that God would answer, at the right time. And, at the 11th hour, which He often does with us, he answered. He answered with a job application that Wayne had placed with Bank of America 6mos. before he knew he was going to lose his job! Within two days he got a phone call, and was hired. He has been blessed with a great opportunity there. In fact, he just received an award for some programming he did on a project that just finished up. I often don't really know what Wayne does at work, but as his wife, it is wonderful to see him in a place where what he does excites him.
I want to end here regarding our little family, but just as our family has prayed with trust, we have also tried to pray with perseverance We have been trying to sell our house for about 2 1/2 years now. We have taken it on and off the market, switched Realtor a few times, but for some reason, it is not our time yet. We thought it was in October, when our house had an offer on it that we excepted. The first offer. But, the buyers backed out a few days before closing and although still in shock we peacefully moved our stuff back in the house. I say peacefully, because not one time did we feel anxious, angry or give up. I think when Wayne and I got married, we knew life wasn't smooth, but we certainly have been delt a few bumps. But, through the bumps we have never lost site of the God we trust with our lives. He sees the bigger picture that we don't see. In every trial we have gone through, although we don't have all the answers, we see God's purpose in the trial. We grow, we stretch, and we cling tight as what is beyond the trial has ALWAYS without fail been far greater than we ever imagined. It makes it a little easier to persevere through the storm when we KNOW that what lies ahead will only prosper us! So here's to selling our house in 2013! We await the showings with joy and I will try not to grumble as much ;) Life passes us by doesn't it? I heard a verse today that I am hoping to live by and think about each day as I go into 2013 "and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday." Isiah 58:10 After all that has happened in the last week or so with the elementary school shooting, I can't forget ever...that Good will always win over evil. Always. The bible ends that way, it ends with the triumphant Almighty God rising above and winning this battle over all the bad that is in this world. So, I hope our family in 2013 is spent using our gifts and talents giving back to others while we await His return.
I am always amazed at the hope that lies in this little babe, that was born in a manger to save the world! To God be the glory, have a very Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 10, 2012
This is not a new blog, but I have reformatted it to have new meaning and a new purpose. I am looking forward to posting about Life, Wellness (Recipes included), and being uniquely and wonderfully made.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Happy New Year! For me this was a good year to leave behind, not that there were not MANY favorable moments, but overall, it was one of those years, that I'm OK with moving on with. I am certainly not one to predict the future, but I do know that God is good! And, I am going to trust, like a child, that God will do amazing things this year!
So to start this new year off right, my family and I are blessed to visit Disney again. I wanted to make the process of waiting to see their favorite characters fun so I created a Countdown to Disney calendar! You can download it here if you would like to do one as well. I chose to laminate it, so that I could write fun and surprising things to do or get (like our trading pins!). Each day the kids will turn it over! You can't see it very well in this pic, but I was able to find some red with white polka dot ribbon at Wal-Mart to string through them. I have up to 30 days on the template that I created. So have fun and here's to a great new year!
So to start this new year off right, my family and I are blessed to visit Disney again. I wanted to make the process of waiting to see their favorite characters fun so I created a Countdown to Disney calendar! You can download it here if you would like to do one as well. I chose to laminate it, so that I could write fun and surprising things to do or get (like our trading pins!). Each day the kids will turn it over! You can't see it very well in this pic, but I was able to find some red with white polka dot ribbon at Wal-Mart to string through them. I have up to 30 days on the template that I created. So have fun and here's to a great new year!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
A Year of Joy! That is how I would define it. I think our little family has definitely experienced some interesting challenges over the last several years. Sometimes Wayne and I wonder if we will get a year that doesn't exist of those grown-up hardships that we try to shield our kids from. But, they exist each year, but every year we rest in the fact that Christ gives us a reason to be joyful, even in the rough and tough times of life. I think if there is one thing we have learned at a deeper level is what it means to LOVE and to TRUST God even when things are not going exactly the way we would envision it to be. I think that actually might define true faith. When you are willing to still be "All out" for God even when you don't feel like it. That's a real relationship, much like that of a marriage.
I read an article by Tim Tebow the other day, and it is too good not to share what he had to say after being asked to chill out on his Jesus comments by another fellow football player. There are not too many folks out there who have a backbone of faith like this. Wayne and I both have appreciated his willingness to be that front runner for Jesus who is joyful enough to share his faith!
For us, as a family there has been so many wonderful things we have to be thankful for, but we also want to translate those great joys into something we share with others! I mean, when we get excited about a great deal we got, or something fun we did...most of us, immediately tell our friends, or at least go to facebook and post! I hope Wayne and I teach our children the same kind of excitement for our Lord. I hope that as we celebrate Jesus' birthday and as our kids get older, they become excited enough about, not only this season, but what Christ is doing in their own hearts that they "shout it from the mountain tops."
May we rest easy this Christmas, knowing that Jesus as come, Jesus is present, and that Jesus has won over death!
WAYNE UPDATE
This year, Wayne took a new position within his company. It has been a very good learning experience for him. He has learned lots of new skills, as well as recently traveling to India to facilitate training. He really enjoyed his trip to India, as it was the first time Wayne had EVER been out of the country! As his wife, it was a little scary watching his flight on flight tracker go over so many countries. His flight time was about 17hrs. in flight. And, the time difference is 11hrs. ahead of the east coast. It actually worked out great to talk to him, because as I was waking up, he was about to go to bed! And...I have a new love for Skype, as it was perfect and free to talk to him while he was a half a world away!
Wayne continues to learn good wines, and loves sharing those finds with others. Our back porch has been his perfect place to have a fire, sit on the porch and share some great time with many great friends. His other past time is hanging out with the family at Paige's dance lessons on Monday evenings.
Paige and Wayne share a datenight each month with each other as well! He asks her each time what she wants, and 99% of the time, it is dinner at chick-fil-A wearing some sort of fancy dress, a movie and sleeping in the tent.
JAMIE's UPDATE
I continue to absolutely love being a mom to my kids. It by far surpasses anything that I do! This year started out with a 1 year old and 2 1/2 year old where Paige was going to school two days a week and I had Zach with me every day. During those days I took Zach to My Gym a few times a week and to the library. Then, hit the summer, where we did Camp Tiny courtesy of a great writer friend, who shared her talents with us mommy's this summer. We had some great fun being creative, memorizing bible verses, and connecting with each other.
Then...came fall! Both Zach and Paige started school. Paige 3 days a week and Zach 1 day a week. At first, Zach wasn't too happy about going, but now he has warmed up nicely and I am so proud of my children, as Paige walks him to school with me each Friday morning, holding his hand and telling Zach, "you are going to have so much fun today at school." He smiles and now...walks right in to his teachers. And, of course I teared up dropping Paige off for the first time in car line...watching her grow up to become a little lady makes me proud, but wonders where the time goes!
Her and I share on a monthly basis a Mommy/Daughter date night. We will either watch a movie, and have a girls sleepover, or go get our nails done and then hop over to the cupcake shop. Sometimes we will insert a game or two of memory, candy land, or Old Maid! I love my connecting time with her. It is priceless to me!
My business is going strong, we are entering our 5th year...stronger than last year as in March we decided to add a new componant to it. So now, not only do we do Virtual Assistance and Web Design, but we have added a social shopping comparison site as well (similar to Amazon, but offering cashback to the consumers who shop through there). If you love to support small businesses, this is a great way to do it, and we can even help you find the best deals on products you normally buy with over 4,000 partner stores (Barnes and Nobles, Travelocity, REI, Ebay, etc.). I am so proud of my little company, the mission behind it, the women behind it, the families that support it, and the ability to help individuals, small businesses, and now families save time and money. I feel so blessed by the opportunities that have come with it, and am looking forward to another 5 years! So fun!
Personally, I still have my girls group on Monday nights. We have taken the fall off, but are eager to get back for January! Two of those girls are expecting some little ones, that we cannot wait to have in our playgroup. Playgroups have been less and less since the kids started school, so we don't get to see each other as much, so having Monday nights has been such a blessing to relax and catch up.
And, last, but certainly not least, time with my sweet husband, although the season is quite busy with kids and such we make time for one another every Saturday evening! Wayne took me to the American Idol concert this year (I'm a big Scotty fan! ;) I would say this year has just been a great year for connecting for the two of us. We have really been able to make a great effort to make that time for one another. I'm actually proud of us, because in the years past it was not only hard, but almost impossible! So, this year, we made this "resolution" and stuck to it.
PAIGE UPDATE
Life as a three year old has been great for Paige. She has accomplished so much this year even coming out of her shell quite a bit from a shy girl, to a little girl who loves to be involved and included. She loved school last year, so we enrolled her again this year. We were fortunate that she got her same teacher that she bonded so well with last year for her 3 year old class. She now goes to school 3 days a week and insists on car line 2 days a week as it is her "big girl duty". On Friday it is her big sister duty to walk her brother in, and then I get the privledge of walking her in that day and she loves that as well.
We started the year off taking Paige to Disney for her birthday! Wow...I have never seen a kids eyes be filled with such joy as she met the princesses she thinks so highly of, and the whole experience was just amazing for all of us! Wayne and I decided to just take her, as we left Zach with a friend, since he was only a year old. Her favorite part was meeting the princesses, and just time with us. It truly was treasured time!
This fall Paige also started tap and ballet! If you know Paige at all she is about as dainty as they come! She absolutely LOVES it, and loves it even more that we go to each of her practices as a family. Her first recital is in April at Nations Ford High School Auditorium in Fort Mill, and we cannot wait to see her in her cute costumes!
She also has tons of sweet girlfriends, that we have gotten to know really well! I hope they all continue to remain friends as they are all so sweet and loving to each other.
ZACH UPDATE
So Zman has grown up so much this year! He started talking this summer, and now weighs as much as Paige. When I have the kids out together, I always get asked if they are twins! Yes, they are about the same height as well! He has some interests, mostly the typical boy interests of cars, choochoos and airplanes. He and Paige have regular conversations in the car that make me laugh!
Zach and I get to hang out twice a week since Paige is in school. We regularly attend the library classes, go to the park, and have time together. He is a great companion to shop with, and just loves interacting with the people we come into contact with, saying "Hi", "Bye", "See you Soon", and blowing kisses.
I can't believe he is going to be two on December 18th! Time flies so fast, and I just feel so blessed to be his mommy! He is such a loving and caring boy. He is a great brother to Paige, sharing, giving hugs, asking for kisses, and just overall sweetness. He is quite the passionate human being at times, but I hear passionate kids make great leaders! So, in those moments, we love him where he is at, and teach and discipline where necessary as well.
Zach started school in the fall too, and at first was a little nervous and scared. He cried when I would drop him off, but his confidence that mommy will come back has gone up, and he now walks in ready to play! His teachers have said nothing but positive things about him, and he ALWAYS leaves blowing kisses to Ms. Tammy and Ms. Ruth!
THOMAS FAMILY UPDATE
This year we were able to take Paige to Disney for the first time. We just loved seeing her reactions to things. We also got to see Wayne's Grandmommie for the last time, as she passed away in July of this year, just before her 90th birthday! We were so blessed by her life in so many ways. When we visited her she was so active and took Paige on a ride on her walker! It was the funniest thing.
We were also blessed this summer to have a special guest in our home. A friend of Wayne's family contacted us regarding their grandson and asked if we had a place for him to stay while he did his internship for grad school. Since we have an extra room in our house, we felt so honored to be able to offer him a home as he blessed us with a new friendship...our kids were so blessed by his interaction and interest in them, and we feel like we added a new member to our family! We love the Jacksons and are so excited for what the future holds for them in Texas, and we will definitely hold some great summer of 2011 memories in our hearts!
Wayne and I have had our house on the market now for almost 2 years! Yes, it has been that long! We continue to pray through what we are supposed to do with that, as we pray through schools for Paige in the future, and what neighborhood God wants us in. For now, we remain in the same location and hope that the right door opens up when it is time.
We will certainly miss Arveda "GreatMommie/Grandmommie" Thomas this Christmas as she passed away at the ripe age of 89 just short of her 90th birthday. We will miss visiting her in the nursing home on our visits to Dowling Park and her overall smile.
We are praying that 2012 holds just as much joy as 2011! Wayne and I send so much love to you and your family and hope that some how our life will intersect with yours in a more personal way than a Christmas letter or facebook.
Love to all!
Wayne, Jamie, Paige, Zach and Hollie (the dog)
I read an article by Tim Tebow the other day, and it is too good not to share what he had to say after being asked to chill out on his Jesus comments by another fellow football player. There are not too many folks out there who have a backbone of faith like this. Wayne and I both have appreciated his willingness to be that front runner for Jesus who is joyful enough to share his faith!
For us, as a family there has been so many wonderful things we have to be thankful for, but we also want to translate those great joys into something we share with others! I mean, when we get excited about a great deal we got, or something fun we did...most of us, immediately tell our friends, or at least go to facebook and post! I hope Wayne and I teach our children the same kind of excitement for our Lord. I hope that as we celebrate Jesus' birthday and as our kids get older, they become excited enough about, not only this season, but what Christ is doing in their own hearts that they "shout it from the mountain tops."
May we rest easy this Christmas, knowing that Jesus as come, Jesus is present, and that Jesus has won over death!
WAYNE UPDATE
Wayne continues to learn good wines, and loves sharing those finds with others. Our back porch has been his perfect place to have a fire, sit on the porch and share some great time with many great friends. His other past time is hanging out with the family at Paige's dance lessons on Monday evenings. JAMIE's UPDATE
Then...came fall! Both Zach and Paige started school. Paige 3 days a week and Zach 1 day a week. At first, Zach wasn't too happy about going, but now he has warmed up nicely and I am so proud of my children, as Paige walks him to school with me each Friday morning, holding his hand and telling Zach, "you are going to have so much fun today at school." He smiles and now...walks right in to his teachers. And, of course I teared up dropping Paige off for the first time in car line...watching her grow up to become a little lady makes me proud, but wonders where the time goes!
My business is going strong, we are entering our 5th year...stronger than last year as in March we decided to add a new componant to it. So now, not only do we do Virtual Assistance and Web Design, but we have added a social shopping comparison site as well (similar to Amazon, but offering cashback to the consumers who shop through there). If you love to support small businesses, this is a great way to do it, and we can even help you find the best deals on products you normally buy with over 4,000 partner stores (Barnes and Nobles, Travelocity, REI, Ebay, etc.). I am so proud of my little company, the mission behind it, the women behind it, the families that support it, and the ability to help individuals, small businesses, and now families save time and money. I feel so blessed by the opportunities that have come with it, and am looking forward to another 5 years! So fun!
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| Us on a date at the American Idol Concert |
PAIGE UPDATE
We started the year off taking Paige to Disney for her birthday! Wow...I have never seen a kids eyes be filled with such joy as she met the princesses she thinks so highly of, and the whole experience was just amazing for all of us! Wayne and I decided to just take her, as we left Zach with a friend, since he was only a year old. Her favorite part was meeting the princesses, and just time with us. It truly was treasured time!This fall Paige also started tap and ballet! If you know Paige at all she is about as dainty as they come! She absolutely LOVES it, and loves it even more that we go to each of her practices as a family. Her first recital is in April at Nations Ford High School Auditorium in Fort Mill, and we cannot wait to see her in her cute costumes!
ZACH UPDATE
THOMAS FAMILY UPDATE
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| Us hiking in Colorado |
We will certainly miss Arveda "GreatMommie/Grandmommie" Thomas this Christmas as she passed away at the ripe age of 89 just short of her 90th birthday. We will miss visiting her in the nursing home on our visits to Dowling Park and her overall smile.
Love to all!
Wayne, Jamie, Paige, Zach and Hollie (the dog)
Holy Cow, this writing this down stuff can be difficult. Figured I better bulk this one together just to catch up!
We have been so big on the celebration of Jesus' birth.
3rd day we learned about the promise of Jesus told in Malachi. We talked about what a promise was. For Zach he listened and I showed him the pictures displayed in their kids bibles of the prophet Malachi.
For their treat we went and saw my Uncle Santa. Santa in our home is like Mickey Mouse or one of the Princesses. We go and see him each Christmas if he makes his way up here, and they look with awe as they do Buzz, Woody, Minnie and Belle! Its super cute and totally not confusing. It was a great treat for the kids as they also got to see their friends, share cookies that they had made with their friends and had a great time!
4th Day of Advent
Todays verses were about the Angel coming to Joseph to tell him about the baby that God was blessing Mary with. We talked about how the Angel needed to tell Joseph so that he could take good care of Mary while she had baby Jesus in her tummy. But that God was giving him a gift as well. Click here and Here to down load our craft for the day. We colored some presents that had different words that we discussed in our story. JOY, PEACE, LOVE, KINDNESS, GENTLENESS and PATIENCE
We have been so big on the celebration of Jesus' birth.
3rd day we learned about the promise of Jesus told in Malachi. We talked about what a promise was. For Zach he listened and I showed him the pictures displayed in their kids bibles of the prophet Malachi.
For their treat we went and saw my Uncle Santa. Santa in our home is like Mickey Mouse or one of the Princesses. We go and see him each Christmas if he makes his way up here, and they look with awe as they do Buzz, Woody, Minnie and Belle! Its super cute and totally not confusing. It was a great treat for the kids as they also got to see their friends, share cookies that they had made with their friends and had a great time!
4th Day of Advent
Todays verses were about the Angel coming to Joseph to tell him about the baby that God was blessing Mary with. We talked about how the Angel needed to tell Joseph so that he could take good care of Mary while she had baby Jesus in her tummy. But that God was giving him a gift as well. Click here and Here to down load our craft for the day. We colored some presents that had different words that we discussed in our story. JOY, PEACE, LOVE, KINDNESS, GENTLENESS and PATIENCE
Their treat that day was a lunch out to Steak and Shake. We had a great time as a family, Steak and Shake does free meals for kids on the weekends, and they give them all kinds of goodies. So, we had a great time!
5th Day of Advent
Today we actually talked about the long journey that Mary and Joseph went through before they got to Bethlehem. We talked about how they had to travel because the Emperor told them they had to, but that Mary was about to have her baby. We ended the story talking about the KINDNESS of the Inn Keeper and how he gave them a place to stay despite the crowded city. Now we are waiting for the exciting moment of Jesus' arrival. I can't wait to share with my kids why it is so important for Jesus to be born which is why we are talking about his birth early on in advent.
Their treat today since Mondays are quite busy with kid activities was a cake pop from Starbucks! They love them, they are easy to eat and they are cheap! Birthday Cake is our favorite. So fun!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Today we studies shepherds and what they do and learned about the Angel appearing to the Shepherds in the field telling them that baby Jesus had been born and that they were to leave their flock to go see the baby. We went and hunted good shephard sticks today and tomorrow we are going to decorate them with ribbon and maybe little bells to give them character.
For their treat today they each got a piece of hershey kisses. I'll update with a post of pics of the finished shepherd sticks! ;)
For their treat today they each got a piece of hershey kisses. I'll update with a post of pics of the finished shepherd sticks! ;)
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| Us at Storytime! |
I thought it would be fun for all of us to make crowns and wear them while we listened and learned about the story! Just find some construction paper lying around. Target and other places have the sparkly stickers, cut the paper in the shape of a crown. With an 8x11 sheet of paper you can cut one part and then cut the other, but you only need one sheet, but will have to attach two parts for it to fit their head. Tape and then measure head and tape the ends together. Simple.
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