Saturday, February 28, 2009

Thinking PINK...

I must have been thinking PINK today!! Check out some of the new cards I made...just in time for Easter.

















If you are interested in purchasing any of these cards, please take a look at my Etsy store. I have quite a few others listed under the Spring section.



Happy Spring!!



Baby O's Prize Package Drawing...

I recently discovered Rach's blog In His Hands. Rach and her husband are anxiously awaiting Baby O from Korea. She is hosting an AWESOME drawing and all proceeds go toward their adoptoin fund. You MUST go and check out all the cool things that are included in this giveaway...you definitely want to be a part of it...so hurry, the last day to enter is March 10!!!







Friday, February 27, 2009

Pray for Me...Pray for Others

Pray for MeWe participate in "Pray for Me... Pray for Others" on the Riggs Family Blog. Check out their blog to add your prayer request. Join a community of friends who care about you, and hope you will care about them.


I normally participate in Hi/Lo Thursday with the Riggs family on my other blog and noticed "Pray for Me...Pray for Others" last night. What a great way to have others pray for you! AND you will have the opportunity to read the prayer requests of others and pray for their needs. If you haven't already, you should jump over to the Riggs Family Blog and check this out.

"For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst."~ Matthew 18:20.


Thursday, February 26, 2009

Thankful Thursday (Times Three)...


It's Thankful Thursday (Times Three)!! You know what I do...list three things that I am MOST thankful for this Thursday...so here we go!!

1. Successful Surgery...

The DH had surgery yesterday and it was "textbook." Thank GOD! Let's just keep praying that in a few months we'll reep the benefits from the surgery.
And even though my DH is a HUGE baby...he did great and didn't complain too much--wink wink!

2. Alone Time...

This Saturday I will get some much needed alone time. The DH is attending a bachelor party and I have the entire day to do WHATEVER I WANT!!! And what will I do?? Never fear, I can always find SOMETHING to do :)

3. My Debut...

Sunday I will be having my Mary Kary Debut Party!! I am so excited. I have invited several women over for light refreshments and to sample some Mary Kay products. I am praying for another successful Mary Kay order :) If you are in need of a little something to make you feel beautiful, check out my Mary Kay link on my sidebar.

What three things are you most thankful for this Thankful Thursday (Times Three)??




Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Prayers Please...

Today my DH is having the emobolization surgery. We are going in at 8:00 a.m. for paperwork, etc. and then the surgery is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. It should only take an hour, but the recovery time is estimated to be a few hours. So we are planning to be at the hospital pretty much all day today. So I am packing up all my goodies to take withe me...Esther Bible Study, laptop, and a book, just to keep me busy. Speaking of my Bible Study...Beth Moore gave us this verse the other night and I have been praying for it over and over and over these past few days...

"O Lord, come back to us! How long will you delay? Take pity on your servants! Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives. Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery! Replace the evil years with good. Let us see your miracles again; let our children see your glory at work. And may the Lord our God show us His approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful!" ~Psalm 90:13-17

The part above in bold print is what really struck home with me...we are SO looking forward to the day when He replaces these trying times of infertility and frustration with hope and a beautiful baby. We have made so many life-changes in 2009 already and I just know that He will approve our efforts and bring us success.

Pray this prayer with me and for all the other women and men experiencing the heartache and pains of infertility. I still believe 2009 is the year of new beginnings.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Maxine Monday and a Winner...

It's Maxine Monday!!! Maxine's wisdom had me laughing out loud this morning...



Let me tell you why I thought this was SO hilarious to me today.
Well, first of all, I have been drinking a lot of hot tea lately. I am back on South Beach and I'm missing my Triple Venti Pumpkin Spice or Caramel Macchiato every morning :( So my hot chai tea (no caffiene) is trying to be the substitute...it's not quite working, but it's trying!!!
Second, I was just plain irritated ALL last week. I think I just had too many things on my plate last week and I was getting frustrated with everything and everyONE. I literally lost it on Thursday when I had to wait in line at Popeye's Chicken for 30 minutes for our dinner. Waiting was not the reason I broke down, it was just the straw on the camel's back and I cried in my car all the way home.
Although thinking about pouring hot tea on someone's lap makes me laugh histerically, this is something I would NEVER do. Forgive and forget...but more importantly, move forward. That's what I choose to do!
-------------------------------------------------
No, I didn't forget!!! The winner of the Avon four-piece bag set, cucumber lotion set, and silver-toned watch is none other than.....Elsie (the pumpkin lady).
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
I am hoping to post another chip-in/giveaway soon. So stay tuned for another prize!


Sunday, February 22, 2009

The Clock is Ticking...

...and time is running out.
Today is the LAST day to enter my giveaway.
Please visit this link to enter!
This four-piece bag set, cucumber melon lotion, and silver-toned watch could be yours tomorrow...Good Luck!




Thursday, February 19, 2009

UPDATE**Thankful Thursday (Times Three)...


UPDATE: I accidentally put the wrong web address to my Mary Kay business in the link below! It is NOW corrected. Thanks Anna :)



Thankful Thursday (Times Three) is when I post about all the things I am thankful for this week. I have had an amazing week and it was difficult narrowing my list down to three things...but I'll try! Here are my thankfuls for the week...





1. My new business...

I have recently become a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant. I am so excited to work for a company that puts God first, family second, and career third. I am having a blast and am looking forward to my growing business. If you have never tried Mary Kay or are in need of a consultant, please check out my website here. There are SO many new items and it's so easy to order online!!

2. Giveaways Galore...

One of my bloggy friends, Heather, is hosting a giveaway this week. You have GOT to check it out (and you have GOT to see her adorable little girl, Zoe---her dimpled cheeks are to DIE FOR). Please visit this link to enter.
I am hosting TWO giveaways this week. One is located on this blog, so check it out by clicking here. Or visit my Be Thou a Knight blog and enter that giveaway here! With three giveaways going on this week, you are SURE to be a winner!!!

3. My Esther Bible Study...

I am participating in my first bible study. We are doing Beth Moore's Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman. I have only had one class so far and I am so IN LOVE!!! I had the greatest time, heard the greatest message from Beth Moore, and am SO looking forward to the next 9 weeks. It is so true...it IS tough being a woman!!

I'd love to hear what three things you are most thankful for this Thursday?




Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Did You Say GIVEAWAY???


Most of you know that I am hosting a Chip-in/Giveaway on my Be Thou a Knight blog to help raise funds for our next IVF. Well...because I have SO many donations for prizes, I decided to host my first Chip-in/Giveaway on THIS blog!!! YEAH!!!
My long time friend Kelli knows the trials and tribulations of saving for IVF. Her and her husband are now the proud parents of twin boys though IVF. Aren't they adorable???


Kelli shared with me the other day that they will be paying for their IVF procedure until her boys are 5 years old...can you believe that??? Kelli sells Avon and wanted to help make sure that my DH and I are not in the same boat after we have our children. So she offered to donate this awesome prize...






This is a four piece bag set, 3 piece Natural Cucumber/Melon set (lotion, body spray & shower gel) and a silver-tone watch. Isn't this AWESOME!! I think the bags could be used for anything...I see so many possibilities---make-up bag, diaper bag, and with the weather starting to warm up, you can use one as a BEACH bag! And the watch---so adorable!

So how can this set be yours???? I thought you'd never ask...

1. Leave a comment on this post for ONE entry.

2. Leave a comment on this post and become a follower for TWO entries.

3. Donate $5-$10 to my Chip-in for FIVE entries.

4. Donate $10-$20 to my Chip-in for TWENTY entries.

If you plan to donate, please just click on the "chip-in" button below and you will be able to make a secure donation to our IVF fund.




All entries must be made by Sunday, February 22!

Good luck and thanks for helping us grow our own GARDEN!!!




Monday, February 16, 2009

Maxine Monday...

Here we are again....Maxine Monday!!!
Let's see what wisdom Maxine has to share with us this week...


I don't think she means ROAD RAGE---although I wonder that my DH suffers from this sometimes...maybe I should say ALL the time :)

Anyway, shouldn't we be like this some of the time? Not ROAD RAGE...but act like we own the road, take control of our situation, or make something happen. I must admit that I have always been a doer...I can't stand to see an opportunity pass me by. For example, I refuse to believe that because our economy is taking a downward spiral, we can't afford to go forward with our IVF plans. I thought to myself...what can I do to change this situation? I decided to create my own Etsy Store...I love making cards and what better way to relieve some stress and make money at the same time??? I also started working on my Chip-in/Giveaway on my Be Thou a Knight blog. And more recently, I decided to start selling Mary Kay. Now don't let me fool you...I am not making TONS of money on any of these three new adventures, but at least I am making a difference. And isn't that what it's all about?

I truly believe that God owns the road and I am just sitting in the passenger seat. But
it sure does make the time go by a lot quicker AND make me feel a lot better knowing that I'm contributing to this race to become a parent and not just letting it pass me by.


Friday, February 13, 2009

Good News...

The DH had an appointment on Monday with an urologist and it went extremely well. Without going into TOO many details:
The DH and I have been contemplating a minor surgery to help us conceive our baby. After a recommendation from our fertlitity specialist, we decided that it might be worth a shot for the DH to see an urologist. The doctor immediately suggested an out patient surgery and we are in the process of setting a date and time.
We really have a good feeling about the surgery and feel as if this may be the break we have been waiting for.
Please keep us in your prayers...I think God's timing is presenting itself to us!!!
Now isn't that GOOD NEWS???




Thursday, February 12, 2009

Thankful Thursday (Times Three)...



Thursdays are when I post about the three things that I am most thankful for that week. Here are my Thankful Thursday (Times Three)...
1. Jordyn Elizabeth....
My cousin and his girlfriend gave birth to a sweet little baby on Sunday. Her name is Jordyn Elizabeth and is JUST precious.

She was just a little over 4 pounds, so the doctors are keeping her at the hospital until she can eat on her own. I can't wait to meet her in person when I go to Houston for Spring Break.

2. Valentine's Day...

I am so thankful to celebrate Valentine's Day with the man I love. We normally plan a dinner at home, so we don't have to fight the crowds, but this year we made reservations, about a month ago, at Thai Basil. The new Thai restaurant in town...I can't wait to share this day with the DH---and Valentine's Day is on a SATURDAY this year...another thankful!

3. Blue Ribbon...

I have been working hard on completing an application for our schoo to win the Blue Ribbon Awardl. It is due on February 18th and I am SO thankful that I finished it, with the help of a co-worker, yesterday!! We stayed at the school until 6:30, but it is FINISHED!! Thank God for this one...now let's just pray that we actually WIN the award :)

What three things are you most thankful for this Thursday?



Monday, February 9, 2009

Maxine Monday...

What does Maxine have to say on this Monday????



I would have to agree with Maxine this week!!! The DH and I, like most of the nation, are stressing about money, business, and staying afloat until this economic crisis is resolved. It is even more stressful when we are trying to raise money for IVF.
Deuteronomy 8:18…Remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth.

I do have the faith to know that "this too shall pass" and soon we will be back on top and ready to pursue our dream of becoming parents.

Saturday, February 7, 2009

While I'm Waiting...

My best friend, Tedra, sent me a text message about a week ago and told me that I HAD to hear this song...While I'm Waiting. It was played on the movie Fireproof (which I have NOT seen yet), so most of you have probably heard it already.

I finally got around to looking it up on You Tube and it just brought me to tears. Listen and watch the video below. (Don't forget to pause my music at the bottom of my blog first!)



This song really hit home with me...and I know many others that are dealing with infertility will probably agree.

It encouraged me to look up waiting in the Bible---here are a few verses that I found.
  • Isaiah 40:31 "But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles."
  • Psalm 37:7 "Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act."
  • Psalm 40: 1-2 "I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along."

We will serve Him and worship Him while we are waiting...

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Thankful Thursday (Times Three)...

Thursdays are when I post about the three things that I am most thankful for this week. Here is my Thankful Thursday (Times Three)...

1. A donation to our IVF Fund...

We had an unexpected donation to our IVF Fund this past weekend. We have been patiently waiting to raise enough money for our next IVF attempt and we have been blessed TEN-fold. Thank you so much Grandma for this donation...we love you so much.

2. My mom's knee surgery...

This may seem strange to be thankful for my mom's knee surgery, but we were very scared a few weeks ago because we thought she had a blockage in her heart. But thankfully, after several MRI's, it was discovered that her legs were swelling because she has a torn meniscus on both knees. We were so thankful that it turned out she would only need knee surgery and not anything major. She is having surgery TODAY...so please add my mom to your prayer list.

3. Fun-filled weekend...

I can honestly say that I am NEVER bored!! It seems as if we always have a full agenda...especially on the weekends. On Saturday we have TWO parties to attend....the annual Chili Cook-off for my school and a Couple Shower for our friends that are getting married in March. Although I miss all my friends in Houston, I am so thankful to have met such great friends in Jacksonville.

What three things are you most thankful for this Thursday?





Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Sweet Sensation...

There is an awesome giveaway going on at Newlywed Central...




This giveaway allows you to nominate a winner!!! Here is what you should be looking for when you nominate your favorite blogger:

This blogger exudes kindness, support of other bloggers and spreads their sweetness like wildfire. While appealing to their audience, they are honest, sincere and stay true their authentic self. Their blog not only entertains, it also offers resources to help people excel in their lives such as using their blog to promote charities, spread the word about bloggers who want to become more well known and doing surprisingly kind things for no reason other than to 'pay it forward' -- This blogger is without a doubt an all around Sweet Sensation.

So jump on over to Newlywed Central and cast your vote...the winner will be announced on February 14th!!

If truth be told...I have already cast my vote...Amy at Chapters is my nominee :)




Monday, February 2, 2009

Maxine Monday...

Mondays are when I post a Maxine cartoon and marvel in her wisdom. And because I decided to pick on my husband on my other blog, Be Thou a Knight, I thought I better use this cartoon on Maxine Monday...


Now we all know that what Maxine really meant to say was this...

"A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one."~Ephesians 5:31

Marriage...it's something that so many women anxiously await. The romantic engagement, the beautiful wedding ceremony, and the relaxing honeymoon. But most women do not look any further than this...but marriage is so much more. To me, marriage is...spending each and every day with my soul mate, the long conversations we have at night by the fire, the family gatherings outside by our pool, the little notes we leave each other in the mornings, the walks we take with our dog, the Sundays we spend worshipping God at church, creating the family that we so long to have together...I can go on and on.

We are definitely united as one and I am so privileged and honored to have found the man that I want to spend the rest of my life with.

Honey...I love you more than the world!