Enjoy some moments from Gabe's Kindergarten Send Off the Kinder Team put together last week. They each received some awards & a summer fun bag with books & treats! How great are our teachers!?!?
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Kindergarten Send Off
Enjoy some moments from Gabe's Kindergarten Send Off the Kinder Team put together last week. They each received some awards & a summer fun bag with books & treats! How great are our teachers!?!?
Water, Water, Everywhere....Not a Drop In Sight!
As you all know-we were evacuated due to a fire that was about a mile away from our house. At the very end of our subdivision there is lots of grassy fields where the fire was. It was quite a scary moment. It all happened so quickly that I felt like I was in a movie. We were driving home from school (which is on the other side of town) and could see this huge plume of smoke. I checked it out on my news app and realized it was off from 191 & 1788-tome that means Odessa-no biggie. As I was getting closer to my house there was a light smoke around us which continue to get thicker as I got closer and closer to home.
I pulled onto Midland drive from Wall St. and could barely see a few blocks down the road at the Thomason intersection. It all seemed so close but I was still thinking Odessa-but wow! Bill was in Odessa working trying to get home. At this point 191 was closed so he was looking for an alternate route. So, I pulled into our driveway and ran inside to do our normal after school routine but put the tv on to see what was going on. Then it was like minutes later that the fire jumped and part of our subdivision was being evacuated. I checked with my neighbors to see what they were doing and on my way back in my mom called and I just lost it for a brief moment on the phone. She was telling ke just to leave not to worry about getting things-just get out! Smoke was all around me, I had specks of ashes on my skin, I could hardly breath. So, I calmed down, got off the phone, and went inside & started to pack up a few things as Bill & I had always discussed.
I realized in that moment that nothing had any value to me. I had nothing of great value that I had to pack. I always thought I would bring the baby books, and pictures in a moments notice but I didn't. I grabbed a change of clothes for everyone, a couple toiletries, our computer, camera, camcorder, and 2 orders I needed to mail out for some customers. I also grabbed my box with all of our important papers in it. (at least I am a little organized with the things that matter) As I was bringing things out to the van our neighbor stopped over to see if I needed help with the kids but I assured her we were fine & about to leave. Gabe packed 2 backpacks, and Lily grabbed her blankies, her zebra & pluto. At this point I still had no idea how close Bill was to even getting home. I packed the kids into the van, grabbed both the dogs & headed to my mother in law's house.
As I backed out of my driveway-I lost it again. Just for a moment as I said a quick prayer & begged God for safety of our home & the fire fighters. I turned down the road & headed for Midland Drive. As I waited in line with my neighbors as we tried to exit the area I realized how crazy it all was. I was going through my first fire evacuation without Bill, my dogs were both whimpering in the van, Gabe was asking questions, Lily was whining for the music to be louder, cars every where, smoke every where...and then I finally made it out onto Midland Drive. I tried to call Bill-no service! Seriously, I felt like I stepped out of a movie. I had little, black, ashes all over my clothes & skin. I was sitting bumper to bumper in traffic trying to escape.
The cops had all the major roads blocked off to my left. After waiting for over 20 minutes we finally made it a few blocks through the Illinois intersection-we were free & clear to get to my MIL's house to wait out the evacuation! Bill still on his way home-finally arrived at the house-picked up a few things he wanted to get & said he couldn't see 5 houses down because the smoke was so thick. I am so glad we left!
During the midst of this all-I realized how sometimes when we feel like we have no friends or are all alone-we get stuck in the woe is me-every body hates me-guess I'll go eat worms-type perspective-we are so wrong. We received so many texts & phone calls from our friends saying that they were praying for us. That there homes were open if we needed them. They were here for us. We felt so blessed. So loved. So grateful for all of our friends around us.
Once the evacuations were lifted, we waited a little longer for some of the smoke to dissipate and we finally came home. It was a long, emotional, night. But the things that really truly mattered the most to me were standing right in front of me the whole night. What else matters? Nothing!
Thank you God for sparing our homes & for refreshing our perspectives on what is important in this life. Please God send us rain-we desperately need it!
For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away...James 4:14
I pulled onto Midland drive from Wall St. and could barely see a few blocks down the road at the Thomason intersection. It all seemed so close but I was still thinking Odessa-but wow! Bill was in Odessa working trying to get home. At this point 191 was closed so he was looking for an alternate route. So, I pulled into our driveway and ran inside to do our normal after school routine but put the tv on to see what was going on. Then it was like minutes later that the fire jumped and part of our subdivision was being evacuated. I checked with my neighbors to see what they were doing and on my way back in my mom called and I just lost it for a brief moment on the phone. She was telling ke just to leave not to worry about getting things-just get out! Smoke was all around me, I had specks of ashes on my skin, I could hardly breath. So, I calmed down, got off the phone, and went inside & started to pack up a few things as Bill & I had always discussed.
I realized in that moment that nothing had any value to me. I had nothing of great value that I had to pack. I always thought I would bring the baby books, and pictures in a moments notice but I didn't. I grabbed a change of clothes for everyone, a couple toiletries, our computer, camera, camcorder, and 2 orders I needed to mail out for some customers. I also grabbed my box with all of our important papers in it. (at least I am a little organized with the things that matter) As I was bringing things out to the van our neighbor stopped over to see if I needed help with the kids but I assured her we were fine & about to leave. Gabe packed 2 backpacks, and Lily grabbed her blankies, her zebra & pluto. At this point I still had no idea how close Bill was to even getting home. I packed the kids into the van, grabbed both the dogs & headed to my mother in law's house.
As I backed out of my driveway-I lost it again. Just for a moment as I said a quick prayer & begged God for safety of our home & the fire fighters. I turned down the road & headed for Midland Drive. As I waited in line with my neighbors as we tried to exit the area I realized how crazy it all was. I was going through my first fire evacuation without Bill, my dogs were both whimpering in the van, Gabe was asking questions, Lily was whining for the music to be louder, cars every where, smoke every where...and then I finally made it out onto Midland Drive. I tried to call Bill-no service! Seriously, I felt like I stepped out of a movie. I had little, black, ashes all over my clothes & skin. I was sitting bumper to bumper in traffic trying to escape.
The cops had all the major roads blocked off to my left. After waiting for over 20 minutes we finally made it a few blocks through the Illinois intersection-we were free & clear to get to my MIL's house to wait out the evacuation! Bill still on his way home-finally arrived at the house-picked up a few things he wanted to get & said he couldn't see 5 houses down because the smoke was so thick. I am so glad we left!
During the midst of this all-I realized how sometimes when we feel like we have no friends or are all alone-we get stuck in the woe is me-every body hates me-guess I'll go eat worms-type perspective-we are so wrong. We received so many texts & phone calls from our friends saying that they were praying for us. That there homes were open if we needed them. They were here for us. We felt so blessed. So loved. So grateful for all of our friends around us.
Once the evacuations were lifted, we waited a little longer for some of the smoke to dissipate and we finally came home. It was a long, emotional, night. But the things that really truly mattered the most to me were standing right in front of me the whole night. What else matters? Nothing!
Thank you God for sparing our homes & for refreshing our perspectives on what is important in this life. Please God send us rain-we desperately need it!
For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away...James 4:14
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Recent Orders
I love when I get to show you little tid bits of what I have been working on. Sometimes I don't always remeber to capture a picture of everything but here's a few of them.
I have been spending lots of time on finishing up this fabulous pirate party for a returning customer I met through etsy!
Napkin Rings
Birthday Banner & Name Banner
Cupcake Toppers & Bag Tags
Sweet Snack Packs-filled with Skittles & M & M's!
Some recent teacher appreciation gifts!
A first time for this, a VeggieTales banner. How fun!?!
I am currently working on some centerpieces as well as bag tags to go along with this banner!
Hope y'all have a fabulous Tuesday! Just 3 more days of school left! How crazy is that?!?!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Imagination Explosion
So it's officially over and it was a HUGE success! Check out my pictures to see!
The talented Amanda McNeely doing her thing! The super fabulous Molly Swanson (who created all of the sets) prepping the hot air balloon!
We also shared a little canopy together to showcase all of our fabulous creations!
We each had little freebies to offer that day and I made up some cute, little bubble favors. They were a big hit with the kids! Molly made some adorable mini flower clips that you can read about on her blog. We got to stuff all the goods into one of Amanda's printed, canvas totebags. How fun is that?!?! I also included a little picture of a few of my things I brought.
I also received some orders for these fabulous 6-packs! They are a great gift for any Dad or Grad! They are completely customizeable!
Hope y'all had a fabulous day! I can't wait to show you tomorrow what I have been working on all weekend!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Tee Pee
I couldn't resit showing you a little preview of the Tee Pee. It came out SO great! I love it. I think it might just be my favorite one.
Be sure to come by Grafa Park in Midland! Walk-ins will be taken at 2:00.
Sitting Fee is $100. Regular Print Pricing Applies. No Package Deal for Walk-Ins.
Be sure to visit Amanda's Website for all the details! Hope to see you there!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Every Victory Is Yours
I had to come back and revist our worship & sermon this past Sunday...I got swept away before the throne and overcome with great joy as I stood there and worshiped! We were singing a song that we sang often when we first moved to Midland. At the time I clung to this song because my prayer was that He would not let me go. I would weep, and beg for God to just show us that He was holding us. That He was going to show up. That He was going to provide for us. We often felt so alone & unsure why we were even in Midland but knew this is where God wanted us. We were going through great financial struggles. My heart was so heavy and burdensom that I just hoped and prayed God would reveal his plan to us. The emotions of how I felt 5 years ago flooded my soul how I just wanted to find rest.
Regardless of my circumstances-I was to praise Him. Even if I didn't know where Bill's next job was coming from or if we would even have money for the rent. I was to praise him. This song always brought great comfort because I believed He would take care of us with my whole heart.
If my God is with me, whom than shall I fear, whom then shall I fear? Oh no you never let go through the calm and through the storm. Oh no you never let go in every high and every low. Oh no you never let go of me. Lord you never let go of me.
This Sunday I could stand there and sing with great passion that He truly will never let us go. He is my great PROVIDER! He is FAITHFUL! He is my HOPE! I will ALWAYS TRUST HIM!
I will fear no evil, for my God is with me. ..
I got so caught up with emotion because our journey has been hard, wearisome, and challenging. I remember one thing our Pastor said when we went through the series War of the Wills and he said that when the going gets tough most people just throw in the towel-and I believe we didn't do that. We clenched our fists and knew God was going to bring us through that winter season and into a summer time. He did just that. It got harder before it got easier, for sure!
The very next song we sang was Overcome...seriously?
All authority, every victory is yours. Savior worthy of honor and glory worthy of all of our praise you overcame. Jesus awesome in power forever awesome and great is your name for you overcame.
I get so overjoyed that I can't hardly breath because of the angst inside of my soul. He is so REAL. He is so WORTHY of our PRAISE! He is so FAITHFUL! He is so LOVING! He is MY GOD! I PRAISE HIM for all the blessings in my life. I give Him all the HONOR & GLORY!
I am alive because I am alive in you. It's all because of JESUS I am alive. It's all because the blood of Jesus Christ. That covers me and raised this dead man's life. It's all because of JESUS!
Then Patrick got up & gave us message that will rip you apart. I think I am still trying to digest it. I sure hope you stop for a moment this week and listen to it. It truly will rock your world!
I can see the light that is coming for the heart that holds on there will be an end to these troubles but until that day comes still I will praise you, still I will praise you.
Regardless of my circumstances-I was to praise Him. Even if I didn't know where Bill's next job was coming from or if we would even have money for the rent. I was to praise him. This song always brought great comfort because I believed He would take care of us with my whole heart.
If my God is with me, whom than shall I fear, whom then shall I fear? Oh no you never let go through the calm and through the storm. Oh no you never let go in every high and every low. Oh no you never let go of me. Lord you never let go of me.
This Sunday I could stand there and sing with great passion that He truly will never let us go. He is my great PROVIDER! He is FAITHFUL! He is my HOPE! I will ALWAYS TRUST HIM!
I will fear no evil, for my God is with me. ..
I got so caught up with emotion because our journey has been hard, wearisome, and challenging. I remember one thing our Pastor said when we went through the series War of the Wills and he said that when the going gets tough most people just throw in the towel-and I believe we didn't do that. We clenched our fists and knew God was going to bring us through that winter season and into a summer time. He did just that. It got harder before it got easier, for sure!
The very next song we sang was Overcome...seriously?
All authority, every victory is yours. Savior worthy of honor and glory worthy of all of our praise you overcame. Jesus awesome in power forever awesome and great is your name for you overcame.
I get so overjoyed that I can't hardly breath because of the angst inside of my soul. He is so REAL. He is so WORTHY of our PRAISE! He is so FAITHFUL! He is so LOVING! He is MY GOD! I PRAISE HIM for all the blessings in my life. I give Him all the HONOR & GLORY!
I am alive because I am alive in you. It's all because of JESUS I am alive. It's all because the blood of Jesus Christ. That covers me and raised this dead man's life. It's all because of JESUS!
Then Patrick got up & gave us message that will rip you apart. I think I am still trying to digest it. I sure hope you stop for a moment this week and listen to it. It truly will rock your world!
Why I LOVE The Gym
This morning I brought Gabe to school like most days & was going to hit up the gym afterwards...like most days. I had been playing phone tag with a customer & for some reason I wasn't getting her text messages. So, as I left the house this morning I still hadn't heard from her about if we were meeting or not. So, I went on with my morning & did what I normally do most days. I get Lily checked in, run upstairs & get settled up on my elliptical. Water-check, Towel-check, Magazine-check, Music blasting through my earbuds-check, people watching-check, check, check! :-) (I love to people watch) I am finishing up my warm-up & my phone rings and it is my customer! So, I do what most people would do-I agree to meet her. In 30 minutes! Customer's come first, right? So, 6 minutes in I get down from the elliptical, I run back downstairs & get Lily. Rush out to the car & go meet my customer so she can drop off her gift to her child's teacher. I tell you all this because once I got back into my car I told Lily we are going back to the Y so Mommy can workout. She proceeds to cry hysterically so I decided it wasn't worth it & I would just get on the treadmill when I got home. I told her in the car once we get home you need to go in your room & play while mommy is on the treadmill. Yes Ma'me she says through her tears. So, she does just that...this is why I love the gym...as I work out...I never hear....
I can't find my baby
I can't find my bottle
Whining.....
Can you open my house?
I need to go potty
Can I come out yet?
Crying...
I want to watch toons
I can't get my tutu on
Can I come out?
Whining...
Please mommy...
After 30 minutes-that's all just 30 minutes I am done. I can't take much more yelling to her because I am yelling over my music, over the treadmill, through my heavy breathing. It is not enjoyable at all. I am frustrated, I am annoyed, I just want 30 minutes!
While at the gym I get to...
Put Lily in the nursery to socialize with other kids her age
She gets to play with toys, have a snack
I get to put my earbuds in, listed to my christian music
Flip through a magazine-the whole thing-from cover to cover
I don't have to listen to any whining (unless it's me)
I don't have to watch cartoons
I have 60-90 minutes of pure, sweaty, bliss!
I get to leave feeling refreshed by God's goodness as I soak in his truths through my music. I am ready to pick up my child. I am feeling like I stopped & actually took care of myself. I feel so much better!
Thank God for new days. I am ready to hit the gym again in the morning-like most days!
I can't find my baby
I can't find my bottle
Whining.....
Can you open my house?
I need to go potty
Can I come out yet?
Crying...
I want to watch toons
I can't get my tutu on
Can I come out?
Whining...
Please mommy...
After 30 minutes-that's all just 30 minutes I am done. I can't take much more yelling to her because I am yelling over my music, over the treadmill, through my heavy breathing. It is not enjoyable at all. I am frustrated, I am annoyed, I just want 30 minutes!
While at the gym I get to...
Put Lily in the nursery to socialize with other kids her age
She gets to play with toys, have a snack
I get to put my earbuds in, listed to my christian music
Flip through a magazine-the whole thing-from cover to cover
I don't have to listen to any whining (unless it's me)
I don't have to watch cartoons
I have 60-90 minutes of pure, sweaty, bliss!
I get to leave feeling refreshed by God's goodness as I soak in his truths through my music. I am ready to pick up my child. I am feeling like I stopped & actually took care of myself. I feel so much better!
Thank God for new days. I am ready to hit the gym again in the morning-like most days!
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