Embrace The Camera - 08.25.11

Today I'm linking up with the Anderson crew to embrace the camera - a fun activity to nudge you out from behind the camera and get in the shot!

When I arrive at work in the mornings, my little sweeties are still warm and cozy in their PJs. They're always eager to climb up in my lap for cuddles, but our precious snuggle time is usually interrupted with someone upset because they don't like sharing my lap space. This time, I reached for my nearby phone and snapped some photos of us. We captured just a few sweet smiles before the battle over my lap resumed.

"Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me", by Ian Morgan Cron

This was a story unlike any I've ever read. Ian Morgan Cron did an absolutely marvelous job of retelling his life's journey in Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me - A Memoir...of sorts. My heart broke for the childhood Ian, who grew up in a privileged home with an alcoholic father. His growing years were filled with turmoil as he struggled with his own addiction and hurts from family members, but somehow felt a spiritual pull that eventually helped him turn his story around.

Ian has such a way with words that really make his story come to life. It was easy to be transported into the places and events that shaped this man's life, and impossible to not feel the heartache and joys alongside him. One page would bring tears while the next would bring a deep belly laugh. I appreciated his honest storytelling, making me feel like I could sit down to coffee with him and share my own story in return.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Zombie Buffet 5K

How cool is this!? A 5K thru downtown Nashville. Being chased by Zombies. And it all goes to help the Rescue Mission!

The race is Saturday, October 29th, so there's still plenty of time to sign up and start training. When you register, you can pick which difficulty level you'd like to run at, so there's a place for everyone whether you're a walker, new to running, or an expert.

Visit zombiebuffet5K.com or visit their Facebook Page to learn more.

I'll be running from the Zombies! Come join me!

Crosland Family Giveaway!

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I've loved following The Crosland Family as they ventured off to Papua New Guinea with Wycliffe Bible Translators. This month, they've reached their one year anniversary of life in PNG! To celebrate, they're giving away an authentic handmade bilum! Don't know what a bilum is? Well, then you better start reading their blog! The one they're offering is BEAUTIFUL and it would be such a special treat to own one for yourself! Hop on over to their blog and enter to win! While you're there, make sure to check out their ministry and the awesome work their family is doing in Papua New Guinea!

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

It's Wednesday already! Today I'm linking up with Jamie for What I'm Loving Wednesday!

I'm loving the cooler temps we've had the past few days. I could definitely go for something lower than low 90s, but I'm thankful for what we got! When I leave my house around 6:30 each morning, there's been just a hint of a chill in the air. It's got me super excited for fall!

I'm loving that school is back in session. I think I just enjoy the changing of the seasons, and even though it's still super duper hot outside, the start of a new school year adds a bit of change. The house has been quiet with the big boys back in school, and it takes me longer to get to work due to all the buses and school zones, but I love seeing the marching bands and drill teams out practicing!

I'm loving that Pink Berry offered the Lychee flavored yogurt, even if only for a short while. Pure bliss!

I'm loving the anticipation and excitement in the lives of some of my friends in my young adult's small group at church. We had a farewell party over the weekend for those that are venturing off into new seasons of life, whether that be college, ministry schools, or new babies. Sad to see some of them go, but looking forward to the growth and fruit that will come from this new chapter!

I'm loving these fun photos that a friend just tagged me in on Facebook. A sweet, smart, beautiful girl from my small group recently celebrated her 18th Birthday, and I was honored to be included in the festivities that entailed several fun stops around town.

Well, what are you loving on this beautiful Wednesday? Link up and tell us!

Beards For Hope!

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This is one of the coolest things I've seen!

In partnership with Children's HopeChest's Young Mothers' Program, Andy is growing 20 different beard styles in 20 consecutive weeks. Each week will feature a different beard style, and you are invited to join in! With your donation, you'll be able to share photos of your own beard, and save lives while doing it!

If you ever think, "Man, what could I do to make a difference?", be reminded of this. There are a million creative ideas floating around out there, we just need to run with them!

Go to Beards For Hope to check it out! Seriously, isn't that the greatest idea!?

Weekly Wrap-up

School started back for the big boys this week.  My little friend had his first day of Kindergarten!  They eased the kindergarteners in with a shortened schedule this first week, which meant the girls and I got to enjoy some extra quality time at home with brother!

We spent a couple mornings outside, cooling off in the sprinklers.

Wyatt helped me make Pizza Bagels for lunch one day.  He enjoyed eating his marvelous creation, and even the girls finished their lunch!

The girls know they're not supposed to climb up into this basket. But if I sneak away to work on the laundry or dishes, sometimes I come back to find this.

Wyatt kept us entertained. We'll sure miss him when he's off to school all day, every day.

Friday night, I got to stay late with my girls. After dinner, we loaded up and headed out to Dairy Queen! The girls and I enjoyed a Mint Oreo Blizzard together. They let me have a couple bites, at least. After filling our bellies, we headed over to a nearby trail to sweat our blizzard off. It was a gorgeous evening and I so enjoyed being out with them!

We got home past bedtime and I cozied the girls up in their PJs. After some snuggles and kisses and hugs and loves, I placed them each in their cribs. I stood in the center of the room and prayed over each of their sweet little lives. There's never been anything more beautiful than seeing three little pajamaed bodies peeking over the top of their crib railings with their hands folded. My eyes just welled with tears - I'm so blessed and grateful to share in their lives. Of course, then I had to pick each one up again and give them another squeeze.

My parents were out of town the last part of the week, so that left me with egg gathering and hay throwing duties. I won't lie - I kinda enjoy that I can be in the heart of the city, and just thirty minutes later be carrying a pitchfork.

For the first time in months, I had absolutely nowhere I had to be on Saturday. I slept in My internal clock woke me up at 5:30 like usual, but I was able to enjoy laying in bed, reading and writing, with no hurry to get up and go. I even got some sun out on the pool deck, and for once, the pool water was cool enough to feel refreshing.

I'm blessed to end each week looking forward to the Monday to come!