Day by Day

Shutterfly Christmas/Holiday cards!

2010-11-20T00:53:00.004-06:00

Hey you all! As you probably are well aware... It's getting close to Christmas time! In my family, Christmas time means Christmas cards! Every afternoon, Mom would pull out from the mail anything that looked like a Christmas card, and we would open them all together at dinner. Then Mom would use them as part of the Christmas decorations, and hang them all over the house in the windows. Our favorite cards were always the ones with photographs in or on them! Last year, I got married AND had a baby, so this is the first year for my own family to send out Christmas cards, AND we have an important reason to include a photo! But I don't have a lot of time or money to spend on cards, so I need an inexpensive, easy-to-use way of making them, and some way to include a picture of my cute son. Shutterfly is perfect for me! It is a photo sharing website, and they have an array of Holiday cards in lots of designs, with great options for different ways to include your photos! Go here to check it out!

http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards

And if you're a blogger yourself, and want to win 50 FREE Holiday cards from Shutterfly, go here!

http://bit.ly/sfly2010

Because I probably need a recent post...

2010-11-18T07:43:00.003-06:00

What I love about Today:

Using this link:
http://blog.shutterfly.com/5358/holiday2010-blog-submission-form/
to try to receive 50 free Christmas cards from Shutterfly! Check it out!
Marky sleeping for about 4 hours in a row (twice!) tonight!
Marky patiently letting me know he's awake without screaming
my giant Mercy waterbottle/pitcher/jug
pinkish red sweater wraps
macs
pumpkin muffins
fall weather
CHRISTMAS MUSIC!
choir last night
snuggling with my sweetie boy(s)

Verse of the Day:
"Behold, I tell you a mystery; We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed." 1 Corinthians 15:51

Picture of the Day:

Recipe of the Day:
Butterbeer
That's right, folks- Harry Potter's favorite drink ;)

1 cup packed brown sugar
2 Tablespoons water
6 Tablespoons butter, cut into chunks
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cider vinegar
3/4 cup heavy cream, divided
1/2 teaspoon rum extract
4 (12 ounce) bottles cream soda

In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar and water. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat; cook, stirring often, until the mixture reads 240 degrees on a candy thermometer.
Stir in butter, salt, vinegar, and 1/4 cup cream, until butter melts. Let cool to room temperature, then stir in rum extract.
Transfer 2 Tablespoons of the sugar butter mixture to a medium mixing bowl. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup cream. With an electric mixer, beat on medium-high until just thickened, but not completely whipped, about 2 to 3 minutes.
To serve, divide brown sugar mixture among 10 small glasses. Add 2 tablespoons of cream soda to each glass, then stir to combine. Add the remaining cream soda, dividing evenly, then spoon whipped cream over each.
Yield: 10 small servings.

Blog Fail. Again.

2009-10-29T17:36:00.002-05:00

What I Loved About Thursday-
actually blogging
coffee with my oatmeal
calligraphy
the nice Mr. Barnes at Eureka Auto Body
my sad bumperless car
putting 211 wedding invitations in the mail!
pink scarves
rainboots and trenchcoats
getting phonecalls from my Love in the middle of the day
Mexican food and oreo truffles
tea in a pumpkin mug
making my bed
folded laundry
rocking chairs
having a power cord for my laptop
checking lots of wedding things off of my list
getting my costume for Saturday all put together
researching fall recipes online
looking forward to hanging out with Seminary friends on Friday night, and Church friends on Saturday night!
the contrast between purple lint from dark loads of laundry, and grey lint from whites
sharpies
registering at Hope Depot with Phillip
walking to Lion's Choice
puddles, and no rainboots

Thursday Again. Blog fail.

2009-09-24T14:34:00.002-05:00

What I Love About Today-
one of those rare sleeping in days
laundry!
pumpkin spice latte wanna-be
realizing that I'll only do about 25 more loads of mine and my sister's laundry... then mine and husband's!
registering for wedding gifts :)
emailing my future mother-in-law!
completing the list of guest addresses to be sent to the calligrapher
talking to my one and only Love!
lots of phone calls
finishing my to-do list for today!
non-greasy hair
rain boots and cute scarves
tea, apple crisp, fellowship and prayer with the church girls!
Ami Anderson's adorable kitchen!
PHILLIP!

Saturday (getting married in 98 days!!!)

2009-09-12T17:37:00.003-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
getting up with time to spare
therefore having time to sit on the porch with my coffee, read my Bible, and write a to-do list for the day :)
Women's Connection Brunch at Covenant Seminary!
meeting new people
the awesome Kristen Casteel
hearing Mrs. Chapel and Seminary ladies speak to encourage us
fellowship and discussions
egg casserole, cantaloupe, and a muffin
more coffee!
the lady next to me wearing a skirt that I have, and accessorizing it in the exact same way I do!
people from Alabama
taking a walk and swinging on the front porch with my dear fiance :)
laughing at our almost-arguments
the awesome Mac Genius fixing my near-unfixable iphone!!
not having to pay $200- yay!
mm chicken salad
cooking and cleaning
lots of soup
wearing an apron with my cute mom-ish outfit
Phillip coming over!
swimming with all my siblings
being freezing cold
eating vegetable soup & cornbread with Phillip
Connect Four ;)
singing sweet songs with and to Phillip
organizing syllabi and schedules
us hanging out with Jeremy and Bailee!
their funny/cute meeting/dating story
my parents coming home from out of town
reviewing my Sunday School lesson for tomorrow
being able to text again!

Verse of the Day-
Psalm 119:41-48
Let Your steadfast love come to me, O Yahweh,
Your salvation according to Your promise;
then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me,
for I trust in Your Word.
And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
for my hope is in your rules.
I will keep Your law continually,
forever and ever,
and I shall walk in a wide place,
for I have sought Your precepts.
I will also speak of Your testimonies before kings
and shall not be put to shame,
for I find my delight in Your commandments,
which I love.
I will lift up my hands toward Your commandments, which I love,
and I will meditate on Your statutes.

Friday (that's two in a row, folks!)

2009-09-11T14:24:00.003-05:00

What I Love About Today-
having my clothes all laid out so I don't have to think too hard at 6:45am
plaid jacket with rolled up sleeves
breakfast and the coffee maker all ready to go
carrying ridiculous amounts of stuff out the door with me everyday
no texting or calling while driving, because I have no phone!
my dear Phillip being right there when I pulled into Covenant!
laughing at myself for not being pulled together yet
drinking coffee together, and walking to class holding his hand
talking to two other engaged Seminary gals before class
writing notes on the same google doc at the same time!
sneakily writing notes to each other on it ;)
getting goosebumps during In Christ Alone in chapel
Jerram Barr's accent
Covenant Theology class
writing notes on handouts
the way Dr. Williams talks
all of my awesome quirky professors
seeing my Love again before going home
beaming at everything he says to me :)
having the kids eat up lots of leftovers
cooking chicken to make Elizabeth Wood's chicken salad recipe!
making trail mix
blogging!
my soft baby-pink scarf
talking wedding-stuff with my Bailee-friend
hearing from my Hanney-friend
catching up on facebook wallposting- 12 posts in all!
Pizza Hut with the kiddos
being able to talk to my dear fiance about serious, silly, somber, and stupid stuff
mail arriving so fast :)
reading the month-of-meals plan in Real Simple
hanging out with the little kids in their "beds" on the floor!

Verse of the Day-
Psalm 19

The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.
Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words,
whose voice is not heard.
Their measuring line goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
In them He has set a test for the sun,
which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,
and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
and its circuit to the end of them,
and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

The law of Yahweh is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of Yahweh is sure,
making wise the simple;
the precepts of Yahweh are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of Yahweh is pure,
enlightening the eyes;
the fear of Yahweh is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules of Yahweh are true,
and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward,

Who can discern his errors?
Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;
let them not have dominion over me!
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in Your sight,
O Yahweh, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Songs of the Day-
In Christ Alone
In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
‘Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
‘til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand

and
Sounds Like Life To Me by Daryl Worley
Got a call last night from an old friend’s wife
Said I hate to bother you
Johnny Ray fell off the wagon
He’s been gone all afternoon
I know my buddy so I drove to Skully’s
And found him at the bar
I say hey man, what’s going on
He said I don’t know where to start

Sarah’s old car’s about to fall apart
And the washer quit last week
We had to put momma in the nursing home
And the baby’s cutting teeth
I didn’t get much work this week
And I got bills to pay
I said I know this ain’t what you wanna hear
But it’s what I’m gonna say

Sounds like life to me it ain’t no fantasy
It’s just a common case of everyday reality
Man I know it’s tough but you gotta suck it up
To hear you talk you’re caught up in some tragedy
It sounds like life to me

Well his face turned red and he shook his head
He said you don’t understand
Three kids and a wife depend on me
And I’m just one man
To top it off I just found out
That Sarah’s 2 months late
I said hey bartender set us up a round
We need to celebrate

Sounds like life to me plain old destiny
Yeah the only thing for certain is uncertainty
You gotta hold on tight just enjoy the ride
Get used to all this unpredictability
Sounds like life

Man I know its tough but you gotta suck it up
To hear you talk you’re caught up in some tragedy
Sounds like life to me
Sounds like life

Thursday, a new beginning

2009-09-10T09:25:00.007-05:00

Okay, I give up. I'm never going to catch up now, even if I go with the "week by week" idea that Amy gave me. Phillip and I are about to start video taping ourselves telling our meeting/courtship/dating/engagement story, then write it out in written form, so whenever that actually happens, I'll put it on here :) For now, let's start with today:

What I Love About Today-
getting to play "mom" for 3 days
coffee and pumpkin bread
treating the kids to hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls
perfectly shaped whipped cream
eating breakfast together
Real Simple magazine
recipes, cute clothes, crafts, and decorating ideas
wearing a short-sleeve sweater that I've had for at least a year, and only worn once
purple clothing
including, but not limited to, a giant purple Southern-style little girl bow, clipped in my hair
adorable cherry earrings that Daddy bought for me in Florence
blogging again
doing so in the schoolroom as the kids do their work
sweet emails from my dear Phillip
giving Benjamin his spelling test
most of the words being related to furniture, making me super excited about having my own home
renovating my blog a bit
feeling the warmth of my coffee trickle through my cold self
chunky sweaters
cute and elegant fall decorations
going to the produce stand and Walmart with the kids
the post office
peeling and chopping carrots, and cutting corn off the cob
making chicken pot pie for my Phillip
him surprising me by coming over, when I didn't think that I'd get to see him today :)
making chocolate chip cookies with Mary
"Mary Mack, Mack, Mack..."
watching Phillip's sermon on DVD with him
his arm around my shoulders
having such a gifted, studious, wise, and respected future husband!
encouragement to trust God, remember His goodness, and forget affliction
clean kitchens
scratching each others' backs with Marebear

Verse of the Day-
Genesis 41:50-52,
"Before the year of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph. Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, bore them to him. Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh. "For," he said, "God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father's house." The name of the second he called Ephraim, "For God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction."

Poem of the Day-

Holy Sonnet XIV
by: John Donne
Batter my heart, three-personed God, for you
As yet but knock, breathe, shine, and seek to mend;
That I may rise and stand, o'erthrow me, and bend
Your force to break, blow, burn, and make me new.
I, like an usurped town, to another due,
Labour to admit you, but Oh, to no end.
Reason, your viceroy in me, me should defend,
But is captived, and proves weak or untrue.
Yet dearly I love you, and would be loved fain,
But am betrothed unto your enemy:
Divorce me, untie or break that knot again,
Take me to you, imprison me, for I,
Except you enthrall me, never shall be free,
Nor ever chaste, except you ravish me.

Friday

2009-07-18T23:06:00.005-05:00

I follow a very strict rule that does not allow me to post things out of chronological order. But, I think that this might just might be a exception. And my future-little-sister-in-law asked me to...!

What I LOVE About Today!-
When Phillip Mark Bozarth knelt down on one knee and told me that he loves me and asked me to marry him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hearing him say "I love you," and being able to tell him how much I love him!
being able to hold his hand

more to come later :D

Verse of the Day-
1 Peter 3:1-7

Likewise, wives, be submissive to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives-- when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external-- the braiding of hair, the wearing of gold, or the putting on of clothing-- but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.
Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

Tuesday

2009-07-18T23:05:00.006-05:00

What Brought Me Joy Today-
getting a facebook message from Phillip:

Hey Rach,

I'd like Friday night to be just for us. I'll pick you up about 6:00 and take you out to dinner. I'll be in my black suit, if that helps you know how to dress. I know you'll look lovely. Sound okay?

Phillip

Immediate thought- "Is he going to propose???"
going to the Shields for a cookout with College and Career group
Lukey's "I'm going to the moon" game
telling Amy about Phillip's message, and her assuming the exact same thing as me :)

(finding out later that my mom knew that he was going to propose, and being impressed that she didn't give it away when I told her about the message)

Monday

2009-07-18T23:04:00.001-05:00

What Brought Me Joy Today-
... I don't remember what happened on this day! ...

Sunday

2009-07-15T22:05:00.003-05:00

What Brought Me Joy Today-
always sharing a hymnal with Phillip :)
Arroz Con Pollo in the crockpot!
Amy's gooey butter cake and mini neon-iced chocolate cupcakes
charades
girls dominating the guys
Click Click Bang
Hat Game
Grandma likes Coffee but not T(ea)
Kim's Catchphrase/Charades/OneWord game
church again
not being so stressed after handing out VBS registration forms

Saturday

2009-07-15T22:03:00.002-05:00

What Brought Me Joy Today-
my siblings' swim team conference
Benjamin pulling ahead a the last minute in his team's relay and winning it for them!
sewing my red dress
going to Erin and Peter's wedding with Phillip :)
dropping off the sheet cake
going to Walmart in wedding clothes
buying snack foods for later
sitting with the awesome Shields at the reception
Aunt Deborah's amazing flower-petal-number guessing skills
introducing Phillip to Lion's Choice
Aaron and Caleb coming in town from KY!
hanging out with them, and Amy and Hannah
playing Apples to Apple & Taboo
putting food in a crockpot at Phillip's for lunch the next day :)

7 Fridays ago, and apology

2009-07-13T19:53:00.005-05:00

I'm sorry that I've been MIA... I became really busy, and then I became engaged and busier. If I had realized that I had a whole bunch of blogpost drafts I would have finished and published these a long time ago, and not been so behind... but when I get behind, I get overwhelmed, and just get even more behind. But enough people have said something about me not writing, that I'm going to give in to Amy's (teasing) suggestion and make this a week-by-week blog at least until I get caught up. So here some days in July, then I'll go with the weekly posts to catch up until now.

What Brought Me Joy Today-

being slightly chipper even though I got very little sleep
morning-after-sleepovers with Bailee
hanging with Micah all day
working on sheet cakes for Erin's wedding

(I found out later that today was the day that Phillip asked my dad if he could marry me, and bought my ring!!)

Thursday

2009-07-13T19:44:00.002-05:00

What Brought Me Joy Today-
baking large chocolate sheet cakes
eating chocolate cake scraps
chopping and chopping more vegetables to make orzo with roasted vegetables!
visiting the Sprint store to try to get my phone fixed
going to see Bailee!!!
New City Fellowship building
Bailee's hilariously awesome red van
yummy Middle Eastern food restaurant
pita and hummus
salad with mint in it
hanging out with Bailee in her room
sitting in on the debrief meeting
organizing and folding huge boxes of shirts!
driving to Bailee's house
Mrs. Rankin!
chatting with Amy, and Brooke!
eating fresh salsa and watching Confessions of a Shopoholic with Bailee and Mrs. Rankin
finally falling asleep...

Wednesday

2009-07-13T19:40:00.003-05:00

What Brought Me Joy Today-
making icing for the wedding
chopping and chopping and chopping vegetables to make delicious fresh salsa!
going to the Botanical Gardens for the free Jazz Concert!
picnic dinner- leftover yummy bbq chicken
sitting at the playground embroidering Aunt Lori's Snooty Cook apron
giving it to her!
being okay with losing my favorite pair of sunglasses
Phillip being my sweet hero and finding them :)
cherries
teaching Phillip how to play backgammon
lawn chairs

Tuesday

2009-07-13T19:32:00.003-05:00

What Brought Me Joy Today-
small group with Danielle, Beth, Stacie, Megan, Sarah, Erica, Jessica, Christine, and Morgan!
going home to dress up and curl my hair
my parents taking Phillip and me out to dinner and to the Muny!
the restaurant Scape
my delicious fish and curried rice
cappuccino with biscotti
gelato!
the banana cream pie that Daddy had
the Muny!
Meet Me In St. Louis
fireworks :)
leftover architecture from the 1904 World's Fair

Verse of the Day-
Psalm 139:1-12

O Yahweh, you have searched me and known me!
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O Yahweh, You know it altogether.
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay Your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.
Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, You are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, You are there!
If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there Your hand shall lead me,
and Your right hand shall hold me.
If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light about me be night,"
even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day.
for darkness is as light with you.

Monday

2009-07-13T19:26:00.003-05:00

What Brought Me Joy Today-
finishing sewing Aunt Lori's apron!
going to Joann's fabric store and practically drooling over all of the fabric
envisioning all of the amazing things that I could sew out of the fabric if I had the money and time...
embroidering the apron while watching Mary do gymnastics
Phillip picking me up :)
eating cookies and milk at the park
sharing memories
swinging on the front porch with Phillip

Verse of the Day-
Proverbs 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Sunday

2009-07-13T19:07:00.003-05:00

What Brought Me Joy Today-
sharing a hymnal and a Bible with Phillip again
VBS meeting
talking to lots of people :)
going to lunch with the Shields!
catching up with Madsey
Sunday afternoon naps
sewing Aunt Lori's apron frantically
going to the Shaffers for dinner and Mexican Train
hanging out with Phillip
tripping down 3 steps and saving my coffee and not getting hurt too badly
watching my Daddy ride Uncle Steve's motorcycle

Verse of the Day-
Luke 14:1-24

One Sabbath, when He went to dine at the house of a ruler of the Pharisees, they were watching Him carefully. And behold, there was a man before Him who had dropsy. And Jesus responded to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?" But they remained silent. Then He took him and healed him and sent him away. And He said to them, "Which of you, having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?" And they could not reply to these things.
Now He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, "When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, 'Give your place to this person,' and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, 'Friend, move up higher.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
He said also to the man who had invited Him, "When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. You will be repaid at the resurrection of the just."
When one of those who reclined at table with Him heard these things, he said to Him, "Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!" But He said to him, "A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.' But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.' And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.' And another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, 'Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.' And the servant said, 'Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.' And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.'"

Saturday

2009-07-13T18:57:00.004-05:00

What Brought Me Joy Today-
The Fourth of July!
Everybody's matching Old Navy flag shirts!
9 Keanes + 1 Kristen + 1 Phillip in a 12-seater van :)
going to pick up 4 dozen Krispy Kremes to bring to Uncle Bobby's
the pouring rain resulting in the old-traditional McDonald's for breakfast
and a non-traditional going to the movies to see Ice Age 3
the rain letting up enough for the parade!
hanging with the cousins at UBs
Grandma's for lunch!
sitting in a puddle during lunch
Ted Drewes ice cream
sewing at home while hanging out with Phillip
the Lecroys coming an hour early
helping my mom with the party
having family and seminary people from church over for dinner, swimming, and fireworks
eating with Uncle Bobby and Aunt Karen and Phillip
visiting with Dana and Dawn :)
Uncle Fred's fantastic fireworks show!
that alliteration

Friday

2009-07-13T18:46:00.004-05:00

What Brought Me Joy Today-
being 100% awake at 7:30 after accidently getting only 5 hours of sleep
deciding to sew!
handsewing and embroidering adorable little King and Princess puppets
getting more things on my list accomplished
the traditional fireworks shopping with my family
taking Mary, Benjamin, and Elijah to Walmart with me
seeing Mom and Dad there
buying caffeine, cosmetics, and crafts :)
shopping for a crockpot with Phillip
cooking breakfast for dinner together
biscuits & gravy and orange juice
discussing what kinds of food we like
going over to Aaron and Sarah's to hang out
discussing mission trips, France, Italy, parenting, Christmas, grandparents, homeschooling, and Fourth of July
popsicles!
raindrops

Verse of the Day-
Ephesians 6:1-4

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise), "that it may go well with you and that you may live long on the land." Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Thursday

2009-06-27T01:06:00.005-05:00

What Brought Me Joy Today-
Getting 16 out of 33 things on my to-do list accomplished
VBS emails & laundry
planning
dinner with my family
my cute scrabble-necklace from Beckah
catching up with Amy & Kinsey
going to the fabric store and Starbucks with Annie!
walking in the beautiful night air
real coffee mugs and free refills
talking to Phillip
sewing projects and scratching Na-na's head
lists and relists:
to-do (33), to-craft (17), to-buy (4), and to-do-tomorrow (18)
cute blogs
new babies

Verse of the Day-

Proverbs 15:1-17

A soft answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongues of the wise commends knowledge,
but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
The eyes of Yahweh are in every place,
keeping watching on the evil and the good.
A gentle tongue is a tree of life,
but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
A fool despises his father's instruction,
but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.
In the house of the righteous there is much treasure,
but trouble befalls the income of the wicked.
The lips of the wise spread knowledge,
not so the hearts of fools.
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh,
but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him.
The way of the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh,
but He loves him who pursues righteousness.
There is severe discipline to him who forsakes the way;
whoever hates reproof will die.
Sheol and Abaddon lie open before Yahweh;
how much more the hearts of the children of man!
A scoffer does not like to be reproved;
he will not go to the wise.
A glad heart makes a cheerful face,
but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.
The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge,
but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
All the days of the afflicted are evil,
but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.
Better is a little with the fear of Yahweh
than great treasure and trouble with it.
Better is a dinner of herbs where love is
than a fattened ox and hatred with it.

Trip to VA-Wednesday through Wednesday

2009-06-27T01:04:00.008-05:00

What Brought Me Joy This Week-

Wednesday-
being an early morning person, but not mid morning
playing with Cael and Gillian for the better part of 15 hours :)
listening to Britton Sermons
Subway with Ami, Josh, and kiddos
letting Cael and GillyMae share my ipod- it was adorable!
quickest Applebees dinner ever
sleeping through the last hour
getting the the Anderson(Sr.)'s house
Ruth!
staying up until 2:00am with her :)

Thursday-
planning on going grocery shopping for cake ingredients so that I could get the cake started right away
not actually starting the cake until 3:15
getting what I needed to get done done fairly quickly
not stressing out about it
Ruth braiding Ruby's hair for 4 hours
a "family dinner" with just 35 people. literally.
feeling so comfortable and at home with the Anderson family

Friday-
baking and icing lots and lots of cake!
laughing at the little kids during the wedding rehearsal
visiting with Ami at the park
being an adoptive member of the Anderson family
meeting more family at the rehearsal dinner
enjoying Rebekah's shower, even though I was super tired
talking to Phillip on the phone while being on the front porch during the thunderstorm

Saturday-
Wedding day!
assembling the cake with Marley
her creative genius involving hydrangeas
all the women scurrying around the reception hall with flowers and tulle
the beautiful wedding :)
working the kitchen and cutting tons of cake!
meeting more new people
blowing bubbles
reading Rachel A.'s new sewing book and getting awesome ideas!

Sunday-
visiting the Anderson's church
being thankful that I don't have to pay two tolls to get to church
Sunday afternoon naps
hanging out with Ruth and her friends (slash family)-
Rachel, Jordan, Daniel, Reamy Lynn, Justin, and little Shannon
swinging with Shannon
eating flowers in the salad!
learning a new board game that I can't spell the name
getting 2nd place
my 30 bug bites going completely away within a few hours

Monday-
finally getting up at a decent hour
leaving the house at 9am to drive 3 hours with the Andersons
journalling, reading, and napping in the car
meeting more Anderson family members
home-style cooking
driving 3 hours home- talking to Ruth and Ruby the whole time
pretending to talk on the phone and text with Ruby
laughing at her pretend to call Phillip, and ask all about him
actually calling Phillip using speakerphone, & him entertaining us for the rest of the car ride home :)
staying up until 4am talking with Ruthie

Tuesday-
sleeping in... again.
going to Maymont Park and Cary Street with Ruth & Rudie, and John & Shannon
texting Phillip, "Well Ruth says..."
him texting me, "Well tell Ruth..." :)
the beautiful flowers and landscaping at Maymont!
herb gardens!
ice cream and used book stores!
buying 3 books for less than $2
big huge family dinner
packing

Wednesday-
...only getting 3 hours of sleep?
on the road again
coffee and a bagel from wonderful Bread, Co.
hanging out with Cael and Gilly Mae
napping
listening to music with Cael
letting Cael and Gillian share my headphones again- they are adorable!
lunch at Subway
Wonderpets: "What's gonna work? Teamwork! What's gonna work? Teamwork!"
being only 30 miles away from Owensboro, Kentucky!
getting really really really excited to be back in St. Louis...
sharing my snack with Cael
finally getting to the Andersons, and unpacking the car
Phillip coming to pick me up :)
my beautiful pink sweetheart rose!
getting delicious Ted Drewes and going on a walk
my siblings running out to meet me when we got home
them being so so talkative that we had to come up with a system for them taking turns talking

Verses of the Week-

1 Peter 3
Likewise, wives, be submissive to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives-- when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external-- the braiding of hair, the wearing of gold, or the putting on of clothing-- but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Psalm 127
Unless Yahweh builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless Yahweh watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
It is vain that you rise up early and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for He gives to His beloved sleep.
Behold, children are a heritage from Yahweh,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one's youth.
Blessed is the man
who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Tuesday

2009-06-27T01:02:00.003-05:00

What Brought Me Joy Today-
making 16 batches of icing (that's 48 cups!)
lunch at Qdoba with Phillip
giving him a new country CD and cracker cookies
small group with my Mobap girls
hanging out with Micah
writing a packing list, a cake list, and a to-do list
getting home earlier than expected
packing
being packed

Verse of the Day-
Genesis 29:15-20

Then Laban said to Jacob, "Because you are my kinsman, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?" Now Laban had two daughters. The name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. Leah's eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and appearance. Jacob loved Rachel. And he said, "I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel." Laban said, "It is better that I give her to you than that I should give her to any other man; stay with me." So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her.

Monday

2009-06-22T23:23:00.003-05:00

What Brought Me Joy Today-
running outside before it got uber hot
going on errands and eating lunch with Hanney
visiting with Miss Beth
talking with Grandpa
hanging out at the office for 2 hours
running errands
Vivannos from Starbucks
dinner with my family
Phillip picking me up and taking me to Bread, Co for coffee :)
talking over coffee
taking a walk through "down town" Eureka
snowcones and stars

Verse of the Day-
Psalm 127

Unless Yahweh builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless Yahweh watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for He gives to His beloved sleep.

Behold, children are a heritage from Yahweh,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of of one's youth.
Blessed is the man
who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Sunday

2009-06-21T15:54:00.006-05:00

What I Brought Me Joy Today-
reading Caleb's study Bible on the front porch with coffee before church
wearing the dress that I made to church
going to The King & I for Father's Day lunch
hanging out with Hanney and MK
curry
long phone conversations
my mom telling Phillip to come over for dinner :)
classic Father's Day meal for dinner
watching Phillip's sermon

Verse of the Day-
Galations 3:1-7

O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— just as Abraham "believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"?
Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham.

Saturday

2009-06-20T09:30:00.007-05:00

What Brought Me Joy Today-
getting up by 8am on Saturday JUST so I could make breakfast for the kiddos
bananana pancakes
Nathan watching the kids so I could go out
writing Hebrew study-posters with Phillip
My Daddy, Mama, and Caleb arriving home from Australia
reading Caleb's Study Bible- specifically Psalms and Ephesians

Verse of the Day-
Ephesians 1:3-14

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will, to the praise of His glorious grace, with which He has blessed us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of His will, according to His purpose, which He set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Him, things in heaven and things on earth.
In Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of His glory. In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of His glory.

Friday

2009-06-20T00:25:00.005-05:00

What Brought Me Joy Today-
waking up at the time that I needed to leave to take the kids to gymnastics
getting them there only 2 minutes late
Starbucks+Target :)
homemade pizza
watching another snippet of White Christmas
hanging out with Phillip, Bailee, and Jeremy

Verse of the Day-
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never ends.

Thursday

2009-06-18T15:37:00.004-05:00

What Brought Me Joy Today-
mothering and loving on my poor sick Marygirl
giving her breakfast in bed while I had coffee in bed :)
taking her to the doctor's office
medicine shoppe for her prescription and more tylenol
laundry, cooking, and cleaning :)
pretending to be my mom
tomato-red toenails
layer-y outfits
Carey being the awesomest big brother ever, and also helping me out since Mary is sick
hanging out with Phillip
chocolate cake pops
grilling, cooking, and baking parts of 3 different meals all at once!
power naps
Benjamin's back-scratches and shoulder-massages
phoning with both Maggie and Phillip while sewing
practically finishing my sewing project
getting advice from and hanging out with Nathan

Verse of the Day-

Revelations 5:11-14

Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, "To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!" And the four living creatures said, "Amen!" and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Revelations 15:3-4

And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying,
"Great and amazing are Your deeds,
O Lord God the Almighty!
Just and true are Your ways,
O King of the nations!
Who will not fear, O Lord,
and glorify Your name?
For You alone are holy.
All nations will come
and worship you,
for Your righteous acts have been revealed."

Wednesday

2009-06-18T00:46:00.004-05:00

What Brought Me Joy Today-
getting up at a normal time
having a clean & tidy house in record time
making a coffee and half&half run to Schnucks
sitting outside during the kids' swim practice
writing letters (specifically today- to Lindsay!)
impromptu baking
cooking 20 quesadillas with Mary in the hot kitchen for 8 boys
seriously, it was fun :)
"yes, ma'am" "thank you for lunch" and "can I help you clean this up?"
sitting with my feet in the pool while all the kids swam
grocery shopping by myself
having a pantry stocked with chocolate chips
playing mom for the week
good adult talks with Noey
Mom, Dad, and Caleb on one end of the webcam, and Carey, Me, Nathan, Noah, Elijah, Benjamin, and Mary on the other!
it being 7am tomorrow in Australia
my amazing and loving family
...not being ridiculously sticky and sweaty in the nastily humid heat
visiting with Grandma during the swim meet
watching Mary, Benjamin, Elijah, Noah, Sidney, Joey, Jake, Olivia, Cooper, Margaret, and Caroline swim
my siblings getting blue ribbons
eating dinner at the Legends buffet with my little siblings and their friendies
packing a picnic lunch for tomorrow
making cake pops
colored sprinkles
sitting outside while talking to Phillip on the phone
smiling at his stories
being encouraged by Titus 2 and Godly women
brushed teeth and washed face
catching up on blog posts
ambitious plans and lists
having a really long list of things that brought me joy today :)

Verses of the Day-
Psalm 5:3

O Yahweh, in the morning You hear my voice;
in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for You and watch.

Proverbs 31:15

She rises while it is yet night
and provides food for her household
and portions for her maidens.

Mark 1:35

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He departed and went out to a desolate place, and there He prayed.

Ephesians 5:16

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

Lamentations 3:22-23

The steadfast love of Yahweh never ceases;
His mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness.

Tuesday

2009-06-17T01:06:00.005-05:00

What Brought Me Joy Today-
pjs and coffee
sewing in literally all of my free time today
staring at red all day
listening to Contemporary Christian music, including the Kaleb Krueger Band
doing extra laundry- I like to pretend I'm mom :)
being very careful about my sewing and not having to rip out and redo anything all day until... the very end when I got frustrated...
but it was okay, because I can just finish it tomorrow. or the next day.
pulling out old cute skirts
cooking dinner with Phillip!
yummy salmon patties and seasoned baked potatoes
meeting and getting to know more of Phillip's friends
scruff
small group with Ami and Amy!
praying for each other, and also Amanda, Hannah, and Anna
talking about love languages with Ami and hyper-Abby
Nathan watching out for me
talking to my best friend Bailee for an hour and a half!
being vulnerable and trusting and loving each other
sewing a little more before bed

Verse of the Day-
Psalm 119:9-16

How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to Your word.
With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not wander from Your commandments!
I have stored up Your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against You.
Blessed are You, O Yahweh;
teach me Your statutes!
With my lips I declare
all the rules of Your mouth.
In the way of Your testimonies I delight
as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on Your precepts
and fix my eyes on Your ways.
I will delight in Your statutes;
I will not forget Your word.

Monday

2009-06-17T01:05:00.002-05:00

What Brought Me Joy Today-
the kids and I all sleeping in and lounging in our pjs all morning
going to the Science Center with Mary, Benjamin, Elijah, and Phillip!
not caring in the least that we were lost and turned around
feeding the kids sandwiches and juicies in the car
singing along to Taylor Swift on the radio
building the arch about 6 times
the science-playground
whispering
one-on-one time with Peeb on the drive home
Sorry and Rock Band
taking Mary to gymnastics
going to Joann's to buy new sewing project materials!
drinking coffee in rocking chairs on the patio with Phillip
watching left-handed basketball
telling and listening to the stories behind our profile pictures. dorky, I know.
sitting with Nathan while he did his Physics hw
listening to him recommend rap songs and artists to Phillip
laughing at them and their rap
the front porch

Verse of the Day-
Psalm 119:1-8

Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of Yahweh!
Blessed are those who keep His testimonies,
who seek Him with their whole heart,
who also do no wrong,
but walk in His ways!
You have commanded Your precepts
to be kept diligently.
Oh that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping Your statutes!
Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all Your commandments.
I will praise You with an upright heart,
when I learn Your righteous rules.
I will keep Your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me!

Sunday

2009-06-15T11:34:00.003-05:00

What Brought Me Joy Today-
curling my hair and baking cinnamon rolls
getting the kids to church on time
Aunt Lori sitting with us during church
and Phillip, of course :)
trying to sing alto because my vocal chords aren't used to singing high
sharing a hymnal
coffee hour
lunch at Bread, co with my siblings
read, write, read, nap, write, read, cry, read
new and old journal entries
The 5 Love Languages & I Kissed Dating Goodbye & Hebrews
sharing my Bible
bbq after evening service
lawn chairs
meeting new friends and fellowshipping with old friends

Verse of the Day-
Luke 13:22-30

He went on His way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem. And someone said to Him, "Lord, will those who are saved by few?" And He said to them, "Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the Master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, open to us,' then He will answer you, 'I do not know where you come from.' Then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.' But He will say, 'I tell you, I do not know where you com from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!' In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out. And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last."

Hebrews 1:1-4

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed the heir of all things, through whom also He created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, and He upholds the universe by the word of His power. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name He has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

Saturday

2009-06-13T12:38:00.004-05:00

What Brought Me Joy Today-
going to the kids' swim meet
hanging out with Nathan
texting far-away friends
eating lunch by the pool with the kiddos
quality time with my Mama
surprising Phillip by stopping by on my way home from bringing Mama to the airport
taking a walk
Seminary people
making cookie dough and packing dinner
bringing the kids over to the Shields to eat dinner and fellowship with Hanney
the awesomeness of Hannah
back-scratches from Benjamin
forgiveness and grace
sitting outside while talking on the phone
stars
reading Amy's photo comments on Facebook

Verse of the Day-
Ephesians 2:1-10

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience-- among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ-- by grace you have been saved-- and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace You have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no man may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Friday

2009-06-13T00:07:00.003-05:00

What Brought Me Joy Today-
feeling refreshed and awake after only 3 hours of sleep
breakfast with Amy
coffee
reading The 5 Love Languages
playing Free Realms with Micah
talking with Micah during lunch
going to Kirkwood pool for 4 hours!
reading and tanning
racing Micah down the water slides about 6 times in a row
going around the lazy river 4 or 5 times in a row
reading recipes in my Martha Stewart Living catalog
being cold in June
sitting outside
grocery stores
cooking yummy food
going to Laumeier's free Music&Movie with Phillip, Amy, Hanney, and JP
Kung Fu Panda
good talks
listening
clean kitchens
watching country music videos

Verse of the Day-
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at evil, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things; hopes all things; endures all things.
Love never ends.

Thursday

2009-06-12T23:44:00.004-05:00

What Brought Me Joy Today-
coffee
going on a run for the first time in 3 weeks
walking with Phillip at Laumeier Sculpture Park
"art"
meeting with Josh to talk about VBS and life in general
leftover Mexican food
sleepover with Amy!
talking until 4am
tinker-toys and lincoln-logs

Verse of the Day-
John 13:34-35

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

Wednesday

2009-06-10T09:06:00.003-05:00

What Brought Me Joy Today-
looking forward to a day full of friends
my comfy bed
talking to my Grandma
eating my cereal with a different kind of fruit for the past four mornings in a row
today- cherries
breakfast+coffee+Bible+front porch
Hanney/Rachey time
lunch at Bar Louie's on the patio
shopping with Kinsey
only buying something that I actually need
cute dresses
Starbucks with Annie
real coffee cups and free refills
chatting with Linds
seeing Carey on the highway
the kids' swimmeet!
hanging out with Phillip and Carey
El Nopals for dinner
huge thunderstorms
scratching backs with Mary
reading before bed

Verse of the Day-
Psalm 59:8-10, 16-17

But You, O Yahweh, laugh at them;
You hold all the nations in derision.
O my Strength, I will watch for You,
for You, O God, are my Fortress.
My God in His steadfast love will meet me;
God will let me look in triumph on my enemies.
...
But I will sing of Your strength;
I will sing aloud of Your steadfast love in the morning.
For You have been to me a fortress
and a refuge in the day of my distress.
O my Strength, I will sing praises to You,
for You, O God, are my fortress,
the God who shows me steadfast love.

Tuesday

2009-06-09T14:41:00.004-05:00

Things That Brought Me Joy Today-
going to swim team practice to watch my little siblings
hanging out with my Mama
reading Mansfield Park
my pink swimsuit
(sadly not swimming though- it wasn't sunny enough for me)
coffeecoffeecoffee
making cake pops with Elijah and Mary
sprinlkes!
chilling with lil' Micah while knitting
frozen pizza and diet coke?
Target
one on one time with Amy!
cookies&milk/game night with Phillip, Bo, Hannah, Amy, Katie, KJ, Justin, Ryan, Kevin, Chris, Chris, Joseph, David, Paul, Amy, Hadyn, Hope, and Angie
Mrs. Bozarth's cookie recipe
winning Apples to Apples!
good talks with Amy
brushed teeth

Verse of the Day-
Proverbs 31:10-13

An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.

Monday

2009-06-08T22:55:00.003-05:00

What Brought Me Joy Today-
getting 12 hours of sleep
doing semi-productive things
blogging and drinking coffee on the front porch
thinking about swimming
eating lunch at 3:00pm
watching (parts of) Bye Bye Birdie with my little siblings
imagining who of my friends will play each part when Mobap puts it on
Elijah and Benjamin helping me bake
dinner with Elijah, Benjamin, Noah, and Phillip
hanging out on the front porch
kittens and basketball
watching Finding Nemo (since Dad and Caleb are in Australia)

Verse of the Day-
Proverbs 31:29-30?

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears Yahweh is to be praised. Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates

My Week

2009-06-08T14:48:00.005-05:00

What Brought Me Joy This Week-

Tuesday-
Elijah's Birthday!
birthday dinner with my family, Grandma and Grandpa, Phillip, Micah, and Lukie
visiting Anna at Circle of Knowlege with Micah

Wednesday-
getting to visit with Ruthie
meeting and eating dinner with more of Phillip's friends
cleaning/organizing

Thursday-
making cake for 10 hours
Benjamin, Elijah, Noah, and Mary's piano recital
laughing at texters

Friday-
finishing the wedding cake!
hanging out with Micah
the beautiful weather
getting dressed up
going to Arielle and Justin's wedding with Phillip
hanging out with my awesome family members at the reception
matching the wedding party

Saturday-
going to breakfast with my Daddy!
spending time with my family
making cupcakes with leftover wedding-cake-icing
visiting the 48hour film crew
going to the zoo with Phillip, JJ, and Hannah!
God's glorious creation
cooking dinner and hanging out

Sunday-
my wonderful church
coffee
plans with friends
grocery stores
cooking and hanging out with Phillip, JJ, Bailee, and Jeremy!
strawberries and sweet potatoes
party at the Endejan's
bbq after evening service

Verse of the Week-
Joshua 1:6-8

Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.

Weekend

2009-06-08T12:51:00.005-05:00

What Brought Me Joy This Weekend-
going to Kentucky with Phillip!
reading poetry and knitting in the car
meeting Mr. and Mrs. Bozarth, Brooke, Christina, and Jonathan
and Pastor & Mrs. Birkett, Rebekah and James, Jonathan; Mr. & Mrs. Scott, Alicia, Noah, and Gabriel; Jonathan; Uncle Don; JJ, Sarah, Elijah, Mr. & Mrs. Cole, and Sean; Mr. & Mrs. Melcher; Mammaw and Luke; Grammy; Mr. & Mrs. Whear, Lindsay, Caleb, Sarah, Abbie, Zachary, Ethan, Mercy, Jubilee, and Bella; Aunt Donna & Uncle Bob, Carl & Amy, Brandon, Ashley, Is-aiah/aac?, Emily, and Abbie; Aunt Dana and Aaron; Mr. McPherson, Patrick, and Michaela; Mike and Johnna (sp?) Jones; Mrs. Menontras; Heather, Amber, and Hannah; Mrs. Daily; Mr. & Mrs. Eades; Mr. & Mrs. Gilbert; Mr. & Mrs. Schulz; Uncle Gerald; Mr. and Mrs. Mason and Jessica; Mrs. Barkley; Mr. Vincent, Kaitlin and Robin; Mrs. Oliver; Mr. & Mrs. Thomas; Mrs. Thomas; Aaron Thomas; Al; Mr. and Mrs. Velez, Marcus, Alex, Gabrielle, and Isabelle; and Nathan and Leslie Cobb.
staying up until 1:00am talking with Brooke and Tina
homeschool graduations
big families
pizza with the extended Bozarth family
watching people dance
trying to dance
getting a personal tour of the Y
Christ Presbyterian Church
Jeb taking care of me :)
family Sunday dinner
playing checkers and pool with Jeb
impromptu parties
singing Psalms a capella and in harmony, 5 or 6 people to a Psalter
guys vs. girls Buzzword
breakfast at Starbucks with Phillip, Nathan and Leslie
driving around with Phillip
the beautiful weather
being sung to :)
going to a bookstore and coffee shop with Brooke!
Calvin & Hobbes
Phillip taking me to Moonlite for Owensboro-style BBQ
playing Kenex with Jeb
matching glasses and silly faces
listening to music and talking in the car
McAllister's paninis for dinner
going to the Westminster Bell Choir Concert with Dr. Benton and the bell gang!

Verse of the Day-
1 Chronicles 20:17

'You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position and see the salvation of Yahweh on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.' Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and Yahweh will be with you.

Song of the Day-
You're Beautiful by James Blunt
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEJ7LTvoGxA
Except I like Phillip's happy version much better :)

Thursday

2009-05-28T10:45:00.003-05:00

What Brought Me Joy Today-
eating cereal in bed with Mary and Benjamin
Benjamin being sweet and serving Mary and me
the power going off for 20 minutes
getting my internet to work again
happy siblings :)
laundry
posting 7 blog posts in one day
last piano lesson of the year with Mary
being proud of her finishing 2 books
texting my Daddy throughout the day
Mary helping me make enough icing for 9 cakes
baking a ridiculous amount of cake
going out to Moe's with Phillip and some of his friends
Reese's icecream
moving/unpacking
finishing the cakes
packing and planning
saying a sweet goodbye to Nathan

Verse of the Day-
Romans 8:28

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.

Quote of the Day-
"Eat all the leftovers and it'll be a good day tomorrow"
Opa (Gustav Brown)

Wednesday

2009-05-27T15:17:00.004-05:00

What Brought Me Joy Today-
making marzipan and cake-pop-prep
lunch with Melanie and Isabelle!
catching up and visiting
new couches
trying to figure out the silly marzipan fruit
naps
wise parents
thunder storms
trusting in God
family dinners
Nathan getting his first job!
old friends
grocery shopping
free wireless at Bread, co
catching up with Anna
decaf coffee
random question time
scratching Nathan's head while talking to Phillip
going to bed at a decent hour

Verse of the Day-
Psalm 119:14-16

In the way of Your testimonies I delight
as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on Your precepts
and fix my eyes on Your ways.
I will delight in Your statutes;
I will not forget Your word.

Tuesday

2009-05-26T16:20:00.012-05:00

What Brought Me Joy Today-
Phillip's birthday!
taking my brothers to their standardized testing
homeschoolers
baking gooey butter cake
wrapping presents in an OCD manner
green sweaters
my crazy-busy, brother-filled, overall-wonderful life
hanging out with Phillip and his roommate Bo
people reminding me of other people
observing and being fascinated by how people interact with each other
hearing about Seminary professors and classes and life in general
small group with wonderful girls
Romans 7
sharing chips and salsa
Kendra!
enjoying my lovely pink flowers every time I sit at my desk
cowboy boots and curly hair
Citizen Kane's steakhouse
celebrating Phillip's birthday with him and my parents
church small group with Ami, Amy, and Anna
prayer requests taking forever because of rabbit trails
praying for one another
bringing Hannah swedish fish and her quilt
catching up with Bailee
chilling with Nathan in my room for an hour

Verse of the Day-
Romans 7:4-6

Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to Him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God. For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve not under the old written code but in the new life of the Spirit.

Quote of the Day-
Noah: I've never seen such cute homeschoolers before! Except you, of course.

Monday

2009-05-26T16:20:00.011-05:00

What Brought Me Joy Today-
running in the misty rain
vacuuming
cutting up a lot of fruit
not being crabby
being okay with my cake not looking perfect
little brown condensation puddles
Caleb's graduation party!
hanging out with cousins, aunts, and uncles
having caterers there so that even though mom was sick I didn't have to worry about everything
Mexican food
my wonderful Aunt Lori cleaning up almost the entire kitchen
seeing her out of the corner of my eye and thinking that she was my mom
cutting and serving cake
the front porch
laughing at Aunt Sharon trying to figure out how to get the most icing on a cake
chatting with Amy
sewing, ironing, and embroidering while listening to a sermon
finishing a project

Verse of the Day-
Galations 5:16-25

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against these things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Sunday

2009-05-26T16:19:00.014-05:00

What Brought Me Joy Today-
singing the last choir song of the season
sharing a hymnal
laughing with Anna and Hannah in the choir loft
singing the Alto part
coffee during fellowship hour
Josh teaching on poetry in Sunday School
my beautiful pink flowers from Phillip :)
going to Magic Wok with the Shaffers
singing along to country music on the radio with the windows rolled down
driving exactly the speed limit
playing Clue and Life with my siblings and Phillip
Shakespeare in the Park
Juggling Jeff's amazing show
cardigans

Verse of the Day-
Luke 13:18-20

He said therefore, "What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches."
And again He said, "To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? It is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened."

Poem of the Day-
Im Memoriam M.K.H. by Seamus Heaney

The cool that came off the sheets just off the line
Made me think the damp must still be in them
But when I took my corners of the linen
And pulled against her, first straight down the hem
And then diagonally, then flapped and shook
The fabric like a sail in a cross-wind,
They made a dried-out undulating thwack.
So we'd stretch and fold and end up hand to hand
For a split second as if nothing had happened
For nothing had that had not always happened
Beforehand, day by day, just touch and go,
Coming close again by holding back
In moves where I was x and she was o
Inscribed in sheets she'd sewn from ripped-out flour sacks

Saturday

2009-05-26T16:19:00.013-05:00

This day started out with me feeling really sick. I think what it turned out to be was my stomach was a little upset from how rich Aunt Lori's dinner was the night before, and I was also extremely tired from staying up way to late for about 5 nights in a row. As the day went on I felt much better.

Things I Love About Today-
going to Caleb and Madeline's graduation!
introducing Phillip to family members
looking at the graduates' picture boards
Madeline's graduation party!
laughing at Madsey being on a people-high
hanging out with lots of friends and family
pink cups
sunshiney days
parties in general
the ridiculous amounts of food that Aunt Deborah prepared
blackberries
observing how people interact with others
going to bed at 6:30pm

Verse of the Day-
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Friday

2009-05-26T16:18:00.006-05:00

What Brought Me Joy Today-
getting my Bible back!
hanging out with Micah all day
making lists of "fun stuff" for us to do this summer
legos
playing the wii for the second time ever
watching Micah grill
playing wii bowling, then going real bowling, then playing wii bowling again
polka dot socks
reading my Bible almost all afternoon
sitting with Micah while he played
reading Proverbs 1 and Micah 1 to him
playing with bouncy balls outside
Micah being way way better than me at catching them
weeding
reading outside
doing anything outside
being able to give his mom a good report at the end of the day :)
Aunt Lori giving my family a most delicious meal
(...my Mama was sick :( ...)
going to Wildwood's baccalaureate
Madeline getting one of the leadership awards!
Nick predicting almost every single award
Phillip calling on the road from Kentucky to St. Louis
talking about poetry, middle names, extended family, etc until 1am

Verse of the Day-
Micah 7:18-20

Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity
and passing over transgression
for the remnant of His inheritance?
He does not retain His anger forever,
because He delights in steadfast love.
He will again have compassion on us;
He will tread our iniquities under foot.
You will cast all our sins
into the depths of the sea.
You will show faithfulness to Jacob
and steadfast love to Abraham.
as You have sworn to our fathers
from the days of old.

Thursday

2009-05-21T13:38:00.003-05:00

Things I Love About Today-

catching up with Maggie!
overly friendly bank tellers
Michael's Arts and Crafts Store
watching people react to different situations
staying cheerful when other people are crabby
Noah making lunch
hanging out with my Mama
listening to Elijah and Mary play piano together
caking (like baking, but better)
really long phone conversations
caking some more
Bailee coming over!
talking with her
still caking
trying on dresses together
cuticle clippers
crafty projects
finally finishing the cake (for today)
talking with my Daddy

Verse of the Day-
Romans 5:1-8

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Song of the Day-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0QCCNCkvzI

You're going to miss this
You're going to want this back
You're going to wish these days
Hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're going to miss this

Wednesday

2009-05-20T16:00:00.002-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
not having a crick in my neck from sleeping on the couch
being wide awake at 6:50am
toast and water
being amused by Hannah rushing to get ready
talking with Annie
planning with my Mama
chicken salad and juicy mangoes
organizing all my cake stuff in the pantry
planning Caleb's graduation cake
cleaning out, wiping out, and organizing the refrigerator
Caleb's graduation picture board
laughing at Anna standing outside thinking that the door was locked :)
the last choir practice of the year
Starbucks after choir practice
Kris winning American Idol!
Nathan trying to trick me, but ending up "ruining" it for everyone... :)
rambling more and more the tireder I get

Something I don't love about today- I left my Bible at Ami's house :(

Verse of the Day-
1 Corinthians 1:10

I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.

Tuesday

2009-05-20T14:08:00.005-05:00

Things I Love About Today-

lunch with Lindsay!
small group with beautiful, godly young women
grocery shopping
dressing up for the tea party
gloves, pearls, hats, and heels
putting the entire contents of my bobby pin box in my hair
Hannah, Anna, Amy, and Amanda
tea parties!
pretty floral dishes and delicate food
silly pictures
looking like a Southern belle
mine and Amanda's twin phones
caravanning from Amy's to Ami's
chatting out on the screened in porch
crazy mad libs with the girls
laughing at Hannah rolling around laughing
Rollen the perfect-sized dog
finding out that Amy and I are the same personality type- ESFJ
thinking about it, and realizing how crazily alike we are
staying up late with her

Verse of the Day-
1 Peter 3:3-4

Do not let your adorning be merely external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.

Monday

2009-05-18T17:00:00.004-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
listening to Norah Jones
wearing jeans and tennis shoes. haha
going on 1 13/15 mile hikes with Bailee!
talking about... things we like to talk about :)
only one of us freaking out when we saw the snake
grocery shopping with her
all of Bailee's menfolk working on the house together all day
cooking a huuuuuge lunch with Mrs. Rankin and Bailee
warm chocolate chip cookies
chamomile, milk, lemon, peppermint, salt foot-baths!
Josiah wanting a pedicure too
hot pink toe nail polish
chamomile tea
kind of tricking Jo when we slipped up and said something in front of him
trying on ...dresses...
wedding cake homework :)
going to Wildwood's 4th Annual Talent Show
watching Noah do a terrific job at his comedic act! He was absolutely hilarious!
really long phone conversations
pillow talk with my Mom and Dad
my wonderful Maggie-friend

Verse of the Day-
Galations 5:4-6

"You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything but only faith working through love."

Sunday

2009-05-17T14:10:00.005-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
waking up to Madsey's alarm
realizing that we spent 24 hours together
being super-awake right away, because I'm energized by people
my floral skirt
bobby-pinned buns
church :)
singing my favorite choir song
coffee in the fellowship hour
learning about the blues style of music
hanging out with my girls
sharing scones
Bandana's with my family
discussing apostrophes for 20 minutes
3 hour naps
Pastor Smith preaching on Ephesians
sitting by my Daddy
dinner with the Shaffers after evening service
watching the video on facebook of Nathan and me lip-syncing
laughing at it with my mom
talking to Bailee and making awesome plans for tomorrow!

Verse of the Day-
Ephesians 6:21-24

So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.
Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.

Quotes of the Day-

Why did you get so pretty today- such a waste!

I'm trying to figure out why you're so happy and cheerful!

Well it's not like you were goth two weeks ago!

Saturday

2009-05-17T13:54:00.004-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
making empanadas for 2 hours
being spontaneous with Madeline
finding an art show!
getting coffee and breakfast from Kaldi's
enjoying the live music out on the the patio
green bread
paintings and gardens
bookstores
going to bookstores with Madeline
poetry
Old Navy
resisting temptations to buy everything I like
buying and arranging flowers
Grandma's beautiful house
getting food ready with Hannah
her awesome beaded shirt
wedding showers!
hearing Amy's drama-stories
spinach dip
Stephanie's devotion on beautiful messes
last minute sleepover!
my beautiful, awesome, wise, fun Madeline :)
using redbox for the first time
talking for literally 6 hours, almost non-stop, on one subject
Caleb being helpful and trying for 15 minutes to get the tv to work
then not even watching the movie
laughing with Madeline at anything and everything

Verse of the Day-
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice with evil, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never ends.

Friday

2009-05-15T15:36:00.004-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
Mary Kate's birthday!
"sleeping in" until 9
hearing that 5 of my friends read my blog :)
taking the kiddos to soccer
reading Galations and Feminine Appeal in a lawn chair
planning spontaneity...?
Whole Foods!
free quacamole samples
giant waterbottles and mangoes
fruit galore
baking and baking and cooking and baking
grilled food
eating outside
laughing at my siblings playing the wii
playing guess who
talking to my best friend Bailee :)

Verse of the Day-
Galations 2:15-21

We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.
But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I know live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if justification were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.

Thursday

2009-05-14T10:00:00.004-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
starting out my morning with God's Word, being on top of laundry, and a run
morning air after a stormy night
the wonderful grace of my God
His steadfast love and mercy being renewed every morning!
laughing at my crazy parents who stay out until ridiculous hours
finishing my to-do list by mid-morning
warm blow dryers
the curly hair that God has blessed me with! sounds silly, but I love it!
driving with windows down in beautiful weather
my sweet trouser-jeans
Yahweh granting me patience during Mary's piano lesson
facebooking Hannah about wedding showers all day
oranges
naps
reading last month's Real Simple magazine
experimenting with recipes
baking cranberry orange scones for Arielle's wedding shower
reading Feminine Appeal

Verse of the Day-

Titus 1:15-16
To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. They profess to know God, but they deny Him by their WORKS. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any GOOD WORK.

Titus 2:7-8
Show yourself in all respects to be a model of GOOD WORKS, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.

Titus 2:11-14
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for GOOD WORKS.

Titus 3:1-8
Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every GOOD WORK, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because WORKS done by us in rightesouness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to GOOD WORKS. These things are excellent and profitable for people.

Titus 3:14
And let our people learn to devote themselves to GOOD WORKS, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.

Wednesday

2009-05-13T21:24:00.003-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
helping the kids get ready for Piano Guild
long phone conversation with Kim!
2 1/2 hour lunch with my wonderful Grandmother!
sharing a Dewey's salad and pizza with her
wisdom and advice from her
home again
taking the kiddos to Guild
walking around Mobap with Benjamin
the feel of the air right after it rains
catching up with Mrs. Haas, my old piano teacher
making speedy quesadillas for the kids before I left for choir
leftover Dewey's for my dinner!
singing Alto with Annie!
watching Lisa act out stories
long phone conversations
rambling

Verse of the Day-
Genesis 1:18-25

"Then Yahweh God said, 'It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.' So out of the ground Yahweh God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. So Yahweh God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that Yahweh God had taken from the man He made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said,

'This at last is bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called Woman,
because she was taken out of Man.'

Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed."

Tuesday

2009-05-12T23:16:00.002-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
Noah's birthday!
going on a run in this beautiful weather
feeding the chitlins lunch
delicious toasted sandwiches
reading and reading and reading
facebook message threads with my awesome friends
getting to talk to Elizabeth!
hearing Mary Walton in the background :)
dinner with my family and Grandma and Grandpa
small group with Ami, Amy, Anna, and Hannah!
talking, laughing, talking, venting, talking, and praying with them
mostly praying with and for them

Verse of the Day-
Philippians 4:4-7

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Monday

2009-05-11T23:05:00.003-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
being trusted with 5 children all morning
Elizabeth the ridiculously adorable baby
Paul the rambunctious and fun toddler
smart little Luke
helpful Rebekah
responsible Alice
crowds of 2 and 3 year old little boys flocking to me
letting them take turns blowing and popping bubbles
watching their attempts to blow
sharing my big box of chalk- "just one color at a time..."
meeting Seminary moms!
reading "5 little monkeys" 4 times in a row- "can you read it to ME now?"
huge stacks of books with no bag :)
iced tea
falling asleep on the hammock
reading outside
watching Andy Griffith with Caleb

Verse of the Day-
Titus 2:3-5

"Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the Word of God may not be reviled."

Sunday

2009-05-10T21:24:00.004-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
getting breakfast ready for my mother
the wonderful Proverbs 31 woman that is my mother!
laughing at my dad who was in a very funny mood in the car
church of course
borrowing babies :)
Wes Baker visiting from Peru
-he preached, then presented their ministry during Sunday School
coffee for the first time since Wednesday
my cool vintage shirt from New Orleans
Fletchers for lunch
going to see Grandma for Mothers' Day
Sunday afternoon naps
watching 7 Brides for 7 Brothers with Mary!
seeing friends in surprising places
talking wedding cake
making Country mixes for friends
chilling with Nathan
talking with my toothy-thing in that makes me have a lisp

Verse of the Day-
Romans 7:4-6

"Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to Him who has been raised from the dead, in order hat we may bear fruit for God. For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve not under the old written code but in the new life of the Spirit."

Saturday

2009-05-09T17:32:00.004-05:00

Yesterday at Dominion was fantastic. We got Sonic on the way, which made the kids ecstatic. I was pretty happy that my grilled chicken sandwich came on a wheat bun. I finished my book right as we got to Dominion. Most people fished, and I watched from the front porch swing, listening to Country music, wearing cowgirl boots, drinking iced tea, and knitting. Then the sun set, and it was perfect. When it got darker we sat around the fire, then all played Mexican Train before bed.

Things I Love About Today-
snuggling with and tickling Mary
eating cereal from a mug
blue jeans and cowgirl boots
knitting up a storm out by the firepit
running/walking/hiking with Mary
picking flowers for Mama
laying in the clover
finally reading Madeline's Senior Research Paper
painting with Mary
being inspired by Madsey's paper to be a little more abstract
(which for me, isn't very abstract- I'm usually a perfectionist!)
chilling on the hammock
listening to RUF music on the way home
taking pizza orders
NOT going to three store and only buying something from one of them
but I did like going to them with Elijah :)
making strawberry muffins
wrapping presents with Nathan (he just watched)

Verse of the Day-
Romans 6:20-23

"When you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? The end of those things is death. But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Quote of the Day-
Rachel: I would say to them, "you'd better not flirt with me or my 6 brothers will beat you up!"
Elijah: Yeah, and one of them is with you!
Rachel: Would you beat them up for me?
Elijah: well, I could tickle them...
:)

Friday

2009-05-08T15:52:00.003-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
a blah morning turning into a beautiful afternoon
reading first thing when I got up
facebook threads with 4 awesome friends
rain
going to Chucks Boots to get...
COWGIRL BOOTS!
more Mother's Day errands
friendly and helpful sales ladies
wearing my awesome new boots to Bread, Co. and Lisa's
visiting invalid Lisa :)
toasted apple butter, turkey, monterey sandwich-yummm
packing to go to...
DOMINION!
being gone for 24 hours, but bringing 7 books... haha
iced tea

Verse of the Day-
Romans 6:11-14

"In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace."

Thursday

2009-05-07T22:03:00.004-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
strength from Christ to do the things I need to do, even when my body is weak
I'm sure I sound like a broken record sometimes, but it's a great feeling to have all of my laundry folded and put away the day that I wash it all. I used to just let it sit in my room for a week, and then start the whole process over again!
finding a rubberband-bracelet that said "Dimes for Carey" ;)
making homemade bread
cooking dinner (specifically, lasagna)
watching last nights results on AI- I'm so happy that Kris is still safe!
going on an outside run (minus the part where a bee followed me)
Carey, the awesomest big brother ever
my family being picky about my sweaters :)
ending up putting my sweater on inside out! hahaha
graham cracker cookies
hanging out in the great outdoors
learning the game Mexican Train (dominoes)
dominating while I was on a team with Mary, but losing after she went to bed
my fantastic Daddy and Mama
my sweet Aunt Lori
Romans

Verse of the Day-
Romans 8:31-39

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died-- more than that, who was raised-- who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,

'For Your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered,'

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Wednesday

2009-05-06T21:02:00.002-05:00

Today was one of those emotional-roller-coaster days. Parts were wonderful, parts heart-breaking.

Things I Love About Today
playing the piano just because I wanted to
reading a Doug Wilson book outside
front porch swings
cooking for other people
going on Mother's-Day errands
bringing Aunt Lori a meal
hugging her and crying with her
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" Gal 6:2
meeting Hannah for lunch
catching up with her
her cute outfit
coffee for the first time in 3 days (broken French press!)
phone calls
watching Caleb's Senior Research Presentation
making chocolate chip pancakes for the kids for dinner
"car talk" with Annie and Hanney
choir practice!
praying for Aunt Lori with the rest of choir
talking about life and death with Mrs. Hoover

Verse of the Day-
Ecclesiastes 3:9-22

"What gain has the worker from his toil? I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil--this is God's gift to man.
I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before Him. That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already has been; and God seeks what has been driven away.
Moreover, I saw under the sun that in the place of justice, even there was wickedness, and in the place of righteousness, even there was wickedness. I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every matter and for every work. I said in my heart with regard to the children of man that God is testing them that they may see that they themselves are but beasts. For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath. and man has no advantage over the beasts, for all is vanity. All go to one place. All are from the dust, and to dust all return. Who knows whether the spirit of man goes upward and the spirit of the beast goes down into the earth? So I saw that there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his work, for that is his lot. Who can bring him to see what will be after him?"

Tuesday

2009-05-05T22:56:00.003-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
singing to, tickling, & pushing Mary off the bed to make her get up :)
sisters
this beautiful morning!
going on a run in the lovely sunshiney woods
(not the freshly-dead squirrel. yuck)
my workout being easier as I get more used to it...
...that means I have to make it harder now though
my generous brother Nathan
finally finding my poor misplaced phone
bread, co to go
getting to talk to Anna, Hannah, Amy, and Bailee all in a row!
going to "small" group!-there were 10 of us...kinda large :)
sitting outside, hearing how every one is doing, and praying
swinging with my amazing Danielle!
talking about Psalm 13 and 73 and our lives
encouraging each other to be patient and wait on the Lord
grocery shopping
the friendly cashier lady telling me that my outfit was really cute :)
tea of the month!
baking graham cracker cookies
family devotions and praying for one another
watching American Idol with my family- go Kris!
watching Nathan's rhetoric project movie- it is really really good!
pictures and memories
discussing Caleb's creative Bible project with him

Verse of the Day-
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8,

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace."

Monday

2009-05-04T20:25:00.003-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
being woken up by my Daddy
dusting and vacuuming the basement
feeling productive
being pleasantly surprised
colors
a long enjoyable lunch with my Aunt Lori
planning VBS stuff
walking across sunny dandelion-filled fields
going to see Oma for her birthday!
visiting with her and Uncle Stan outside in the sunshine :)
listening to Kristen and Madeline's Senior Research Presentations
talking to my Grandma and Grandpa and answering funny questions
my beautiful Hanney!
watching people splatter-paint
chilling with the kids after dinner
listening to classical music- particularly:
Rachmaninov's Piano Concert No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18
and Albinoni's Adagio in G Minor
...the minor ones were pretty mellow and relaxing
good talks with Nathan :)

Verse of the Day-
Psalm 73:21-28,

When my soul was embittered,
when I was pricked in heart,
I was brutish and ignorant;
I was like a beast toward You.

Nevertheless, I am continually with You;
You hold my right hand.
You guide me with Your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
What have I in heaven but You?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

For behold, those who are far from You shall perish;
You put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to You.
But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made Yahweh God my refuge,
that I may tell of all Your works.

Sunday

2009-05-03T21:26:00.003-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
singing some of my favorite hymns in church-
"Great Is Thy Faithfulness" and "Father, I Know That All My Life..."
Pastor Meyers preaching on the passage in Luke that is parallel to the one that I've been reading in Matthew 6
making cake
having people over for Sunday dinner
venturing out to the barn
apples to apples
calls from Bailee!
power-naps (as mom calls them)
singing Psalm 118 (my Psalm of yesterday) in the evening service!
going to Growlers with my family and the Shaffers
planning lunch with friends for 3 days in a row
good talks with my Daddy and Mama
laughing at my Dad :)

Verse of the Day-
Revelations 3:19-22, " 'Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with Me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.' "

Saturday

2009-05-02T22:44:00.004-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
getting up at 9 instead of after noon like I usually do on Saturdays
getting almost everything on my to-do list finished
baking cake
going on a run outside
seeing a fuzzy caterpillar and a rabbit
hearing birds and a squirrel
smelling (and seeing!) the honeysuckle and wild phlox
being able to just think
working out and my elbow not hurting as badly
spur of the moment visit with Bailee!
baking friendship bread
always having good talks with Bailee :)

Verse of the Day-
Psalm 18:1,5-6,8,13-21,24-26,28-29

Oh give thanks to Yahweh, for He is good;
for His steadfast love endures forever!
...
Out of my distress I called on Yahweh;
Yahweh answered me and set me free.
Yahweh is on my side; I will not fear.
What can man do to me?
...
It is better to take refuge in Yahweh
than to trust in man.
...
I was pushed hard, so that I was falling,
but Yahweh helped me.
Yahweh is my strength and my song;
He has become my salvation.
Glad songs of salvation
are in the tents of the rightous:
"The right hand of Yahweh does valiantly,
the right hand of Yahweh exalts,
the right hand of yahweh does valiantly!"

I shall not die, but I shall live,
and recount the deeds of Yahweh.
Yahweh has disciplined me severely,
but He has not given me over to death.
Open to me the gates of righteousness,
that I may enter though them
and give thanks to Yahweh.
This is the gate of Yahweh;
the righteous shall enter through it.
I thank you that you have answered me
and have become my salvation.
...
This is the day that Yahweh has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Save us, we pray, O Yahweh!
O Yahweh, we pray, give us success!

Blessed is he who comes in the name of Yahweh!
We bless you from the house of Yahweh
...
You are my God, and I will give thanks to You;
You are my God; I will extol you,
Oh give thanks to Yahweh, for He is good;
for His steadfast love endures forever!

Friday

2009-05-01T21:18:00.003-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
playing dress-up
watching project presentations at Wildwood for 4 hours
learning interesting facts and worldviews on hot air balloons, commercial fishing, golf, arabian horses, quilting, WWII, airplanes, zeppelins, the Eiffel tower, flapper girls, and baseball
blue jeans and ponytails (makes me feel like Madeline)
laundry and kitchen work
peanut butter sandwiches!
naps
getting emails from Covenant Seminary
our pregnant kitty
the chilly weather
grilled chicken and burgers with the fam
watching Cinderella with Mary and my parents
3 out of 4 of us falling asleep on the couch :)

Verse of the WEEK-
Psalm 13

How long, O Yahweh? Will You forget me forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?
How long must I take counsel in my soul
and have sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

Consider and answer me, O Yahweh, my God;
light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
lest my enemy say, "I have prevailed over him,"
lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.

But I have trusted in Your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
I will sing to Yahweh,
because He has dealt bountifully with me.

Thursday

2009-04-30T19:09:00.003-05:00

Okay, so in yesterday's post I mentioned going to bed early... that was the plan. I was ready to go to sleep at 10:30. but... I couldn't. I tossed and turned for soo long, and eventually got up for a little bit thinking that would help me go to sleep, but no... I didn't end up falling asleep until close to 2:00am. boo. And then, I woke up at 6:10am. woot. I eventually got up at 7:20, because I figured that I might as well start out my productive day early!

Things I Love About Today-
talking with mom and dad before anyone else was awake
being on the ball with laundry
organizing papers and "files"
not having butterflies in my stomach all day
sight-reading hymns just for fun!
practicing my piano songs from last semester
Mary's lesson with no tears or raised voices :)
having my laundry all clean, folded, put away, and hung up by the middle of they day!
(that usually takes about 6 days)
good talks with my Daddy and Mama
talking to my two best friends right in a row :)
cooking dinner!
Daddy chopping the huge sweet potatoes because he was worried I was going to cut myself :)
yummy rosemary-sweet potatoes
being amused by (harmless) miscommunication on facebook
actually running and working out, even though I put it off all day
watching a snippet of Gone With The Wind while I ran

Verse of the Day-
Matthew 6:25-34,
"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kindom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

Poem of the Day-
On Another's Woe
by William Blake

Can I see another's woe,
And not be in sorrow too?
Can I see another's grief,
And not seek for kind relief?

Can I see a falling tear,
And not feel my sorrow's share?
Can a father see his child
Weep, or be with sorrow fill'd?

Can a mother sit and hear
An infant groan an infant fear?
No, no! never can it be!
Never, never can it be!

And can He who smiles on all
Hear the wren with sorrows small,
Hear the small bird's grief and care,
Hear the woes that infants bear,

And not sit beside the nest,
Pouring pity in their breast;
And not sit the cradles near,
Weeping tear on infant's tear;

And not sit both night and day,
Wiping all our tears away?
O, no! never can it be!
Never, never can it be!

He doth give His joy to all;
He becomes an infant small;
He becomes a man of woe;
He doth feel the sorrow too.

Think not thou canst sigh a sigh
And thy Maker is not by;
Think not thou canst weep a tear
And thy Maker is not near.

O! He gives to us His joy
That our grief He may destroy;
Till our grief is fled and gone
He doth sit by us and moan.

Wednesday

2009-04-29T21:24:00.002-05:00

Things I Love About today-
getting up at a decent hour
making my room look spick and span
helping mom and the kids organize the "study hall"
coming across some of my old old Humanities papers
organizing things
reading VBS director books :)
having lunch with my awesome Lindsay-friend!
talking about Hebrews, baptism, predestination, and freewill
catching up on life
meeting with Josh to plan VBS stuff
being prayed for :)
celebratory wine with mom and dad
hilarious rides to and from choir with mom, Mrs. Harris, and Mrs. Hoard!
going to bed early!
"scratching backs" with Mary Rose :)
listening to the rain

Verse of the Day-
Hebrews 5:11-14, "About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil."

Quote of the Day-
(amusing speakerphone conversation between Mrs. Hoard and her mom through the phone in her car... we were all laughing a lot)

Mrs. Hoard's mom: have y'all been drinking??
...no!...later...
Mrs. Hoard: I'm sorry I did this to you Mom; you'll probably be mean to me for a few days.
Mrs. Hoard's mom: Yes, that's probably so.
Mrs. Hoard: I love you Mom!
Mrs. Hoard's mom: I like you a lot too. Goodbye.

:)

Tuesday

2009-04-28T23:31:00.003-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
trying out chicory coffee in my french press
scrubbing and wiping down all the kitchen cabinets (and we have a big kitchen- there are a lot of cabinets!)
feeling productive :)
reading Mansfield Park! I've been reading it for so long because this time I've been going through it slowly, analyzing the characters and themes. It's very interesting.
poems by romantic-era poets
St. Charles Family Arena not being as far away as I thought
going to the Mobap graduation!
sitting with Kinsey and Amanda
my beautiful college graduate Kendra
getting to see Jessica for the first time since December
family resemblances :)
misty rain
delicious strawberries and fresh pineapple
laughing at Amy's newfound video-making power

Verse of the Day-
"Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

Quote of the Day-
girl at graduation: "Way to get your edumication, Momma!"

Monday

2009-04-27T21:21:00.004-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
going on a run in the rain!
having lunch with my Daddy
finally turning in my application for Covenant Seminary!
-I've been talking about taking a class there for 1 1/2 years-
the atmosphere of the mall
my mac not having huge problems... just little ones
coincidental meetings
getting lots of errands run
grocery stores
lots of flowers everywhere :)
40-hour-project presentations!
my beautiful Madsey-friend

Verse of the Day-
Lamentations 3:21-26, "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in Him.' The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."

Song of the Day-
This is a beautiful ballad by Carrie Underwood featuring Randy Travis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvTwFl6OIAk&feature=PlayList&p=04272118E8CD9BB3&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=63

"If I got down on my knees and told you I was yours forever
Would you get down on yours too and take my hand
Would we get that old time feeling
Would we laugh and talk for hours
The way we did when our love first began
Would you tell me that you miss me too
And that you've been so lonely
And you've waited for the day that I returned
And we live and love forever
And that I'm your one and only?"

Polyvore of the Day-

farm girl? by RachelDorothea featuring Golden Goose boots

Sunday

2009-04-26T21:45:00.003-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
the Lord's day
pearls and updos
not being late to church when I'm in charge
the youth singing In Christ Alone!
fellowshipping with friends
talking about Art in Sunday School
going to lunch with all my siblings-and Johnny :)
spending literally all afternoon outside
this absolutely beautiful weather
laying on the hammock
reading
listening to Country music
folding, hanging up, and putting away ALL my laundry- finally!
making Caleb laugh for his senior pictures, and helping Aunt Courtney by holding the light reflector
chinese take-out with my family
finishing my Covenant application essay!

Verse of the Day-
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:6-7

Song of the Day-
That's What I Love About Sunday
by Craig Morgan

Sing along as the choir sways;
Every verse of Amazin' Grace,
An' then we shake the Preacher's hand.
Go home, into your blue jeans;
Have some chicken an' some baked beans.
Pick a back yard football team,
Not do much of anything:
That's what I love about Sunday.
...
Havin' a Hallelujah good time
A smile on everybody's face.
That's what I love about Sunday!

Thursday/Friday/Saturday

2009-04-25T21:44:00.009-05:00

wow, I didn't realize that I hadn't posted anything... these last few days have flown by! Probably because I'm on summer break and don't have any schedule at the moment!

Things I Love About the Last Few Days-
reading on the hammock every day
the bEAUtiful weather!
country music!
my french pressed coffee
friendship bread
summer clothes
baby showers
planning birthday parties
making Amanda wear a bumblebee costume
pasta parties with the girls- including but not limited to- Hannah, Anna, Amy, Amanda
iced tea
iced coffee
Jane Austen
Annie's piano recital
watching Disneynature's "earth" with my little siblings
God's incredible creation!
"saying prayers" with my little siblings
Benjamin (10 yr old) always praying "for a good wife and good kids" :)

Verse of the Day-
Revelations 14:7
"He said in a loud voice, 'Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.' "

Song of the Day-
Always the Love Songs
by Eli Young Band

"...get away from the city lights
We'd find a little wood and build a fire
Sonebody'd always bring a couple guitars
And we'd take turns singin' songs and watching it burn"

Polyvore of the Day-

buttons and bows by RachelDorothea featuring Hayden-Harnett hair accessories

Pictures of the Day-

Wednesday

2009-04-23T00:25:00.002-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
getting up early enough to have breakfast with my family
stringing pasta with Mary
going on a 45-minute walk/hike!
enjoying the beautiful and fragrant wild phlox!
the beautiful outdoors!
hanging out at Carey's
summer break :)
grilling and eating outside
choir practice!
Hannah's amazing creativity...
hanging out with Madeline!

Tuesday

2009-04-22T00:27:00.004-05:00

I was really crabby for a lot of today. I'm sorry. But there were still plenty of-
Things I Love About Today-
using my French press for the first time!
having coffee with friendship bread and a banana
a flood of Wood-memories
watching The Kite Runner- it's a really hard movie to watch
meeting my mom and little siblings for lunch at Bread, co!
Bacon Turkey Bravo....!
iced tea
hanging out with the kiddos
grocery shopping with Mary
mom's deep-dish pizza
family devotions!
cleaning the kitchen, then making a huge mess in it
...this is when I was reeeally tired and crabby...
talking to Amy and getting UNcrabby!
having a clean kitchen again
the forgiveness of friends
people who truly love me

Verse of the Day-
James 1:2-4, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Monday

2009-04-21T00:22:00.003-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
piano lesson with Mary
lunch with Hannah
soup and tea
planning birthday extravaganzas
my last official Mobap class possibly ever (kinda sad)
having a good talk with Dr. Benton
watching Nick jump for joy about cake
buying a French Press!
going to Starbucks with Lindsay!
celebrating the start of my summer break with an iced caramel macchiato
my favorite sunglasses
watching the longest student recital in the history of the world
listening to two of my friends sing my favorite song ever (For Good from Wicked)
going to Covenant Seminary to get a course schedule for the fall
planning Covenant classes!
hanging out with my family
baking tons of friendship bread!
writing the essay for the Covenant application
making a Country CD for Amy
anything pink

Saturday

2009-04-19T21:55:00.007-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
getting up, doing my "chores", and going to Rolla!
sitting in Bailee's dorm and just talking for hours :)
going to Bread, co. with Bailee and Jeremy
...salad...
creamy tomato soup!
beating Bailee twice at the obstacle course-inflatable thing! I was surprised!
bouncing down the giant slide and laaaaaaughing
watching Jeremy pown Bailee at everything they competed in
meeting Bailee's other friend Rachel
hula hoops!
taking "burst" picture stories
seeing Bailee's church
back to Bread, co!
tea, and free refills
watching Oklahoma with Bailee and Jeremy
eating junk food with Bailee and Maggie
curling each others' hair!
...staying up way too late :)

Sunday

2009-04-19T21:55:00.005-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
being surprisingly refreshed after only 1 hour of sleep (whoops!)
my pink scarf
sermon on Ephesians 6
delicious cinnamon coffee
springy rain (as opposed to gloomy rain)
cute umbrellas
going to the Shaffers' for lunch!
Aunt Lori's delicious cooking
riding the bus to the concert with Lindsay
cuddling and power naps
choir/bell concerts! ...the last one of the year :(
laughing at all the music-y choir people being loud on the bus
eating crumb stollen with Caleb

Verse of the Day-
Ephesians 6:10-20, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which yo can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words amy be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak."

Friday

2009-04-17T22:20:00.003-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
sitting outside with Christine, eating lunch and reading the Bible!
beautiful beautiful weather
curling Lindsay's hair
Forest Park with Hannah!
tuuuuulips!
my choir concert!
actually being able to sing- huge blessing, since I've been sick
Lindsay and I looking like sisters :)
making bunny cake pops!

Thursday

2009-04-16T22:45:00.003-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
sleeeeeeeeeeeep
my bed with flannel sheets
my Mama doing most of my laundry for me
finding out that I had exactly the ingredients that I needed for the cake because I didn't want to go to the store because I'm still not feeling my best
making a half-and-half chocolate-yellow cake
yummy cake
napping
hymns
making cake some more
dinner with my fambly
still making the cake
Psalms
finishing the cake with cute little eighth notes
...pretty much all I did was sleep and make cake...
sleeping with curlers in my hair for my choir concert tomorrow :)

Song Of The Day-
Hymn #186

1. When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

2. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God:
All the vain thins that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

3. See, from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down:
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

4. Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Wednesday

2009-04-15T22:33:00.004-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
my throat not hurting quite as badly as it did last night
my wrap-around sweater and other comfy clothes
rescheduling my piano lesson, since I'm sick
concerned, caring friends
tea and chicken noodle soup
not losing my phone, even though I misplaced it 3 times today
the weather today!
reading and eating lunch outside on a bench
being able to listen to the choir songs in the chapel
eating cookie "cake" with the bell gang for Carol's birthday
birthday candles
napping for 2 hours (since my throat hurt so bad I almost cried...didn't love that)
cheeseburger and grapes
watching Biggest Loser and American Idol with my family
hot cinnamon-vanilla-milk
my sweet hero Nathan who found my phone!
hanging out with Caleb (he enlightens me on gun laws)
typing without looking

Verse of the Day-
Galations 6:9-10, "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."

Polyvore of the day-
(or of the yesterday...)

Concert by RachelDorothea featuring Forever21 scarves

Tuesday

2009-04-14T23:01:00.003-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
finishing my to-do list again!
...I'm sick, so I can't think of everything right now...
soup
...I'm pretty sure that the only thing that kept me going today (besides Jesus, of course) was the 3 cups of very strong coffee...
baking
using my new white clutch
bright pink!
bells concerts!
I love being in bells so much :)
leftover Chinese food
American Idol
Kris singing "Falling Slowly" from Once...made my night :)

Monday

2009-04-13T22:34:00.003-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
sleeping in
finishing my entire to do list
briefly catching up with Kendra
having lunch with my wonderful amazing Daddy
oriental chicken salad from Elephant bar
the tall funny crunchy white noodle things on the salad
swapping with Christine before class
having choir practice on stage
my cute Lindsay-friend who's going to be a teacher
hearing her sweet boyfriend stories
being responsible(ish) and practicing piano
walking around the mall for 2 hours with my bff Hanney
new white clutch and yellow shoes!
gift cards!
more oriental food
choir practice with the harpist, percussionist, boy soloist, and Dr. Benton as our organist!
standing by Lindsay
finally getting to sit down
hot slightly sweetened cinnamon milk
talking with my Mama
hanging with Caleb while he worked on his Senior Research Paper

Easter Sunday

2009-04-12T22:45:00.002-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
Easter, duh!
taking the curlers out of my hair- immediate über curliness!
curling Mary's hair
our pretty Easter dresses
waiting on the stairs for everyone to be ready
following the yarn to find our Easter baskets!
mine being easy to find so I could finish getting ready
$25 Starbucks giftcard!
banana friendship bread yum
singing a "regular" song, a descant, AND the Hallelujah Chorus with choir!
coloring and whispering with Cael during the sermon while still trying to listen
finding the hide-a-key and going into the Shields' house while they were gone
Tucker sitting & watching me instead of droolingly charging at me like he usually does
coffee hour
listening to Lian Tombing's missionary report- God has really blessed their ministry!
having 70ish people over for an egghunt and lunch
Easter candy- lots of Chocolate!
listening to Mattey's crazy-person story
hanging out with Uncles and Aunts (and cousins, as always!)
wearing my cute trench coat (because it was soo cold outside!)
having a restful short afternoon
reading A Year Down Yonder some more
going to Bread, Co with Hanney and Madsey for dinner!
having Matt be the hero and change my tire in the cold and rain. he's awesome like that
going to the movies with H&M, Christine, and Lisa!
being amused (and slightly frustrated) at Duplicity
Julia Roberts
good talks with friends
chilling in Caleb's room

Saturday

2009-04-11T21:32:00.004-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
eating breakfast with my family
mmmm coffee
talking to and helping my dad organize and clean the Tackroom
cleaning out and organizing the barn
putting up the hammock!
general around-the-house cleaning
swinging in the tireswing with Mary!
making tortillas from scratch
making quesadillas for lunch
OCDishly arranging the cheese plate for tomorrow
using my gift certificate from my birthday to get a pedicure!
pearly pink toes
crafty things and recipes in Martha Stewart Living
lots of healthy things for dinner
going to Spooners for ice cream with my family!
getting ready for bed with Mary Rose
reading A Year Down Yonder (sequel to Long Way From Chicago)
sleeping with curlers in my hair

Verse of the Day-
Ephesians 3:14-19, "For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith-- that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."

Good Friday

2009-04-11T01:51:00.004-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
sleeping for 11+ hours
being OCD when folding my laundry :)
eating friendship bread with every meal today
being mindful of budgeting while shopping
my silky scarf from H&M
going to the Good Friday service at my church
"amazing love, how can it be that Thou, my God, wouldst die for me"
grace
watching The Passion of the Christ with friends
my amazingly thoughtful and sweet brother Nathan!
Matthew 26-28, Mark 14-16,
taking my vitamins and other pills every day for a week!

Verse of the Day-
Mark 14:32-36, "And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to His disciples, 'Sit here while I pray.' And He took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And He said to them, 'My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.' And going a little further, He fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. And He said, 'Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Remove this cup from me. Yet not My will, but what You will.'"

Wednesday

2009-04-09T00:00:00.005-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
practicing piano-Mozart!
...having piano out of the way and not knowing what to do next
reading my Bible outside in the sunshine!
not being rushed on the way to school
walking from the C lot and being amused by passersby
stopping in the Perk to get (free) hot water for my tea
mild exploring of the paths behind the fine arts building- more on this soon.
productive piano lesson! yay!
back to the Perk for a sandwich- I forgot to bring lunch whoops
eating on a swing in the quad- then reading on the swing- in the sunshine!
The Mark of a Christian (Francis Schaeffer)
(broken record, I know...) listening to solo auditions for choir
wonderful wonderful bells
(I'm not in two of our songs, and I almost cried listening to them today)
visiting my Daddy at his office
Aldi's!
cooking at The Grove
eating dinner around the firepit with Carey, Luke, and Hal
sitting with my choir buddy Lisa for old times sake!
Starbucks with Lisa!
free refills on coffee :)
catching up with my Kinsey friend on the way home :)
chilling with Caleb (watching him put the covers over sleeping mary- aww)

Verse of the Day-
Colossians 3:23-24, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord."

Tuesday

2009-04-08T00:47:00.007-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
(a much better day than Monday)
coffee with half & half... x2
78 notifications on facebook... wow.
practicing MozartMozartMozart
toasted turkey cheese bagel yummy things that my mom makes
cleaning off my desk!
my glorious clean white desk!
organizing all my ridiculous amounts of papers into files
crying while reminiscing
old letters and penpals and memories :)
walking around outside
running around with the miniatures horses
heaving logs and branches and wading in the creek and mud
(cleaning out the creek so the gate can close)
my awesome rainboots! practical and cute!
bread and butter
purposefully wearing pink and red
going to Ami's for small group!
running around the triangular block with Anna
green&rooibos tea
hanging out with Amanda, Mary Kate, Amy, Hannah, Ami, and Anna
paint by numberrrrr!
fellowship, laughter, encouragement, and prayer
planning parties!
FINALLY being caught up on my blog posting!

Verse(s) of the Day-

Hebrews 11:1, 24-26, 32-12:2

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. ...

"By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasure of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. ...

"And what more shall I say? for time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets-- who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated-- of whom the world was not worthy-- wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Polyvore of the Day-

Whimsy by RachelDorothea featuring Matthew Williamson tank tops

Monday

2009-04-08T00:46:00.001-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
(it started out a not unusual day-)
slack off, wear my pjs, shower at the last minute, rush off to choir :/
choir was fun- the Cantor came to help us with our Hebrew
walk around campus handing out cookies to any friend I met
meet Arielle at Starbucks to talk about her wedding cake!
go home :)
then, God gave me the strength to be a lil productive-
practice piano- Mozart!
organize my shelf a little bit
dinner with my family
chorale society- and home again :)
(it was kind of a short day. weird)

Sunday

2009-04-06T00:02:00.006-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
being kinda on time to choir practice even though I woke up 40 minutes late
Te Deum/Holy God We Praise Your Name arrangement
my pencil skirt
finally getting coffee
listening to the kids sing for Palm Sunday
watching the adorable little kids pass out palm leaves
being given two palm leaves!
Pastor Smith's church plant presentation
tearing up 3 times through the course of church...
lunch at Bandana's with some of my friends and family!
two hour nap
church again :)
"breakfast" at Jack in the Box
making cookies!

Chicken Fried by RachelDorothea featuring Golden Goose shoes

Saturday

2009-04-04T22:13:00.008-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
going to Dominion!
(our hunting property in Mt. Sterling-central Missouri)
watching Open Season 2 with my lil siblings on the way there
the beautiful weather
"oh, it's a beautiful day, not a cloud in sight, & I guess I'm doing alright!"
(Phil Vassar song)
coffee, bonfire, lakeview=awesome
roasting hot dogs and s'mores
walking around & taking pictures of my family while the fished
hiking with Daddy, Mama, and Mary!
finding the creek
beautiful boulders all around the hills
taking an hour long nap out on the hammock!
fishing
a lovely day in paradise
listening to Victor Borge on the way home
stopping at Kline's diner for dinner- it was soo busy, but it was worth the wait!
home sweet home

Picture(s) of the Day-

Friday

2009-04-04T22:13:00.005-05:00

Things I Love About Today-

...what the heck did I do on Friday?? hmm...

Opera workshop at Mobap
mom's beautifully set table, ready for Supper Club
Steak'n'Shake with Mary and Noah
going to the Shields to trade Noah for Rebekah
painting pottery with Mary and Rebekah!
going to the mall with Mary and Rebekah!
ice cream for them, coffeeeeee for me!

Thursday

2009-04-04T22:12:00.002-05:00

Things I Love About Today-

...I'm behind and as soon as I get almost caught up I get behind again, so I'm just going to not worry about thinking hard on what I did on this day, and skip ahead. so there.

going to see Mobap's Musical Theatre Showcase- it was absolutely amazing!
watching it with Lindsay and Kacey
going to Hannah's to help her make cake
orange juice
going to Walmart with Johnny
stbx frappuccinos
making cake until 2am
spending the night with Hanney and laughing a lot

Wednesday

2009-04-04T21:33:00.002-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
getting up at 4:00 to practice piano for 3 hours (quietly, of course)
waking my family up to the smell of freshly baked homemade cinnamon rolls
taking a 10 mile run, then working out
getting up to date on all of my scrapbooks and photo albums
impressing Dr. Benton in my piano lesson with how well I knew all my songs
practicing some more after the lesson was over
being able to sing a high A# in choir!
playing my part in bells perfectly (including doubling)
going home to clean out my room (I threw away 3 trashbags of junk!)
making dinner for my family
leaving on time to go to choir
paying attention and not talking the entire time at choir
reading 2 theology books before bed
going to bed early.

...

Happy April Fools.

Things I Love About Today-
(for real this time)
practicing Chopin
having a good piano lesson
Dr. Benton allowing me to be in bells next year, even though I won't be at Mobap!
coffee in the Perk
seeing my lovely Danielle again :)
listening to solo auditions in choir
bells!
getting ready for our concert in 1 1/2 weeks!
(Tuesday, April 14, 7:30pm at Mobap- featuring Handbells and Concert Band)
passing out the truffles- watching people react to biting into the April Fools ones
grocery shopping at Aldi's and Schnucks
cooking with Carey!
hanging out at The Grove with Carey, Luke, Hal, and MK
grilled burgers and buns, Wood-style
choir!
Starbucks with David and Rusty
getting the cute little mug that I've been eyeing for the last 3 weeks

Tuesday

2009-04-04T00:57:00.004-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
laundry and piano- yay productivity
going to the Hilda J. Young Park down the road to run with Noah
Making oreo truffles with April Fools "surprises" inside a few
...I don't remember anything else that I did that day...

Monday

2009-04-04T00:43:00.005-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
running!
working out!
practicing piano for a full hour!
(seriously, I have not done all 3 in one day in at least a year)
lunch with my Daddy :)
oriental chicken salads from Elephant Bar
CHOIR!
Lindsay Gruen!!!
Danielle Endejan!!!
watching my very first Mobap sports game with them
catching up and encouraging one another
getting home and taking a lil nature walk around my yard!
dinner with my family :)
choir rehearsal with harpist, percussionist, & boy soprano- they're all amazing!

Nature Walk Pictures-

Sunday

2009-04-04T00:28:00.003-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
my awesome new shoes with my favorite dress and pearls!
coffeecoffeecoffeecoffee
snow on the ground! weird, but awesome!
my wonderful church
Sunday School with Steve on Art in the New World with Tolkien as our guide. Hm.
being über productive and getting ALL of my laundry folded and hung up and put away!
reaccessorizing my favorite dress to make it a little more cas
church again :)
sleeeeeep

Saturday

2009-03-31T15:08:00.002-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
fetting up at 7:00am to watch the sunrise with Noah
watching manatees instead, since it was cloudy
having dressed, eaten breakfast, & packed before most people are awake
reading Garfield
helping Mom handwash the rest of the dishes
making bracelets in the car for my siblings
Tomazzo bagel for lunch
flying!
watching Benjamin and Mary laugh while watching Horton Hears A Who
almost crying after finishing Long Way From Chicago
InStyle magazing
laughing at strangers flirting with each other
turbulence. seriously. it's like a roller coaster :)
Luke picking us up in the party bus (aka 12-seater van)
looking at all the spring growth on the way home
getting my laundry done right away
deciding to get in the habit of washing my face every night
going to bed early :)

Friday

2009-03-31T15:04:00.002-05:00

Things I Love About Today-
having my hair in a cute bun with a flower clip
cruise to Cabbage Keys!
squishing on the trolley
the funny boat guy Andy
listening to Daddy talk about Nana and Papa
grilled cheese with tomato
climbing the water tower
exploring the "desert island"
more Wild & Crazy Eights
teaching Kings In The Corner to Benjamin and Elijah
Starbucks on the walk home
sitting and writing on the roof (with my iced caramel macchiato!)
jumping in the pool with Nathan and Mary
walking to Key Lime Bistro
delicious fish for dinner
going to Latte Da to peep some purple ice cream
texting Bailee
packing only taking 5 minutes
watching Parent Trap with the fam