Youth Ministry Vision Statement

Well, it finally happened. My hubby has been offered a Student Pastor position with a local body of believers and we will be planting a church. If you would've told me a few years back that this would be happening I would've probably died laughing (not really). I am just amazed at how awesome our God is! Anyway, I wanted to share our vision statement and see what you all thought. Thanks in advance for any feedback!

Timothy Bush

Wife: Brandy Bush
Married: October 10, 1998
Children: Alexander (Alex) - 8 years old; has autism
Alayna Grace - 3 years old
Hobbies & Interests: Traveling, reading, playing video games, music ( Skillet, Jars of Clay, 12 Stones, Mercy Me, etc.), and most of all spending time with my family.

As the Student Pastor I believe that every journey begins with the first step! I am committed to helping young people achieve their full potential, find meaning and purpose in life, and to know the unconditional love of God through teaching, praying, sharing and giving. I believe that young people belong in the life of our church and community and should be respected and encouraged no matter where they are when they take that first step.

An award, for me? Wow!

I got an award from Bobbi at Mixed Blessings. I've really enjoyed reading her blog and wish I could give the reward to her in return. :)




Here are the "rules":

1. The winner can put the logo on their blog.
2. Link to the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs you’ve nominated.

So, here goes the 7 blogs that I enjoy reading:

1. Betsy at MY FIVE MEN. I really enjoy visiting her blog and reading about her boys. She's also got some great recipes and food pictures. :)
2. Melinda at Dear Noah. I love the idea of her blog. I wish I were better at writing so I could do the same for Alex. Her blog touches me deeply because it is the truth spoken from a mother's heart.
3. Kristin at Kristin's blog. I love visiting and seeing all the pictures of her adorable little ones.
4. Shay at Uniquelyyoursbyshay's Weblog because she is a friend and a VERY talented artist. Check out her artwork!
5. Kerry at Colored with Memories. I really enjoy looking at the pictures of her girls and reading about the cute things they do. Also, her daughter and I share a birthday. :)
6. Bee at Dare to bee creative. She has some of the best ideas I have seen. Very creative!
7. Suzanne at Just a bunch of nothin' has a WONDERFUL way with words. When I read her post about mental retardation I instantly felt a connection because so many of her words could've come out of my mind. I just can't say them as beautifully as she can. She also takes some GREAT pictures of children.

Well, it took me awhile to do this because I really wanted to research the blogs I have saved over the past 6 months to find just the right ones. Please check them out and I hope you enjoy visiting them as much as I do. :)

"Welcome to my Class" goodie bag idea

My son's teacher gave all of her students a "Welcome to her class goodie bag". I thought it was the cutest thing, so I thought I'd share. Here's what was in it:

WELCOME

Welcome to my 2nd grade class!
I am so glad you are here.
I have made you a bag of goodies
to help describe our year.
The eraser is to let you know
it is okay to make mistakes.
We will correct them and learn from them
no matter what it takes!
The "Smarties" say I know you are smart
and really special too.
The "Lifesavers" are to remind you
that I am here for you.
The pencil represents the learning
that we will do.
2nd grade can be very hard,
but it is a lot of fun too!
The "Snickers" says we will laugh a lot
while traveling through grade 2.
The penny is to let you know
how valuable you are, too!

Back to work I go!

Well, today is my last day of being cooped up in my house all day with my two little angels. :) Yes, I am happy about it. I am so ready to get back on a schedule. I know I probably won't feel this way when I have to start getting up at 5:30 every morning though.

I've had a pretty good summer besides being sick with bronchitis for most of it. I didn't really get to do a lot of things I would've liked to do with the kids due to my illness and lack of funds but I really enjoyed being home with them. I did get my home more organized and less cluttered. That is very hard to do when you are home all day with 2 kids. Staying home is a lot of work! We also had a GREAT week at the beach! (note to self: I still need to get the pictures off my camera and blog about our trip). :)

I hope everyone else has had/is having a great summer! Let's go back to school now! :)

Enlightened perspective

If you will take the time to read these I promise you'll come away with an enlightened perspective. The subjects covered affect us all on a daily basis:

They're written by Andy Rooney, a man who has the gift of saying so much with so few words. Enjoy.......

I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.

I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.


I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.

I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class.

I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned.... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned.... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned.... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I've learned.... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Mom/Dad that I love her/him one more time before she passed away.

I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned.... That when your newly born child/grandchild holds your little finger in his/her little fist, that you're hooked for life.

I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

We're back!

We are back from our beach trip! We left on Monday and were supposed to return on Friday. We got there and as the week went on we decided to stay until Sunday. We had a blast. We were back home by 5:30 last night. I am now home and trying to catch up on laundry and such. Tim started back to work this morning. I know he hated getting up at 4:00 am after having no time restrictions for a week. Well, school will be starting back in 3 weeks, so I better enjoy my time at home while it lasts. :) I hope to be catching up on some blogging over the next few days too. Looking forward to checking in with everyone! Have a great day!

I did it!! Woohoo!!

I took my bus test and I passed it!! You have no idea how many hours I studied the parts of a school bus. :) I am so glad it's over. Now I can look forward to my vacation next week knowing that I have a job to come back to.

Please excuse the mess!

I am currently trying to give my blog a facelift. Since I am fairly new at all of this it may take awhile. Please excuse the mess while I figure everything out. :)

School bus test

I haven't been around much the past few days because I have been studying for a test tomorrow. I have to drive a school bus in order to be an aide in our school system and tomorrow is my test to get my CDL. I am really nervous because if I do not pass I do not have a job. I am trying to be optimistic but I'm not very good at it. I know I have God on my side and His will is what matters. I just wish I wasn't so nervous. My test is at 8:00 tomorrow morning. Please pray that everything goes well. Thanks!

The Simple Woman's Day Book - My First Entry

For Today:

Okay, I know it's not Monday but I just couldn't wait to try this. :)

Outside My Window...Cars flying down the highway.
I am thinking...about VBS tonight, School bus driving test on Tuesday morning, my trip to the grocery store later today.
I am thankful for...My family, air conditioning, a job where I get the summer off to spend with my kiddos.
From the kitchen...Clean dishes and table (dinner at church tonight). :)
I am wearing...I'm embarassed to admit this.... My pajamas. :)
I am creating...Lots of scrapbook page ideas in my head. Hopefully soon I'll be able to get them on paper and in albums. :)
I am going...to church tonight and Wal-Mart later today for groceries. I'm even out of trash bags!
I am reading...A Woman of Moderation
I am hoping...that I will continue to do this weekly to get myself posting more on my blog and meeting more people.
I am hearing...Caillou on the TV.
Around the house...Alex & my nephew, McNeal are playing the Wii in the living room, Alayna is trying to fall asleep in my bed and I am playing on the internet while I wait for Alayna to fall asleep. She's gotten really clingy lately.
One of my favorite things...Pictures
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Study, study, study for my test on Tuesday!
Here is a picture thought I am sharing...




To read more Daybook entries, please visit The Simple Woman for the list of participants this week. Have a great weekend!

Traveling solo tonight

I will be leaving in a few hours to drive to the Atlanta airport to pick up my mother and step-father. They have been visiting family in California for the last two weeks and my step-father forgot to book a rental car for the drive home. :) I am kind of looking forward to some quiet time to myself. I don't really like driving long distances by myself but I'm going to use this 3 hour trip (approximately) to spend some alone time with God. I may or may not be on tomorrow. It will depend on how exhausted I am after 6+ hours of driving. Have a blessed evening!

Beach vacation

I'm just sitting here thinking that two weeks from today I will be here....




Anyone else taking a vacation soon? If so, where? Beach, mountains, etc.

A Day at the Park

I just thought I'd share some pictures of our day at the park this week. Enjoy!



Alayna enjoying the swing!



Alex getting ready to slide.




My nephew, McNeal, doing something I never could do! :)

Clutter

It has finally happened! We have outgrown our house and have been taken over by clutter!

I have been out of work for the summer for 3 weeks now and still haven't gotten the clutter under control. I have come a long way by doing a little each day but still have lots to do. My to-do list is getting longer and longer! :)

Some of the things I have done so far:

1. Cleaned the refrigerator off (magnets, school work, pictures, etc.)
2. Cleaned out freezer.
3. Cleaned out the kids toyboxes.
4. Cleaned out my "to be filed" pile.
5. Organized DVD's in entertainment center.
6. Straightened up and went through books on bookshelf. I got rid of the books the kids had outgrown.
7. Scrubbed the bathroom baseboards, floors, walls, doors, tub, sink, toilet, etc.
8. Cleaned laundry room.
9. Gone through mail over the trashcan daily.

There may be more but I can't think of anything else right now.

Anyone want to share their secrets to overcoming clutter? :)

Video games & autism

Alex's favorite pastime is video games. It's not a certain system or certain game. He will play anything and everything as long as it's a type of video game. Actually he likes board games too. I am not a parent that likes my child to spend a lot of time playing video games but it truly makes him happy. I will admit that he plays more than I really like him to because I am having a hard time finding ways to keep him entertained and happy at the same time. I would love it if somebody would give me some fun ideas for me and the kids to try this summer. I am keeping my 10 year old nephew, my son who's 8 (has autism) and my daughter who is 3. The boys are playing video games together and entertaining each other, which is an accomplishment for Alex to play with others. He prefers to play by himself most of the time. I am entertaining my daughter most of the time. Thanks for any ideas!

Autism evaluation

We finally got an autism evaluation last week for Alex with the Carolina Autism Resource & Evaluation Center. We have tried to get this evaluation before but couldn't get our schedules to work out.

A little background:

Alex was diagnosed with ADHD in Dec. 2004, Asperger's Syndrome in Jan. 2006 and LD in May 2006. I have known something was "different" with Alex since about 3 months before his 3rd birthday but never thought it could be Asperger's. I have done LOTS of research and just didn't feel this diagnosis (that we received from 2 different doctors) was accurate. I finally found out who to contact and was referred by the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs to the CARE Center.

The evaluation team consisted of 3 very knowledgeable and caring professionals. They were wonderful with Alex. We all felt very comfortable there. When we left with the diagnosis of Autism I had mixed emotions. I was sad because nobody wants to hear that their child has a disability. I was relieved because we finally had some answers and I knew my motherly instincts were correct.

Anyway, all of this to say that we are now on the next leg of our journey with autism. We are now in search of a new developmental pediatrician (didn't care for the one we went to before). Thanks for reading about our journey. :)

Bronchitis, bronchitis, bronchitis!

I am REALLY starting to dislike that word. I have been sick for 2 weeks now and am getting exhausted. School was out here on the 5th of June. I came home that afternoon with a fever of 101.8 and it progressed over the next few days and got as high as 103.7! I cannot remember the last time I had a fever that high! The fever has been gone a little over a week now but the cough is still hanging on. I have coughed so much I feel like I need to go back to diapers! :) Anyway, enough with my complaining. I'm hoping that maybe since I got my thoughts written down maybe the cough will decide to finally leave me with a little help from my new best friend, Mucinex DM. ;) This stuff really works but I think I'm going to have to get a second bottle at the rate I'm going. Praying that nobody else is having to spend their summer dealing with bronchitis!

Wonder Pets

My daughter and I have discovered a cute show on NICK JR, the Wonder Pets ! This is a cute show where classroom pets become superheroes after school is out for the day. They teach little ones how to work together while saving animals in trouble. Teamwork! And the animals are as cute as they can be. I personally like Ming-Ming and my daughter likes Tuck. Check it out with your little ones and see how they like it. Also, if you'd like to win a copy of Wonder Pets : Save the Nursery Rhyme then check out the giveaway at Seven Dogs and a Baby. Good luck and I hope you enjoy the Wonder Pets as much as we did! :)

Encouragement

I received this in an email from a friend and really liked some of the points made. :)

This should probably be taped to your bathroom mirror where one could read it every day. You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.


1. There are at least two people in this world that you would die for.


2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.


3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.


4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.


5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.


6. You mean the world to someone.


7. You are special and unique.


8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.


9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.


10. When you think the world has turned its back on you take another look.


11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.


Good friends are like stars.
You don't always see them,
But you know they are always there.


Whenever God Closes One Door He Always Opens Another


Happiness keeps You Sweet,
Trials keep You Strong,
Sorrows keep You Human,
Life keeps You Humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,
But Only God keeps You Going!

Flip Flops

Just something fun because my daughter's newest addiction is flip flops! :) The funny thing is that this sounds a lot like me!

What Your Flip Flops Say About You

You are a very sweet and sensitive person. You connect with other people easily. You're the type of person who feels bad about killing bugs. You hate to see anyone - or anything - in pain. Your ideal warm weather place: Thailand

The Flip Flop Test

Cousins

I can remember growing up how much I looked forward to seeing my cousins. We lived about 4 hours apart, so it didn't happen as often as I would've liked. I am so thankful that my kids live within 30 minutes at the most from their cousins. I love to take pictures of them enjoying each others company. They were all together at the ballpark a few weeks ago and here are some shots of them I thought I'd share. I hope you enjoy them. :)

An update

Well, I've been missing for about a month now. Partly due to a busy, busy life BUT....

My wonderful hubby (gotta love him), accidentally reformatted our hard drive on our computer and I lost EVERYTHING! Talk about feeling sick! I lost some pictures, emails, email addresses, important documents, favorite websites, etc. So, if you're reading this and you haven't heard from me in awhile it's probably because I no longer have your email. Please bear with me as I catch up! Also, any help would be appreciated! :)

Haircut season

I have been wanting to get my hair chopped off for a few weeks now. I will actually be getting it done soon, but not soon enough. There is just something unexplainable about a fresh, new haircut and color in the spring! If I did not have color treated hair I would love to donate my "ponytail" to Pantene's Beautiful Lengths to help a woman in need or Locks of Love for children. Since I am not eligible I thought I would pass on the info so you can check it out and see if you qualify to donate.

Aloha Friday

Kailani at An Island Life says, "In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing heavy or too thought-provoking.
If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link below. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!"



So, here's my question:



What do you do to celebrate Easter?



We will be going to church as we do every Sunday and teaching our kids the "true" meaning of Easter. Then, we will most likely be having Easter dinner with the extended family for lunch. I will also be cooking my first ham for our little family that evening. Don't laugh! I know it's pathetic that I've never made a ham before. There's always a first time for everything, right?



Looking forward to hearing your answers and meeting new friends! :) God bless you all and Happy Easter!

School pictures

We received my oldest's school pictures last week. He is growing so fast! He has even started talking about girlfriends and he's only in the first grade! What happened to the phase where girls are yucky? Anyway, here is a peek at my oldest. :)

Tornado cleanup

Here is a video of the cleanup that is going on in our town.

Tornado this past weekend

I thought I would try to share some video coverage of the tornado my little town experienced this past Saturday. All of the areas shown in this video are within 5 miles from my house. Talk about an eye opener. We always think "it will never happen to us". It just goes to show that anything can happen in the blink of an eye! Please join me as I thank God that there were no lives lost and please remember our town in your prayers. I will post a video of some of the cleanup soon.

How's your spelling?

Your Spelling is Perfect

You got 10/10 correct. Your spelling is excellent. You also have a great memory and eye for detail.

How's" Your Spelling?

$25 Giveaway to Suds n' Bubbles

Soap that looks and smells as yummy as food? Sounds good, huh? Well, A Cowboy's Wife has a contest for $25 to spend on Sudz 'N Bubbles. Head on over for a chance to win & good luck!

Let's Party!

Hello Bloggers! The girls at 5 Minutes for Mom are hosting a blog party and everyone is invited!

Let me introduce myself. My name is Brandy. I am a Christian wife and full time working mom to two wonderful children. I have been married to my husband for nine years. My husband is in his second semester of seminary and works full time also. I have a son who is eight and a daughter who is three.

As a working mom, I am a special education teacher's aide and I love it! It is hard work but so rewarding! I have just started blogging thanks to a teacher friend. Thanks Shay! My blog is just a little bit of everything right now (until I catch on a little better).

I hope you are enjoying the party and thank you for stopping by. As a party gift, everyone who comments will be entered into a contest for a surprise giveaway! I have not decided exactly what I'm going to give away yet, but it will have to do with scrapbooking. ;) This contest ends when the party ends (March 14, 2008). God bless you all and I look forward to meeting new friends!

Daily reminders

Lately I have been thinking and have noticed that I have a list of things that I have to remind myself of almost daily. Anyone else have to do this? Here are a few of these "things":

1. Be thankful for what you have (house, car, family, etc.).
2. Things could be worse.
3. Is this a want or a need?
4. Enjoy the messes my kids are making because one day they will be grown and out of the house.
5. Everyone is dealing with something.
6. Treat others as I would like to be treated.
7. A smile could make somebody's day!
8. I cannot please everyone all the time!
9. God loves me just as I am!

I could go on and on, but I won't. :) Sometimes I think I just think too much. Anyone else feel like this?

A Contest for a Brody Bracelet!

Well Two Moms in a Blog is moving soon and changing there name. They are going to be Chrysanthemoms . So they are having a contest. Brody Girl is there sponsor for this contest and is giving Two Moms a gold or silver 12 language bracelet. To enter go here and find out how to enter.
So now for my entry. You must describe yourself using there new name Chrysanthemoms so here I go.

C - Christian
H - Homebody
R - Reliable
Y - Young at heart
S - Smart
A - Angelic (yeah, right) :)
N - Nice
T - Teachable
H - Helpful
E - Eager to please
M - Mommy
O - Obsessed with scrapbooking
M - Married
S - Sweet

Nanashi-Inc’s Valentine’s Giveaway

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, Joana is giving away a set of body splash, shower gel, bubble bath, and body lotion in Sweet Pea from Bath & Body Works. The set comes in a cute pink purse she wants to show her readers a little love. "From me to you, I offer this gift that will allow you to pamper yourself, or should you prefer, you can in turn give it to someone you love."

Here’s exactly what you’ll get:

1 10 fl oz shower gel in sweet pea
1 10 fl oz bubble bath in sweet pea
1 8 fl oz body lotion in sweet pea
1 8 fl oz body splash in sweet pea
1 pink bag to hold your goodies in

Click here to enter!

Custom Mommy Necklace Giveaway

Skimbaco is giving away a beautiful necklace. Click here and try to win one for yourself!

Valentine's Day Through the Eyes of an 8 Year Old Boy

Valentine's Day around our house is usually pretty low key. We exchange cards and a little gift with the kiddos and usually just hang out together like any other night. This Valentine's Day wasn't any different. But my son is really starting to notice the girls lately. Well, this year he was ecstatic about filling out his V-Day cards for not one, but two special little girls in his class. Personally, I think he's still a little young to have eyes for anybody other than mommy. :) Well, his class exchanged their cards and he was tickled. The card he got from one of his little "girl" friends was of Spongebob and it showed a set of lips on his forehead with the words "Awww Shucks" written at the top of it. He said, "She gave me a kiss". I couldn't help but smile to see the excitement this little card brought to my little man. Young love! How sweet and innocent it is. If it could only stay this way.

Another thing that happened on V-Day was also really cute. Each morning our school has a news program that is broadcast on the TV in each classroom. This particular morning the before mentioned little girl was chosen to do the Pledge of Allegiance. During the newscast of the Pledge, my son announced to his class, "She's looking at me! Did you see her"? His teacher caught me in the office while we were signing out and just had to share. She said it was the cutest thing she had seen in a long time and couldn't help but share it with everyone she talked to that day. Kids say the darndest things!

What Kind of Chocolate Are You?

Just another cute survey I did:

You are White Chocolate

You are White Chocolate You are sweet, caring, and truly very innocent. Whether your naive ways are a bit of act or not, people like to take care of you. You are a quiet flirt, and your power is often underestimated!

What Kind of Chocolate Are You?

What Time Of Day Are You?

You are the moment when the last bell rings and school lets out for the day. You are resistant to schedules and obligations, so you love feeling like you're in control of your life again. You are the very moment when the second hand hits the 12, and the halls fill with noise and motion. Even if your after-school time is packed with activities, lessons, or a job, somehow, you just feel freer in the late afternoon than you do earlier in the day. Maybe it's all that blue sky and afternoon sunshine? Nah -- even on rainy days, 3:15 is always a beautiful time.

Diva Necklace

Teresa is holding a new contest over at her personal blog. Those entering have a chance at winning a beautiful floral necklace created by Lori Jaclyn. She’s willing to ship the prize anywhere, so anyone is eligible to participate! Check it out!

You Could Win a Dummies Do-It-Yourself Super Pack!

You Could Win a Dummies Do-It-Yourself Super Pack!

Get the job done with Dummies Do-It-Yourself! Courtesy of Dummies.com, one Grand Prize Winner will receive:

(1) $500.00 American Express Gift Card
(1) Copy each of the Dummies Do-It-Yourself books (5 total) ARV $108.95
(1) Smart Booster Cables For Dummies ARV $34.99
(1) Acrylic Painting Set For Dummies ARV $32.99
(1) Wall & Ceiling Repair Kit For Dummies ARV $19.99

Total ARV: $696.93

Enter daily through February 29, 2008, and you could be the Grand Prize winner of a Dummies Do-It-Yourself Super Pack. Don't wait - enter now!

Check it out here.

Snow Buddies

Disney’s adorable talking puppies are back, and this time they venture to the frosty arctic and team up with new friends in a thrilling dogsled race across Alaska. Join your favorite pups - food-lovin’ Budderball, rappin’ B-Dawg, stylish RoseBud, mellow Buddha and messy MudBud - for more fun, more action and more excitement in a heartwarming family film about the power of teamwork and following your dreams.

I have seen the previews for this movie and think it looks like a great family movie. Our family really enjoys a good movie night. How about you and your family? Well, Momsational is holding a contest to win a copy of this movie. Check it out here.

Pediped giveaway

Win a pair of Pediped in a style of your choice from momviews.net. Retail Value $30.00 Contest will run from Feb. 5th - Feb. 11th and a winner will be announced on Feb. 12th.

Win a Haba Little Garden Pegging Game

Win a Haba Little Garden Pegging Game from Bright October over at MomViews.net! I love the colors and look of this game. Check out the details on how to win one here. Ends Feb. 13th.

Oreck XL Ultra giveaway

5 Minutes for mom is giving away the Oreck XL Ultra. I could really use a new vacuum and really want this one for myself. If you could use one, head on over and try to win it for yourself.

Blogetition holds it’s second contest - win $50 via paypal

CONTEST LINK: Blogetition holds it’s second contest - win $50 via paypal

PRIZE: $50 via Paypal

HOW TO ENTER: . see link

DEADLINE TO ENTER: .February 29th

Win up to $1500

Check this out!

http://moneyning.com/free-stuff/getting-married-and-giving-away-1500/

I couldn't imagine having money left over after paying for a wedding!

Mia Bella Candle giveaway

Win a16-oz. Mia Bella Cleaner-Burning Gourmet Candle at Sassyfrazz.

Visit this giveaway post by February 13, 2008 to find out how to enter.

Win a Waterman Pen

The root of all evil, John Chow, is giving a way an $80 Waterman pen from the promotional pens maker, 1234Pens.com. To enter, you just have to blog about it. This is my entry. Now give me the pen!

Prayer request update

My grandmother is still in the hospital hanging on. She has had numerous pints of blood to raise her iron levels and has had a number of tests to determine where the blood is coming from. She has had an aneurism in her stomach for a few years now and they were thinking that it was where the blood wqas coming from. She is still in ICU and all the tests have come back good. They are just watching and waiting to see what happens for now. Thanks for your prayers!

Prayer request

Please pray for my grandmother who was admitted to the hospital last night. She is currently in ICU and only has a 50/50 chance of making it through the night. The doctors have said if she makes it through the night, they do not expect her to make it longer than a week.

Please pray for my family as I will be away from home to tend to my grandmother and dad. Please pray that God will give me the strength I need to make it through. Also, most importantly, please pray that God will reach my dad during this situation and show him how much he needs Him.

Thank you for your prayers and God bless!

Are there any pirate lovers among us?

I was checking out the recent giveaways on Prize-A-Tron when I came across this giveaway. This looks like a really neat book for anyone interested in learning (or teaching) more about pirates. Check it out!

Baby Legs Leg Warmers giveaway

I have never owned a pair of Baby Legs for my little girl. I think they would be really nice this time of year, especially in the South where the temperature is so unpredictable. Let me know what you think of them. I am trying to win a pair at SuperMomz. You can also enter for a chance to win. Good luck!

How I Met My Valentine

I have never been one that is big on Valentine's Day. To me this holiday has become so commercialized that it has taken the romance out of it. During my single days I remember watching all the couples sending/receiving flowers and wishing that I would receive a nice surprise from a secret admirer or something. Well, it never happened!

In October of 1997, I had just ended a short but rocky relationship. I was not ready for any type of commitment or long-term relationship. I received a call from a young man that was interested in meeting me and going out for dinner. I agreed but told him it would have to wait about a week because I was going out of town to visit my grandmother. I was completely shocked when he had no problem with it. Most men would say, "Now or never!"

Well, that week passed and we went out to eat together on what we now consider our first "date". We got to know each other and became really good friends. I remember at first thinking he was not my type but he was very sweet. Well, I can now tell you the exact moment I fell in love with him. We fell in love and married a year later, in October of 1998. We have now been married 9 years and have 2 beautiful children.

Oh, and Valentine's Day is still not a big issue in our home. He can pick me a flower off the side of the road or make me a card. To me it's the thought that counts, not the amount you spend!

Beautiful turquoise bracelet

Teresa is running her first contest of the year over at her personal blog. You have a chance to win a beautiful turquoise bracelet created by Lori Jaclyn. She’s willing to ship anywhere and that means anyone is eligible to participate and win.

School Bus Driver Training

Well, I started on a new adventure today. I attended my firsy day of school bus drivers training. I have now seen parts of vehicles that I never knew existed! :)

This is the one part of working for the school system that I was the most nervous about. I am just thankful that they give you 180 days to complete all the training. They want to be just as sure as I do that I can safely operate the bus before attempting to carry any precious cargo. I would not be able to live with myself if anything happened to a child while I was driving the bus.

I will update more as I continue my new journey!

Chapped lips

My lips are KILLING me! They aren't cracking and hurting. They are just dry and scratchy. I cannot find anything to make this go away! If anyone has any suggestions, PLEASE let me know. Thanks! :)

Hamilton Beach Stand Mixer

A Cowboy’s Wife is having a contest on her food blog! You can win a Hamilton Beach® Stand Mixer and she’ll ship anywhere so everyone is eligible! Good luck!

101 Cups of Water

For every time you’ve tried too hard, fell too far, or struggled too much, the refreshing cups in this book–or reminders of God’s infinite grace and mercy–will renew you like cool, clear water after a long, dry walk on a dusty, pitted, uphill road.

“I’ve been a believing Christian since childhood,” author C. David Baker explains, “but it’s my personal failures that have led me to the deep well of Grace.”

This sounds like a great book and they are giving it away over at Ashley - Daughter of the King. If this sounds like something you could use, check it out!

Puzzles

My son loves puzzles! He will sit for hours and play with puzzles. His newest interest, now that he is learning to read, is word searches. Check out this cool site I stumbled upon today! They have lots of free printables in all areas of interest. This would be great for teachers, Sunday school teachers, homeschoolers, parents, grandparents, etc. They are also having a giveaway for spreading the word about their site. Check it out!

Happy Valentine's Day to ???

My husband and I don't usually buy anything for each other for Valentine's Day and decided long ago that he didn't have to buy me jewelry to prove his love to me. Of course it sure would be nice to win something!

Check out Goldsmith Jewelry and look at what they are giving away for Valentine's Day! They have been serving the Orlando area for over 30 years have recently been selected as a local news stations Favorite Jeweler. Wouldn't it be nice to treat yourself if you won this? Check it out! If you're not interested in entering for yourself, please vote for me! I would love to have something of value to pass down to my little princess! Thanks and have a blessed day!

Books

Dear Dr.MOZ’s current giveaway includes a $25 book gift bag from The Gifted Grasshopper! Our friends at The Gifted Grasshopper have a fantastic collection of bags bursting with books and other goodies for kids of all ages, so visit them today to find the perfect gift bag for your little reader.

Twisted Silver has generously offered to give away their gorgeous Align Convertible (value $100) which can transform from a belt to a bracelet to a necklace and back. How cool is that? To enter, just stop by An Island Life before midnight, January 23rd.

Sunday

Well, it's been another Sunday at home for me. Alayna woke up this morning and threw up before breakfast. She hasn't thrown up anymore since then and is not running a fever. We didn't want to take a chance though, so we kept her home from church. She has laid down for her second nap of the day, so I know she's not feeling well. I hope it's just a 24 hour thing.

Lazy Saturdays

I don't know what has been wrong with me the last couple of weeks. I have not wanted to do anything on Saturday but stay in my pajamas and lay around the house. Of course, I am still doing laundry and dishes and such. As a mother we never get to do absolutely nothing! I'm thinking it's just because the weather has gotten so cold lately. I'm ready for spring and our winter just really started (the joys of living in the south).

Warning

A poem by Jenny Joseph

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat that doesn't go and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rainAnd pick flowers in other people's gardens
And learn to spit

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only eat bread and pickle for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers

But maybe I ought to practise a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old and start to wear purple.

This is the poem that inspired the RED HAT SOCIETY.

My mother has started a Red Hat chapter of her own here in the area. We have 11 ladies and have grown really close over the last 2+ years. I am the only pink hatter of the group but I still have a lot of fun with them. It has shown me how important friendships are to women. No matter what life brings you, good friends will always be there to lift you up!

We have gatherings once a month and do everything from going to Chuck E Cheese to eating at fancy restaraunts. It is a wonderful time of letting your inner child out. We each dress up in our red (or pink) hat and purple (or lavender) clothes and accessories. We have lots of laughs and giggles!

This is a wonderful bonding experience for mother and daughter! Start your Red Hat chapter today!

http://www.redhatsociety.com/membership/startChapter.html?

Snow Dance

The weather forecast has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the area tonight. In years past I can remember praying that we wouldn't have delays because I didn't want to have to miss work. Now that I am working for the school, things have completely changed. We were actually doing a "snow dance" with the kindergarteners this afternoon. I can't wait to see what this evening brings! I wouldn't even mind if it was just going in a few hours later. :)

First post

I cannot believe I am actually doing this. I have heard about blogs but never really thought I would actually have one. I know there is a lot that I don't know but I am looking forward to learning. Worldwide web, here I come!