Makeover Magic!

I think ya'll would all agree with me. . . we're going through some tough financial times. Life as a broker (and broker's wife) has been horrible a little rough lately, to say the least. Ivan, being the great daddy and husband he is, has taken on a 2nd job, to help make ends meet. So, his new working hours are 65+ hours a week.

Ew.

But we're really trying to make the most of it. I'm trying to make those days that he's gone ALL day a little more fun.

Hence. . .

Makeover Day.

The girls have really wanted to give me a makeover lately. Actually, I've needed wanted to give myself a makeover for a while now, but that's beside the point. So, I let 'em at it. Here's my before.

I know. Typical "before" image. I can't believe I'm actually posting this on here.

Here's my after.

Hee-hee! Don't you love the eyeliner halfway to my ear? In a perfectly shaped crescent? I'm also wearing a black scarf, rhinestone necklace, rhinestone bracelet, and Hello Kitty ring halfway down my pinkie finger.

Ew-wee! I know I'm hot! :) You'd better watch out, Ivan. Someone's gonna snatch me away lookin like this!

I can't believe I'm actually posting this on here.

Of course, it couldn't be a Makeover Day without my little angels getting done, too.

I present, Diva #1.

And, Diva #2.

Of course, being the diva that she is, one picture just wasn't enough.

Neither were two.

And, finally, the fabulous posed threesome.

I know. It's the stuff memories are made of. Amen.

A Peek into My Soul. . .

Time for a blog hop! Doesn't this look like fun? I think it's a great way to meet some new bloggy friends. This week's topic is 3 random things you may not know about me.

1. My current foodie obsession is Peanut M & M's. And I have to eat them a special way. Or 1 of 2 special ways, anyway. When eating these little morsels of deliciousness, you need to either (a) suck on them until the crisp chocolatey coating is melted, then eat the peanut and soft chocolate, or (b) try to bite it perfectly in half, actually only biting off 1/2 the chocolate so an entire peanut and 1/2 the chocolate is remaining. You may then commence to eat what remains. I promise you, although they are mucho delicioso when you just pop them in your mouth, for some reason they taste better when you eat them one of these two ways. Don't ask me why. They just do.

2. I struggle DAILY with putting my husband above God in my life. It is such a struggle to not make Ivan foremost in my mind and thoughts - because I can touch him, look at him, and audibly hear him respond to me. I'm usually thinking - "How can I love him better?" - and this is a good thing to think. However, I should be asking the same thing about God. Do any of you struggle with this?

3. I have a pretty big self-esteem issue. And I don't have too many reasons to, intellectually. I was raised in a loving, Christian home. My parents did a great job making me feel secure and loved. I've always been blessed with lots of friends. I have a husband who loves me for who I am, warts (or extra weight) and all. I know that I am blessed - but I really get down on myself sometimes. I have a hard time seeing myself through the Lord's eyes - although I do okay seeing others that way.

So, there you have it! I hope you join me in this fun hop!

Saturday Morning Shop

Mama came down for the weekend, so yesterday we decided to take the girls to some yard sales. Emma and Sarah had just over a dollar each, and we'd spent half the day Friday convincing them that their buck would bring more at a yard sale than Wal-Mart.

Sarah got a DS cover, a pen, some eye shadow and 4 tubes of lip gloss for about 85 cents. Emma found a HSM radio, 2 eyeshadows, 1 lip gloss and 1 bottle of perfume for about 70 cents. Not too bad! I think their yard sale initiation wasn't too shabby!



Mama found this adorable Limited Too dress for Emma.

How much do you think I paid for it? $5.00? $3.00?

How about $1.00! I think this was definitely the deal of the day. I also found this cute hat for Sarah. It was .50, and it is just her style.

We all thought it looks pretty cute on Aubrey, too!

Of course, we couldn't have the camera out without the girls doing a little more posing!

The Piano Man

I read about this video over at I'm an Organizing Junkie. I haven't heard either of the songs that it's taken from, but it is just beautiful.

It made me happy, so I wanted to share!

I did a little more searching, a found another great piece. This great piano man is Jon Schmidt, and the following is "All of Me".

Book Review: The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns

Richard Stearns, former CEO of Parker Brothers and Lenox, shares his testimony of the Lord's movement in his life. He tells of his struggle with the calling the Lord placed on him to leave his corporate world and become the U.S. President of World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to helping the impoverished of our world.

To be honest, when I first read the title of this book, I was a little afraid. Who was this person saying that there is something wrong with our Gospel? Does he have a right to say that? After reading this book, I believe he does. With lots and lots of scripture, Stearns challenges Christians to live out the WHOLE gospel - which, in essence, should reach the entire span of the earth. The Bible is full of verses commanding us to love our neighbors - to help the widows and the poor.

Although I got a little bogged down with the numbers, Stearns minces no words in informing the reader of how "rich" even poor Americans are. As Christians, it is our responsibility to "be" Jesus through our hands, feet and yes, our wallets. Sadly, most of us fail miserably at this - outside of the four walls of our churches.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone - Christian and non-Christian alike. It just might make a difference in your life - and your purpose.

Click here to go to Thomas Nelson's product page for this book.

Click "read" below to preview the book.

Powered by Ingram Digital

Birthday Fun

Although it's a few days late, I wanted to show you a few highlights of my birthday.

First thing in the morning, Emma rushed up to me and handed me this beautiful card-

Here's the front. . .

. . . and the back. Doddle page - dontcha love it?

And finally, here's what I found on the inside.

For those of you that are natural editors as I am, you'll notice that there are only 9 dimes, not 10. I know! Hilarious! Come to think of it, there were only 8 in the card that morning. I found one on the dining room floor later that day.

Oh, it made me smile!!

The best next door neighbors in the world arrived that night with some fabulous German Chocolate Cake. Delish! We fixed some coffee and had a ball hanging out. Emma and Sarah got their dress-up on and wigs out, as usual.

Silly Emma

Then Ivan decided to have a little fun.

Oh. My. Goodness!!! Hilarious!!

Here she is without all that "Miss Piggy" hair.

Little Miss Blue Eyes

All in all, I think year 36 started off in JUST the right way.

Like Sands Through the Hourglass. . .

. . . these are the days of my life.

35. Here I am on the eve of my 35th birthday, and all I can think is. . .

It doesn't seem possible.

How could I have lived 35 years already? What happened?

Me as a wee little lass - 1975?

Have I grown? Have I changed? Have I learned anything?

Yes, I've grown. Yes, I've changed. Yes, I've learned. . . at least I'd like to think so!

What amazing experiences these years have brought! I've seen a roadrunner racing across the acrid Arizona desert. I've nearly drowned as a child in the Atlantic Ocean at Myrtle Beach. I've seen my daddy charged by a mama moose in our backyard in Alaska. I've graduated from high school, beauty school and college.

Arkadelphia, AR 1999

Arkadelphia, AR 1997

I've lost 2 grandfathers, 1 grandmother, an uncle and my daddy. I've lost 3 babies of my own.

I've found love. I've made a family.

Wedding Day - July 25, 1998

I've learned what true friends are, and what true friends aren't.

I've been hurt beyond measure.

I've also been loved beyond measure. I've spent many hours laughing, crying in joy, and crying in pain. I've mourned. I've rejoiced. I've celebrated!

I graduated from Ben Eielson High School in Alaska 17 years ago. I'm not the same person I was then. I don't trust quite so easily. I'm less sure of myself. To be honest, I'm probably a lot bit more selfish than I was then. But I wouldn't go back - and I won't regret.

High School graduation 1992

This past year alone has brought tremendous changes to my life. I've had another baby. I've made friends and lost friends. I've been through some of the best and worst times of my life in these past 12 months. We've had struggles in our family and struggles financially.

But this family is closer than I believe we've ever been. We're closer to the Lord and closer to each other.

Lord willing, I've got at least another 35 years on this earth. I'm sure many more struggles and many more successes are in store for me. I will continue to laugh, to cry, to rejoice and to mourn.

I will continue to grow. I will continue to change. And hopefully, I will continue to learn.

So, what has your journey in life taught you? What would you encourage me to do to live the rest of my life, however long that is, to the fullest?