Neglected

My poor blog. It has been quite sorely neglected since my hubby has been home, but for GOOD reason! Y'all, our life is just crazy right now. I know, I know, everybody has alot going on, but right now we have all the "normal" stuff going on, AND the not so normal. Things like trying to cram in lots of visits with friends and family for Andy before he leaves. Business matters to take care of. Parties to attend, and several events to plan and coordinate. We have obligations 3 night a week (some weeks more) and 2 mornings a week (for me) until his departure. Things that are not so essential (like my poor blog!) are falling by the proverbial wayside until our life slows down a little. And that is okay, too. Remember life is what happens when you're making other plans. Life is happening, and it's great! I am "enjoying the journey" (that's just for you, Lindsey!). I know y'all understand that I don't get to post and comment as much as I'd like to these days, but my essentials like family, time in God's word, and other obligations are taking pretty much all I have to give. I'm sure I'll be diving headfirst into bloggity land before long, though. It's just all about p-r-i-o-r-i-t-i-e-s for these few weeks!
So, I'll be seeing ya around, though probably sporadically.
Have a great Labor Day weekend as we officially wave good-bye to the good ol'summertime! BRING ON AUTUMN for goodness sakes!!!!!!
Happy Thursday and
Much Love

WFMW- Wipes Containers

With TONS of empty baby wipes containers (from 2 little ones that are really close in age), I was faced with the daunting task of .... what in the world to do with all of them. For a while, I threw them out, but then I starting using them- for everything! My hubby uses them to organize small things in his workshop; I use them as a caddy for small toothbrushes and toothpaste in the kid's bathroom. We use them for organizing small toys in the toy armoire, and, as you see pictured here, I use them in the activity cabinet for organizing colors, stickers, etc. This definitely works for me!



Happy Wednesday and
Much Love,

One Year Later

August 29, 2005. The day that changed all of our lives. A lady named Katrina who turned out to be not such a lady after all. She took so much from us, and offered nothing in return, save her howling winds and brutal surge.
And where are we today? One trip down our ruined coastline will tell you. Oh, there are a few glimmers of hope here and there. If you look closely, you may see a few brave souls rebuilding along our beautiful "emerald coast", with its pristine white beaches and breathtaking views. The glimmers grow brighter and brighter the further inland you drive. Construction is everywhere. Unfamiliar tongues are heard in the neighborhood grocery. Progress is being made, but that progress is in baby steps.
Gone are the familiar haunts, the favorite eateries and the gorgeous, stately antebellum mansions that lined the shore. In their place are only the ghosts of conversations and happier times, sheets of twisted metal and piles of debris.
What Katrina could not take from us was our spirit. The spirit of our land, our South, our Mississippi. The pioneering spirit of our forefathers and steel magnolia mothers. The spirit that has become the very backbone of our recovery. Yes, we have mourned, but that season has now passed. A new day has dawned here on our beloved coast. A day full of promise and hope. Will it be different? Oh yes. But hope, sweet hope is what we cling to.
I will be participating in a sunrise memorial service tomorrow to mark the first anniversary of that fateful day. We will be standing in a place where the surge was at its worst, across from the remains of our beautiful church facility. We will remember those who lost their lives, the bravery of our first responders, and recount the lessons that Katrina taught us. Lessons we must never forget.
Please join us in a moment of silence tomorrow to remember all we have lost here in our devastated region, and for those who are continuing to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives.
May God be with us as we continue to recover.
Happy Monday and
Much Love

** Photo of our ruined church facility post-Katrina. It was almost completely destroyed by the massive storm surge and wind. The remains have since been demolished, and our congregation is meeting elsewhere as we are in the rebuilding phase (at another location). God has been amazingly, incredibly faithful. He continues to add to our numbers and bless us abundantly. How Great is our God...

Happy Birthday, Sweet boy

3 years ago today, at 11:12 p.m. to be exact, our lives changed forever. We became parents.
Our precious son Andrew was born and we were in love from the start.... has it really been 3 years? That oft repeated phrase keeps playing over and over in my head... seems like only yesterday, seems like only yesterday...and, truly, it does.

Oh, how he has grown! From those first kicks and flutters felt by mommy to the tiny baby learning to sleep through the night, to the toddler taking his first step, to walking to talking, to sleeping in a "big boy bed", AND to doing everything "by myselphs". How we have loved watching him grow, blossom and learn. How we have celebrated with him at each stage of becoming more independent, though it meant him being less and less my baby. How we look forward to experiencing more and more of these precious milestones with him. How we pray everyday that he will grow into a man that loves the Lord with all of his heart, soul and mind.

~I love you sweet, precious 3 year old boy of mine. You are an amazing blessing~



** Photo taken this afternoon at his "Thomas" party... a happier boy could not be found.


Happy Saturday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Overwhelmed

I received the box pictured here in the mail yesterday, and was absolutely, positively... you guessed it... overwhelmed. Yes, that's right, I received my "encouragement box" coordinated by our precious friend Joy. So many of you contributed, and I must admit, after read one encouraging and sweet note after the other, the tears began to flow! How can I ever thank you for the support you have given me for this time that my husband will be gone? How can you ever know the gratitude that I felt when I saw that package, filled with love, from so many of you that I have never even met? You are precious to me and have demonstrated the true love of the body of Christ. Words seem inadequate, but nevertheless...( you KNOW my mama taught me to be polite!) ... thank you. Thank you. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you.
" I thank my God upon every remembrance of you"
Phillipians 1:3
Happy Thursday and Much Love

Scarce

You know, sometimes life gets a little crazy.
And that is definitely what ours is this week, so you'll just have to please pardon me if I am a little, you know, scarce. We have a birthday party to plan for little Andrew, I am in the midst of a cake decorating class, another birthday party to attend, choir/ensemble obligations, small group obligations, an afternoon trip with my mom, and a household to run, meals to cook, babies to tend and a husband to spend time with (because, you know, time with him is a little scarce too! )
So if I'm not around much here, or on your blogs, please excuse me this week.
Hopefully we'll be in "smooth sailin' waters" next week and, you know, back to "normal".... whatever THAT is (ha)!!
Because, you know, LIFE happens.
Happy Tuesday and
Much Love

States!

Thought this was a cute idea!! You can click on the States you have visited, and it will show up on the map. ANYWAY y'all, these are the places that I have been. If you decide to do this on your blog, let me know, so I can pop over and see!Thanks to Mommy 4 Jesus for the idea! She's a sweet new blogger, so click on over and tell her HEY!
Create your own visited states map


Happy Monday and
Much Love

Tagged!

I was tagged for this cute little "meme" by Tammy!

Name 3 things about each of your children...

My eldest Andrew (Will be THREE on Saturday!!)
1. Is a Thomas the Train fanatic
2. Crawls up into my lap and says "I love my mama" about 100 times a day, sealed with about 1,000 kisses
3. Is FIERCELY independent. Almost every phrase is prefaced by "I will do it BY MYSELPHS"!!!!!

My little Anna Kate (13 months)
1. Just started walking last week, and now delights in carrying a "purse" on her little arm wherever she goes!
2. Can do about 8 "baby signs" now .... YAY
3. Loves to growl like a lion at EVERYONE- it is hysterical.

Now I tag... whoever wants to share three things about their sweet kiddos!
Happy Sunday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Of early risers, complainers and breakfasts!

Lately, I have committed to getting up early in the morning to do my bible study. Why? Well, probably because if I don't.... well, then I just DON'T. Know what I mean? The cares, concerns, and activities of the day just sorta take over. AND I keep telling myself that I will do it... when the kids nap, after supper, before I go to bed. AND inevitably, What happens? Phone calls, projects to finish, supper to cook, babies that need tendin' to, cleaning to do. And life happens. So, with this new bible study I am doing, the ever wise Mrs. George admonishes us over and over to spend time in the word early. Our first time, early time, belongs to God. You know, even in the Psalms, David rose early in the morning to greet the Lord, in the gospels, Jesus spend early time with His Father.

Not that I've been super excited about this getting up early business, mind you, but I am committed to doing it. COMMITTED, I tell you. Even if it means I have to prop my eyelids open with toothpicks (wait, I think that happened this morning?!!!??) Even if I have to nap with the babes in the afternoon. Even if it takes time away from other endeavors. Because it is an eternal investment. Because even this small sacrifice on my part pleases our Heavenly Father. Because it is worth it.

I recently came upon this quote in our bible study book, and well, let me just say OUCH!!!

"To complain is an accusation against God. It questions God's wisdom and God's good judgement. God has always equated complaining with unbelief....Why? Because to complain is to doubt God. It is the same thing as suggesting that God really doesn't know what He is doing." Don Baker

After reading that let's just say that my complainer is on vacation.

In other news, we had a fabulous family breakfast this morning. Andy and I took the kiddos and met my grandparents at our local Cracker Barrel and let's just all say together.... Yumm-yyy. Perusing all of the Christmas and Fall items even brainwashed me into thinking it was a little cooler outside. That is until I acutally stepped back outside, and then *sigh* back to the reality of living in good ol' South Mississippi.

Off to do the million and one things we have planned for today... Oh and did I mention how unbelievably awesome, fantastic and GREAT it is to have my husband home.... didn't think so, so I'll tell you again.... It IS unbelievably awesome, fantastic and GREAT to have Andy home!!
Have a wonderful weekend with your beautiful families.

Happy Saturday and
Much Love!

New Digs

Sooooo..... whatcha think??
The amazing and talented Susie Pie over at Bluebird Blogs has created this beautiful new design for me, and I just LOVE it!
Thank you, thank you, thank you Susie- you are the Best!

Guess What??

Guess what these pictures mean??
YES, that's right!
Andy got here a couple of hours ago from his training course in WV!! Wahoo! As you can tell, he wasted no time gettin' down to business and playing with the kiddos- one of the things he does the best.
He'll be here with us for about 7 weeks before his upcoming deployment!! Can you tell I'm a little excited?!!!
Have a great night, y'all.


Happy Thursday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Bloggin 'bout bloggin

Nice neat categories. As an organizational neat freak.... love 'em.
And they work great for inanimate objects, don't they? And, sometimes, they even work great for people.

Don't you remember conversations from high school? "Oh yeah- he's a prep, or she hangs out with the wierdos, or he's a baseball player, or a band geek, or a cheerleader."... and on and on and on ad nauseum.

But, do they stop at high school? Ummmmm.... that would be a NO. Even now as a mom, I hear other moms put into "categories" all the time. "You know she (gasp) WORKS", or " Yeah, she's one of those nature moms" , or "She's just nev-ah home. She and those kids are constantly running the roads" or " She's just one of those perfect, crafty, cookie baking moms" or ______ you fill in the blank.

So what's my point, you may ask? Welllll, let's just bring it on home to the world of blogging.
There are all those wonderful blogs out there. So many I just love. And mostly ( I did say mostly ) they fit into nice, neat categories. There are the funny blogs, the crafty blogs, the serious, theological blogs, the strictly homemaking blogs, the encouraging, the thought-provoking, the homeschooling, the family blogs, the history blogs, the blogs strictly about the Christian walk of the blogger, the cooking blogs, the devotional type blogs, the "adventures of my kids" blogs, the "I'm super-mommy" blogs (wait a minute- scratch that- quit reading those a looong time ago- those people ain't real. They are lost in some sick world of pretend.)
All those, blogs, all those categories.... see what I mean? And let me just say, I think that it would be great to fit into one of those categories. BUT...

But me? ME??? umm, notsomuch. Andy and I were talking one day- you know about the whole bloggin' thing- and I had an epiphany. My blog just doesn't fit into any of these categories. Yes, I am a Christian, but I'm not so wise that I have pearls of wisdom to share every single day. Yes, I am a mommy and ADORE my 2 little ones, but no one wants to hear THAT constantly. And homeschooling? Well, not there yet (since mine are only 2 3/4 and 13 mos.) AND the jury is still out on whether we will homeschool or do private Christian school. Cooking? Love it. Sewing? Love reading about that, too. And I love, love, love reading all of your blogs that DO fit into these great categories (even though I know that there are those of you out there like me, that "fall between the cracks")! Please don't ever stop writing about what you know. That's what makes you so great. I think problems begin when we try to be something we are not and try to make ourselves fit into categories where we don't belong just to "fit in". We lose our real-ness and become something we are not- and then it's no fun to read anymore. I think as bloggers, we have all struggled with this at one time or another. You know.. "what should I write" or " Man, if I write that, so and so might take offense, or another will stop reading, or maybe it's not exciting enough." etc. etc. etc. And sometimes, I am just so absolutely amazed that anyone would even care to read anything I have written...

My conclusion? I will continue to write from my heart, and about whatever is on my mind. It may be beauty products, it may be kiddos, it may be my daily struggles, it may be a recipe, my walk with my Lord and Savior, our military, something funny, sewing adventures, a new insight I've just gained or maybe just a slice of our very Southern life.

You know, I think I do know what category my blog fits into. The schizophrenic one.... or perhaps the "multiple personality" category? Whatever you call it, you can rest assured that I will always be ME.

Finally, may I PLEASE say, y'all are an encouragement, and a blessing to me.
And you give me some darn good laughs. Thanks for letting me peek into your lives. I hope you will continue to enjoy ours with me.
I'm so happy that you're here.


Happy Thursday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Graphic courtesy Allposters.com

Four Things...

Okay, okay, so I've seen this "meme" all around the blogosphere, and have been meaning to do it, just because I think it's a really cute one. So here it is , my....




Four Things Meme...

Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. Nurse in Cardiac Intensive Care
2. Nurse in Neonatal Intensive Care
3. Nurse Practitioner
4. Wife and Mama!

Four movies I could watch over and over:
1. Steel Magnolias (Yes, I have watched this so many times that I have all the lines memorized... don't believe me?? "Mama, Mama, this nail polish is dryin' way too dah-uk, Practically pink, my foot, looks like a stuck pig bled all ov-ah my hah-unds"... need I go on?)
2. Sweet Home Alabama
3. Little Women
4. The American President

Four Places I have lived:
1. Jackson, MS
2. My hometown (about an hour from here)
3. New Bedford, MA (near Boston- on a travel nurse assignment)
4. Where we are now (and where my mama grew up!)

Four things I like to do:
1. READ!
2. Shop
3. Sew
4. Exercise

Four websites I visit daily:
1. All the blogs I love !
2. My bank account website
3. Yahoo... for email
4. Weather Channel

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Fried Okra
2. Chicken and Dumplins (especially my Granny's..... Oh. My. WORD!!!)
3. Homemade biscuits with real butter and homemade muscadine jelly.
4. Country Fried Steak with Sawmill Gravy

Four places I would like to be right now:
1. Somewhere cold... by a cozy fireplace
2. Hanging out with my hubby!
3. At our local children's museum with the kiddos (one of the top 50 in the nation... as much fun for ME as it is them!!)
4. At the movie theater with a HUGE bucket of popcorn... all to myself!

Four places I have been on vacation
1. San Francisco, CA / Los Angeles, CA
2. Walt Disney World- Orlando, FL
3. New York, NY
4. Smoky Mountains, TN

Happy Wednesday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Good vs. Best

.... "The good often becomes the enemy of the best in life"

I have been thinking about that alot lately. What are the "good" things in my life that are the enemy of the "best" in my life?

Before I was married, I thought about this alot in the terms of those of the male persuasion. (What single girl doesn't?) And, you know, alot of those guys I dated during that time were the "good" in the above statement. And yes, I could have married one of them, settled down and had a nice quiet life. And missed out on the "best".... and one of God's greatest blessings. It is so easy to settle for the good, too, with our limited vision. Especially when we can't see, with our eyes, what the "best" is, and what the big picture looks like...

But it never really ends, does it? The choices we make everyday often become the enemy. Even though they are things that look good on the outside, and that, in and of themselves, are NOT *bad* things! Ministries at church, children's activities, sports, nights out with the girls, talking on the phone, BLOGGING (ouch), computer time - the list could go on and on. Is TOO MUCH TIME spent on these things (or others, you fill in the blank) taking you away from your responsibilites to your family-- your husband, your children? Are they preventing you from spending time in God's word? Have we become so busy in "doing" ministry that we are too tired and frazzled to minister to our families?

Lest you think that I have it all together in this department... let me just assure you, I do not. If you really want to know the truth about it.... this is something that I struggle with daily in my life, and an area that I have made a matter of prayer. I am praying about discipline. Praying about how to organize my life, my days, and yes, even my thoughts. Praying that all of these "good things" will not become the enemy of the "best thing" in my life. And hoping that maybe this can encourage others to let go of all those good things in their lives to grab hold of the best. I know it will be worth it.

Good better best
Never let it rest
Until your good is better
and your better best.

Happy Tuesday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

From Andy's heart.

***The following is a post that my husband, Andy wrote on his blog yesterday. It stemmed from a conversation that we had recently, and I love what he has written. As many of you know, he is my brave soldier and pilot that will soon leave for Iraq. This is why he serves, in his words. May God Bless our men and women in uniform. Much Love, Jennifer

Have you ever wondered why people in the Military do what they do? (Used to you could just say Men in the Military, but nowadays there are women in the military as well, so I have to say people). Anyway, what is the motivation to join up? Is it Patriotism? Money? A better life? A sense of Duty? Following a family tradition? A good Retirement? Go to jail or go to War? To fight Terrorism? Education and Training?Why do we who wear the uniform do what we do?

I'm sure there are many reasons, the ones above are just a few that I speculated on as possible motivations for people joining the Armed Forces. Everyone has different reasons.Why do Men and Women choose to leave their families behind while they suit up for battle and travel to far away lands to fight wars? To miss Births of children, Anniversaries, Birthdays, Holidays, Friends. To leave their civilian jobs, as in the case of our Reserve/National Guard Forces.And in some cases, to make the ultimate sacrifice for their Country, by giving their lives.....

War has been a part of the world for thousands of years, dating back almost 5,000 years according to recorded history, when the Mesopotamian Wars of the Early Dynastic Period occurred around 2900 B.C. (date approximate) Since that time, War has been a Fact. Countries and Nations have been feuding over something ever since. There are many accounts in the Bible of War and Battles fought, and the men who left behind families to go and fight.

But now, getting back to our own U.S. Military....our Countrymen fought during the American Revolution to gain freedom from England; to establish this Great Nation as we know it. Men fought and died for something they believed in....Freedom, Democracy. Their deaths were not in vain, they died Honorably for their Country; they were our forefathers and ancestors. They had families, wives, children, mothers, fathers, cousins; who they left behind as they went to War.

Why did they do this? If they hadn't, would we all be speaking with an English accent? Who knows. But because they did go to War for their country, they helped start this Great Nation we live in today, the United States of America. The War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and countless other conflicts and battles that our Men and Women in uniform have been involved in throughout the years. Why did they do this? Think about it....Dwell on it....what do you think? Now I realize that not all volunteered for military service, we did at one time have the draft; but that ended in 1975. Since then, military service has been on a voluntary basis. Why? I realize that not everyone agrees with the reasons the U.S. goes to War. That's not what this is about. This is about the sacrifice that we who choose to wear the uniform make and why we do what we do. I believe that Service to one's country is an Honorable thing. Duty, Honor, Country. These are not just frivolous words, they actually mean something to me, and to those who serve. Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage - These are the seven Army Values. Words and Actions to live by. Loyalty to one's Country, to the obligation that you take to defend your Country against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Always doing your Duty, having Respect for not only yourself, but for others. Selfless service, sacrificing so that others may have; putting the welfare of your Nation and the welfare of others before your own. Having a sense of Honor, not just saying the words, but living out these values in your life. Integrity, always doing the right thing, even if no one is looking. Having the Personal Courage to face danger or adversity, whether physical or moral. All of these values pertain to not only the Military, but to daily life. Not just speaking them, but living them.

As I stated previously, I believe that it is Honorable to serve one's Country. I hold the greatest respect for my fellow brothers and sisters in uniform, whether they be in the Military serving their country, or in Law Enforcement/Fire-Rescue serving the citizens in their community. I commend all of you who make the sacrifice to do what you do. And to your families, for the sacrifice they make while you do your Duty, I commend them. May God Bless each and every one of you.
- Andy

Little Boys

Photo of my little Andrew playing in the backyard yesterday. He is the essence of this cute little poem...

Little Boys
Little boys come in all shapes and sizes,

Shy and adventurous, full of surprises,

With misshapen halos and mischievous grins,

Small dirty faces, and sweet, sticky chins.

They'll keep you so busy, and yet all the while

Nothing can brighten the world like their smile.

And no greater treasure has brought homes more joy

Than a curious, active, and lovable boy!

Author Unknown

Much Love,

Jennifer

Fall Dreamin

Autumn. Doesn't the word just conjure up images of football games, hot chocolate, crunching through leaves, bobbing for apples, wearing sweaters and pumpkins??

Well, folks, here in the oven of South Mississippi it is still summertime, still as humid as ever, and autumn seems as far away as, well, Christmas!
HOWEVER, during a trip to the Hallmark store today, I simply couldn't help myself and bought some new fall goodies. Even if the temperature IS 90++ outside, I can still pretend, can't I? Who knows? I may even break out the Christmas CDs next week ;-) !
Happy Monday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Mirror, Mirror...

...On the wall, what are your favorite beauty products of all?
You know, alot of times as women, our conversation eventually turns to... what else? Makeup/Hair/beauty products etc. After reading countless "girl" magazines (especially in my single days!!), a million and one beauty and hair tips, and after going through thousands of "beauty products" myself (confession time.... My name is Jennifer, and I am a beauty product addict), there are about 10 beauty products that I just couldn't make it without. I thought I'd share them with you, my dear readers, so that perhaps you may glean some wisdom from all the money I have spent finding out that these were actually keepers.
So, without further adieu, here they are, in no particular order:

Jenn's Beauty Hall of Fame
1.) Voluminous mascara by L'Oreal
2.) M.A.C. eyeshadows in colors: Mystery, Symmetry, Patina, Folie, Vapour (not all worn at the same time, obviously! )
3.) Bumble and Bumble hair serum in De-Frizz
4.) St. Ives Apricot Scrub, and Bath and Body Works "chocolate scrub"
5.) Crest Whitestrips
6.) Lip Smackers lip balm in watermelon
7.) Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream
8.) Merle Norman Lip Pencil Plus (pencil+lipstick in one) in Coral Rust
9.) Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion Advanced Healing (use about 5,000 times a day!)
10.) OPI nail polish in Cajun Shrimp, Magnifico Mexico and I'm Really Not a Waitress

So, What are yours?? Tell me, tell me, tell me... I'm always on the lookout for a great new beauty product, and can't wait to "test" any new suggestions!!!
Happy Sunday and Much Love,
Jennifer

DONE!!

I am finally DONE with my first sewing project (remember the one I showed y'all "in progress" a while back?) And here is the finished product (singing Hallelujah chorus in my head). Now, I'm not quite sure if this is something I would've picked out in the store?? The teacher in our sewing class picked out the pattern we all had to use, but I take full responsibility for the fabric choice. And, yes, there are a few tiny little mistakes here and there. And, yes, it is a wee bit too big. But, by George, I AM gonna wear the silly thing, you know, since I DID make it and all. I may even fish for a compliment just so I can beam with pride and say "I DID THIS!". Maybe to church in the morning? .. black skirt, black heels, big shiny black jewelry?... Hmmm... I'll just have to let y'all know how it goes.
Happy Weekend and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Prayers Needed

Just wanted to ask everyone to pray for our blog friend Joy, over at Joy in the Journey. She recently found out that she is expecting her 4th blessing, and it seems as if she has been experiencing extreme sickness with a recent trip to the hospital for fluids. Let's lift her up in prayer!!
Happy Friday and
Much Love,
Jennifer