Things


via http://elprayerblog.tumblr.com                                                                                                                                       

How do you explain to someone that if you turn your life over to God that amazing and wonderful things can happen for you? I never want to be afraid or feel bad about expressing what God has done for me.  I never want to not talk about God, because I think it may “bother” someone.  It is the one subject I want to talk about, whenever I can.  I love hearing people talk about how God has come into their lives and changed it for the better.  I know people who think believing in God is enough.  It is not. You have to be willing to hand it all over to Him, and let him have control, and know that He has your best interest in mind.  For me, it is the only reason I can get through the day.

I always want my girls to know how awesome they are.  I always want them to find excitement and happiness in the little things.  I never want them to think that have to have what they think is the “best” to be happy.  I never want to be a mother obsessed with how my children are perceived by their peers.  The truth is, I have never really cared much about what people have thought of me. I do not mean this in a bitchy sort of way.  I am who I am, and I have always been happy with who that is.  I always want my girls to be happy with who they are.

I also want them to know this…

via pinterest.com (no source)

 I want to be an Iron Mommy!

There was a really mean mirror at Walmart the other day.  It made me sad for a few minutes, till I passed a really nice mirror.  Moral of the story.  Find a mirror that totally lies to you.  Just kidding….

Seriously, I am setting a goal for myself.  I am going to start training for a 5k in the Spring.  I am going to sign up and pay for it.  That way, I will have to run.  I hate wasting money.

I am going to attempt to get Mr. Kell involved.  I would really love to do this with him!

Sounds like is is time for a little Couch to 5k.

Now, I will bore you with some books, music, and things I found on Pinterest.

I am not a literary critic.  I do not know how to critique a book like a professional.  All I have to say is I really liked this book.  I felt happy after I read it.  For me, that is all that is important when I read a book.

via amazon.com

This is what I am reading now.  I was intrigued after I watched the american version of the movie.  I have always wanted to be a bad ass chick with some crazy awesome skill.  I have also always wanted to be super intelligent.  Like find a cure smart.  I would like to report that the Swedish version of the movie was better.  

The Jackson 5 have nothing on the version of this song.

Here is another one.

I really want to make some art for the house.

via apartmenttherapy.com

I really like this room.

I feel like I have written a book today, so I will leave you this fine Friday.

I still need to check the following off of my list.

  • Finish Cherry Coke
  • Put away laundry
  • Clean bedroom/bath

Happy Weekend!

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A History Lesson, A Picture, And What I Want To Wear


A History Lesson…..

While driving to school this morning my two older girls were talking about what movies they wanted to watch at school, since it had been raining, and there would be no recess.  Jenna wanted to watch Toy Story 3 or The Magic School Bus.  Abby wanted to finish her movie on George Washington.  Here are a few things that Abby wanted me to learn about good ole George.

  1. George Washington is on the $1 bill.
  2. He was the first president.
  3. He cut down a cherry tree and that was a naughty thing to do.  His daddy grounded him for like week.
  4. His daddy died, his mommy died, then he died.

A Picture…..

This is what it looks like outside my front door.  It is going to be a lazy Friday of cleaning.  On days like this, I really do not want to leave the house unless I really have to.  I am pretty productive on rainy days.  I love the rain.

What I Want To Wear…..

My style is basically preppy.  I will wear my loafers and cardigans with anything.  I love a tailored look, but will match with a loose tee.  I do all things house wife related in yoga pants and a t-shirt.  The only time I am out of them is if I am going out for a meal, appointment, etc.  I will wear them anywhere.  I make sure I am always dressed to exercise first.  If I am in another outfit, I tend to not want to change out of it and then I get lazy.  Below are a few outfits I put together.

Weekend Chic

I have to tell you that this outfit is me to the core.  My shoes will usually never “go” with my outfit.  If I am wearing green, I would pair my pink sparkly converse with them.  I like to wear my jaguar pumps with everything.  Those shoes are fierce.  I am very happy that this Spring is about color.  I never completely match.  If I could find a faux leather bag like the one above, I would be a happy mommy.

My Audrey

 

On the flip side, I think all woman should have a few “Audreyesque” outfits in their wardrobe.  The preppy girl in me is happy with glee!  I really must find a blouse like this for the Spring /Summer.  Black ankle pants are a must in my wardrobe.

A Few Words…

Jeremiah 29:11

New International Version (NIV)

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I have been worrying too much lately about our move this summer.  Everything is up in the air, and so much needs to be done.  It is times like this that I can become a scary person.  I need to remember that God is in control, and He has our best interest at hand.  As long as I trust in Him, everything will work out.

Happy Weekend!
Seriously Sassy Mama

Educate and Dress for Success


I am taking a break from cleaning after camping, to let you know of a great website.  Yes, I am still cleaning.  I decided that I would also purge and organize each room as I get to it.

First, my friend Marni texted me yesterday about a great Youtube video about this guy named Salman Khan.  He created a site called Khan Academy as a learning tool for children.  It is a way for your children to learn what they want at their own pace.  It emphasizes that not everyone masters a topic in the 30minutes that the teacher discusses it.  Children naturally learn and develop at their own pace.  Unfortunately, many schools do not acknowledge this.  The site is full of over 2400 videos covering a multitude of topics, and practice exercises.   There is a knowledge map that your child or you can follow.  The possibilities are endless.  The absolute best part is it is FREE.  After going through this site, I would pay a monthly fee for it.  It is that amazing.  My 8 year has some difficulties in math, and I cannot wait for her to watch some of the videos.  I cannot wait to develop a knowledge map for myself.  I am a science geek, and would like to refresh.  I could talk about this site for forever, but I want you to check it out here.  I promise you will not be sorry!  It just further emphasizes the fact that I need an iPad in the house for my children’s education.

After you have educated your mind from childhood though adulthood, you now have to put all that education to use.  It is time to look for a job.  Not just any job, but that job that is going to help you change the world!  I wanted to be a doctor, but took the MCAT, and decided it probably was not for me.  Plus, I new how badly I wanted to be a wife and and a mommy.  I became a nurse, and have never been more happy with my decision.  I am a wife to a wonderful man and the mommy to three beautiful little girls, and am leading the life that God has intended for me to lead.  Isn’t it funny, I always thought my life would take a different path than it has taken.

Resumes have been tweaked, and the interviews are rolling in.  Your one thought should be is… What do I wear?  Yes, I truly believe that you can sell yourself with your appearance.  Smarts go a long way, but the time you take to present yourself can make a world of a difference.

When I was in high school and looking for a job, my mother always made me wear a dress or a skirt.  Business attire was always required.  I see people walking into places of business in blue jeans and sneakers, and I am appalled.  Now, I know that not everyone can afford business attire, but I go the goodwill on a weekly basis to look around, and I always see business attire clothes.  I think people carry themselves differently when they are dressed for success.

Job Interview

Imagine how fierce you would feel walking into a job interview looking like this! The shoes alone say this job is mine!

So if you are in the process of tweaking your resume and looking for that perfect job, remember that you are a whole package, and how you are wrapped can speak more words than what comes out of your mouth.

My Summer Reading


Before summer started, I put a little reading list together.  I wanted to read books that were not printed by Harlequin or Silhouette.  They could not have any vampires, werewolves, or anything supernatural in them.  The kind of book that would be chosen by a book club.

Below is the list I came up with.

  1. Redeeming Love Francis Rivers
  2. One Day  David Nicholls
  3. The House at Riverton  Kate Norton
  4. A Severe Mercy  Sheldon Vanauken
  5. The Help Kathryn Stockett

I read one out of five on the list.  I had decided that I would not buy any of the books, and would only get them from the public library.

I started One Day, but it was a book that I could just not focus on with three girls running around the house.  I like what I did read, and will finish this book before Christmas.  The Help is still checked out at the library.  I guess I  should put the darn thing on hold.  The House at Riverton was another book that I just could not get into.  Maybe at another time.  A Severe Mercy, well, I forgot this book was on my list, and I will be checking it out next library trip.

The one book I read was Redeeming Love.  All I can say is OH MY GOODNESS!  This book was phenomenal.  The love that Micheal Hosea  has for God and for Angel is breathtaking.  I do not have the words to truly tell you how incredible this book is.  Our library only had one copy, so I bought them another one.

I read a few books by Mary Kay Andrews, and finally  made a dent in my bible study.

It should not surprise me that I deviated from my list.  I do not think I have ever followed a list to completion.  Ever.

I have started making a list of books to read this fall.  I like to peruse the reading list of literature classes from different universities, and read those books.  It saves me time, which in the end leaves me with more time to play on the computer.

Priorities people.

On a totally random note, nacho cheese Lunchables are fabulous.

What are you reading?

 

Timing Belt Your Timing Sucks


Did you ever have one of those days where you wake up excited and anxious about a new day?  You have this feeling in the pit of your soul that good things are coming.   Well, I guess my “feelings” were gas.  The past few days in the world of Nick have blown goats.

First, last Friday was my daughters last day of school, and her younger sisters and I were so excited about summer vacation.  We had sat down the night before and made our Summer To Do List, and had started packing for my parents house on the lake.  I was so looking forward to relaxing at my parent’s house.

While my daughter was at school, I decided to run some errands, and while driving, my car just stopped.  I was able to coast to a stop on a side road not far from our house.  I am not mechanically inclined when it comes to cars.  I am proud to raise my girl card very high when it comes to cars, and yard work.  Anywhoo, long story short, I need a new timing belt which is going to cost me $600.  I have the money, but I was saving it for a down payment on a newer car.  Worst part, the timing belt breaking may have caused some damage to the pistons in my engine.  That will cost me another $600-$700 if they also need to be repaired.  Again, I have the money, but I was saving it for a down payment on a newer car.  Like the majority of households in this world, I do not have an abundance of extra money.  We use everything that we make.  I am grateful that I have the money, but really wanted a newer car.  I guess God has different plans, and wants me to stay in my 9 year old minivan that has 128,000 miles.

Not long ago, I would have become hostile with everything that occurred above.  I did get upset, and even cried a little.  I said, “I just wish that my husband and I would get a break.” I look back, and realize that we did get a break, we have the money to fix our van.   A few years ago, we did not have any extra money, and would have been in some serious trouble.  I appreciate and am grateful we are where we are now.  We still have a long way to go before gaining any financial freedom, but we are getting there.

I have put my faith in God that he will continue to provide for my family, and keep me truckin in the right direction.

homegrownhospitality.typepad.com

We are going to my parents next week, so I have been frantically trying to put some stuff together for the girls so they do not get too bored.  They love crafts, and I can get crafty.  I found our next project on Pinterest.

via momtastic.com

The girls and I are going to have so much fun!

On a lighter note, these last few crappy days reminded me of a song from one of my favorite Elvis movies G.I. Blues.  I love Elvis.

If you are having a bad day, I bet you too can find a Elvis song to make you smile :)