A Day in Pictures: Kids Change Everything....

My original plan for A Day in Pictures was to photo capture a little "I FINALLY got a job" celebration we had planned for Friday. I say "we", but it was really my sister Jen and our sweet next door neighbor, Kelli, who decided we needed to celebrate! I, of course, was all about it! We forgot one important element to our planning though....they involved children, and one thing I have learned from living with Amelia-my niece-children and plans don't always go together!

Our original plan was to get some yummy Starbucks drinks-yay!

And, take our drinks to my favorite park, so we could sip and the kids could play!

Great plan right???

The first issue came when with about ten minutes before we were scheduled to leave-Jen noticed Amelia seemed warm. Sure enough, she was running a low grade fever. We debated canceling, but decided if nothing else we could cancel the park and just get our drinks.

On the way to load us all up in the car, the visions of getting Starbucks with four kiddos waiting in line with us began to seem less than appealing! No problem, we can be flexible...! We decided a trip here would be a much easier choice...

Nothing like a Diet Dr. Pepper with Vanilla added to celebrate some employment
So, I squeezed myself in between Kelli's two sweet boys in the back seat, and anticipated some Sonic ice goodness! The trip was going fine, although the boys were definitely ready to get out of the car and play-I can't blame them, poor things were SQUISHED with me in the back seat-ha!-, but they were sweet and talkative. We were minutes from Sonic when Amelia decided to throw up (bless her heart). At this point, we knew this celebration time was NOT going to happen. Poor Amelia started crying which started Kelli's tender hearted little girl to have a few tears (she couldn't stand it that her friend was upset), and ended with one of the little boys looking at me and saying "Oh, since Amelia threw up-we can go home and play now!"-ha! gotta love little boys:)!

So, Kelli being a trooper-and not letting me go without my celebration-dropped us all off, and let me play with her precious kids while she went BACK to Sonic to get our drinks!-whew! Kids make things so much more interesting-ha!

We ended up having fun playing, getting to have our Sonic drinks, AND having a little treat ! THANK YOU KELLI!

(this is just a picture I found of our goodness...I would show you the real thing, but somebody ate it already-ha!)

So, since Friday's picture fun didn't exactly work out, I thought I would take some pictures of where I like to go running, enjoy getting the house straight while Jen, Micah, and Amelia headed to Roanoke, and then head to Kohls to take advantage of some of their sales(I need "slacks" for work....not sure what constitutes a slack exactly....)


(Kohl's coupons were the first bit of mail I ever got in Virginia...I don't know how they found me, but I am glad they did-ha!)

But, alas, there was another change of plans....


(oh how I love this little girl!)


This poor little girl was still not feeling well:(. So, my plans changed a bit.

Instead of going to Starbucks for a egg-nog latte, I made one at home instead!

-Not as good as Starbucks-of course-but still yummy and about 21grams less in fat!-

I was able to take my coffee outside on the back porch , and enjoy this view...

Nice!

I still cleaned a bit. It was not in my usual order since I had to consider other people in the house, but it got done and that is what matters! I could NOT start work on Monday with disorganization-I am a little bit OCD like that-ha!

With the change of plans, I was also able to devote time to FINALLY digging through moving boxes to find my antique candle holders.

I really like how last week's honey comb candle purchase looks in them!

Still got to eat one of my FAVES for lunch! Always a good going out-to-eat alternative. I LOVE Subway!

Amelia and I got to cuddle up and watch a little Harry Potter!
(I must confess I am a huge fan, and can NOT wait to see the new movie in theaters even if I have to go alone like the big dork I am-ha!!)

Even though it was a change of plans couple of days, and kids definitely make things harder to plan-I wouldn't trade either day! Cause this baby....

Totally worth it!!!

~Thursday Thanks: Dedicated to Lil' Civ.~

Today's' Thursday Thanks is dedicated to the one thing (object) that has remained constant and reliable over the last ten years, my Honda Civic-aka "Lil' Civ.". Over countless moves, school changes, life changes I could always hop in Civ and find a sense of balance. Twice she was loaded up with all my belongings, while I lived on couches and tried to figure out what was next. She was there as I drove the long road from home back to Florida after I found out divorce was changing my family, she held up on that same road from Florida to home after a broken engagement changed my plans, and she was along for the adventure when I chose to pick up and go back to school with only a week to spare to find a place to live, apply, and register for classes.

No matter what happened, she was always there to offer a safe and private place to nurse wounds, have tantrums, sing at the top of my very terrible voice, and car dance to my hearts' content. I knew I would always be welcome to jump in,turn up the music, listen to the day pass through open windows, and just drive. A lot of life happened in that little car, and I will forever be grateful for how dependable and easy she was for me. She never left me stranded or cost me much money in repairs, and managed to get to a gas station on past empty -and just my encouragement that she could make it-ha-many a time. Lil' Civ. was my first car, and I am thankful for how patient she was with me as I grew and matured and figured out how to handle the responsibility of having a vehicle. Not a day went by that when I saw Civ. in my driveway my heart didn't swell with thanks.

When I decided to make the move to Virginia it became very clear that Lil' Civ was not going to be making this journey. She was getting older and it was quite a drive from Georgia to Virginia. So, it was with many conflicted emotions I chose to sell Lil' Civ and come to Virginia car-less. It was difficult to let go of the freedom and stability Civ. offered me, and to lose all the memories that came along with her. But-alas-sell her I must, little did I know that her effect in my life was not over.

Tuesday of this week-after 124 days of job hunting-I decided to get up, get dressed, print out my resume, and pound some pavement. I knew there was a Honda dealership right up the street from me, and- with memories of my Lil' Civ. in mind-I walked in the door and asked if they were hiring. I was immediately given an application, and before I knew it sitting down with the manager of the dealership. We chatted for a bit, and I watched as he listened to me tell him about my first car. The 1997 Honda Civic DX I spent over a year saving up for, and the next ten sharing life with. He totally got me. We chatted a while longer, and -after a few phone calls and connections-I received a phone call this morning telling me that as of Monday I will no longer be jobless but a proud employee of Honda! HALLELUJAH!!!!-ha!

I did not plan on moving to Virginia to work for a car dealership. In fact,my only plan was to work for a local university where I could receive my Masters' degree for free. As time has gone by, I have become more convinced that God can use any job to accomplish what He desires. Things don't have to necessarily look the way I planned them in order for them to be good and working towards a future! This is a good job with benefits and advancement opportunities, and I know nothing but PEACE in accepting the position! I know God is in control, and He is the one I praise! But, I am also thankful for His giving me Lil' Civ. for all those years, cause without her story-I may very well still be unemployed-ha:)!

"Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new.
It's bursting out! Don't you see it? " Is. 43:19(a)-The Message

Creepy or Not...?

I think there may be an abnormal amount of things that creep me out. Here are just a few....am I crazy or are these creepy?

THE DUGGARS

I will be honest, most of the time I enjoy watching their family. They genuinely seem like very nice people. BUT, sometimes the sheer volume of their family gets to me, and all those kids running around make me feel a little creeped!

LONG, BLACK HAIR

I know this is a weird phobia, but long-black hair weirds me out. I read a book when I was a teenager of a woman whose husband would wear a long, black wig and secretly watch her at night (aaahhh-that creeps me out just to write!- this was a Mary Higgins Clark book-by the way-not something usually too scary.) After watching The Ring, it was a sealed deal that I could not handle long, black hair. (My sister, Danielle, used to have long hair she dyed black. She would TERRORIZE me, and I am not quite sure I have forgiven her yet-ha!).

CHARMIN TOILET PAPER COMMERCIALS
I think my dislike of these commercials has been well documented, but seriously...am I the only one????


CHILDREN'S TELEVISION

Having been a nanny, a preschool teacher, and now helping with my niece Amelia-I have had my fair share of exposure to children's programming. Can I just say, some of the programs out now are JUST creepy!

Thankfully Sesame Street is still pretty good, but I sure do miss Reading Rainbow! I would much rather watch that with the kiddos! All, I can say is, "Come Back Lavar! Children's Television needs you!"

On Dating the Devil

My entrance into the dating scene didn't really kick-off until college. Having managed to survive high school without the usual relationship traumas, I guess I was ready to make up for lost time (I don't know how else I could explain the flirting, 'cause OH MY SHAME at all the flirting. I cringe to this day!). From the get-go I displayed an uncanny ability to date the most inappropriate and unsuitable guys!


I would begin my relationships knowing that the other guy was interested, knowing that I was NOT interested(for obvious reasons such as inappropriate circumstances or unsuitable character-not that I was such a catch...have I mentioned all the flirting??), and believing it to be the perfect way for me to meet my need to be wanted without chancing becoming attached or being vulnerable (God? He didn't even factor into the equation). Much to the detriment of my plans, I always overestimated my ability to stay detached and independent. Thus, I would find myself in relationships with guys I did NOT like, but was convinced I could not live without. What can I say? I wanted to be in control, and I was very VERY stupid (it's okay to say this. I have two sisters who will confirm it-ha!).

The problem with my approach to dating (besides the obvious), was when I was depending on my needs being fulfilled by another person-I was no longer in control . Some part of my ability to be a whole person rested on the shoulders of this other human being. You can't hold all control and be relying on another person....it just doesn't work that way. I suppose you could say I was pretty much Dating the Devil (actually at one time I thought I really was dating Satan, but it probably was just a guy who was not that nice -oh, I'm kidding! kind of...).

Like the serpent seducing Eve to eat the fruit in the Garden of Eden, I believe Satan caresses the ears of girls with the idea that they can "have it all, be in control, date carelessly, be the "god" of their dating life", or in other words-"Eat that fruit Eve, surely you will not die". The problem is...it's not true. Oh, it may be fun for a time, but in the end we always lose. Like, Eve getting kicked out of the garden, like broken hearts and empty lives, like marriages and divorce. Eventually, the things craved and sought become ash in your mouth...they sift through you...leaving you empty and hungry no matter how much you partake.

All I know is that Satan courted me like I was a lady ( I was willing to court him...I chose it), and left me like a tramp when I fell in love with his lies. I was a foolish, foolish girl. I though I could play with the poison fruit and not eat it, eat it and not die. I think many girls...many CHRISTIAN girls fall for this. They either buy the lie that without a man they can not have full contentment and joy, or that they can date on their terms and not suffer.

I am 29 years old now, and have not been on a date in three years (OK, Don't Freak Out single ladies-ha! I am NOT in anyway believing if you let God control your dating you are in for 3yrs of no dating-ha! ). It has taken almost this entire time to heal from the damage I imposed by dating my own way (this is just the damage I did to myself...I cannot begin to think of all those who were hurt by my behavior). I do not really miss the dating scene. I am wooed now by Someone who cares for me. Someone who has taken His time to heal my wounds and clean my past (Hosea 2:5-20). Someone who loved me first and forgave me everything. I know full love, contentment, and joy. My wish is that every girl could know how high, how deep, how boundless the love of God is for her. Maybe then the devil wouldn't look so good...

"Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD. He will be like a brush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives.

BUT blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out roots by the stream, it does not fear when heat comes, its leaves are always green, It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond all cure. Who can understand it?"
Jeremiah 17:5-9

**DISCLAIMER: of the many guys I dated, there were a couple who were excellent men. I truly respected and appreciated them in my life. I DID in fact like them before I dated them-ha! I think if anyone was the inappropriate choice in these relationships-it was me, and I am glad I had/have the chance to know them.

Quotes from the Classroom: #1

(I had BEAUTIFUL pictures of my preschool class that I wanted to use in this post, but alas after spending all morning looking and not being able to find them-here is a a picture of two preschool strangers:(!-ha...I'm going to keep looking!)

I have spent ALOT of time taking care of children! I have been a nanny, a first grade teacher, and a preschool teacher. Throughout my experience I have been delighted to hear many hilarious quotes from children as they try to understand the world around them. Many times I have been able to take a little life lesson away for myself from their observations. I thought it might be fun to share some of these with you! I give you quote #1 from an adorable little girl given during our Bible Story. I have NO idea what we were talking about that brought this up, but she seemed to think this was very relevant to our lesson for the day.
(please don't be offended:)

"My daddy just won't stop everyday pooping in the potty!"---N

The lesson is this, everybody makes mistakes everyday. So, maybe, give that dad or mom or sibling or boss or whoever a break, cause chances are high-we are not so fresh and clean of things ourselves....

A Day in Pictures: Life in Virginia

I thought it would be fun to give you a quick glimpse of my new life in Virginia!

Farmer's Market, Antique Store, Delicious Coffee, and Fall Leaves-hope you enjoy!

Me getting ready to hit the road

(do you LOVE my cheesy 16yr. old FB profile picture-ha!)

Rivermont Drive

A view from the road




I don't think you can really tell from the pictures, but these houses are REALLY old and interesting! I LOVE Virginia architecture!
(yes, I took these from inside my care...very classy!)

Down Town Lynchburg

Historical Community Market

I don't actually know what these are, but liked the colors-ha!

I wanted to buy some egg plant SO bad, but I have NO idea how to cook them

:(.

I LOVED these little bird ornaments made from scraps of paper and book pages.

If I had money and could decorate section:)

Don't you just love this little chair....

Or this adorable chandelier...

Or vintage lamp shades!?!

I would buy this darling chair in a heartbeat!

I LOVE old books...

I am a sucker for pretty crystal....

and antique teacups!

(I have actually started collecting vintage teacups and table settings for Amelia and Penelope-nieces. I hope to be able to give them as a wedding or first home gifts. I would have LOVED to have gotten these blue cups, but they were $350.00...a little more than I had planned to spend-ha!)

My one purchase

(pure bees' wax, lead free honey comb candles. They make the candles in store, and these were on sell for almost no money! I love the color and texture. I have some antique brushed iron candle holders that they are going to look AMAZING in!)

White Heart Cafe

(coffee stop)

YUMMY!

(it was actually supposed to be a chai latte not coffee, but it was good so I just kept it-ha)

My Favorite Virginia Spot

Isn't it beautiful!?!

(it is a really old park, so it has HUGE, BEAUTIFUL trees everywhere)

Pretty View

Very Old and Scary Trestle Bridge

(it creeps me out for some reason)

All in all, I would say it was a good day!

Hope you enjoyed your quick peak of Virginia!