When does it end!??

So I've realized that I'm not so good at this keeping up with blogging thing. I always forget for some reason, I need to work on being better about posting. Life has been a combination of hectic/not hectic... It seem like the times when I have time to spare I don't have anything that needs to be done but when I have things already on my plate it seems that there is ALWAYS something/things that have to be done. So I pledge that I will do my best to blog more:o)

Recently my 2001 alero (aka the silver bullet) has decided that she is going to cause problems for me, mainly in the department of NOT STARTING! I recently had my fuel pump replaced, oh not even a month ago, and it seems that we have the same issue again.. Why is it that at the most inopportune times, when you REALLY have to have your car and don't have any money/have other things you want to spend you money on (Christmas gifts), your car breaks down? It is quite the frustration, I must say, after just recently shelling out the dough for it to be fixed. Luke was planning on taking the car to Nashville on Tuesday to visit his parents for Christmas break and OF COURSE the car breaks just in time to make things complicated. Luckily he had bought me a ticket after Christmas to fly to Nashville so we found a flight this coming week to get him there and the nice folks at Southwest were more than happy to transfer the flight.. In spite of the recent set back we WILL PREVAIL and get him to Nashville so that he is able to go see his Grandparents:0) That of course means that I will be making the 11hr. trek to Nashville later on in some car, but I must admit the time alone and chance to drive and clear my mind will be welcomed!

On to other subjects.............:o)
So is it just me or does it just not feel like Christmas this year? I think that my mind has not caught up with how time has flown since August. Since I have been subbing/taking care of a 1 year old in that time (which is by the way a FULL time deal) I have just not been able to keep up with time. I am ready to have a MUCH needed break that comes at Christmas and am looking forward to ringing in the New Year in Nashville and look forward to spending time with friends and family.

Of the wall yet again (this is how my mind works, very randomly)
I am thinking about moving to Nashville, TN after the Spring and am praying about it and, if so, preparing my finances for it. So pray for me if you think about it...

Hope everyone is gearing up for a new week and for most, the last week of school before the break YAY!! Remember to not take things to seriously because we're not in control GOD IS!:O) Blessings to all!

P.S. I miss my old friends I haven't seen in forever

Latest Happenings

This week has been A LOT hecktic. Everyone here has had the lovely stomach virus! YAY!.. there's nothing better then throwing up what seems like a MILLION times. My little cousin who's living with us brought it with her so all five of me and my siblings got it this week. This is the first day that everyone is well, THANK GOODNESS! That's the worst illness ever!

Luke is in Philadelphia at the moment. I surprised him for his birthday (early) and bought him a ticket to go see his friends. He's missed everyone and doesn't every have the time to get away so I thought it would be fun for him to go. I must admit it was VERY hard for me not to buy a ticket for myself also but my budget sorta halted that one from happeneing=) It's been quite dull around here and a bit depressing without him here. I am still recovering from my sickness and i'm quite attached to the dear boy so the combo of not feeling well and missing him hasn't been a great one. I know he needed a break from school and work and Waco so I can suffer for a while so he can enjoy a break=) I didn't substitute at all this week so that was nice, I couldn't either because of getting sick so not a good week on the money making end.

I can't believe it is almost Thanksgiving and Christmas again!! Where has the time gone?? Luke and I went to Philly last Christmas for his friend's wedding and that seems like it was just a few months ago. This time thing in getting WAY out of hand! I must admit I am QUITE ready for some cold weather. It is November for heaven's sake! It should not still be in the 70s and 80s. I love cold weather, fires, hot coco and spiced tea, along with some snuggling with my honey and a good movie! There is nothing better to me. I am also ready for cold weather so I can wear WINTER clothes. I am so into scarves and pea coats and they just don't work when it's 78 outside. Come on mother nature help me out here!

That is enough rambling for one day and hope everyone is staying HEALTHY and has a very relaxing weekend. God bless!

"October" by Rosie Thomas

I think this song is so sweet....it's a good listen so go take it for a spin and see what you think:)

"Make her a flower in late december
When the sun is hot and shining on her
Write her a love song and play it all day long
To remind her of all that she is worth

But never never leave her

Take her on long drives for ice cream by sea sides
And give her your coat when she is cold
Tell her you miss her when you're close enough to kiss her
And that you'd walk a thousand miles to tell her so

But never never leave her

Take photographs of her on Brooklyn street in October
When her nervous smile is slightly curved
Somedays when she is slightly down tell her it's okay to frown
It makes you just fall more in love with her

But never never leave her"

wonderful song...

"Here I Am"- the Village Church

verse 1:
Take me far away from here
Save me from this world i fear
Break me from the things i hold so near
There're so far from you

verse 2:
Reveal to me what you want me to do
Place me where your will draws me to
Lord, be pleased with the worship I bring to you
I sing to you, I shout to you

chorus:
Here I am
Send me out
Let me shine for you glory
I will reach out in love and proclaim your word
Take me now, show me how
I need to live not for me,
But for you and your glory
For you and your glory

Repeat both verses and chorus...

Here I am
Send me out
Let me shine....
Let me shine for your glory..




This is my prayer many days to the Lord.. I want Him to use me in whatever way he needs to. I want him to send me out to shine for HIS glory..not mine but his. I want to love on people who need it and speak of his glory to those who many have never heard the name of Jesus! This song is from the Village Church, it's in lewisville, tx.. you can find it on Podcast (on Itunes) if you want to listen to the music with it.

May you experience the GREAT LOVE of the Lord today....

Addison Road

"Hope Now"

If everything comes down to love
Then just what am I afraid of?
When I call out your name
Something inside awakes in my soul
How quickly I forget I'm yours

I'm not my own
I've been carried by you
All my life

Chorus:
Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
This love sets me free

When my life is like a storm
Rising waters all I want is the shore
You say I'll be ok
And make it through the rain
You are my shelter from the storm


Chorus:
Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
This love sets me free

You define my heart's desires
And I will sing your praises higher
Cause your love sets me free
Your love sets me free

I'm not my own
I've been carried by you
All my life
Your love sets me free

Chorus:
Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
This love sets me free

23rd Birthday

My bday this year was great! I started it by cleaning, cleaning, and cleaning some more because my family was having company this past weekend and I'm home so I get the lovely duty.. Once everyone got into town, Cherise her roommate Corrie and Chelsey, Bryan and his parents we all headed out to WISD for the boys football game. All I will say is that it was a disappointing game. So things when we got home were a bit gloomy. If you've ever had a family member involved in a sport ESPECIALLY Texas football you know that when they lose you better expect some unhappy people most likely until the next weeks game. I've been through this before and it was unfortunate that it had to happen on my bday so nothing really exciting went on Friday night. My mom made me open my presents because I'm sure she felt bad that my bday had not been very well super so I did. I received some lovely present and thanks to all those who contributed.

Saturday, my lovely, wonderful boyfriend surprised me and told me he had arranged for us to go to Dallas and see my best friend Ali. I can't really go and see her on a whim anymore because I'm taking care of a baby everyday and don't have the funds nor the transportation to get there. I've missed her and he was so thoughtful and took me to Dallas. We enjoyed some great texmex cuisine and some good conversation=) It was nice to get to spend time with her...and I LOVE LUKE! He also bought me some shades and two dresses I wanted what a bear=) The weekend ended up being superspectacular and now all that needs to happen for it to really be perfect is for the COWBOYS to win tonight. We'll see what happens but I am so thankful for the family, friends, and boyfriend God has blessed me with. They may be hard to handle at times but they are worth it!

Love to all...................

Nothing Really.

We have had GORGEOUS weather this week despite all the hurricanes or the lack of here in Lorena. Anyway, my point being, I took Taylor for a stroll this afternoon and I don't think I can remember it feeling so wonderful outside. If you work inside (which most people do) on your lunch break or whenever GO OUTSIDE.. I always seem to feel 110% better and alive when I get fresh air and some time to think. I hope everyone has a chance everyday to just stop and breathe. Going for a walk/jog in GREAT weather and just taking time to think and release my thoughts is always so riveting! I encourage everyone to try this if you don't already do it and just see how much better you feel=) Sorry not to much to report on. If you're into country music take a listen to a country band called Lady Antebellum they are quickly becoming a favorite of mine.

~Peace and Love~

crazy..crazy..

So things around these parts have been quite hectic lately...My cousin is going through a nasty divorce from a man who is abusive and an alcoholic..etc.. and she has three kids from 7 to 1 and at the moment the youngest Taylor is living with us for the time being..could be long-term... Anywho, since I am the only one who can currently be home during the day I get to take care of her ALL day=) It has been fun but frustrating also. She is VERY strong-willed and has been on no schedule whatsoever. So that is changing for sure! She has been sick the past week and a half congested and wheezing and all that good stuff and so we have to give her these breathing treatments ever so often. It's funny as
you can see in the visuals the little mask is an animal

looks like a lizard or something to me.. but it's so
cute..she hates it but it must be done..
So my life lately has consisted of everything baby.
It is quite tiring and is hard work. All teenagers
who are having sex should have to experience
what it is like having a child and ALL that it entails.
I am very glad it is Friday and that the weekend is coming! Hope everyone has a super weekend!
Til next time...

Meredith Andrews

" You're Not Alone"

I searched for love,
When the night came,
And it closed in,
I was alone,
But you found me,
Where I was hiding,
And now I'll never ever be the same,
It was the sweetest voice,
That called my name saying

You're not alone,
For I am here,
Let me wipe away your every fear,
My love I've never left your side,
I have seen you through the darkest night,
And I'm the one who's loved you all your life,
All of your life

You cry yourself to sleep,
Cause the hurt is real,
And the pain cuts deep,
All hope seems lost,
With heartache your closest friend,
And everyone else long gone,
You've had to face the music on your own,
But there is a sweeter song that calls you home, saying

You're not alone for I am here,
Let me wipe away your every tear,
My love I've never left your side,
I have seen you through the darkest night,
And I'm the one who's loved you all your life,
All of your life

Faithful and true forever,
For my love will carry you...

You're not alone for I..I am here,
Let me wipe away your every fear,
Oh yeah, My love I've never left your side,
I have seen you through your darkest nights,
And I'm the one who's love you all your life,
All of your life....


This song is a reminder that He's always with us even when it seems all is lost. Rest in the peace that He's always here......

the weekends happenings

Friday night was a success! Both of my brothers are on varsity this year.. i wouldn't be a good sister if i didn't say that they are STUD players=) We played West and it was a great game Lorena won 7-0! The guys deserved it and have worked so hard over the summer to be good this year and frankly the poor things haven't been good since I was in high school. They all worked SUPER hard and were ALL pumped the entire time...i don't' think I've seen a group of guys keep each other so pumped and it was quite refreshing;) Chase had 22 tackles.. yes 22!! Chandler got an interception and Chase had at least one fumble recovery. I'm so excited to see them both playing and it's so special to experience it with them especially since my dad is the defensive coordinator. Growing up in a coaches family you live, eat, and breathe football this time of the year and I can't say I'm complaining one bit. I LOVE this time of year not to mention it's the season for my b-day=)~ So yes Friday consisted of taking in a great football game, taking some pics of course, and conversing with miss Lyndee Biles and catching up on each other's lives it was good to see an old friend....
Saturday was pretty uneventful.. went to Wally World (walmart for those of you who don't know the lingo) with Mops and Chels and then took in some games of football and sonic with my sweetie and OH Luke finally sold his beat up piece of you know what.. I must admit it was sad=( His '89 chrysler new yorker that he bought in Philadelphia like 3 years ago pulled out of the snodgrass' driveway...broken gas tank cover flapping in the wind and all haha ;( That poor little car got him ALL over the place New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Texas... It had the most incredibly comfortable seats too.. alas it is gone for good and we're morning the "Nigga"-that was it's name since it was black..hehe We are officially using 1 car now..the Silver Bullet is our sole source of communication and she's a jewel!

Sunday (today) We took in a lovely service at Harris Creek Baptist then had a nice Sunday lunch with the fam and listened to Chalen telling us all about her friends and various other "Chalen stories" Then I took a nice nap on the couch (no Sunday is complete without a nap) before the Cowboy's game started.. They kicked some SERIOUS bootay today..WAY TO GO!

The weekend was a success nothing to fancy went on just a typical weekend.. I hope everyone had an even more splendid one then I and hope everyone is well and ready for another work/school week. Blessing to all!

p.s. check out an artist by the name of Erin McCarley.. I'm lately obsessed with her.. she's from Nashville and her first album comes out next month but she's got a few songs on facebook and myspace.. so yeah..check it!

Natalie Grant

"I will not be moved"

I have been a wayward child,
I have acted out,
I have questioned sovereignty,
and had my share of doubts,

And though sometimes,
My prayers feel like the mountains of the sky,
The hand that holds won't let me go,
And is the reason why

I will stumble, I will fall down
But I will not be moved
I will make mistakes, I will face heartache,
But I will not be moved

On Christ the solid rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand,
I WILL NOT BE MOVED!

Bitterness has plagued my heart,
Many times before,
My life has been a broken glass,
And I have kept the scar,
Of all my shattered dreams,
And though it seemed,
That I was far too gone,
My brokenness helped me to see,
It's grace I'm standing on.

I will stumble, I will fall down
But I will not be moved
I will make mistakes, I will face heartache,
But I will not be moved

On Christ the solid rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand,
I WILL NOT BE MOVED!

And the chaos in my life,
Has been a badge of war,
And though I have been torn,
I will not be moved

On Christ the solid rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand,
I WILL NOT BE MOVED!


~No matter what circumstances life brings...DON'T BE MOVED!!! Stand firm in Christ no matter what hurt comes into your life. :)

Tears will turn into joy!

I am in the process of reading a book called His Princess by Sheri Rose Shepherd.. It is basically a book filled with letter's she believes God would right to us women. If you've never read this book go out and buy it or borrow it from a friend. It will make you feel like a million bucks and give you glimpse of what the Lord might say to you in different situations. The letter I am on today is titled "My Princess..it's okay to cry" as reads as follows:

I see how hard you try to handle your heart, and I know you want to live a life without heartaches or pain. I'm asking you to take a step closer to your Father in heaven by crying out to Me when you hurt. Let Me heal you. Remember My chosen, King David? He cried out to Me in his fears, disappointments, and sin, and I answered. You are also My chosen one, and you are My daughter...so it's okay to cry. I don't expect you to pretend that pain is not real. It is truth and tears that will give you the freedom that I want you to know. Now let go of that part of your heart that only I can heal. Let your heavenly Daddy hold you while you cry.
Love,
Your King who wipes away your tears

"Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy" ~Psalm 126:5


It is inevitable that hurt and heartache will come in this life. It is hard..REALLY hard sometimes and your heart can be broken in ways you didn't even think possible. I have experienced this and it's not fun and I'm sure many of you have too. When you do get hurt badly it is hard not to live in the past and be bitter toward those who caused the pain (or were responsible). Bitterness is an UGLY thing and it can come and take over completely if you let it. The devil loves to remind you of the pain you've experienced. I am finding that the best way to shut him up is to learn to love that person who did the damage. Pray for them. It is very easy for me to love people that haven't hurt me but loving those who have is a COMPLETELY different story. I'm not going to lie, praying for someone who hurt you badly is one of the HARDEST things I've ever done. How come it is always easier to be resentful and harbor ill feelings toward the person than to forgive and forget? Forgiveness-as children, or even as adults people think that you should forgive for the person who did the wrong...this is a false conception..in actuality you should forgive FOR YOURSELF! When you forgive someone who has hurt you, you aren't saying that what they did was okay you are saying "I'm not going to live with bitterness and be resentful, I'm going to forgive you so I can move on past the hurt." This is no walk in the park and it might take some time.. for me it's taking some time. I am learning that for me to get over it and become a better person I have to forgive him/her and love them the way Jesus loves them. In some cases what happened that caused you pain isn't something that will disappear, it's something that you'll have to learn to live with. The only way to get by is to hand it over to God and let him do the healing.. in some cases he is the only one who can heal your heart. Allow him to guard your heart and even your words. He will do so...he promises to=) In my case you have to stop thinking about how it could have gone differently and just find peace in how things turned out. It's a journey and will mostly likely involve lots of crying but as we read in my book..it's okay to cry=) I know that in the end I will be a happier person dealing with it in the RIGHT way.

I hope God blesses each of you in a special way today!

Travels and Tunes...

So lately I have become especially OBSESSED with wanting to travel and getting cultured. I don't know if it's because I am in the position where I actually have the time to or what but I want to SO BADLY. It is unfortunate that I am not rich and can't just take off on a moments notice, the funds are greatly lacking at the moment all I need is a couple million and I'll be set=)

Outside the U.S.
1.England
2. France
3. Italy
4. Ireland
5. Scotland
6.Columbia
7. Brazil
8. Africa
9. Canada (Prince Edward Island)
10. Egypt


In the U.S.
1. California (specifically San Diego..probably San Fran even though I'm not crazy about the place)
2. Washington (Seattle)
3. Kentucky
4. The Carolinas
5. Virginia and W. Virginia
6. Georgia (Atlanta)
7. Illinois (Chicago)
8. Massachusetts
9. Washington D.C. (been there but would like to go back)
10. New York (been there also but want to return)
11. Florida

Basically I haven't been anywhere!=) These are all the places I would like to visit before I die... I really love the great state of Texas but I want to experience all of these other places the seem wonderful. I am ready for a new journey.........

I will most likely be venturing off to other states soon enough. After Luke finishes school here in Waco I will probably be moving back to Nashville, Tn with him. I really like it there and I love the musical atmosphere there. It is just new and different and is a fresh place. I am completely a music junkie. I have grown up around music and have always enjoyed singing. I look to find new music all the time and try to expand my horizons with different genres. Whenever I find something new I've never heard it makes me giddy. I think that music if the perfect remedy for however you are feeling. Whether you are happy or sad you can always find something to fit your mood. I think I would just be lost if I didn't get to enjoy music. I love it because it is something that never dies. No matter old or how long ago it was written you can still listen to it generations after. It's a beautiful thing! This is why I love Nashville because there are always new artists writing new and different songs and I think I would enjoy being around that. I will also enjoy being close to Luke's family. They are wonderful and I love being around them.. don't get me wrong I love my own family also=) All I have to say is Nashville get ready!;)

I hope everyone is doing delightful and enjoying being alive. I leave you with this...

"Oh Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask your aid." ~Psalm 86:5

Welcome all!

Well I have finally made a blog. I've been wanting to for some time just haven't sat down and actually done it..but now it has been created=)

Today is the most anticipated Labor Day for most of the U.S. population. Isn't it quite ironic that we call it labor day when in fact it is the one day we DON'T work.. whoever came up with that must not have been the sharpest tool in the shed but non-the-less we are grateful for the day of relaxation and fun. I for one am not employed at the moment. I am in the excruciating process of passing all of my tests to FINALLY become a teacher.. do not be fooled my friends this is no piece of cake. It is quite possible the hardest two tests you will ever take in your life, fellow educators you know where I'm coming from. So these tests are designed to trick you in every possible way so that you don't pass therefore paying the $117 fee for both tests, making them rich! It is a complete scam in my opinion. Why do we go to college for 4yrs. (or for some special students 6yrs.) if we just have to take these idiotic tests at the end. It is like they are saying we don't trust that you have learned what you should so therefore go to college, pay the big bucks, and THEN come and pass our test. This process infuriates me beyond words! No wonder teachers are in need so badly. No one can pass these tests!

I most beautifully went to school and busted my rump for 4years (summer school and all) to get done with school. Of course once I got into oh my junior year at the great Texas Tech University I realized wait a second, I don't really want to teach high school kids! I would come to this realization once it was TOO LATE to change my mind. So I figured I would rather just teach elementary then deal with high schoolers... SoCharity gets to take not only 2 of the God forsaken exit tests she gets to take 4! Oh YAY! I was questioning if I even wanted to teach anymore... I know what you're thinking why in the world would you go and do that!!?? My answer i don't know. For those of you who truly know me that only thing that I've ever wanted to do since i was oh..4 was to be a stay at home mom and wife. That has not changed over the years..I could really give a flip about a career but that's just my personality. I would rather be taking care of my kids, the house, and my husband than off working at some 9-5 job. Those women out there that feel that is your calling more power to you that's just not me! Call me old fashioned if you may=)

I have recently been exposed to some wonderful information about mission work. My lovely friend, hopefully one day sister Hannah has just started working for a christian, humanitarian, organization called World Vision. It is a world-wide missions they offer so many different avenues to help those in need around the world. They have disaster relief efforts, they encourage people to sponsor children around the world who need food, clothing, clean drinking water, etc.. They do education, health care.. and on and on. Hannah just started working for them and she is going to be their rep. on a veggie tales tour starting this week and going through November which is very exciting and i'm so happy she gets this experience. My heart is so in something like that. I would love to go to other countries and teach people English, or just basic things like hygiene or sex education. I mean the most common knowledge things we are aware of they have no clue about. I don't know how or when I could get involved but it has been something on my heart. I am praying that God will show me how I should go about it, etc..I'm excited to see what he will show me.

I guess that is enough babble for today. I hope everyone is well and enjoying a day away from work! Be blessed and bless others.....