Scattered Thoughts

Overcoming Giants

2011-08-14T13:54:00.000-05:00

This morning Bro. Robin spoke on "Overcoming Giants" in 1 Samuel 17:2-4, 10-11, 31-51 and talked about David and Goliath and how David stood up against him with only a sling, 5 stones and going in the name of the Lord...He had God on his side!!

"Giants" are big, hairy, fearful, intimidating circumstances of life. David's conquest of Goliath models how everyday believers can overcome their giants through Christ.

What are some things that can be giants in your life?
Finances, my past, addiction (repeating negative behavior), fear of the future, unforgiveness, sickness, low self esteem, death, fear of failure, old age, divorce, joblessness, fear of sharing Christ, fear of public speaking, physical appearance, the list could go on and on.

Here are ten tactics that will help you overcome your giants:
1. Face the giant- what more can I say to that? Face it head on and don't ignore it...it will not go away
2. IGNORE Eliab- in other words...IGNORE the dream killers, the people who say "who do you think you are" the ones that tell you that you can't and that you won't
3. Remember the lion and the bear- remember the times in your life when you were at your weakest moment and God gave you victory over it, He gave you the light at the end of the tunnel
4. Don't wear Saul's armor- Don't immitate someone else, don't be someone you are not, be the person God made you to be
5. Use a sling (faith) and 5 stones (keys in the bible)- Going back to old reliable, something we can do and we know we can do it well. To get out there and DO what God has equipped you to do
6. Go in the name of the Lord of Hosts- Face it with the Lord of Hosts...I WILL DO WHAT IS RIGHT WITH ALL OF MY RIGHT AND LEAVE THE OUTCOME TO GOD!
7. Run Quickly toward the battle line- procrastination is the cousin of defeat
8. FINISH WHAT YOU START- Finish the job that you set forth on and finish it well
9. Don't forget where you came from- don't let success defeat you , you are what you are because of the grace of God. YOU WERE DEAD AND ARE ALIVE BECAUSE OF THE GRACE OF GOD
10. Get ready for the next giant- there will always be another giant...but now, hopefully you are more equipt to face them!

This morning I felt as if God was speaking directly to me, as if He was standing on the stage disguised as Bro. Robin and talking right to me! I have several of the things I listed above as giants in my life and after hearing all of this, I am ready to face them. I am ready to accept that God is still working in my life, I am ready to accept that I need to finish what I start and I am ready to face it all head on with God as my leader! No more procrastination, no more wearing "saul's armor" I am ready to accept who God made me to be. Does that mean that I don't need to eat right, exercise, etc...and accept that I am overweight. NO! That means that I need to finish what I started a long time ago and get my butt in shape. God gave me the ability to capture the beauty of life through photography and I will choose to take that God given gift and do it whole heartedly!
I am ready to face all of these giants in my life...I AM READY!!!

BLAH!

2011-07-12T20:23:00.000-05:00

I have been cooped up in the house due to Jacob being sick, then me getting sick. I have been to the doctor twice and am finally getting relief. I am becoming claustrophobic in this house. I want to be out experiencing summer with my boys! Tomorrow is my birthday, and I have never felt so blah about a birthday then I do this one. I honestly feel like it's just another day, that it's not a special day. I can't celebrate with my love, which sucks...so I don't know I just feel like no one cares really. That's just my little pitty party for the night. Just feeling quite alone tonight.

God is opening doors!!!

2011-02-23T05:44:00.000-06:00

Good morning faithful followers!!

I truly must say that I have loved the art of photography for many, many years and that is why I am persuing my passion with full intent of opening a studio for myself one day. I have been doing pictures on my own for friends, family and now am setting out on an adventure I never thought would happen to me!

Just recently I was asked to be a contract photographer for Portraits of Texas, which is a HUGE step in the right direction for me. Jennifer Nolan is a blessing from God!! She has offered herself up so I can intern with her and learn more of the ropes on the technical side of photography and I can not be more grateful to have such a wonderful Godly woman to work with!

I just photographed my first ever Goose Creek Memorial highschool baseball game for Portraits of Texas and I loved every minute of it. I do still have LOTS to learn but I will get there with some help and research. I love everything about capturing lifes moments from the simplest of things to the most wonderful days of people's lives.

I still have my own photography business Blessing Photography that I will continue to grow so that one day I will have a studio all my own!!!

God is truly blessing me daily and opening up doors where opportunity abounds...and guess what?? I AM SO EXCITED about it! :)

Big boy Lucas has surgery

2011-02-10T09:53:00.000-06:00

On February 2nd, Lucas had to have surgery to remove his tonsils and adnoids. We started the day out in the early morning and we didn't even get to the holding area until 4 hours later (keep in mind the poor 2 year old had not had anything to eat or drink). So...we finally made it into holding!!!

He got right to riding around the floor, keeping him occupied until it was his turn to go back into surgery. He was all smiles!!

Here he is with his Texas Children's pajama's and his very own doctor's hat

Shortly after this, his child life friend Ashley helped him go back to the operating room! He wasn't happy at all to leave the comfort of his parents...but he had to go. :( This part was hard on me!!

After about an hour, he was done with surgery and waiting for me in recovery. This was the hardest part on me...watching him wake up from the meds was difficult...the crying and sheer pain was tearing my heart apart!

Since he was diagnosed with sleep apnea, and the fact that he was under 3 years old, we had to stay the night in the hospital.

Here he is all tuckered out with his pooky & blankie!!

We thought we would be home on the 3rd before noon, but we didn't get home until almost 7 and boy was it freezing outside!!! Lucas' Aunt Courtney and friend Brooke had get well soon balloons waiting on us when we walked in.

Its been a LONG 8 days with sleepless nights and the feeling of helplessness that I cant take his pain away. Praying that he heals soon!!!

Blessings Photography

2011-01-09T12:00:00.000-06:00

{Brooke Pinson-the sweetest angelic face}

Call 832-514-8151 or email kbpipes08@gmail.com

to schedule your photography session

check us out on facebook @ Blessings Photography

P!NK- FREAKIN' PERFECT...THIS SONG JUST FITS ME

2011-01-06T14:15:00.000-06:00

Made a wrong turn, once or twice

Dug my way out, blood and fire

Bad decisions, that's alright

Welcome to my silly life

Mistreated, misplaced, misunderstood

Miss 'No way, it's all good', it didn't slow me down

Mistaken, always second guessing, underestimated

Look, I'm still around

Pretty pretty please, don't you ever ever feel

Like you're less than freakin' perfect

Pretty pretty please, if you ever ever feel like you're nothing

You're freakin' perfect to me!

You're so mean, when you talk about yourself, you were wrong

Change the voices in your head, make them like you instead

So complicated, look happy, you'll make it!

Filled with so much hatred...such a tired game

It's enough! I've done all I can think of

Chased down all my demons, I've seen you do the same

Oh, pretty pretty please, don't you ever ever feel

Like you're less than freakiin' perfect

Pretty pretty please, if you ever ever feel like you're nothing

HELP FOR CAM!

2011-01-04T09:36:00.000-06:00

This is an email I was sent by a mom, who needs our help...let's help them out as best we can!

Hey gang-

Shauna here..... I wanted to email everyone and say to have a Happy New Year. I am writing as a Mom that needs help. I am connected to each and everyone one of you in different ways but you will probably know me and Brady to be always there for our friends and family know matter what. We have logged numerous hours Coaching and being team mom to kids for over 13 years. I am telling you this because now we are the ones in need. It is very hard for me to ask for help but we have had some volunteers for Cams benefit but I am asking that everyone get involved. When Cam got injured we had sooo much support but time has passed and we are still dealing with this injury and how to help our little man. He is due to have surgery in Boston in January. We don't care what this will cost or if our insurance will pay, we just want our spunky little CAM back. I am usually the first to jump into action if someone needs help and always thought that would be the same if I ever did. I am asking that you help us out here. We need silent auction items and volunteers. We have 1 week to accomplish this in. I am so greatful for the people that have put this together and has tried countless hours to get this up and going. I know the holidays are busy but in the meen time my baby is hurting and just begging Brady and I for relief. His knee popped out of placve yesterday and set him back a little. I know they have ask ya'll but if you could go to Cam's Care page.

http://www.carepages.com/carepages/Camscrusade

sign up and it is free
leave Cam a comment.....he is reading these...this is where you can get updates. Many have visited but have not left him a little comment. He would love to know that his "teammates" have not forgotten him. We are trying to keep his spirits up!!!!!!! Cam has a long 6-9 months ahead of him and I am doing everything but begging for support. Without my friends and family, I just don't know if I can get through this. Brady and I don't have a big family but to all of our family members please get on the phone and get some donations....also send this on to extended family that I dont have emails for. I am sorry for all the emotion but when I meet (most) of you at the field or whereever in my life, I find a place in my heart for you, Now, it is time that I ask for help and I feel like everyone is just too busy with life to stop a second and help a little guy out. I want to say THANK YOU to the people that have volunteered to make a difference in Cam's life. When we woke up that morning we never thought that our 9 year old sons life would change forever. Who knows if he will ever play football again but I do want him to be pain free and to be able to ride his bike outside and play with his friends. That is not too much for a Mom to ask for. In life, we have our friends and family to turn to so that is what I am doing !

To answer a couple of questions....YES of course you can bring your kids...yes it is at a bar but it is from1-4, thank you Cosbys for volunteering Tin Cup. Also, Cams online donation page is http://teamcam.bravehost.com/
You can get donations from businesses or whoever...make all checks to CAM RHODES
I appreciate each and every one of you! Remember if you have any questions or want to volunteer call ANNABETH at 832-401-8840...she is in charge, thankyou thank you.

ANY SILENT AUCTION ITEM NEEDS TO BE DROPPED OFF AT FROGSTONES BY FRIDAY.........

Also-PLEASE TAKE A MINUTE AND GO FILL OUT THE T SHIRT ORDER FORM- we are trying to get an estimate on the number of shirts we will need so we make sure we have enough for the benefit. They are $15 per person and your can pick them up at Frogstones before the benefit or at Tin Cup the day of the benefit.This is the link for the shirts.

http://www.jotform.com/form/3623350786
Thanks,
Shauna

Ever have?

2010-12-27T08:22:00.000-06:00

Ever have that aching feeling in your chest where you know something is wrong, something not quite right, but you can't seem to pin point what it is? I felt that all last night. I have the reassurance...telling me that everything is great and I can feel it. My mind wants to rationalize everything as to where my heart, my heart just yearns for happiness. I find that in the laughter I have every day, the conversations with people that seem to be so fulfilling to my soul, it's like a hunger that I have searched for is finally getting filled. I don't want this feeling to end, I want it to last forever and ever! I love how happy I am but I am scared of what the future has in store for me. I know that I can't hold back anymore, I have to plunge into the future, take a chance on things that make me so very happy. I am terrified to open myself up, but I'm holding on to the fact that I am loved and trusting that I will not get hurt.
I've moved from the girl I once was and becoming the woman that I want to be. I thank God for those people that are helping me find that person. I couldn't ask for more caring, genuine, trustworthy friends in my life. I have come to know what a true friend is...and it's not the fake ones that say they are there for you...its the ones who really are!
So as a sleepless night has revealed...I'm terrified, I'm scared of what the future holds....and I know I shouldn't be because God holds my future in his hands. I still am human and I find myself still scared of the "what's to come"

Christmas Time

2010-12-27T08:06:00.000-06:00

It's the Monday after Christmas. We spent Christmas Eve with my family, went to the beautiful candlelight service, came home (it was pouring rain outside) and let the boys open one present of their choice.

Jacob got his sketchers & Lucas got a Buzz Lightyear game

I woke up Saturday morning a little after 8 am and to my amazement the house was still quiet. Lucas was still snoozing and Jacob was tucked away in his bed reading "Diary of a whimpy kid" book he had received the day before. Not too much later we were in the living room to find out what Santa had brought...

An electric scooter

And a Tonka Bike

After that excitement they tore into the other gifts under the tree. We had such a relaxing day, played with toys, even braved the 30 mph winds and cold to let them try out their new scooter and bike (that didn't last long)
I went to visit Hannah & baby Isaac grave site and put flowers there...I can't believe that is has been 4 years since Hannah passed and roughly almost 3 months since baby Isaac. My heart misses them so very much, but I know they are in a much better place celebrating Christmas with the one in which we celebrate.
Usually we spent the rest of the afternoon at my family's Christmas but since we had it on Christmas Eve, we had absolutely nothing to do (which might I add was a bit weird...and I did not like it at all!) Hopefully next year, that will be back to normal.

All in all we had a wonderful Christmas!

BAY AREA RELAY FOR LIFE 2011

2010-11-07T14:00:00.001-06:00

My Reason to Relay

I have personally witnessed several people have to go through the devastating fight against cancer one in particular my niece, Hannah Harpster who passed away February 1, 2006 from a rare brain tumor. This year a very dear friend of mine Freddie "Nana" Hollingsworth was diagnosed with breast cancer and is currently battling this disease. Their fight like many others was/is hard and I am teaming up with the Bay Area Relay for Life to raise funds for the cure for cancer. Please join with me as we raise money and fight against this disease!

MAKE A DONATION AT THE LINK BELOW!!

http://main.acsevents.org/goto/katiebethpipes

My beautiful niece Hannah~ Missing you every single day miss diva!!

Had enough?

2010-11-03T10:53:00.000-05:00

I want you to ask yourself a question. I don't want you to rush to an answer or think that you have to come up with one, because I bet the answer will freely flow from your heart.

Q: Was there a turning point in your life when you said, enough is enough, you turned your back on your old life and started new?

I personally can look on a moment in time when I could honestly say that I was tired of living the life that I had and I was ready for the future...a new future. I got lost along the way from that day, but have quickly been set back on the right path by the greatest people in my life that truly love and care about me.
There are trying times in every one's life that can either send them straight to the bottom or to that old life, or it can change them forever for the good.
Lately I have felt very distant from God and I don't really know why. Could it be that I have so much hate for someone or that I just don't want to hear what He has to say to me. All I know is that when God leads us to the edge of a cliff, we will either choose to trust that he will catch us when we fall or teach us how to fly.
I wanted to let my friends and family know that God will shift things around for you today, and let things work in your favor. If you believe and trust in the only one that can close doors no man can open and open doors no man can shut...He can do amazing things in your life!

I read this quote this morning and it touched me deep down to my soul "When you reach the end of your rope, you will find the hem of His garment" SO VERY TRUE! Life will throw you curve balls, life will bring heartache and sorrow...but know that through the stinging pain all you have to do is reach out and just simply touch the hem of His garment like the very ill woman in the bible. She was desperate for healing and fighting through the crowd she barely touched the hem of Jesus' garment and she was healed. In that crowd of people he stopped, turned around and asked who it was that touched him. It could have been many people just brushing up against him, but He knew the distinct touch of desperation!
I pray that today if you are in a situation of desperation that you will reach out to Him for healing, for peace. You may be holding onto regret about something that happened many years ago...the time has come to let it go. I pray as a friend that I will stand by you every step of the way, I will be here to help you. I will hold you up when you can't stand, I will wipe the tears when you need to cry.
Now is the time to look to the future and stop holding on to what you could not change. God has a plan for you and has known what is in store for you from the day you were born.

Today is a new day....embrace it and if there are changes that need to be made...DO IT!!

My name must taste good...

2010-10-27T19:23:00.000-05:00

I find it awesome to think that my name keeps coming out of different people's mouths. You know, I guess people really don't have anything to talk about, so I guess I am cool enough for them! I love it how people THINK they know, but have no idea and choose not to ASK BEFORE THEY TALK CRAP ABOUT ME! You all are worthless pieces of crap...JUST SAYING! I know my name tastes so sweet in your mouth right now, but I hope one day it turns sour and you choke on it!

To those who KNOW WHATS GOING ON IN MY LIFE, thanks for being TRUE and ASKING BEFORE YOU TALK!

I'm loving life right now and I won't let anything ruin that for me. I'm not gonna sit back and let you walk all over me...so get ready to hear me when you start talking your crap! So to all of you who THINK you know...YOU HAVE NO IDEA so stick to your own pathetic life and stay the hell out of mine!

Good thing, I have some great people in my life who genuinly care about me, my feelings and my family.

Peace out all you haters and much love to all my TRUE peeps!!

Jaxon Coy photo shoot-Sneak Peek!

2010-10-19T18:09:00.000-05:00

Just thoughts...

2010-10-14T21:43:00.000-05:00

I have thought a lot about life lately; loss, gain, living, challenges, trials, goals, etc. I have experienced the loss of baby Isaac that whom was so dear to my heart. It's a daily reminder that we are not "required" to have another day to breathe or another day to love. I am chosing to take this loss and heartache and turn it into something that will drive me to live my life better. I may be faced with challenges and trials but I chose to face them head on. I am finding the voice inside that tells me that my happiness does count, that my dreams and aspirations are worth striving for...I will achieve them!

Definition of LOVE (per the dictionary):
1. a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.

2. a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend.

3. sexual passion or desire.

4.to need or require; benefit greatly from

I was just thinking about the definition of the word Love. Love is a word that most use far too loosely, without considering what the true meaning of the word is. To love someone is to need them, require them or benefit greatly from them. I myself can say without a shadow of a doubt that I am in LOVE. I miss him greatly when he is gone, I have a need to be with him all the time and I greatly benefit from loving him. I thank God each and every day for showing me the true meaning of the word Love. It's unconditional love!

I am truly truly blessed to have the greatest friends and family a person could ask for!!

To my precious first born...

2010-10-09T19:31:00.000-05:00

Jacob Wayne Pipes

October 10, 2003

4:22 pm

7lbs 4 oz

20 in.

I just wanted to share a few thoughts out of a journal I kept while I was pregnant with Jacob...

"A Mother's Thoughts...
Wow!!! Words can't express the thrill, the wonder, the excitement I felt when I knew you were coming. I couldn't for the life of me realize and comprehend that I was going to be a mommy...your mommy! The very first time that I saw your heartbeat on the monitor and heard it, it was reality. How could something so wonderful be happening to me? I thought. I can still remember the very first ultrasound when I saw little you, so amazing to see you inside of my stomach. The first time you kicked me...you kicked so hard. You were very active from that moment on. You had the hiccups so much, my stomach would shake and I'd just laugh. The day I found out that you were a boy, I thought about a name that would suit you. I prayed and God led me to the name Jacob. On October 9, 2003 it was storming out and I was so swollen, hurting and not feeling good at all. Grandma and the nurses told me to get to the hospital. They admitted me for toxemia which was causing me to be so sick! The doctor induced me the morning of October 10th and at 4:22 pm you finally arrived. You were perfect. 10 fingers, 10 toes, beautiful blue eyes. Fromt he first moment I saw you , I knew we were going to love eachother forever."

I have been truly blessed to be the mommy of such a wonderful boy! Jacob is so kind hearted, energetic, loving and such an incredible kid. Thank you God for blessing me with him...he is the joy in my heart and the sparkle in my eye!!
I love you Jakester...you big 7 year old!!!

Love,
Mommy

Isaac N. Pinson II (Deuce)

2010-10-04T18:14:00.000-05:00

Isaac N. Pinson II (Deuce)

You sweet little boy, I will always cherish the way you would have a huge grin on your face when you saw Jacob or Lucas, the way you laughed when Jacob would make a funny face or funny sound to you. I loved all of your fat rolls, your funky dark hair, the way you look so much like your mommy. Baby boy your Aunt Katie loves you and will miss you. I will keep your memory in my heart forever. I know you have your angel wings now and you will never feel any more pain. I promise you baby that I will watch over your mommy, daddy, sister and I know you will be looking down on them. I know the angels will be singing you sweet lullubies and that brings joy to my heart. I love you baby Isaac and I will miss you so much!!

His Journey's Just Begun

2010-10-03T21:20:00.000-05:00

His Journey's Just Begun

By Ellen Brenneman

Don't think of him as gone away--

his journey's just begun

life holds so many facets

this earth is only one.

Just think of him as resting

from the sorrows and the tears

in a place of warmth and comfort

where there are no days and years.

Think how he must be wishing

that we could know today

how nothing but our sadness

can really pass away.

And think of him as living

in the hearts of those he touched...

for nothing loved is ever lost--

and he was loved so much.

Words can't even begin to describe...

2010-10-02T12:18:00.000-05:00

It's Saturday and it was supposed to be a relaxing weekend. I got a call early this morning that my best friends 1 year old baby passed away. Our families are very close and Brooke (their daughter) even calls me Aunt Katie. It literally felt like someone punched me in the stomach and ripped out my heart. My first reaction was anger and now I feel helpless. I see my best friend mourning the loss of her son and I can't do anything but hold her and console her. I'm sick to my stomach and haven't slept...I really don't know what to do. I love this little boy so very much and I question God's decision, but it's not for me to understand.
That is all I have for now...
Rest in peace sweet baby Isaac N. Pinson II (Duece)

More photos!

2010-09-30T22:29:00.000-05:00

Parker- Blessings Photography

The things I love about Fall:

2010-09-30T07:20:00.000-05:00

"I cannot endure to waste anything as precious as autumn sunshine by staying in the house. So I spend almost all the daylight hours in the open air.- Nathaniel Hawthorne

Who wouldn't love this time of year? I love Fall because....

College football (UT, Penn State)

It's Volleyball Season

The crisp cool air

Camp fires

Hoodies

Halloween

Thanksgiving

Pumpkin pie

Turkey

Pumpkin patch

Pumpkin carving

I think I could go on and on about what I love so much about this season. It's a season of thankfulness and I am truly thankful for all the blessings & people God has bestowed upon me!!

Oliver

2010-09-30T06:50:00.002-05:00

Our sweet little Oliver!

Kenny Chesney - The Boys of Fall (Football!)

2010-09-29T06:50:00.000-05:00

Tuesday's Edition of my thoughts...

2010-09-28T21:22:00.000-05:00

Had a wonderful time at the park with my little love, blanket and snacks under a big shade tree. What a beautiful day it was with the bright blue sky and the laughter of the one I love because he is so happy! It makes me happy to see him happy!! This weather is so thrilling!

We also added a new addition to our family...Oliver! He is a sweet, brown, little chi-weenie and he has melted mine and the boys heart already!! He is nestled in his new bed with a baby blanket, sound asleep! The boys have already asked to take him with us when we go to school in the morning. I love being able to make them happy!!

Tonight it's early to bed so I can spend time with my bestie tomorrow, plus the fact that I am actually quite tired today! (guess it was too much relaxation!)
Tomorrow is HUMP DAY...half way to the weekend baby!!

First signs of Fall

2010-09-27T16:46:00.000-05:00

As I stepped outside this morning the crisp breeze was a sure sign that Fall was here. I look forward to this day every year. It's not a specific date or day, it's just that morning when you awaken to that smell and the rustling wind through the trees. Oh how it makes my heart leap for joy!! I love this time of year: pumpkin patch, fall decorations, leaves changing, Halloween, Thanksgiving and then wouldn't you know it...Christmas! Today I opened all the windows in the house, turned off the AC, sat under a beautiful tree and soaked up the sound of the wind through the leaves and the sunshine trickling through the limbs....I am in love!

What a peaceful way to start the week...I have a feeling it's going to get even better!!

Happy Sunday!

2010-09-26T20:45:00.000-05:00

I am so stinking happy today. First off I got to wake up to my babies which makes me completely happy, second I booked a wedding shoot for June 2011...PAUSE for a moment...HAPPY DANCE, HAPPY DANCE, HAPPY DANCE!! Third, I got to spend the day with my boys (all 3 of them)

I absolutely love, love, love taking them to the park and watching them play. They are so happy there.

Here are some pics from the park

Now, I am listening to music, talking to a friend and is so GIDDY HAPPY!!!

love & hugs,

Katie

GNO!!

2010-09-23T16:50:00.000-05:00

KC & Me (Hahaha)

KC & Me again...we are so silly!

HOT GIRLS!

KC, Me, Courtney and Sara- GNO!!

All smiles...love the GNO!

A girl's got to have a little fun and who better to do it with...her friends!!! KC, Courtney, Sara and I set our sights on Iguana Joe's for laughter, drinks and food. We had such an awesome time and decided we don't need to wait that long before we have another one!! Love these girls.

Principal Pride Award

2010-09-23T15:02:00.000-05:00

Me and Jacob (PROUD MOMMA!)

Kevin and Jacob

Chesney (Jacob's secret girlfriend)

Jacob...he was so thrilled he got Principal's Pride in Writing!!

I am so proud of my oldest son, Jacob for doing his very best in school! I am so happy that I was chosen to be his mommy. He is the sweetest thing ever...Mommy loves you!!!

My tattoo!!

2010-09-22T20:23:00.000-05:00

Just thinking!

2010-09-22T19:57:00.000-05:00

There's usually a little truth behind "Just Kidding", some knowledge behind an "I Don't Know", an emotion behind an "I Don't Care",and pain behind an "It's OK".
Sometimes I wish that people would take the time to understand the above statement. As a good friend you know when to look deeper into those answers, to ask more questions, to dig a little deeper and realize that those answers are just cover ups for what is really going on.
I love those friends of mine, those family members that take the time to understand that there is an underlying problem when I use those kind of responses.
My hope is that you will consider that the next time you receive one of these answers, that you will dig a little deeper and come to know your friends a little more.

A friend's prayer

2010-09-16T11:25:00.000-05:00

A Friend's Prayer

© Jill Wolf, sent by Wendy Hinson

May my friendships always be

The most important thing to me;

With special friends I feel I'm blessed,

So let me give my very best.

I want to do much more than share

The hopes and plans of friends who care;

I'll try all that a friend can do

To make their secret dreams come true.

Let me use my heart to see,

To realise what friends can be,

And make no judgements from afar,

But love my friends the way they are.

Hunter & Parker

2010-09-15T04:12:00.000-05:00

First day of MDO

2010-09-13T18:55:00.000-05:00

Lucas' first day of MDO

Lucas and his Kenna

Today was Lucas' first day of MDO and my first day of being alone! He was so excited to be going to school and was even more excited to see "His Kenna" there. I walked him into his class and he didn't even hesitate to join in with the other kids. I had to leave pretty quick like because I was tearing up at watching my baby boy!

I enjoyed my alone time and got a great work out in at the track. I am loving my new ipod and the hot pink ear buds to go with it...makes for a fun time sweating my butt off!

Picked up my babies from school and they both had such a great day. I'm blessed to have my boys!!

Weekend at Pineywoods

2010-09-12T16:24:00.000-05:00

We spent the weekend at Pineywoods Baptist encampment which Brittany and I deemed almost compound like (don't drink the kool-aid...lol) The boys had a great time and from the moment they stepped out of the door in the morning until they came in at night they were head to toe DIRT! The lake was beautiful and so was the little hike we did around it. Jacob enjoyed the fire pit the entire weekend and made sure the fire never went out. I had such a good time at the pool with my boys. Seeing Jacob finally come out of his shell of being scared and doing all of the slides was great! Lucas enjoyed the little slide so much, but my arms were getting so tired of catching him. I greatly enjoyed the personal time with our friends, a time to chat, a time to get to know eachother a little better was fantastic! We are now home relaxing, washing clothes and getting ready for another week.
Lucas starts MDO tomorrow and I am going to cry...I just know it!! Praying for the family that lost a father and husband yesterday and to the friends that lost someone very dear to them! Prayers of comfort, peace for all of them in this difficult time.

Happy

2010-09-07T09:36:00.000-05:00

What can I say about the past month? I have had some crazy busy days, things seemed to be falling apart but through it all I had some amazing friends to help me through every single day. There is nothing in this world that compares to having a huge smile from the moment you wake up until the moment your head hits the pillow at night. Living so sad and depressed because of circumstances isn't a way to live at all. I am evolving into this person whom I can not wait to show off to the world. I wake up with high expectations of being happy every single day and I know I will not be disappointed.
I can not wait to see the weigh in details on Thursday because I have been working out so hard that I know I will be seeing the results from it. Yes, I sure am sore but no pain, no gain...and I come out happy on top of that, it's the best feeling ever!!
Today is going to be a great day, getting my nails done, lunch with my sister for her birthday, cleaning house and enjoying the evening with my boys. I woke up with a smile on my face and I will go to bed with a smile on my face!

Day Seven: Four turn offs

2010-09-07T08:58:00.000-05:00

Day seven: Four turn offs

1. Any guy who uses chewing tobacco
2. Any person who doesn't have personal hygiene
3. When you are with someone and it has to be all about them
4. Cheesy pick up lines

Day Six: Five people who mean a lot (in no order whatsoever).

2010-09-06T15:16:00.000-05:00

Day Six: Five people who mean a lot (in no order whatsoever).

1. Jacob
2. Lucas
3. My momma
4. My dad
5. Lori

There are a lot more people who mean so much to me, but it only asked for 5. I hope they all know how much they do mean to me and that I continue to show them!

Day Five: Six things you wish you'd never done

2010-09-05T21:58:00.000-05:00

Day Five: Six things you wish you'd never done

1. I wish I had never let someone control me
2. I wish I had not disappointed my parents
3. I wish I had not let people or things make me lose my self respect
4. I wish I had never let my heart get broken...I wouldn't have walls up now
5. I wish I had never "settled" on anything!
6. I wish I had not let anyone use me!

The Miller's Photo shoot

2010-09-04T17:51:00.001-05:00

Day Four: Seven things that cross your mind a lot

2010-09-04T17:17:00.000-05:00

Day Four: Seven things that cross your mind a lot (in no particular order)

1. Am I good enough
2. Will I ever take the classes for photography
3. Is it going to stay this good
4. My friends
5. My children
6. Is it bed time yet?
7. Housework

Day 3: 8 ways to win my heart

2010-09-04T17:10:00.000-05:00

Day 3: 8 ways to win my heart

1. Show me you care
2. Listen to what I say, even if it is random
3. My babies have to love you
4. Snuggle me
5. Show me you will never hurt me
6. Make me trust you
7. Say the little things
8. Make me as important as I make you

Day 2: 9 things about myself

2010-09-02T22:59:00.000-05:00

1. I love capturing the special moments in people's lives. The art of photography
2. I like strawberry & green apple blow pops
3. I have a love affair with high heel shoes
4. I love mani-pedi's
5. I always stop my gas pump on an even number
6. I like Hockey (watching it in person)
7. I have always wanted to be a foster parent
8. my favorite thing to wear is tshirt, shorts and flip flops
9. I like pens

Okay, so that was a little difficult. Any who....on to day 3 tomorrow!

Day One: Ten things you want to say to ten different people right now.

2010-09-01T08:41:00.000-05:00

Ten things I want to say to ten different people:

1. Thank you for always finding time to listen to me and letting me be myself
2. She doesn't love you anymore because of how you treated her, so now it's time to suck it up and move on!
3. You are the most amazing person I know, you make me smile even though my world could be falling apart.
4. I am sorry
5. If you wouldn't act like a slut, you wouldn't be called one
6. You will make it through this and will come out a better person on the other side
7. Stop saying your fat and do something about it!
8. I don't want to say anything to this person, just slap them across the face
9. I love you to the moon and back
10. You are beautiful just the way you are!!

10 Day challenge

2010-09-01T07:42:00.001-05:00

10 day challange goes like this. I will start with Day one and answer that question in a blog and so on and so forth for the 10 days!

Day One: Ten things you want to say to ten different people right now.

Day Two: Nine things about yourself.

Day Three: Eight ways to win your heart.

Day Four: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.

Day Five: Six things you wish you'd never done.

Day Six: Five people who mean a lot (in no order whatsoever).

Day Seven: Four turn offs.

Day Eight: Three turn ons.

Day Nine: Two smileys that describe your life right now.

Day Ten: One confession.

My sexy new shoes!!!

2010-08-31T20:45:00.000-05:00

So Lucas and I made a little trip to Kohl's today. We played with the toys (Lucas made a friend)and walked around the store to just hang out. When it came time to leave it started pouring rain so we continued to walk around the store when these shoes called my name! I couldn't handle the fact that they were $70...but to my amazement they were on sale for 24.99! I LOVE A DISCOUNT!! :)
Anyways, I am so in love with these babies. They are just the sexiest shoes I have seen in a while. The heel is black but it picked up the pink in the box when I took the picture. I so can not wait to wear these...and they may even make an appearance in my vintage vixen photoshoot!!

Wedding Pictures

2010-08-30T08:52:00.000-05:00

My gorgeous sister

Me and my first love

Me rockin' my red dress! :)

Brooke trying to take a peek under Kelly's dress

She was nervous

My little love

Joshua & Kelly

It's Monday

2010-08-30T07:39:00.000-05:00

It's Monday and I am not feeling so well today. I really hope I am not getting sick, because it will be a miserable time for all of us! Lucas has a rash all over his upper body, so I will be calling the doctor in about an hour. He keeps scratching it and saying it hurts, but nothing I put on it seems to help. The bad thing is, it's right about his groin area too :( poor little guy. Jacob woke up with a bruised foot, who knows what happened to it....wow, we really are falling apart today. LOL! Hoping to get in contact with the insurance companies today and get started on this whole claims process (what a headache) and need to straighten up the house.

Hoping my friends all have a great Monday and a second week of school!

P.S. potty training is going good, and Lucas hasn't had his pow-pow for the last 2 days (awesome...pat on the back to me!)

Life

2010-08-29T14:41:00.000-05:00

There is so many things in life that we can not change, we don't have the power to change or the ability to change. I made some very poor choices in my teenage years that changed my life in a direction I never expected. My mom would try to make me see what the choices I was making would do, but I never listened to her. My parents raised me to know right from wrong and when I was placed into the real world, it was then up to my parents to give me over to God and allow me to make those decisions for myself. I look back on it all now and I can't apologize enough to them for the way I had acted.
I see the teenage girls and boys for that matter going through so much of what I did, that I would really like to tell each one of them my story. The world wants to devour them and destroy their dreams...and we as parents need to stop this vicious cycle! You first of all have to be the parent, set boundaries so that they are not faced with a difficult situation, we need to prepare them for what is going to be thrown at them and then once they are through with all of that you can be their friend. It is so frustrating to see parents whom let their children do anything they want because "their friends!" or those parents who are so stinkin' naive to think that their children are so perfect "they would never do anything like that"...well let me tell ya', they have probably already done it, thinking about doing it or have been offered to do it (whatever "it" is)
I get completely scared thinking of what is to come for my boys when they get to the teenage years...but I know this...God has leant them to me and all I can do is give them back to Him. He loves our children much more than we could ever think about loving them. Its easier said than done, if you are like me, you want to know what's ahead and have some control over it, but the funny thing is...Life throws some curve balls and we have to be prepared to get on our knees are pray through it!

Fun in the sun

2010-08-28T19:32:00.001-05:00

Took the boys to Pirate's Bay and had a great time! Kevin and Jacob went on all the slides numerous times, while Lucas and I played in the kiddie area. The lazy river was quite relaxing, except for all the children (whom the parents obviously just let them do whatever) kept hitting our tube (Lucas was on my lap) I just do not understand how parents can let their little one's in water where they could drown and no one watching them! We are all a little "kissed by the sun" but we had a good day.
Here are some pics from today:

All in all today was a great day!

It's Saturday...

2010-08-28T07:05:00.000-05:00

As usual, Friday night was uneventful and ended up going to sleep disappointed. :( I'm getting used to this, but I shouldn't have too. I was up bright and early at 6 am with Lucas saying he needed to go peepee on the big potty, so off we rushed and used his new Cars potty seat on the big potty. LOL! NOW he seems interested in potty training. :) So the boys and I are awake watching Sesame Street and they are already in their swimsuits for Pirates Bay. Guess I could go ahead and fill up the truck and go get our lunch stuff at walmart...but I sure wanted to sleep in this morning!
~I had a wonderful day yesterday and can't wait to find myself on the comfy couch again soon!~

Hugs & Smiles!

The Bookworm

2010-08-27T18:18:00.000-05:00

My mom ended up taking Lucas to the zoo so I was able to spend the afternoon without kids. I shopped a little at Target and then headed over to The Bookworm store to do a little browsing for some books. I loved this little store, so cozy, quiet and relaxing. I ended up sitting on the big COMFY couch and thoroughly enjoying myself. I let time get away from me, but I know that I will be making my way back there very soon!
It was so nice to sit, relax and just be for a little while. No worries, no cares, just had a wonderful time (which I need more often) I actually found myself smiling more today and not letting anything bother me which has been a nice needed break from the last 2 weeks.
PLUS....I so think I will be visiting the wine bar I saw also!! :) HA

Pirate's Bay tomorrow with the boys...and maybe my tattoo or purple hair (jk on the purple hair part)

Hit by a Mack truck!

2010-08-26T07:16:00.000-05:00

So Lucas and I were involved in a minor accident yesterday, but we are fine. Last night Lucas couldn't keep anything down (on either end) so Kevin had the medics come check him out. BP, heart rate and temp were all okay and they said it was probably because of nerves. I went to bed with back pain, hardly slept at all last night and woke up feeling like I had been hit by a Mack truck. There isn't much damage to my truck so why in the heck do I feel like this. Lucas is saying his belly hurts now. Guess I was so tense yesterday that when I finally started to relax the pain set in from the jolt. Oh well the day must go on and pain relievers will be my friend. Weigh in this morning...
I am just thankful that Luke and I nor the others were injured!
Any ways, guess I need to get the grouchy monster up for school (BTW, he hurt his hand at school yesterday and has a huge piece of skin missing from the palm area...plus we think he has a crush at school because yesterday he wanted to wear cologne and deodorant to school AND he combed his hair all nice)

Have a great day!

Alarms, hunger, sore & photography! LOL

2010-08-25T06:42:00.000-05:00

Here it is 6 in the morning and I am awake! Who wants to ask me why? Well I will tell you why. At about 5:00 this morning the chorous of alarms began to go off. The first is the ANNOYING cock-a-doodle-doo that sounds out from my husbands phone which in turn no more than 2 minutes later the ANNOYING buzz of the table alarm goes off. Do you get that I was ANNOYED this morning? So now I am awake and then I was just greeted with the happy pitter patter of Lucas' little feet. This is going to be a long day!!

Not only that, but I woke up starving this morning so I just ate some special K. By the way, I am seriously considering buying a king size bed because this queen size thing is for the birds especially when Lucas decides to sneek in while we are sleeping.

I am in desperate need of getting my butt in gear this morning and head to the track after we drop off Jake at school. Weigh in tomorrow and I hope to have lost 4lbs.

My body is sore from working out, but no pain, no gain. I am however seeing the muscle definition in my arms again. :)

Oh AND I have a photo shoot tomorrow with a beautiful family that just welcomed a new baby boy to their family. I am SUPER excited to photograph them!! Photography makes my heart smile!!!!

ALMOST FORGOT...I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE CHURCH RETREAT--JUST TO GET AWAY!

Well, I guess thats about it in a nut shell. Off to make Jake's lunch and start laundry!

**SMILE**

Katie

To my friends

2010-08-24T16:47:00.000-05:00

I'll be a shoulder to cry on when you're blue,

will you be there for me when I need you?

No matter how busy I will make time for you,

if you are busy will you make time for me too?

I will take your hand and comfort your tears,

will you hold me and soothe my fears?

I will give you joy and many warm smiles,

can we share that even across many miles?

I will not forget what's important to you,

will you remember what's important to me too?

With you my most favorite things I'll share,

If only I know do you truly care?

If you can accept me as I do you,

then I will know you are a friend most true.

First day of school, bee sting & Lucas

2010-08-24T09:29:00.000-05:00

I picked Jacob up from school yesterday and asked how his day was and he promptly told me that his teacher is SUPER mean, mean, mean, mean and that he was left outside at recess. I explained that teachers have to be harder on the students the first few weeks of school because they need to let the students know who is boss and to make sure they know the rules. Turns out that the reason he was left at recess (and it was him and another student) was because they were at the back of the playground area and didn't hear the teacher say it was time to line up. I told Jacob this morning that he needs to open his ears, listen and pay attention at all times! He did end up saying he had a pretty good day and this morning he was eager to get to school earlier than yesterday.

My bee sting feels much better today, but it made me so sick last night. I still have a huge whelp where it got me, but all in all it's okay.

I received the welcome letter for Lucas' Mother's day out in the mail yesterday. We go for his orientation on September 9th and he starts on the 13th! He is going to love it!! He wanted to go to "big cool" with his bubbie yesterday, he even grabbed his own little backpack. I can't wait because he will be in the same class with my best girl friends kiddos, Brooke & McKenna (which he absolutely loves) They are all going to grow up together which is just the best thing ever!!

Enough of me rambling today...oh yea and I broke my nail last night and now have a scooby doo bandaid on it!

Have a great Tuesday!! :)

Texts and phone calls

2010-08-23T16:50:00.000-05:00

I care so much about some great people that I have had the priviledge to have in my life. Unfortunately, sometimes circumstances get in the way of being able to communicate how much I value their friendship and them! I so would love to pick up the phone and talk to a friend to see how their day is going or text them and see what is going on in their life. I hate that I just can't pick up the phone to see how some friends are, but I guess at this time in life we just have to place it on pause.
I just want you all to know that I don't mean it intentional at all, just know I care about you all so very much!!

*Smile*
Katie

I'm getting a tattoo!!

2010-08-23T14:17:00.000-05:00

I am so excited to announce that I will be getting a tattoo hopefully very soon! I have always wanted one, but want it to be something meaningful and something no one else has. It will be a butterfly but not like one you will think of. I want it to have eccentric wings with lots of color. The butterfly not only represents the memory of my little niece but also that I am taking on the real me again. No more wasting away in drab color...I have a vibrant personality and I am finally letting it show!
Here is some pictures of what I want to incorporate into the tattoo, but it's going to be totally different!!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THE COLORS AND DIFFERENT TEXTURES!!

I love the "fairy dust" idea of trailing behind it...

I will post pictures once a friend puts my ideas on paper and I get it done!!! AND so seriously thinking about purple low-lights...Oh to be a teenager again. LOL!! :)

Good luck tomorrow!

2010-08-22T15:28:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is the beginning of a new school year. Some are just starting out in kindergarten, or like my Jacob he starts first grade tomorrow. I'm a little sad because I can't walk him into school on the first day, but he is growing up. I will be thinking of him tomorrow as he makes new friends and as he adjusts to the new school year.
Not only will there be nerves abounding in students but also teachers. Those teachers who have taught for years and those who are just beginning. I pray that the teachers will choose to take on this year eager to teach the children and nurture them.

So, as a parent of a student and a friend to many teachers, I pray that you all have a great day tomorrow!!

GOOD LUCK TOMORROW JACOB!

LOVE,

MOMMY!!

Today...my babies= BIG SMILES

2010-08-21T09:45:00.000-05:00

Today we are taking the boys to one of their favorite places, CHUCK E CHEESE. Kevin just got in on Thursday so this weekend is a great time of family fun. We are keeping it a secret...and I can't telI you how many times Jacob has asked what the surprise is going to be! We will also be telling them that we are getting a puppy! Kevin FINALLY decided we can have one as long as we (me and the boys) take care of it. The puppy is a Chi-weenie...part chihuaha and part weenie dog. I am super excited because Jacob is going to be beyond elated when we tell him. We can't get the dog for about another 4 weeks but it's going to be so much fun. I will tell you a secret...I am excited to get a dog too! :)

Hopefully dinner tonight with great friends, and a very tense day at church tomorrow...in saying that-I will need prayer!

20 random things about me

2010-08-19T14:47:00.000-05:00

1. I love decorating for Christmas, all the lights and the crisp cool air. I especially love hanging the ornaments on the tree with my boys.

2. I have a love affair with shoes!

3. I like to get dressed up and go out dancing (can't do it very well, but I like it)

4. Sour Apple sno cones

5. Strawberry blow pops

6. Spontanious
7. Even though house fires are sad, I love the smell of a fire, the adrenaline.

8. I have always wanted to be a foster parent or child advocate. Yes, I know how hard it would be, so I know that it will be later in life

9. I love photography and want to have my own business some day

10. I'm pretty creative. Painting, making things, scrapbooking, etc.

11. I love to watch boxing, baseball and hockey!

12. I love to travel, go on little trips or big one's just to see what is outside this little town

13. I love the beach, but hate the sand!

14. I love to sit outside with friends and family, bar b que and have a good time of fellowship

15. I love the fall, when the first cool breeze hits, the smell of the leaves, the smell of the changing season....(if you take a minute to smell it, you will see it)

16. I love Wild Vines wine and my Lolita glasses

17. I like to be held

18. I like walks

19. I like surprises

20. I love pens!

Hot & Sexy

2010-08-19T11:52:00.001-05:00

Some may look at the title and think how risqué can she be? Every woman has an inner hot & sexy woman in them. Some choose to hide her, some choose to show her on occasion and other show her a little too much! I have been on this track of healthy weight loss, eating right and exercising so I can be a happy, healthy woman. I have reached my first goal weight and even beat it by 1 pound. I have been wanting to do vintage pin up photos to show my inner sexy self and when I reach my final goal weight I will do just that. I love the classiness of the vintage pin up photography and I love how it captures the sexiness of curves and doesn’t condemn a woman for having them.

This is the place I am going to go to www.vintagevixenpinups.com and I so can not wait to capture “me”.

You can be a BBW (big beautiful woman) and be hot & sexy too! “0” is NOT a size!

Walks...

2010-08-18T09:28:00.000-05:00

Have you ever felt the need to take a LONG walk to be by yourself, to clear your head, to focus on your own thoughts without interruption? I am in need of one!

I want to just be alone with myself and try to understand and deal with the feelings of anger I have. God tells us to forgive one another, but it is so stinkin' hard when you have to deal with something that was so appauling!

In order for me to maintain a healthy emotion on a daily basis, I need my alone time and what I love best is my walks. There is something about the quiet, the beautifulness of God's creation around me that seem to speak to me. I need to set aside all anger, hate, sadness, etc...so I can smile and be happy. If I portray the bitterness, hate, anger, sadness then that is not showing the real me at all. I love life and my boys...I need to be my best for them and for me!

Just a bit of rambling today...so much I have to say and so little that I can type!

You stole my happy...but I got it back!

2010-08-16T12:51:00.000-05:00

Yep you all know the life I have lived these past few weeks...the dishwasher still isn't working (and of course, I can't get a person on the phone to talk too). The wedding is now over and this week I just get to relax. I am usually a very happy person, can make light of any situation and stands in faith that everything will be fine. I let my circumstances get the best of me...they stole my happy!

I am here to say that through my friends encouragement and just simple conversations...my happy is back and here to stay! I am truly grateful for all of you (you know who you are) and so thankful that I have each of you in my life.

My sister's wedding

2010-08-16T12:41:00.000-05:00

On August 14, 2010 my little sister got married to a guy that makes her smile, Joshua Holcomb. She looked absolutely gorgeous!

I have such beautiful sisters, sister in law and nieces

OF COURSE....WE ALL HAD TO DANCE

I am so thankful that Kelly has found someone that takes her breath away, that makes her happy and someone she wants to spend the rest of her life with.

It was an exhausting day, but we loved every minute of it!

CONGRATULATIONS

KELLY & JOSHUA HOLCOMB!

Blessings Photography-Children

2010-08-11T15:01:00.001-05:00

Blessings Photograhy-Fall scrapbook pages/photo mat

2010-08-11T10:15:00.000-05:00

Scrapbook pages, or pre-made photo mats

Fall scrapbook page or pre made photo mat

Blessings Photography-Children

2010-08-10T14:08:00.000-05:00

Blessings Photography-Children

2010-08-10T14:02:00.000-05:00

Photo Announcements

2010-08-09T22:37:00.000-05:00

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT

BIRTHDAY ANNOUNCEMENT

GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENT

Superwoman...needs a rest!

2010-08-09T15:58:00.000-05:00

What a CRAZY week this has been for me! Let me first start off by telling you what has gone on so you will better understand why this superwoman needs a rest!

Sunday- hub assembly broke on the ONLY truck I have
Monday-Wednesday...no vehicle but a clean house :)
Wednesday evening- truck finally fixed
Thursday-doctors appointment, errands and tried to find shoes for my sisters wedding BUT had a flat tire!
Friday- Pirates Bay and bachelorett party (hosted by me and my home)
Saturday- Birthday party, followed by 7 shoe stores and build-a-bear
Sunday-Church, took my dress to get steamed cleaned, searched & found some shoes (finally), dinner. Came home, bathed the boys, went to the kitchen to find water all over the floor and the fridge and freezer HOT! All the food is ruined!!
Today- woke up to water on the floor again. Tried starting the dishwasher---no water going to it, it just poured out of the bottom--Cameron from the FD came over to help me. He fixed the fridge--its now working, it proved only to be the plug but the food is a goner--but the dishwasher is not fixed. waiting on the repair company to call to schedule an appointment--had to shut off water to it so it would stop leaking.

This time without Kevin will prove to be the most challenging I think. This week is going to be hectic with the wedding on Saturday, but I am going to try my best to laugh it off!! Trying to sit here and vent my frustrations on something other than yelling at the kids or crying (that only makes me have a headache)
So as of right now we are relaxing (and I have taken off my cape) because this superwoman needs a rest!

Trying to be thankful

2010-08-05T19:28:00.001-05:00

My husband works out of town a lot for his job. Although I know it is God’s plan for us right now and I know that it could be so much worse (he could be without a job) it leaves me to be both mommy & daddy to our two boys. I literally go into melt downs on several occasions when all that seems to clutter my mind are negative thoughts. I will be completely honest here and tell you that it is so hard on our marriage. “absence makes the heart grow fonder” or so the saying goes, well for me it doesn’t. I feel like no one around me understands what I go through on a daily basis. I get jealous of my husband for getting to relax in the hot tub at his hotel when he gets off a long day at work. I think of all the times that I just wish that my life would be easier in some way, that our marriage wouldn’t be so hard sometimes, that raising these boys by myself most of the time. Do you not think that I have thought about walking away and leaving all of this and thinking that it would be easy? I stick with it, knowing that this is where God has led me and that this is His plan for me. It is a daily struggle and it hit me today that geeze, I am not very thankful at all…it would be so easy to walk away. Yes, Satan has put those negative thoughts in my head..his goal is to be one who casts something between two to cause a separation…that with out a doubt would be my husbands job. Satan has lured me into a place of complaining and has me focused on the negative things in life. When I let him take a hold of my thoughts, distance starts to form in my relationships. The grass starts to look mighty green everywhere except here. I take for granted what my husband is sacrificing for our family and how truly awesome he is for being a hard worker.

I am challenged today to list the things about Kevin that I am thankful for…here it goes

I am thankful for the hard worker he is, how great of a daddy he is to our boys, how he sacrifices time with us to work so I will be able to stay at home with our children, I am thankful for his character, for his friendship, for the way he knows when something is bothering me, for the way he wants to be a christian man and raise our children to know the Lord…I can go on and on.

I truly love this man with all that I am and to think that I wasted a negative thought on the grass is greener…well I am going to water and fertilize the grass we are currently standing on. I thank God for sending me this message today and I pray that I will be aware and appreciate the good qualities in him. I will, every day, seek to have a truly thankful heart for all that God has given me…especially the wonderful man that I am proud to call my husband!

Conforming…

2010-08-04T12:07:00.001-05:00

In my life I have always thought I had to conform to what other people were. “if only” I could be thin, “if only” I could wear that bikini, “if only” I was as smart, charming, witty, gorgeous as so and so, my life would be perfect and everyone would notice me. It is so very easy to look at other women and conform our ideas of success and worth. We want what she has, or in my case, I want what she has. (she being other women that have the “whole package”) I have struggled with this my entire life to be like “her” (whoever she may be) and to conform myself to what the world thinks I should look or act like. Well, I am here to say that I am tired of conforming to the way of this world, I am tired of looking in the mirror and wanting that “if only”. It’s not about changing my clothes or becoming “skinny” its about an inner beauty, a beautiful heart and showing others that I do have inner beauty.

Yes, I will fall victim to “if only” on a daily basis, but you see…I know I need to focus on imitating the character of Christ, rather than that of others. I will continue my daily struggle with weight loss, but not to conform to the “skinny” but to be a better me, a healthier me. Ephesians 5:1 says “ be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children” so I will take that to heart and strive to achieve that every day.

I pray that I will find complete satisfaction and completeness in my Heavenly Father. I pray that He will help me to focus on reflecting Him in my daily life.

“what ‘if only’s’ do I need to confess and lay at the foot of the cross today?

Is falling victim to the “if only’s” keeping you from being the beautiful person you truly are?

Judging…who needs it, when you have HIM?

2010-08-03T10:24:00.001-05:00

1 Corinthians 4:3, 4 “ I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me?”

In the Brenda Garrison book “Princess Unaware:finding fabulous in every day” it makes reference to the above verse in scripture. She goes on to comment that “The only opinion we need to care about is God’s.”

WOW, what a statement of truth! It truly amazes me that we don’t have to do back flips, kart wheels and all sorts of silly things to get his attention. She remembers a commercial where a little dog keeps jumping higher and higher so his owner will notice him, but the owner who is otherwise occupied is clueless. She asks this question “ In your relationships, have you ever been like that dog?” My answer to that question is, YES, I certainly have. I have been in friendships (phew so many that I have felt like this) that I have truly felt like I had bent over backwards so many times and it went unnoticed that I left that friendship truly exhausted! I have been in relationships where all I tried to do was to please the other person, yet it seemed like they never noticed how much effort I put forth. In reading Garrison’s book I have come to realize that I am a princess of a mighty King, one that sees me. He chose me and I didn’t have to do back flips to get noticed by Him.

Do you know how I know He has chosen me…US? In Ephesians 1:4,5 it says “He chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” “ In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons (and daughters) through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.” God has hand picked each and every one of us because He wanted that! “WE MAKE HIM SMILE!”

It thrills me to my core that He chose me…sinful, displeasing, ordinary me! It makes me smile to think that I don’t have to parade myself in front of Him hoping to get noticed, but that He noticed me even before I noticed Him. God is truly amazing and in Him I will put my trust, my hope, my faith. He wanted me in my despair, my unworthiness, my ugliness of my life…HE WANTED ME and HE WANTS YOU TOO!

This my simple prayer today: Father God in the chaos of my every day life, in the midst of me doing back flips for others to notice me, I pray that you will remind me that you have already noticed me and you want me despite everything I have done. I pray that you will help me to remember that I don’t need others to judge me and my life. I simply live for you and I pray that throughout today you will remind me of that. Forgive me where I have failed you and help me to walk in your will. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

weight loss

2010-07-30T04:15:00.001-05:00

weighed in yesterday and had lost 6.2lbs since last Thursday. I am so proud of myself for eating right and helping myself get to my goal. I know that the first week is down and the weeks to come will be harder but I have to do this for me, my family and my self esteem. I can do this
....giving it to the only one who can push me through it. He is my strength and I will persevere!!!

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No title worthy of how I am feeling

2010-07-25T20:03:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been the "nice person", the "you always care girl", the "always trying to help girl"?
Well, that would be me! Sometimes I don't want to be that girl, it makes me vulnerable to other people hurting me. I have always been a very caring person but I hate when it ends up hurting me. You may say that I am just emotional, yep, I am that girl too. I have feelings!
I am just fed up with people using me. I am not a tool and I just wont be used anymore. I am a person who will do everything in her power to make sure you are okay, that if there is anything I can do to help you I am all over it. I've tried not to be the caring person, but my heart just can't do that.
I'm just blogging to get those thoughts off of my chest so I can rest peaceful tonight.

Boys, boys, boys

2010-07-24T20:36:00.001-05:00

the joy an laughter these boys of mine bring to me. even though they fight wih eachother, backtalking and terrible 2's....i love them so much. they are truly my life-my all. i got to take my loves to the park this evening and the pool tomorrow after church. did i mention that i love my boys?!?

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2010-07-23T16:05:00.003-05:00

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set up blog for my phone

2010-07-23T16:05:00.001-05:00

yay....i can now blog on the go!

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Sister's wedding...me not so blissful!

2010-07-23T15:57:00.000-05:00

My sister's wedding is August 14th and I just got my bridesmaid dress. Her main color is Apple Red and accent colors of darker oranges. It is going to be beautiful! I have a few extra pounds to get off of me before then, silver shoes to buy, figure out what type of hairstyle for me, and get rid of these summer tan lines.
My stress level is throught the roof with my wonderful husband working out of town and my two boys act like they are on some wrestling show.
I hope all comes together sooner rather than later so I can settle down and enjoy whats left of the summer time.

Tonight I will get "Mommy alone time" and tomorrow is the sisters wedding shower. Lots to do, lots to do!!

I am off to my parents house for dinner.

God is love~

Just a snid bit of my photography

2010-07-23T15:12:00.000-05:00

Summer is ending...

2010-07-16T10:24:00.000-05:00

Summer is ending and my little kindergartener is now a BIG first grader! On August 23rd he will be starting the first grade and is in the GAT program (HE IS SO SMART!!)...time sure has flown by and I can't believe summer is coming to an end. I have so much I want to do with the boys, so I had better get a move on it. I want to take them to the beach and watch them play in the sand, go to the zoo, and the museum. I can't wait to spend these last few weeks of summer with my babies.

My little Lucas, what can I say...he is such a ball full of energy and boy does he make me laugh! He is starting Mothers Day Out in September and we know it will be so good for him. He is a character and such a different personality than Jacob. They do love eachother so much though and Jacob protects Lucas (its so cute watching them)

I can't wait to see where God will take our family, He has continully blessed us beyond belief and we are truly grateful for His love, protection and guidance.

Its been a while

2010-06-15T20:43:00.000-05:00

Well life has certainly kept me from being on the computer to blog or what not. Tee ball season is over and Jacob was selected for all-stars but we declined this year. It would have been a great opportunity for him, but it would have just been too much.

Lucas- what can I say about this little guy? He is talking non stop and thinks he is big like Jacob. He has a contagious laugh and is potty training (doing pretty good too)

Jacob- graduated kindergarten and is going into the first grade. He will be in the GAT class, which I know will keep him occupied in school. He is loving summer!! He did get commended on his end of the year math test, got 39 correct out of 40!!!

I've got to get off of my hubby's computer for now, hope to get our income tax return soon and get a new computer!!!

Wonder Memory Monday

2010-03-22T10:36:00.000-05:00

These pictures were taken in San Antonio Texas at the wax museum. We were completely amazed at the depiction of Jesus and how they had the verse John 3:16 on the wall! WOW what a way to show non believers the story and the WAY to Jesus!!

It's a crazy life...but it's my life!

2010-03-06T16:17:00.000-06:00

What can I say...my life has been crazy busy! We started tball practice, the boys and I have all taken turns on getting sick and then we had to plan Lucas' 2nd birthday party.
We have been crazy, but I love it!

Jacob got accepted into the GT class at school and his first project is an autobiography. He really is enjoying himself and I think its challenging him, which is great! He loves tball and we can't wait to be at the ball field every week (not really, but like I said before...I wouldn't change it!) He has found his inner comedian!

Lucas is now 2 years old and talking more and more each day! He absolutely loves trains, trucks and cars...well pretty much anything! He loves to torment his older brother but loves him just the same. He sometimes thinks that he is a big boy too. He makes everyone laugh at how silly he can be.

Kevin and I will be celebrating our 6 year anniversary in May by heading to whimberly at staying at Star Meadows. We will even be doing a zip line adventure which I am so excited for. I am terrified of heights, but I think I can handle it!
Guess I am going to end for now...its beginning to look a lot like spring time!

Personalized Thank you cards

2010-02-23T17:19:00.001-06:00

Important things to do: See the miracles

2010-02-09T13:17:00.000-06:00

I often think that my life is so hectic, it revolves around Jacob, Lucas, Kevin and the never ending housework! I wish sometimes that I were something other than this...something better...better wife, better mother, better christian, better friend. God isn't finished with me yet and I am so glad!

I get caught up in my housework and forget about the miracles that surround me. Yep, on any given day you can come to my house and see a pile of dishes, a load of dirty clothes, toys scattered in the living room that trail down the hallway to the boys rooms...the kind of stuff that would give Martha Stewart a panic attack...
So as of today, I am looking at my mess and realized that I am caught up in getting down to the bottom of the laundry pile, or vacuuming the floor, or checking my facebook that I forget about the opportunity that God has given to me to teach my children about his everyday miracles.
I am getting this house organized once and for all so I can enjoy the finer things in life...my family and simply ME!

Brenna and Genie

2010-02-08T10:43:00.000-06:00

Isaac N. Pinson II

2010-02-08T10:06:00.000-06:00

What a week!

2010-02-08T10:03:00.000-06:00

On Saturday, January 30th, my brother, Jimmy was helping my parents cut a limb. The limb broke, swung back and knocked the ladder out from under him. He fell about 15 ft and had to be lifeflighted to Herman hospital.
My heart sank when I received the call. He has severe facial injuries that were able to be fixed by a surgery on February 1st, the anniversary of his daughters passing.
We praise God that there was no other injuries other than the face (which can be fixed)
He did a complete 180 from being incoherant to knowing what was going on in a matter of days. So between the hospital and homelife, I have stayed pretty busy...

Now its time to spend time at home, with my babies and make sure that they know Mommy loves them very much!
Jacob starts tball soon, so we need to get our butts in gear and start practicing.

PRAY that God will work in a situation that I am not going to say on here, but I need God to work in an area of my life. Lift me up in prayer

Butterfly wings

2010-01-29T10:53:00.000-06:00

4 years ago on Monday, our niece Hannah went to be with Jesus. I can't believe that it has been four years already! It's different...a lot has changed in four years. The hurt does get easier to bare, the tears come from joy in my heart from memories that I have of her. I can't believe that on February 1, 2006 we lost Hannah at the Galveston hospital in the butterfly room. I heard something on a movie the other day that made me think of her, it said something like, the colors on butterflies wings are God's finger painting. (something to that effect) Which brought to my mind how Hannah was God's finger painting. He colored her life, he knew everything about her, every pain, every laugh, every smile, every dance, every tear, everything she would ever go through, everything she was. Butterflies remind us of her. So on this day, four years later, I choose to remember the great things about Hannah. Her smile, her laugh, her great style in dress up clothes, her hair, her big brown eyes, coloring with her in the hospital, and holding her the day before she passed away. I choose to find JOY in her passing!

New Invitations

2010-01-27T12:45:00.000-06:00

Pink and Green Girl Invitation

Road to losing

2010-01-25T11:30:00.000-06:00

Completely loved what I saw this Saturday when I looked in the mirror...it was a "new-er" me!! I got all dressed up in a hot new black dress and some fabuliscious new teal shoes, chandelier earrings, makeup, hair and looked in the mirror .... and for once, I could see the weight loss.

Some friends and I all took a limo to our fire department banquet at saltgrass steakhouse downtown. I was truly amazed and in awe when I got SO many compliments on how I looked...completely made my night!! It was awesome to hear that everyone could see a change in me!

YIPPEE

Wonderful Memory Monday

2010-01-18T19:28:00.000-06:00

Jacob's most favorite place in the world is the Kemah Boardwalk. He called it Kemah Board and wanted to go there ALL the time and still does. We haven't been in a while...
This picture is just so cute...his smile and oh how little he was! He is growing way too fast!!

Wonderful Moment Monday!

2010-01-11T11:04:00.000-06:00

May 15, 2004, the day that the man of my dreams and I got married. It was such an amazing day...the sun was warm and beautiful, the sky was blue and clear. I had the most amazing and beautiful dress that made me feel like a princess. This was the day that Kevin and I vowed to love each other forever! This picture is of my father-daughter dance with my daddy. We danced to Frank Sinatra and can't you tell how much fun we were having by the looks on our faces?? I will cherish the day for the rest of my life...and this moment...this dance with my dad will never fade from my memory!

author unknown....but I liked this!!

2010-01-08T10:52:00.000-06:00

We may not always realize that everything we do
Affects not only our lives but touches others too.
A single happy smile can always brighten up the day
For anyone who happens to be passing by your way.
And a little bit of thoughtfulness that shows someone you care
Creates a ray of sunshine for both of you to share.
Yes, every time you offer someone a helping hand,
Every time you show a friend you understand.
Every time you have a kind and gentle word to give,
You help someone to find beauty in this precious life we live.
For happiness brings happiness and loving ways bring love,
And giving is the treasure that contentment is made of.

re-kindled

2010-01-05T15:54:00.000-06:00

Today I had lunch with a friend that I used to call my best friend. Many things hurt our relationship over the last year and a half and it hasn't been the same. Well, God allowed us to have lunch together today. We laughed, we cried and know that we will always be friends. I hold her so dear to my heart and it pained me to find out that her and her husband were getting a divorce. I hate that for her and the kids, but it seems the relationship was getting out of control and unhealthy for them all.

-God I pray that you will watch over her and her children, provide them a safe, healthy place to start over again. Keep your guiding, loving arms around them and I pray you will use me to be a positive influence in their lives.
Amen.

RELAY FOR LIFE

2010-01-05T10:13:00.000-06:00

As most of you know tragedy struck our family on February 1, 2006 when my beautiful niece, Hannah, passed away from cancer. She was only 5 years old. Since then, I have participated in the Bay Area Relay for Life, raising money to help find a cure for cancer. I know most of us know of someone with cancer or who has had cancer and I pray that you will help us find a cure. The link below is to my teams web page so you can make a donation. Any dollar amount would be awesome!!
Here is a picture of my niece!

http://main.acsevents.org/goto/hannahsbananas

I AM

2010-01-03T20:53:00.001-06:00

Oh gently lay your head upon my chest and I will comfort you like a mother while you rest.
The tide can change so fast, but I will stay the same through past, the same in future, same today.
Oh weary, tired and worn, let out your sighs and drop that heavy load you hold 'cuz mine is light. I know you through and through, there's no need to hide. I want to show you love that is deep, high and wide.
For I AM constant.
I AM near.
I AM peace that shatters all your secret fears.
I AM Holy.
I AM wise.
I AM the only one, who knows your hearts desires.
Oh gently lay your head upon my chest and I will comfort you like a mother while you rest.

Blessings Photography- Individual Photos

2010-01-03T20:39:00.001-06:00

MORE INVITATIONS

2010-01-03T20:24:00.000-06:00

FAIRY BIRTHDAY PARTY INVITE

PIRATE BIRTHDAY PARTY INVITE

Start of the new year

2010-01-03T19:24:00.000-06:00

What a way to start the New Year..with my family and friends! We spend New Year's Eve at Station 2 with our fire family; cooking, chatting and popping fireworks of course! Got to be around some of my most wonderful friends, but we headed home early! Kevin ran fire calls and didn't return home until 10min to midnight, but we were asleep. HA-26 years old and I was totally exhausted...couldn't even wait 'til midnight. But my sweetest son, Jacob, and I watched the ball drop in New York on tv and went off to dreamland. What a better way to bring in the new year!
We spent the rest of the weekend having dinner with friends, getting 5 new fish, playing chicken foot and catch phrase and ended today with a wonderful time at church. This afternoon we spent playing outside and doing little fireworks...Lucas loves the sparklers but he wants to blow them out like they are candles.
All in all we have had a great start to the new year! I pray many blessings on our family and friends and hope God protects each and every one of you!