♫ Think your parents bad? They could always be worse.

♥Things I'm learning

... they pretty much all have to do with God. In one form or another.

---> There is a battle ground that is not so obvious. It's called the spiritual realm and before you click the little "x" button at the top of the page, let me explain. Whether or not you "believe" the same as I do does not change the fact that we are more Spirit than Flesh. Meaning, the battles that we endure, create or end are not actually those that are visible to the eye. "This is not a wrestling match against a human opponent. We are wrestling with rulers, authorities, the powers who govern this world of darkness, and spiritual forces that control evil in the heavenly world." (Ephesians 6:12) Therefore, I am working on not freaking out at the prospect of any influence, threat or risk. Rather, I will choose to cover it in prayer. The battle ground that I will be most effective on is under my knees.

---> The Lord is after blessing. In my life, He doesn't seek to kill, steal or destroy but He delights in my victory and prosperity. After all, I look around and can only see blessing. Sure, there are some areas that are bring refined but though they look like dross, they shall soon shine as gold.

---> "Life is short, art long, opportunity fleeting, experience treacherous, judgment difficult." -Hypocrites

---> I have the best friends. Ever. And each one entered my life at a moment that was so intricate and necessary for my future. Nothing is coincidence and they definitely are no exception to that hypothesis.

---> I'm learning to enjoy being single. Big revelation here, people. I was the girl who never had a boyfriend, who didn't know how to act around the opposite sex, who pretty much agonized over her single status (at 14 it was pretty ridiculous). And I very nearly fell into that same rut a few months ago. Now, for the most part, I enjoy it. Sure, there are those days where I'm lonely, but I'm beginning to realize more that rather than wallowing in this involuntary independence I am using it as an opportunity to get other things in order. You know, my jewelry, my relationship with Malachi, my relationship with the Lord. All these things are or would be much more difficult if I were seeking another relationship.

---> actually, the wise mother of my co-blogger told me this, "Chase after the Lord first, and one day you'll look over and notice HIM chasing the Lord right along with you." Good strategy, I think. :)

---> Movie marathons were made for the childless. I used to watch America's Next Top Model all.day. on Sundays... yeah, not anymore.

---> Even though I am not a perfect mother and even though there are areas that I definitely need to work on, I've learned that as long as the heart is right, everything else will follow.

♫ Introducing: Sanctus Real

I'm out of touch with this genre, I'll admit it I want to introduce the blog, and my readers to Sanctus Real. These two are both about relationships. I really think the first one applies to older, mature, difficult, aged relationships. The second, young relationships, or those searching for them.

Read them slowly. Listen to them twice.



Lead Me by Sanctus Real

I look around and see my wonderful life
Almost perfect from the outside
In picture frames I see my beautiful wife
Always smiling
But on the inside, I can hear her saying...

Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can't
Don't leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, what about us?

Show me you're willing to fight
That I'm still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone”

I see their faces, look in their innocent eyes
They're just children from the outside
I'm working hard, I tell myself they'll be fine
They're in independent
But on the inside, I can hear them saying...

Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can't
Don't leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, but what about us?

Show me you're willing to fight
That I'm still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone”

So Father, give me the strength
To be everything I'm called to be
Oh, Father, show me the way
To lead them
Won't You lead me?

To lead them with strong hands
To stand up when they can't
Don't want to leave them hungry for love,
Chasing things that I could give up

I'll show them I'm willing to fight
And give them the best of my life
So we can call this our home
Lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone




Dear Heart by Sanctus Real

Dear Heart, do you belong to me, or do I belong to you?
Just look at all the trouble you drag me into.
I've heard it said to follow your heart,
But I'm starting to wonder if it's gone too far.

Oh Heart, you've let me down,
Chasing love where it can't be found.
Heart, we've fallen out,
Cause all of your emotions
Have led me to doubt. Tell me who's gonna save us now?

Dear Heart, you're in the wrong place,
Looking out for yourself no matter what I say.
And I know that you're holding me back,
And it's time for a change, so I'm giving you away.

Heart, you've let me down,
Chasing love where it can't be found.
And Heart, we've fallen out,
Cause all of your emotions
Have led me to doubt. Only Jesus can save us now.

♫ Morning Lessons

Lessons that can be learned from the following video:

#1. We're never too old to dance in front of the mirror in the morning
#2. Curly hair is adorable
#3. There is ALWAYS the chance that a camera is catching your every move, and you should live in such a way that you're being captured and youtube'd constantly.
#4. Be grateful, for something, every day...and tell the world about it. Starting, with the bathroom mirror before you start the day.

♫ Parenting Advice...

Lend your thoughts parents, I have a few minor dilemma's and things I'm tossing around in this head o' mine!

What are your thoughts on bunk beds for two busy toddlers?

I'm thinking pretty hard on getting some. The girls are 4 and 3, almost 5 and 4 (omg), and it's time for a mattress upgrade in a big way. They both sleep well, rarely fall out of bed, and love sharing a room. If bunk beds are a bad choice, what would you recommend for the lowest cost?

Chore list!

I am not sure that either of them are old enough to understand allowance, but I do think this year will be the year that they each get a few chores that they have to do ____ (daily, weekly, monthly?). When did you start allowance for your kids? How much was it? What chores do you think are best for toddlers, and how often?

Right now, they help me make their beds, clean their room, and sort the socks (my least favorite chore; how handy!). No payment at this time, besides small awards like "Good job! Wanna watch a movie?"...

Two big girls, One big milestone...

I've got one going to summer school this year, and one that is dying to go with. I think I'm going to try to make her time with the babysitter special by giving her a backpack every morning too, full of workbooks, puzzles, etc. Any other thoughts on how to make a only slightly younger sibling less sad that the other gets to move on without them?

Love too much?

I was always told that you need to give out as much love as you do punishment. So...any time we got in trouble, we were immediately told that we were loved anyway (after the punishment, obviously). Do you believe there has to be a balance? Or am I a softy to want to remind them that they're loved every time they do something wrong? Does that ever go away? When they're 25...I should still tell them that, right? ...Alright, alright, I'm a softy.

Yours Truly,
Nomz

♫ Random Monday 5-17-10

*I'm grumpy today. I have no logical rhyme or reason, I'm just grumpy. I blame a weekend full of fun in epic proportions. I haz a funn hangoverz.

*A post-serious conversation has me spinning. But thoughtful. And empowered.

*Don't ever learn to lean too hard on somebody. Everybody has a weakness, a point in their life where it gets hard to stand. A point where they fall. If you're leaning all the time, you're going to fall with them instead of being able to help them up.

*I realize more and more that as much as I whined about my parents growing up, I could have had it far worse. Plus, they taught me manners. And punctuality. And to not let my foods touch. Or feet to touch me. And that duct tape has many purposes. Not everybody can say that.

*Go see Iron Man 2 in theaters and let me know what you think? Me...I thought it was a little on the long side, and not nearly action-packed. The boys, of course, loved it.

*Once a decision is made up in my head, I have a heckova time waiting until it gets here.



Thanks, Ashley!

*I'm starting running again this week. And thanking my lucky stars that it's with a nurse, officially. Because she can save my life when I die. Unless she dies first. Out of shape rocks.

*Lazy people bug me.

*Lazy people that think they're not lazy bug me even more.

*I love Mexican food, especially if accompanied by the sound of encouragement and love.

*I love these lyrics!



"Cause I need more time
Just a few more months and well be fine
So say whats on your mind
Cause I cant figure out just whats inside
So say alright
Cause I know we can make it if we try
Cause I need more time
Just a few more months and well be fine

We're off to new lands
So hold on to my hands
Its gonna be alright
Its a whole lot brighter
So stand by the fire
Its gonna be alright
Yeah, the road gets harder
But its not much farther
Its gonna be alright
You know that it aint easy
Please believe me
Its gonna be alright"

Yours Truly,
Nomz

♥Diamonds are...

(What is the price for these diamonds?)

... like my last blog said, "a girl's best friend". Now, I'm not sure if this little bit of info I am about to share is accurate (I looked online and couldn't find anything to support it) but I think it's blog-worthy. I was told, at one point, that diamonds are a girl's best friend because, back in the old days, when a woman was widowed she would sell her engagement and wedding rings for money to survive off of until she was able to remarry. This is why an an engagement ring should cost about two to three months' salary. <---- This, I know to be true. Anyone know about the other tidbit? Anyway, I have always had an eye for diamonds and items that sparkle, in general. Even as a little girl I'd stare, enchanted, at womens' rings- imagining my own left-hand rock which I would someday own. My very first job was at a jeweler's, cleaning the display cases.

The one thing that has been brought to my attention is the issue of conflict diamonds or blood diamonds. Both are a source of terrorism in Africa and other parts of our world. Apparently, it is easy to mistake a conflict diamond with others, so they can be mixed in with legitimate diamonds. Sadly, they are usually mined at the expense of innocent lives (children are kidnapped and forced into war-like conflict or to mine, all for diamonds). Why? So that someone's ego can be inflated because they own such a valuable piece of stone? If anyone has seen the movie, Blood Diamond, they have an idea of what happened to families and children who fall at the hands of greed. It breaks my heart to know that vanity comes at such a price.

So what is a girl to do when she wants a mack-daddy glint off of her finger? Lab diamonds, I tell ya. It sounds cheesy, cheap even; but I don't think I'll ever own a real one again. My former engagement stone was an asher cut, perfect clarity, one carat stone. Estimated value if it were a mined diamond? $13,000. How much did it actually cost? $400.

Besides the issue of finances, there are a few other reasons to purchase a lab created diamond: 1. No one gets hurt. 2. Insurance is a heckofa lot cheaper. 3. No one can tell the lab created diamond apart from a mined diamond (except for a professional). 3. Most companies offer lifetime guarantees on their lab created diamonds. 4. Even though the diamond was created in a lab, it is still technically real; all of the properties and processes that a mined diamond endures are the same ones that a lab diamond endures. The only difference is the location.

While this information seeps into your brain, read some cool facts about my favorite stone:


To produce a single one-carat diamond, 250 tons of earth will be mined.

Only one diamond in a million weighs one carat or more.

The ancient Greeks believed that diamonds were splinters of stars fallen to the earth.

The largest diamond ever found weighed 3106 carats.

Although the U.S. accounts for less than one-percent of total global gemstone productions, America buys more than half of the world's total gem quality diamonds - accounting for the world's largest diamond market. (<---- pretty sad to think that we could also be the largest contributor to the conflict diamond market :-\)

The Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas is the worlds only diamond mine open to the public - this is a dig-for-fee operation for tourists and rock enthusiasts.

Since as far back as 1906, there have been more than 70,000 diamonds discovered in The Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas - this includes the 40.23 carat "Uncle Sam Diamond" - the largest diamond of its kind ever found in the U.S discovered in 1924 (<--- I know where I'm going on my next vacation!!)

The diamond is rock hard and virtually fireproof. In order for a diamond to burn, it must be heated to one-thousand, two-hundred, and ninety-two degrees Fahrenheit.

♫ I'll admit it, I'm somtimes a control freak

I gripe a lot about my life. Not always to other people, just in my head. Especially in the shower. Which turns in to griping about other people a lot. In my head again, mostly.

I'm not unhappy, just to clarify. There are just times that certain people really close to me, or close to the girls, or in my family...do things differently than I would have done them. Or treated somebody in a way that I find hurtful or wrong. And it creates inner turmoil. I'm finding that I don't handle conflict very well. And instead of solving it, will fight it out in my head and judge others for the way they are handling the conflict.

And then...then I read my Facebook or check in with my friends, and find out that somebody's grandma passed away. Or that somebody lost their dog. Or that somebody else is fighting cancer and losing the battle. Or has a son or daughter with a disability. And I realize that no matter how much the people close to me are causing turmoil, I've got a whole lot to be thankful for that they can't ever take away.

I realize that just because in my head in the shower I have a solution to every problem brought to me, that I can't fix every problem that is going on around me.

Turmoil hurts. I want to shake the people that hurt their closest friends or family members silly until they realize that a simple phone call or dinner date with them could fix everything. But I can't. It's not my place in the world to fix everybody else. I can only work on me.

The fact that there is turmoil and chaos will never ever change how much you care and love that person. You might grow apart, things might change, but you can always love them. Pray for them. Wish them well. Oddly enough, it was noted by several friends this week that you should never part without loving words to think of during your absence. It's always possible it's the last chance you'll see them.

"How you treat people is your karma, how you react is yours." You can only control and change and better yourself. Stop worrying about what everybody else is thinking and doing. Even in the shower.

Yours Truly,
Nomz

♫When we let our light shine...

A favorite quote, and something I continue to forget to live by.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves,"who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?" Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. Its not just in some of us; its in all of us. When we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we liberated from our own fears, our presence automatically liberates others.

♫ Spray Tanning!

I absolutely love that cancer awareness is growing, and there are more and more preventative measures!

Example: Eat less Oreo's. The transfat in a package of oreo's could actually kill you.
Example 2: Spray Tanning! Another benefit? You won't look 80 at 40.

Spray tanning rocks! I got my first one my senior year of high school for prom, and have consistently gotten at least one a year for various reasons...weddings, vacations, etc. I thought I'd put together a few tips, since we're all bounding towards healthier and better looking skin!

#1. Get it done about three days before your event. They last approximately 10 days, which leaves you plenty of time to like or dislike the color. You walk away from the actual tanning room a really neat orange color, have to leave it on for about 24 hours, and then wash it off to a great looking tan color! However, everybody reacts differently, and you may need a few days of time to have it redone.

#2. Dress in really baggy clothes, bring a bathing suit if you're not prepared to strip completely, and take a towel to sit on in your car on your way out. Imagine stepping in to a shower that pours brown liquid, then trying not to get it on any clothes or your car.

#3. Prepare to be awkward. The process, unless you go to a place with an actual machine, is done by hand, with a sprayer gun, by another person. If you were uncomfortable in the locker room at school, this is definitely not for you.



#4. Your skin will LOVE it. Most sprays are actually fully equipped with vitamins and feel-goods for your skin that will leave you more moisturized than before!

#5. If you're vacation is going to include swimming, or there is a chance for rain? I don't recommend it. Be white. It's supposed to stick after a few showers, but there is the chance that it will cause it to run, or fade in certain areas, if exposed to water for longer periods of time. <---totally speaking from experience. My tan literally dripped off and left me streaky.

#6. It looks completely natural, and is safe for your face! The whole purpose of a spray tan is to make you look tan all over. While they offer the option of legs only, I don't personally recommend it.

#7. If you're planning on getting it done for a wedding in August, get it done once in June to make sure you like it. It's affordable (around $30), and worth every bit of work...but it's something you should be used to before your big event.

#8. Do your homework. Check for reviews online to make sure the place you're considering is sanitary, has a great background for quality, and isn't new in the business. It may be higher priced, but the all natural ingredients will be better than a cheap concoction, and sanitation is a must.

Have you ever had a spray tan? What was your experience like? Do you have any other tips for our readers?

Yours Truly,
Nomz

♥A Girl's Best Friend...

And so begins my weekly post of Sarah Michal Creations. I hope you enjoy the quotes and little pieces that come from my imagination. More to come!

"The pearl is the queen of gems and the gem of queens." ~Author Unknown

"I have always felt a gift diamond shines so much better than one you buy for yourself." ~Mae West

"I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number of carats in a diamond." ~Mae West (I'm really starting to like this Mae West...)

“Will the people in the cheaper seats clap your hands? And the rest of you, if you'll just rattle your jewelry.” -John Lennon

“Jewelry takes people's minds off your wrinkles.” - Sonja Henie

"Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without." ~Chinese Proverb

"Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them and their value will never be known. Improve them and they will become the brightest gems in a useful life." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Many individuals have, like uncut diamonds, shining qualities beneath a rough exterior." ~Juvenal

♫ Random Monday 5-10-10

That up there? My bug proving that Spring does exist, if you drive a little further to find it.



And that? My sweet girl doing sand angels.

It scares me a bit when it hits this time of day and I'm like ah crap, it's Random Monday and I haven't even started it!

*There is this quote that's been sticking out in my head lately: Don't make somebody a priority if they choose to make you an option. While this quote is usually pictured with some poor girl that just got her heart broken in to millions of pieces, I am pretty sure we can apply that to almost every relationship and friendship in our lives.

*Happy "Like" Day to my sister and her boy...it's been a year today since I dragged her down to Colorado to meet the infamous Mark. Well, technically a year since their first date....after they tried to pretend they didn't like each other.

*I got paid one of the highest compliments in my life today: "But YOU and you alone embody the core ethics of Christianity, and leave the judgment/politics/hate of other views out. If more Christians were like you, I’d totally join that club."

*SSSSSSSSSSsssssssssssssscccccccccccreeeeeeeeeeeee! That is all. For now. And no, mom, I'm not pregnant. Or engaged.

*I have this ridiculous obsession with looking through pictures of people's tattoo's. It's completely fascinating to me what people choose to put on their bodies, forever. I can't wait to add to my own personal collection too...I can tell you that pages like this leave me inspired to get insanely creative: Yes I have a tattoo. Yes, I know it's forever

*I'm not so impressed with people these days. Just in general. And then I've got this other set of people that have raised the bar, and set the standard, for the type of people I want in my life, and around my girls. Thank goodness for opposites to teach us how to appreciate everything, eh?

*I actually had this song happen to me this weekend! It wasn't Miranda Lambert, and she didn't sing...but she did live in the house I was in, wanted a tour to take a memory with her, and left. She was the sweetest girl...and highly impressed with the blue that had taken over the walls since she had last been there.



Yours Truly,
Nomz

♫ I've got some construction going on...

I just read through the awesomeness that is our blog, and realized that almost every post I've written lately is in bullet/list form. That is far too organized. I'm going to make a mess of this one, enjoy.

Everything is my life goes exactly as I plan it to. I get everything I want. I'm happy at all times. Life really couldn't be better. I don't need more money, my job is always awesome, and my relationship is perfect. My girls are never naughty, my family is normal, and I don't believe in apologies because nobody is ever wrong. Life is perfect.

oh wait.

None of that is true, actually. In fact, that couldn't have been more inaccurate. But I've been so darn positive lately that I thought I'd make it over-the-top. Did it work?

No? I'm going to tone it down a notch then, and blend in some hard truths.

Bitterness is actually terrified of apologies and harmony. Funny how in certain situations, an apology would fix things immediately, and scare any bitterness that thought about creeping up, away.

Insane how many bridges we're ok with lighting on fire...when we could just close the bridges for construction for as long as it takes all efforts to join in. Let's face it, if a bridge collapses (it happens, it's ok), and if a person is rebuilding that bridge from one end, and the other person isn't working hard on their end, the bridge is never going to get finished, right?

Integrity: n. Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code; unity. If you want to be a leader, a peacemaker, a boss, a parent, a husband, or wife...you can't really lack this trait. Unless you're young. Then you're forgiven. But if you're old, and you act young, you're breaking the rules.

It's too easy to expect perfection. Expecting the best out of somebody is harder, but then you're not setting them up for failure. Excellence is obtainable, perfection is not. Thus, why we worship a God, and not each other.

Is hereby quitting sarcasm for the day.

Yours Truly,
Nomz

♥ It's a girlie-girl blog!

For the past year or so I've been searching far and wide for a whole collection of makeup that treats me right and makes me look amazing. I'm getting closer with each trial and error and I thought I'd share my experiences with you.


Foundation:

I've got reallllly dry skin; add that to living in Wyoming and you've got a nasty combination that results in flaky skin and unhappy pores. For the better part of my life I've used liquid foundation or tinted moisturizer (for summer, I still use this. It's so light and perfect) to even my skin tone and provide that added moisture through out the day. But, it failed, too. Last year I tried Bare Minerals and LOVED IT OMG. But, my wallet didn't. At $60 a pop, I just couldn't justify going broke to look good and I didn't even use the whole kit that was required to purchase (edit: I recently found out that BM has stores located in Colorado that offer single items for purchase). Enter Mary Kay mineral foundation. Granted, I don't think it's as amazing as the former, but it still does exactly what I want it to do and doesn't make me look like I smeared flour all over my face. In my opinion, mineral wear is where it's at.

Concealer:

Because we alll need concealer. Boys, admit it, you use it too. And it's not a bad thing. I use Revlon Colorstay Concealer and so far I have no complaints. But, I am looking for more. A while ago I stumbled upon medicated concealer. Glitter bless whoever invented that stuff. Not only does it cover up those face invaders, it gets rid of them at.the.same.time. Glitter bless..... Anyone know who made that stuff?

Mascara:

I like my eyelashes to look like I glued spiders to my eyes. Seriously. The thicker the better and I've tried every kind out there, almost. I stopped looking when I tried Loreal Collagen Mascara. It's amazing. I even get compliments on a regular basis on how long my lashes look. The secret? Apply about 15 layers of mascara on each eye. Alright, that might be an exaggeration, but not by much. This mascara handles it well. Sometimes, though, I do notice flaking- easily remedied by adding just a touch of the waterproof kind over the other; it keeps each layer nicely contained.

Eyeshadow:

I don't wear eye shadow on a regular basis, but when I do I go for one color only: bronze/gold. It's soooo pretty! The shimmer, the color, the texture, it makes my eyes say "Ohhhh HAI!" and I'm pretty sure that it would do that for anyone.

Blush:

This is a tricky one for me; there are so many options, colors, styles. It's like being in a chocolate factory and asked to eat just one kind of chocolate. Impossible. I do love any Mary Kay blush but I also appreciate Physicians Formula Powder Blush (it comes in a collage of different shades) or a simple cheek pinch. My recent thrill, though, is definitely Mary Kay Cheek Glaze!! No really, I can't tell you exactly what I like about it but it goes on so well, it looks so pretty and subtle and with only two colors to choose from (which are sheer enough to compliment anyone) it's a no-brainer! And the best part? If my boy gets a hold of it and decides to play soccer, it doesn't break into a bazillion pieces.
Lipstick:

Anything. Everything! All of it, I love. From chapstick to lip gloss to the ever so fabulous and blatantly red lip stain. Revlon, Cover Girl, Loreal; they all win. In my opinion, anyone can wear something on their lips. It's so pretty and can brighten the face with minimal effort.

So, this is it. My recommended must-haves for a daily routine. I don't wear a lot of makeup and during the summer I barely wear any. Less is more. So, tell us, what items can you not live without? We want to discover MOAR! ;-)

♫ Thankful Thursday: Success in finding a PRETTY farming song

Thankful Thursday, round two!

*Thank you, wind, for reminding me to be grateful for the days you don't blow.

*Thank you, post-it thief, for giving me the opportunity to find a different color of post-it's.

*Thank you, gentlemen, for the reminder that Facebook, Twitter, and cell phones for teenagers are not as simple as we've made them, and that new terrifying things will happen when I'm your age.

*Thank you, girls, for your small appetites. Surely if I eat the leftovers off your plates, the calories don't count.

*Thank you, stud, for having the strength and integrity to smile and carry on...even when life isn't the easiest. I'm learning new things from you every single time we talk.

*Thank you, Adam and Eve. I'm pretty sure after you bit that apple, you created hugs. Something that without you, would seem like insanity. One person grab another person, hold for 5-10 seconds, release? Why does that feel good?

*Thank you Thursday, for not letting another single day squeeze in between you and Friday.

*Thank you, Catherine, for singing this song. You've got an amazing voice, and the lyrics bring the first happy sounding farming song I've heard in...well, ever. Probably because you're talking about taking a break.



Yours Truly,
Nomz

*

♫ My day in 10 steps

I'm a single mom, a friend, a girl friend, a daughter, a hard worker, all in one day. Every day.

My life, broken down in 10 easy steps...

#1. Listen for my girls running out of their room, hoping to join me in bed first thing in the morning to cuddle before we kick the day off.

#2. Next: The morning ritual of a call from Brandon, wishing me a good day.

#3. I walk in from my car, to work. It’s about 100 yards, and I can tell by that walk exactly how the weather is going to behave for the next 12 hours.

#4. Get a warm greeting from my coworkers every morning, reminding me that it wouldn’t hurt to be 10 minutes earlier.

#5. Be grateful for the next half hour that I was ten minutes late because I chose to cuddle with my girls.

#6. Slave away, at a job I love, surrounded via email, Facebook, live chat, and texting…with a support system that never quits.

#7. Pick up my girls and listen to them squueeeeeel when I open the door at the sitters.

#8. Head to our next adventure: Gramma’s house, the park, our friend’s house to jog/play dollies, mastics, etc.

#9. Listen to the girls say their prayers, say my own.

#10. Fall asleep after checking on the girls at least twice, to the sound of Brandon’s voice.

Yours Truly,
Nomz

♫ Random Monday 5-3-10

*Don't be an ass. Unless you're as cute as the one above.

*I have this increasing tendency to let things happen, instead of making things happen.

*I've been attacked by these ridiculous attacks of appreciation, smiles, and opportunities to be glad that I'm me.

*Why don't soap boxes get slippery? They're equally as dangerous, anyway.

*It feels good to be content with life. And no matter how hard somebody wishes for that to change, the change itself is up to me.

*I got the opportunity to work my ars off outside this weekend, and have massive plans for its sequel in my parents yard this week. Summer, you have no choice but to arrive.

*"Everything can be taken from a man but one thing; the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way."

*I like Random Monday's, because without them, I can't clear my head. They may seem pointless to the reader, but honestly, I don't write them for you. ;)

*Aside from Random Mondays, Monday's also include lunch with my favorite girl friends. Every Monday. I probably couldn't survive without them. They're brilliant, witty, hilarious, and come with cute accessories; like hair flowers and little boys.

*I think these two sayings are closely related:
"Treat others the way you want to be treated" and "garbage in, garbage out".

Which...I just discovered has something to do with programming, but my parents always used it from a moral point of view. "If you watch junk TV, you're going to let it affect you. Sort of like when they tell you that if you cross your eyes too long, they'll get stuck together. ;)

Anyway...if you treat others poorly, they'll probably treat you similarly. If you let pessimistic people stay in your life, you'll find pessimism easier. If you hang around encouraging people, you'll find yourself encouraged...and encouraging.

Lyrics from a song:

I fill my mind with bad things.
So horrible, I feel ashamed they show.
I've taken sin so lightly.
That lately, oh, the darkness is all I know.
The time is now,
Oh, to leave the junk behind.
The moment has arrived,
Where I no longer am blind.
It's garbage in.

Garbage in, Garbage out.
What goes in is found out.
All can see what goes in me.
I pay the price.

*One of my favorite childhood memories? My dad playing donkey basketball. Ever seen it? I think we should bring this tradition back.

--- This video isn't of him, I'm not sure that we got him on tape. All the more reason to do it again.



Yours Truly,
Nomz

♥ I have big plans...

I'm sorry I've been so full of blogging fail, lately. I have a ton of thoughts soaring through my brain; but, unfortunately, I'm not able to share most of them, right now.

I really hate being controlled in that way. I hate being put under a microscope when everything within me says that what I'm doing is right and I'm doing it in the right way. But, that doesn't matter to some people. Anyway, this too shall pass and then once I am in the clear I'll share with you all about how I've grown in these past six months.

I have big plans for my future (on a side note, I am again listening to The Winner Is from the Little Miss Sunshine soundtrack- this song does wonders for my writing abilities). And following along that thought pattern, I am clinging to the promises that have been given to me since before I was born: I will have a fruitful and blessed life. I will receive all the desires of my heart. I will love again and live long, happy days.

Thankfully, I have received so much support and an overwhelming amount of requests for my jewelry. Per Nomz's suggestion, I think I'll post key pieces (or maybe all) each week. You can also see them here: Sarah Michal Creations.

Ever have issues with trust? *raises hand* You'd think that after serving the God of this universe for about twenty years, ten of them being quite pivitol, I'd have caught on. Why have I never been dropped? Why does everything I touch turn into a blessing either for myself or someone else? Why do my mistakes not completely ruin my life? Because He is bigger; because He is still on this throne; because all things are subject to Him; because He loves me and made me in His image. Because He will never let go of me. Like I've said before, sometimes I can shout this in the face of all the issues that try to intimidate me and other times I'm repeating it as a chant just loud enough to drown out my own doubts.

I'm going to post a little reminder here, for the rest of you who are going through something and need an anchor. Remember each word as if they were spoken directly to you:

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed He was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from His life. For each scene He noticed two sets of footprints in the sand. One belonging to Him and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of His life flashed before Him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of His life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of His life.

This really bothered Him and He questioned the LORD about it. LORD you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me.

The LORD replied, my precious, precious child, I Love you and I would never leave you! During your times of trial and suffering when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.