J is for Jacquelyn

Jacquelyn is my niece, my sister Kristi's oldest child.  I had the privelege to be her nanny the first 3 years of her life, and as much as I don't like most kids, I cherish those early years I spent pouring love and education into Jacquelyn (and Nicole too). I would trade that time for anything.  I always say that Jacquelyn is an angel here on earth....here are Kristi's words that mirror my feelings about our precious angel JG... (taken from http://www.onesmoovefamily.com/jg.html )

"There are days when I believe that Jacquelyn is actually one of God's angels sent here to teach me. Or maybe it's a reflection of His spirit on her life, so strong already. I'm amazed at what our children comprehend spiritually - they give us a fresh perspective. Here is an example of one of those times that God works through her to show me a glimpse of light. While we were at Disney (the happiest place on earth), we were eating lunch or dinner one night, a few days into the trip, and Jacquelyn and I were sharing a table. She looks at me and says (out of the blue), "Mom, you know that Heaven is better than Disneyworld?" That day I was convinced God sent down an angel in the form of my daughter to tell me that. How else would she know?


And the way she sings is so refreshing - I could listen for hours. She learns praise and worship songs instantly and can replicate the tune so perfectly. Her voice is that of an angel, and is nearly always "on."

Some days she'll be up in her room, just reading her Bible (or looking at the pictures and telling the story to herself) - she's got some Mammaw Deen in her, for sure! She actually pursues more knowledge; she's truly captivated by the Bible and anxious to learn more and talk about things. I know that spiritual hunger will guide her path for many years. I'm humbled so many days to be that example she needs to keep that yearning for more of God."

Here is a mini album of JG's first 6 years.... http://www.onesmoovefamily.com/jg6/

Jack and her uncle Danny on her 8th birthday

Contentment...

"...I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances." Phil. 4:11 NIV

Now lets face it, I have NOT learned to be content in every circumstance...in fact, often times I find myself wallowing in discontentment, unhappy with our 1-bedroom apartment and having no money and feeling like I haven't accomplished things that a woman in her mid-30s should have accomplished by now....but then there are days like today:  This morning I lay in bed for an hour after waking up enjoying the calm and quite and comfort of my blankets....and enjoying the freedom of a Smartphone.  I have spent hours watching a new favorite TV show today while cross stitching a project that I have spent months on and will like spend several more weeks/months on but I love it!  I have the 2 best dogs in the world lying at my feet and when they ask me to take them outside I find that it is my favorite weather--upper 70s and very breezy.  I work 2nd shift but I get to work from the comforts of my own home, so that even while working, I'm always home when my husband gets home from work.  And did I mention my husband is amazing!  How can I not be content with my life! 

Thank you, God, for the reminder of this day!

I is for internet...

what a fantastic invention...I mean seriously! I think I'm more grateful for things like the internet and email and cell phones because I can remember a time when these things didn't exist.  Granted, it was a simpler time, a wonderful childhood where we called our friends on the phone and talked for hours while sitting in the same spot because the phone receiver was connect to a cord in the wall...or a time when we would go visit people so that we wouldn't lose touch....or even a time when we wrote letters to keep in touch across the miles.  These time were wonderful....but now I can use my cell phone anytime, anywhere to call someone, or catch up through email, or text, or facebook or a million other ways.  In a way I feel sorry for our children and our children's children because not only will they take for granted how easy it is now to connect with our friends and family but they will also miss out on the deeper connections made from the effort it took to write a handwritten letter or to make a phone call to grandma or to visit a friend who is sad or sick...instead of sending a quick "how r u?" text or facebook message.

And all this talk reminds me of this hilarious video about the conveniences we have in this day and age....enjoy!

http://youtu.be/8r1CZTLk-Gk

FYI...

just in case you were wondering, I haven't forgotten about my alphabet challenge, I just have a bad habit of remembering things at inconvenient times, like when I'm working!  I'm so excited to see my cousins this weekend and I will be ready to continue my Alphabet challenge when I return :)  Happy Easter everyone!

Isn't she so beautiful!  She has the most expressive face!

H is for Husband

Can I just say how much I love my husband! and how much I love that I have a husband!  For as long as I can remember I have wanted to be married more than anything....not have a big career....not even have kids...but to have a wonderful husband and a great marriage.  I am so blessed today to say that I have what I always wanted! I love having someone to live with and someone to take care of, and who also takes great care of me.  I love having someone to support and someone to support me.  I love being able to share my hopes and dreams and all the little in betweens with my husband.  We may not have all we want in this life...but we have each other and I wouldn't trade that for the world.  I hate to see so many people in this day and age take their spouses for granted and just chucking it all when it gets to hard, when in reality they just stopped trying and stopped caring.  I commit to my husband to always chose him, to always chose love, to always chose us! I LOVE MY HUSBAND!

G is for Gallipolis, OH

I was born and raised (at least until I was 9!) in Gallipolis, OH. Here is a great video of the town. So many great memories of my childhood here :)

F is for Flamingo!

About 8 years ago or so, the youth group I was involved in had a fundraiser that involved flocking people's yards with dozens of plastic pink flamingos (they had to pay a small fee to have the birds removed and they could then "flock" their friends).  Anyways, I guess being so involved with this fundraiser over that year (until another church stole them...don't get me started) I developed a slight fetish for anything Pink Flamingo.  And to this day I love the flamingo! I have random nick-nacks, stuffed animals, and photos of pink flamingos.  They are one of my favorite animals to see when we go to the zoo. :)