Five on Friday

ONE // A 5 Year old

Our middle Grand Dude just turned five yesterday.  I can't believe it... I remember Julie calling from Texas telling us he was born just like yesterday.  Luke has always been the one who can get in trouble & ease his way out of it with that grin of his.  You can't tell me that grin doesn't just make you smile.  You'd let him out of trouble too.  His big thing he wanted was rainbow cupcakes.  Julie pulled it off & you can tell he's one happy Birthday boy.  We call him "Little Ricky" because he reminds me so much of his Pappy... in looks & personality.  Ricky's mom wishes Julie the best of luck when Luke becomes a teenager :)

TWO // PicMonkey

Yes, I have a computer that has photo editing software on it that helps me with all my photography sessions.  But I just made the jump of purchasing the Royale feature on PicMonkey... why?  Because when I'm bored & don't want to pull up my computer or I'm sitting at work & have an idea, I like to create things on that site.  I was tired of hitting that little crown & it saying its a Royale feature only.  I know I'll use it enough to get my money out of the fee.  Anyone else use PicMonkey a lot?  Anything secret about it I should know?

 

THREE // Cutest Little Belle

Look at this dress!  I posted it on Chasity's FB wall & told her we HAVE to get Emerson this dress when she grows up.  Chasity said it would be perfect for Halloween so her daddy could be Gaston.  How cute is that idea?  ... whoever this little girl is, her mother must be a seamstress because there's a whole role of pictures of her in different Disney costumes in the park with each character.  Jasmine, Cruella DeVil, Wendy... all so precious.  I need this lady to make me some Belle dresses... the pink one, the green one, this blue one... & a fresh ballroom gown.  Every girl needs a fresh new ballroom gown.

Speaking of Belle... look at this outfit for sale on Zulilly this week... my question?  My can't they make it for GROWN UPS?!?!?... I seriously would wear this.  Look at the shirt!  I love the "B" on the arm too.  I need to find a shirt company that you can design your own shirt so I can get this made.

FOUR //   Great resolutions

I know we're in the first full week of the new year & people have their resolutions already made.  But I saw this & thought, what a great simple idea for the new year...

FIVE // Funny for the day

Happy Friday everyone!!!!

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Just a reminder - Tuesday is the next edition of the Winter Reading Challenge - so get those posts ready for books you've read the past few weeks!!

Joining the ladies

Thankful Thursday - Week 1

As each day comes to us refreshed and anew, so does my gratitude renew itself daily. The breaking of the sun over the horizon is my grateful heart dawning upon a blessed world. ~Terri Guillemets

I'm ready to start off the new year back in the habit of finding things to be thankful for...

& even more excited when I asked if anyone wanted to join in, that some were interested.  So I'm going to host a link up every Thursday... if you want to join in, please do!  Spread the word... it would be great to have a bunch of links to see what everyone is thankful for... the blessings in their lives...

I'll totally have to do some sort of giveaway for some future link ups...

So let's get started...




ONE // Fuel from the 90's
My Kroger Fuel points were going to run out so I stopped & got gas... along with a few dozen other people who knew their fuel points were going to run out. I got gas for... ready for this?  $1.49!!! I couldn't believe it. My gas tank was totally on empty & it filled up my car for $25.00!  $25.00 PEOPLE!!!! I think I may have did a happy dance & shed a small tear.

TWO // New Years Eve tucked home
I don't mind staying tucked away at home during New Years Eve. I can remember being a teenager & feeling like I HAD to be out in the public or at a party.  Now, it's the best thing to ring in the new year in comfy pj's, yummy drinks, a good book & always knitting... always...

THREE // Reflecting
We went through our gratitude jar on New Years Day as soon as we woke up.  Some of the things we were thankful for were tough.  Like we were thankful Sydney lasted longer then the vet said she would... or thankful that we both took off work & spent her last day letting her know we loved her.  Things to be thankful for, but things that tug at the heart.  We have our jar all cleaned out... & we always put the same first one in every year - "Thankful to be off work on New Years Day"

FOUR // Walking Dead Marathon
I think I watched the whole thing over again... add in green tea in a new mug I have & I was one happy girl all day New Years Day.

FIVE // Homemade Hershey Pie
My dad has made me a cake or a pie for the past few years for my birthday & this was a few days late, but it came nonetheless.  Always the best pie or cake ever because its made with love.

SIX // First knit of the year
I finished my scarf & was really happy with it. This was a new pattern & a new concept. It's all one color down one side, another color the other side.  When you put it on & twist it up twice, you get the mix of color. I really like it.  I have actually started another one with a softer yarn, & different color mix up. 

SEVEN // A tale as old as TIME
One of my precious friends who was my little buddy growing up our youth group & is now a beautiful young lady who I consider a great friend - family really... a little sister to me... she brought me my Christmas gift.  As soon as I opened it, I was just excited about the box.  To open it up & see that watch inside?  I totally gasped... take my breath away.  I love when people feed into my Beauty & the Beast addiction.

EIGHT // A warm hubby
With the temps being all crazy & negative on us, I hate the idea of my hubby working outside in it.  So I did what I know how to do. Knit.  Made him a cowl that can cover his face & he can pull down when he's inside.  I actually met him for lunch on Wednesday & he was wearing it & said it has really made a difference.  The cool thing?  He said he has pulled it up & wore it kind of like a hat as well - it just flops to the side on the top. Talk about a flexible knit.

NINE // Teaching about God
I never take for granted that I am able to stand in front of young hearts & tell them about God & how much He loves each one of those sweet faces.  I am thankful every time I get to speak God's word's to them....

So what are you thankful for week?

Be sure to join in below & let's visit each other...

I always say that once you link up, be sure to visit the person who linked in before you.

A great way to make new blog friends :)

Humpday Confessions

We have a new host for the Humpday Confessions... & one with good taste.  Look at who she picked to kick off the year with our Humpday Confessions... Magic Mike himself... which, first confession, I still haven't seen that movie.  This link up may inspire that.

 

Time to spill it....

 

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... Winter Freeze is here... & I need gas. Dang it.  Why don't I think ahead?  I knew the freezing, below zero temps were coming & yet, I just watched my gas tank go down & down.  I guess I'll get gas after work with hopes that my hands don't freeze to the pump. 

 #gascicle

 

 

 

... I live about 12 miles up the road from someone I work with.  & that 12 miles is a huge difference because I'm on a higher elevation.  So when it snows,  I always get way more then she does.  But no matter what I tell her the conditions are at my house, the response is, "That's exactly what it was at my house"... when I have to drive right by her street & see that its NOTHING like the conditions at my house.  Drives me insane.  I'm going to take a picture of my road one day & then stop on my drive in & take a picture of hers so I can say, Really?  The same.... really? 

#wearentneighbors

 

 

 

... I really am tired of looking at my Christmas decorations. I never thought I would feel that way. I usually am sad about taking it down on January 1st.  But with us waiting to have Christmas with the grand-dudes, we've left it up & I'm just counting the days to getting it all down now.

#januaryscrooge

 

 

 

... I just watched my first episode ever of Gilmore girls yesterday while I was on the treadmill.  Loved the first episode & know I am hooked.  I loved that I put it up on Instagram & found there's a huge Gilmore Girl following that I didn't even know existed.  I don't even remember when this show was on TV... where was I for 7 years? Apparently watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Lost.

#latetothegame

 

I liked her from the beginning because she wears knitted things & loves coffee

 

...Speaking of Lost... I still have the series finale on my DVR. I kind of want to watch the whole series all over again on Netflix.  See if any of it makes any sense the 2nd time around.  Probably not.

#TeamSawyerAlways

 

 

... I'm so excited for the Golden Globes only because of Tina Fey & Amy Poehler.  I just finished reading Amy's book & to know that her& Tina really are great friends & have been for so many years... I just love seeing them together.  I hope they have another great year hosting.

#sistersaredoingitforthemselves

 

 

 

... my kitchen floor looks like a mud slide has come through.  Harvey Dent thinks NOTHING of running through mud puddles when it rains.. in fact, I think he thinks it's a wonderful spa day.  Needless to say, I haven't been able to keep up on my floor.  I think I need to go to the store to buy a box of Swiffer WetJet pads because its going to take ALL of them to get my floor looking back to normal.  The only good think about the cold?  Mud freezes.

#stainedforever

 

 

 

...Anyone watching The Bachelor with Prince Farming... (who thinks of these things?)

I feel bad for the guy.  He seems like just a country boy that isn't made for all the lime light & they throw 30 women at him?  You can see he's overwhelmed from the get go.  & every interview he does, he basically tells way too much information.  I like he's just a real guy from the Midwest.  Can't wait to see who he ends up with.  I'm fighting the resistance to go look at Reality Steve.

Do you know who he picks?  Tell me.. no don't... yes do... no don't

#drunkgirlscangetarose

 

 

 

... this whole working a full week is for the birds....
#3dayweekendsforever

 

 

... I'm going to start up Thankful Thursday tomorrow again for the year.  I was thinking of making it a link up if anyone else wants to join in... let me know if anyone is interested in it.
#letsbethankfultogether




 

Anything you need to get off of your chest today?

One Word 2015

I started doing the One Word thing in 2013. 

One word to focus on. 

No... not that kind of ONE WORD

I like finding scripture that follows along with the idea of one word & try to keep that  verse near in my heart... try to find God's word on that topic all year long.

I have to say, this year, I have been going nuts on trying to find a word.

I wish you could see my paper.  Yes, I have a paper.  Full of words that come to mind.

I knew that I wanted my word to focus more on what I can feel is becoming a battle for me.... my anxiety... my worry.

I have taken a turn where I worry about everything.  I mean EVERYTHING.

Did I hurt someone's feelings?
How am I ever going to get my house clean?
What is that weird pain?
What does the future hold?
How are my family & friends doing?
Are my dogs OK?
Did I just say the wrong thing?
Did I turn off the hair straightener?

Any topic... I worry about it. 

So I started thinking of words...

My list included:

Peace

Serene

Tranquil

Brave

Calm

Courage

Assurance

Sufficient

Certain

Fearless

Trust

Golly... can you see where I drove myself nuts?

I really thought I was going to go with Courage, especially because one of my favorite verses is Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you?  Be strong & courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go .... how cool is that verse? 

Side note... I always say this verse in an British accent... don't ask why... long story... but I do...

... & my word of the year sort of works together with the idea of courage.

But I think I finally narrowed it down... drum roll...

My word for 2015?

Confident...

Full of conviction... certain... Having assurance....

I need this in all areas of my life....

I found verses that really stick out to me when it comes to the word Confident as well

Let us then approach the throne of grace WITH CONFIDENCE, so that we may receive mercy & find grace to help us in our time of need.  ~Hebrews 4:16

 

...God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say WITH CONFIDENCE, "The Lord is my helper;  I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?"  ~Hebrews 13:5-6

 

This is the CONFIDENCE we have in approaching God;  that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. ~1 John 5:14

All of that really speaks to my anxiety & worry.

I need to approach life with confidence.

The people I speak with, I need confidence in my words.
My photography, I need confidence in my work.
In my relationship with God, I need confidence of His presence & plan in my life.

I need confidence that everything will work out... everything is as it should be.

 

It's funny because my sweet friend Chasity, YEARS ago, told me something that was sort of a joke, but we have seen it really holds truth... if you say anything with enough confidence, others will believe it... it's true... try it...
She's so funny.  She actually showed me by saying something off of the wall, & saying it will full confidence, people were like, "Really?"

I want to start applying that in my life...

even if I'm not completely sure about something, saying 'It's going to be OK" with confidence - maybe I'll convince myself.

I've been going back & forth really not sure that this is the word I need for the year (see?  that worrying about everything again)... but then I remembered that God speaks a LOT of words to me in my day, in my week, in my year... I don't have to only hear this ONE word... but I can see what God shows me about it as 2015 goes by.

& I'm confident He will :)

But I'll also keep my ear open for all the other words He has to show to me... believe that.

Do you do the One Word for the year?

 

What is your word?

 

Did God really press one lesson in your life in 2014?

The weekend that had us in the dark...

Back to life... back to reality...

It seems like the holidays are officially over now.  News people are back on TV, radio people are back doing their morning shows, school buses were on the road this morning... the office manager is back in her office...  life is getting back into gear.

It's freaking depressing... but it has to be done.

My weekend didn't go exactly as planned, but as always, its just good to have a weekend at all...

here are some highlights...

... I went to go get an x-ray on my rib... only to find out they didn't send in the orders.  This has happened 3 times!  What is the deal? How hard is it?  The nurse called me right after I pulled into my drive way & said, "I just sent them at 4:45"... I almost drove back down to the radiology place but decided to call & guess what?  They STILL didn't have the x-ray orders.  & then the office was closed.  Give me strength Lord.  ... maybe today I'll get my x-ray.

... let's wait 6 weeks from my pain begins to finally do an x-ray. After an ER visit & a doctor's visit... At this point - if my rib was fractured or broken, would it even still show anymore?

... I love Target after Christmas sale.  It's all been picked over & not much left, but I still was able to get all my name tags for next year, some new ornament hooks (why Hallmark ornaments don't have hooks, I don't know) & Hershey kisses for 75% off.  Score.

... Our electricity was out, I guess because we had basically a monsoon.  How does it rain that hard in January?  Maybe because it was 65 degrees.  Could it be even more messed up, especially because today its like 18 degrees.  & Wednesday?  I think the high is going to be like 10... the HIGH.  Can't we just close down work until Spring happens?

... I was thankful it was warm out though if our electricity was going to go out.  If it went out this week?  I'd pack up my dogs & me & the hubs would head to a warm hotel room...

... when your electricity is out, please know... you will hit your light switch every time you walk into a room, even knowing nothing is going to happen. #habits

... I have DVR'ed Jane the Virgin & hadn't really watched any more then the first episode.  I am totally hooked now.  That is such a cute show.  It's corny & very Spanish Soap Opera cheeky - but it just is fun.

... speaking of shows. Anyone else watch Galavant.  I totally can't even type that without singing it.  I know some people were probably rolling their eyes but I was totally into it.  I always say I wish life was a musical. 

... & speaking of more shows.... Downton Abbey!!! I was so excited to see it back.  You never know how much time is going to be jumped forward when each season comes back on.  Anyone watch it?  Anyone else think that the Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith) looked younger this season?  I heard she was going to have a possible love interest this year, so maybe they were trying to make her appear more lovable?... I can't wait to see how the season is going to go.

... I totally had to watch the special afterwards that talked about the manners of Downton.  The way people got married & the dining table & all the proper ways of conducting yourself.  I'd be gone at the posture.  Whew...

... I got to teach at Merge Sunday.  It was on the Bible & challenging the kids to actually open it up & read it... something I don't think a lot of people do on a regular basis.  I really did enjoy this lesson.  It's crazy when I get up there & teach how fast time goes by.  If I'm in traffic, 25 minutes feels like a year... standing in front of the kids talking, it's like a blink of an eye. 

... the kids are such good sports.  With flu season being so insanely ridiculous, & we even had a kid in there that was throwing up 2 days before... (What?!?!?!?).... I made every kid hand sanitize... repeatedly.  They just laugh at me.  & the ones who said they didn't want hand sanitizer?  I squirted it on their arms where they had no choice but to wipe it off.... I'm sneaky... & I will get my way...

how I look with my hand sanitizer squirting everyone

... I got to finish up 2 knit projects this weekend.  It's fun to knit after Christmas when I don't feel the pressure of a deadline.  I have the sweetest friends who send me the kindest words about my knitting... & even interest in wanting some of my pieces.  I really need to look into opening an Etsy store.  If anything, to clear out my house of all the knitted things I make.  As Ricky reminds me, no one can wear that many hats & scarves in a life time. 

... & just because its Monday & I saw this & it made me laugh...

How was your weekend?

 

Ready for the start back to a regular routine?

 

Anyone else have an Etsy store?... is it worth it?

What day is it?

I'm so confused....

It's Friday right?... This work a few days, off a few days, come back & work one day until the weekend again...

I've come to realize I need a schedule that doesn't change.

Since its Friday & I normally do a Friday Five... I think I'm just going to get some things off my chest... some random stuff... I don't think anyone is really functioning on a normal day anyways...

.... if anyone doesn't hear from me in a few hours, check & see if I'm passed out at my desk.  I came in my office this morning at 6:58am & the water sprinkler machine is making the loudest noise, rumbling the walls & has been going as of now, for about an hour.  The WORST SMELL is coming from it too - like its on fire.  I've left messages for people & I don't know what to do... so if I'm sitting in a toxic office & pass out... someone sue my office for me.  Thanks.

This could be me at any moment

... My side is still freaking hurting.  We're at 5 weeks now.  My doctor wants to send me for x-rays & see if my rib is broke.  My question - why has no one x-rayed my stupid ribs yet?  I've been in the Emergency room - I've been to the doctor.  Not one x-ray.  & even if it is broke, can they do anything for it?  I guess it will give me peace of mind on what's wrong.  The pain is getting on my nerves like never before.

If I haven't... then I am almost there

... I totally didn't make it to midnight on New Years Eve.  I had thought for sure I was going to make it. I got a Starbucks on the way home from work.  I sat up & read & finished my book, & was knitting & then started watching TV.  I don't even remember falling asleep.  Ricky woke up at 10:30 & said he considered waking me up but he knew he would be back asleep by midnight so he rolled back over & hit dream land again.  I did wake up at 12:15... I'm always the one who is late to the party.

...I'm going to be sad that school is back in session on Monday.  Not because I have kids, but because traffic will be back up to speed.  It's been nice having no traffic issues the past 2 weeks.

... I'm all messed up in my home.  I am used to taking down my Christmas tree on January 1st but left it up until we have our Christmas with our grand-dudes.  I think I'm going to post pictures of my Christmas home & keep posting them on Instagram with things like "Merry Christmas" ... or "I can't wait until Santa gets here"... just to really confuse everyone.

... I heard of 3 pregnancy announcements yesterday.  Sounds like 2015 is going to be the year of the baby.

... I am going today on almost 5 hours sleep.  Thanks Walking Dead Marathon for keeping me up. 

... I'm having a bad hair day.  I straightened it this morning & wondered why it wasn't doing that good.  Only when I gave up & went to turn off the straightener did I notice that it was set on low... So be it.  Bad hair days help develop character - right?

... I will direct your attention to the web address above.  Yep... I did it... I am finally my own site.  You can still use the same old one & it will direct you here.  But if you ever needed to get here on your own, you can just type in the name of the blog.  www.knitbygodshand.com ... I feel so official...

... Seriously, what day is it?

 

Happy Friday everyone... I think....