Philippians 4:8

\

These beautiful flowers make me smile. 

So... I had one of those days today.  You know the ones I am talking about - not a day where anything goes wrong necessarily, but a day when insecurities strike!  A day when you think "what in the world am I doing here?".  I was reading one of my favorite blogs the other day and the writer mentioned that she struggles with insecurities.  My first thought was, "well I can relate to that!".  I like to think that most of the time I have it all together (or at least appear to), but there are times when doubts and insecurities just blindside me. I  think we have all struggled with this at one time or another. The "I'm not smart enough, not pretty enough, I'm not the perfect size, I'm not good enough at...  you name it - insert your own insecurity here - thoughts".   The list goes on.   I used to laugh and joke, in fact I still do at times, that I did not have any talent to speak of - I don't sing or dance, nor can I draw, BUT I could teach children!  That was my God given talent!  From an early age I realized that I was really good with children.  That turned into my career and for that I am so thankful.  This post is not about teaching though.  It is about believing in yourself and trying to overcome insecurities.  For example, right now I am comparing myself to other bloggers.  I look at them and think "I will probably never have thousands of followers or be able to do the projects they do (there is that talent thing again!). 


With regard to today, I love my job and it is very rewarding; however, it is very overwhelming at times.  Some days I think, "ok that is it - I need to make a change."  Then I force myself to remember one of my favorite verses from the Bible, Philippians 4:8, which states: Finally, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praise worthy, think on these things. 

Elizabeth George, a wonderful Christian writer, speaks at length on this verse in one of her books.  She cautions us to not think on things that may or may not be true, things that are "gossipy" or hurtful, or worrying about things that may or may not happen, etc.  Instead we should focus on things we KNOW to be true.  God loves us and wants His best for us always.  He is always there - no matter what, we can turn to Him.  He loves us just the way we are!  He hears our every prayer!  What a comfort this is on days when the world seems to be more than we can handle and I guess that is the key.  WE can't can't handle anything, but when we think on the things are TRUE, we will remember that with God, we can handle everything, despite our shortcomings. 

For today, I will remember these things! 

Just because it makes me happy! 

Tiny but Elegant Half Bath

Hi! I hope everyone is having a great week.  My little man has been sick since Saturday.  I am home with him today so I am enjoying some leisurely blogging time.  I have also been cleaning and organizing in the house.  It's sounds so silly but I love to just hang out at home.  Each week on Friday someone will invariably  ask what my plans are for the weekend.  My usual answer is "just hanging out at home".  My husband works on Saturday so Seth and I love to sleep late, run errands and just be together.  In sports seasons the day will include games, but for the most part, I truly enjoy just being a homebody! 

Today as I cleaned and planned for dinner, I snapped a few pics of our half bath to share with you.  It is quite tiny, but I think it is just darling! I don't have a "before" picture - you will just have to imagine a plain khaki bathroom.  Before we moved in we had the builder change the color (most things were in place before we made an offer on the house) to a warm golden yellow.  We added a mirror and some other decorations and the room was complete.  I've debated about adding something above the commode, but since the room is so small, I didn't want to overdo it with regard to decorations.  I love the group of four pictures and the "girly" chandelier!  Simple and Elegant!! 


Hope you have a wonderful week!  The weather is gorgeous here today - a little glimpse into Spring!  Thanks for visiting!!

I fell in love with these pictures when I saw them at one of my favorite stores in Ocean Springs, MS. 

Simple pedestal sink :-)

Candles make any room warm and cozy. 

I love the chandelier!

This little plaque was a bargain at Hobby Lobby! 

Close up of one of the pictures.  I call them

"Fat Women on Bicycles with Dogs"! 

\

Another one of the ladies...

Jon just loves to hang pictures in groups of four.... not!  He is a good sport! 

Extra toiletries on hand for guests. 

I am linking to Kim's Wow Us Wednesday Party at www.savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com  Come join the fun!

My Funny Valentine

Jon and Lisa (aka Mr. and Mrs. Buttercup) at the

Mobile Mystics Ball last year! 

I had the best day today!  My sweet husband, Jon, asked me last night if I could take off today and spend the day with him.  Well, of course, I said yes!  I took a vacation day and Jon and I had an entire “date day.”  We went out for breakfast, shopped for a Mardi Gras dress for our upcoming ball and generally just enjoyed being with each other.  As the day went by, I was reminded of how blessed I am to have Jon in my life!  Not many husbands would follow his wife from store to store until the ideal dress was found and then search for accessories that would complement the dress perfectly!  He even endured a trip to Hobby Lobby!  Yes, he’s great and I am thankful! 

Sometimes I still can’t believe how my life has turned out.    I think I mentioned on a previous post that I married late in life – if 37 can be called late.  I think it certainly can – in fact, let’s be honest, I was an old maid!  You just can’t know how that feels…..especially when you are an elementary school teacher!!!  I was literally an “old maid school teacher”!  It seemed I was destined to live out that old adage “always a bridesmaid, never a bride.”  I was happy with all other aspects of my life; however, something was missing.  I wanted to be in love.  Let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to love and be loved in return?  As the years went by I longed to be a wife and mother more than anything in the world.  I did not like to think that I had spent my life working with children and yet I was destined not to have children of my own.  I prayed and prayed for God to send me a husband - my special someone.  I learned a lot during those years about waiting on God.  I struggled with wanting things my way and in my time.  But, I have learned that God’s timing is perfect. 

In September of 2000, I agreed to a blind date.  To be brutally honest, I had already started the adoption process to adopt a baby girl from China.  When my friend suggested I go out with a childhood friend of his, I very nonchalantly said “sure.”  (My thought was that if it didn’t work out, it wouldn’t matter because I would still have my little Chinese angel.)  Little did I know that when I met Jon the next week, I would fall head over heels in love!!!  If fact, when he called me the first time, I hung up thinking “oh, my goodness!” 

To make a long story short, we were engaged in December and married the following May. My life changed completely!!  Jon came into my life and with him, Matt and Drew, my two step sons who are now 14 and 15.  My life has never been the same!  I like to joke that I began the school year as an old maid and ended it as a wife and mother! (FYI, when I met Jon, I was an “old maid principal” as opposed to an old maid teacher.) 

It is now almost ten years later and I still love to hang out with Jon!  He continues to spoil me!  For several years on my birthday he sent me the number of roses that I was old!  Can you imagine receiving 39 roses?  On our fourth anniversary he sent me four dozen roses.  You are getting the picture, right?  Now he is more apt to pick up fresh flowers from our local grocery store or get my car serviced and cleaned.  He also irons for me!   Yes, it’s true!  I am blessed!  As I plan for Valentine’s Day, I pause and think of my life and how it is so much richer because of my husband.  I also thank God that he brought Jon and all of our boys to me in His time.    Please know that I am not claiming to have a perfect marriage.   I do know that Jon and I love each other and we are committed to each other through all the trials life has to offer!  It is so comforting to know that he will always be there for me.  I love being his "Gracie"!  How sweet it is!!

Let marriage be held in honor among all.  Hebrews 13:4. 

There is no more lovely, friendly or charming relationship, communion, or company than a good marriage.  Martin Luther

I am linking (I hope I did it correctly) to Debbie's "Newbie Party" at http://www.debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/.  Come visit and join the fun!

Firecrackers!

Just a quick post to share with you a fast and easy snack recipe that I think you will enjoy.  I love snacks that are salty - given a choice, I will choose something salty over  a sweet snack any day.  These yummy crackers definitely satisfy my salt cravings! 

Firecrackers

What you need: 
1 box of Saltine crackers
1 cup of oil
1 package of Italian dressing mix
1 package of Ranch dressing mix
2 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes
Tony Chachere's Seasoning (to taste)
Large plastic container with a lid. 

Mix together the oil, dressing mixes, red pepper flakes, and Tony's.  Place the crackers (all four sleeves) in an extra large plastic container and coat with the oil mixture.  Stir to make sure the oil mixture is evenly distributed.  Cover.  Stir the crackers every fifteen minutes for an hour.  That's it!  No cooking required! 

These are crispy, spicy and salty!  They store well and will stay fresh for several days.  They may last longer but they usually disappear very quickly at our house!

Simple ingredients - I usually have these items on hand in my pantry.

Mix the oil, dressing mixes, and spices.

Wisk together.

Pour the oil mixture over the crackers.

Stir every 15 minutes for an hour. 

You will love these yummy crackers!  How about making some for your Super Bowl Party? Or to serve with your next pot of chili?  Delicious!