Fortune Cookie's taste soo good

"Why we are here is important, but to know where we are going is imperative. It's not what you've got, it's what you use, that makes a difference in how your life turns out. "- Zig Ziglar

Small things do make a difference

We are all entitled to live our own lives, and how we live it is up to us as individuals making choices for ourselves. We have been given a free will to make our own decisions for the direction of our life. So many have a hard time taking responsibility for themselves, and some people want to take responsibility for others... Our culture gives us these unhealthy views of boundaries telling us all lies about where our responsibilities lie. According to the Law of Boundaries we are only responsible for ourselves (and to others). We are responsible for our actions, our thoughts, our own choices, and attitudes and no one Else's. Every choice you make has a consequence, whether it is a good one or bad one, it is yours to make.

Knowing this it blows my mind that people ask, "If there is a God why is there evil and why do bad things happen, why is our world filled with hurt?" and here is my simple answer - you can take it or leave it: "Because we, as a human race, have made bad choices. Our 'free-will' has corrupted the world. And people have chosen evil over good. Gods will is perfect and whole, and if he forced it on us then things would be 'Perfect', and there really would be world peace, this world would no longer know hurt like we know it now! But if we were to give up our free will to God then we would be like robots. I don't know about you, but personally I would rather be an individual who has a soul, and can make choices for myself, and be challenged as I face my life and the hardships that I face, and grow when I make mistakes. The choices that people have made and continue to make affect our world. God has been so gracious to give us the freedom and blessing of having a free will, so here it is, said by me, "God is not responsible for all of the hurt, all of the poverty, all of the bad that has happened here on earth. We, the people of this world - The Human Race, are the ones responsible for the messes that we have created as individuals. Don't blame God for the bad choices that people have made or even the choices that you yourself have made, because he isn't responsible for those choices."

So, I challenge you to think about this: How can you make good decisions for the world, how can you make a difference and help, what can you do to help end poverty, what can you do to help end hurt?

Mother Teresa said: "We can do no great things, only small things with great love." So I challenge you to do just that. The world is not on your shoulders, but you do have a life to live and small choices to make that can make an impact on this world. Reflecting back on Mother Teresa's life we can see that she made an amazing difference in so many lives - even in the world - she didn't change the world, but she did make a difference. Mother Teresa actively gave of herself, day in and day out, she was hands on with people that needed her, and needed help. She is an example of Gods will for this world - and she was fully human, and imperfect, not a saint - she made some really great choices for her life, and lived out Gods will for her - imagine what our lives would be like if we did the same! How can you be an example of God to this world in need, this world hurting??

My church has started this group called 'The Theology Pub'. We are instructed to read a book, one that is assigned to us. For next month we need to read a book titled The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical. As I packed up my apartment I began listening to this book on audio, and found myself pondering about all that God wants to do with my life, and about what I can do to make a difference, to help start a revolution in this hurting world. I haven't finished the book, but so far - 6 chapters in - it is amazing. I am challenged and now I have a new perspective on how I should live this life. Ask yourself this, Who are you living for? For Yourself... For others... For God... who?

We all talk about how we wish for world peace, and how This should really be like That. So lets do it, start making small decisions to start a revolution for change, because if we all stepped in to make a difference a huge difference would be made. I am challenged to start walking my talk, and living this life making small choices with great love to make positive changes
"Most good things have been said far too many times and just need to be lived." — Shane Claiborne {Author of the book The Irresistible Revolution}.

It is Officially Mine!!

Who You REALLY are?

Character is who you are when people Aren't around...

As if My "Mom-Mind" was read

running across this fabulous site called blogher.com, a community for Women who blog... There is a group that is so me that it screams my name!

It is called: This is my "Mom Body" not my real one.

Here is the synopsis:

"This is my "mom body" not my real one. My real one is hidden under large, stretchy, itchy clothes that are meant to camoflauge my "muffin top". My real one is screaming to get out, but I am busy eating my kids' left over lunch so I can't hear it. My real one is skinny, hot, and dying to be discovered under this imposter body. I still look for clothes for my real body, but my "mom body" won't fit in to them. My "mom body" is the one I catch in the mirror and am startled as if I just saw a stranger in my bathroom! I still feel like the old me, but I certainly don't look like her! Be gone "mom body". I need my real body to come out!"

~tommiealexander

new perspective on Love

I am sickly in love, like I never imagined... Since becoming a Mother my perspectives have changed. The simplest of things are so much more important than they ever used to be.

Life has new color, and a more beautiful view. I live with a smile on my face daily, and a pride in my heart for my amazing daughter.


Yesterday as Madi, Meredith and I spent the evening together, I found myself laughing and smiling, and telling Madi how utterly cute she is inside and out. She makes my heart flutter, how can I love one person so much??


I find myself wondering if she will have the same love for me as I do for her... It is probably impossible, and she will probably never fully understand how much she means to me. She has changed my life, in so many great ways.


She is MY child, and God couldn't have created her more magnificently! As I watch her grow I am discovering more about who I am, and I am discovering more and more about God's love for me, as his child. Life is beautiful, I cannot even begin to conceptualize how truly blessed I am...


I am amazed at how powerful love is, i do believe that it can move mountains, My love for Madi has moved mountains in my life...


"I love you, not only for what you are, But for what I am when I am with you."
-Roy Croft

My baby is growing up

Although I have a few baby books going, I can't help but feel like I am going to miss documenting some precious and priceless moments with my ever growing beautiful daughter.

Madi is doing fabulous! she is as cute as ever and loving her life.

A few fun facts about Madi at 14 Months old...
-she is: Climbing CLIMBING Climbing, all over Everyyything!
-Saying "whats-that" while pointing at anything and everything is a hobby of hers.
-Getting into everything possible, and snickering at me if my reply is "No."
-She hates laying still for me to change her diaper!

-She has so many curls, her hair is hard to tame... often it is scruffy in the back from her laying on it, so I will call her Scruffers!

-I think that she thinks she is a celebrity because I take so many pictures of her!

-Leanna, her cousin who she goes to daycare with, is her arch enemy. They beat eachother up and fight often. It is a love-hate relationship, I think that she is really Madi's best friend - she is a girl already, drama and all.
-Her knees are all scuffed up and bruised, from falling... she just gets right back up though without tears in her eyes now, she has learned to tough it out, and just keep going...
-She loves her bouncy horse and her princess mobile.

-Anything that makes noise is her favorite!

-If I say "Kisses" she puckers and puts her lips to mine, talk about melting my heart...

-She loves to climb stairs, but DOES NOT know how to come down them properly, I about have a heart attack everytime she goes for the stairs to go down... fearing she is going to crash pretty hard someday.

-She laughs a lot - by throwing her head back - and it is contagious.

-She throws some pretty good fits. She typically throws her body backward and falls to the floor hurting herself in the process. I find myself wondering what age 2 will be like.
-Her big thing is handing me something and yelling "Thank-you" at the top of her lungs, as if she is trying to let me know that I NEED to take it from her. Probably because I say thank you and reach my hand out to her to hand me something that she is not supposed to be touching!

-She is a screamer and she always has been, it is becoming more like a very loud, shrill, screech... I laugh, because little does she know it doesn't phase me much!

-I call her my Little Spunky, My Boogie, Babes, My Love, Mads, Babe-sters, and Madders!
-She will actually wear flip flops, the thong in between her toes doesn't bother her, amazingly, because everything else seems to bother her.
-She loves to share her food, even if it is soggy from already putting it in her mouth.
-She is extremely clingy to her Melody bear lately.
-She is off of the bottle for good, and she has no issues with it, she loves her sippy cup, and loves drinking out of a big girl cup.

-She would rather be naked than have me put clothes on her.

-She freaks out now when I pour water over her head in the bath, she used to be fine with it, I don't know where or when the switch occured.

-Mac and Cheese is by far her favorite food, I can tell because none of it ends up on the floor and when she eats it she says nummmm, numm, num, the whole time! - as well as all other noodles... -She likes to try and put my shoes on her feet.

-I am finally able to somewhat successfully brush her teeth.

-She loves Music, and is a natural dancer, I must say I am very proud of her dancing skills!
-Snacks are something that she must have all the time, but they end up all over the floor at home or in the car by the end of the day.
-She is quite opinionated... like she has been since the day she was born.
-She is taking her pacifier less and less, which is great.

-She is becoming a little more attatched to me and less receptive to being with strangers.
-Madi is very uninterested in TV, which is good I guess, although it is a bummer for me sometimes when I want her to be occupied so I can get stuff done:)
-I cannot get her to stay still, she is way too interested in running all over the place.
-She grows cuter and more adorable everyday, I cannot believe that I gave birth to such a beautiful child!
-She is a fun filled, entertainment for me, all I have to do is watch her and I will be amused!
-Yesterday she attempted to put my bra on, it was hilarious!

-Everything that looks like it can be put on goes over her head: My sunglasses, my purse, a shirt, socks... you name it she tries to put it on over her head.
-She says "Uh-Oh" a lot, which is fitting because she either drops or breaks everything...

-She is so smart, she loves taking my phone putting it up to her ear and babbling, I must be on my phone a lot...

-She loves to look at Pictures.
-I didn't baby-proof the house, and it is going pretty well so far, I just have to work with her a little bit.

-I am pretty sure that she loves both Dan and I ALOT, we are by far her favorite - which brings a smile to my face.

-She definetly undertsands the concept of Bye-Bye, and likes it :)
-The biggest thing that I have noticed is that she is a big girl now, it seems like there is no baby left in her...

Two days ago I was laying on the couch watching TV while she played with her toys, she picked up her bear, came up to me, and put her hand in my direction wiggling her fingers and grunting - signaling that she wanted me to pick her up - so I did, she actually layed still with me and we fell asleep snuggling on the couch together... It is the priceless moments like that when I feel so blessed and in love with my baby girl!

through sickness and health

I have blogged through it all... but this Viral Respiratory Infection has got the best of me, so I haven't blogged or done much of anything else other than sleep over these past few days!

I got back from Vegas on Weds PM, and went to FPU, it was great.

So much has happened over the past week: Naomi and I took a trip to Vegas for her 21st Birthday, April and Sean have officially moved into a homeless transitional shelter called Mary's Palce (click to read more about the facility), I got really sick with a respiratory infection, I move to my new place in T-11 days!, Albert got his senior pics done by CT Ryan studios - some teasers are posted here, click to enlarge.

I would go into more detail about averything but I am dizzy, sick to my stomach, my head is pounding, and I cannot stop coughing, not to mention achy all over... so I will blog when I am feeling better.

Thanks for all of the prayer and support everyone, and for all of the help and assistance with April and Sean. Please continue to pray for their family!

Proud Auntie

As Tamrah came to my home to photograph the newly born neice and nephew of mine, I had pretty high hopes for good shots... and boy did CT Ryan exceed my expectations, yet again.

The photos that were captured blew me away, I am very impressed, take a little sneak peek - you will deffinetly enjoy these shots!

Abby and Avery were great little models. They sure are happy and content babies as you can tell in the pictures, April was blessed! Two more babies to add to their beautiful family! They are now truly just like the 'Brady' bunch - funny thing is is that Brady is mine and Aprils maiden name :)

To check out the fabulous photographers click HERE

To get a better view link to CT Ryan Studios' blog Here
Click on the photos to enlarge them

What-a-Wonder-FULL-Wednesday

So, it has been Days - litterally - since I last posted, and I don't want time to run away from me! I consider blogging awesome in so many ways: keeping people updated on me and my life, processing my thoughts, therapy, as a way to document my life as it happens... I know that one day I will look back and be happy that I did this, hopefully I will be able to print it and create a hardcopy book one day, for Madi to keep :)


Anyway, I have been trying to stay positive and in doing so I want the think of some wonderful things today.

1. I leave for Las Vegas on Sunday the 7th -throught the 10th -with Naomi, a near and dear friend of mine who will be celebrating her 21st birthday that same day, it will be a ton of fun! We will be lounging by the water soaking up the sun, and eating a lot of yummy food! Too bad she won't have her guitar in hand it is always fun to sing along together while she plays!

2. The weekend following Vegas, Madi and I will be heading up to Walker, MN to see Dan and Shirleys cabin. They have accomplished so much since we were last up there! I am thrilled to see how far it has come along in the building process. Dan designed it, it is amazingly elegant, and oh so functional, probably more so than any other place you have seen! He is so talented...

3. I will be moving into my new HOME! Yes, my own Home! I am thrilled, and blessed and soooo excited. I feel like I have been given so much, and I am so thankful, God has been so good to me! My new address as of June 24th 2009 will be: 7075 Blaine Avenue Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076. I cannot wait, it is beautiful and perfect!

4. I will be having a sleep study done in June sometime as well, and I am hoping that they can figure out why I am so exhausted all of the time, that is something I am looking forward to taking care of.

5. Madi is growing like a weed! Her molars are coming in, there are 4 poking though. poor little thing! She loves to chat, and hold the phone to her ear while doing so. She loves to run around, and to play peek-a-boo. Her little grins that expose her gap-filled teeth make me smile. Her fits are becoming intense, especially when in public, and I am discovering that the pacifier is going to be a LOT harder than I thought to take away from her! When she is tired she lets me - and EVERYONE else - know, by her loud screeches and crabby attitude. Overall she is a blast, always going full speed. I no longer will take for granted the age of a newborn, although they wake up a lot and eat a lot, they are Much easier at that age than Madilynns 14 months of age, I wouldn't trade it for the world though, it is sooo fun!

June is one busy Month for me, I was going to attempt to go to the Family Reunion in California for my Moms family but that fell through, but it is okay, we have another one next year. I was hoping to be able to go as well to see my Dad's family, but hopefully that will happen later on this year!

Overall things in life are going great, life is a bit stressful, but it isn't anything that I can't handle although it does feel overwhelming at times...

I think I learned to appreciate and treasure each day,

because you don't know how many you're going to be given.

~Sandra Day O'Connor

A proud Auntie Becca, that is who I am!

Summer has arrived, and we definetly soaked up the rays that the sun threw down!

Memorial day weekend was busy, and great. We - Mom, Albert, Aprils oldest 4 kids, and myself - went camping with a group from church; went to church on Sunday; I caught up with an old friend; I went rock climbing; went to the Como Zoo for Parkers Birthday; and last but not least visited the Nubies ♥ -yep, Aprils babies have arrived!

We welcomed Abby Jo and Avery Stephen on May 20th at 4:15pm. They were both admitted into the NICU, and stayed there until Sunday 5/24. They did great latching on and breastfeeding right away, they had minor issues such as their glucose levels being off, and not being able to stabilize their temps... but other than that they seem to be doing great, what little troopers! Today they are 1 week old :) and very cute and little I might add! They are both weighing in at around 4.5 pounds each.

I feel so blessed by all of my family, memorial day I was reminded of how fortunate I am to have such a great, loving, Compassionate, tight-knit family! We are so blessed to have one another!

Madi is growing like a weed and she is so much fun, a handful too :) She is running all over the place, she is fearless, that little girl! Her favorite thing to do right now is to explore, especially the places that she knows I don't want her to explore, like the toilet for instance! She is a little chatter box, and she is quite opinionated, and vocal about her feelings. High energy, and hungry all the time . We had no problems taking the bottle away, we actually just gave her the option one morning of the bottle or the sippy cup, and she chose the latter, which is nice. It probably came easy because I never gave her a bottle in the crib, although I must admitr, I am sad seeing them go, because it means my baby is growing up!

The {Amazing} Shack

I know that some people out there aren't huge fans of reading, and for the majority of my life I would have fallen into that category as well... UNTIL just recently, for some odd reason, I have been craving literature. About a month ago I was then encouraged by my Mom to read the book 'The Shack'. Little did I know that I would be swept off of my feet...

It is an amazing, thought provoking, inspirational, life changing, fabulously surprising and enjoyable read... for lack of better words "It knocked my Socks off!". Verbs and adjectives cannot express my joy, or my feelings about this book. If I were to choose ONE book (other than the bible) that has been life changing for me, it would be 'The Shack'. I don't know I could just be a little zealous because I just got finished listening to it, but I was touched by this book like I have never been touched by a book before!

All of my preconceived notions about God and life were transformed, into something beautiful. All of my thoughts were revealed to me, and so many transformations in my heart occurred. Little did I know that reading this book would set a new precedent for the way that I view and live life.

As I finished it this morning, all of my feelings culminated into a contentment and understanding that I never imagined that I could ever have. Part of me felt exhilarated as I ended the audio book (I listened to it on audio, while driving to and from work, over the past week) and another part of me was sad, disappointed that it was over. Not that the book was in any way a disappointment, but the fact that the revelations had to come to an end, I was bummed. My daily trips in the car that I SO looked forward to are over... BUT I am left with so many thoughts, and a small smile on my face, realizing how much more amazing my God is than I ever knew. The little smirk that is now left on my face is there because I know that I will never be able to fully explain how I feel, and I know how minuscule my thoughts are compared to Gods greatness. I am utterly thankful for the opportunities that God has given me in this small life of mine.

I was challenged, and I was healed during the listening of the words written in this book. It is so simple, yet so profound. My mind is left cultivating all of the fabulous revelations that I received from this book. My mind - still trying to grasp all that the words held... Part of me ever wonders if I ever will be able to grasp all of the Revelations that this book holds.

This will not be the last time that I read or listen to this book, it will be a book that I will cherish for years to come; A book that will be passed down for generations; A book that I will surely read to my children and my grandchildren over the years. I bought two hard copies of the book on Amazon two days ago, because even though I had not finished the book yet, I had already realized that it was such a priceless treasure to me, and to the world; who has yet to read it! So I encourage you to pick it up, and if you can't afford it, please let me know, I am passing around a copy of mine, because it is that monumental of a literary work of art, in my eyes!

As I now encounter thoughts of facing my 'Shack', I am relieved in knowing that God is there every step of the way, encouraging me, and deep down I have no fear. I know that I will stumble, and I know that I will fall, but now - after listening to this book - I truly know, like never before, that God will be right by my side to pick me up, and to help me heal my wounds.

I know that this book is fiction, and I know that it is not written as fact and truth, but the words and examples throughout the book ring true to Gods nature, and that is what I love about it!

HERE is the link to the only marketing that has been done for this book, it has spread like wildfire by word of mouth. William P. Young has followed Gods plan for his broken life, and I applaud him for all of his dedication and hard work as the non-author that he really is.

Thanks for reading my short literary review. Not that I am a pro by any means, or that I know what I am doing or saying, but I was so impressed and changed by this book that I wanted to be able to share it with the world, and the only way that I know how is to blog about it.

So there it is, my feelings about 'The Shack'

"If Anything Matters... Everything Matters" ~William P. Young

a little bit of Kung-Fu Panda

"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is mystery, and today is a gift. that is why it is called the present” ~Master Oogway ♥

The Two Little Munchkins are here

We welcomed Abby and Avery yesterday at 4:15pm!!

April had been experiencing painful contractions all day yesterday so she called her doctor in the afternoon and the doctor told her to head to the hospital. Aprils response was, "I am not in labor, I am not ready and the babies aren't big enough!" her doctor chuckled and told her that whether she was ready or not she needed to go in... April was only 35 weeks and 2 days gestation so the babies were born prematurely.

So after a full day of April experiencing Painful contractions... as 2:30pm arrived she finally came to the realization that she was indeed going into (if not already in...) labor. Sean came home from a Doc appointment to pick her up, they were admitted into the hospital at 3:58pm, and had the babies about 15 minutes later at 4:15pm.

Avery was in the birth canal when they first arrived to the hospital, at first they thought that it was his arm but it was actually his small little bum that was coming out... They rushed her to the OR and put her under anesthesia, she was completely knocked out!

Avery Stephen

Abby Jo

Avery Stephen, who was the 'Ready to Come' one, came first weighing in at 4lbs 15oz, then following her brother the 'Already Sassy and Stubborn' Abby Jo arrived weighing in at 5lbs 2oz. They are both as cute as can be. They were a bit swollen at first but after a few hours the swelling went down and they were able to calm and get some rest.

Avery did great breathing on his own, but Abby needed some assistance in the beginning. Both of their glucose levels were low, and they had a few other minor issues due to being premature. But overall they are doing great and are healthy! They are in the NICU and will be there for a few days until they eating and temperature stabilize, along with a few other minor issues are addressed.

Proud Grandma (Mom) and Auntie (Me)

Proud Daddy - Sean

April is pretty exhausted, and definitely sore which is to be expected, considering she had an emergency Cesarean. Sean is at the hospital with her, he stayed the night there to be by her side. He was so concerned about her all day yesterday, he is such a sweet husband! He has therapy and doctors appointments today, he will be getting another MS injection today...

I am not going to lie, yesterday was a bit stressful for me! Due to the babies premature arrival we (Mom and I) were unable to hold or touch the babies, and we were also turned away to see them -April, Abby and Avery- at times, which we all felt was a little ridiculous in some instances.

Not only that it is pretty tough not having more family here. It was so hard finding someone to take the older kids while I had to work today. So I was up til midnight finding someone to watch them... Thanks so much Charrissa, I owe you one. I know that as Aprils sister and a new Auntie it is my responsibility, but I just was feeling a tad bit overwhelmed last night, trying to get everything situated.

So I apologize if I seemed rude to anyone, I wasn't upset at anyone in particular just frustrated with the situations at hand. I love you all and am so thankful for all of the help and support that you all have been giving to our family!

Today we have all new issues that are going to need to be addressed... Nothing is ready for the babies, so I am sure that I will be busy for the next few days helping them out! Please be praying, their housing situation is still on the rocks as are other aspects of their lives.

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”

I saw this on a bumper sticker on the way to work this morning, and as I passes the car that the bumper sticker was attached to I glanced over and gave the guy a smile... He smiled back.

How simple is it to love? And yet so many people choose to hate, or be bitter, or angry for things that can easily be forgiven. Hate is a burden that so many people choose to bear!

On my way to and from work for the past week I have been listening to the book, "The Shack" on audio. Toward the middle of the book the words that are spoken become very 'meaty' and what I mean by that is that the words come with such power, and revelation, I find myself rewinding the audio and re-listening to it over again, sometimes multiple times, I have to chew on the words over and over like I would a piece of steak to be able to swallow it. If I could remember some quotes from the book I would post them here, but I can't, so I am going to buy the paper version of the book to hold onto as a keepsake and as a reference.

I am learning so much, and I have found myself growing closer to God while listening to this book. I am falling more in love with Gods character and who he is. I am grasping the love that he has for this world, the love that he has for me and I cannot help but smile inside, knowing that I have such a great Love coming from God... the Creator, of the world, and the creator of little ol' Me! His love is astounding, and I am discovering the true power of Love itself!

I am growing in Love, and I have been told that I am a loving person but as I am growing I am becoming more loving, and less judgemental and skeptical.

I am going to end this post with a wonderful quote, from a wonderful man whose love changed the world - and just remember if you love enough, your love will change the world too... 'I have decided to stick with Love ♥ Hate is too great a burden to bear.' Martin Luther King Jr.

Free Money?! Apparently there is such a thing...

Link HERE to sign up for swagbucks!! Earn money for searching the web... "Are you kidding me?!" You ask.
"Nope I am dead SERIOUS!" I reply...

I wish I would have started this years ago, I would have had a whole-lotta free things by now! Seriously...

Anyway here is the low-down:
Swag bucks has a search engine powered by google and ask.com. When you perform your searches, you win Swag bucks - which are redeemable for gift cards or merchandise. Each time you earn 45 Swag bucks, you can redeem it for a $5 Amazon.com gift card.While I do earn by doing searches, the majority of my points come from referrals. When your friends sign up under your referral code, you'll earn a buck every time they do, for the first 100 swag bucks! You can see how this adds up once you have 10 or 20 friends under you! Here's a scenario:Find 10 friends to join.You earn 100 Swag bucks by the end of the year for each friend=1000 bucks.Redeem them for (22) Amazon gift cards, each in the amount of $5 = $110. Earn 45 Swag bucks per month doing searches on your own x 10 months = $50 Amazon GC Grand total of free Christmas gifts: $160!If you have a blog, a large family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, etc. I encourage you to sign up HERE and share this scenario with them. Once they learn there is a way to get Christmas for free, you'll have them lining up at your door.
PS - if you're on Twitter, you can follow Swagbucks. Keep your eye out for free Swag bucks codes!

I am excited, hopefully this year will be a free Christmas!



To get more info read this article HERE.



Let me know if you have any Q's!

Growing a little smarter day by day

So, this is sorta silly, BUT I find it to be very beneficial...

It is just something that I do, because it is who I am!
Anyway I bet you are thinking "what is she talking about now?!" and this is it: (pretty much)Daily I look up words in the dictionary... Weird I know, but if I am at all questioning the meaning of a word whether it is as complicated as the word fastidious (which would be an adjective to Define both Sean and I) or as simple as the word enlighten (which means To give spiritual or intellectual insight). I will look up a word if I have any question as to the meaning of the word, or if I just want to look for a good adjective I will look something up in the thesaurus...I can feel myself growing just a little bit smarter everyday.

Now you know my secret...

I am not kidding, pretty much everyday I really look up at least one word, and I have been learning a ton. So I encourage you to do the same, if you are questioning the meaning of a word at all go to thefreedictionary.com or another website like dictionary.com and it will give you everything that you need to know about the word!

Education is Priceless

If you think education is expensive, try ignorance. ~Andy McIntyre

And that is one of the reasons why I am conitnuing my education in the fall. I will be returning to Metro State University to finish my BA in Social Science. I am actually really looking forward to it. If I take one class per semester I will be done in 2 full school years. It seems like a long time but in reality it really isn't, I am soo close! That time will be including my internship.

I look forward as I veture out as a Mom, Student, and a full-time employee...

James is my favortie book in the Bible

James 1:19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. 21 So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.

I aspire to live righteously and I pray this over my life continually. I want to be that person, the one who is sharing and kind, caring and compassionate, slow to anger, and rich in Love. I want to be the one who has open arms to those that need a shoulder to cry on or a home to stay in. God is working in me, but it is a slow process, and it is work on my part because I am only human, as we all are.

Back on the right track

My heart feels good, and I know that I am doing what is right. I am out of the rut for now and walking the path that is best for me. I am choosing to follow the path that God has for me.

I am so thankful for all of the support, the accountability, the wonderful friends who keep me in tune with God...

Proverbs 10:8-10
8 The wise are glad to be instructed,
but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.
9 People with integrity walk safely,
but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall.
10 People who wink at wrong cause trouble,
but a bold reproof promotes peace.