Undeserving

So I know I haven't blogged in a long time, but with school being so hectic on top of an already hectic life, any spare time that I did have, I found other things to occupy me :/

In order to write about something (same as crafting, lol) you must first have an inspiration. Today, I have just that.

This topic is near and dear to my heart for many reasons. Sadly the names of the individuals I will be referring to will remain unanimous, and we'll just make up alias names instead, just to make it interesting.

In this story, there are 3 people. I will cheat and tell you that I am one of them. As for the other 2, we will call the adult "Jeremy" and the child "Emily".

So story goes...
    The other day, I was speaking about the upcoming Christmas holiday, prying my way into knowing what presents "Jeremy" had gotten for everyone, "Emily" in particular. He disclosed to me a few of the items that he had purchased for the child and then stated. "It's really more than she deserves; she should be lucky that I got her anything at all."
    Obviously, there has been contention between these two individuals. The relationship was at a point of exhaustion, and both were merely burnt out on one another.

    It was with Jeremy's statement that a similar scenario came to my mind.

    Aren't we all just like Emily? All undeserving of what our Heavenly Father has given us.
    We have all done things to the Lord that would deem us "undeserving" of any blessings or gifts that He has given us, but yet, He still willingly gave His only Son, Jesus to die for us.
     I know that I myself am definitely guilty of undervaluing that precious gift but just take a few moments of your busy lives to think about that. Even if you don't have children, imagine someone very close to you, maybe a sibling, younger cousin, niece, nephew, you get the idea. Imagine giving that person up to people that did you wrong, who were disrespectful to you, who didn't appreciate you, and allowing that person to die for those "undeserving" individuals, so that they might receive the ultimate gift, eternal life.
     How truly amazing our Savior is.
 
In the busyness of the Christmas season, lets not forget how the story ends.

We know that a baby came to earth, was born in a manger, etc., but let us not neglect to recognize that the story doesn't end there. That precious baby was sent here for a purpose... To give us the ultimate gift.

We are all "the undeserving"

easy crafting

So I haven't crafted (or blogged : / ) for quite some time now, and so I a small thing that was pretty basic to start off with. I saw this on a blog and fell in love.
     Side Note: if you are looking for crafting ideas.. ever, look at other blogs! I have found SO many fun ideas on other people's blogs.
Anyways, so this is a "rick rack Rosette" that I made. I can't tell you what it's for but I can show u what it looks like at least :)

The original site that I got this from I got this from is : http://thecraftingchicks.com/2011/03/rick-rack-rosettes.html 

Java

Behold! My birthday present at work.

Mom got me this for my birthday and it is Perfect!

It's a single cup coffee maker, for college students, and although I don't live in a dorm, this is still helpful, plus whenever Kyle and I eventually do move out, I'm the only one that drinks the sweet nectar, so there's no need for more than a single cup to be brewed at a time. 

<3

James has got to be one of my all time favorite books to read. I think I get something new out of it every single time that I go through it. And if you know me at all, you will know that I am a visual person. I like to imagine what is really going on in a scenario.

I am going to share with you my "mental image" of what's happening here.

James 1: 2-4
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Now when I first read this, the image the popped into my mind was a soldier. A soldier that knows he's about to go into battle, but instead of being scared and afraid, he lets out a giant fist pump and yells "Bring It On" and then runs out against the enemy, ready for whatever lies ahead.

This can be us. Who doesn't want to be proven steadfast. So if you're like me, you may have heard a word a thousand times, and even used it. You know generally what it means, and can use it in a sentence, but sometimes it's good to be reminded of it's true definition.

stead·fast

  [sted-fast]

adjective

1.

fixed in direction; steadily directed: a steadfast gaze.

2.

firm in purpose, resolution, faith, attachment, etc., as aperson: a steadfast friend.

3.

unwavering, as resolution, faith, adherence, etc.

4.

firmly established, as an institution or a state of affairs.

5.

firmly fixed in place or position.

I listened to a podcast message today about the cost of your faith. This is a prime example of those "trials of various kinds". You may lose friends, or popularity, but in the end, you will be proven steadfast, to the Friend, that sticks closer than a brother.

A ray of sunlight

The start of a VERY long organization project.

This box represents the only part of the entire closet that is not in utter chaos. In order for Abigail to not absolutely hate cleaning, I had to present it in a way that would make it sound less like work, and more fun. Right now the "in" thing for her age group is the "My Littlest Pet Shop" toys, so I told her it would be a good idea to make a place for all of her "LPS" stuff to go, that way she wouldn't lose any of them! We found a box at the Christmas Tree Shop here on Cape Cod for $4 and it fit everything in there perfectly. Best part was that she wanted blue over pink. That fact alone made me more giddy than I probably should have been. So here it is. The start of a long project. Honestly, I don't think it'll ever look perfect, but it doesn't hurt to try :)

Projects Galore!

Over the past week I've been dying to do some crafting and the day has finally arrived. It was so jam packed of chaotic projects that I was almost in heaven. Here are some pix of the finished products, Enjoy!

This is a coaster made out of an energy drink can, $0.16 coaster, some felt padding for the bottom, and some glossy varnish coated over the top to give it a more "finished" look.

This is a flower hair accessory that I made out of ric-rac with a felt bottom, and a pearl button accent.

Lastly, this is something I made to hold books. I usually carry around a book with me in my purse, and this is just to prevent any damage that could come about. The top is drawstring so it's not left completely open. 

Ta-Da! I'm so excited.. 

If you have any craft ideas that you'd like to shoot over my way PLEASE do! Especially while i'm on summer vacation from school. I like to fill my free time with projects while I can. 

Peace out girl (boy) scouts ;)

Saying Nothing At All

A few times in my lifetime I have been accused of talking too much. Who me? Talk too much? Are you kidding?
ooooh boy.
Well you know those things that you've always listened to people tell you, but you've never really heard? I think it's one of those things.
Like: "you're turning into your mother"
You don't really wanna hear it, but you know it's true.
Well I have taken an interest in a new hobby of, listening! - woah!
Listening, and being quiet. It's harder than you think. Well, for me at least.
What makes me think that anyone else really wants to hear every little detail there is to know about me? Chances are, they probably don't, and they're just sitting there listening to avoid being rude. To an extent. But let's all be honest, do we really care what your crazy aunt did when she was a teenager, or what type of cereal you ate for breakfast. No, well, unless it's really that funny. 
I look at it this way. All the time that I spend rattling on about myself, that's less time that I get to learn about someone else. What makes me more interesting than them? They go through the same 24hr/7day week schedule that I do, and who am I to decide that what they've spent their time doing, isn't note-worthy.

Well I've come across this book:
1,000 Ways to be a "slightly" better woman

This is the title to one of the segments.

"Times to Just Say NOTHING"

(some of them are comical, and some are "fo real")

1. When the crazy guy on the train is trying to talk to you.

2. When they ask for volunteers to organize the neighborhood bake sale.

3. When your best friend asks whether that dress makes her look fat.

4. When the cop is giving you a lecture instead of writing you a ticket.

5. When there's 2 minutes left in the game, his team is 6 points down, they have the ball, and the clock is running.

6. When you have the urge to tell someone about the really weird dream you had last night.

7. When someone you admire is giving you advice.

8. When you're fighting, and it's his turn to rant.

9. When the interviewer asks you why you left your last job, and the reason is that you thought your boss was a jerk.

10. When you hate the food, but love the hostess.

Hope you got a kick out of at least some of those. 

And you know I'll never completely shut up...

Who am I kidding.

Hey guys! long time no... read? lol
Today I have something exciting to share. I have conquered yet another area of creativity. Well sort of. I'm NO pro by any means, but I have moved 1 level above "terribly horrible".
Drumroll please!!!!

Sewing!

I never thought I would see the day when I could sew a straight line, but it has arrived boys and girls. The day has come. So I decided to tackle this project head on and see what the damage would be. It cost me $7 in materials, so even if it turned out, or didn't turn out, I didn't waste too much money.

Here is what I was trying to make
http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/2011/05/tool-time-tuesdaydrop-cloth-purse.html

and this is how it turned out!

It's kinda hard to see, but there are 3 outside pockets in the front (2 on the back). 

It's not perfect by any means, but I'm proud. What's the point of making anything if you're ashamed to show it off!

Well, that's all for now folks. More projects await me!

when does it end?????????

I am a firm believer in hard work but...

There needs to be a line.

This is for 1 class

I'm just sayin'

3 Changes of Clothes (work, school, gym)

Purse

Textbooks, Planner, Binder

There needs to be a lighter way to travel everyday!

Bubbles

Ever notice that whenever a child sees bubbles, their eyes light up.

What is it about bubbles that is so entertaining?

How can there be so much rich enjoyment from them?

I don't have the answer to these questions, 

but I do believe that there is a certain beauty in this scene.

A true picture of happiness.

Have you ever seen anyone frown when they see bubbles?

Absolutely not.

I must conclude that it is the little things in life that account for our happiness.

They make us forget all our worries, and for that moment, everything is ok.

I must look at life in these terms.

A bubble is something that is only here for a brief time,

but after those few seconds...

Pop.

We will all encounter heartache and pain, 

but it is through these things that we can grow.

These are the experiences that shape us,

and how we handle them, determines who we become.

So, although it may not seem like it at the time,

you may be able to look back and see the beauty.

Not in your pain

but in the outcome.

Although that phase may seem like a lifetime,

It is not permanent

And after a while, 

Pop.

Products of Spring Break '11

Free time is SOOOOO great. I'm definitely a fan.

a bit of an obsession....

So over the course of Spring Break, I was bound and determined to produce at least one page for my scrapbook. I love crafting and letting my creative mind run wild, but with school and work, the time that I have leftover is small, and when it does eventually roll around, all I want to do is sit and be a bum.

I was almost even afraid for a moment that I might have lost interest in the hobby, but fear not... as soon as I started, that worry soon vanished as I buried myself in creativity.

It took 2 days, and 2 trips to Michael's to finish 1 page. I was almost at a loss for putting the final touches on what seemed like the perfect page, and suddenly it came to me. Only down side was that I didn't have enough supplies (ha... you would laugh if you saw my stash).

Now I have heard that every scrap-booker has a "style" and over time you will start to see a pattern in their work. Well, I hadn't noticed any such "style" in my work. I knew what I did and didn't like, but I wasn't sure that you could put it into a style category yet...

Ladies and Gentlemen, I believe that it will become quite apparent as to what at least helps develop my "style" and creative vision.

The answer (my dear friend Allison, you I believe, will LOVE this one ^_^ )

POLKA-DOTS.....

(idk if I have enough yet)

(Ps. they were ALL on sale when I bought them)

May the adventure continue!

When time permits

I know it's been like, a bagillion years since I've posted something. I've been "meaning to" for about two weeks now, but have not had the time..
So to make things short and sweet, I will combine all of the projects I've been working on, into one post. Enjoy!

1. Kyle's Birthday Cupcakes
(p.s. If you can guess what the last cupcake is, I'll give you.... a big hug ^_^ )

2. Kyle's Birthday Cake
and yes, it's a pokemon

3. Kyle's Birthday presents

now I know I didn't "make these" but, the basket, took some time and creativity

4. Coffee Cozy #1

5. Coffee Cozy attempt #2

if you like these, there are a lot of other designs that you can find on etsy.com 

The Journey of the Black Pearl

So as most of you know, via. previous post, I did not start driving till I turned 18. At that point, I did not have a car, but only a few months later, the Lord provided me with the perfect solution to that tiny problem. At that point my goals for buying a car were:
1. $4000 or lower
2. running

As you can see, my list of demands weren't too steep, and the car that I bought was a Black, 1997 Acura Integra, and the best part of the whole deal was that it only cost me $3000, and we bought it directly from our mechanic, who we know and trust. I fell in love with my new baby, and so we had to name it. Kyle's father Troy, came up with the ingenious name of "The Black Pearl", "Pearl" for short. This car is my pride and joy. When I left this summer for a month, I couldn't wait to get home and just drive her. Although she needs to be whipped into submission sometimes by means of repairs and maintenance, she has been a great first car.

So I've made a little "memoir" of her :)

• When I first got her

• When we "spiffied" her up with rubbing compound and wax

• and... the most recent : (

anyone notice something missing? oh yeah, the ENTIRE SUNROOF. 

I was driving home from St. Augustine this previous Sunday, when it sounded like my sunroof had gone back. So I pulled off a few exits later looking to just push it back in place, and oh wait, there was nothing to push back. So I took it to our handy mechanic who gave me an estimate of $456, and that's with a used part. You see, no one will sell you just the window, they will only sell you the whole mechanism, but luckily, our mechanic is one handy man. He told us to just cut some plexy-glass and glue it in with window glue for Under $100! 

Even though this could not have come at a more inconvenient time, and I really can't afford to put down almost $500 on a window, the Lord is still good. Blessing me with a less expensive alternative and people around me to help. 

Just goes to show, that you can always find the "silver lining".

If you go to TCC, you'll know what I mean...

TCC-isms : the rules that aren't in the handbook

1. Upon looking for a computer in the Learning Commons, if you are looking for a computer and they are all taken, generally someone working there will declare "At this time, we are in our peak hour, and the computers are for academic use only" … this does by NO means, mean that the half of the students on facebook will get up and allow you to use the computers to do something of substance, it just means, that they change their tab on the internet, to look at the TCC website, because obviously, merely looking at Blackboard means that it's "academic use"
2. Unlike High School, when it was nerdy to sit at the front of the classroom, where you risked being called "teacher's pet", it is absolutely, 100% wise to sit as close to the teacher and projector as humanly possible. Not only will you be able to see and hear better, but your teacher will remember you, which could be beneficial, if you know what I mean.
3. If you get to class on time, miraculously, your seat doesn't get stolen
4. Ok, so we've all heard "there are no stupid questions". Well, I'm here to tell you that that is a lie, because it is absolutely obnoxious to have to listen someone ask the teacher questions that you were somehow able to answer since birth. Oddly, this is usually the same person, asking the same dumb questions over and over…
5. If you missed class, please, do not waste everyone else's time who did attend class, by asking the professor to explain something that you missed a certain day, because chances are, the teacher will ask you if you were here for the previous lecture, and then you will respond shamefully with a "no" and he will continue moving forward.
6. If hunger just happens to occur, "McCormicks" is the best place to eat. BUT, if you are in a hurry, don't bother. Not that the food isn't very quite delicious, it just seems to take eons and eons to be made. I guess because they make everything fresh, which is a plus, but, definitely a downer when you're hungry. But on the bright side, the food is absolutely delish… 

Our Bucket of Awesome Is Full for the Day...

So Kristin got this idea off the internet and we modified it a bit.

It originally said 

"Swag On"

"Swag Off"

But since neither of us are even remotely close to "ghetto" we figured this would be funnier and more like us.

Please enjoy

It brought us great laughter

.....

Online Shopping

So you know how I said that I have a pair of earrings for almost every holiday?!?

Well I was lacking some for Thanksgiving and I have found the perfect solution to my problem.

As soon as I saw them, it was love at first sight and there was no turning back. It was as if they had cast a spell on me.

Aren't they just the cutest things you've ever done seen??????

Secondly, I ran across this second pair (not for turkey day) but I could not pass these up either. Although it is a little early to wear them, I will be satisfied, due to wearing my turkey earrings up until then.

AND, they light up! I'm so excited I just can't wait until they come in!

That is all for now 

: )

25 Things I Bet You Didn't Know About Me

1. I still have (and wear) a shirt I got in 3rd grade
2. I hate mushrooms
3. My favorite color changes on a regular basis
4. In my opinion, ketchup tastes good on most everything, but I put mustard on hot dogs
5. I recently murdered 3 fish, on purpose, which is the bad part
6. My first dream car was a Chevy Suburban (not even the pretty ones, the old boxy ones)
7. I prefer dresses & skirts to pants & shorts
8. I still have never watched "Kindergarten Cop"
9. My eyes are both brown and green
10. I didn't start driving till after I turned 18
11. I hate using eye-drops
12. My toenails are ALWAYS painted
13. I have a pair of earrings for nearly every holiday
14. My favorite scent is simply "fresh linen" or "cotton blossom"
15. I sang "Hope Now"- by Addison Road, as a solo 5 times
16. I've only ever kissed 1 boy <3
17. I've had the same DVD player since I was 8yrs old, and it still works
18. I want to be a stay-at-home-mom vs. being a career woman
19. I have 5 pairs of Halloween socks
20. I have the same birthday as Ben Affleck
21. I want to work in a bakery
22. More than half of the pictures on my camera are of food
23. I sleep with a princess blanket every night
24. I could sit and listen to someone playing the piano all day
25. I count, and keep a record of how much change I have in my coin jar (aka. Polka dotted pig)

See, now you know me just that much more.

Smile. It pisses Satan off.

Something New

So, upon starting up my "food blog" as I like to call it, it seems to be that my original blog has suffered some neglect.

"there there, poor baby"

Ok, now we're all better. Yay!
So in order to come up with a way to not show favoritism, I have decided to go where no blog of mine has gone before... Series....
but a series of what you might ask... a series of lists. You see, when I'm not consumed by college I enjoy writing things that just "PoP" up in my brain. Sometimes they're funny, sometimes they're interesting, sometimes they're boring and get deleted.

I have devised a "regiment" of sorts. My goal is to submit at least 1 list every 2 weeks. Seeing how I post 1 blog per week on my other blog, this will be a great deal of writing, so please bear with me, and don't get all "well you said..." on me.

New post soon awaits you my dear friends.

Hakuna Matata