Our (Mini) Trip to Fort Bragg 2012

One of the things the kids remember about Fort Bragg was that at a restaurant we visited, there was a fly in the salt shaker. That pretty much sums up their opinion of the place. The beach was pretty but it was too cold to really enjoy the water.

All in all it was a quick trip and the memories we made were the most important part.

Click here to view this photo book larger

Shutterfly photo books are the new way to preserve your memories. Create your own today.

Stitch Fix

 I hate shopping. I don't like trying things on, I hate finding the perfect shoes and accessories. I just don't like it.

That's why I was so excited when I heard about Stitch Fix.
You fill out a "style profile"

You enter your height and weight and get as detailed as to whether your arms, torso, hips, etc. are short, average or long.

Then it shows you samples of particular styles and you tell them if you like some or most or love it. 

Then comes the big day! The day your "Fix" arrives!

Inside you'll find a note that doubles as your invoice from your stylist. Five items that usually includes one accessory are neatly packaged.

I'm on my third fix. You get charged a $20 stylist fee that gets applied to what you keep! What you don't want gets sent back in a postage paid envelope. It's so easy and for those who love to shop but don't have time it's just as exciting. I know because that's my sister and she loves it too!

This is a sample in what came today. 

This is pretty but I just got one in my last fix that's similar...it's dark too but with birds instead of polka dots.

This one surprised me. I love it. I thought the detail would have made it too bulky, but it was perfect. 

Each item also comes with a helpful card with descriptions of the item. It's beautiful.

I absolutely loved the next blouse! It was exactly what I was looking for in this fix. However, the lack of give/stretch in the fabric made it very uncomfortable. So sad!! 

Finally, you get to tell Stith Fix what you're keeping and why and what you're not keeping and why. This is a critical step because they will review this for the next time you request a fix. You can request it at any time or you can have it delivered monthly.

If you decide you would like to try it out, I encourage you to click on the links throughout my post...if you sign up you will likely be put on a waiting list. Once you get your first fix ordered I get a $25 credit. You can get the same thing for anyone who signs up with your link as well. Trust me, I've had plenty of comments and opportunities to share my love for Stitch Fix

School Called (Kind of)

This post is a response to my recent moment at the pulpit, where I shared that social media can often make people feel inadequate because of all the "successes and praises" that people share.

I thought I'd share one of those things that rarely gets mentioned on social media. Those things we aren't proud of but happen every day! I'll go first and maybe you'd like to chime in on your [not so] shining moments as a parent.

I went to pick up the little guys from school today and encountered the teacher of my older son. They had their annual swim day so I asked if my son came home with his towel. She said, "I don't know, but did he tell you what happened at the pool?"

"No." I replied, "What happened?"

Pride started welling up inside me. "I bet he jumped in to help someone who was struggling in the pool," I thought. I even stood taller as she began to share the story.

Isaac had been in the bathroom with a group of boys who were attempting to flush someone's underwear down the toilet.  

As each word exited her lips, my shoulders slumped a little more.

No- he didn't actually participate in the flushing, but became "guilty by association" for being in there while it happened.

*SIGH* 

That's it. My shame for the day. What else is there to say?

A Friend Indeed

I have an amazing friend.
Though many miles separate us, she has always been a blessing! Always making an effort to call me despite my lack of reciprocation. Not because I don't want to call her, but because I feel I have nothing new or exciting to say. My life is boring. Busy but boring.

I can't count the amount how many times I've called her and her first response is, "what's wrong?" She knew. She just knew I needed her friendship.

For a week she has been on my heart. I passed her old house and didn't call. I saw her mom in an old photo and didn't call. I found an old picture of us together from days gone by and I STILL didn't call her. I told my husband I needed to call her...it had been to long since hearing her voice and STILL didn't call her. All within seven days. What is wrong with me?

Finally, this afternoon I called her. What a joy welled up inside me, hearing her voice. I may not have had anything new or exciting to share with her, but maybe it wasn't about me. Maybe she needed to know that I was thinking about her. How was she to know I'd been thinking and praying for her for a week? I had to tell her!

My prayer life often is lacking for a similar reason. I don't have anything needy or pressing to share with God. But he already knows the details of my life. Is it possible that he just wants to know that we know? He just wants our attention. He simply wants us to want Him.


This song makes me think of her every time! I love it and I love her!

Hands and Feet for the McGowan Family

Sometimes stories come our way and we think, "how sad," offer up a quick prayer and move on with our day.

I get it! I'm right there with you.

Today was different. I was struck with the story of Ryan McGowan. In part because I went to high school with his mommy, in part because his big eyes gripped my heart.

We can never imagine the pain and heartache a family deals with minute by minute when dealing with a sick child. We may not know how to help or what to say.

How about being the hands and feet of Jesus in a tangible way? There are countless hospital costs, hotel charges, meals on the road, etc.

I'm sure every dollar matters to their family. Please click the link to the left and help however you can! I know they will be grateful. If you can't give financially, please pray. Not just a quick prayer but commit to praying ever day for their entire family as they trudge through this time!

Thank you