Awake!

It's Friday peeps! That means the weekend!! Yeah!
We are SO busy this weekend too.
But not that I mind it all that much!
I don't work today but am running some errands in town.
Seems that we need more space in our closet and I've
got to go out and get some shelving.
Then we're having our home group tonight too.
I work on Saturday, D is taking A to her first rehearsal
for Schoolhouse Rock all day, then we'll
pass out candy in our Camelot costumes!
Sunday I have to work and do inventory,
D&A will be going to church most of the AM,
and then that night we are going to this:

It's Alyssa's first concert! She is TOTALLY excited and
the coolest part is that we bought tickets for her and her
friend to go as well. D&I are pretty stoked about it too since
these are the bands we really like a lot, especially Skillet!
Busy but a fun weekend! What are you doing this weekend?

Well on to scrappy things! Here is my next Pink Sketches sketch.
I really like this layout because the American Crafts Halloween
line fit my photos! We had such a fun day at the farm being a family
and enjoying ourselves in the crisp cool air!

Supplies: Pop dots, Jenni Bowlin Black Ledger alphabet stickers, American Crafts Halloween Sleep Hallow papers, American Crafts Halloween Midnight papers, Bazzill cardstock, CM corner rounder, American Crafts Remarks Garden Walk, American Crafts Flair EEEK, Jenni Bowlin calendar, Pink Paislee Amber Road cardstock tags, Twine.

My grateful list this week:

1. Smell goods.
2. Doors opening up at church.
3. New friendships.
4. Possibly a scrappy trip in March.
5. The fact that the Lord continually is showing me that I am supposed to stay in my job.
6. Alyssa's first band concert.
7. Having a full kitchen of groceries.
8. Dayv possibly not going on deployment. I am at the point where I am really seeing God's hand in this.
9. My excitement for Christmas this year!
10. Blessings that I don't deserve but He gives them anyway.

During this busy season I am prayerful that we actually stop.
That's right just stop. Take the time to stop and relax. Reflect.
Literally enjoy the moments.

Amazed!

I used to think that sneaks were annoying because I wanted to see the entire thing!
But now I find myself drawn to them because it gives you a glimpse into the eye of someone else who created! I know that sounds weird
but it's true. I like the glimpse because then your mind runs wild at what it "might" be!
With that being said, I've got a couple to share myself! LOL.





I realized when I am sizing my layouts I need to do my peeks then, but you get the jist anyway.
All of these were created for Pink Sketches and you can see them fully in the coming weeks.

Well for those that are still with me on the test saga, I did not pass it. That night after taking it I broke down. Seriously I was a huge mess. But today is a much better day.
There were things on the test that I did not study for so I will know better for next time. I have to have the test completed by the end of December. I am taking this week off from studying to re-group and then get my nose back in the grindstone. Thank you for praying for me. I believe it is one of the reasons I am doing so well afterward. Please if you don't mind keep praying for me on this!

I went to the grocery the other day and spent a lot of money! But we haven't gone in awhile so it was truly necessary. Although I did get a little extra fun stuff too! I always like to surprise D&A with the fun stuff. What I am most excited about is a roast. I know that I don't eat much beef at all, rarely these days actually. But the beef I miss the most is roast. There is nothing like cooking a roast in the crock with veggies and onion soup mix!! YUMMY! So that's our dinner for Saturday night. I'd like to cook it sooner we have too much going on. I can't wait though!

We found out some interesting news as well. D might not deploy this next time around.
Yes that is a total blessing, but that means that he will deploy during the summer and we'd rather have him home during the summer than the winter because summer is family time stuff. So we aren't sure yet as the OfficeMax listing comes out the end of this month. He is going to talk to those on the listing and see if they want to change it and switch it with him or not. The only negative thing in all of this is that he won't be home for the summer.

I drive A to school 2 times a week. While this might not be a big deal it is because
both of us have to be up at 5:30am to get her to school by 6:30 so that she can do jazz band
before school starts. We are getting used to this slowly. Ha! This morning as I was driving her I saw God's creation in that very early morning drive. I saw a raccoon, a hawk, and an owl. As I drove home I saw the most beautiful sunrise I've seen in a very long time. I was amazed at God's creations through it all, simply amazed.

I hope that you find amazement today through what God has created!

Wow!

I love video games. However I really feel like they should
have a censor where you can turn the cussing off. It's just unnecessary
and makes the game that much more annoying.

This year I am making a full on Thanksgiving dinner. I've never done
this before. Yes we've had a small scale one, but never anything as
to what is dancing through my head.

I am EXTREMELY excited for Christmas this year! I am not at all
annoyed at all the Christmas stuff I am seeing out at all and I love the fact
that I am so in LOVE with it this year. Although I cannot tell you why, I just am!

Dayv buckled... You see we have this list on the fridge. We have number 1-5
and we were to write down the 5 things we wanted for Christmas this year.
We try not to put emphasis on gift buying because it is Jesus' birthday,
but doing gifts in small scale is fun! So we have this list... But I've also been saving up for a point and shoot camera which is not one of the 5 on my list
because it is too expensive. Well... D bought me this
during the weekend. So it's now referred as stupid purchase #2.
The stupid purchase #1 was my Dooney and Burke purse that I got awhile ago.
Anyway. He is HORRIBLE about keeping surprises. He walked up to me and simply
told me he bought me something and I said cool. That was it. And then he went on
and on and on about it and said I want to give it to you.. LOL. And he ended up doing
just that. It didn't come with a card, so we have to get one, but so far it seems like a seriously rockin' camera. I finally caved and got excited and got over stupid purchase and am enjoying playing around with it.

I didn't take my test on Sunday. The proctor was ill so we had to postpone it
until today after work. More time to study, but I honestly am feeling really good
about taking it.

We went to the pumpkin patch! We had such a great time as a family. It was chilly out,
but we ate like pigs, got 6 wonderful pumpkins, took some really cute photos, and stood in

line for over an hour and more just to get a dozen of the most wonderfulest pumpkin
donuts we've ever eaten! Just showin' some highlights from our fun day!






What a truly fun day this was!
Be blessed beyond words this week friends.

Laugh & Reflections

I just wanted to give an update about the test.
I am still going to take the test this Sunday.
But...
I just found out yesterday that not only will I not get fired but I won't be demoted either
if I don't pass the test.
And..
I can take it as many times as I need to in order to pass it!
You can imagine how excited and relieved I was because this was a HUGE pressure for me.
Please though keep praying for me and taking it on Sunday so that I can
take it and pass it and put it passed me.
Thank you for your prayers!

Okay on to stuff!
These are my next 2 newest sketches for Pink Sketches!
Each of these are pretty simple for me.
I took a couple of the elements in each sketch and made it my own!
I love how sketches do that, I know I say that a lot.
But it's true!

And I've been holding on to this bad-boy for awhile now.
I did this layout for Dream Girls {and it's my last challenge with them}.
I really had a good time with this layout!
This challenge was all about me and thing that I love and make me happy.

Been so busy just working, studying {taking the test on Sunday}, doing family stuff,
doing some DT projects too! Just keeping busy!

Grateful list this week:

1. Reading Fireproof {novel} out loud with D nightly.
2. Glitter papers!
3. God's sovereignty and working through each woman in our Hebrews bible study weekly.
4. Tears.
5. Sustaining by God's grace.
6. My new pj's.
7. Colder weather.
8. My new coat.
9. Cooking in my crock pot.
10. Alyssa doing SO well in school!

Hope that while you are busy this season as well, that you take the time to stop
and realize what life is truly about!

What we did!

Dayv and I were blessed this past weekend.


Jonathan, a guy in our home group works at a really swanky
place in downtown Spokane. He got us a fabulous deal in the hotel where he works
for the night to celebrate our anniversary!




D got a text early Sat. morning from Jonathan telling us he scored a room
so we rushed around and made arrangements! A went over to a friend's,
I got a friend from work watch the dogs, we packed our bags and was off
to celebrate! It was our bestest anniversary EVER!
The club we stayed at was AWESOME!
Our room, FABULOUS AND POSH!
It was a very good time.
So we settled in and walked around Spokane.


We've lived here for 3 1/2 years and have been downtown several times, but never
like this! We had so much fun together!


We walked around the park, ate at a really nice place, laughed a lot,

stayed up really late just hanging out, went to Perkins at 12:30am to get a muffin,
and then hunkered down in our room staying up until 3am!
We were SO tired! We watched TV! LOL.
I know right... Funny enough. But we don't have TV and even though it sucked the life
out of us there, we did watch it.
What did we watch?
The stupid Dallas Cowboy cheerleader tryouts! LOL.
Yep. We sure did. They were showing back to back episodes.
We got up and headed out.
It was the perfect way to spend our anniversary!

14 years.

Today is our anniversary.
D & I have been married 14 years.

Don't ask me where the time went,
cause I don't really know...
But I do know that I love him so very much!
You can check out our really long story here.
We have been through so much, but God knew exactly
what I needed and exactly what Dayv needed.
Our relationship is a testimony to God and His plans!

I write this with a smile on my face.
He is my husband, yes. And he loves me
this I truly know. As much I love him.
But our friendship? Now that is a true testimony
for a happy and blessed marriage!
We've been through SO much and yet God pulled
us through to bring us where we are today.
And in that today are 14 years carved out of work, love,
and many wonderful memories.

I cherish the fact that God gave me such a
a wonderful man to share in a wonderful life!
Happy Anniversary!
I love you more than potted plants! :)

Scrappy goodness!

I've been busy scrapping with my new Studio Calico
kit and some challenges!




I did these October challenges on Color Me Daisy!
I really dig challenges so go check them out and play along!

Grateful list this week:

1.For planning and organizing with lists.
2. Dayv coming home!
3. Alyssa's beauty.
4. Vacuuming, I like it!
5. Joyce Meyer and God working through her to speak to me.
6. Talking to my gram.
7. Working out, because it feels great again!
8. Yellow cake with chocolate frosting, my favorite!
9. Memories and photographs of my mom.
10. My 14th anniversary!

Hope that your weekend is blessed beyond measures!

Sweating with Joyce.

Do you know her?
Joyce Meyer?

Well I just recently met her.
When I was overseas I had heard of this woman, but back then Beth Moore was
the thing there.
I never thought another thing about it.
Well.
I've been here 3 1/2 years so far.
I just recently met Joyce.
Wanna know where I met her?

At the gym.
Yep. The gym.

You see I've started going back, it's been 2 weeks now that I've made it daily.
And Joyce is there.
She meets me and talks to me.

The Lord is using that woman.
Honestly.

You see some things have been going on in my life.
I pray about them.
I talk to D about them.
I call Lori to talk about them.

And that is where I meet Joyce.
I don't ever plan on it, she must like working out too..
Her mouth!
That's right.
Like I said the Lord uses her.
Because every single time I turn on the TV, which isn't often mind you,
there is Joyce.

She says something so pertinent to what I am going through and smacks
me with a 2x4.
EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
Bless her heart.
I am just waiting for her to actually say, Elizabeth this is for you!
Because it always is.

This is where its at...

I might lose my job.
Or I might have to quit.
Either one, things are changing yet again
at work.
There is this test that all supervisors have
to take. I've taken it twice.
Yeah its pretty embarrassing I haven't
passed it. I am admitting it.
I have one more chance to pass it.
If I don't, I am either fired or demoted.
Either way isn't a very good picture.
There is a book to study from, but
interestingly enough its not been given
back to me. I do have quizzes to study from
which I am...

I have to give back story.
I don't test well.
In fact, I am a horrible test-taker.
I suck at them, quite honestly.
No matter how hard I study something
about taking a test jacks me up every single time.

It started in 7th grade.
I was in detention with my science teacher.
We had this major exam to take the next day.
My science teacher was upset that I wasn't
studying. I told him I was quite ready for
the test, and I was. You see my mom and I had
been studying for about 2 weeks prior to the exam.
So he said to me that he'll quiz me just to see
if I am truly ready or not {like I said, it bothered
him I was just sitting there}. He gave me the
test orally. I aced it. He said indeed you are ready!
And honestly I really was.
We come in the next day and take the test.
He comes and gets me from my Social Studies
class. He wants to know what happened? I didn't
really get what was up, but he said I made a D on
the exam. And he was confused because he gave
me the test himself and I aced it. I said I wasn't sure
but I was nervous. So he allowed me to take
it again. I made a C. He was stumped, and I was
crushed...
I knew that test like God numbered the hair on our heads...

And that was the start.
I got through school but by the skin of my teeth.
Then I got to college and I had some really great
professors. I talked to one of them one day about
testing and she couldn't figure out why one of my
papers I had written was written the way it was.
Then we took a test, knowing everything on that
as well, I failed it. So she sent me to be tested. They never
found anything wrong however some of my professors
started giving me exams or tests orally.
I passed them with flying colors.
Every.
Single.
Time.
I even had a job once that worked with me like that too.
I took every single test orally.
Passed with flying colors there too.

However, there is an issue with this particular test.
The trainer doesn't want to allow me to take it
orally and says there are regs to prove that I cannot take it
orally as well. Then she had the nerve to tell my manager
that I wouldn't pass it no matter what {seems I've got to
speak with my manager as well. Bless his heart, I know he
meant well, but he should of never told me any of this cause
all it did was make me even more paranoid and honestly it ticked me off too!}

So I have no book.
I have the quizzes, yes.
I have to take the test by October 31st.

Did I mention I suck at taking tests?
How stupid I feel?
How embarrassed I really am.
How awful it is that every single person I work with and beyond knows about it?
I feel like 3rd grade all over again...
{My teacher told me I was stupid in 3rd grade, believe that. and I did believe her.
Cause she was using a ditto and I wasn't getting the math problem with these block
things she said I was stupid. Seriously. I never excelled at math, EVER. I cannot do
math to save my life, she really did not help me what so ever. But that's another story}.

So that's where its at.
I am not sure what the Lord is trying to show me here, either.
I don't know if this is a door that is closing and I'm not getting it.
Or a door that is to stay open and I'll pass.
Who knows?
Please know, I am not setting myself up for failing cause I am claiming I will...
You have to know me. My history and test taking.
I am not saying I will fail it.
But I have to think about every side.
Fired?
How stupid is that.
Demoted?
Not going to happen. It has nothing to do with humbling myself.
It has everything to do with if I am demoted, I'd still be doing
supervisory stuff and people will look to me to supervisor and
I won't even be one. So it's in the best interest of me and
those I work with if I don't pass it to quit.

I am praying that I pass. I like my job. They work with my on
my hours well for my family. It's extra money.
But I am okay with not passing either cause I'll quit and go to school.
Finally go to school for something I really want to do and love.

However....
For the first time in my life... Well probably one of the few times
in my life I hate that not only is everyone younger than me at my
place of work, they all know, and they all will know why I'm gone.
I cannot help but feel so stupid.
Even if its not my fault.

Thoughts and art.

Remember that coat that I showed you? The new one I bought? Well I wore it on Sunday. That's right, it was cold enough to wear and I wore it to church on Sunday. I didn't drive in it cause its hard, but once we pulled up to church I put it on the car and then we got out and all was well. We walked into church, I got a hot tea, and A went to the bathroom to blow her nose..

We went into the sanctuary. Got our seats and sat down. I got up to take my coat off and all was well. We enjoyed the service a lot. Right before it was over, I put my coat back on again because it was chilly in there. Right as I was putting it on, I realized that the tag to the coat was still on! That's right... Totally embarrassing. The tag and how much it cost were dangling there where all could see! I was mortified!!!! I quickly pulled it off and put my coat on. *sigh* Totally embarrassing moment I must say!

I have quite a few layouts to share!




Each one is really different! And done just for fun!

I kept A home from school. She had a fever early yesterday and isn't feeling too hot. With everyone being sick and the swine flu {that is not what she has} going around, I felt like she needed another day. Honestly though, I wanted her home too. Sometimes its nice to have them close, even when they don't feel well.

I miss D today a lot. He's working from 1pm-1am daily and I cannot seem to get it right when to call him. I am always waking him. I feel bad for that! I am counting the days and pray he's home on the 17th. So I text him more so now so that I don't wake him. I like texting but you sure can't say a lot unless you want to send 80 texts and he gets lost with them all! Ha.

A is doing crew for the up and coming new play with CYT. She didn't try out because she felt like she didn't have enough notice and wasn't prepared. She is stoked about being on crew though! She's got to miss 2 days of school, which to that she smiled so big I had to laugh! She's doing really well in school, we are so proud of her. She's got honor roll thus far and is keeping up with her goals. Even her attitude is much calmer. I think all my talking.. Um. Lecturing is working. Of course I've been praying for that attitude too, so I am sure God is got my back! LOL.

I attempted to start making my Xmas gifts. Remember I need to make 7 of them! I seriously hope I don't get burned out... I tried to start one the other night when the girls came to scrap but I wasn't into it... *sigh* I don't know about you, but I can hardly believe that they have Christmas stuff out already! Good grief it gets earlier and earlier every year!!!!

Well folks its off to bible study and my day! It's a Monday and even though most peeps say that Monday's are hard, I pray that yours is blessed beyond measure and that you see the good in people and things around you!

Peek a Boo!

Grateful this week for:

1. For cell phones that keep you connected.
2. Memories that are good and special.
3. God smackin' me with a 4x4 because sometimes I need it.
4. Photographs.
5. Saving money because it feels good to do it!
6. My new coat.
7. The excitement of the pumpkin patch.
8. Art.
9. Seeing people smile just because.
10. The plans the Lord has for me.

Almost completed. I have been slowing getting our den {AKA scrappin' room} completed. I still need to seriously organize it. I have been trying to and then just fizzle out with it each time I start. I think it is because I am not sure what I actually want to do with all my supplies. I am a tad bit limited with space but am thinking I need some more shelves up. D&I have been talking about it. But its more about seriously organizing, you know the little stuff that is in jars that isn't organized! But I was talking more about my photos and got side-tracked! LOL. I only have two more smaller frames to buy and then I am finished with our family photos. I wanted this room to really say family and I think it does, I love it! Going with the black frames and B&W photos was a really good choice. But now I need to turn my focus to seriously organizing it to make it more functional.

I've been wanting to share this photo for some time. When A told us she made 2nd chair and also made jazz band I wanted to take some new photos of her and her clarinet.

I know its funny huh? I take photos pretty backwards! I use this black piece of fabric for all of my picture taking. This day was kind of breezy and hard to take a photo so I had asked D if he would come out and help me by holding the black fabric for a good shot of A. Sure they both look happy, but actually they are both annoyed cause you see I pulled them from playing a game and neither of them wanted to take photos. But they did so because they know me. But at this stage they were both tired, so D started playing around and I ended up with this really cute shot! And here he thought he was being a snot!!! LOL.

My prayer today is that I hope God touches your life in only the way that he can!

Many thanks!

Thank you so much everyone for the wonderful support, love, and prayers that you have given me on this blog. You posting comments means the world to me and I truly appreciate that from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

I found scrapping about my mom very therapeutic. I wanted to share...

I did this layout for IAAS and their blog.
I really liked the colors in this kit as well, they were right up my alley!

And here is another mom layout for Pink Sketches! I am so glad that sketches get your mojo going. I like the you can take a sketch and make it your own without feeling like you are boxed in. Sometimes you can follow the sketch exactly as it is, and other times you can pick which element you like and go from there. That's what I did with this one, I just followed the basic theme but stuck with only one photo. Go check out PS, they have some great sketches for you to get you mojo hoppin'!

Home group is coming over tonight, I am thankful for each of them. I have been in prayer about where God is taking us, as well as the friendships that are forming. It warms my heart! I will be excited for Dayv to come home and experience that too.

Speaking of D. He was coming home on the 16th now it's on our anniversary, the 17th.
It will be nice to get away for the day or evening, that is what we plan on doing and hopefully those plans will happen.

Saturday night the girls are coming over for another scrapping night! This time around I am going to be scrapping as well! Yeah! Starting to work on Christmas gift stuff! You can never start making stuff too soon! I have some Bo Bunny Christmas stuff I'll be using! Be on the look out for that soon, I'll post it when I get it all finished!

I wanted to show you my new fall coat! It was on sale at Penny's!
Only it was a tad bit pricey than I normally would like to spend but each year I find
myself getting a used coat and although that's okay and I dig that, I really liked the coats
that Penny's had this year.

Isn't it the cutest!
I am seriously in love with it. And of course I had to get a new black purse, matching wallet,
and new black shoes as well! Ha! I am ready that way for winter, but I still need some
winter shirts. I cannot seem to find any that are decent looking on me. But I have my trusty turtle necks too, which I love!

Well I am off to work! Have a great weekend and find yourself eating chocolate and smiling the entire time!