Ever had one of those days where you just needed to read something happy and positive? Well you came to the right spot!

1.Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.
Harriet Tubman

2. The happiness of life is made up of minute fractions—the little soon-forgotten charities of a kiss, a smile, a kind look, a heartfelt compliment in the disguise of a playful raillery, and the countless other infinitessimals of pleasurable thought and genial feeling.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge

3. Happiness resides not in posessions and not in gold; the feeling of happiness dwells in the soul.
Democritus

4. When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.
Helen Keller

5. The man of wisdom is never of two minds;
the man of benevolence never worries;
the man of courage is never afraid.
Confucius

6. Let thy words be few.
Ecclesiastes 5:2 

7. The more difficulties one has to encounter, within and without, the more significant and the higher in inspiration his life will be.
Horace Bushnell

8. Knowing is not enough; we must apply.
Willing is not enough; we must do.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

9. The best way out is always through.
Robert Frost

10. If you do not hope, you will not find what is beyond your hopes.
St. Clement of Alexandra

 
I hope one of these spoke to you today. I feel like I’ve been a bit of a downer lately, and wanted to pick you up!
I’m linking up with OhAmanda for her Top Ten Tuesday. Yes, I know it’s Wednesday. Yesterday was hectic.

Lord, please forgive me for trying to control the situation, and taking it out of Your hands. I don’t want to get ahead of You and Your plans. Help me to use this trial to develop my relationship with You. I know You are the God of miracles, and I believe You are working even when the times seem so dark. Help me to keep my eyes on You, as You save the ones I love.

Amen

Turn my darkness into light, and guide me away

from things that are sinful and wrong.

Teach me to love my neighbors

rather than judge them.

Let me cast love and peace,

instead of stones.

Amen

I’m linking up again with OhAmanda this week for a Top Ten List. There’s been a little sickness going around my house which has made my brain just a little bit fuzzy. I couldn’t come up with a new topic, so I’m just going to use what Amanda suggested. That’s why the title of this is strangely similar to hers. Forgive me for the fuzzy brain, and I will work in advance for next week’s topic.

These are in no particular order. That would require a clear brain as well.

10. I am enjoying my kids.

They are getting along, and it’s such a sweet thing! Last night, Brooke decided to make brownies with a peanut butter icing that she whipped up from scratch. (They should have a place on this list. So. Very. Good!) While she was doing this, the boys were sitting in the kitchen and they were talking to one another! Granted, they may have been silently begging for a taste of brownies, but I enjoyed listening to them.

9. Maraschino cherries.

I picked up a jar at the grocery thinking I would splurge and put a couple in my diet coke. When I put two in, they looked lonely. I ended up with six in the cup and it was so tasty. I also enjoy them in my water, and it adds a nice pink touch to it. I guess it makes me feel like a kid!

8. Basketball

Brooke is cheering on the Cougars and and Matthew is playing on the Louisville Cardinals team. This last weekend we had 5 basketball games, and I loved every minute of it!

7. My awesome church

Every Sunday God is in the house! I alternate between frantically taking notes and mesmerized and unmoving. I am fed with the Word, and encouraged to feed myself the rest of the week.

6. Siri

This is my first iPhone, and Siri just rocks! We left the basketball game Saturday night and we were starving. I promptly asked Siri for the number to Pizza King and she asked me if I wanted her to dial it. I didn’t even have to dial!

5.Bed Head Hair gel

Call me crazy, but I’ve been letting my hair grow out, and it’s been quite a while since my last trim. My hair is thick and naturally wavy, but I normally straighten it. The longer the hair gets, the more time it takes to straighten it. I’ve been lazy lately and just going with the waves.

4. Reading the Bible in 90 days

I’ve done this a few other times, and I get so much out of it every time. Every single time I am in God’s Word, He speaks to me.

3. Ecclesiastes

Solomon teaches that true satisfaction comes from knowing we are following God’s purpose for our life. It’s not found in things like money, knowledge, or popularity. That’s a great thing to read often.

2. Praying friends

I am so thankful for praying people in my life. I’ve used them a lot lately, and God is pressing me to write about it, but I’m not quite ready yet. Do you have people that you can call or text and know they will stop right then and pray? If not, contact me and I will be that person for you. It is such a blessing.

1. Prepping for Blissdom
I’ve never been to a blogging conference, but I won a free pass to Blissdom next month! I am so excited, and nervous at the same time. Is that even possible? Well, if not, then I’m more excited. Just a little bit nervous that I will be out of my comfort zone of being a total homebody. Slightly nervous about leaving my husband and kids at home for a few days too. Are you going??

It’s not the BIG birthday, but it’s the one before the BIG one. ‘Nuff said.

I’m feeling old as of late, and here are some reasons why.

1. I have a decision to make. Embrace the grey hair or spend the money to cover it up. Honestly, I’ve tried to embrace it, and pluck it out with tweezers, and neither is really working for me.

2. This year Brian and I will celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary. Wow!!

3. My oldest baby has officially completed Drivers Ed and has her learners permit. (Deep breaths…Deep breaths) I still remember the feel  of her in my arms for the very first time.

4. My oldest son has had a growth spurt. We can look each other in the eyes now. I remember the first time I saw those beautiful eyes.

5. My youngest son is also growing so fast we can’t keep clothes that fit. I’m no longer able to pick him up. My baby.

6. My metabolism seems to have slowed to a turtle’s pace.

7. My knees creak when I walk up the stairs.

8. I used to be warm natured, and now I am always cold.

9. My vision is terrible!

10. As I sit here, I have a hot rice sock on my neck. I reached up to brush my hair this morning and pulled a muscle in my neck. How does this happen? I was trying to brush my hair!

Someone, please commiserate with me or tell me I’m youthful.

This post is linked up with Oh Amanda. Visit her for Top Ten Tuesday.

1 In times of trouble, may the Lord answer your cry. May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm.

2 May he send you help from his sanctuary and strengthen you from Jerusalem.

3 May he remember all your gifts and look favorably on your burnt offerings.

4 May he grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed.

5 May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers.

6 Now I know tat the Lord rescues his anointed king. He will answer him from his holy heaven and rescue him by his great power.

7 Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the Lord our God.

8 Those nations will fall down and collapse, but we will rise up and stand firm.

9 Give victory to our king, O Lord! Answer our cry for help.

I wanted to add the King James Version after I looked it up for comparison.

Psalm 20

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.

1 The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;

2 Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;

3 Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice;

4 Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.

5 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the Lord fulfil all thy petitions.

6 Now know I that the Lord saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.

7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.

8 They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.

9 Save, Lord: let the king hear us when we call.

I looked up the above at www.youversion.com

TOP TEN REASONS I HATE THE MALL IN DECEMBER

1. I should probably tell you that I hate the mall every month out of the year, and I try to avoid going at all cost. The month of December is worse!

2. Where is Christmas Cheer? I’ve been to the mall four, yes I said FOUR, times this month. Most of the people I have come across can’t even share a smile, much less show common courtesy.

3. Is it just me, or are the items that are 40% off already overpriced by 50%?

4. The parking lot was so full! There were cars just sitting in the aisle waiting for people to come out and leave. So if you happen to turn down an aisle without looking, you could get stuck behind said car waiting for who knows what! Speaking from full experience here, and it is quite frustrating to be sitting behind that car, expecting someone to pull out so they will move, and it never happens.

5. I don’t like crowds. I have personal space, and I will respect your personal space.You aren’t allowed personal space at the mall in December. I was constantly bumping elbows with someone, or having my foot stepped on.

6. They have a train weaving in and out of the crowds of people! A train. Need I say more?

7. The lines to check out are horrendous. Why have 4 people working in the store and only 1 at the checkout?

8. I don’t understand the kiosks in the middle where people just randomly decide to get a massage while shopping. In clear view of everyone else. Sure, a massage sounds wonderful to me. I’ve never paid to have one, but I can imagine a warm room with candles, aromatherapy, and an angelic looking person ready to rub the stress away. Am I the only one that has a problem here? Please tell me you don’t think I’m weird!

9. I also don’t want to be tempted by the wonderfully delicious looking chocolate covered treats and apples that are selling for what I can buy an entire bag of apples. I thought about it. Really I’m still thinking about it…No, I don’t want to go back.

10. Santa doesn’t bring out the best in all children. I’ve got three kids, so I can speak from personal experience here. We teach our kids to stay away from strangers, yet we plop them down on Santa’s lap and walk away. Then we wonder why they scream for the next 20 minutes. Hhmmmm…

I’m linking up with Oh Amanda for this post.

Today I’m giving you the chance to win the movie Dolphin Tale, from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment Group. It will be released to the public tomorrow, but you could win the Blu-ray combo pack, DVD and Digital Download valued at $35.99 right here.

“Swimming free, a young dolphin is caught in a crab trap, severely damaging her tail. She is rescued and transported to the Clearwater Marine Hospital, where she is named Winter. But her fight for survival has just begun.

Losing her tail may cost Winter her life. It will take the expertise of a dedicated marine biologist, the ingenuity of a brilliant prosthetics doctor, and the unwavering devotion of a young boy to bring about a groundbreaking miracle- a miracle that might not only save Winter but could also help thousands of people around the world.

The real Winter, who plays herself in “Dolphin Tale,” today serves as a symbol of courage and hope to millions of people-especially those facing their own physical challenges-who have been touched by her remarkable story of recovery and rehabilitation.”

This is an amazing true story of a dolphin and brave boy who makes it his mission to save her. It includes a fabulous cast of Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd, Morgan Freeman, Nathan Gamble, Kris Kristofferson, and many more! Every New Year’s Eve we snuggle in and watch movies as a family, and this movie is on our list. I can’t wait to watch it, and share it with you. Just leave me a comment to be entered to win. Tell me what you think of the movie, if you haven’t seen it yet, or what you’re having for Christmas dinner. It doesn’t really matter what you say, just say something. I will draw a winner this Friday at noon and let you know.

How did she grow up so quickly?

She will be starting Drivers Ed on Wednesday, so I could use lots of prayers. I’m going to be a blubbering mess!

Saturday brought with it Matthew’s second basketball game of the season. He has picked up a lot since last year, and it’s fun to watch him understand what’s going on. It also helps that Brooke’s boyfriend is an awesome player on the Varsity team, and he is eager to help Matthew out.

Here’s where the confession comes. Are you still there? I’m just a little competitive. Ok, maybe a lot! I could tell you that I just want him to have fun, but I really want him to win. I want him to have fun while winning. I don’t know where this comes from, because I didn’t play any sports when I was little. But something comes out in me, and it’s not pretty.

This year we have a referee, and he makes some calls, but he clearly stated that they didn’t want him to make too many. Well, when a kid takes my baby down to the floor, I expect a call. I almost came off the bleachers to save Matthew, but thought better of it when Brian looked me in the eye and told me “it’s ok.” Obviously it was NOT ok, as some kid just took. my. baby. down!! Then his mom cheers him on! This is when something snapped in me, and I yelled out, “don’t let him push you around, Matthew!” And the next time Matthew scored, I cheered extra loud. Looking back, I’m not proud of my behavior. I am proud of Matthew though.

That evening we had the pleasure of traveling to another Cougars game, and watching them pull off an awesome win. The calls were terrible, and it was a close game up to the last second, but it was probably the most exciting basketball game I’ve been to. Everyone left smiling.

Yesterday we cleaned the house a little and Brooke’s boyfriend spent the day with us. He was outside playing basketball with the boys while Brooke finished a project, and I think she might have been jealous. It was sweet. Matthew has been having a hard time leaving me for school lately, some days he has cried and not wanted to get out of the car in the drop off line. This has gone on for a couple of weeks now, and it always rears up at the last minute in drop off, until last night. Last night, he became very teary when I said there were only eight more days of school until Christmas break. He told me he didn’t want to go to school because he misses me too much when he’s there. We spent some time laying on my bed talking, crying, and praying. I told him that we thought our family was complete, and then I decided we needed one more child, and that Jesus gave us him. I shared with him that Jesus knew what He was doing, and that He has great plans for Matthew. Also that He’s always with us, so when we get scared, all we have to do is call out to Him. We prayed a lot, and we went to bed in a better place.

I didn’t wake up today with that same light heart though. I hit the snooze button, so there wasn’t time for me to do my bible reading. I was grouchy when I walked into the kitchen that I had cleaned yesterday, and discovered a large mess on the table and in the sink where someone made muddy buddies and didn’t clean up after themselves. The dog was into EVERYTHING! I was also dreading waking Matthew up. I didn’t want to deal with any more tears, and I was just a grump. Little things kept hitting me, and I know it was satan. Brooke waited until this morning to print off her project and the printer needed to run a test print first. Her ride showed up and she told them to go on, so I had to take her to school. I was in a full blown tizzy by that time. When I came back home, Matthew and I sat at the kitchen table together. I could tell that he was trying to hold back the tears, and he could probably tell I was being overly talkative. We were doing well until he reminded me that we needed to fill out his reading log, and I couldn’t find it. I made one out, and we were racing out the door to make it to school on time. I drove to the end of the road, came to a rolling stop and turned right. As soon as I did, I saw the cop sitting there. When I passed him, he pulled out behind me, and next I saw his lights. I knew what I had done. I was guilty and wrong. And running late.

The officer was very nice and just gave me a warning. I know I should stop. Completely.

We went off and made it to school in time. Both of us were trying to hold it together by this time, and we managed to do so. I promised him last night that we would do something special if he didn’t cry, so tonight we made homemade sugar cookies together. As we were sitting at the table, he said, “thanks for bringing me into this world.” I chuckled as I asked him where that came from, and he said, “you know, last night when you were talking to me about wanting another baby, thanks for having me.” My heart melts!