My Meador Story

Yesterday, January 29th was my 14 year anniversary at my place of employment.  Hitting the anniversary of anything is always exciting but this day didn't really strike me as anything too special.  I actually forgot about it until my boss texted me at 6:15am to wish me a happy anniversary. 
I went on to work, about my day just like normal.  We are so blessed to be busy with business and my group came up Sunday late afternoon for a planning and organizing meeting so honestly, I was just focused and ready to get work done. 
I had to run an errand for work in the middle of the day so I hopped in the car and ran down the street to pick something up.  Isn't it always those quiet places where our mind can sort of rest when God speaks the loudest?!  I cannot tell you how many revival moments I have had in my shower and in my car!  :)
I'm driving down Fairmont and all of this sudden I just starting thinking about how long 14 years is.  At least how long that has been in my life.  I started thinking about who I was 14 years ago.  And the more I started thinking about it, my chest got tight and I started to get overwhelmed.  Not overwhelmed in a bad way, but overcome with emotion thinking about who I am today and how much that day 14 years ago changed my life.

I actually started working for Meador back in the summer of 1994.  All of my friends were busy tanning and going to the mall and my dad insisted that I get a job and learn responsibility.  So being that we just so happened to go to church with the Meadors, fortunate for me.....Mr. Meador told dad he would put me to work if he wanted to send me down.  So of course he did and I started my first office job.  I remember for two weeks straight, I sat in what was probably a 4X8 closet/room and took sticker labels off of a roll and put them on a piece of paper and faxed them.  STACKS OF THEM!  I have to tell you, with the place that I sit in now and some of the decisions that I have to make, those sticker faxing days sometimes sound awesome! 

So I worked Summers while I was in high school (I was the pastey one with no tan) and when I graduated I worked Summers and Christmas break.  I grew to love the people so much and it was always so exciting to come back.  Now that I am older, goodness knows what everyone thought of me but I was sure excited to see them.  I definitely wore skirts that were too short and had PLATINUM blonde hair but I think I pulled my weight in work when I was there. 

In 1997, at the very end of the year, I quit.  I have no idea what I was thinking.  I was in school and I think I thought I deserved a break and I was going to leave and have some time to myself.  At this point I was back in Pasadena and going to San Jac and living with my parents.  So whatever.  I was 19.  I knew everything. 

Late January of 1998, maybe 3 weeks later, I find out I'm pregnant.  That's a subject for another blog but lets just say, this wasn't planned and my life was out of control.  All of this sudden, that blank canvas had some painted in areas.  I was so scared.  What were Jarrod and I going to do?  What was our future going to be?  Would we do this together?  Would we be able to make it?  What about where we would raise this baby?  I just quit my job and Jarrod was at school in Austin.  (Well - he was enrolled.  ;)  )
I had some serious decisions to make and they were no longer decisions that I could make selfishly.  There were a few certainties in this situation.  We would raise this baby and love this baby and I had to go back to Meador.  I remember thinking, "What are they going to think?  They aren't even going to want me back."  But I made the dreaded phone call.  I actually don't remember if I went up and met with them or if I did everything over the phone.  Val and Margaret would probably remember better.  But I called them and pleaded.  They were so gracious and after a phone call to my boss, I was hired back.  This time as a permanent employee.  It was January 29, 1998. 
Today as I was reflecting back on that time in my life, my heart was filled with so much gratitude for those 3 women that were willing to take a chance on me.  They were willing to look past my immaturity and could see potential that rested somewhere within me. 

 These people changed my life and became my second family.They threw me a baby shower.  They were there the day that Kayley was born. They threw me a wedding shower.  They were at my wedding.  They were there when we bought our first house.  They have cried with me, prayed with me, scolded me, praised me.  They encouraged me back to church when I was wrought with guilt and scared to face it.  They were there the day that I was baptized.   They held my hand through deaths and illnesses. They have loved my child like she was their own.  They have allowed me flexibility so that she was never in a compromising situation or had to ever stay home alone.  They have held me accountable to be who they saw in me when I couldn't see it in myself.  They have been family.
So much of who I am today is because of that decision that they made in January of 1998. 
I thank God for His mercy on me.  For His love that He shows me through them.  For the fact that I get to go to work every day and touch lives.  It's a unique job and a unique place.  Based on Christ.  I'm beyond blessed. 

Today I consider it the best it's every been. I have the best team around. They are my family. We are all completely nuts and we have the most bizarre personalities and I couldn't think of 4 people I would rather have on my team.


 The best peers.  I consider them sisters.  The most amazing leadership and an owner that puts Christ at the center and makes decisions after he has sought the Holy Spirit. 
I say all of this because I am so thankful that I serve a God that "works all things for good for those who are in Christ Jesus."  My life is so much richer and just plain more awesome because of that place.  Our decisions matter.  And that day, their decision changed my life. 

Addictions and Obsessions

For days now I have been wondering if anything was ever going to come to me to blog about.  I just couldn't think of anything that I felt like anyone would care reading about.  Then I had a thought...

I went grocery shopping tonight.  Well - I went to Target which is never a good idea.  I had a few things to get and one overflowing cart later, I headed home to unpack everything.  Isn't that the worst!  It's for sure a first world problem.  If you have never checked that website out, you need to.  It's disturbing.  But having to unload all of that crap after you have wandered around Target for hours to pick it all out is awful.  That's what I have a husband and child for.  But I am less one for a few days so I had to manage doing it myself. 

I have a way I do things.  Certain rituals.  When I put things away after a run to the store, I must have a Pasadena garbage sack out ready to receive everything that I am throwing out of my cabinets fridge.  It's typically always a clean out when I go shopping.  You know - the random loaves of bread with mold growing on them and other science experiments that we have been growing in the fridge. 

When I went to grab my Pasadena garbage sack, I realized that after this one, I had only one left.  ONLY ONE!!!!!!!!!   Anyone who has known me for any length of time knows that this is not good.

So I thought, what a perfect topic for a blog.  I have so many random things that I am obsessed with or addicted to - why not air them out on here.  So here we go.......

Wait - let me preface this by saying to all of my prayer warrior friends -  I am not actually addicted or obsessed with any of these things.  I have a tendency to speak in hyperbole, although Jarrod says that's all I speak in.  So no need to add me to your prayer journal (although I know Shanna will.  Which is why I love her so much.)

These are in no particular order.  They are literally in the order of which they pop into my head.

*  Pasadena Garbage Sacks - for those of you that do not live in Pasadena or have never lived in Pasadena or are not friends with me on Facebook, these sacks are amazing gifts from Heaven.  They are this thick carpenter's paper-like bags that stand on their own and hold a ton of crap.  They are amazing and I don't know what I would do without them.  They are thrown in our yards twice a year and I heard through the grapevine that they are not being thrown anymore.  I don't even care.  I know where they make them and you can buy them from there.  Amazing! 

(now please do not look at the 2 inches below my granite that need to be painted.  My painter came before the granite was installed and I have not had him back out.  Now obviously since I pointed it out, you are going to zoom in and look at it.  But that's okay because I pointed it out first.  Don't you always feel better as long as you pointed it out first.  It's like going #2 at the office.  I don't mind going as long as I have told you that I am going to go so that if you come in, you will not be surprised.  But if I don't tell you and you come in and find out that way - we won't make eye contact the rest of the day.  I will see to that!)

*  Using exclamation points and ellipsis - I am more than fully aware that I use both too often.  I also am aware the I use more than 3 periods on the ellipsis.  No need to correct me on it.  I'm aware and I'm cool with it.  I feel like most things that I say need an exclamation point.  I will actually go back and look at a Facebook post or email and try to take them out but I just can't.  I'm loud and pretty dramatic so if I'm talking, they really probably apply. 

*  Clocks.  Lately I buy a lot of clocks.  And big ones.  Probably too big.  I have some that I haven't even hung.  Jarrod has asked me to stop so I'm not buying anymore but I find when I'm out shopping, I gravitate to them. 

*  Magazines.  I have an extremely unhealthy obsession with magazines.  In fact, as embarrassed as I am, I am willing to show you my stack that I have not even been able to read because they come in the mail so often that I just can't get to them.

I'm aware it's sick and unbalanced.

And I know you see some that look thick and are probably thinking, those are books and she is just exaggerating  Those are specialty magazines that come out once I year.  I'm being legit. 

*  Infomercials - I love them.  I cannot get enough of them.  And I super love the ones with terrible acting.  Or the one with the lady with the long creepy finger nails that cooks in that little round cooker thing, that one I watch beginning to end.  I love it!  The one for the Instyler I have probably seen 50 times.  That one never gets old.  The Ninja is pretty good but I would probably rate the Bullet higher.  I wish they would come out with something new!  :)

*  Hangers - I buy more than we need all the time and have no where to hang them.   But I have this phobia that we are going to run out.  Like my mom always says, "you don't live in a jungle, go buy more if you need them."  But that logic just doesn't work in the case of hangers. 

*  Laundry baskets- they have so many functions.  You can store stuff in them, load your kids junks in it to take upstairs, dry cleaning, trips, junk food for car trips, etc.  I love them. 

*  Cheese - hence the amazing girlish figure.  I told my friend and co-worker the other day, as I pointed at my body, "this is the house that cheese built."  It's not okay but it is what it is.  I would take a cube of cheese over a candy bar any day!

*  Hanging with my husband - Its seriously my favorite thing to do.  I know he gets so sick of me but I never get sick of him.  I could hang with him forever and never get bored of it.  I'm serious.

*  Bobby Pins - I buy them ALL THE TIME!  I wear them almost everyday because I hate my hair down. So much like hangers, I am afraid that I am going to run out.  I keep a stack in my purse at all times and an overflowing cup in my bathroom.  And random ones all over the bathroom floor that fall and I am too lazy to pick up until their pierce my foot. 

*  Plastic forks - I know it makes me super white trashy but I hate doing dishes and it just makes things easier.  I know that doesn't make me look glamorous or like a very good housewife but....I'm neither of those things so perfect! 

*  Funny people - anything that makes me laugh.  I was raised to appreciate good comedy so I have always loved to explore and find new great stand-up comedians.  I am blessed that Jarrod is the same way so we have together found some great people that were not well known in the beginning but were fast discovered and now in the big times.  And of course funny friends.  I really cannot be friends with someone if they have no sense of humor.  I can't wait to kick it with God.  You know He's the best of everything.  So you KNOW He's hilarious! 

*  Office Supplies - I'm a girl so I come by this honestly.  I know most girls love office supplies.  I could spend hours in Office Depot and not get tired of it.  They have so much great stuff in there!

*  Concealer - I cannot go without it.  It's not even because I'm vain.  I have horrid bags and dark circles under my eyes.  I even had them as a little girl.  What in the world?  Who has bags and dark circles at 7 years old?  Clearly I did.  I came out of the womb worrying and obsessing about things.  Geez!  Check me out as a little girl.  Ridiculous!

Oh my word!  Get that poor girl some benadryl and a pillow!

*  Dr. Phil re-runs - I love him.  I love how he shoots it straight.  I don't always agree with him but I like a straight shooter.  I have many people like that in my life.  I hate to guess what people are thinking.  Just put it out there.  I love that. 

*  Pajama pants - If I have been home for 2-5 minutes, I'm in them.  I feel so sorry for the pizza delivery boy that comes to my door once every couple of months when we order pizza.  What he must think.  Oh well.  I don't really care that much or I would have done something about it.

*  Peppermints.  Starlite mints to be exact.  The ones that you get at the gas station, 2 for $1.00.  I have them in my purse at all times.  And what the worst is....I put them in a ziploc bag so that they don't just roam around the inside of my purse.  So in church, I get my ziploc bag out and offer mints to my friends like I'm 80 years old.  If I am doing this now at 33, what am I going to be doing at 80?  Goodness!

*  Cardigans - I know my wardrobe is boring but I love cardigans.  They are so perfect!  I seriously cannot have enough.    Here are half of them and all my tanks for under. 

*  Taking pictures of my nephew - I was going through all of my photos on my phone and its disturbing how many I have on there.  At the moment, this one is my favorite.  And I just want to state for the record that his mother did this to him.  Not his amazing aunt.  I'm not certain but this could be classified as child abuse.  ;)   And yes - that is a mini-plunger on his head. 

*   Talking to my friends using only pictures - I actually super love this.  I do this with many but will only use these as an example.  Sorry Leah - but ours are the best!  Your face can say so much! 

 

   I think this is probably plenty for now.  I have many others but they are escaping me at the moment.  Not to mention - its time for me to get to my most important addiction - SLEEP!  I love love love to sleep!  It's the best! 

Organization

I'm obsessed with all things "organized."  The Container Store is like temple for me.  Ok - that was a bit dramatic but I'm just trying to make a point here.  It's a big deal.

And what is probably the most hilarious about the whole thing is that I am not certain that I even like the organization for the right reasons.  I don't think I get anywhere quicker because of it.  I don't think it really shaves anytime off the process.  I just like how it looks.  I will organize a cabinet and then from time to time go back in and open up the cabinet just to look at my masterpiece. 

Now - let me have a transparent moment.  I am not by any means putting on airs.  I will step over a MOUND of dirty laundry to put a label on a box of flour.  Priorities out of whack....absolutely! 

Here are just a few of the things that I am obsessed with now...

Our Chalk Board Wall

I can't get enough of it.  I had this really weird place in my kitchen where the people that owned it before put a large piece of wood in the doorway to close it off from the dining room.  They built a bookshelf on the other side.  It's stupid.  So when my painter was over he suggested painting it in chalkboard paint and making it just a giant message board.  He quickly went from painting contractor to design genius.  I love him.  He's amazing.  Anyhoooooo - when I was out buying the chalkboard paint for him, I found this magnetic primer.   WHAT?!?!?  MAGNETIC PRIMER!!!  So I made it a magnet too.  It's not a really strong magnet but it works for what we need it for. 

Want to know something terrible about me?  I don't like Kayley to write on the board because she doesn't write as well as I would like.  Isn't that just a terrible mom?  She has her own art supplies.  She can do it in her room.  Awful! 

The Container Store

I love to buy containers from the container store.  Why?  Who cares?  No one sees them in my cabinets.  But I know they are there and it makes my heart smile.  It's seriously so dumb.  I got these awesome chalkboard labels from World Market that I haven't put on them yet but those will be going on soon.  Why?  Who knows.  But I will more than likely open my cabinets and stare at them often. 

Our Message Boards

We keep these all over.  People would probably think they are tacky but for people with our crazy schedules and a husband that works shift work, it's sometimes the only way to communicate and stay informed.  Plus sometimes we just write funny notes to each other on there.  Jarrod likes to leave me "chore lists" which is always fun.  ;)  

We have one on the back door, one on the fridge and Kayley has one in her room. 

We have no room......

We have no cabinet space in our house.  And I have all of these GIANT appliances.  So I had to get one of these to hold all of my items that I don't have room for.  But somehow I don't think I really even have that much more space. But whatever.  It's my attempt to be organized.

The MOTHER of all Planners!!!!

This planner makes me so happy.  I love Jesus, Jarrod and Kayley but this planner is right up there. 

A co-worker of mine got one for Christmas and I had to have one IMMEDIATELY!  So I ordered it that day and it came in last week.  As you can see, when I went home to get it the day it came in, I could hardly contain myself.  I had to take a picture of myself with it and text it to all my co-workers.  They are insane also so they totally were excited for me.  Ohhhhhh planner.  How I love you soooo. 

If anyone is interested in one for themselves, I got it through Tiny Prints.  Its Erin Condren for Tiny Prints.  Worth every penny! 

So these are the neurotic things that I do to organize my life.  My life is still chaos most of the time but for the moments that I stare at my organizing items, its sheer bliss! 

Good Morning!

Kayley has an all day SAT prep class this morning so it was early to rise for all us of in the Wright house.  Not fun on a Saturday morning but couldn't pass up this opportunity for her.  Clearly she got her intelligence from her father.  Not that I am dumb or anything but.......let's just say that my SAT score wasn't super awesome.  Whatever - we can't have it all, right?!?!?  ;) 

I drove her there and went inside with her just to check to see if there was anything that needed to be completed by the parents.  I wasn't needed so we exchanged our hug and kiss and I was to be on my way.  But for some reason, I didn't want to leave her.  It was weird.  She seemed so grown up going and doing her thing and I sort of just wanted to hang out in case she needed me.  Of course when she turned around and saw me still standing there, I got "the look."  The one that says, "Are you kidding me?!  Leave already - you are embarrassing me."  So I quickly left.

As I was driving home, that "Good Morning" song came on by Mandisa.  Now let me say this.  I love Mandisa.  I love her heart and think she has a beautiful voice.  That song has a good beat and is catchy.  But it has to be the most annoying song.  And please don't get me started on the "rap" (if you can even call it that) by Toby Mac.  The words are so forced.  YIKES!
Anyway - let me step down from my soap box so I can go on.
I am minding my own business, diving down the Beltway when she sang the words, "I went to bed dreaming, You woke me up sing 'get up, get up, 'cause its a new morning." 
And right then and there, I was overwhelmed with God's love.  I had to stop and think on those words.  My emotions took me back and I knew this was a moment and I needed to press into.  What was God trying to say to me?  What did He want me to know? 

He watches me when I get up in the morning, excited to show me His new mercies.  Ready to guide my steps and encourage me.  I thought about how I felt about Kayley this morning.  How I just wanted to be with her and to protect her.  And God showed me once again that its no different than how He looks at all of us.  I got this picture of him watching me sleep, waking me up with this giant smile on His face as He sees His favorite girl get up for her new day.  Her new beginning.
I think about all the times that He has shown me His love for me by blessing me with some particular desire of my heart.  Some tangible thing that He knew I wanted.  But those times seem so small compared to moments like these.  Because at the end of the day, isn't that truly the real desire of our heart.  To be overwhelmed by the love of our Creator.  The one who formed us and knows every hair on our head.  To feel His love and desire for all of what we are and created us to be,

I'm not sure about any of you, but that will get my day started better than any cup of coffee or energy drink.
I had to share this because I remember my grandpa sharing with me this moment that he had with God and saying that he had "never had that again since."  That comment always stuck with me because I wonder how many other people are like that?  How many people have experienced amazing moments with God, only to never have it happen again?  It isn't because of Him.  Those are available to us anytime we want them.  But we have to make ourselves available.  I live for those moments.  And they are not reserved for just some.  They are available to all who desire Him.  My prayer for all of you today is that He overwhelms you with His love.  His available, captivating and infinite love!

Seeking Employment

I didn't post yesterday.  :(  I don't want to force it though and I just wasn't feeling it.  Today however was QUITE a day for stories at work.  So here you go......

I have mentioned numerous times now that I work in the staffing industry.  It's amazing.  There is nothing like it.  I seriously love it. 
But when you deal with people as much as we do, you see some CCCUUUUUURRRRAAAAAZZZYYYY stuff. 
So I wanted to throw a few things out there of what NOT to do when applying for work.

• There is NO REASON why I should know what your toes look like.  Your shoes need to cover your entire foot.  I don't want to share air space in an interview room with your feet.  
• Nap time should take place PRIOR to coming to apply for work.  This way you will not be tempted to sleep on lobby couches.  
• When we are holding a warm cup of your urine for a drug screen in the men's restroom, inquiring our relationship status is not appropriate. 
• As homey as we make it, our office is not your home.  So cramming your bare feet in the cushions of our couch is SUPER not cool.
• Dropping "F" bombs in an interview is never okay.  NEVER!
• If you have a crazy email address that says anything inappropriate or referencing that you are a "party gurl, " make a business email account to put on applications and your resume.  (Or maybe just re-think your email address all together)
• Panties in the shape of a rose are not appropriate gifts for someone that found you a job.  We can buy our own panties.  Thank you though. 
• Waiting until you get here to put your FULL FACE of make-up on in the bathroom is probably not the best order of events.  Try that at home before you leave the house. 
• When you have drive a Lexus and take your job specs down on your shiny iPad, asking me to loan you $30 for your steel toe boots doesn't sit well with me.  (We all know I'm going to do it, but I don't like it!)
• Farting repeatedly and waving the "stink" from your rear for all of the lobby to see is not proper job-hunting ettiquite.  (Or really at any time - unless you're 4 years old.)
• When we ask you for your nickname on the application, we just mean "Tim" if your name is Timothy.  Not "Huggy Bear, Big Thrilla, Q-Tip, you get the picture.)
• Leave your Big Gulps at home please.
• If you have grease stains on your wrinkled resume, please make a copy for me.  Because that makes me sick.
• If you have a cussing rapper as your ring back tone, maybe change it while seeking employment. 
• Bringing your momma to the interview is cute if you are 4 years old and pretending at home.  But when you are 25...........
• I know it can be hard to find a babysitter these days.  But if you are looking for work, you just cannot bring your kids.  Sitting in a tiny interview room with you, your baby and its very stinky poopy diaper is very distracting. 
• When I come out to interview you and you are on your phone and you hold up your finger in the "hold on just a minute" gesture.......you are about to meet feisty Ashley.  And she hasn't known Jesus as long as the other one. 

These are just a few.  I hesitate to even stop because I know I will think of others as soon as I hit "publish."  Go ahead and print these out and put them on the fridge if you are looking for work.  These will hopefully be helpful. 

I joke but seriously - these wouldn't be on here if they didn't happen.  So awesome.  When stuff like this happens, my day is MADE!  I LOVE IT!   So enjoy.  Never a dull moment in the staffing industry!
 

2011

Eventhough I did not exactly start this blog at the turn of the new year, I figure it's still close enough to take the time to look back.  What a year.  It seriously felt like it flew by.  I usually get super annoyed when people make cliche statements like that one right there, but I feel like it was actually true.  So much happened in 2011.

I feel like 2011 was the year for being busy.  Everyone I knew had insane schedules.  Which made it far less fun for me to whine and complain because everyone I wanted to whine and complain to had just as many balls in the air as I did.  And most of them had more than just the one kid.  Ugh! 

For my family, it was certainly a year of transition.  I lost both of my grandfathers, gained a nephew and had a cousin get engaged.  I have thought so much about the way everything played out with my dad's dad getting sick and passing and then my mom's dad getting sick and I am just forever in awe of how God works.  His love for us is so overwhelming sometimes.  And if you don't stop and reflect sometimes, you can miss seeing His grace in it and miss out on those opportunities to go deeper into your relationship with Him. 

My Pawpaws (dad's dad) became ill at the beginning of the year and it was a very fast decline.  Within a matter of weeks, he went on to be the Lord.  He was such a man of faith.  He studied the Word.  Studied like I have never seen anyone.  He had such a servant's heart for his brothers and sisters in Christ. For years, at his church he was the yard man/landscaper there.  The day of his funeral, I wasn't sure how many people would come.  My grandpa had been widowed for many years and other than his church friends and some people he would meet at Whataburger and eat breakfast with, I just wasn't sure of his social situation.  That morning the funeral home was packed with friends and family of his and of ours.  People coming to show love and support.  But what struck me the most was that his church SHOWED UP!  They came up to us and shared stories of how wonderful he was to all of them in the church and how much they were going to miss their brother.  It was such a beautiful thing.  After the service we went back to mom and dad's and people came to show their respects.  After everyone left, we decided to go as a family and eat at Mamacitas and try to lift our spirits.  My mom's entire family went and we had the best time.  I took this picture of Kayley and my Peempie that night and it will probably forever be one of my favorite pictures.               

Within weeks of this picture, Peempie was be hospitalized for severe kidney failure and the end looked extremely near.  He said that he had lived a full life, he wasn't going to live on dialysis that made him feel terrible and that he was not scared to die.  He had talked with God and if it was time, he was ready.  Peempie was the true patriarch of the family.  I'm not sure that there was anything that he ever did that we didn't think was the most amazing thing on Earth.  The thought of losing him was really more than I believe any of us could deal with.
He opted out of dialysis, hospice was called and he was given a maximum of 6 weeks to live.  He went on to live for 9 more months.  He got stronger, he began to walk again, could go back to church, come to mom and dad's for functions and come out to Amanda and Scott's house to meet Henry for the first time. 

How amazing is our God!!  Peepmie went on to be with the Lord a month after this picture.  Focus quickly turned to Gammie (my grandmother.)  She and Peempie were married for over 60 years and this was more of a loss for her than any of us could wrap our minds around.  I started thinking back and reflecting on what she had gone through with him.  The times that only she was there in the final days, taking care of him.  Being there for his every need and desiring to be nowhere else.  I would call to see if I could come by and there were times that she just needed that time with him by herself.  She would share with me after he passed that those moments were so special and that God showed them a love that they could share that they never knew.  She called it extravagant love. 

I spent a lot of time talking with God about how everything played out.  Thanking Him for the 9 months that He gave us.  He knows us better than we could ever know ourselves and He granted us 9 months to prepare our hearts to lose Peempie to this world.  What a gracious Father.  I also was curious why?  Why the way it happened?  Why the hospice?  At times the hospice seemed so hard and it was almost too hard to even be at their house.  But God always has a plan and He was at work the whole time. 
My grandfather was the one that took care of things.  My grandmother is incredibly independent but my grandfather at the end of the day, watched over her.  In the last few months of his life, he became dependent on Gammie.  And the more dependent he became, the more strength the Lord gave her.  She shared with me one night, just she and I while Peempie was asleep in his recliner, too weak to even stay awake, that the Lord had showed her that she was a lot tougher and stronger than she knew.  She could handle things.  She was going to be ok.  I know that my grandfather needed to see that.  He could go knowing that she was capable of doing things on her own and that even if it was his time, she would be ok here without him. 
I think I fell in love with God even more that day.  His love knows no boundaries and when everything seems to be caving in, He reminds us that He never leaves us.  Even in his final days, God was thinking of my Peempie. 
So I go into 2012 excited.  God always brings us out of things stronger than when we walked in. 

And He has blessed us with so much to be excited about!
We get to watch this little guy grow up! 

I can't wait.  It's my first on my side of the family.  At first I wasn't sure about Amanda having a boy.  They aren't as much fun to buy for.  Scott won't let me put headbands with rhinestone flowers on them on his head.  (He's such a stiff. ;) )  But now that he is here, he's perfect.  I wish she would have a thousand more so Jarrod would leave me alone.  Kayley is like having 5 children.  So I've had my litter.

2011 also brought a great year for business.  It's so amazing to work for people that put God first.  When times get tough, we stay steady because of the foundation that we stand on.  We were blessed with amazing business in 2011.  We were able to add to our team and the team that we have now is so incredible.  I'm sure I will talk about them often.  I think its so rare to find people that you want to be around as much as we are around each other.  Plus THANK THE LORD they all have an amazing sense of humor.  That's without a doubt a prerequisite to work in my office so I am soooooo thankful that we all find the same things funny.  And they are complete weirdos too.  So I feel very at home. 

2011 brought Pinterest into my life.  WHAT IN THE WORLD!!!  This site is OOOOOOOmazing.  I haven't had time in months now to really get on and pin like crazy but it is my GO TO for parties and decorating.  So genius! 

2011 brought some of the most hilarious skits on SNL that I have ever seen.  Kristen Wiig is a comedic genius and I shutter at the thought that she will one day have to leave that show, as they all do.    If you do not watch SNL.....well that might be good because some of it's terrible.  So I will not endorse the show but I will however say that HULU breaks it down by clips and some of the skits are golden!  GOLDEN!!!!!!!!!!

2012 is going to be awesome.  It's an election year so please remember Jarrod's blood pressure in your prayers.  Although I have to give him credit.  We watch the Iowa Caucuses the other night and his neck never turned red.  So he just might make it through this season!

My prayer for all of you is that 2012 is your best year yet.  It will not be without trials and hardships but turn to the One that can do something about it and surround yourself with people that lift you up, hold you accountable and make you laugh.  Life is wayyyyy too short to be too serious!

Disclaimer

After I posted last night, I started thinking about everything that I probably should have talked about but didn't.  How could I start a blog without warning you a bit about my personality and what might happen on these posts? 
I typically don't have much of a filter.  Not because I don't know how to behave because I know when to put my grown-up face on.  Just because I really don't have too many secrets or "off limit" topics.  I am the person that tells you something and then when I walk away you wonder, "why did she just tell me that?" 
I don't know why.  Probably because it's funny and I find that being really open makes life a little more interesting.  Life is so amazing with its many ups and downs and quirky moments. So when I tell you that when I go somewhere after dark and I go to get in my car that I have to check behind my car for a Bengal tiger, there is no reason for that story.  It's just bizarre and makes me laugh and I want you to know about it.  How boring would it be if I was the only one that knew that I have to check around my car for tigers in the dark and quickly devise a plan, choosing between running back in the house or jumping in the car?  I'll tell you - BORING!  (And always run back in the house.  He could slash through your car and get you.) 

Now I do feel like I need to prepare you somewhat for what might happen in the future on this blog.

I have warned you that I will say anything.  My intention is never to offend and I don't worry too much that I ever would offend anyone but I am just throwing that disclaimer out there.  Because you never know.  When I say I will talk about anything I don't mean literally anything.  If you ask my opinion on certain topics I will be honest but I am not writing this blog to try to be political or too deep.
I am certainly not politically correct though.  That's for certain.  But I also, thanks to the Holy Spirit, know what topics not to talk about most of the time so I will more than likely not get too controversial on here.  I made that mistake once on Facebook and that was a nightmare.  All that happens is that I come off looking self-righteous and judgmental, and that's no bueno, so we won't be going there. 
I'll leave all of that fun action up to my husband.  He literally has no filter and LOVES nothing more than to debate (argue) talking points.  Mostly centered around politics and end times.  Which makes him SUPER fun at dinner parties or family events. 
   
I work in staffing so the comedic material that comes through this joint is mind-blowing.  People are HILARIOUS without even trying to be. 
I say that because I am sure that I will tell funny stories from time to time about the "goings on" here at the office.  It in no way is ever meant to come off as mean-spirited.  We are so blessed to do what we do and we take our calling very seriously.  But we get droplets of hilariousness come in here from time to time and they have to be shared. 

I really think that's about it.  Now that I have blogged about my future blogging for 2 blogs now, I should probably just focus on the actual blogging.
Consider yourselves prepared and warned...

We'll See

I titled this first post "We'll See" because we will just have to see how this whole thing plays out.  I have wanted for the longest time to blog.  I have so many bloggers that I follow and I have always admired their commitment to their readers and I imagine, their commitment to just getting their thoughts out.  It's funny, I was telling my co-workers last week that when someone that I follow skips a day or two I feel this lacking and sadness.  And then sometimes, if I'm being honest, I get a little annoyed.  I feel like we are friends and you have abandoned me.  I need to know what crazy hi jinks your cats got into last night and what your new favorite nail polish is today. 
So having said that, I have no idea if this is something that I am going to be able to commit to.  :) 
I will try my best.  Well maybe not always my best (I have other commitments you know) but I will try. 

Part of the reason that I thought blogging would be so much fun is because if I am being honest with everyone, I'm sort of weird.  I have the weirdest thoughts pop into my head or the weirdest "rituals" that I find myself doing.  And as I have become more comfortable in my own skin, I share those thoughts with people from time to time, getting mixed reviews.  Some of my friends are complete weirdos too.  Which is probably why I love them and why we are friends.  And then I have other friends that are normal and think the things that I tell them are insane.  Or at least that's what they say.  Maybe they just don't want to out their crazy.  I have learned to embrace it.  It's something that makes me....me.  I am sure along the way, I will share some of my crazy.  And trust me....some of it is bizarre. 

I figure the first blog should explain who I am a little.  Assuming of course that anyone will every read this.  Who knows.  We shall see.
I am first and foremost a daughter of the Most High King.  I actually cannot even type that without tearing up.  I am so honored and overjoyed and humbled to walk with Christ everyday.  Without Him, I am nothing.  He is everything in my life and I pray that I live my life as a testimony to His Grace and His Mercy. 
I'm a wife to my high school sweetheart.  I heard something the other day that 43% of marriages that began before they were 20 years old end in divorce.  We married at 22 but had our daughter at 20.  That's a story for another blog.  Again.....mercy!  :)
I can say that he still makes me giddy when he walks in the door from work.  Spending time with him is my favorite thing to do.  He makes me laugh, makes me fire-spitting mad and makes me so proud to be his wife.  It hasn't always been that way and there have been trials along the way, some trials that other marriages unfortunately don't make it through, but by the grace and love of the Lord we are loving every minute of our lives together. 

We are the parents of one of the most dynamic kids I have ever known.  Everyone says that about their kids but this one really is special.  (OK - everyone says that too.  Whatever.)  She has a heart like no other.  She has a spiritual life that I didn't know you could have at 13 years old.  I'm so thankful for that.  I am not sure there is anything that could make a parent exhale more than knowing that your child loves God and wants to live their life for Him.  We knew at an early age that if we wanted to see her be all that she could be, we had to give her up.  So we told God that she was His and to do with her what He wanted.  She has been obedient at times and not at times.  But she is working it out and I couldn't be more proud of her. 
Now having said all of that awesome stuff....she is 13 years old so please pray for me.  I am only 33 and I am certain that under all of this peroxide are some very fast growing grey hairs. 
       
I work for an amazing company that allows me to fulfill the calling that I believe God has placed on my life.  To help people, to touch people for Christ.  It's truly a dream job and the people that I work for and with are dream co-workers.  I am sure I will write about them often so more to come there.
We attend a church that, growing up in the church that I did (great foundation), I had no idea existed.  Until I walked into that church in February of 2005, I don't know if I had ever truly "been to church."  I was raised in church but nothing like being in His Presence.  So needless to say, we have never left.
We are involved in multiple ministries there and to say that my life is richer because of it would be a gross understatement.  Much more to share there at another time.


I have an amazing family on both sides.  I have wonderful in-laws.  How many can't say that!  I am blessed.  I have a brand new nephew (my sister's son) that I am sure I will post an obscene amount of pictures of.  Deal with it....it's the first on my side and it's a big deal!
SNL.  I am certain if I keep up with this, I will reference SNL often.  I have grown up on it and have been faithful through all the years.  Even the bad ones.  It's turned incredibly liberal over the past few years but that's what DVRs are for.  Just fast forward through it.  Because there are some nuggets in there folks. 
And I am not sure there is ANYTHING worse than finding a skit on SNL hilarious and other people not thinking its at funny as you.  If that happens with you and I, whether I say it or not, I am just going to walk away feeling that you have a slightly less mature sense of humor than I do.  Now - that's incredibly judgmental and clearly comedy is subjective but none the less, that's going to be what I'm thinking.
Whew- just talking about SNL skits gets me going.  Ok - I talked about that more than family so I need to press on. 

I really think that's more than enough to share.  I am excited about the idea of getting some of my thoughts out.  Sharing life.  And it's a new year.  Who knows....maybe this year will be the year that I can finish a few things that I start.  It would SO not be my temperament but would be awesome!    
(By the way - I just spell checked this thing and I am MORTIFIED at how many misspelled words I had.  UGH!  Thank God there is spell check on here.  Because I don't super love having my grammar corrected.  Although I LOVE to correct other people' grammar.  People love it!  ;)  )