Ok, this is getting scary...

Today's Christian Woman sends me an Encouraging Words Daily Devotional every morning. Today's devotion???

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Today's Verse from the New Living Translation

"Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't he also give us everything else? … Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? … No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. … No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." —Romans 8:32, 35, 37, 39 view in context

Encouragement for Today

Nothing can separate us from the love of God. We must not look to circumstances for evidence of God's love or proof that he will take care of us. If God did not withhold the best he had to give us—the life of his Son—will he not also give us everything else, including his love and power? When circumstances are dire, don't look at them. Gaze at the cross of Christ and what he suffered there for you. Then his suffering—and victory—will swallow up your suffering. Paul says that "overwhelming victory" is ours. —Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions

So I think God really is trying to tell me something. Whaddyathink?

Isn't it ironic???

Blessings,
B

P.S. Thanks to my amazing fiance for the idea of adding our wedding countdown to my page!

Coincidence? I think not.

For the record, today's Daily Bible Verse (on my sidebar-thanks Bible Gateway!) is definitely my favorite verse(s) in the entire Bible. (Romans 8:35-39) Yes, my Abba knows exactly what I need.

~B
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39

GOTV

GET. OUT. THE. VOTE.

Before I begin the recounting of my anecdotal weekend, I thought I'd spread a little election season cheer and share the story of my second experience exercising my right as a resident of the U.S. to vote.

It hit me sometime in the middle of last week as I prepared for the coming days that I needed to make sure that I had everything in order for the upcoming election and the traveling that I will do for the holidays. So I checked my voter registration card and everything appeared to be ok until I turned it over and read the following:

"If you registered to vote by mail and this is your first time to vote in a Federal Election in Texas, you must present a form of identification. Please check www.suchandsuch.com to verify acceptable forms of identification."

So naturally I freak out and head to my local DL office to get my very 1st Texas Drivers' License. The problem(s) with this?

1. My current drivers' license from NC is expired so I have to take both the written and driving tests. (Seriously??? I'M 25!!! And have had no accidents or tickets EVER!)
2. The lady doing the driving tests was out until 2 and they don't schedule driving tests beyond 3:00pm. How ridiculous is that?!?!?!?

So I spent the better part of my lunch hour applying for my license and still didn't have it when I left. For the rest of the day and evening, I was worrying about 2 things.

1. What if the poll workers ask to see my driver's license?
2. What if the line is miles long and have to wait for hours to vote?

Well, let me calm your nerves now. Neither happened.

Hurriedly, I drove out to my polling location on my lunch break as I had seen on the morning news that there were lines HOURS long on the East coast. I figured if the line was too long now, I'd just come back after work when I had unlimited time. But, as I pulled into the parking lot of the church that my precinct was assigned to, much to my surprise, there were all of 3 cars in the parking lot. I then proceeded to enter the church into a small room (the size of my living room & kitchen) set up with a few tables, cardboard voting partitions, and numerous little old ladies. And I basically just walked right up to the check in table since there was NOBODY in line. As I checked in, the precious elderly lady who verified my name/address said to me, "You just look so put together with your blouse and your bracelet and your bag. You look so together."

And just when I thought all poll workers were stuffy and only concerned with politics. Luckily they're just 'poll' workers and not 'pole' workers. Ha!

So I cast my PAPER vote (ah, the joys of living in the country) and inserted it into the machine and left. Voting is so different here-I had a long wait in the 2004 election in Cleveland and I voted electronically so the whole paper thing was new to me. Rural Farm Town, Texas is quite a step back from Cleveland, Tennessee. But I'll take it for now.

This whole story may seem pointless to many of you but I write it to note that even though I've lived in Small Town, Texas for over a year now, I still haven't lost my 'big(ger) city' thinking. It takes lots of adjustment for this country living.

Blessings y'all,
(yeah, I'm city but not that city)

Bethany :)

P.S. I Was Right

The last piece of pumpkin bread is being eaten as I type...

AUTUMN

The 1st cold front of the season is moving through & I'm SO excited! Highs in the 60's for the next couple of days. And I baked my first loaf of pumpkin bread last night! It will be gone by the weekend. :) I love everything about Autumn-the leaves, the weather, the symbols (pumpkins, hay, apples, cornucopias)-EVERYTHING!

So I "Yahoo! image" searched autumn, fall, harvest and the like and here are my favorite pics that popped up...(I'm beginning to think that my love of all things autumn is actually a subconscious love of all things orange.)


Happy harvest everyone!

Blessings,
B
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

Just A Thought...

Is it abnormal that the thought of running away and starting a new life somewhere completely different excites me to no end???

Political Sentiments

Just a quick political rant. I try not to share too many of my political views lest it be proven that I am a politcal novice-even though the whole government/political scene really intrigues me.

While watching The O'Reilly Factor (hosted by FOX news' Bill O'Reilly) I was struck with this brilliant idea:

Bill O'Reilly should run for president.

Honestly people, I'm starting to agree with some of my colleagues who expressed this sentiment yesterday: Out of more than 300 million residents of the United States, are Obama & McCain really the best candidates we have to offer for President? Like many people I converse with, I am not impressed with either option. Neither one has made any profound presentation that has won my devout loyalty and so, with the rest of America, I wait. And I pray. And then I wait some more.

But as I watched Mr. O'Reilly last night, I really identified with his passion and zeal to help the average American people. His re-cap of the debate and how he desired for both senators to express some aggression in their road to the White House was exactly how I felt. I wasn't able to watch much of the debate when it aired live but the clips I've seen and the coverage the election has received since have not shown me a person who is going to stand up and fight for anything. Understandably, a candidate must have an even-temper and not be easily angered but I believe even just a little emotion is not just appropriate but is called for.

So Bill, when are you gonna go out on a limb and and take the chance??? I know you've already got my vote!

INSERT

I apologize now for the varying text sizes & fonts. I'm not sure how to fix it as I've tried all I can but please keep reading. I'll try to keep working on it. Thanks!

Good Intentions

I had the best of intentions when I started my TI30 entry for today about 2 hours ago.

(***MOM READ THIS LINE: It's not going to happen.***)

***ALL OTHER READERS: But it ain't gonna happen. ***

I'm leaving at 5 to get some gas and head to Grandma's and then I'll be there through Sunday night-with NO internet access. It's like visiting a different century. So get ready for another Weekend Update (see, the SNL thing would have SO worked out) come Monday. Can't wait to see the folks and they're actually having a good trip so I believe God ordained all this. Well, He ordains all things but I think this is in his Perfect Will, not the Permissive one.

Anyway, you all be blessed this weekend and take time to be thankful-even in the small things.

Blessings,
B

Insert

Hi all!

I'm working on my post(s) to cover the weekend but thought I'd insert a welcome to my re-designed page. It's different but I absolutely LOVE it! I don't know why I waited so long to change things up but I'm so glad I have finally gotten with it. Hope you enjoy the new look-let me know what you think. I happen to really love the diamond accents on either side of the posting background. *Surprise!* Ha! ;)

Anyway, welcome to the new look. Those of you that know me, know how much I love change-from my hair cut & color to the arrangement of furniture in my house. So you can expect the same for my blog. YAY for options!

Ok, back to work. I promise the updates are coming. Soon. (I've been under the weather a bit so I have a little more free time to write.)

Blessings for your Tuesday!
~B

I Know, I Know

I actually need to write something of substance. But it's not gonna happen for a few days. I'm leaving in just a few to head to Arlington to see Z, I mean, test out a new bed and then tomorrow he's bringing it (provided I like it) up here and we're spending the weekend together we're gonna hang out this weekend (edited for my mother's fragile heart).

But don't worry, the promised and long awaited posts are coming. Just more slowly than I thought.

It's days like these that I love my life...

Blessings for a restoring weekend,
Bethany
The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

I'm noticing

that my posts are getting more and more spread out. Blame that on Z. It's his fault that I can't sleep and don't want to do anything but talk to him. See, at 2:09am I can't sleep for thinking of him. This is not good. I never thought I could grow to care for someone as quickly as I have for him-it all seems too good to be true. But in the time I've spent with him (however limited it has been), he has been nothing but exactly who he appears to be-a kind gentleman who puts others before himself and loves God more than anything. Part of me is still in shock about him finding me and the other part of me is so tormented by the irrationality of it all that I can't take it in. As I told him today, God often has to move outside the box for me. If this had happened any other way, I would have probably been able to rationalize it enough to where it would seem that I made it happen and therefore this relationship would be just the same as every other one I've had. And we all know how those have ended. The beauty is that God works in our lives just as we need Him to and when He does, we can't deny that it's Him. I am in complete and utter awe of how good He is to have brought Z to me. Feelings of unworthiness flood my heart and I am inadequately able to express my gratitude.

In spite of my being lovestruck, I am being fairly productive as far as checking my e-mail 43,792 times to see if he's e-mailed me back getting church things in order and taking time to take care of me. Well, kind of.

I'm not sleeping much and it's not just because of talking to him all night. Apparently, my once oh-so-comfortable, donated-by-a-former-roomie twin bed has decided that it is high time for her to get revenge on me for all those nights of me sleeping like a baby while she bears the weight of the world me every minute. So now, every morning when I wake up (and multiple times throughout the night), I am made aware of just how uncomfortable she is because my back is aching, I'm just as tired as when I went to bed and some mornings, I am barely able to walk due to the pain that shoots around my back down my legs. Yes, my friends Mom & Dad, the time has come to get a new bed.

I suppose normal people who have lived life for far longer than I and have much more life experience than I do would be excited about the prospect of finally being able to fall blissfully into dreamland without any thought or care in the world. But honestly, the whole process scares me to death. I can only imagine walking into the local MFO (Mattress Factory Outlet)and the salesman posing the plethora of questions that will be asked while trying to find that perfect set of mattresses??? What kind of sleeper am I? Do I sleep on my back, my side, or my stomach? Do I prefer pillowtop or regular? Does pattern really matter (or can I sleep just as well on gardenia flowers as circus polka dots)? How firm is too firm? Do I have a brand preference?



All these thoughts torment me into being so scared to go through with it. I mean, what if I make a wrong decision and have to end up sleeping even more uncomfortably than I was before all because I didn't know the difference between coil tensions? Ugh, these thoughts detest me. Getting a peaceful night's sleep shouldn't be this difficult!

But alas, until I go on the search for the holy grail of mattresses, I will continue to be miserable every moment of my day from the stabbing pain in my back...

(Don't worry, there's more to come. I hit vacation Friday evening-I'm traveling to NC w/Ash-so the blogging should pick back up! Just say a little prayer for us as you roll over early on Saturday morning as we fly out of DFW for Ash's first flight ever. I'm thinking of getting her a prize if she's good on the plane! Ha...)

The Non-Diet Diet

It appears I am unknowingly on a diet and yesterday was the day for me to be made aware of this fact by 3 different people. I'm not complaining but what do you say when people ask if you're on a diet and you're really not.

Here's how it went down:

Nancy, the sweetest Hispanic lady I've ever met who goes to church with us some: I was going to ask you earlier, are you on a diet?
Me: Not hardly. I'm just on the "I-don't-have-time-to-eat" diet.
Nancy: Well, you look like you've lost some weight.
Me: I guess you could say I went on the "VBS diet" 'cause I promise you that doing VBS is a guaranteed weight loss trick. You don't have time to eat but you're running around like crazy so the weight has to come off.
Shannon, my pastor's wife: Yes, you do look like you've lost some weight.
Nancy: Doesn't she though? Even since the last time I saw you. (which has been several weeks)
Me: Thank you-I've definitely got more to go.

All of this occurred after my office manager/boss asked me how much weight I've lost total and I, of course, have to respond with "I have no idea" since the last time I weighed was in early May when I went to the doctor for bronchitis. At that time I had lost about 20 lbs. and I've come down quite a bit since then so if I had to guess, I'd say I've lost a total of about 30 lbs. Anyway, it does feel good to have people notice and I have to admit that during an online chat last night as I was sharing pictures during our conversation, I wouldn't share any from before May of this year because of how terrible I looked. I couldn't believe the difference in my appearance and am so ashamed that I walked around like that for so long. I'm not skinny by any means but I'm working on getting healthier (regardless of the fact that while sitting in the McDonald's drive-thru last night I told my mom I was glad to be getting "real food").

I obviously have a food problem-I am addicted to it. Or at least I used to be. I would gorge myself on foods I love, acting like it was the last time I'd ever get to eat them-every time. So I've had to come to terms with that, realizing that since I do have such a love of food and I'm an emotional eater, the odds are against me ever being skinny. So that's not what I'm trying to do. Yes, that is a side effect of my plan but all I want to do is be healthier. And since I've been trying to do better and bring my weight down, I've noticed that I'll say to myself on the way to eat out, "Now Bethany, this is not the last time that you'll ever get to eat at (insert name of restaurant)." I know that sounds crazy but it really has made a difference. I find that I don't overeat near as often and I make healthier choices when eating out-unless I'm just craving something fried and greasy. I still have problems eating better at home. For a while I was doing well-salads for lunch and maybe even dinner. But since I haven't had even 5 minutes for a grocery run, I've been dishing up pb & j for lunch (until my bread molded and now it's just pb on whole wheat saltines) and perhaps a bowl of cereal around 10pm for dinner. You don't have to tell me, I know I'm not on the healthy eater train but at least I'm not gaining weight. And peanut butter is that good y'all! It's my favorite condiment :)

Add to all of this that none, I repeat, NONE of my clothes fit me right without having to pin, tape, or perform minor alterations on. I'm starting to see that just a little attention spent on myself is worth a great deal. I told my mom last night that every pair of pants and every skirt I own can be removed without unzipping or unbuttoning anything (which led to a near disaster on a recent date as the skirt I was wearing that is now probably 2 sizes too big had ridden half-way down my right hip exposing undergarments and causing utter humiliation which, thank God, said boy didn't see since it was dark). I can only imagine how much I'd lose if I were back to exercising semi-regularly-which I haven't done in over a month. And I miss it...

All this to say that I was proud this morning when I put on a pair of pants that definitely need a belt and discovered that said belt which used to barely buckle on the last notch has now been tightened to the 5th notch. Go me!

A Kodak Moment

So the long awaited moment has come. No, not the end of VBS (although we all did a Jericho march at the end of it). Not even the beginning of my trip to NC (which I can't wait for-10 days!!!). No folks, it's the posting of pictures-all 2 of them. So enjoy!

*Here are those baby birds that took up residence in the rafters of my porch. They are flying now but still call this little nest home. It's been a beautiful thing to watch this life cycle come full circle. (But I will be tearing down the nest after they're gone b/c I'm sick of walking through the poop to get into my house.)

*Here's the blasphemy that my poor car is subjected to-a TX license plate. No more pretty planes w/First In Flight written across them. Sad day!

And thus ends the visual sampling of my world for tonight. I've got lots more to post but more to take too. And the VBS roundup is coming too! Happy hump day!

A Shout Out

This blog is dedicated to some AMAZING people in my life who I feel deserve a little appreciation (that could never be sufficient repayment for all they do).

To Ash:
What a wonderful friend you have become! Who would have thought that 2 guys (though losers) could bring about such a fabulous friendship??? You have become one of my dearest amigas and I am so thankful for who you are (& that you put up w/me and my antics). I am blessed and privileged to call you my friend-my whole move to TX is worth it b/c of your friendship. Our personalities balance each other out and I can't imagine living in Paris without knowing you're just down the road. You are so precious to me and I am certain that God has blessings immeasurable for you in the future. You deserve only the best and as you are a mighty woman of God, I know He will bestow that on you! I love you as a sister and appreciate you more than you will ever know! And I can't wait for Madea nights... (:

To Mark:
I never would have guessed that I would meet such a kind, gentle and giving soul in Paris. Thank you for being so open, honest & encouraging with me and for building up my faith in myself. You have become a good friend who I look forward to getting to know better. Your dedication and commitment to our church after only a few weeks is incredible and God has greater things in store for you than you ever thought possible! I'm excited to share this part of the journey with you. Thanks for all you do and for being you!




I have some unbelievable people in my life and don't tell them that enough. These two worked for hours last night helping me get VBS stuff ready and I could not do it (or life at this point) without them. They are key ingredients in the mixture of my life and I am so grateful that God allowed our paths to come together for this season of my life. Maybe I should start a tradition-Fab Friend Friday??? We'll see-I'll prob'ly forget by next week. Anyway, here's to Ash & Mark-some amazing people that I give serious props to!

Duh duh duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh...

(That was for my friend Will, who I'm sure has never read this nor will he ever. It's our special sound effect-like it in the scary movies...)

With D-day the 1st day of VBS lurking around the corner, I have officially settled into panic mode. Most people would see that as a problem, perhaps even an indication of the tone of VBS...but not me! I see it as the most productive time for me. I work VERY well under pressure and am looking forward to the next few 16-18 hour days. Crazy right? I know. But honestly, for me, the planning and organizing of big events is just as satisfying as the event itself. I am ALL about creativity & ideas. I absolutely LOVE planning & organizing things. So this VBS has become my "baby" of sorts. I started with the 1st ideas and researching curriculum and I'll see it through to the end of Thursday night, complete w/a July 4th fireworks display just down the road from the church and on to clean up and follow up with the kids. I'm excited, just nervous. I want it to be perfect (duh, I'm a perfectionist) and I'm doing all I can to make that happen. Let's just hope the kids show up to enjoy it!

In other news, why in the world (literally) are people reading my blog? I write mainly for myself and my parents so I really only expected to see 2 visitors from Maiden & 1 from Paris (me) on my NeoCities list. What's up w/all the other random people reading? If you're one of them, would you care to identify yourself and let me know how you found me and what you think? I love feedback-especially constructive criticism (so be kind, harsh words won't get you far). Anyway, just curious about all you readers out there. (And Mom & Dad, if you're logging in under other names & hiding behind profiles listed in CA or Amsterdam, give it up already. I'm ok w/my audience of 2.)

Blessings,
Bethany
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3

It has happened...

Today, while I was browsing the Yellow Pages online, the unthinkable & totally unexpected happened. I was searching for a restaurant in TN (where I moved from) and as I typed the state abbreviation, my fingers automatically typed TX!!! I never thought I would adjust to being in the second "T" state on the drop-down list but apparently I have. I guess I am officially a Texan-especially now that my car has been branded. :( All that's left is for me to get branded (i.e. change my driver's license) which I'm holding out on as long as I possibly can...

Yes...

I redesigned the site already. After some feedback from my readers mom, I've reformatted things to be more pretty & pleasing. Is this better???

Mirror, Mirror

Allow me to rant for a minute... What's that you say? All I ever seem to do is rant??? Well, ok. That is may be a partial lie.

I've been pretty frustrated lately in the "men" department. Not just b/c my last one turned out to be such a lemon but b/c of the ones that are currently present in my life. With the exception of family members & my pastor, I've pretty much written men off. I don't have many expectations any more and I surely don't have any hope of finding Mr. Right any time soon. (See this post.)

Now, fortunately I get God's sense of humor sometimes. Which is why I went on a date with the guy I lovingly refer to as Richard the Redneck. Now I met Richard online through MySpace thanks to my ex's aunt (AWKWARD) who told him about me. Why she thought I was still so heartbroken over her nephew that I needed to be fixed up with anyone is beyond me but she did. So prior to even knowing this guy's name, he already knows what kind of car I drive, where I live and lots of other details about myself. Thank God I lock my doors at night or he might know what I eat for dinner every night. Anyway, feeling guilty about this guy and wanting to meet new friends, I told Richard I'd go to dinner with him. And we did. And it was fine. He's very shy and quiet so I talked A LOT about NOTHING. But it was fine. And honestly, Richard treated me better than any guy I've dated in while (minus the whole not-opening-the-door-for-me & not-bringing-me-anything-not-even-flowers deal). He was kind and I can tell he's a very gentle guy. He is my age, which is a plus, as I think we all know how wonderfully both older & younger men work out for me. *insert sarcasm* But I digress, Richard is a nice guy and as I said, very kind but in all honesty, I'm just simply not attracted to him. I think it's more that I'm attracted to the thought of him and not him. Needless to say, I would love to hang out-I like meeting new people and having different kids of friends-but I don't think he's interested in being friends. In fact, I know that. How do I know that? Take this conversation (that I'm having to paraphrase b/c the phone it was saved on died last week) for instance:

Me: Can I ask you a ?
Richard the Redneck: Sure
Me: Why is it we can have such great conversations via text but when we're in person, you're so quiet? Do I talk that much or do I scare you or something?
RtR: lol No. It's just that I have to be comfortable and warm up to somebody before I talk much. And if it we did talk, I'd want to talk about a relationship.
Me: What do you mean "talk about a relationship"?
RtR: I mean that when you and I talk, I'd wanna talk about being a couple.
Me: Oh. Well, can't we just talk as friends?
RtR: Of course we can. But promise me one thing.
Me: What's that?
RtR: That when you're ready to settle down, if I'm still single, you'll give me a holler.

Now, do you think the boy gets the picture that I just want to be friends? I'm thinking NO. And so the ever-impending chase of Bethany continues. (And although it is a bit strange, it does make me feel good about myself in a weird, "random strangers are in love w/me" kind of way. I guess everybody wants to feel wanted-regardless of how fescennine the situation may be.)

Ok, I have seriously digressed. The title of this post is "Mirror, Mirror" and was inspired by an encounter of sorts from Wednesday. The question I posed to the girls in my office as I filled in for the receptionist during lunch yesterday was this: What female human being on the planet earth told any male that a 6 inch long, pointy goatee is attractive? There's a guy at church that has one-such a nice guy and loads of laughs but his goatee totally throws me. And poor RtR-he would be pretty decent looking if he'd shave his. Don't get me wrong-I don't have a problem w/facial hair but I am a firm believer that a man can have clean cut facial hair and not the hairy bush or wooly handlebars so many of them have. Needless to say, I would love to give each man I know (that currently has facial hair) a lesson in personal hygiene which includes a 2-part series on the importance of grooming facial any hair on their body. I don't know many women that are attracted to such monstrosities and so I believe it would serve them well to heed my advice. Although, there has to be a reason they grow such vulgarities and I'm curious as to that reason. What is there about a snow-cone cup growing out of your chin that is so appealing? I don't get it. Can anyone enlighten me???

I suppose it would be a bit controlling of me to tell a man how to cut his hair (be it facial or otherwise). Besides, I'm a bit fearful of any man telling me what to do-I have that independent streak y'all. So, for now I'll just keep searching for a clean-cut, goatee laden lad-if there are any out there.

DRUMROLL PLEASE

dadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadada
(What did you think I was going to do? Wait for you to do the drumroll?)

Here it is-my newly redesigned site! Not that I prefaced this re-construction w/any kind of announcement or preparation. Heck, I didn't even know it was gonna occur. But the past couple of days have taken a turn for me. As most of you my mom knows, I really enjoy blogging. For some reason, I can find lots more time to devote to typing that I can to journaling w/actual pen & paper. And I can make this site so much more pretty that just a regular journal. And mom, what's my standard for clothes, shoes, purses, etc.??? They have to be PRETTY.

So when I started my blog, it was very simple. I knew nothing-absolutely nada-about blogging. And I was ok with that. But lately, while I've been reading other random blogs working and reflecting on my blog, I've noticed that everyone else's is pretty snazzy. As compared to mine anyway.

So yesterday, I get this idea in my mind (since I don't have enough going on already) that I'm going to take some tutorials or at least read up on how to improve my blog. And I actually did. (It didn't end up on my "To Do" list, then on my "To Do...Seriously" list, and then to my "Do Before I Die" list-yes I do have one.) And thanks to some great tips from some great bloggers, I can now present my random thoughts in a more interesting visual manner. I'm even planning to snap some pics to post and add a few more widgets as I've learned they are termed. I've even learned a little html formatting which should impress my brothers (like they ever read this). :) But I'm quite proud of myself. I really do want to become more technologically literate-at least in the comp department. *Sit down before you read this next sentence.* I even contemplated taking a computer course on some of this stuff at the local junior college. (Unfortunately they aren't offering anything of the sort right now). Can you tell I'm a bit obsessed with this little project??? Which is DEFINITELY not good considering VBS is 10 DAYS AWAY.

And so, to all my friends out in blogland Mom & Dad, here's the new site. Let me know what you think-good, bad or indifferent. What do you like or dislike? What widgets should I add? What should I delete? Is my color combination aesthetically pleasing? What pics do you wanna see? And most importantly, is it pretty???