This is me with my grandma. I'm sitting on her lap in the front seat of a van... pretty sure that's not allowed anymore :) I was only nine years old when she passed away-- 16 years ago today she lost a battle with cancer at age 54. I have some wonderful memories of this amazing woman, and I hope I never forget them!
Sometimes you just have "one of those days," or in my case one of those weeks. I'll admit it- last week I just wanted to sit and feel sorry for myself. I had my reasons, but those things are always there and really aren't good reasons. I usually just need to remind myself of all the reasons I have to be thankful, and I quickly realize how pathetic it is to feel sorry for myself. But last week, I didn't want to do it anymore. I gave in.I really wanted to go to Iowa over the weekend, but to reiterate my mood, some winter weather made it seem like that wasn't going to happen. Ahmed and I decided to risk it and go anyways, and I am so glad we did. We had pretty good roads both there and back. Plus, being around my family was just what I needed. Especially this:
These kids know how to dance! Makes me smile every time... In case you were wondering they are dancing to the LMFAO parody "I'm Elmo and I know it." Haha:)
I'm not perfect, and I can't be happy all the time. But that's okay. Deep down, I still am thankful for everything even when I feel crabby. I'm especially thankful I can go home to such a loving family.
I had the privilege of having a 10 day break over Christmas and New Years. I spent a week in Iowa with my family playing games, eating lots of food, and doing some shopping. We attended a Christmas Eve service followed by a giant sleepover with all of my family members at my parents' house (a Christmas tradition for us).
My awesome family
On the way home from church I listened to the sweetest rendition of the Christmas story told by my four year old nephew in the backseat. I was impressed by how many details he knew. He also claimed to see the Christmas star in the sky to remind us that we were celebrating Jesus' birthday :) The next morning however, he reminded us all that although quite mature, he is four, when he prayed before our Christmas brunch, "Dear Lord, thank you that it's Christmas and we can open presents. Lots and lots of presents. Amen" Oh James...
Christmas outfits courtesy of auntie Lenae :)
Cuties on Christmas morning
After my time in Iowa I spent some time in Rochester with my friends, before starting a new job on Tuesday. Yep... I had no plans to start three different jobs in six months, but I know that God's plans are better than mine. Even though it was really hard to leave RCA after two short months, I'm trusting that this is where God is leading me, back to nannying! Bring it on, 2012.
I have spenta littleenough time on Pinterest in the past couple of months, and among other things I got the idea to make my own headboard. I didn't actually use the idea I saw on Pinterest- with the help of a few creative people I came up with a unique plan. After my dad cut the boards I needed to size, it wasn't that difficult. However I really don't see myself ever being a DIY fanatic- as much as I like the idea, I just don't have the patience!
It turns out I didn't take as many pictures as I thought I did, but here is a little of my headboard making process:I started out with a sheet of plywood for the main part of the head board and some 4x1 trim to frame and support it.
My make shift workplace: garbage/recycling cans and the plywood for the headboard
I used stain that matched the rest of the furniture in my bedroom and a polyurethane top coat.
With a layer of upholstery foam cut to size on the plywood I covered the entire thing with vinyl fabric (foam and fabric both from Hobby Lobby) and eventually wrapped the fabric around the back and stapled it in place.
Everything laid out- the white chunk of foam in the background is leftover from what I used
The trim boards were laid on top of the fabric around the edge of the foam and attached to the board with screws from the back of the plywood. I then used hex bolts to attach the headboard to my bed frame. Pretty nifty!
The finished product It actually turned out way better than I thought it would, and to make things better it was pretty inexpensive (especially since my dad gave me the plywood and trim from his own supply-thanks dad!). Not too bad for my first project if you ask me :)
Close up of the headboard- I love it!
It's true...my mom is the best mom. She is one of my best friends. She has always been there when I needed someone to listen or give me advice. She has always been supportive of me. My mom has been an excellent role model and example. I admire her faith and courage in everything she has been through. I am so thankful for all of our chats, shopping trips, and fun times we have had together.Today happens to be her birthday. I wish I could be with her, but we got to celebrate early while I was in Iowa this weekend. Happy Birthday, Mom! I love you!!
Isn't she beautiful? :)
....Ahmed and I went on our first date. We went to Victoria's (an Italian restaurant in Rochester) and took a ridiculously cold walk in the snow (I'm pretty sure it was just because he wanted to have an excuse to put his arm around me:). Obviously, the date went pretty well. I never could have imagined what the next five years would hold for us. We have been through so much together already, and I wouldn't change anything.
Then...
December 2006
...NowI am so thankful God put Ahmed in my life- I love you so much!
October 2011
I love seeing blog posts and facebook updates from friends sharing things they are thankful for in the season of Thanksgiving. I don't have the patience to update things every day, but I have actually been trying to remind myself of things I have to be thankful for in the past few months. I have so much to be thankful for, so why is it so easy to be unhappy?
There are a few things I have been struggling with that make me feel unhappy. I have to constantly remind myself of things like "God is in control," "it's not about me" and "God's plan is better than mine." These are all things that I have personally learned through experience many times. God is always faithful and good; why do I need to keep reminding myself of that? I often end up feeling disappointed in myself and frustrated that being content seems to be so difficult.Rejoice always, pray continually, give things in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 The truth is, being content shouldn't be a struggle. When I think of all I have to be thankful for, it's not difficult to come up with a big list. Here is a small list of things I'm thankful for:
- I have the most amazing family. We are not perfect, and there's a lot of struggles within my family, but we can all be supportive of each other. I love them all so much!
- My mom is my best friend. I admire her faith and courage and am thankful for her love and support.
- I have a caring boyfriend. I'm thankful that he has put up with me for almost five years- we have been through a lot together
- I have two charming nephews and the sweetest niece ever. I love spoiling them and am thankful for the pure joy that they bring to my life
- I have a job. Even if it's not what was in my plan- it's a really great job, and I enjoy what I do
- My church
- Friends
- Music
- Sunshine
- Dessert
Thinking of all of these things that I do have help me put things into perspective. Even if my life isn't going the way I would like it to, it's still a pretty darn good life. I am ultimately on this earth to serve God- not myself, and I know that He has a better plan than I do. More than anything in my list, I am thankful for God's love and faithfulness.Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3: 22-23
- I could go on, but I need to go to bed, and I don't like really long posts :)
