My mom - back in the day

Thanks Papa!! He just keeps on providing me with good stuff to blog about! He sent me this picture today and asked if I recognized the kids. The girl is my mom...probably about 7 or 8..the other two boys are her brothers Jeff and Ricki. They were in a car accident with my grandmother when they were 7 and 5 and were killed. There are pictures of them all over my grandparents house but I like this one the best. They were in Vent Hill, VA fishing during the summer while my papa was stationed there. They were re-located to Germany after the boys died..my mom stayed there until her senior year of high school!!

Just call us the "Handy Harvells"

I'm not to sure if Adam and I comprehend the idea of a "weekend". We definitely did not take two days off!! We are having Thanksgiving at our home this year so we have 7 people coming in tomorrow night (Tuesday) and staying through Sunday. This was the perfect excuse to finally get some things done around the house. We already have all of the Christmas decor up, but there were some little projects that I wanted to get done. First, we painted our coffee table to match our bookshelves...the green wood look ( LOVE IT). Next, we put a fresh paint of white enamel paint on our dining room table...we got the set for free and there were some black scuff marks on it. Next, we cleaned up the kitchen and in the process remembered that there was some paint on the bottom of the fridge. As I cleaned it off I discovered why...there were some rust spot...about the size of pieces of rice. So, we headed to Lowe's to get some paint for the fridge. Yes, they do make it!! We chose to paint it glossy white and it looks like a brand new appliance....love it. Finally, we got all the towels and bedsheets washed, both guest bedrooms cleaned and some christmas presents wrapped. Today I am going to tackle the 3 bathrooms (ugh) and vacuam!!!! Sounds like a lot huh...but so worth it. I am so excited for my parents to see our home and for Adam's parents to see all of the things we have re-done or painted or fixed!!!

P.S.- Priscilla did not help any this weekend. He peed twice outside of the litter box...and both times we caught him. We are going to watch and make sure that he doesn't have a bladder infection. Adam is pretty sure that he is stressed out...Elvis is not the nicest brother to him. So for now we are talking in very soothing voices to him and praising him when he uses the litter box.

Nordstrom Make Up Sale

Ok. Here's the deal. My sweet sweet mother in law just sent me an email with this website attatched. Nordstrom's is repackaging all of their make-up so therefore they are selling their old stuff for $1 a peice...thats right $1!!! It would make great stocking stuffers or a good Christmas present for yourself!!!! HAVE FUN!!!!

ITS ONLY MY FAVORITE MOVIE EVER

My mom sent me these pictures of the actors and actresses who played the 7 VonTrapp children in the movie SOUND OF MUSIC!!! They are still adorable and I want them to make a reunion video or something.
The house where the movie was filmed in Vienna will be mine and Adam's first stop when we go to Europe!!!!!
ENJOY!!

A Slow Fade

Ok. I know you all have heard this song" its a slow fade, when you give yourself away, its a slow fade, when black and white turn to gray"....its on all the time. And that is fine with me, I'm not complaining, it's kinda become my internal song (weird huh). Anyways, its so true of my life. I can look back and remember when I wouldn't say the word Crap, and now its one of my most used words. I also remember when my college pastor told me during my sophomore year that I saw things black and white, no gray area. He was complimenting me. I am afraid now my vision is a little more blurred and I might see gray. For example, I just used to know without a shadow of a doubt that MTV was bad for my spirit, my talk, my walk, everything. It seems however that I have formed an appetite for The Hills though that must be met weekly. I know these are silly examples but I bet if you stop and think about it you can think of things that you have slowly let creep into your life.
I have tons of other examples that I don't wish to publicize but I will tell you of a praise.
I have a real hard time with money. I have hard time tithing like I should. I will be the first one to donate my time, but my money is a whole other story. Thankfully the Lord gave me a husband who isn't phased by it. Adam could give his whole pay check and not flinch..isn't that awesome? I have really been praying that I would be less concerned with money and the Lord constantly reminds me that he takes care of the birds and he will take care of me. So the praise is that lately I have been remembering to bring the checkbook, write the check and put it in the offering plate....doesn't sound like such a huge thing huh? BUT IT IS. I really do want to give God what is His, really I do. It's just one more way that God is working in my life.

2 Cor 9: ⁶ Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. ⁷ Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸ And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

P.S.- what are your thoughts on tithing? Do you think that giving of your time counts as a tithe? I have heard people say that they don't tithe b/c they give time to the church..I've looked at scripture and after the resurrection I think the idea of tithing changed a little.

Veterans Day 11-11-08

Happy Veterans Day...I was listening to the radio as people called in to honor veterans in their lives. Take time today to thank God for those who fought for our freedom!!
My Papa sent me this picture this morning. The second soldier from the left is my younger cousin Chelsea. She is in the drama club at her middle school. Thought I would share.

READ THIS

This is the sermon that my pastor preached yesterday. It provides scriptural evidence of what our country is facing and currently going through. I feel very blessed to be under a pastor who is willing to stand in the pulpit and proclaim these truths.
I was definitely more caught up in the election then I should have been but after hearing this and re-examining my current relationship with the Lord I realized that there is never anything that can take me from his hands. Not government, not a new president, not a bad economy.

Sermon before Election