No more new clothes!

That's right people, I am not going to buy any more new clothes.

In fact, Jordan's on board too. I grew up buying used clothing and for a long time I really resented buying used things, especially clothes. Until I was in high school and got a job I had never even bought anything from the mall! And of course like most unruly teenagers I went off the deep end and bought everything new and from the mall, heck at that time why not? I didn't have any bills

And now, ya know, we could buy all new clothes if we really wanted, but we don't want to! Why? Because used clothes can be just as nice as the new clothes, and literally for a fraction of the price! We buy alot of used clothes now anyways so it won't be a huge change, more of a decision.

Look at this! Recently, I needed some new pants, I looked at some stores like Plato's closet and clothes mentor but I couldn't find anything and everything was more expensive than I was willing to pay. Soo, I went to salvation army. And I got ALL of this for $30. Where else can you do that? I got 2 pairs of pants, a dress, a skirt, a sweatshirt, and 2 shirts. Everything was gently used, most of the items were even from stores I would never even go into because they're out of my price range, and that sweatshirt even had the tag still on it, from J Crew!

I know not everyone is really into the idea of thrifting, but hey, try it out! What do you have to lose? Before you go out, here's some tips:

• Go when you have some time, you don't want to be rushed!
• You have to be willing to search through alot of crap to find the good stuff
• Check out the thrift stores in wealthier neighborhoods, if people have money they give away more expensive stuff and the opposite is true as well if people don't have alot of money they're not going to donate expensive things.
• Many thrift and resale stores have half of days, check 'em out!
• You most likely won't find what you're looking for the 1st time, but look around, and go back! Since everything is donated it changes all the time.
• Don't be afraid to try!

All you thrifters out there, what are some tips of the trade you go by?

Totally Jam packed Crazy Busy

This week has been totally jam packed crazy busy everyday.

I'll start from the end of last week, it seemed like it couldn't be just last week because it seems like a month ago but in fact it is true.

Last Friday we went down to Columbus to help my bro and sis in law move, I actaully love unpacking and arranging so that was good :) It was also really great to spend some time with them.

Then the next night we got to watch our two nephews! They're awesome and adorable and great! Lucky for us Jordan's other brother and sister in law went to a wedding and we got to hang out with the kiddos!

Sunday we really wanted to see his brother lead worship, and check out their church but we just couldn't squeeze it in. Hopefully soon though! We had to drive back home that morning to help a couple move into our house! It was exciting, but some unsureness too

Jordan overall knows the guy better, me and the girl have hung out a few times. But both of us had been praying about this situation and totally felt like God was bringing it on, that he was in control. Also, just like a month prior we almost had a different person move in but then they backed out, so it was perfect timing! As God's timing usually is :)

Then monday though wednesday were filled with getting used to eachother, each of our routines, our habits and and getting to know eachother more! And throw in 3 people working full time, shananigans of the men in the house, Marley our dog being sick, 4 cats rather than 2, me babysitting waay more than I have been and we finally arrive at thursday. Man, only thrusday

Thursday was pretty much the dumbest day I have experianced in a long time. It wasn't anyones fault nor could it be pinpointed to one instance but it wasn't that cool. Here's what was happening. In the morning I was trying to do some last minute preparations for my friends baby shower that's coming up. But before I could begin that I took our dog and another dog that stayed the night outside. My dog didn't listen and ran away. I looked for 20 min. before I had to go in and get ready. I had to take a little girl I babysit to soccer, so i really had to go. Then as I was walking out my dog comes walking up the driveway Soaking wet! So I locked him in the bathroom. And after soccer came to bathe him then leave for the store. My one housemate I think thought I was loosing my marbles when she saw me that morning. Then I had to pick up my friend's 3 year old that I volunteered to watch because her and her hubby have an infant and have had their hands full so they needed some stress free or less stress time! This boy was good, but any 3 year old isn't going o be good for very long in 94 degree humid heat when we need to walk through 2 more stores and there are tons of goodies to touch and cry about because you can't take it home.

Finally we arrive back home, we play, I try to make food. I try to clean, despite my best efforts it looks like a tornado hit the house. We go for a walk, we make it 2 houses down before I get mad it's so hot and the kid tells me were melting! So we go buy him a bathing suit and floaties because it was so dang hot we needed to go swimming. We come back, and on top of the tornado the dumb dog was sick everywhere. Buuh! And all the crayons I had just opened were now in his piles of crap. Before I could even asses the damage I see that the boy had stepped in it, taken it upstairs on the carpet, gotten it on his clothes and all over the bathroom.

haha seriously? what the heck!! I called Jordan and started to cry because it was pretty much just too hot and smelly anywhere to think rationally. I had made a dent in cleaning but I had to go again so Jordan said he'd finish when he got home from work. Then we were off again because I had to babysit the kids I normally watch. Everyone was doing things so it was just the girl. The rest of the night was better, we swam even though I had forgotten the floaties I had bought him! Then we hung out and I drove him home.

It is finally friday!! Yesterday isn't quite comical yet, but today is better!

Our house mates are moving out on Sunday! They are moving in with a family member. I am still processing it,  This whole week and experiences have been learning experiences for all of us, we have gotten to know each other better, and we'll still see each other maybe just not in our PJs. Ultimately I know Gods in control. Only He can see the big picture and that's totally ok with me.

So who knows what next week will be like :) Ha! but it'll be great.
Thanks for listening, You're awesome if you just made it though all that :)

** Revision! Ahaha I was right when I thought there was no way it could only be a week! It has been 2 weeks! This past weekend we had a wedding that we got to help at and enjoy :) But it has been a crazy 2 weeks! 

Clearing away the clutter

Hellloo!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Monday!
Around here, I've been battling off this cold bleh, but we've got some spring cleaning done so that's awesome :)

Also, this week I put my two weeks in at work. Lately, it has been unbearable and I've really been praying about what to do... And what God is promising me is this:

That He will provide

I'm not sure exactly why, but all I do know is that I would be disobedient to stay there any longer. I graduate in two months, school right now is busy, there's lots of awesome and fun church stuff going on right now, there's lots of projects I have lined up at home.

God's clearing up there clutter and business of my life right now.

Things are going to look different with only Jordan working, but I'm pretty busy everyday with school. It's going to be a great time. I'm excited to see what this next season of life will look like for us! This is the first time I won't be working since I was 16, and the first time I'll be only a student since like beginning of high school. And soon it'll be the fist time since I was 5 that I'm not a student and the first time Jordan will know me not in school!

I was feeling unsure of what to do about work for some time, but one night after an (extremely) challenging night at work I typed up my two weeks notice. And the next day driving to work literally all I could do was sing praise. I knew I was following His will. So, I'll keep ya updated, it'll be different but God is the same and He knew all along what was going on, even when I didn't

Tragedy close to home.

This link was shared on Facebook, I cannot believe people are planning to protest this, Below is what is happening right now to protect the family and friends and show unity against the protesters   This is taken from here:    On Monday, February 27, 2012, Chardon, OH was changed forever. Pure evil walked into Chardon High School and took the lives of three students, injured two and forever changed the lives of thousands. On Saturday, March 3, 2012, evil is planning to once again enter the Chardon community. This time in the form of a "religious" organization. The Westboro Baptist Church, located in Topeka, KS, in my opinion, is a hate group. Nothing more, nothing less. The sole purpose of this group is to spread their hate of homosexuality through revolting pickets. They are notorious for picketing military funerals as well. This group believes that God is punishing America because of our acceptance of homosexuality. They firmly believe that 9/11, Katrina and the Gulf Oil spill are all acts of God. Every time an American soldier is killed, this group rejoices. Many of you have asked, "What are they planning to do?" Based on previous pickets, some of there more famous signs include, "God Hates Fags", "Thank God for 9/11", "God: USA's Terrorist", "Thank God for IED's" and many others. I am a firm believer in not saying something, and having it become untrue later. What I can tell you is the facts. The facts are this: 1: The Westboro Baptist Church is celebrating the deaths of Daniel Parmertor, Russell King, Jr. and Demetrius Hewlin. (http://blogs.sparenot.com/) 2: The Westboro Baptist Church has stated they will picket the funeral of the three children taken in the Chardon shooting. Starting with Daniel Parmertor (http://twitter.com/#!/margiejphelps) 3: This group take great joy in every death of an American soldier that is killed. (www.godhatesfags.com) 4: I have been told by multiple people that they have been spotted in the Chardon area. (Hearsay) 5: If they do arrive, they will use horrible and brutal tactics to have their message spread. 6: This group is lead by people that are EXTREMELY INTELLIGENT. They know the law and know how to use the law. Let me make one thing very clear. According the the Bill of Rights and a previous Supreme Court decision, the Westboro Baptist Church has every right to picket this funeral. It does not matter if you agree with their message or not. They are protected by the first amendment to the United States Constitution regarding freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. Guess what? So are we. The past few days has shown the true nature of the Chardon community and its surrounding communities. This tragedy has shown that we are a community that takes pride in looking out for its own. The Parmertor family is no exception. I promise that I will do everything I can to look after the Parmertor family during this horrible time. I am proud to see the countless people who agree with me. WHAT WE'RE GOING TO DO: Protect the Parmertor family from this horrible and disgusting display of hate. HOW WE'RE GOING TO DO IT: 1. PEACEFULLY. This is NOT a protest. This is an assembly. We are not here to show our dislike for the Westboro Baptist Church. We are not here to assault the Westboro Baptist Church. We are not here to voice our opinions on members of the Westboro Baptist Church. We are here to do everything we legally can to help the Parmertor family grieve properly, BURY THEIR SON and not have a horrible day made even worse by a group of extremists. 2. LEGALLY. I can guarantee you that some form of law enforcement will be at this funeral. You will be playing into the Westboro Baptist Church's desires if you assault any member of this organization. A lawsuit is their dream come true. 3. In a perfect world, here is how I imagine Saturday going. The Westboro Baptist Church never show's up. If that happens, our goal is complete. The Parmertor family never had to be subjected to this tasteless display. However, if they do appear, I want us to surround the front of Saint Mary's Church. We link arms, and DO NOT LET THEM PASS. We are silent the whole time. The venom spewing out of their mouths has no effect on use. We stand united as a strong unit with one goal. Keep these people as far away from the Parmertor family as possible. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT: 1. Rain. Bring an umbrella. 2. Expect to be called a homosexual slur over 1,000 times. 3. Spit. Lots of it. 4. Shoving and other physical contact from their part. 5. A strong police presence. 6. Media. (Don't be an asshole) 7. People inciting us to use physical violence. (Stay focused) 8. Tears. Lots of them. 9. The Parmertor family being honored as best as possible. Count on that. According to Twitter, they are planning to arrive at 9am. Assume that means 8am. See you there at 7am. Wear black. Its a funeral after all. Also, try to find other parking than in the church parking lot. Let's try to leave these spots to family and friends of Danny. And above all else, remember why we're there. Not to express our feelings of this senseless group, but to protect the Parmertor family. There's a time and a place for everything. Right now it is time to look after one of our own. God Bless. ************************************************************** This will be the last thing I post on this page for a while. First of all, I can not thank everyone for their support through this whole ordeal enough. The love and support you all have shown is a testament to the true nature of people in this community. I cannot stress this enough. WE ARE NOT HERE TO PROTEST THE WBC. We are here for the family. Do not, under any circumstances, touch them. If the assault you, allow law enforcement to do their job. There will be plenty of them there. Also, don't be an idiot. If you are a CCW holder, leave your weapon at home. I'm gonna keep this short. I NEED to go to sleep soon. We will be meeting at the high school near the road that passes the football field at 6:45 am. At this time, we will go over the basics to have everyone on the same page. Communication is crucial. At approximately 7:15am, we will line up 5 to a row, arm in arm, and march down to the front of St. Mary's church as one unit in an undeniable sign of unity. If you cannot make it at this time, meet us at the church. Wear black, dress accordingly and be prepared to see and hear things that will shake you to your very core. We are member's of the proudest community on Earth. Together, we will rise to the occasion and defeat this evil. Pray for rain. See you in the AM. God Bless Chardon. The best thing we can do is pray. Join me in prayer when you read this, wherever you are whatever you're doing.  We need to intercede for this family and community. Lord, we cannot do this without you. I pray that the Chardon families feel your peace, that they know everyday the powerful peace and tranquility only You can provide during a tragedy like this. God, I pray for the walls formed around the Westburo Baptist Church members be torn down that they allow you into their hearts and spirit, Lord. I pray for the families not to even see any protesters today, that they see only the unity that this tragedy has brought. The families and the mourning students, teachers, community,that each of these people confirm in their hearts that You are the God of Gods and the Lord of Lords, the God of hope, the God of love, the God of peace and safety, not a God a hate, not a God towards hurting others. God you are so powerful. You know exactly what each of these people are feeling, we cannot do this without you. Lord, I pray for a protective barrier around each of the people that are in the human barrier. I pray circles around each person of WBC that their walls of hate come down just like the walls of Jericho, Lord. That these people are won over by You, not for evil. God I pray protection, and safety, and hope for all the people at the funeral today. I pray all these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

What's happenin'?

Hello! I haven't blogged in quite some time, honestly I'm on everyday, checkin to see if anyone else has had anything to say...but I've felt like whats going on here isn't that interested or worth documenting except  for a few things I suppose

With school and work its been difficult just holing myself afloat that I couldn't add on one more thing to think about. I am happy to say I am finally wrapping up practicum I. I'm sure you don't really know what this involves,maybe I'll touch on it later. It has been a long road, and I still have a little ways to go but the light is coming, its faint, but it there! Weeks have been long and tiring from school and practicum hours to working waay more than I usually do I'm glad I have a little bit of a lull

I have been wrestling with the idea of quitting my job, I make good money there, its conveniant having cash everyday I work rather than waiting for a paycheck, but it's totally draining, I feel like more and more I litterlly dread going to work, I come home and I just completely can't deal with it, maybe I'm missing or taking the good ones for granted , but like all the people it seams like are mean, and not really worth my time. I come home crying to Jordan so much and That's not me! But what could I do to supplement my income? Jordan works, and we'd make it work with just one income if I do quit. It would be a huge change though. For now I cut my days at work in half. Hopefully that releases some tension I'v been feeling and I'll have the breathing room I so need.

What else has been up? Ohh one Wednesday at like 8:30 I decided and finally convinced Jordan that the carpet in the Kitchen had to go! We had a great time :) and I really love the outcome

 So this is where we started.. Carpeting, beige and pink walls, border...

 Even Dumbledore was doubting us at this point. Under the carpet we found a nasty layer of adhesive tiles, Luckily they've been there for so long they weren't hard to tear up


Here you can see the carpet better, and the
pepto bismol pink we were working with



 Under the tile was a black layer that was totally workable. We decided on painting the concrete rather than putting different flooring down




 

 And we came out smiling! With a new coat a paint and new painted concrete floors...yea!

A January to remember

Hello Blogger friends!

     Signing on to do some updates and take a much needed break from adult responsibilities like keeping the house clean, taking care of all our pets, and keeping our vehicles safe to drive! Being a grown up is hard work!

Also, why do they call it "Settling down" when everything just gets more hectic and crazy than ever?! I didn't see the warning signs......

All kidding aside I absolutely love the life that I have and wouldn't want it any other way. 

     Since I posted last lots of things have happened. If you read Michelle's previous post you know that we went to visit the natural history museum. It was pretty cool and there were so many things to see. For me it was kind of like sensory overload a little bit, and if you've spent any amount of time with me you know I don't have the longest attention span. Also it was hard for me to really get into because pretty much everything there was explained as evolution. Look at this rock its 9.6 TRILLION YEARS OLD!!!!! I'm sorry but you don't know that the world is even as old as some of the stuff they are claiming. All in all it was a fun experience. 

    We spur of the moment decided to give our guest room a makeover. Michelle has been in need of a craft space and that room leaves plenty of room for activities and imaginations to run wild :) 

Marley was a big help

    

We tore up the carpet, painted the walls, and put up some swanky looking shelves...

Marley was really happy with the finished product. I'll post a picture of it sometime. (Probly not)

On monday we went to "snowdays" at Jacob's Field (I know thats technically not it's name, but you're not a true clevelander if you call it "The P"). 

It was really really fun......If I was five. (: I'm kidding. We went with our good friends Phil and Katie and it was fun doing something new and spending time with friends. They had a tubing hill about the size of your average sledding hill, but there were chutes that you stayed in like a toboggan and you weren't allowed to even spin around or anything. So that was kinda boring. Then they had "The frozen mile" which was an ice skating circle path that was pretty fun. And that's pretty much it! It would be fun to take our kids to someday.   






















Just yesterday we decided to go on a spur of the moment adventure to Columbus to visit The Scheutzow Ranch!!! We had a great time hanging out with family and seeing my nephew, he's my favorite little dude. The drive down was horrendous and a semi truck jackknifed on the highway and was blocking both lanes. It was totally worth it though. We don't need expensive, well thought out trips. As long as we're together, exploring God's great earth. We drove back this afternoon and took a nap :) Ahhh the simple things in life. 

The result of a fun couple of days

  












Until next time, let the Lord bless you and surround you in all things.

Something to think about before you go out to eat again...

I work at a restaurant, I serve tables, and most of the time people are generally not very nice to servers. 

I say most of the time because honestly there are really nice people who come into where I work, and I also say not very nice by this I also mean down right mean and awful.

Before I worked in a restaurant, I was nice to people but things I didn't know were like how a restaurant is run?, how much does a server make? when my food takes forever, or I have a problem, etc whose fault is that? Should I complain?

And now that I work in a restaurant, granted I'm not like some of the 20+ year veterans, I know some of the ins and outs. I even think to myself, I thought this was common sense!? When maybe it's really not, I had a close friend ask me about it. And so I figured no question is dumb, and if one person asks how many people are out there that just don't ever ask, therefore they never know...

• When you go out to eat be nice to your server! Treat them like a real person! Ask them how there day was, or was it busy that day? Christians, I know you're going to pray before the meal, ask your server what you can pray for them about! By doing that you are possibly opening the door for more conversations, you can be laying a seed.

• Servers in general make minimum wage for a tipped employee, do you wanna know how much that is? Right now that mean $3.70 and hour. And that means that on our paycheck, most or all of that money is taken for taxes. For real, my paychecks every two weeks are most often $0.00

• So where the heck do they get money from? So unlike many working people who get their money from their paycheck every two weeks Server depend on TIPS, that means how much money you give them. We rely solely on other people(not our boss or company) for our income.

• What should you take into consideration when deciding on the tip? First, the cost of your bill. You should try to at least give 18% but really 20% of the total cost. How long have you been at the restaurant? Because if you've been here talking to you girl friend for the past 4 hours, you seriously need to think about that. how many other tables could I have had in that time? You should give the person more, or maybe think about going to Starbucks to sit and chat.And even if you're out with friends and you didn't get anything but water, or you checks only 1.99  leave a few bucks. My rule of thumb is if I can't tip $5 then I shouldn't be going out to eat. And how did the server do? When your drink was full did they ask if you needed a refill or how busy were they? Were they running their butt off? Just think about it, I'm not trying to say all servers are perfect or to guilt you into tipping above and beyond. But from my experience people don't really think about these things

• What if your food is taking along time? Honestly that most likely not your servers fault! They're not a cook! Ask to speak to a manager if its bad, or ask your server about it. They are most likely aware of what is going on, probably more than the manager on duty. Most places will comp your meal if you complain, or maybe give you free dessert or appetizer. 

• If you have an awesome server, by all means tell the manager! Or how about maybe the whole experience was great, go to the website and leave some feedback! Do you know that most of the feedback we get is negative? Or maybe your didn't like the food, and your server forgot about you(hopefully this never happens!) Don't leave angry, ask to talk with a manager right then, if you leave then go on our website and complain and send it to corporate. That's really not helping anyone, you should really address the problem where and when it happened. 

• Treat your server with respect, we are all human. We all have bad days, the kitchen can screw up, most likely we'll have other people yelling at us, we can't read your mind. Just be nice, that will be more than enough!

Now, just take these as reference! If something is really wrong, by all means say something but if you sat for a minute without your diet coke is it really the end of the world? Just be understanding. Most of all be nice, talk to them like they're your friend or neighbor or cousin. And remember we really depend on you to pay our bills, and to buy groceries, don't leave a crappy tip period...

Daniel Fast

Over the past few weeks, we have slowly began preparing to do a Daniel Fast for three weeks in January. I have really debated on whether or not I wanted to write about it on here. A fast is something intimate between you and God a time you are cleansing your body of worldly wants and praying. When it came down to it I started this blog to hold myself more accountable, because if I write it down for me it seems more real than if I just think it, also for something I can look back on and remember what we were doing or how we felt. This blog, though others can read it is mostly for me and I want to be real, this is something that I will be doing and I wouldn't be genuine if I left it out.
 So what is a Daniel Fast and why are we doing it?

"Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink"    Daniel 1:12

"At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks, I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over." Daniel 10:2-3

During this fast us, and everyone in our church will be eating fruits (which would have been called vegetables during that time) and vegetables and drinking water. We won't be eating any added sugars, caffeine, meats, bread or pastas etc.

Fasting really is not about the rules you follow it's about prayer and seeking after God and his Kingdom. Prayer is the key to fasting. We are fasting as a covenant commitment to God.

"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:

to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke,

to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?

Is it not to share your food with the hungry

And to provide the poor wanderer with shelter-

when you see the naked, to clothe him,

and not turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Then you light with break forth like the dawn,

and your healing will quickly appear; then the righteousness will go before you, 

and the glory of the Lord your rear guard.

Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;

you will cry for help, and he will say:

Here am I...

The Lord will guide you always;

he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land  

and will strengthen your frame.

You will be like a well watered garden, 

like a spring whose water never fail.

Isaiah 58: 6-11

I love that, you will call and He will answer. You will cry for help and He is there! Thanks God.

So, we started fasting on sunday, and truthfully I really love doing this every year, it's something I really forward to. But I was feeling really anxious about Monday morning, waking up again at 5:30, after not having to wake up that early for two weeks and not having any caffeine. 

It's Tuesday, and I had a little headache yesterday but I feel good. God is great, and showing me how to be patient. Also how to be fully reliant on Him, everything should be for His glory. 

So far, because of money and time I haven't really made any new recipes. I have been eating lots of apples, grapes, strawberries and other fruits. Then for dinner/lunch I've had potatoes with carrots, mushrooms, onions and garlic. I love potatoes, I could probably eat them everyday. A struggle for me so far has been one, work because I see alot of delicious food that I'm not eating, but I need to remind myself why am I fasting? Why am I not eating those foods. and also, being at practicum I'm not in a restaurant setting but there are always goodies up for grabs there. And every friday we eat at a little restaurant there and so I haven't really come to a decision of what I'm going to do Friday. Is it rude to bring my own food? Should I just have a salad? I'm not sure, I'm still working through it.