Day 28-30 The END of the 30 Day Photo Challenge

When I started this 30 Day Photo Challenge I thought I would have no problem with posting everyday.  Well, then life happened.  But the end is here....

Day 28~Something you're afraid of
I am an axiety ridden freak so when I have to narrow it down to one thing I find it hard.  I'm afraid of many things:

• someone stealing my kids
• a freak drive by
• being car jacked (keep in mind I live in a town of less than 5,000 people so this highly rare)
• terrorist attack
• roaches
• fire ants ( my 4 year oldis allergic, so this understandable)
• my kids falling prey to peer pressure
• cancer...of any kind.....
• something horrible happening to my kids
• losing my husband in some crazy refinery explosion

okay, stop picturing me in a straight jacket....I told you I was nuts...so one thing worthy of a picture


Day 29~something that makes you smile
I love to smile, I love to laugh so there's a million pictures I could post.

Who says Texans aren't sophisticated?  Griffin hanging like a monkey on the homemade zip line the kids concocted this weekend.

Day 30~someone you miss

I miss all of my family!!  When we cross that state line I feel at peace.  Home. 

Day 27...30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 27~ a picture of you a family member...once again, pretty repetitive. 

This was from our recent vacation to San Antonio....such.a.good.time.

Day 23-26....30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 23~favorite book
I read this book years ago and really fell in love with it.  It is a wonderful read with intricate characters, most of whom are strong women.  This book still sits on a shelf in my home and I have recommended to many people.


Day 24~ something you wish you could change
being so far apart from part of my family, my grandfather, aunts, uncles, cousins...all live in Alabama, a 12 hour drive from my house in Texas.  I miss them so much.

This was last July...we had a blast!

Day 25~my day

My day so far would be a picture of my coffee and my 4 year old's uneaten cereal on the table.  But tonight, my step mom and I are taking my daughter and a friend to the rodeo.  For all of you who are NOT in Texas....Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo rocks!!!  We go every year, thanks to my dad and step-mom and their spectacular tickets they give us each year.  These are great seats...50 yard line and very close. 
I am by no means a country girl....the only pair of boots I own are the ones I wear with skinny jeans....and they are by no means "cowgirl boots".  But I love it when it is rodeo time!  You will not see me slipping on a short denim skirt, boots and a tied button up shirt (thank God)...that is what 90% of the girls wear there....but you will see me with my t-shirt of choice, a comfy pair of jeans and probably my Chucks on heading out to watch the whole shebang.  I like all of it....from the barrel racing to the bull riding and especially the concerts.  I have been lucky enough to see some amazing performers in my years as a Texan.  Garth Brooks, Reba, Brad Paisley, Black Eyed Peas, Maroon 5.....tonight is Miranda Lambert.  Tomorrow, my hubby and T are heading to Zac Brown Band and on Sunday my little cowboy is going to his absolute favorite....Jason Aldean.  G can sing Big, Green Tractor verbatim so I can't wait for that.  I'll dig up a pic of the rodeo from last year or the year before now.....

This is my niece and daughter headed out to Justin Bieber last year at the Rodeo. Good times!

Day 26~something that means a lot to you
some of these are starting to feel a bit repetitive.....of course, my family means a lot to me....so let me think of something that hasn't been mentioned yet....

This is the view from my aunt and uncle's lake house on Compass Lake in Florida.  I have so many memories there from when I was a kid and this past summer, we went as a family and created some more memories.  We only stayed for the day.  This summer I hope to go again and spend a few days.  I would love for my kiddos to have the same love for the lake house as I do. 

Another Catch-Up Day?!

Another day of catch ups for me.....we had an awesome vacation and we are now back! Back to reality, back to laundry, back to the tweenager of the house having some sort of weird attitude problem.  YAY! (Times like these call for that sarcasm font I've been wanting)

So.....I am not going to give up on this challenge! I linked up with Scrap of Life for this...and I am sticking to it. :)

Day 19~ a picture from when I was little......(that's me...the little one in the braids and the smug smile)


Day 20~a place I would like to travel someday
Since, I've already made it clear that I would love to go to Cambodia on a mission trip I will put my other choice.....okay, maybe a few choices. 
  Italy....some day, some day
  Ireland......
  And Greece, of course

Day 21~ a picture of something you wish you could forget
hmmmm, this one is tough.  I thought about putting my 7th grade yearbook picture because lord knows that was a tough year...but I also met some of my closest friends that year...so i guess flat chested, zit having Liz will have to suffer and still remember.  I even thought about 8th grade summer...the year my parents got divorced, that was pretty memorable in a not so fun way but....sheesh, get over it already.  So.....let's just not forget any of it.  Yes, I would like to forget some moments in time but too many other memories are attached to those.  Sorry if that's cheating. :)

Day 22~a picture of something you wish you were better at
THIS one is much easier.....
   cleaning.....not something I love to do.  Laundry....I'll wash, dry and fold all day. Vacuuming...no biggie.  But scrubbing the floors and bathrooms, dusting?  No thanks.  I put it off as long as possible.  I hate doing it.  I honestly wish I was one of those women who enjoys cleaning...yes, they exist, I have met them. 
  Listening....I try to listen and I know I accomplish it more times than not but with my attention span >SHINY!< it makes it hard sometimes.  
  Better at doing my own hair.....I have long hair with some wave to it...I rarely blow dry it and I've never flat ironed my own hair.  I would love to be able to make it look luxurious and shiny rather than a ponytail or all frizzed out.

Catch up Day! We had a Birthday weekend plus a charity garage sale so I missed a few days

30 Day Photo Challenge~and I am WAAAAY behind!  Thank you again to Scraps of Life for hosting the challenge.

Day 12~Something you love

enough said.....

Day 13~favorite band or group

even though I was born in 1980....I was born to hippie parents.  I wear the hippie child badge proudly and have always LOVED the Beatles.  My favorite Beatle? George, of course. Who is yours?
Day 14~Someone you could not live without


Sweet Rhys



My little cowboy, Griff



The Birthday boy, Tyler, opening up his Birthday present, a phone.

Day 15~Something you want to do before you die


This is a picture of some beautiful children from the Hope for Cambodia orphanage.  My youth group and I did a book drive so they could have their very own books to help them learn English.  We have friends who go there frequently and a friend over there living for a year.  I would love to do a mission trip one day and it would be to Cambodia.

 Day 16~ someone who inspires you


This is my grandmother, whom I called Mamadot.  She passed away in 2004 but still inspires me daily.  She is my role model for many things but she showed me how to be a Christian woman....and also a Southern one.

Day 17~something or someone that has made a huge impact in my life


This book was like a big slap in the face.  It changed me forever.  I don't say this lightly. 

Day 18~a picture of your biggest insecurity
I've been deep enough so I'll just let you know a superficial one.....I was a thumb sucker for 6 years, I had braces but didn't wear a retainer.  No one else seems to notice but I don't like my teeth.  Which is the reason why I won't put my own teeth...so here's a pic of some one's perfect smile.


Now I am off to a secret weekend getaway....I know what you're thinking but no...the kids are coming.  That's who it is a secret from . :)

Day 11....

Day 11....a picture of something you hate

I HATE that people all over the country and beyond are living like this.  This is not a photo taken off of Bing images or photo shopped in any way.  This is some one's home.This is specifically the outside of the home, behind the gray is their kitchen.  In this house, lives 7 people.  2 grandparents, 2 parents, and 3 beautiful little girls.  We met this family in October when my Bible study group and myself decided to make a move outside of our box after reading the amazing book, Radical.  We visited the church in the neighborhood, which helps out everyone within the neighborhood. 

The moment you drive onto the road, you realize that this place has been forgotten.  I have always longed to do mission work over seas in some 3rd world country that I could really make a difference in.  Lo and behold, there was a miniature version of a 3rd world country sitting 30 minutes from my house. 

These people were not expecting us...we rather boldly walked up to their doors and inside their houses asking if anyone needed help.  We might not be able to provide much money but we could help them in many other ways.  Nancy, the grandmother in this home, was the only one home when my small group of 3 came to her "door".  I use this term lightly because there is no door, just a door frame. 

God brought us to that home, that I was for sure was abandoned.  He gave us opportunity to listen to Nancy's story and start a relationship with her from the get go.  This was October this past year, and in Texas that is still super hot weather.  They had no air conditioning but in one room by a rickety window unit.  Their home looked like it had been literally turned inside out.  I have been blessed to get to know this entire family and their needs and also watch as their belief in God becomes more apparent.  Just last week, Nancy's daughter and I were having a discussion via text and she ended with God Bless!!

We all have been working very hard to find them a more suitable home.  One where they can open and close a front door, sit at a table for breakfast or even do homework.  Where they can invite friends over for the girls to play with and be proud of their home.  We have raised money only by the grace of God and by the amazing generosity of people we all know.  This family has been given food and water when they needed it, they have been gifted a microwave, window units, portable heaters, electric blankets....all because of the amazing compassion that this community can give.  They were even blessed with a Christmas, complete with wrapped presents and a little tree with all the trimmings. 

I am taking this moment to show something I hate but to also show how YOU can change the things you hate.  We have many fundraisers in the works, even a garage sale this weekend with every bit of the proceeds going to this family. 

God bless those that are willing to take a little bit of time to PRAY, give, serve, help, hug, and hold hands with the people that others may have forgotten.

Day 10

Day 10 of the 30 Day Photo Challenge! 
This has been really fun so far and I've enjoyed having something specific to post about each day.  I've noticed it's kept the creative juices flowing and I've written more.
Day 10 is a picture of the person you do the most messed up things with.
Well.....since I am not in high school anymore I don't really do a whole lot of "messed up" things.  But I do have some major cohorts in the wild and crazy arena.  Those accomplices would be my kids! 
Since the big kids are in school all week and Mr. G is just in school 2 days a week...he is the person I always seem to be the craziest around.  Probably because he still finds me wildly funny and endearing no matter what I do.

Here is Griffin playing statue on Christmas Eve.  I think this is the most serious picture I have of him!  He makes a funny face every single time I take a camera out.  My pride and joy.

I linked up with Scraps of Life for this challenge. :)

Day 9

Day 9 in the 30 Day Challenge is a picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.

This guy has ultimately gotten me through the absolute most in my life.  At times, I have probably not acted like it, but he has my best interests at heart at all times.  This guy has loved me since I was 17 years old.  This July, it will be 13 years of marriage.   

Day 8...a picture that makes you laugh

30 Day Challenge is still going strong.  Day 8 is a picture that makes you laugh.

We are at one of our favorite pizza places here and that cool 'stache he has is from one of those bubble gum machines.  Everytime I see this I laugh!  He looks like the country singer, Alan Jackson.

Day 6 and 7 in the 30 Day Photo Challenge

Don't judge....I fell behind again. 
After linking up with Susie QT Pie's Scraps of Life I thought it would be no biggie...one post a day.  So, then life happened and knocked me back to reality. 
Day 6 is a photo of the person you would love to trade places with for a day:


Day 7 is a picture of your most treasured item....this was hard because I don't really have a treasured item.  Out of my "things" I hold close my photo albums, the jewelry I inherited from my grandmother because it all reminds me of her, my kids' baby blankets that my grandmother made, my books.
But most off I don't treasure things, I treasure my memories, my family and my faith.  Here is my most treasured ITEM in my home:


This Bible has helped me grasp the meaning of His word. It has been highlighted, underlined and stuffed with notes.  I love it.

Day 5 of the 30 day Photo Challenge

I didn't do my Day 5 yesterday! Oops! So I will have Day 5 this morning and Day 6 tonight....hopefully.
Day 5 of the Photo Challenge is a picture of my best memory:

This pretty much sums it up!  The births of all three of my children and the day I married the man I was meant to be with for the rest of my life. Might seem a little cliche but so very true.

I am linked up with Susie QT Pie's Scraps of Life for this challenge.

Day 3 of the Photo Challenge!

Day 3 of the photo challenge asks for a picture of the cast from my favorite show.  For most people this would be super easy.  I, on the other hand, find this so freakin' hard! I am a TV addict.  I don't sit and watch TV all day but I do DVR like a thousand shows.  I'm not sure if I would allow just anyone to skim through my DVR listings.  Who wants to be judged by what they watch??? Honestly, I don't watch anything too bad....Jersey Shore, Teen Mom, Real Housewives Atlanta and New York.   Only History Channel, I swear.
So, my dilemma?  Which decade do I want to choose my favorite show from?  Put a smile on every girl from the 80's face with Rainbow Brite?  Take everyone back to the days of 5 lb cell phones and Zack Morris with Saved by the Bell?
I will keep it recent and go with one of my faves that is NOT a reality show.  Sorry, Top Chef.  The winner is....Modern Family.  I see myself in this family and that is a good thing. What's your favorite show? 

 I heart Cam and Phil.

Day 2 of the 30 Day Photo Challenge

I am really digging this challenge thing.  It is forcing me to post every day even though I'm super tired....and watching Parenthood.  So, thank you to Scraps of Life for the idea.  Okay, so Day 2 of the challenge is to post a picture of the person you've been the closest with the longest.  Obviously, this doesn't mean my parents.  I am going to go with the next person in line though....my sister, Kayce.  My sister and I are 4 1/2 years apart...I'm the youngest, by the way.  As we grew up we were not the greatest friends.  I was the annoying little sister and she played the part, beautifully I must say, of the brooding teenager with a chip on her shoulder.
I wore side ponytails and Hypercolor t-shirts.  She wore black eyeliner and had asymmetrical hair.  We were on different planets.  When she was gone, I would sneak into her room with my friends and ogle the writing on her wall that she was allowed to have.  I never let her know that her coolness radiated through my neon, teeny bopper shell.....but when I knew she was coming to my school for PALS or Junior Achievement, I was pumped.  I loved that kids stared at her with  wide eyes.  She was what we all used to call a "new waver".
When my sister graduated and moved out, our relationship started to change.  That same motorcycle jacket wearing-eyeliner sporting-red lipstick before Gwen Stefani-cool sister is now a super successful business woman.  She is married and happy and still as cool as ever but sans the chains and bike jacket. 

30 Day Photo Challenge! I think I can, I think I can....

I stumbled across a wonderful challenge tonight on Susie QT Pies Scraps of Life, it is a 30 Day Photo Challenge.  Each day I post a picture of the challenge that is presented and if needed, the story to go with it. 
I just love this type of looking inward thinking!  I am not sure how many other people will appreciate this 30 Day Photo Challenge and what I have to offer it, but I am stoked about it.  Day 1 has the challenge of taking a picture of myself...and a list of 15 facts about myself.  Seems simple enough but we'll see how it goes.  Tomorrow will be a picture of me and the person I have been closest with the longest. 
I challenge anyone else to take this on, blogger or not.  Facebook it, Tweet it, email it.... :)
So...here goes:


This picture is from a Girl's Night Out a few months ago. One of my oldest friends is sitting beside me but I wasn't sure if she would want to be showcased on my blog. ;) According to the challenge, I need to list 15 facts....I'm assuming about myself.

1. I am a Christian.
2. My husband and I will be married 13 years this July....but we only dated 3 MONTHS before we were married.
3. I am a weirdly obsessive person when it comes to my grocery cart.
4. My children are wild, crazy, rambunctious, and so stinkin' original that they make my heart hurt.
5. My favorite scripture is Psalm 46:10......"Be Still and know" should be tattooed somewhere on my body...and it might be at some point.
6. I am a pop culture whiz!  Especially at 80's and 90's TV.
7. My feet are always cold.
8. I have a mental block when it comes to makeup or hairstyling techniques.  Burt's Bees is my friend.
9. I am a recycling junkie....there will be 2 bins at my curb every week..and they're probably full
10. I have a really loud laugh. Really. Loud.
11. I refuse to ever do Botox....I've earned these stripes, baby.
12. I want to be organized....but I am not.
13. Music, random dancing and weird accents are things that you are likely to hear and see when you walk in my door unexpectedly.
14. Tad bit obsessed with plaid.
15. I am happy with my life. My family. My friends. Right now...at this point in my life, I am peacefully happy.