This n' That...

Blog on hold...we are moving!

2010-06-22T09:44:00.000-05:00

During the next couple months, I am directing my attention to my household. I have many tasks at hand these days, getting ready for our move! WE ARE MOVING! Which means...cleaning stuff up, organizing, purdging, packing, unpacking, garage sales, and of course; the everyday normal life stuff!

I'll give another go at this in a few months when things get back to "normal".

Hugs and Kisses!

MY BABY...BIG BOY is turning 7 today! (RE-DO)

2010-05-28T08:23:00.001-05:00

To MY "Salamander"/MY "Mustard", MY BABY BOY...not any more mom!:

You son, to me personally are the most wonderful-amazing-beautiful creation inside and out! I could never say in words how much I adore you and who you have become in these 7 short years! And who I know you WILL become! You are smart, actually BRILLIANT would be a better choice!

You are comedian-funny!

Your a good friend.

People are drawn to you! You have a magnetic personality (like your mama)!

You are talented in so many ways!

Your can carry a tune and are a great singer!
Whatever sport you pick, you do your best!

You are stubborn & bull headed (like your dad), and SOOOOO caring and loving all at the same time.

You are and AWESOME big brother!

Your sweetness consumes you!

YOU ARE TRULY SPECIAL -- One in a TRILLION BILLION MILLION!!!! Your smile, makes me smile! You make my world a better place and I know you do the same for everyone that knows and loves you!

I LOVE YOU Wy J Lowry!!!...TO THE MOON AND THE STARS AND ALLLLLLLL THE PLANETS...and beyond and beyond and beyond and beyond and beyond and BEYOND!!!!!!! I look forward to watching you grow and grow and grow and continue to become the little-big person you are becoming! I will never forget the minute you came in to our lives! I am so very proud of you and feel so blessed that God gave you life and made me your mama!!!

Hugs and Kisses!
Mommy!

It isn't my way...it's HIS!

2010-05-27T10:00:00.000-05:00

Proverbs 3:5-6:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart.
Lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways, acknowledge Him
and He will direct your path."

I struggle so much with "letting go" in my life. In more ways than one.

TODAY...I am trying more than ever to surrender...and then again tomorrow, I will continue trying...

Temporary set back...It's called Life

2010-05-22T10:11:00.000-05:00

K, so I haven't been good at this blogging thing.

Just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day, or I can't stay awake past 9:00 pm is probably the better explanation!

I will be back in the swing of things hopefully soon...when things settle down with the new job...sports...end of school...birthday parties...household PURGING...garage sales...and MORE LIFE CHANGING DECISIONS BEING MADE!

More to follow soon...I promise.

So for now, I love you all and I'll be in touch soon.

A BLOG GIVEAWAY - Vintage Pearl and Take A Bow!

2010-04-21T18:26:00.000-05:00

I found her on Ebay...which lead to stalking her blog (for like two years now.) She started as an amazing seamstress...leading into her passion for photography!

This talented lady I am speaking about is JENN COOPER!
She is now a full time, highly motivated and very popular LOCAL Kansas City Area photographer!(mega eye candy on her blog!). Also a mom of 3...soon to be mom of 4 as they have decided to adopt and are trying to raise money to adopt a child from Ethiopia! Getting her back in to the sewing business on ETSY.

Her Etsy shop, Take a Bow creations, is FULL if gorgeous goodies that she makes and all of the proceeds go toward bringing their baby home.

Jenn has generously offered a $15 gift certificate to her Etsy shop to a lucky winner!

Take a peek at some of her amazing creations. I covet both her talents...sewing and the photography! Totally worth checking out!...NOW GO TAKE A PEEK and BUY SOMETHING!

Please go check out Jenn's shop and then go visit THE VINTAGE PEARL BLOG . To be entered, leave a comment on Erin's Blog, letting her know what your favorite thing is!

Blog it and tweet it for extra entries!

New Direction = EXCITEMENT!

2010-04-09T14:40:00.002-05:00

WyoTech!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THAT ONE WORD = A NEW DIRECTION for The Lowry Family! And welcomed whole-heartedly!!! Thank you Jesus!!
Anyone who knows us (and actually reads this), knows that we have been in a financial struggle for several years now. From the start of when Lance went to work for the Railroad until present, things have seemed to be an uphill battle financially. ...and the "rest" naturally follows!

He has always done what he needs to do, to WORK. Everything he sets out to do...job related, he puts his all into it. He's a natural sales person and very good at what he does. He adapts to pretty much any situation.

From This n' That...

A few years ago Lance decided to get out the Kitchen and Bath Cabinet business..and try something else that had better benefits and heavier paycheck (eventually). The thought of more money and great retirement benefits, he chose to work for the railroad. That was short visited... Working for the railroad didn't work out...they chose to let him go for "failing to pass a color blind analysis test". Lance then got back into Kitchen and Bath Cabinet Sales. Started working on his own, freelancing his service. It seemed at that time, a very good opportunity and it was rather successful for a short period. About a year, it was GREAT; but we were still playing catch up from the year before! And then...the market fell and all heck broke loose on my husband's job situation. We've been through 3 cabinet companies in less than two years! All full commission...and in a very POOR world! He - WE have finally decided to call it quits in THAT WORLD!!

From This n' That...

He gave it his all, doing all he could to stay with it. He was doing what he knew and quite honestly what he was really good at and what he ENJOYED doing! Lance has always done what ever he had to do to provide for our family. But to do so, it meant having to juggling 3, sometimes 4 jobs at a time. All so we could barely "get by" and sometimes not even that. On top of his full time sales job, there is the officiating basketball, softball, baseball and then there is the mowing! All equals a very tired husband/daddy and quite honestly a very "missing in action" one.

From This n' That...

SO TODAY...RIGHT NOW...All I can think about is....MY HUSBAND GOT THE JOB!!!! It all started with a comment we both made on Facebook:
"(Husband) Looking for employment, let me know if you know anything or anyone hiring"!

A few weeks went by...nothing. And then a friend of ours, emailed Lance that one of her friends posted a job opportunity and if he'd be interested. From there..Sheryl recommended Lance to the girl that did the post and that girl referred Lance to who he will now call his boss! In less than a week...through a referral from Facebook, Lance was set up to do an interview with her and the girl sales rep that he will be replacing. The interview was held here at the Marriott by the airport.

It was a rather...what I call extensive interview process. He was suppose to give a demonstration during the interview and that he forgot about until the day of...so he winged it. Gave a demonstration on "Teaching a child to hit off a Batting Tee"! Obviously, something my husband knows like the back of his hand and apparently very good at...because he "knocked their socks off" so to speak. Definitely WON them over. I'm not completely sure how many interviewed but from what they said to him...he blew them away and they were very impressed with his presentation and how high his confidence level and ability to speak in front of a group was. YEAH LANCE! I always told you, you sell yourself short! I knew you could do it! ;)

From This n' That...

WyoTech is what Lance calls the "Ivy League of the Automotive World"! He now has a HUGE opportunity Recruiting Kids to, what we have been told is the #1 Automotive College in the US. Apparently it's one you will hear about on those car shows they have on T.V.!...or so I've been told...I don't watch those said car shows! Guess I might now. Momma has a lot to learn.

From This n' That...

Here is what I do know...There are 5 Locations:

Blairsville, PA,
Daytona Beach, FL,
Laramie, WY,
Long Beach, CA
& Sacramento, CA

BASE is in California. I think the Home Office is in Santa Ana...or maybe it's in Tempe, AZ? Tempe is where the New Hire packet was UPS'd to us from. Funny story: The new hire packet came BEFORE he was told he had the job! They were suppose to wait until his background check was done! ha-ha. Anyway, I obviously, haven't researched all this enough to have it all figured out. But the SVP of HR is in California. He was suppose to have a phone interview with him last night but the lady (his boss) called Lance around 9 pm and said it wasn't necessary..."if she liked him...it was a go! and he got the job!"

He officially starts the 19th, ironically enough that is our 7 year Wedding Anniversary! The first week is a WEB based Training. He will get BASE + commission (eventually). He will be given a laptop computer, a phone and car allowance! The commission happens slowly as he is paid on that as the "students graduate". The course for the students is I think...19 months. His territory is Northern Missouri...I don't really know the specifics on that either. His boss is close to the Colorado border....again, not real sure the specifics. :) He will be based out of our HOME (oh joy) and that in itself will be an adjustment *hmm-umm, clearing throat*! There is always WiFi at Starbucks, Borders and Panera! HA-HA-HA-HA-HA. ANYONE THAT KNOWS LANCE...KNOWS he would NOT be caught dead in a Starbucks!...or probably Borders for that matter. Now, Panera...they have food, so probably that might work. :) We'll have to figure all this out and maybe come up with a way to make an office out of the basement...SOONER than later!

From This n' That...

The second week, he will have a week training in California. Then a week training in Wyoming. THAT...STINKY POO's for ME...but I'll HAVE to overcome that, right?...afterall our life is going to be on a way better path! I have to admit I'm a little "jealous" since we haven't had a vacation since we first started dating, which was in CA, 12 years ago...and quite honestly...the thought of him enjoying a little "off" time without me, without us...in CALIFORNIA...sucks bad - in my head. Even though I know better and it's not really a "vacation"...but those feelings are there!

From This n' That...

Afterall, I'll be here doing what I always do, PLUS SOME MORE! The car pooling to and from school, ball practices and baseball games! The kid raising, laundry doing, ebay listing, house picking up, washing the dishes, yard mowing, bath giving, bed making, phone answering, dog letting out and normal everyday stuff. None of that stops for me. With that said...*SMILE*...I AM EXCITED beyond words for what my husband has accomplished by getting this job and PROUD PROUD PROUD of him with all my heart and being! And I WILL OVERCOME him getting to go "away" and SUCCEED, though probably complaining about it! Cut me a little slack...K?

From This n' That...

So Lance, honey...I probably won't say this again (maybe I will)...but through all my pouting and tantrum throwing, which I will try to keep on the inside...remember...I/WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU AND SO HAPPY WE ARE MAKING THIS CHANGE! Thank you! Thank you for being you and doing what you are good at and thanks for doing it for all of us here at the home front. We appreciate you and what you are doing. I know in that big head of yours...you are "scared", though you will never admit it to anyone. I know you are "nervous". But I also know you are proud and excited! I say to you and your mad selling skills...you will be REALLY GOOD at this and hope it's something NEW you enjoy doing! Here's to our new step and here's to succeeding at it! XO CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Never forget..."I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me!"

From This n' That...

We have been so blessed with family and friends praying for us! So a shout out to those that have been with us through this journey and thank you for being a part of it! I still ask you kindly, to keep the prayers flowing as this is just the first step...and it's a big one! :) GOD IS AMAZING! And he really does move "mountains"! I believe whole heartedly that HE absolutely with a doubt had a hand in this change. It is needed and welcomed graciously! Of course, I have to thank FACEBOOK too...(hee-hee)!

Have an awesome weekend everyone!!! Enjoy this beautiful weather!

My "I Heart Faces" Entry for this week

2010-03-29T13:09:00.003-05:00

Okay...So, I know I am no expert. An I know my editing skills are very much on the amateur side. BUT, the rules for this contest state clearly, ANYONE can enter, so I thought I'd give it a try.

There are so many BETTER photographers than I and I'm not even sure how I'm suppose to choose. So...I decided to pick a B&W shot that I recently did of KJ that stands out in my mind as one of my all time favorites. I think the photo is a bit "dramatic". Just look at that face, his expression, his body language. Everything about this photo "talks". How he's holding on to his pants; to keep them from getting in the stream. The location -- all boy! This was captured in a split second moment and I love everything about it.

So why not? Here we go. Wish me luck!

Be sure to stop by their blog and take a peek at some of the other entries:

Twin Photoshoot Favorites!

2010-03-22T19:42:00.000-05:00

Alright...so I thought I'd share the HIGHLIGHTS of my FAVS:

It doesn't get any cuter than this!

Mr. Stud, a handsome devil don't you think?

With each other...

And then a few with mama...I'm pretty sure she'll cherish these...

and boy do they love her!

TWINS! and another photoshoot for a friend! YEAH!

2010-03-22T14:00:00.002-05:00

Well..another longtime friend, who I hadn't seen for years, Miss Jessica; contacted me and asked me to take photos of her twins who just turned FOUR (4)! I, of course jumped at the chance! How beautiful are these two!? Probably one of the easiest shoots I've done. They were so awesome and so easy to photograph, as was their mother! The little guy had a little warming up to do, but we ended up doing okay as our minutes when on. Friday, the day started out warm and perfect and then as the afternoon came around, it turned colder...like dropping 15 degrees in less than 30 minutes and of course we planned a shoot for around 4:00. Despite mother nature and her cruelness...we fought the brisk air and met at the park as planned. I love this park...it's right up the street from my house and has some great little places to take photos. I really am pleased with how a lot of them came out. I played a bit on these and I definitely have my handful of favorites, but for the slideshow; I'll go ahead and include all that we decided to keep! Hope you enjoy! Meet K.J. & Madeline "Maddie"!

Thanks Jess, for asking me to capture your memories of you and your littles. I throughly enjoyed seeing you again and getting to know your kiddos a little better! I hope we can make something happen to hang out and get our kids together to play the next time your in town! 2 years was way too long! :)

My long time friend and her boys...

2010-03-20T16:36:00.000-05:00

Okay...so it's been weeks since I posted. Obviously, I stink at this blogging thing. :)

I'm dippin backwards a bit for this post...November 8th, 2009! This is one of my best girlfriends; Michelle. To me, she's "Missy"...I can say she's been my friend now for nearly 20 years. I can't seem to pinpoint the exact date of when we met...or maybe it's just that I'm too lazy to dig out my old crap, to figure it out...pretty sure the later of the two is probably closer to the truth. :) We met through each other's boyfriends at the time. It was a double date...and the rest was history. The boys didn't last, but our friendship did and for that I am so thankful. We were unseparatable from that point on. We've shared a lifetime of memories...and I adore her and those memories beyond words.

It however, seems life; job(s). a husband. kids. and houses spread apart by a short 45 minute drive...have taken over and we don't get to see each other near enough. I do however, get to share the important moments with her. An occasional get together, Birthdays and Photographs. :) I'm am honored that she chooses me to document her memories for her. Besides, the thousands of photos we used to shoot of each other she has also allowed me to be her "family" photographer! From the moment her and Jeff got engaged, she has allowed me to capture many of their memories. It means the world to me that she chooses me. To be the one to document these memories for her, I am honored. Watching her family grow and become who they are today is an even bigger blessing.

Last November she and the boys met me out at the lake! A little SLIDESHOW of the results!

Missy, my friend, you are a natural and as beautiful as you always have been. Caleb, (as you can see by my many photos)...is so incredibly easy to capture and another natural. I'm sure a small part of that might be that I've been pointing a camera in his face since the day he was born! :) And then that little stinker Caden...who was not real sure about me and that big black thing I kept pointing at him. :) I think they came out pretty good, if I say so myself. :) Thanks again Miss...for sharing these moments with me. I hope our friendship will last another 20+!!! I look forward to many more "shoots". I love you and your sweet boys to pieces!!

By your Grace and Love....Cleaning up my life.

2010-03-04T19:33:00.004-06:00

It's been a week since I last blogged......My name is Leah and I have neglected to blog for almost 2 weeks now!///Okay, I'm just goofing around!

I'd love to share a song I found perfectly fitting to how I'm personally feeling at the moment or moments while typing this, so I wanted to share! If you are on my ACTUAL blog page...Hit the STOP button to turn off the Playlist...then click here: PLAY ME
I couldn't find it on playlist or you would be listening to it without having to open up the link. :)

Some technical stuff: Those of you who receive my blog via email form...I just wanted to let you know, you can visit my ACTUAL blog by going to the bottom of the email and clicking the "This n That" link that is highlighted! It's a much more "personal" attempt at reading this and seeing the post then reading it via email form. Don't forget to COMMENT...so I know you visited. :)

Now...on to the really important stuff! Yeah...okay, so more of my babbling.

First...MY BOY!...The little athlete had his last Basketball game of the season this past Saturday! And I have to say I was super proud of him...it was his personal best. I think he made no less than 8 attempts at shooting a basket, making like 6 of them. Very aggressive playing at getting the ball and playing defense. I am so proud of how far he's come from the beginning of the season. I know he'll just keep improving.

Baseball is now blazing in rapidly! The season starts April 19th. The Express team has been formed, mostly consisting of the boys from last year, with a few new boys. BE SURE TO CLICK THE LINK and BECOME A FAN! Also, visit here for our first fundraiser! A SONIC Car Hop on March 27th! Also please share the love by stopping by and contributing to our boys. The team gets to keep all the tips. We are also looking for SPONSORS for this year...the equipment that the team needs is funded by the team. Any money donated will go to practice and game equipment as well as any team get togethers! DO YOU KNOW ANY LITTLE LEAGUE FANS???...it's a great write off! Please contact us if you do! We are looking forward to a great season. There will be lots more of these posts to follow...in the coming months.

Second: Ready, Ok...say it with me! K! S! UUUUU! Wildcats! #2 in the Big 12. #5 on the other! Not to bad this year. Was happy they beat the tiggers...not so happy they lost to those stinky birds last night. Hopefully from here, they will just keep winning now.

As for the Grace and Love...Sunday morning I dragged my big behind out of bed...determined that we were going to church, despite the overall voting of the tired individuals I share my home with! I think all was a little wore out from our fabulous visit with the Tindall Family the day before! My hubby...he's always tired, but I have to give the guy a break. His day consisted on Sat. of officiating 3 games starting at 8:00 AM, then coaching Wyatt's bb game! After the game he went back to officiating 4 more games and then met us then at the Tindall's somewhere around 8pm. So dragging him out of bed was a bit of a struggle but not too bad...I'm pretty sure he would have slept until noon had I not woke him up.

Anyhoo...by the hair of our chiny-chin-chins we started our day at Church. Then, I took the littles to a pizza luncheon thanks to Grandma Kitty, and then feeling miserable about what I just ate and the fact that I was determined that I was going to workout in some form or fashion EVERY SINGLE DAY...I took the kiddos and we went and worked out. I suppose a little kick in the behind was in order...after eating a slice of all meat pizza, a salad WITH pink dressing (dumb) and the kicker...two individually sized twix candy bars...DOES ANYONE KNOW WHY THEY MAKE THOSE!? I am pretty sure it's to torture people like me who can't eat just one. Somewhere in my mind...I tell myself, they are little, how bad can that be?...and then I eat two or three or four. Today, I stopped at two! Yeah Me! Insert *roll of the eyes and an arm in the air* Oh...did I get off track again?

On to the rest of my boring little tidbit and my appifany: "A sudden revelation of an ordinary object or scene". :)

Well...that is my working out everyday...like all things in my life that I set "GOALS" for...I know I'm bound to fail, but I'm sure going to do my best NOT to fail this one! Keeping things in perspective(reference my previous post a week ago)...November is going to be here before I know it! And afterall, I did ANNOUNCE TO the two people that read my blog that I'm going to loose 40 lbs before my next Birthday. How embarrassing will that be if I fail? Well, I suppose the embarrassment would pass but on a serious note...how disappointed will I be in myself!? I suppose the fact that doing something for myself feels REALLY REALLY good too! I have to keep pushing myself. I need to do this! For me, my health...my kids, my family and for God.

Now, that kind of sounds goofy to me...How does me loosing all my fat have anything to do with God? I chalk it up to this in as little words as I can do (which is not easy for me)...I know God loves me no matter what. But, he gave me, ME! And well, I haven't been doing a very good job of taking care of ME for the last 7-9 years! I've tried here and there. I did a really good job at making an attempt last spring/summer/fall...but then I quit. I am not an overeater...I just don't really make that great of choices when I choose what to eat, or when to eat. There is always something to do more important than to go work out. There is always something "weighing" me down...instead of taking time out to do something for myself. Which in turn...is actually do something for a lot of other people. But I think my biggest obsticle to date is I waste so much PRECIOUS time directing my attention to so many things that really don't matter. I won't bore you with all my self admitted failures. Because there are many...but mostly I spend so much time filling my day full of needless things, WISHing, WANTing, BUYing THINGS. Things that fill my life full of CLUTTER and needless attempts at impressing those that really don't need to be impressed. Which leads to an unhappy Leah. A frustrated, overwhelmed Leah. All in all it leads to not spending quality time with my kids because I spend so much time trying to "catch up" with the crazy life I created. Now, I'm not one of those people that have things piled to the ceiling that you see on T.V. That's not what I mean. I just create more for me to do. I think it's my way of getting lost in my day and what I have going on. Which in itself, only makes things harder and makes things crazy ugly creating a gross level of stress between me and my husband. All in all, getting rid of that "clutter"...I'll be spending more time on ME! So if forcing myself to focus on working out...gets me focused on something more positive...than I can't really loose. We can't really lose. I think God would approve it's a much better attempt at "cleaning up my life". From there I can get focused on the things that make a bigger impact. Using tools God has provided for me and focusing on HIM and what he wants for me to do with my life! Then focusing on the people that matter most to me and what my life revolves around so it's not so crazy. I know it's a lot of rambling...but hopefully that makes sense.

Making life better for my kids and myself...If I don't take care of me, then who is going to take care of them!? When I feel better about me, then they will have a better role model! A HAPPIER Mom! I'm not saying I have to be skinny to be a good role model, but taking care of myself so I can live a longer fuller life with them (God willing). That's enough for me to want to do better, and be a better figure. Obviously, this is always been in my mind, but I don't think it was in my heart! Our sermon Sunday at Church definitely helped kick that in gear! Plus, I'm not totally convinced that my Mr. didn't have a "call ahead" on the lesson, because it felt like he called and told the pastor what to say and to direct it right at me and my endless need or yearning to want to S-H-O-P! :)...I know, that's the way it's suppose to be. And I know HE didn't have anything to do with it, that was joke.

I'm done for today...I'll spare my two readers any more of my rambling. This is my start of trying to get better at posting and trying to document my hopeful attempt at being "little" again! If nothing else...healthy! All in all, a pretty simple self evaluating SUNDAY! I can honestly say...NO Shopping involved in my day! Wow, that actually felt good to say! Snicker-Snicker. I can't say that I did that great the rest of the week...but Sunday was a start! :)

On to better things...SHE is waiting for me...

"I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life, He gave me life that I might enjoy all things!

I thank you Lord for loving me!

My Ode to the #7 Ranked KSU Wildcats!!!!

2010-02-20T15:16:00.002-06:00

Cats Move To 7th in Both Polls
Released 02/15/2010 by Kansas State University

Watch the boys play OKLAHOMA TONIGHT AT 5 P.M. LET'S GO CATS!!!!!!

Last Week at a Glance!

2010-02-15T11:46:00.000-06:00

WE MADE VALENTINES for WyJ's Valentine Party at School!

This took up most of my Sunday afternoon.

Mommy had some bright idea to make them herself!...with his help.

He did most of the cutting and some of the writing.

I'm pretty sure we would have been here until 2011 if he had tried to write them all!

Next year, I think I might buy the packaged ones! :) Nah...what fun would that be!?

This was mommy and daddy's last debut as room parents for WyJ's Kindergarten Class!...

A little bitter sweet...

We played lots of dress up this week!

These photos couldn't be more "Stella"!

She would wear her dress up clothes all day long, EVERYDAY if I let her!

She has a wardrobe, enough for 3 children (the same size as her)...

and she'd rather wear her "pretty dresses"! Message to self!

We had a visit to the dentist!
AFTER...a check-up Dentist appt. last week turned out to be 4 fillings and 2 crowns for WJL!
His baby boy teeth, now share space with TWO silver teeth. The other 4 cavities will get filled next week.
No worries though, he got the BEST PATIENT of the week (probably month)!
He was sooooo good!
Of course, history repeating itself: 4 years old...he fell asleep while getting his stitches!
Mommy and daddy weren't too worried! A little "funny" stuff and he was good to go!
Apparently he takes after daddy when it comes to pain.
Our little gal "A"...well, that would be a different story!

Still a handsome smile though, don't cha think?!

We had a special treat...

Mimily came for a visit, while she was out of school for her teacher conferences.
And during her visit, she made us some delicious chocolate chip cookies! The kid's favorite!

We celebrated Valentines Day!...

....going to church and then a visit from Aunt Sissy and Uncle Matt too (didn't get him photographed though)!

Somehow, Sissy talked me into making not one, but TWO cakes for her friend(s)!

Well, it would have only been one, if that DUMMY; Brutis...hadn't ate half of the 1st one!

All turned out okay, because she made the best of it...

THIS would be HER version of a "heart" cake,

she made out of what was left, for Sara!! LOL!!!!

Later...Grandma P came to visit after working all day...for dinner and bearing Valentine's for all!

It was a great day!

And well these...this is me, trying to gain perspective!

Dictionary: per·spec·tive:

1. ~~a. A view or vista.~~

b. A mental view or outlook.

2. ~~The appearance of objects in depth as perceived by normal binocular vision.~~

3. a) The relationship of aspects of a subject to each other and to a whole.
b) Subjective evaluation of relative significance; a point of view.

c) The ability to perceive things in their actual interrelations or comparative importance.

what I see....CHUBBY FINGERS and lots and lots of room for improvement!

Hope you all had a wonderful, LOVING Valentines Day with your special peeps!

....another giveaway!!!!!!! Yeah!

2010-02-05T11:08:00.002-06:00

Found another giveaway and from one of my most personal favorite ebay/blogger/facebook FRIENDS!

You wanna win one of these?

Go visit her BLOG 60 Piggies! She's a FABULOUS creature, this one...and I think you will love her blog! She's also super creative! So while your at it...you might as well go check out HER Etsy shop too!

Don't forget to keep scrolling....for my "Friday tidbits" below...two posts in one day! Wow! I'm on a roll! If nothing less...I'm glad I could help you spend your money today! :)

Friday Tidbits....

2010-02-05T10:24:00.001-06:00

We will start with the GIVEAWAY! Who doesn't love a good giveaway! And who doesn't LOVE stamped jewelry?! Sheesh...anyone? Even if you don't end up winning...you've found a new Etsy shop to cruise and possibly buy yourself some new bling! For today's giveaway...go make a quick pit stop at TODAYS CREATIVE BLOG (which is a great site to visit anyway!). Check out the FRIDAY GIVEAWAY Post and be sure to leave her a comment!

Now...on to my personal NEW FAVORITE, introduced to me by friend Traci! AND BONUS...it's only 90 calories! Can I get a WHOO-WHOO!?

Meet the Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Latte from Starbucks!

Usually the "skinny" part means it doesn't taste as good,
but that is just not so, in this case!

And last but certainly not least for today...check out my "Sissy's" (Julie) new place of business she calls work: The Artful Gardner! "Landscape Design, Installation & Maintenance... for great customers throughout the KC Metro area."

Be sure to BECOME A FAN! With spring quickly approaching, contact her to get started on your lawn and gardening needs! THEY DESIGN. THEY BUILD. THEY PLANT. THEY CARE! :)

Ta-Ta for now...and because I have so much other stuff I need to be doing like going through Ava and Wyatt's wardrobe to start listing on Ebay for Spring and Summer. Oh boy! The excitement! Happy Friday! Give a hug today!

Hello Delicious!

2010-02-03T15:39:00.000-06:00

I'm pretty sure they'd serve these in Heaven!

Cream Cheese Frosting:

1pkg. cream cheese, softened (8 oz.)
1/4 cup stick butter, softened
2 tsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
4 cups powdered sugar
Beat first 4 ingredients until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time.

Sugar Cookies:

1 cup butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup cooking oil
1tsp. vanilla
4 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp. cream of tartar
1/2 tsp. salt.

Recipe compliments of my dear friend, Traci! :) S.W.A.K.!

Comfort Food...last nights grub.

2010-01-30T10:08:00.002-06:00

BECAUSE OF THIS...

AND THESE...(those dreary skies above)

I made this.... "Creamy Mac and Cheese" (Paula Deen)

AND this...."Mom's Turkey Meatloaf" (and by mom...I don't mean, MY mom)
that would mean MY mom cooks. :) LOL...just teasin' mama! (kinda).

This was a recipe I pulled from Food TV Network...and I have to say, it was quite delicious. I don't cook with Ground Turkey very much but this was delicious! My boys LOVED it! Lance said it was the best meatloaf I've made. I didn't really feel the same...I do think it was good but I prefer less "chunks". I needed to cut the onion and peppers a bit smaller. The little girl...well, she would have just skipped dinner if I would have let her. If it's not Chicken Nuggetts, Bread, Pork Tender, or PASTA slathered in butter and garlic OR if it doesn't have some sort of "wrapper" wrapped around it...she "doesn't like that kind of meat". Any hoo...with the grey skies and cold snow...I was doomed! Comfort Food was in order. May be something new for you to try, so I thought I'd share. No one needs to indure these calories alone! :)

Recipe for the Mom's Turkey Meatloaf, you can find HERE: Mom's Turkey Meatloaf!
Recipe for the Mac and Cheese, you can find HERE: Creamy Macaroni and Cheese!

Today THE big K-State Wildcats vs. the KU Chicken Hawks is on! Starting at 6 pm. We have a big day...Lance started work at 7AM this morning, will come home to coach WyJ for his BBall game at 1pm, "A" is having a day at OP Mall with Holly for her birthday treat and then daddy goes back to work. So, for dinner tonight "Crockpot Pork Spare Ribs"...they are on and smell delicious. Now for something as a side dish...preferrably for me...NO CARBS! I think I'll be eating a salad or Broccoli and maybe some Parmasan Mashed Potatoes for the kiddos! I suppose the SUGAR COOKIES that I'm going finish baking this afternoon are not really on my "I gotta loose 40 lbs" diet either?!...

I'll finish with a picture of my "helpers"...who don't leave my feet the entire time I'm in the kitchen cooking. And for the record, this will be my 6 day in a row for making dinner and trying new a new recipe...the husband worked every night this week so no help there. Afterall, he's a way better cook than I! But I'm going to have to give cuddos where cuddos are due, even if I have to do it myself. -So a pat on the back for ol' me!- They actually were pretty good too! I'm not usually much about cooking...but I'm trying. Have a great weekend everybody!...as if there is actually someone that reads this.

RULES FROM GOD! ...and my friend is moving, sigh!

2010-01-28T22:20:00.007-06:00

1. WAKE UP!! Decide to have a good day.

"Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" Psalms 118:24

2. DRESS UP!! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile.

A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7

3. SHUT UP!! Say nice things and learn to listen.

God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking.

"He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3

4. STAND UP!! For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.

"Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10

5. LOOK UP!! To the Lord.

"I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

6. REACH UP!! For something higher.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6

7. LIFT UP!! Your Prayers.

"Do not worry about anything; Instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING." Philippians 4:6

I ran across the quote above on THIS WEBSITE. I liked them, so I am sharing. I suppose...#6 is closest to my heart today! Although each and every one is something to think about, pray about and reflect on! The one that "stands out" to me right now is #6.

You see today, my head and heart is filled with emotion and anxiety. I'll start here: We met Johnny and Traci and their 4 children "The Tindall's" a couple years ago when Wyatt started playing T-ball. At first, our friendship was pretty much a hi, how are you...small talk, blah blah blah. We cracked a few jokes about Issac and Ava getting married and shared a season of baseball year after year. This coming year will be #4 (I think?).

And then as each season passed, a friendship grew, the kind you don't have with everyone...at least, I think so! She has helped me probably in more ways than she knows. She is kind, and generous in more ways than one. She's smart and honest. She's beautiful inside and out! And she is an awesome mom and wife! And she can make a rockin' "come back for 2 or 3 (more)" chocolate chip cookie!

Realizing we had more and more in common and of course there are some things we don't. Like her being minimalistic, organized and a good baker. But that only enlightens us to new things, and how much we can share...as great friends do! And although LIFE sometimes makes it a little hectic to do as much as I'd/we'd like...we enjoy spending time with THE Tindalls and getting to know them better. And most of all...MY kids adore every minute they get to spend with them!

I know it was God's Plan to put them in our lives and I'm so glad he did! Through the last two years, doing more and more together...besides sharing our husbands' as coaches on our boys baseball team...We have little girls whose lives revolve around Princesses and Drama and love to play! Two little guys who adore each other!

We've shared family days at the park! Days at the Swimming Pool, & MANY baseball games! We've shared a little rivalry on the Wii, photos, stories, holidays, recipes and

lots of birthday parties. As time goes on, I pray our friendship(s) will keep

growing! In a about a month...THEY ARE MOVING! Which I am EXTREMELY thrilled for them and so happy for them because they have worked so hard to get to this place in thier journey and deserve this greatness with all it's might. I know...they are just moving a little ways and we can still hang out but it's far enough that it makes me kind of sad. Kind of sad, because now our kids don't share the same school. Kind of sad because she's not just down the road...a couple minutes for those spur of the moment "drop by" or "can my kids come over and play, cause I need a break". Kind of sad because now they won't go to the same pool and park! Kind of sad because I was so hoping to start running with Traci this summer...okay, I'm lying...there is NO way I would really do that! She is so much ahead of me on the fitness scale, I'd be catching up to her on the next day! :) But them moving is just a part of life and with it comes change and with change comes new and better things!

My emotion and anxiety is not just because they are moving...but because (and I am ashamed to say)...I find myself looking at the photos they posted of the beautiful home they may soon call their own and I'm filled full of envy! I want to MOVE so bad! I've wanted to move for so long! I want to move to a house like they are buying! I want to be in a neighborhood filled full of children and other families for our kids to grow with! I want our kids to be able to walk out the garage door and play in the drive way with other children on the block! I want to be a part of community...other mothers...friends...and yeah, a bigger house! I want an office, more storage, a basement with a recreation room and playroom! I'm sure you can see the common denominator here? You see, I know I should be happy with what I have. I know through all our struggles we have endured these past two years, financially and emotionally...we are so fortunate to still have our home, a car, a job, our lives together! Both our kids have an abundance of love from so many people, moreover two parents that adore them more than they could ever know. They have an abundance of clothing and toys! I know we are RICH in so many blessed ways...and I don't mean monitarily (I think you knew that, but I wanted to clarify)! Moreover, I know our time will come...when HE sees fit. There is a reason for everything in HIS Plan...and if I just give it to God, If I pray...he will make what is suppose to happen, happen! And it's not our turn right now. I need to be happy with today, MY today...and what the Lord has provided for me and quit thinking about what others have, or thinking about what might or what I wish would happen tomorrow, in a week or even a month or year! I need to look around and take today for what it has to offer because I am blessed in so many ways! I know that if I remind myself of these steps 1-7, especially #6..."Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6 -- My - Our Savior will take care of me/us....and it will happen!

Congratulations Traci, Johnny, Kaleb, Joshua, Issac and Lydia on your new home...my he continue to guide you on your path to even better days with your new life!!

The Lowry's are so happy to have met you, be blessed with your friendship and share your joy! Just please promise us -- you won't forget about us over here in "old" OP! :) Hugs and Love! Already miss you...and we are here to help with whatever you need, whenever you need it! P.S. See you at Church on Sunday! :)

VINTAGE PEARL - Giveaway!

2010-01-27T18:39:00.002-06:00

WANT TO WIN ONE OF THESE?

VISIT ERIN'S Blog - HERE and leave a comment for her! You can let her know I sent you (or not). OR, if you just have to have it and can't hold yourself back for that chance to win...go directly to HER WEBSITE and order one up!

She has tons of super cute stuff! This is just one of them!

I own several of her pieces and have given many as gifts! I have yet to purchase one of the newer items but there are definitely several of them on my wish list!

Giveaway ~ My Funky Camera!

2010-01-25T17:11:00.001-06:00

Giveaway #8 ~ My Funky Camera - Check it out! I own one of her straps and they are awesome!

The Giveaway!! Click on the LINK and VISIT "Homeschool Creations" Blog.

My Funky Camera is giving one of some of her readers their choice of a gorgeous camera strap! There are several ways for you to enter this giveaway, but there is one mandatory first entry: visit My Funky Camera and tell me the pattern of the strap that you would pick if you won. My Funky Camera

Go to HERE for the remaining details on how to win!

This giveaway will be open until Sunday, January 31st until 8pm.

a little more today and A GIVEAWAY!

2010-01-11T13:53:00.001-06:00

There's a giveaway...for some beautiful jewelry from an even more beautiful person! Go check out her blog 60 Piggies for some interesting reading and enter to win free jewelry! You'll be so happy you did!

As for me..., nothing too exciting to report. I've been off the map for the last few days. You see...I somehow came down with Strep Throat AGAIN! The throat pain started on Thursday, waking up on Friday feeling miserable! I felt like I was swallowing razor blades. I mustered through Saturday...trying to nurse myself by gargling salt water and taking lots and lots of IBPROFIN! It wasn't too fun for my babes! I missed my boys first basketball game which was quite disappointing. Missed the HOLLYDAY Christmas Party on Saturday Night! So finally after little to no sleep Saturday night, I caved and visited the Minute Clinic promptly at 10 AM! The sweet nurse, so kindly informed me that my throat was blazing red and I for the second time in 3 months had strep throat! Wrote me a prescription for a 6 day Zpak of Azithromycin, normal doses of Ibprofin and Vitamin C. Then gargling a mix of Maalox and Benadryl every six hours! And who'd a thunk that...it REALLY works! I'm on my way to recovery. I was actually quite amazed at how fast the Azithromycin kicked in! Besides the pounding headache that these pills give me...I was feeling so much better by evening. Craving a day of rest...but daddy was referring basketball ALL day...so mommy did her best to stay afloat and was so thankful for the drugs! Why didn't I just go on Friday? Hopefully, I'll be back to myself and ready to go full speed on my excercising that was so rudely halted by that nasty sick bug. I really really feel so strongly about loosing this weight and becoming a better person, I can't wait to get started...REALLY started!

It's still a snowy mess around here. But the sun is out which somehow makes it all better! Enjoy your day people. When I get better at this blog thing, I'll post more photos to hopefully make it more interesting! Thank you for taking the time to read about my little world. I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a comment if you stop in and say hello!

Party Planning....

2010-01-11T13:41:00.002-06:00

Party Planning for THE girl's birthday is in full swing. Invitations are done and ordered...ready to go in the mail. The party place is booked! The party favors and supplies are ordered and on thier way! Just some fine tuning and we are ready for her celebration on the 24th! The place was booked on the 23rd so we had to settle for Sunday. Which actually worked out nicely, because WyJ's Basketball game on Saturday is scheduled for 3pm. We weren't quite sure how to work all that in so having the party on the 24th actually worked out well. Grandpa & Grandma W will be here on Saturday to watch WyJ's game and help celebrate A's actual b-day. My girl couldn't be more excited...I'm pretty sure SHE thinks her birthday is the entire month of January! My little Aquarius is so funny about parties and birthdays! There just can't be too many! She loves a celebration! And Celebrating her BIRTHday couldn't be more of a privilege for her mama *me*! And it should be lots of fun! We'll be sure to post lots of pictures!

P.S.

2010-01-04T17:14:00.002-06:00

Don't forget to leave a comment...so I know you were here! :)

"A Message" in my Inbox

2010-01-04T11:19:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Everyone. Since my time today needs to be spent on my house and getting Christmas all put away and cleaning up my kids rooms...in lue of my rambling today; I'm going to just share something from my inbox. I received this in an email from our church this morning. I loved it's message. It's a message that hits very close to home!

Looking for the Messiah,

Part 2
by Max Lucado

Some missed him.
Some miss him still.

We expect God to speak through peace, but sometimes he speaks through pain.
We think God talks through the church, but he also talks through the lost.
We look for the answer among the Protestants, but he’s been known to speak through the Catholics.
We listen for him among the Catholics but find him among the Quakers.
We think we hear him in the sunrise, but he is also heard in the darkness.
We listen for him in triumph, but he speaks even more distinctly through tragedy.
We must let God define himself.

When we do, when we let God define himself, a whole new world opens before us. How, you ask? Let me explain with a story.

Once there was a man whose life was one of misery. The days were cloudy, and the nights were long. Henry didn’t want to be unhappy, but he was. With the passing of the years, his life had changed. His children were grown. The neighborhood was different. The city seemed harsher.

He was unhappy. He decided to ask his minister what was wrong.

"Am I unhappy for some sin I have committed?"
"Yes," the wise pastor replied. "You have sinned."
"And what might that sin be?"
"Ignorance," came the reply. "The sin of ignorance. One of your neighbors is the Messiah in disguise, and you have not seen him."

The old man left the office stunned. "The Messiah is one of my neighbors?" He began to think who it might be. Tom the butcher? No, he’s too lazy. Mary, my cousin down the street? No, too much pride. Aaron the paperboy? No, too indulgent. The man was confounded. Every person he knew had defects. But one was the Messiah. He began to look for Him.

He began to notice things he hadn’t seen. The grocer often carried sacks to the cars of older ladies. Maybe he is the Messiah. The officer at the corner always had a smile for the kids. Could it be? And the young couple who’d moved next door. How kind they are to their cat. Maybe one of them …

With time he saw things in people he’d never seen. And with time his outlook began to change. The bounce returned to his step. His eyes took on a friendly sparkle. When others spoke he listened. After all, he might be listening to the Messiah. When anyone asked for help, he responded; after all this might be the Messiah needing assistance.

The change of attitude was so significant that someone asked him why he was so happy. "I don’t know," he answered. "All I know is that things changed when I started looking for God."

Now, that’s curious. The old man saw Jesus because he didn’t know what he looked like. The people in Jesus’ day missed him because they thought they did.

How are things looking in your neighborhood?

From A Gentle Thunder
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 1987) Max Lucado

I know I don't live my life "looking for God". I know I DESIRE that life of doing good, being good, looking at things with good. All I can say...is I'm going to try harder.

As for my diet today...I'm failing miserably. Definitely need a really really really good workout routine! I have to say this cold miserable weather is not helping me. I am SO much more motivated when it's sunny and warm! :)

Getting Started

2010-01-02T14:06:00.000-06:00

Alrighty...here we go. I'm new to this Blogger thing! At least doing it myself. I follow (or what I call STALK) lots of other bloggers so I thought I'd try out the other side of things and give it a go on my own! :) Starting a new year...two LARGE goals this year and I don't call them resolutions...they are goals!...and I'm going to conquer! I am going to become a better photographer...we'll get into that more later! And I'm going to join my highschool friend ANGIE in the journey to loose 40lbs by or hopefully before my 40th Birthday, November 9th 2010! I guess I figure by verbally putting this out there...it makes it more accountable.

We'll try to fill you in on things that are going on with my little ones, updated photos, ect. Hopefully not to bore you to death!

This n' That...

Blog on hold...we are moving!

MY BABY...BIG BOY is turning 7 today! (RE-DO)

It isn't my way...it's HIS!

Temporary set back...It's called Life

A BLOG GIVEAWAY - Vintage Pearl and Take A Bow!

New Direction = EXCITEMENT!

My "I Heart Faces" Entry for this week

Twin Photoshoot Favorites!

TWINS! and another photoshoot for a friend! YEAH!

My long time friend and her boys...

By your Grace and Love....Cleaning up my life.

My Ode to the #7 Ranked KSU Wildcats!!!!

Last Week at a Glance!

....another giveaway!!!!!!! Yeah!

Friday Tidbits....

Hello Delicious!

Comfort Food...last nights grub.

RULES FROM GOD! ...and my friend is moving, *sigh*!

VINTAGE PEARL - Giveaway!

Giveaway ~ My Funky Camera!

a little more today and A GIVEAWAY!

Party Planning....

P.S.

"A Message" in my Inbox

Getting Started

RULES FROM GOD! ...and my friend is moving, sigh!