Aunt LaLa

I'm not sure where, who, what...I've never been here in this season of my life. I've never been 28 (almost) I've never been a college graduate (almost) I've never been so confused about what to do with my life...  Frustrating to say the least when I feel like totally abandoning all my plans because they are just not what I want anymore as far as career wise and my education. It is just seeming a little overwhelming.  I've aspired to be this great blogger, but I have not blogged like I've wanted.  Honestly getting on here talking about my soul searching has not really seemed appealing to me. I guess because I am not sure what to write! LOL  I have had everything planned out... but my parents were right it seems, the older you get the less you know or have figured out.  I keep thinking about graduating. What will I do with my life? What do I really want to do?  I've always struggled with the what I want to do compared to wha...

I've been doing this fabulous devotional that I cannot wait to share with you all.  It has challenged me as being a wife for sure. I decided that I wanted to show my husband extravagantly love. I work hard to love like Christ would, but sometimes I think as wives we forget our marriages are to be examples of the love of the church and God.  I was just really inspired to do something for my Josh....  An Italian Romantic Dinner.  Now, I'm not a Paula Deen, Emeril Lagasse, and others...  I do have some awesome recipes passed to me and I can be inventive :) I decided to make: "Poppie's Italian Chicken"  Cheddar garlic biscuits Italian salad I created the "ambiance"  Josh took this one. I forgot to take one of the table with food or before! LOL  Poppie's Italian Chicken 1 cup of miracle whip 1  bottle of Italian Dressing 4 Frozen Chicken breast ( I used 3 this particular night) Marinate chicken in...

Hello my fellow bloggers! To celebrate this new season of getting back into the swing of things, and thanking you for sticking with me, we are having a giveaway!  I was connected with Easy Canvas Prints through another blogger. I had the opportunity to review their product.  I received a 16x20 canvas, and I LOVE it! I have always admired canvas prints and now I'm excited to have one of my own! Easy Canvas Prints was so easy to use! The website was very clear and user friendly.  I love that I was able to see a preview while designing my canvas. There are several options to how you want your canvas designed! Here is a picture of my canvas:  I love how it turned out!!  I think my favorite part was when I ordered this picture there was a problem with the resolution and I was notified before my print was made. They sent me a file telling me how to make sure that this resolution will work. That was great! The problem was resolved quickly....

J and I love finding new things to do in East Tennessee!  We had talked about going to Ijams  Nature Center before and on Thursday we went there in a moment of spontaneity. I am so glad we we did!  What a great place! It is beautiful! Anyone that knows me, knows that I am not a nature person. Nor to do I like anything that is crawly, has little legs, makes webs, sneaks up on ... *SHIVER* Any who... it was impressive. They have a little museum with all sorts of neat stuff!  There are several trails to walk and places to explore! I love Jo's Grove! It was a exploration area for children! Well... we are not children but we explored anyway! :) His natural habitat! LOL We bought a house! I love him! It was a great afternoon! We are definitely going back- when it is cooler and I have more appropriate clothing :) Have a great day!

I probably shouldn't try and write this late (only past 11). It's late for me. Not sure how to even write all that I feel. It is almost like I've been avoiding sitting down and writing how I feel. Because honestly I have not even allowed myself to stop and "feel".  For one, the people that I love most in my life have had some major life stressors, which with my 'super hero' 'I can take of everyone' 'I have control over everything' personality has added stress to my life. None of it being thrown on me with out my consent mind you.  Father-in-law's life threatening surgery was a BIG deal. I watched people I love go through so many emotions before, during, and after surgery. I watched my husband internalize all his emotions and trying not to worry so that he could work and take care of us. I watched as my mother-in-law faced losing the love of her life. All of this chipping away little by little on my composure. I dove int...

Source That is right my friends my 300th post!!  So much pressure from a high number :) I've been thinking about life alot lately. I have 8 months left of classes... that is right only 8. I will be a college graduate. It is so encouraging for people that care about me to let me know they are praying and they root me on! Josh and I have only had one year out of our 6 year marriage where I wasn't writing a paper, preparing a presentation, reading a text book... yada yada :) So I'm looking forward to where God takes me. This blog is documenting a journey that has had twist, turns, heart aches, and more ... And I'm still growing in all different ways! :) One of the ways is my weight loss. I have went down 2 pant sizes. So my total weight loss since 2010 is: 123lbs. That's right my friends!! I'm pretty excited about it! Here are a couple photos courtesy of my hubby...

Happy Wives Club This made such sense to when I seen it on Happy Wives Club Facebook post! I remember being so self consious of my looks, personality, well everything when I met Josh. I've been told many things about myself Too loud Can't whisper Need to lose wieght No Compassion Too hard Too emotional To straighlaced Boobs are too small Calves look like a mans Flat feet "You are the STURDY one" Goody Goody Uncool Dork Ugly Fat Your not the baby Your just like your mom (Which was said as an insult.. but my mom is awesome so Hah!)  These words and comments follow you throughout life don't they? Every time you go to do something one of these "hauntings" come back. Going into a new relationship all your insecurities show their ugly heads. When I met Josh I had a couple of toads and toads friends in my life. It left my self-esteem in a disarray and smashed. I had gained some confidence but not where it should have been. The...