tHis beloved life.

Project 52

2012-01-20T21:39:00.001-07:00

3/52 Theme "Inspiration"
How about a little Pinspiration! I Heart Pinterest :)

Project 52

2012-01-12T07:31:00.000-07:00

2/52 Theme "Life"
new baby nephew two days old. so tiny and sweet.

I am blank because

2012-01-09T10:10:00.001-07:00

playing along , thanks to Le Musings of Moi

I am weird because...
I am a dork. I snort.

I am a bad friend because...
I don't call as often as I should anymore.

I am a good friend because...
I get you. I listen. I pray. I laugh. I value you.

I am sad because...

Marriage is hard. 

I am happy because...
I love my Jesus, my family and my friends, and my church. I still have Hope.

I am excited for...
What God will do in my life this year. It's gonna be good, I'm betting. :)

I ♥ Faces Best Face of 2011

2012-01-09T09:24:00.001-07:00

I ♥ Faces is holding their Best Face of 2011 Challenge and I thought I'd join in. After looking back over the photos I settled on this one. It was literally one of the first pictures I took with my new lens and I had a stunning subject. So here's my best face for 2011. :D

Project 52- Here we go again folks!

2012-01-06T16:20:00.000-07:00

I was thinking of not doing the 52 week photo project again this year but I decided that I would. This year I'm joining My Four Hens Photography. There will be weekly themes posted, which you can adhere to, or not, your choice. My plan is to follow the themes, unless I just can't and then I'll wing it ;) You can also join the M4H Project 52 flickr group if you are interested in participating. Here's week one's photo.

1/52
Resolution
To create, capture, and preserve the memories of tHis beloved life.

52 Week Project- Wrap up post!

2011-12-31T11:59:00.001-07:00

So I did it! I actually completed the 52 Week Project. Here are my last few photos of the year.

Week 47- pInk!

Week 48- Unashamed

Week 49-Chickadee

Week 50- Bokeh Tree

Week 51- Hangin with my boy!

Week 52- 52 Weeks!

Word of the Year and New Goals

2011-12-31T11:48:00.000-07:00

I got an email from my Aunt Pam, The Passionate Homeschooler, asking me about my WORD of the year. So I figured I'd better nail it down and blog about it! For the past two years I've established a word that I'd like to focus on and that brings my attitude into check throughout the year. The first year I chose Joy. This past year it was Invest. And this year....drumroll please.... Create.

Lately, I've been trying to tap into my creativity more. Instead of just ideas...actually producing something from ideas. And so I'd like to continue that in this new year. But not only artistically speaking. I need to create routine...I really suck at routine. I don't know if I keep failing at this because I'm lazy, or if routine is simply not how I operate. But, I do need to create a household schedule at the very least. I need to create journals, prayers, opportunities, memories. . . the list goes on. I have always been a woman of great intentions...but it's the doing...the creating that gets me. I need to put into action all that God has inspired in me. Thrive, not survive. So here is to a year of Creation!

Some goals I'd like to work on this year.

Rejuvenate prayer life and journal.

Eat healthy foods. Cutting out all candy and boxed junk from stores. Only home made goodies allowed.

Drink water. Hydration is crucial!!!

Read at least one tangible book per month. (technology is great but I haven't held a book in a while!)

Join new women's small group. Old one dissolved :(

Write more letters and make more phone calls. I value family and friends and keeping in touch. Again, technology is great but the old fashioned way really shows you care.

Continue to improve and expand in my photography.

Make Jack's diagnosis and education a priority.

Create and Thrive!

Happy New Year! Blessings to you and yours as you face new challenges and adventures in the year to come!

Reuse your bounce bar

2011-12-14T12:39:00.001-07:00

I'm always looking for ways to save money. Lately, with the holidays, I've been even more proactive in trying to reduce our expenses for every day needs. I have already started using the Duggar's home made laundry soap recipe. I recommend adding some lavendar essential oil, I did not and the Fels Naptha has a distinctive odor. Not bad but just not lovely.

I noticed my bounce bar , which by the way I LOVE, was getting low and knew I would be needing a new one soon. So I decided to try to come up with an alternative. Which I will now share with you!

Cast of Characters:

Clorox Multi Use Handi Wipes. Walmart $1.97

empty bounce bar, liquid fabric softener, handi wipe cut into fourths. I didn't want it to be too bulky so that it would not fit back into the holder.


soak handi wipe with liquid softener and wrap around the empty bounce bar

Slide into holder in dryer. this may take a little wiggling.

Voila! Now the handi wipe says it can be used 20 times. But I am going to keep an eye on how my clothes are coming out and when they start to get static-y I will resoak and replace the handi wipe. This could make a jug of softener go a LONG way!

She's Crafty....Sort Of.

2011-12-12T12:45:00.000-07:00

This is the name of my crafty album on Pinterest. (warning: internet addiction). I LOVE Pinterest. Yes, it's another site to be spending my time on, BUT it is really cool. I have gotten many, many great ideas from this site. It's perfect for finding inspiration for just about anything. From kids, photography, recipes, crafts, homeschooling,.... you name it. Anyhow, I digress. Here are a few things I've been up to.

Jack loves play doh and home made is much softer, cheaper, and well, it's made with kool aid and love :)

This was the first thing I attempted from Pinterest. It's vintage fabric inside embroidery hoops hung in my kitchen.

This is a cheap shelf I found at Goodwill. Originally, I had put the screws in it to hold my thread and sewing notions. It is now a Jewelry shelf in my bedroom. Works great for hanging my earrings and necklaces on!

This blanket was made for me by my great grandmother. It has been Gracie's blankie since she was a wee one. The embroidery was nearly all fallen out and there were holes and threadbare spots throughout. So I fixed it up. Re-embroidered the animal squares, added a new, non-thread bare back piece and a new silk border. It took me a while to do it, but it DID eventually get done.

This is a cuff bracelet I made for Beth out of a favorite pair of jeans that had seen there last rodeo.

I had been wanting to put up a coat rack for the kids to hang their things on. Jack's bunkbed had recently fallen apart so I used the end piece. Sanded it down, threw some paint on it, distressed it a bit, and added coat hooks. Voila! Coat rack!

Now this baby I'm pretty proud of. It's my latest creation. I basically took the measurements off my old apron and threw this thing together the other night. I'm certainly no seamstress, although my mother and grandmother, and great grandmother.... yeah...it skipped me. It just doesn't come naturally. But I MADE an apron you guys :) :)

So there are a few projects I have done since joining Pinterest. Fun Fun :) Are you on Pinterest? Has something inspired you recently? What have you created lately? Share with me!

PiNk

2011-11-19T12:11:00.001-07:00

PiNk, a photo by BelovedAimee on Flickr.

So this is what's it's like to have a beautiful daughter....with PINK hair.

As Fall Fades

2011-11-17T19:36:00.001-07:00

All photos are SOOC (straight out of camera, unedited)

I take my camera with me and watch it as it goes. . .

52 Week Project

2011-11-16T11:09:00.001-07:00

Week 44- Falling For Fall

Wee 45-Halloween Girl

Week 46- And so it begins. . . kill me now.

52 Week Project

2011-10-22T19:41:00.000-06:00

Week 42- Evoking Autumn

Week 43- Calm

Fall in love with Fall

2011-10-09T22:56:00.000-06:00

52 Week Project

2011-10-08T00:11:00.001-06:00

Week 38- Youth Worship

Week 39- Fall Delight

Week 40- Exploring

Week 41- Butt Dial :P

sister

2011-09-19T23:09:00.001-06:00

five years. I count them.
I count them sweet, I count them sad.
I count them hurt. I count them mad.
I count them faithfully. I count them true.
five more years, I'll be counting too.

52 Week Project

2011-09-15T16:14:00.000-06:00

Week 34- old school Mickey D's

Week 35- Family Fun

Week 36- Bee Happy

Week 37- We Remember

TAMRON LENS GIVEAWAY for Canon or Nikon Camera!!!! | MCP Photoshop Actions and Tutorials Blog for Photographers

2011-09-14T10:26:00.000-06:00

TAMRON LENS GIVEAWAY for Canon or Nikon Camera!!!! | MCP Photoshop Actions and Tutorials Blog for Photographers

Dad's Baptism

2011-09-11T08:41:00.000-06:00

This is my Daddy :)

He came to visit me in SD.

And he wanted to get baptized.

So my awesome pastor/friend drove 40 minutes to the nearest lake to baptize him.

It was a special day.

Two awesome men.

I love them both so.

Truly a Happy Day!

Yay!

My dad is 50 years old. And he is a good, good man. Of faith. Not church. No one would baptize him. But God saw fit. God sees the heart.

Family Picture Day

2011-09-07T18:24:00.000-06:00

So we went to the park and took some family pictures.

It was a lovely day.

These two beauties were there.

My Bugaboo ♥

Little Bro. Big Sis.

Mwahhh!

"The Framer"

um, the Christmas card?

My heart.

Starlette and I.

Picture Perfect!

ha!

Big Pimpin! Sorry but that's just how he rolls!

And then things got a little crazy....

and crazier.....

and we just lost it from there :)

And then we skipped off and had lunch.

bad blogger bad!

2011-09-02T10:12:00.003-06:00

Are you even kidding me?? I can't believe I've let this blog get so lonely. LIFE I tell ya! Have no fear I am going to COMMIT to catching up. Just wanted to let you know, yes, I am still alive and I am going to return to blogging. Soon. I promise. Honest.

Meeting Online Friends IRL {IN REAL LIFE!!}

2011-08-22T09:22:00.000-06:00

This week our family took a short trip to Denver. As we were unable to make a trip home this summer we wanted to be able to have a few fun days away before school started up again. Two friends I have known for years from my Christian Moms online community just so happen to live in Denver. Of course this was a tipping factor on deciding where to take our little getaway :) :) Here are just a few pictures from our time together.

Tirzah and I.

getting ready for paddle boats

Sarah and Grace all set.

fast friends!

likewise :)

nice one~!

Tirzah's kids and mine.

Some Bugaboo lovin.

we share a photogrphy passion.

Tirzah, Aimee, & Renee :)

Tirzah's kids, Renee's kids, My kids, and a few extras :)

52 Week Project

2011-08-20T10:48:00.000-06:00

Week 30- Me

Week 31- Home Made Blueberry Cheesecake

Week 32- Bugaboo Birthday

Week 33- Meeting Online Friend IRL { in real life :) }

she bakes a cheesecake

2011-08-08T23:48:00.000-06:00

nilla wafer crust

3 pkgs (ohmygoodness!) cream cheese and a few other ingredients...

all done...

looks a lil flat to me??

but it sure is purty...and tasty!

the end :)

52 Week Project

2011-07-27T11:11:00.000-06:00

Week 28- Sunset Spiderweb

Week 29- Workshop Model

Mulberry Lane Photography Giveaway

2011-07-26T15:19:00.001-06:00

I'm sharing about this ultimately awesome giveaway going on right now at Mulberry Lane Photography. There is some seriously cool stuff to be won! Check it out :)

Jack Takes A Bath

2011-07-26T11:59:00.001-06:00

If I knew a few cups of water and a snow brush would keep him busy for so long I would have offered them myself. He's such a goober and I am so thankful for him <3

Aimee's Daybook

2011-07-20T11:07:00.001-06:00

Outside my window. . . the sun is shining. we finally broke our 100+ degrees streak. Only 90 today.

I am thankful . . . for life.

From the learning rooms. . . well, I am learning that I need to unplug and engage more often. Just because I'm home doesn't mean I'm free to do whatever I want. Chores need to be done and children need to be invested in. I'm doing better.

From the kitchen. . . Roast Dinner in the crock pot.

I am wearing. . . jammas

I am creating. . . a smaller mending pile.

I am reading. . . I just downloaded the book Quitter to my iPhone.

I am hoping. . . that the answer is yes.

I am hearing. . . kids playing in forts in the living room. the dryer running.

Words I am pondering. . . if a whisper doesn't do it, God will throw bricks at you.

Around the house. . . kids, dogs, messes abound.

One of my favorite things. . . peace.

A few plans for the rest of the week. . . I have the niece and nephew today and tomorrow. Tomorrow we have a park date. Friday no plans yet. Saturday I am attending my first photography workshop. I'm so excited about that. Sunday church.

Here is a picture I am sharing. . . This is a picture of the painting Beth did for a friend of mine. She saw her Jaguar painting and asked her to do a lion for her wall. We mailed it out on Monday. Hope she loves it!

I Quit

2011-07-17T17:22:00.000-06:00

I had a revelation today. Remember the other day when I mentioned I was going to do the Bible in 90 Days Challenge..Again? I mentioned how I have not been in the word consistently and that when I did the challenge last time I was totally blessed and whipped right through it. It was right for me then. I needed that challenge, I needed at that time to be in His word daily and almost competitively? I was charged. I was excited. But today I was scrolling through my reading just as fast as I could and barely, barely paying attention to the words in front of my face. Then God simply said..."This is not the point. This is not what you need". I have read the entire Bible just to read the Bible and I have studied His words in order to come closer to His presence and wisdom. But right now... what I need is not either. (Yes I need to be in His word. It will always bring me closer to Him when I am.) But I haven't been nuturing our relationship. I've lost touch with my friend. And speed reading through the Book isn't going to patch it all up. It's gonna take some hands on work. And I'm glad I figured that out in Leviticus instead of Acts. : )

Writer's Workshop

2011-07-16T11:12:00.000-06:00

Head on over to MamaKat's to join the writer's workshop parade.

The Prompts:
1.) Write about a time you had to crawl through a window. (inspired by Barb from Half Past Kissin’ Time)
2.) List of 10 shows you’re glad have seen their last day.
3.) A bad day.
4.) Share a joke that always makes you laugh.
5.) On a piece of paper write down something that makes you happy…take a photo of your paper and wa la…there’s your post.
6.) Has your child thrown a temper tantrum in public? Create a video describing what happened and how you handled it.

5.) On a piece of paper write down something that makes you happy…take a photo of your paper and wa la…there’s your post.

52 Week Project

2011-07-13T10:45:00.000-06:00

Week 26- Summer Fountain
Check out the sun flare... I heart sun flare ♥

Week 27- Cupcake
yum

Catching up with my lonely blog.

2011-07-10T22:46:00.001-06:00

So how bout this new blogger update huh? I was like WHOA. Seems there's an overhaul in the works. You can read about it here if you're clueless...as I was.

I thought I would do a little catch up post. WOW this summer has been busy. Good, but busy. And amazingly, I have not lost my sanity yet. I stress yet ;)

We have been spending a lot of time with our bff's...Randy's sister Star and her husband Ron. Star was how I met my husband. Twelve days before my twelfth birthday, at her birthday party. We were always very close (although did have so me issues with the you're dating my brother bit but we've come to terms with that long ago) And Ron, is a fellow classmate as well. We had some good times growing up together and now we get to spend our adult days having good times still...and with kids!

Our days are filled with kids, dogs, cats, food, laughter and of course at the end of it all the housework looms. We've been at the park, the pool, the library, the church. And McDonald's of course!

Even though the days have been busy, I've kept a fairly good countenance this summer vacation. One thing though that has been lacking is my time in the Word. And so, when the posts started popping up about the 90 Day Challenge I thought it would be a good idea to just go ahead and join up again. I was really blessed the last time through, and having an accountability is really motivating for me. If you're interested, it's not to late. It starts TOMORROW or if you're reading this tomorrow-TODAY! Click on the graphic to see what it's all about.

If you're on facebook, you'll recognize the following, but here are some excerpts of life with us lately.

Got the kids Don't Break The Ice for Christmas.... Just counted the pieces and after 6 months all 33 ice cubes are still there. I think it's a record folks!!!!

Just went to an old school pharmacy. Got Ice Cubes chocolates in honor of my momma, only butter rum and raspberry brachs caramels, and my signature flavor mocha mousse bonne belles lip lites. Score!!!!

a sandwich, a quesadilla, watermelon, and two cookies
what is what Jack had for lunch?
these kids need to stop growing!!

Jack, Grace and I watched the final space shuttle launch- Weeeeeeee Atlantis is goooooo

Grace and Jack running through the house in camo gear and war paint. Grace yells "Commander Louie! Stop Peeing in the house!!!!" (dog is sent to the brig)

My husband spoils me rotten. I'd love him just the same if he didn't but it doesn't hurt :) I love you Randall Huffman ( he got me a new sewing machine I've been wanting...it went on sale and I let him know...the next day he came home with it...awww)

So herein ends my catch up post. Hope to catch up again soon!!

Love That Shot Link Up-Beautiful Bokeh

2011-07-01T10:39:00.001-06:00

flower shots almost always give some gorgeous bokeh.

*bo·keh

noun /bōˈkā/

In photography, bokeh is the blur, or the aesthetic quality of the blur, in out-of-focus areas of an image, or "the way the lens renders out-of-focus points of light. ...

Love That Shot Link Up- Reflection

2011-06-30T12:02:00.000-06:00

A post in which I use words

2011-06-29T22:01:00.000-06:00

HI!!!! I know I've been posting a LOT of photo posts lately and I hope I'm not boring you to death. **Groan more photos** But you KNOW I LOVE it :)

I am currently in my bed on my laptop and I am...wait for it....ALONE. Ahhh. Well there are people here but they are in bed and Randy is in the living room so I am as close to alone as I can get. The kids have been out of school for over a month. It has been kidfull. Not too bad but oh so noisy and busy and hectic.We've been going to the park, pool, bowling, etc. and doing a lot of church stuffs. We spent a week with Love Rapid City, which is the mission trip our church takes each summer...to our city. We opted for kid friendly activities at the church. We painted flower pots, planted flowers, made cards for people in the nursing home, and did park clean up. Last week Beth was in a Cardboard boat race with youth group and that was a lot of fun. They also had a huge slip and slide down the hill at the park there. Yesterday we had a cupcake social with games for all the preschool and nursery volunteers and their families. Fun stuff.

All in all we are doing well. Grace has had a mild case of tonsilitis. So mild, we didn't think anything of it but since it wasn't going away we finally took her in and they gave her some antibiotics. So hopefully that takes care of the come and go sore throat. Jack recently got a hair cut and looks grown up. Beth is a teenage girl. That's all I'm gonna say there.

Randy's enjoying his new work. Though lately we've been a little hit or miss. Ebbs and Flows right?

My sister in law and I are planning family pictures. So we've been getting matching outfits and accessories for nine people.

I'm currently addicted to Blueberry Coffee with vanilla creamer, cinnamon toast, listening to playlists on youtube and Pinterest.

And now I am yawning so I will sign off for now. I'm sure I'll be posting a photo soon.... but I'll try to touch base with some words more often :)

Love That Shot Link Up- Story Time

2011-06-29T10:20:00.000-06:00

Wednesday | Story Time | Sometimes referred to as photojournalism, we want to see a series of three or more photos that tell a story. Any kind of story…comical, sweet, dramatic…you name it!

This is from a couple weeks ago when we went down to the creek to fish. This puppy ATTACKED Beth's face. It was quite hilarious.

I ♥ Faces AND Love That Shot Link Up- A touch of Whimsy

2011-06-28T07:00:00.001-06:00

Love That Shot Link Up- Home Sweet Home

2011-06-24T11:54:00.001-06:00

Growing up our main meeting room was the kitchen. We'd sit around the table while the parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents etc. chatted over coffee. There was always cookies, or cake, or home made lasagna for dinner. This is the main reason I insist we all sit down to dinner (at the same table from my mother's kitchen) and eat together as a family. So in this house, as in the past, FOOD is a big deal :) We cook and bake a lot here. And my kids LOVE to help. Which usually ends up making a huge mess...but I realize the messy kitchen is totally worth the memories we're making (baking).

52 Week Project

2011-06-23T11:08:00.002-06:00

Week 25- My Dad went to Boston and all I got was this VooDoo Doll

Love That Shot Link Up- Local Flavor

2011-06-23T10:44:00.000-06:00

Today we're showcasing photos of our neck of the woods. Local Flavor!
And here we have ...once again...the ever popular...Mount Rushmore.

Love That Shot Link Up- Yummm!

2011-06-22T11:19:00.000-06:00

Love That Shot --linking up for week THREE of their birthday celebration!
This is a picture of my very favorite dessert everrr. Turtle Cheesecake from Johhny Carinos in Muskegon Michigan. YUMMMMM!

IPad giveaway!!!

2011-06-19T18:32:00.000-06:00

http://www.mcpactions.com/blog/2011/06/13/ipad2-giveaway/comment-page-47/#comment-82035

One of my favorite photog sites is having an awesome giveaway and I want to win! Visit MCP actions thru the above link!

just a smallish thought for you.

2011-06-19T16:52:00.000-06:00

If I had the words for you I'd whisper Sonshine to your soul. And you would shine every brighter unto the Perfect Day.

Happy New Year!!! Middle of June!

2011-06-17T10:41:00.000-06:00

Chatting with a friend today, I talked about my goals for this year. It always helps to take a look at things periodically and evaluate where you are. So here once again are the goals I set and a recap of how things are going thus far.

2011

In no particular order here are my thoughts, goals, dreams for this New Year.

I've re-committed to staying in God's Word. I've been slacking the past few months. So now is a good as time as any to Read Through The Bible In 90 Days. ( check it out by clicking on the icon in the right side bar if you're interested, it starts on Monday)
yeah, so we know I finished this and even finished it ahead of schedule. It was such a huge blessing! I read the entire Bible in 72 days. Almost every single day for 72 days straight. And then. I stopped. Sadly, since that time I have spent very little time in the Bible itself. Looking up verses here and there and reading in church but my personal time not so much. And that sucks. In fact, I see that the Bible in 90 Days challenge will be starting up again and I'm tempted to join. Just because it helped me stay in God's word daily. Why not?

Read More.- If internet surfing counts then yes. But again, here I've slipped behind. I am used to reading novels on a very regular basis and I haven't been reading very much at all lately. I have a book from the library sitting next to my bed. I've yet to start it.

Write More.- Hmm. Fail. Has my blogging been less wordy? I fee it has. Maybe because I've been busier with my photography hobby.

Dig Deeper.- Simply, yes.

Laugh Harder and Often.- I try. This requires spending adequate time with people who get me. So yeah :P

Get my second tattoo.- Haven't yet. I keep changing my mind on what I want. First it was this double mirrored J design for my mom (Janet) and sister (Jamie). Then that kind of wore off. Then I wanted dandelion seeds blowing down my arm. Then I wanted a feather. Now I don't know what I want. I keep changing my mind and that's not a sign that I'm ready to ink it just yet!

Spend time with my children. Not just when it's expected. Savor the moments that go fleeting by so quickly we barely have time to realize them before we're looking back wistfully wishing we'd embraced them.- Yes, and No. I have my good stretches and my bad stretches. There have been some rough patches but overall I think I would call this goal a win.

Have sex with my husband. Yep I said the S word. We're older now, a tad lazy shall we say. When we don't prioritize physically it sneaks up on you and all of a sudden you're distant. Connect spiritually, emotionally, and physically with my man. That's the plan Stan.---bahahahahaha. When did we get so stinkin old and lazy? That's ok, just a reminder we still need to work on this :)

Take a million pictures. Or at least a half a million. Pursue my passion. I love pictures. I love people. I'm pursuing them both. Learn more about my camera and put it to use. Take pictures of people outside of my family. Make it happen.- I've taken some baby steps with my camera. I'm learning settings I've not used before. I'm taking pictures of some church events and there are more opportunities coming. So this goal is being met.

Volunteer with my church. Expound and Expand in ways that I can bless others.- I've continued to serve in the nursery and AWANA. I have stepped up and said yes more often than not. That has been an added goal of mine, is to say yes. Stop saying oh I can't, or I'm too nervous or under qualified. Just say yes and do it.

Write letters to family. Not just send a picture at Christmas.- hmmm fail.

Pray. Pray for my family. Pray for myself. Pray for the World. Pray Aloud. Pray with others. Pray on my knees. Pray on my face. Get back to when praying was as breathing throughout my day.---Praying yes, as abundantly as this goal sounds? Truthfully, nope.

And finally, live by my One Word for 2011.

Invest. You can read more about that Here.---I think for the most part yes. I'm always a work in progress, and there is always room for improvement. But overall, I'm doing OK.

May you be abundantly blessed in this ~~New Year~~ Middle of June!

Love That Shot Link Up- In The Garden

2011-06-17T10:40:00.000-06:00

The Love That Shot link up continues. (people I will win one of these giveaways!!)
Today's theme is In The Garden.

Love That Shot Link Up- Walk In My Shoes

2011-06-16T09:42:00.000-06:00

Linking up again with Love That Shot for a Walk In My Shoes!

52 Week Project

2011-06-15T11:12:00.002-06:00

Week 24- Shelter Cat

Love That Shot Link Up- Pretty In Pink

2011-06-15T11:03:00.000-06:00

Today's link up theme is pretty in pink. I decided my pretty pink lilacs needed to make another appearance. Because I'm in love with this photo :)

Love That Shot Link Up- Fresh

2011-06-14T10:11:00.001-06:00

The birthday celebration continues this week at Love That Shot and who am I to deny a good party!

Fresh picked flowers from my littles :)

Love That Shot Link Up- Good Mornin Sunshine!

2011-06-10T11:53:00.000-06:00

It's Friday! Last day of the Love That Shot birthday link up. Sunshine!
I took this photo as a the clouds rolled over the sunshine and the light hit just beautifully. Hope ya like it!

52 Week Project

2011-06-09T11:57:00.001-06:00

Week 23- Same Beauty, Different Day :)

Love That Shot Link Up- Oh So Dramatic!

2011-06-09T10:57:00.000-06:00

Today's theme is Black and White. This picture of Beth is one of my favorites. I know I'm partial, but she's striking :)

Love That Shot Link Up- Summertime Treasures!

2011-06-08T06:00:00.002-06:00

This week is Love That Shot's birthday so they are hosting a daily link up with chances to wind wonderful birthday prizes!

Today's Shot is Summertime Treasures!
Beach Days!! yeah baby :)

Love That Shot Link Up- A Few Of My Favorite Things

2011-06-07T12:26:00.000-06:00

These are A Few Of My Favorite Things.--
of course you all know of my LOVE of Vintage Pyrex :)

I ♥ Faces- From A Distance

2011-06-06T22:54:00.000-06:00

Linking up with I ♥ Faces for this week's theme: From A Distance. I shot this of Beth when we did those railroad shots a couple weeks ago. I like the look of it.

Wondering what we're up to round these parts?

2011-06-04T20:15:00.000-06:00

I did some more floral edits. Because post processing is like coloring for grown ups :)

Made Potato Salad, Spinach Dip, and a Lemon Meringue Pie for our cookout with Star & Ron.

Took pics of the sun goin down in the Trailerhood. . .

Went for a walk and saw part of the Air Show

Played in the water.

And met a very friendly pup.

The kids made no bake cookies. I grill some delicious Salmon. Now it's time for Yogi Bear and then bedtime. We have nursery tomorrow and I get to go grocery shopping. And now you know, what we're up to round these parts :)

Hope you've had a happy weekend!

52 Week Project

2011-06-03T11:22:00.000-06:00

Week 22- Lilac

3 Year Pebble

2011-06-03T11:19:00.000-06:00

3 years ago we took her off the machines giving her life. After reading magazines and Bible passages to my beautiful mother as she fought the hardest battle she would ever have to lose, I climbed in bed with her, wrapped my arms around her, fell asleep, and awoke an hour later to the sound of her last breaths. It was the hardest and most beautiful night of my life. For the first time on this day I don't have a huge rock of grief in my chest, just a pebble. Time does heal. But love stays forever. I miss you momma so so much.

I ♥ Faces- Best Face May

2011-05-31T06:00:00.000-06:00

This week's challenge at I ♥ Faces is our best face from May. Honestly I didn't get many face shots this month but I rather like this shot of Beth. Do you?? :)

blossoms

2011-05-30T21:47:00.000-06:00

Writer's Workshop

2011-05-26T06:00:00.006-06:00

Writer's Workshop is hosted by MamaKat.
This Week's Prompts

1.) Write about a time you got in BIG trouble as a kid.
2.) Not your mother's daughter...how do you parent differently than your mother did? Is it a good thing or a bad thing?
3.) Photo Story: Share photos of your most recent trip to the beach (maybe an excuse to go!).
4.) Write a poem about starting over.
5.) Your top 10 Summer Don'ts.

10. Don't forget the sunblock! The medications I take make being in the sun a non option. If I'm in direct sunlight for more than fifteen minutes I break out horribly and itchily. It's not fun people. So aside from not wanting skin cancer, that's the main reason I always wear my sunblock.

9. Don't wing it! Summer vacation with three kids and no routine is chaos. No matter how simple...such as mine, it must be there or summer will be nothing but fighting kids and a screaming momma.

8. Don't eat too much ice cream! I have a weakness for cookies, and ice cream. I eat too many cookies in the winter and too much ice cream in the summer. Don't do it. It adds pounds and insulin resistance.

7. Don't stop reading! Read every day. Make the kids read every day. Just do it.

6. Don't get dehydrated! Drink your H2O. Make sure the kids have water bottles whenever playing outside or on outings.

5. Don't stress! It's bound to happen. Probably by the second week...but remember to have fun. It is summer after all...and the kids won't be young and fun forever.

4. Don't stop dating! Date night is a must. Every week. Even if it's free and or boring. Get away from those kids and keep your relationship thriving.

3. Don't watch too much TV! Or play too many Wii games. Or DS. Or Computer. Those are great rainy day activities. If it's nice out....go out. Play Play Play. This tires everyone out and bedtime comes earlier.

2. Don't worry if your blog is neglected! Summer is busier than the rest of the year. You're out there living life, having fun, raising kids 24/7. The blog will always be here, ready to welcome you back when life settles down.

1. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY: Don't forget the camera! Don't leave home without it. Capture all those wonderful Summer Memories!!

52 Week Project

2011-05-25T17:11:00.003-06:00

Week 21-Off Track
tried playing with leading lines on the railroad tracks. I failed...this was the best shot. I didn't have a zoom on my camera at the time so I'm blaming that. :P

Week 21- Off Track, a photo by BelovedAimee on Flickr.

Aimee's Daybook

2011-05-20T11:19:00.001-06:00

Outside my window. . . the rain has stopped, the grass is greenest green, the sky is bluest blue and the sun shines here and there through the clouds.

I am thankful . . .to be getting caught up on housework.

From the learning rooms. . . this is the last Friday of the school year. Thursday is their last day.

From the kitchen. . . Roast Dinner in the crock pot.

I am wearing. . . jammas

I am creating. . .neatness from messes, meals for my family, and hopefully good memories of home for my children when grown.

I am reading. . . I'm not reading a thing right now. Sad. Sad. Sad.

I am hoping. . . my allergy eyes clear up very soon. It's been a long two weeks.

I am hearing. . . birds outside, the clock that ticks the seconds by, keys clicking silent thoughts.

Words I am pondering. . . cleaning house while the kids are still growing is like shoveling snow while it's still snowing... :P

Around the house. . . the dogs are snoozing, the chores are patiently waiting, and the coffee pot calls to refill my cup.

One of my favorite things. . . simplicity.

A few plans for the rest of the week. . . I have the niece and nephew tonight and tomorrow. I think we are going to skip church this week and really work on getting the house organized.

Here is a picture I am sharing. . . all three of my babies on the elmo blankey at approx 3 months.

52 Week Project

2011-05-19T11:28:00.000-06:00

Week 20- Hiy Mom

It was a slow photo week for me. This card from Jack is one of my favorite memories this week. I love that boy!

I ♥ Faces- May Flowers

2011-05-16T21:49:00.000-06:00

I haven't done an I ♥ Faces challenge in a while...so when Grace and Jack presented me with these today I thought I'd throw them into the mix in this week's theme! Head on over to check out more beautiful entries. . .

Where I play along. . .

2011-05-11T18:12:00.000-06:00

My lovely Aunt Pam at God's in the small stuff posted this so I'm posting too so she won't be lonely :)

i am: Aimee Lee Binns Hill Hill Huffman (yep my momma married two Hills)
i know: a little bit about a lotta things but not a lotta bit about anything in particular.
i want: Who God designed me to be...whoever that is...I'm still learning :)
i have: cold feet. always. I sleep with a heating pad every night.
i hate: dissension

i miss: my mom, my sister of course. but I miss family...all of them.
i fear: many, many things if I don't keep myself in check I get overwhelmed easily.
i feel: the weight of parenting a teenage daughter
i hear: television, kids playing
i smell: chicken noodle soup
i crave: chocolate, coffee, and laughter

i search: for wisdom, for peace, for good thrift store finds :)
i regret: many teenage decisions...what I wouldn't give to have done it differently. But God brought me through it.
i love: My kids, my husband, chocolate, coffee, photography, laughter, music, sharpies, writing, reading, color, thrifting, kissing my kids whole face, when my kids kiss me and tell me they love me, worship...
i care: about people. many people I've never met.
i always: pray through the ABC's when I can't find the words.
i believe: in a love so big it can't be comprehended or explained.
i dance: like a dork!
i sing: horribly, but nonetheless.

i don’t always: read my bible. brush my teeth before bed. clean my house. think before I speak.
i truly desire: to be set free from fear and anxiety. to be the best wife, mother and friend I can be.
i like: food. fun. cooking. baking. blogging. attempting to be crafty. facebooking....yes I verbed that.
i write: as myself. sometimes it's funny and quirky, sometimes it's painfully honest, and much of the time it's not punctuated correctly.
i lose: my temper frequently on "that week"
i win:....at scrabble
i try: to hold my tongue.
i never: leave the house without mascara on.
i am grateful: for my children, that my marriage survived, that the good outweighs the bad
i listen: to music every day
i am scared: when it storms at night. that I'll get cancer. that the world will crumble in my lifetime.
i need: Jesus. And mercy. Lots of mercy.
i am happy about: my marriage, my children, a project I'm working on.

i tag: anyone who wants to do this...I'd love to hear from ya'll. leave me a link if you do!

52 Week Project

2011-05-11T07:00:00.000-06:00

Week 19- Finally Spring!

This is such a gorgeous sight!

Mother's Day Mish-Mash

2011-05-09T11:00:00.000-06:00

The week before Mother's Day is always hard for me. I can make it through most of the year but those darned holidays and birthdays just really do sting. And to be motherless on Mother's Day ....bah it just sucks eggs. I'm constantly bombarded by emails for special offers to send your Mother flowers, candies, etc. The wonderful people of facebook change their profile pictures to their mom and declare what a wonderful person she is. Luckily I don't watch much tv so I can escape most of the commercials but a few do slip in. At any rate I was feeling very sorry for myself this week. Very apathetic and grumbly. ( I would like to point out I also am experiencing some "hormonal imbalance" at this time which isn't helping matters. ) I don't suffer from PMS I suffer from PMDD.... self diagnosed but I am a good diagnoser. :)

So I pressed on. Always with the pressing on, right? Sunday came and the battle raged. I didn't want to get out of bed and go to church. I wanted to lay in bed and feel grumbly and sorry for myself alllllll day. I fought back and forth. Finally I heard the words Just Get Out Of The Bed. These are my words from Him. This is what He gave me when I prayed for a way out of that bed on the days I just can't seem to drag myself out and face the day. Simple enough...but getting out of the bed is the first step in winning the battle. But I GOT OUT OF THE BED. And just to spite the devil... I PUT ON A DRESS. I don't go down without a fight people!

So we went to church, had lunch at McDonalds and got Gracie a hair cut. We came home and the whole family layed in our bed and watched TV for a couple hours until dinner when Randy and Grace cooked for us. After dinner I was presented with a card Grace had made with all my wonderful qualities as a mom and three gift cards for Itunes, Kohls, and Chili's. So spoiled am I.

In the end it was a lovely Mother's Day. But it was a battle to be won, for sure. But God. Thank God for God.... For Getting Me Out Of The Bed. It was worth it. :)

52 Week Project

2011-05-04T10:44:00.006-06:00

Week 18- ~~Tiger Tiger~~Jaguar Jaguar

Beth's artwork was chosen to be in the middle school's display at our local art gallery.

Week 18- Tiger Tiger, a photo by BelovedAimee on Flickr.

Hope.

2011-04-29T13:11:00.001-06:00

This year for Easter our church had a vision. A vision that took us out of our norm. Instead of having our own little Easter in our own little church with our own familiar people, we rented the Civic Center Theater. We thought....we have Hope; let's share it with those who don't. Let's invite all of Rapid City to Easter Service.

I had a very small role in all that took place but I can tell you that so much heart and soul and service was put into making this happen. But it payed off. So very greatly.

We had children's church and nursery just like every Sunday. There was coffee and greetings just like every Sunday. You could tithe in the offering buckets if you were so led. The band played, the pastor preached and there was an Easter Skit. But it was not your normal Sunday.

We weren't there to say let's celebrate what Jesus did 2000 years ago. We were there to share what that MEANS. To people who need His Hope.

For me to explain all that occurred and all that it meant to me ...well I just don't have adequate words. All I can say is that I was totally blown away by God. I still can't look at the pictures or watch the videos without crying because God is so good. So good. And I am so blessed to be a part of a church that wants to share His Goodness.

247 people served and shared God's love. 100 people worked the children's ministry. There were 600 children. Both services were full. All in all there were 2,950 people at our Easter Services. 423 people gave their lives to Christ. 300 new believer bibles were handed out with a list of names of over 100 people who requested one. And ONE Savior was Glorified. Amen.

This is the video to our message. If you feel inclined to spend about 49 minutes please do. If you don't you could skip to minute 30 and see the Easter Skit that Randy was blessed to be a part of and directly after that you can see four or so rows of hands raised to accept Christ. There are a lot more rows. A lot more hands. A lot more hearts. A lot more HOPE.

Easter at Rapid City Civic Center Theater from FountainSprings Community Church on Vimeo.

Hi

2011-04-28T21:57:00.000-06:00

I'm still alive I promise!!! I noticed I haven't really been posting much besides pictures here lately. I think I'm gonna sit still for a minute tomorrow and dig down and pull out some words. Maybe :) Until then...just one more pic!!!!

I saw this at the gas station and wanted to buy it so I could take pics of it lol... but I didn't want to spend five bucks on it!! Randy surprised me with it yesterday :D He loves me. He buys me popcorn to take pictures of. ♥

52 Week Project

2011-04-27T00:00:00.001-06:00

Week 17- Just Me

Easter Means

2011-04-22T11:09:00.000-06:00

This

Not This

52 Week Project

2011-04-20T12:32:00.001-06:00

Week 16- Vintage Pyrex Birthday :)

This is my birthday present to myself. Added the gravy boat and butter dish to my ever growing Gold Butterfly Set..... I love!!!

52 Week Project

2011-04-16T21:08:00.000-06:00

Week 15+ Challenge-Flowers/"Flours"
haven't seen many flowers yet so this is my take on the flowers challenge :D

Jack Cleans Fridge

2011-04-15T14:16:00.000-06:00

Jack really gets IN to his work ;)

so many things I could say about this.... but a good pffffffttttt will suffice.

SURPRISE!

2011-04-15T12:28:00.000-06:00

I mentioned that a couple weekends ago I had a surprise so I thought I would take some time to elaborate on that wonderfulness a little bit now.

Randy told me he had ordered something for me that he had to go and pick up. We had been talking about getting a new grill and so I guessed that's what it was. So he and Grace took off to go pick up my delivery. When they got home he made me cover my eyes, walked me outside, and handed me the keys. Then he told me to hit the button so the door would open and sitting in the van was my cousin Julie from Michigan. It was such a shock! Lots of running and squealing and tears lol.

A little back story here on Julie. She is my mother's sister's oldest daughter. Second grandchild born. My closest family. We were very close growing up but when I hit high school she was still in junior high and we stopped being so close at that point. When my sister Jamie passed away in 2006 Julie reached out to me and we have been super close ever since. Since my mom also passed away in 2008, she has been a great support to me. Not many people make the effort these days and she has. I am so very grateful for her love. It blew me away that she would ride 1400 miles on a BUS (no fun there) to come and visit me in lil ol South Dakota (where?). Seriously, that is a huge testament to her love because no one I know would do that for me. In fact not even my own father would do that for me. I know because she asked if he'd like to come too. (I do need to clarify, I know my dad would do it in a heart beat if I needed him, but just for kicks it's not his thing.) Not having my mom and my sister in my life leaves me feeling very alone at times. Not just alone because I have no mom or sister but alone because I have no one left in my immediate family aside from my father. I'm the only girl. No other sister or brother to turn to. Just lil ol me. So I appreciate Julie more than most probably would. Not to make it sound trite but she's the next best thing. The very best :)

So now you know why this surprise was so wonderful. We had an amazing weekend. Lots of laughs and memories made. My heart was so full. I'm so grateful to her for coming, for the beautiful weather, and for my husband and her husband helping make it happen. She left her three young children home with her husband for six days. The longest she's been away ever and poor, wonderful Chris gets three extra punches in his man card to reserve for a later date.

Her first night here we went to Deadwood. Which is an historic town in the black hills that is basically all casinos. We enjoyed their (expensive) prime rib and crab legs buffet. We played the penny slots and for the first time in my life I left a casino with money. I've only been like four times so my odds are pretty good the way I see it.

Saturday we got up early and started out at The Cosmos Mystery Area. We had lunch in Keystone. We visited Mt. Rushmore. We took the Wildlife Loop through Custer State Park. After our long day we went home and ordered pizza. Then Julie and I went out with Star. We went bowling and did a little shopping in town. Lots of laughs.

Sunday we went to church at Fountain Springs Community Church. We stopped at Dinosaur Park, the highest point in the city. You have to walk up 15,638,937,465,651 steps to get to it. We had lunch at one of our favorite places, Pizza Ranch. Then we hit the city pool. After the pool, Randy and the kids hung out at Star's and us girls went home so Julie could start getting her bags ready for the morning. After a little laundry and packing and girl talk we joined the rest of the family for dinner and Wrestle Mania. :P

We stayed up late, not wanting to go to bed because bed meant morning and morning meant her leaving. I promised myself I wouldn't cry this time. I cried enough when she got here lol. We hugged and off she went on her long return journey back to Michigan. (shh I cried in the car :)

It was an absolutely amazing, wonderful, blessing filled weekend with my favorite cousin ever. Thank you. All of you.

Julie Bulie

Cosmos

scenic

oops

tiny cute church

wildlife loop

hey lil fella

pardon me!

buttergall!!! :P

Dinosaur Park

Louie

2011-04-11T10:00:00.001-06:00

Otherwise known as Louis Archibald Ratfink the 3rd.

He's a 2 year old miniature terrier mix. He came from a rescue in Gillette, Wyoming.

He's one of those ugly/cute dogs. Can't decide if he's ugly or cute lol.
But he is very adorable and sweet.

He's been here for three days. He loves the kids. He cuddles very nicely.

He needs a grooming.
But we're waiting til he's more comfortable before we terrorize him.

He barks at every livin thing seen or unseen outside our door.

He eats underwear. Maybe I can finally get my kids to put them in the basket now!

We're still adjusting :) But so far it's going OK.

I really need to blog!

2011-04-09T21:55:00.000-06:00

I've got several things I've been meaning to blog about lately but I just haven't seem to been able to get to it. I've either been too busy to do it, or if I have had time just haven't had the words. Another thing that is really preventing me from doing any significant writing tonight is the fact that my cursor keeps jumping around and messing up my typing! Grrr.

Here are a few highlights to keep you in the know ...cuz ya know, I know you're dyin to know what I know :)

Randy is in the hiring process for THE JOB that God totally blessed us with. (More on that later)

I have a new used mini van. YES! Finally enough room to haul all these kids and groceries. I'm still adjusting to driving a small bus but am still very happy to have a new vehicle that comfortably seats our whole family.

I also have a new dog. Don't you judge me! You know who you are too :) His name is Louie and he is a 2 year old miniature terrier mix. He's such a sweetie. He's adjusting well to life with us. It was so funny when we got him he hid under the table and would not come to me or Randy at all. The kids walked in from school and he bee lined it right to Jack and started wagging his tail and licking him. They are best of friends already.

I got a HUGE surprise last weekend when my husband went to pick up something he had "ordered" for me. When he got home he told me to open the van door and there was my favorite cousin Julie from Michigan. She had ridden the bus for a day and a half just to come and visit me for the weekend. It was such a great weekend too!! (more on that later as well ;) )

Lastly, I was asked to take pictures of the baby dedication tomorrow at church. I hesitantly stepped out of my comfort zone and finally dipped my toes in to branching outside of my own family with my camera. So I'm a bit nervous but happy to do it.

So those are some of the highlights of the past week or so. If I can get back in my groove I will be back to elaborate on a few of them soon.

Happy Weekend <3

52 Week Project

2011-04-06T09:36:00.000-06:00

Week 14- Gorgeous Daughter

In Dreams

2011-03-31T16:30:00.000-06:00

Dreams are funny things. The subconscious brain and it's mysterious, fantastical ways are something I will never comprehend. Some nights I can dream a dream and I can correlate everything in it to my circumstances that day or a situation I'm going through. It makes perfect sense. Some nights I will dream a dream that is off the wall and makes no sense whatsoever. Some nights there are dreams I wake from crying. Some I start awake in terror. There are dreams that you wake up in the morning and you try to go back to sleep so you can keep dreaming the dream just to see where it takes you. There are even some dreams I wake from surprised or ashamed...and often wonder, are we responsible for our dreams? Will God hold me accountable for that? We wage war even in our dreams.

Lately, an old hurt has resurfaced. I saw some pictures on facebook and it scratched that scab. I'm not dwelling on it. I'm not letting it ruin my life. But I could feel it's ugly presence. And if I'm quite honest, it's there yet. You see sometimes we take up offense on the behalf of others. And I take mine very seriously. I take it as my very own. And it can dig a deep canyon of bitterness. My offense is in defense of my mother. Someone did her wrong. Actually more than one someone. But there is one particular someone I can't seem to forgive. Even though I thought I had. Part of my wants to spew it all out and slander this person. I want you to know the information...I want you to say my offense is warranted. I want to be validated in my hurt. I want to feel superior. But it would make no difference in the end.

In the end I must deal with this between me and God. It's a wrestling. Remember when Jacob wrestled with God? And he said I will not let you go unless you bless me. That's what we do isn't it when we wrestle Him? We say Lord I will not let this go until it's a blessing. Right now it's not a blessing. But it will be, someday.

Several nights ago. On a particularly hard day with this wrestling match. I dreamed of my mother. I dreamed of that time in the hospital when she was all hooked up to tubes and wires and being held by God between life and death. In my dream, it was right before we made the decision. When I would have given anything to hear her voice. To know her truest will. And in my dream my dreams came true. She grasped for the tube. She mumbled for her daughter. And I went to her side. She told me, "Aimee, I cannot live like this. It's OK. It's OK to let me go.." I cried and I said I could not live without her it was too much pain to bear. She had lived a life of pain. A life of abuse and emotional turmoil. A life of physical depreciation from age 11 on. And she was ready to be set free. In my dream, her last words to me were. "I can see God's face."

Jacob saw God's face. And yet his life was spared. Why not hers? Why was he the only one? Why can we only see God's face when we pass away from this life? Oh the Whys!

I cannot change the past. I cannot hold the guilt. I did not take her life. God took her life. It was her time. I wish it wasn't. I will not lie about that. I will never stop missing her. I miss her every. single. day. And some days it's HARD. And many nights I dream. And ultimately, I know in my heart that holding on to the offense on her behalf is fruitless. Keeping hold of it holds me to her still...if I'm angry for her, she's on my mind. She's on my heart and I am not in any danger of losing her. Again.

This is a part of my Wrestle. And my Blessing. Through this dream I can hold on to a piece of the peace that will one day be complete. It's OK. It's OK.

52 Week Project

2011-03-30T07:03:00.001-06:00

Week 12- Blue birds of happiness. Have I mentioned I love vintage pyrex? I may need an intervention. swoon.

Week 13- Rain Rain Go Away

This & That

2011-03-29T13:14:00.000-06:00

Hi there! It seems like I've not been here much lately. Things have been a little busy. Not too busy just different.
Randy got fired last week so that put a different spin on our week. I went on Jack's Field Trip. Been doing the normal mom/wife/maid/cook/chauffer duties. Spending more time out and about, and at the in laws since the weather has been nicer. Oh yes there was the whole laptop issue. Randy was able to wipe it clean and get it working again. Hopefully that's dealt with. I was able to save all my pictures and programs but lost all of my photo editing program files. SO I will be doing a lot of web surfing and trying to get all my creative stuffs back.

I've got a lot going through my mind and it's all kind of swirling around. There are a few things I'd like to share but I think they merit their own well thought out post. I just wanted to say hello. (-: Hello :-)

Field Trip With Jack

2011-03-27T23:15:00.000-06:00

Last Wednesday I was fortunate enough to go on a field trip with Jack's class.
We went to The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs. About forty five minutes on the bus. Three hours in the museum and another forty five minutes back to the school. About sixty second graders asking how much longer lol. It was fun though. A long day but we had a good time. Jack as always hammed it up for me. Here are just a few of the many pictures I took.

Listening to the guide on the telephone system.

A Mammoth Skull

Jack with his head in a flat nose bear skull

Class picture. Jack is a rockstar. I wouldn't have it any other way. :)

Piss Off World.

2011-03-22T10:45:00.000-06:00

I realize that's harsh. But can I be real? Piss Off is one of my favorite cusses. I use it muchly :) I got it from watching Drop Dead Fred. I LOVE that movie and have rotted my kids brains with it too. But I digress. This was a complaint post. Let the complaining commence.

My laptop has a super virus. My husband is very adept in computer stuff and has spent a week trying to fix it. If he can't fix it, it's likely no one can. So it's probably going to be junked. Fortunately I do have almost all my photos backed up (I learned my lesson when I lost all of 05).

I have cramps from h e double hockey sticks...and I have a whole day field trip with Jack tomorrow AND AWANA. grumble ow.

My husband got fired today. He kind of felt it coming...since his BOSS BOSS passed away things have been a little tense and it came to a head yesterday when BOSS #2 went off on him. So he was told today to take a hike. Normally I would be very stressed about this...but I'm believing in God's Awesome Favor for a new and incredible journey.

To top it all off....it's raining. Blah.

So like I said,,,, Piss Off World. God is Faithful.

In Which I Yammer On About God...

2011-03-20T16:56:00.002-06:00

There are two specific things God has been saying to me lately. Over and Over I have heard or read these phrases. Perfect Love casteth out fear. And I am Accepted in the Beloved. So, like if you're a Christian can I get a big fat duh? Pretty basic knowledge. I know this BUT I ALWAYS need to be reminded. I get bogged down with "life" or "situations" and I forget. I fail so miserably every day. Maybe you need to be reminded too. Or maybe you don't even know. Are you scared? Worried? Stressed? (Aren't we all?)His Love will cast it out. He can replace it with peace you can't even imagine. (I'm still working on getting that perfect peace! but I'm a work in progress!) Do you feel like you don't even matter? Are you good enough? Are you important at all? Have you screwed it all up so badly you can't even see a way out? If you trust in Him you are Accepted by the King Most High. You are His Beloved. Some might get offended or tired of my yammering for God and I will never push Him on you; but I will always exercise my First Amendment Right to tell you how Good He is. I hope that you'll always respect me for that if we don't happen to see eye to eye. But for me I gotta shout it out. He's good! He can and will change your life if you ask Him. He's certainly changed mine and I have to remind myself over and over to never stop thanking Him. Never stop believing He's FOR me. He's FOR you! Yes, you. If you'll have Him. And friends, it's so much better to have Him.

SOOC Saturday

2011-03-19T07:22:00.000-06:00

I'm linking up with Amy @ Marvelous Mommy for SOOC Saturday. (straight out of camera...no editing)

June 8th Randy and I will celebrate our 15th Anniversary. We decided fifteen years was a good amount and needed to be commemorated with a new wedding set. Since we have the money now...and might not later, we went ahead and purchased said new wedding set. And I have the happiest little ring finger in the world. Squeeeeee...diamonds :)

Writer's Workshop- Take A Trip

2011-03-18T08:57:00.002-06:00

To participate or read others entries in Writer's Workshop visit MamaKat.

3.) I often daydream about...

Vacations. Travel. Exploring.

This world is so BIG. I have only left our great USA once. That was to a small town in Canada. We didn't even do anything. Didn't camp. There was a petting zoo. Ironically, that petting zoo holds one of the most recalled memories in our family. My sister Jamie was spit on by a llama. The sign don't say "Warning: They Spit" for nothin. Oh but Tahquamenon Falls was beautiful.

I have been fortunate to have visited several states, besides the normal driving through to get to your destination. Arkansas. I was 8. It was my first vacation. Louisiana to visit family. New Orleans was a highlight of course. We walked in Dinosaur Tracks. Texas. Huston. San Antonio. The Alamo. NASA. Galveston Island. The River Walk. This trip has the best memories and many pictures. I was 13. My second "trip".

After that it would be five years until my next adventure. My honeymoon. California. Disney Land, Medieval Times, Camp Pendleton Marine Base.

That was 15 years ago. Aside from trips home while living out of state I have not had a vacation.

I'd love to see more of this great world. Maybe someday there will be more than day trips but for now I travel the world in my daydreams.

The Bible In 90 72 Days

2011-03-14T11:33:00.000-06:00

Well folks I did it. I finished The Bible in 90 Days Challenge last night. It took me just 72 days to read the Bible from Genesis through Revelation. I seriously had my doubts about this challenge. I never thought I could do this but God thought otherwise. Thank you to the 90 Day Challenge for hosting and encouraging along the way. Thank you to Stephanie our group leader for praying for me. This has been eye opening...if I can make time to read the Bible in 72 days then I have no more excuses why I cannot make time for His Word every day. I'm looking forward to STAYING in His Word and what it will do for my Walk with Him. God is good!!

When I get bored

2011-03-12T09:03:00.000-07:00

I play with my blog. :D

I know I JUST changed it. But I didn't like it. I like this one much more. It's colorful and Springy. I need Spring!!!

Yesterday was awesome. I spent the whole day running around town. Got my new set of pans and my new glasses. It was sunny and warm and the radio blasted the entire day. And to top it all off I scored a super deal at Kmart on laundry detergent. Buy 12 @ $2.50 use $1 off coupons on each...paid $19.67 and received $10 off coupon for next visit. So I can go back and buy 12 more, only pay $9 and get another $10 off coupon. Set on laundry detergent for the next few months. Again :) I love bargain shopping.

I've got all the kiddos again today. Lots of cartoons and Wii goin on. I have a painting activity planned. I'm using the coffee filter shaped cardboard inserts from my pans and having the kids paint their "flowers". Then I'll put them on the wall to Spring up the place.

Randy works tonight and Grandma is taking the kids. I will be all alone....what shall I do with myself??!! I'll probably just catch up on my shows. Greys, American Idol, Survivor all need to be watched. :) :)

And this concludes my random Saturday morning blog post. Have a FABULOUS day!

52 Week Project-Catch Up Post

2011-03-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

Please forgive the repeat photos from previous posts but it has been a slow couple of weeks between the winter weather and the switch in cameras. So here are my catch up weeks.

Week 8- Kids in Tree

I KNOW that this photo is out of focus...BUT it has all three of my awesome kids in it and the sun was shining in February so it is indeed one of my favorite pictures of the week!!

Week 9- Puff Of Cloud

Week 10- Veggies

Week 11- Potato Salad in Vintage Pyrex.

It's been wintery here...not many photo ops so food has been my subject lately lol.

The ABC's of He.

2011-03-08T20:14:00.000-07:00

I want to say something. I want to write. I want to use words that make imagery and stir up your soul. But I don't know how. I don't have a structure. No subject, predicate, main idea or summary prepared. I just have this urge. This bursting inside. To say....

God is AMAZING.
He is BEAUTY defined.
He CARES for our every need.
He is our DELIVERER.
He is ETERNAL.
He FEEDS the hunger within us.
He GATHERS us to His side when we hurt.
He is our HEALER. Whether physical or soul sickness.
He IS and was and is to come.
He is JEALOUS for me.
He KISSES away the tears and puts them in a jar.
He is LOVE.
He MANIFESTS Himself in ways we cannot fathom.
He NEVER leaves us or forsakes us.
He is OVERJOYED when we run into His arms.
He has PREPARED a place for us in His kingdom.
He QUIETS our anxieties.
He REMEMBERS our prayers.
He is our SAVIOR.
His perfect TIMING is not ours.
He UNDERSTANDS all.
He VALUES us.
He is WORTHY to be praised.
He X'd our penalty on that cross.
He YIELDS to no one or no thing.
He makes me ZEALOUS for Him all the day long.

That is all. :)

The Bible In 90 Days

2011-03-07T10:45:00.000-07:00

It's week 10 and can you believe it??? I have actually stuck with something for ten. whole. weeks. !!!! And not only that I am way ahead of schedule. I was secretly hoping to be the first one done lol, but some other way awesome person beat me to it! That's OK...it was just a tiny thought. Now maybe if I had kept up with my double daily readings like I had planned then yes. But this is what it is and it's not about when I finish it's about finishing. And most importantly it's about consistently being in God's Word. You know what I have noticed so much more lately? When our pastor is preaching...I actually know what he's talking about. Not that I never did before, I do have a brain ;) I mean, I have read the entire Bible before, and have been reading for years now but now I find myself hearing him preach from the Scripture and recalling HEY I just read that. It's so cool. God is so cool. :)

Fix-It Friday! & SOOC Saturday

2011-03-05T16:46:00.000-07:00

I'm posting Fix It Friday and SOOC Saturday today. I'm working on getting caught up with my 52 Week Project too so I'll be doing a several week catch up post on that soon too!

Before:

My Edit:

MMMM Potato Salad :)

She Gets Me

2011-03-02T20:55:00.002-07:00

Today the kids had a half day. Well, really it's early dismissal and they arrive home at 1:30 instead of 3:30 but I just say half day cuz it might as well be. It's a half day to me!

My sister in law had to work so her two kids would be riding the bus home with mine. That meant five kids to feed at approximately 1:31 pm.

I decided I would make a nice healthy snack for them to enjoy. I don't let my kids eat a LOT of junk or prepared foods but there is the fair share of granola bars, cheez-its, fruit snacks in this home. So I figured a nice veggie plate and fruit bowl would be a "treat" for them . :)

I cut up two large grapefruit. Not a simple chore. Peeled and chunked three oranges and three apples. Mixed them all together to get them all nicely covered in fruity juices.

Next I peeled and cut up into sticks some carrots and celery. Sliced up a cucumber and arranged prettily on a plate.

I made several dipping cups with veggie dip and peanut butter. Set the table with fruit bowls and small plates and waited for the children to arrive. I was so pleased with myself.

1:31 pm. Kids rush in. The boys throw their things down and immediately ask to play the Wii. Beth wants to pig out as fast as she can and go to her friends. Maddie says can I just play the computer? Wyatt does not like vegetables. Or grapefruit. Yuck.

But Grace. My sweet, wonderful Grace. She opens her eyes wide and says "This is delightful!" She oohs and ahhs over my efforts. The other kids come and go at their choosing. Grabbing a carrot here, a cucumber there. Some don't bother at all. But Grace. She sits. She serves herself fruit in her bowl. She chooses her veggies for her plate. And she dips. She eats and she enjoys. And she thanks me for making such a nice snack. It was really nice of me.

There's a reason her name is Grace. And it had nothing to do with me. And everything to do with Him. Knowing I needed a Grace in my life.

She gets me.

And when she gets me,

I get Him.

Grace.

Aimee's Daybook

2011-02-25T10:32:00.001-07:00

Outside my window. . . it's still winter.

I am thankful . . . for the blessing of family.

From the learning rooms. . . Jack's teacher called the other day. Even since we talked at conferences a couple weeks ago Jack has digressed in his focusing and participation in class. I'm so torn. I am finally going to make that call to the Dr. and see about getting him tested. I've never been an advocate of medicating children but I do want what's best for him. sigh.

From the kitchen. . . I need to mop.

I am wearing. . . jammas

I am creating. . . I've been into the decoration of headbands lately. I made three more the other night for the girls.

I am reading. . . The Bible in 90 Days! I'm in Hosea. Also One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. It's an amazing book.

I am hoping. . . my neck stops hurting. I slept on it wrong and I have a very small range of motion right now.

I am hearing. . . beautiful silence.

Words I am pondering. . . ‎all is grace.

Around the house. . .just need to tidy up a bit and it will be all clean for the weekend of kids and chaos and the undoing of chores done.

One of my favorite things. . . thrift stores. The Salvation Army is having a 50% off sale today. Hoping I can make it there and get some deals.

A few plans for the rest of the week. . . I think it's gonna be a relaxing weekend. Nothing major planned.

Here is a picture I am sharing. . .
((shhh this picture is a little out of focus but I still like it ))

The Bible In 90 Days

2011-02-21T10:54:00.000-07:00

Week 8 Check In.

I took a few nights off again this week. I had a wonderful Date Night with my honey Friday night. We went to the Rock & Worship concert featuring, Anthem Lights, The Afters, Matt Maher, Thousand Foot Krutch, Jars of Clay, and Mercy Me. It was AWESOME! The kids also had a four day weekend so we've been busy slash lazy for the past few days :) I did get back into it last night and I'm currently in the last part of Ezekiel. I gotta tell ya I am looking forward to being out of the Old Testament. :) But I'm pluggin along and doin fine.

Taking A Break

2011-02-18T11:21:00.000-07:00

On a "sort of" break. The urge to blog hasn't been very strong lately so I'm just gonna go with the flow. I'm sure I'll be around but for the moment life has my attention. Which is a good thing :)

"Love"That Shot Photo Link up

2011-02-14T16:37:00.002-07:00

Love That Shot is having a Valentine's Link Up. You Can Enter by clicking on the graphic below.

The Bible In 90 Days

2011-02-14T10:53:00.000-07:00

Week 7 check in.

Can I be honest and say that although I am still ahead in my reading I have found I have been less enthusiastic about my nightly reading. I skipped reading twice this week. I am currently in Jeremiah and will probably finish the book tonight. I think I need to get started on my reading earlier because I've been having a hard time keepin those peepers open. :)

tHis beloved life.

Project 52

Project 52

I am blank because

I ♥ Faces Best Face of 2011

Project 52- Here we go again folks!

52 Week Project- Wrap up post!

Word of the Year and New Goals

Reuse your bounce bar

She's Crafty....Sort Of.

PiNk

As Fall Fades

52 Week Project

52 Week Project

Fall in love with Fall

52 Week Project

sister

52 Week Project

TAMRON LENS GIVEAWAY for Canon or Nikon Camera!!!! | MCP Photoshop Actions and Tutorials Blog for Photographers

Dad's Baptism

Family Picture Day

bad blogger bad!

Meeting Online Friends IRL {IN REAL LIFE!!}

52 Week Project

she bakes a cheesecake

52 Week Project

Mulberry Lane Photography Giveaway

Jack Takes A Bath

Aimee's Daybook

I Quit

Writer's Workshop

52 Week Project

Catching up with my lonely blog.

Got the kids Don't Break The Ice for Christmas.... Just counted the pieces and after 6 months all 33 ice cubes are still there. I think it's a record folks!!!!

Just went to an old school pharmacy. Got Ice Cubes chocolates in honor of my momma, only butter rum and raspberry brachs caramels, and my signature flavor mocha mousse bonne belles lip lites. Score!!!!

a sandwich, a quesadilla, watermelon, and two cookieswhat is what Jack had for lunch? these kids need to stop growing!!

Jack, Grace and I watched the final space shuttle launch- Weeeeeeee Atlantis is goooooo

Grace and Jack running through the house in camo gear and war paint. Grace yells "Commander Louie! Stop Peeing in the house!!!!" (dog is sent to the brig)

My husband spoils me rotten. I'd love him just the same if he didn't but it doesn't hurt :) I love you Randall Huffman ( he got me a new sewing machine I've been wanting...it went on sale and I let him know...the next day he came home with it...awww)

So herein ends my catch up post. Hope to catch up again soon!!

Love That Shot Link Up-Beautiful Bokeh

Love That Shot Link Up- Reflection

A post in which I use words

Love That Shot Link Up- Story Time

I ♥ Faces AND Love That Shot Link Up- A touch of Whimsy

Love That Shot Link Up- Home Sweet Home

52 Week Project

Love That Shot Link Up- Local Flavor

Love That Shot Link Up- Yummm!

IPad giveaway!!!

just a smallish thought for you.

Happy New Year!!! Middle of June!

2011

Love That Shot Link Up- In The Garden

Love That Shot Link Up- Walk In My Shoes

52 Week Project

Love That Shot Link Up- Pretty In Pink

Love That Shot Link Up- Fresh

Love That Shot Link Up- Good Mornin Sunshine!

52 Week Project

Love That Shot Link Up- Oh So Dramatic!

Love That Shot Link Up- Summertime Treasures!

Love That Shot Link Up- A Few Of My Favorite Things

I ♥ Faces- From A Distance

Wondering what we're up to round these parts?

52 Week Project

3 Year Pebble

I ♥ Faces- Best Face May

blossoms

Writer's Workshop

Writer's Workshop is hosted by MamaKat. This Week's Prompts

52 Week Project

Aimee's Daybook

52 Week Project

I ♥ Faces- May Flowers

Where I play along. . .

52 Week Project

Mother's Day Mish-Mash

52 Week Project

Hope.

a sandwich, a quesadilla, watermelon, and two cookies
what is what Jack had for lunch?
these kids need to stop growing!!

Writer's Workshop is hosted by MamaKat.
This Week's Prompts