Not Me Tuesday

So much for taking a blogging break. After hours of studying and a three hour CPR class today, my brain is fried and in desperate need of a little blogging relief. So here I sit, relaxed on my comfy couch eating Boston Market mashed potatoes in one hand and typing with the other.... life just couldn't get any better than this. Oh and did I mention, its currently 9:31pm and a brisk 102 degrees outside!! *Phew* thats hot. But despite the blazing heat and uncontrollable buckets of sweat I produce, I love living here in Arizona. Call me crazy, but its truly become my home.

On a completely separate note, I realized that Monday came and went and I totally forgot to post my traditional Not Me Monday blog.... what an absolute sin. So in an effort to make up for my lack of organization skills, I've decided to post a Not Me Tuesday blog.... I know, it doesnt have quite the same ring to it, but it'll function just the same. So here it goes....

1. I was NOT laughed at today by the car next to me when they noticed me dancing and singing at the top of my lungs to an old school Shania Twain song.


2. I did NOT get up at 4:30am this morning just so I would have time to dress up and look cute for absolutely no good reason.


3. I did NOT accidentally trip my nephew and send him flying head first into the pantry door yesterday afternoon.


4. I did NOT accidentally fling my CPR baby's head off when doing the Heimlich maneuver in front of the entire CPR Licensing class tonight.


5. I did NOT make a meal out of ice cream and a large root beer float for lunch today.


6. I am NOT posting a Not Me Monday blog on a Tuesday!!


7. I do NOT have three days worth of dirty dishes piled high in my sink right now, and I am NOT planning on leaving them there tonight while I go to bed early.


8. I did NOT feed Tirzah (my dog) left over Boston Market chicken for dinner as a way to easy my guilty conscience for leaving her alone all day in my apartment.


9. Speaking of Tirzah, I did NOT find beefy dog treats hidden all over my apartment yesterday, after Tirzah had supposedly gotten bored, scaled the laundry room shelves, and proceeded to break into the treat dish.


10. And last but not least, I am NOT secretly excited to wake up and try my new coffee creamer tomorrow morning.

Ahh it feels so wonderfully freeing to lavish in denial!!!

Leave a comment and tell me all the things you did NOT do this week.

A Blogging Break

I know what your thinking.... its an absolute sin I haven't blogged in a few days. It's ok, you dont have to hide the fact that you thrive on reading "Daily Bread with Emily. You probably hang on every word, and gather much insight on what I have to say. I am quite wise like that. Anyway, as much as I'm obsessed and in love with blogging, life has been crazy lately here in the Valley of the Sun. Trying to balance school, new friends, finding a job, spending time with my sister and her family, and sleeping, has not been easy. There's much to blog but little time to do it in. Unfortunately, I need to get through this week before I'll have time to blog again. Thanks for your patience and understanding!

Daily "Positive": I'm wearing a cute little outfit that makes me feel quite comfortable and confidant. I love it when your outfit just effortlessly comes together in the morning!

Story of my life :-)

Hair Love

You know how approximately every six months you get that itch to change and/or revamp your look? Some women buy new clothes, some try new make-up, but me.... I change my hair style. This time, however, I wont be cutting my hair. Nope, instead I'm determined to grow my hair longer. Sure, long silky "Gisel-like" tresses may sound amazingly beautiful, but unfortunately my hair doesnt seem to want to grow. I've done everything from special shampoos, continual dead end trims, and of course a strong daily dose of multivitamins.... but have my efforts worked? Nope! Nada. My hair is still short!!! I'm actually embarrassed to admit this, but today I literally came "this close" to buying the Jessica Simpson clip in hair extensions at Ulta (pictured below). Fortunately, right there in the hair accessories isle, I came to my sense and realised that $90 for fake hair is probably not worth it.... especially since I'm broke with no job. And knowing my luck, I'd probably drive all home thinking this new product was sure to change my life (much like I thought when I bought my "Bumpit"), only to be disappointed when what I thought would be my miracle answer to perfect hair, turned out to be nothing more than a marketing scheme. I suppose this is yet another opportunity God is giving me to embrace and appreciate what He's given me. God must think we're so strange to go to such extreme and lengthy measures to change our appearance, when what He gave us was perfect to begin with. I'm learning everyday how to love who God created me to be. I consider myself a continual work in progress.

Daily "Positive": Sitting with Bella in the movie theater sharing a bag of sour candy and m&m's while watching Madagascar 2.

Carl's Jr.

I was sitting on my couch relaxing this evening when a new Carl's Jr. commercial popped up on my television screen. Now usually I never watch commercials, considering the fact that I TiVo everything and simply skip past them all. But tonight was different. As I sat and watched the new ad, my mouth literally dropped open as my anger level began to rise. For those of you who haven't seen the new commercial staring Audrina Patridge (a reality tv star), here it is for you to see:

I dont know about you, but I am more than extremely offended by this ad. These types of advertisements do nothing more than contribute to the millions of eating disorders plaguing women in our country today. First of all, the percentage of women who naturally have this body type is about 2%, so with that said I think its safe to say Audrina is NOT an accurate representation of the average woman. Second, no woman in her right mind actually roles around in a bikini eating a massive burger while sexy music plays in the background. And third, its demeaning to women to portray females as nothing more than sexual exhibitionists, performing for the benefit of the male gaze. Sadly, most women will unknowingly view this commercial on TV and accept it as truth. Truth that women are all "supposed" to be a size zero. Truth that a womens value is measured by her ability to attract male attention. Well, these lies must stop. The media plays an incredibly large role in our lives, please do yourself a favor and pay close attention to the ads your subconsciously being subjected to. Confront the lies and replace it with God's truth. Most importantly, when you see an ad that is offensive to women, take a stand and write a letter to the company. The more we speak out, the greater voice we'll have over the media industry.

Well, with that said, I've come up with a brilliant new idea for future blog entries of mine. In an effort to live a more positive life, I will now be ending each blog entry with a statement about something positive that happened to me that day.

Today's Positive: I got to spend the evening laughing and hanging out with new friends from church! :-)

Game Night

Tonight was my very first "Girls Game Night" at my apartment with a few new and quite hilarious friends of mine. It was a good time indeed.

It's not always easy making friends in a new town, but these girls have been more than kind and welcoming to me, making the transition from California to Arizona a little easier.

I wish I had remembered to take pictures of the eight of us, but with all the laughing and competitive game playing, it completely sliped my mind.

Here is a special shout out to all who attended game night:
Thank you girls (Abbey, Bri, Siobahn, Elise, Rachel, Amanda, Heather) for comin over for game night tonight. I thoroughly enjoyed your company, and cant wait until we can all do it again!!!

I'm Home

Phew! I'm finally home. It was a wonderfully fun yet utterly exhausting weekend in San Diego. I hadnt seen my parents in a few weeks, so getting to spend one on one time with them was well worth the difficult 6 hour drive out. The drive to and from San Diego was most definitely the hardest part, as my only option was to sit squished between two large car seats filled with two adorably squirmy children, with a dog on my lap no less. Yes indeed we were all "snug as a bug in a rug". To my delight, however, the car ride became quite the bonding experience between Tirzah and Bella. No more than a week ago Bella refused to be in the same room as Tirzah, and continually screamed in her presence. But, by some chance miracle, Tirzah and Bella are now virtually inseparable. As a matter of fact, the entire car ride to San Diego consisted of Bella asking me to place Tirzah on her lap, followed by her squeezing the living daylights out of Tirzah, while simultaneously saying "I love her!" over and over. It was a precious sight to see.

My Friend

Love you Colleen! It was great catching up with you today!!!

Proverbs 17:17

"A friend loves at all times"

Welcome Katie!!

Finding and catching up with old friends is one of the greatest joys in life.

I love it when someone a part of my past becomes a part of my present. In high school Katie and I were best friend. Inseparable really. We did everything together, and faithfully saw each other through the many ups and downs of high school life. Katie can make me laugh like nobodies business, and has an eerie ability to understand me even when I cant understand myself. Yesterday katie and I talked for the first time in 4 years, yet it felt as if not a day had passed. I love friendships like that. So after over an hour of catching up, Katie told me I had inspired her to start a blog.Of course being the avid blogger I am, I was thrilled to hear this news. I love following new blogs, and I just knew Katie and her adorable sense of humor would make a great asset to the blogging world. So here is an assignment for you my fellow blog followers, please do me a favor and check out Katie's blog.... you wont be disappointed.

Click here http://www.kzeppen.blogspot.com/ to visit.

Sit back, grab some coffee, and enjoy the reading the life of Katie!!

Obsessed

You know your an obsessive blogger when going more than 24 hrs without posting practically gives you a panic attack.

Its now been a little more than 38 hrs since my last post and I think I'm already experiencing withdrawals.

Hmm, I wonder if they have support groups for addicted bloggers?

"Hi my name is Emily, and I'm an obsessive blogger."

Ahh I feel better already.

Anywho....

Much has happened since I posted last.

I took test, got an A, went on an interview, cleaned my apartment, did some much needed laundry, packed my bags, took a road trip to San Diego, went shopping with my mom, caught up with an old high school friend (shout out to Katie!!), experimented with hot curlers, and started reading a new book.

Oh and did I mention... I've also spent time piging out on all my favorite homemade foods.

Nothin like home cookin'!

While being back in San Diego is wonderful, I seemed to have forgotten how unforgiving the humidity is on my hair.

After an hour of washing, blow drying, straightening and styling, I finally achieved the perfect hair style (or as perfect as my hair can get)

But my hair satisfaction was short lived.

The moment I stepped out into the salty air, I was reminded once again that friz is not my friend!

In an attempt to control the friz and cure my sisters afternoon boredom, I decided to let her hot curler my hair....

BIG mistake... literally huge!

My hair was large and in charge baby.

I'd post pictures, but I fear they'll be used as blackmail against me one day.

Well, I'm off to enjoy the rest of my trip here in San Diego...

Pictures of the weekend soon to come.

Not Me Monday

Its time for yet another round of Not Me Monday!!

So sit back, grab a glass of wine, and bask in the glory of denial.

1. I did NOT stay up till midnight last night playing a frustrating yet oddly entertaining game of canasta with friends, when I knew I had to get up at 6am in order to make it to class on time. Nope, NOT me, I'm responsible remember??


2. I did NOT pretty much fall asleep during lecture this morning due to the fact that I ran out of coffee and had to settle for herbal tea instead.


3. I did NOT spend my afternoon wandering Walgreens while waiting to be seen at the Minuet Clinic for a nasty infection on my leg. And while I was NOT wondering the many fluorescent lit isles, I did NOT find and decide to buy the "Bumpit" hair invention as seen on infomercials. Nope, NOT me, I never fall for cheesy infomercial inventions.


4. I was NOT later disappointed when I realized my long awaited Bumpit is a piece of crap that only seeks to make a tangled mess out of my lovely hair.


5. I did NOT then have to go to my job interview looking like a squirrel had just made a nest out of my hair.


6. I did NOT have a mini meltdown this evening over school work stress and my lack of a job situation.
7. I was NOT secretly devestated when Ed left the Bachelorette tonight, but to make things even worse, I did NOT desperately attmpt to find him on the internet and then contact him once I found what I think was his e-mail. I would NEVER do that.... thats just plain crazy!!!


8. And last but not least, I am NOT sitting here blogging while piles of laundry sit in my laundry room, dishes sit in my sink, and dog food sits on my floor. I would NEVER ignore a mess like that! Its just unsanitary!!

Prayer Request

Please be in prayer that the Lord would open up doors for finding a job for me.

I'm currently looking for a part-time nanny position, but I'm having difficulty finding one that fits my need and schedule.

Thanks guys!!

God's Word to Start Your Day

Ephesians 1:3-8

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love

he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—

to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding

Lazy Sundays

Nothin quite beats a lazy Sunday afternoon.

On second thought, maybe laying on a white sandy beach in Jamaca drinking a pina colada beats an ordinary everyday Sunday afternoon, but since it doesn't look like I'll be jet setting off to Jamacia anytime soon, a sunny Sunday with new friends is pretty darn good.

I love Sundays... have I mentioned that??

Well anyway, its true.What better way to spend your day than with a little worship, a great message, and some fellowship?

I have to say, I'm really beginning to feel at home at Highlands Church here in Scottsdale.

Despites its big and quite intimidating size, the people are friendly and the atomosphere is warm.

After church I went out to lunch with a few new friends

(special shout out to Siobhan and Abbey!)

We decided to eat at a cute new organic restaurant called The Herb Box.

The inside was filled with shabby chic/anthropologie inspired decor, and the food was delicious.

There's nothin quite like lunch with the girls on a relaxing Sunday afternoon.

What a wonderful way to spend the day....

Doesn't this hummus plate just make your mouth water?!?

*SIGH* I could live on hummus...

Acutally I could live on the little pieces of bread and pita triangles

(yay for carbs!)

Tirzah

Isnt she so pretty??

Just a little piece of yumminess.

I'm A Grown up now

So I'm broke.

Yep thats me, a poor college student without any money, trying to survive on cheep food bought at stores like Big Lots and Wallmart Supercenter (which totally rocks by the way, but still pales in comparison to Target. Sorry folks, nothin can beat Target... the store of which I have an intense love affair with.)

I'll admit it, I was spoiled when I was living at home. And although I had my own apartment and technically lived on my own, having the parents literally live 2 minuets down the street was seriously convenient when I ran out of toilet paper or had nothing more than wilted lettuce and moldy hummus in my refrigerator. All problems were easily solved with one quick stop at the Riolo Grocery store (AKA my parents house)

What was I thinking moving to Arizona??

Gone are the days when I can skip grocery shopping, eat at my parents house, and use the extra money to feed my Anthropologie shopping addiction.

Now I have to actually save my money, clip coupons, and live on a budget.

Yuck!

Real life sucks.

I want to be a grown up without actually having grown up responsibilities.

I want to have unlimited funds and spend my free time shopping and eating out at fancy restaurants.

I want someone to gas my car for me every time I'm running low.

I want to never have to scrub a dirty dish or mop my floor or dust my furniture ever again.

Hmm.... do I sound obnoxiously spoiled yet??

I want to travel the world, dance my butt off, do yoga in India, and follow Jesus where He leads me.... but why oh why did He lead me here?? To the place where stress is abundant, money is scarce, and responsibility runs rampant.

Fine God.

I'll do it.

I'll suck it up and be broke....

I'll make broke look fabulously fun, enticingly intriguing, and totally worthwhile.

But dont be fooled, deep down I still hate being a grown up.

Happy Birthday Dad

Happy Birthday Dad!!!!!

Here's to my wonderful dad who has a strange ability to always make me laugh, to make me feel safe, and the know how to fix just about anything.

I love you dad and hope you're having a wonderful Birthday!

Cant wait to see you this weekend for Father's Day :-)

Sprinkles

Believe it or not I have never had a Sprinkles Cupcake.

What the heck???

Never?!?

Nope. Never.

Not once.

Thats right, I'm a Sprinkles virgin (hope that doesnt sound too dirty).

It's actually quite weird considering what a dessert freak I am.

But tonight I decided to forgo dinner and indulge in my first ever Sprinkles Cupcake.

Dont get me wrong, I dont condone skipping meals in replace of a butt load of refined sugar, but every once in a while ya just gotta live a little.

I was bound and determined to try what some have claimed to be "a little piece of heaven".

After much serious contemplation regarding what flavor I should choose, I finally decided on non other than the famous Red Velvet cupcake with white cream cheese frosting.

Let me first say that my cupcake was actually so darn cute I had a difficult time taking the first bite... but I got over it.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!

I think my heart actually skipped a beat as my teeth sunk into the sweet soft goodness.

Sprinkles Cupcakes are indeed the holy grail of desserts.

If you haven't had one, your seriously missing out!

I couldn't help myself, who wouldnt want to see this stinkin cute face??

And to top it off, Ty now says my name!!!

*SIGH* I love him!!

Pessimism Rocks Sometimes

Excuse me while I have a bit of a pessimistic moment....

Things I hate in life:

1. Cleaning stinky dishes that have been sitting in my sink for over a week.
2. The smell of dirty diapers when my lovely sister accidentally leaves one in my kitchen trash, only to be discovered days later when the poo has begun to rot (gag!)
3. The fact that my eyes automatically pop open at 5 in the morning... every morning! What the heck??
4. Cats. Any cat really. I just dont get the point. They dont play, they sleep all day, and they scratch the heck outta everything in sight. I dont need that annoyance in my life.
5. Shorts. I hate em'. I mean who wants to voluntarily put their cellulite giggly thighs on display for all to see?? Any for those girls who dont have cellulite on their thighs... I hate you too.
6. Laying out in the sun. I love the tan, but hate the heat. I simply dont have the desire or patience to sit under the sun and bake for hours while my skin slowly develops cancer... no thanks!
7. Working out. Ugh! Do I want the toned firm body? Yes. Do I want rock hard abs? Of course. Do I want to be able to climb a set of stairs without feeling like I just ran a marathon? You bet. But do I want to actually workout??.... the answer is simple... if it has the word "work" in it, it does not sound appealing to me.
8. Anything with mayonnaise is disgusting and makes me want to gag. And if you insist on eating that crap around me, please make sure there are no mayo remnants hangin out in the corner of your mouth as you speak. Yuck.
9. Getting my period. It stinks. End of story.
10. Skinny jeans. I know they're trendy and all, but come on. Wearing skinny jeans is like asking for your butt to look bigger. Hmm, how can I make my butt look large today? I know! I'll wear super tight jeans that tapper at the ankle... that outta do it.
11. Speaking of clothing trends, I also hate the "romper" trend... its nothing but an adult onesie people.
12. The telvised Victoria Sectret show. What a way to lower your self esteem.
13. And last but not least, I hate being the "new girl" in town. For some odd reason people flee from that girl. Heaven forbid you sit next to someone new and have to make conversation for five seconds. Awkward introductions are just not my thing. Cant I just skip the new girl thing, close my eyes, and wake up with friends?? No? I hate that too.

Ahh... I feel better now that I've purged my extensive "hate list".

Back to being the wonderfully adorable, sickly happy, and totally optimistic Emily :-)

My Date With a Three Year Old

Nothing beats a date with a three year old.

This morning Bella and I ventured out to the theater to see the special kids summer movie feature Horton Hears a Who.

When I went to pick her up, Bella answered the door in the adorable new dress I got her with none other than a matching bow in her hair... man that girl can accessorize.

Hmm, wonder where she got that from?

Ahem... anyway.
I cant tell you what a blessing it is to be an Aunt!!

A Not So New Normal....

Hmm, perhaps my last blog (A New Normal) was written a bit too soon.

Its not to say that I'm not finding my way here in Arizona, because I am.

And its not that I dont love being here, because I do.

And its not that I regret moving, because I dont.

But as I drove home from church tonight and considered the upcoming weekend, I had a bit of a sad revelation....

I have no plans.

I know I know I'm havin a bit of a pity party here.

But considering the fact that I have about as much patience as a 2 year old, I'm not loving the fact that developing a new life in a new city takes time... and lots of it.

Luckily I'm not totally alone.

As a matter of fact, I have a date tomorrow to go to the movies....

A date with my niece Bella, that is, to see Horton Hears A Who.

Had ya goin for a second didnt I??

Nothing brightens up my mood more though than a three year old sitting on my lap munching on popcorn and candy while asking adorable questions such as

"Aunt Emily... is he the bad guy??"

She's just too cute for words.

So maybe I havent quite established my "new normal" just yet, but I have faith the Lord has plans I do not see.

My focus is on Him.

A New Normal

I awoke this morning to a new and exciting realization I just had to share.....

As my alarm rang, I found myself routinely fumbling for the light before I pulled open the drapes, headed down the hall and into the kitchen to make my morning cup of coffee.

With a fresh cup of coffee in hand, I meandered on over to the couch where I would sit and enjoy my caffeinated goodness before the busyness of the day began.

That's when it hit me.

I'm here.... I'm finally in my new routine.

Arizona actually feels like home.

I no longer wonder when my life will begin to feel normal again... Normal is now!

My weekly schedule is in place, my daily routine is set, and my soul is content.

Can I get a "whoot whoot"??

As life begins to pick up and my schedule begins to fill up, my prayer is that I would remain in balance, never forgetting to sit, be still, and rest in the presence of the Lord.

I pray I would learn to maintain having "a Mary heart in a Martha world".

I Love My Sister!

A special shout out to my sister to whom I love and admire.

Since moving to Scottsdale, I've had a first hand look at just how much my sister does on a daily basis to care for her kids, her house, and her husband.

What a wonderful wife and mother!

I admire her passion for her children, the cleanliness of her home, her devotedness to friends, and of course her loving and welcoming heart to me.

No one could ask for a better sister to laugh with, cook with, shop with, watch reality TV with, bike ride with, or share clothes with.

I love you Bri!!

I'm A Little Bit of Everything

To go along with my new life here in Arizona, I've been doing a lot of soul search lately.

Trying to figure out who I am and who I want to be in the future. These past few weeks have been clustered with epiphany filled moments, everything from moving to a new city, making new friends, and breaking up with old boyfriends. Through each circumstance I've come to recognize new things about myself, both good and bad. Do I love who God created me to be... flaws and all? Absolutely. But do I sometimes wish I could be a totally new person? You bet!

Ok I admit it, if I could live another life I would definitely be a vegan, no bra wearing, frizzy hair embracing, free spirited, commune living hippy. I honestly admire women who are so comfortable in their own skin they can shop at the Salvation Army and rock it. Along with my desire to live a shamelessly blissful granola eating, fur rejecting life, is my unhealthy obsession with Alanis Morissette. Nothing brings out my inner "naturalist" quite like her music.

Many ex boyfriends of mine have told me I'm the most difficult, stubborn, and all together confusing woman they've ever met. And while I used to take offense to these comments, I've recently come to embrace them.

I am who I am, you dont like it.... move on.

I often joke that I'll never get married and instead am doomed to live a life of solitude with my hundreds of cats in my old stinky apartment. But I know in my heart God has someone out there for me. Someone who will see all my flaws and difficulties as a beautiful part of my charm. I think Alanis Morissette said it perfectly in her song"Everything".

Here is the song and lyrics for you to follow along with and enjoy!

(Oh and please excuse the swear word in the beginning... there's only one I promise)

"Everything"

I can be an asshole of the grandest kind

I can withhold like it's going out of style

I can be the moodiest baby and you've never met anyone

Who is as negative as I am sometimes

I am the wisest woman you've ever met.

I am the kindest soul with whom you've connected.

I have the bravest heart that you've ever seen

And you've never met anyone

Who's as positive as I am sometimes.

You see everything, you see every part

You see all my light and you love my dark

You dig everything of which I'm ashamed

There's not anything to which you can't relate

And you're still here

I blame everyone else, not my own partaking

My passive-aggressiveness can be devastating

I'm terrified and mistrusting

And you've never met anyone as,

As closed down as I am sometimes.

You see everything, you see every part

You see all my light and you love my dark

You dig everything of which I'm ashamed

There's not anything to which you can't relate

And you're still here

What I resist, persists, and speaks louder than I know

What I resist, you love, no matter how low or high I go

I'm the funniest woman that you've ever known

I'm the dullest woman that you've ever known

I'm the most gorgeous woman that you've ever known

And you've never met anyone

Who is as everything as I am sometimes

You see everything (you see everything), you see every part (you see every part )You see all my light (you see all my light) and you love my dark (and you love my dark )

You dig everything (you dig everything) of which I'm ashamed (of which I'm ashamed)

There's not anything (there's not anything) to which you can't relate (to which you can't relate)

And you're still here

(You see everything, you see every part)

And you're still here

(You see all my light and you love my dark)

And you're still here

(You dig everything of which I'm ashamed)

(There's not anything to which you can't relate)

And you're still here...

Mundane Monday

In case you didn't already know, today is Monday, which typically means another hilarious rendition of "Not Me Monday".... but to be quite honest, I'm not feeling particularly funny at the moment. Nope, instead I've spent my evening cleaning my apartment, having girlfriends over for wine and hor d'oeuvres, and laughing my butt off until I almost peed my pants. After a few hours of quality girl time, nothing sounded better than comfy clothes, dimmed lights, and my Tivo'ed' episode of tonights Bachelorette. I know I know exciting right?? Nothing says nerd quite like looking forward to a quiet night at home with a few hours of reality television. But hey if your a nerd at heart, why hide it?? I embrace my inner nerd. That's right, I'm a reality TV watching, sweat pants wearing, childcare taking, chocolate eating, desert dwelling, perfectionist seeking, messy living, shower delaying, tattoo loving, Jesus following, photography obsessing, clothing buying, yoga posing, hair straightening, belly dancing, jewlery making, friendship thriving, body embracing, coffee gulping nerd who truly believes everything you could ever want or need in life can be found at Target. Alright so I officially have no idea where I was headed in this blog, but the commercial break is now over so I'm out. Have a wonderful night everyone!

Mommy For A Weekend... Part Four

It truly is amazing to see the world through the eyes of a three year old.

I cant tell you how many "why" questions Bella has asked me in the last 24hrs, but we've gotta be up to at least a few thousand by now.

Every answer I gave was then followed by yet another curious question or funny response.

Indeed Bella has kept me laughing and running all day long, but I wouldnt have it any other way.

I learn a lot with Bella by my side.

They say God doesnt give us patients, instead He gives us opportunities to practice patients, and boy does Bella provide me with a plethora of opportunity.

But her larger than life personality and stubborn nature are qualities the Lord placed within her tiny beautiful spirit, and I for one love every part of who she is.

Here are a few things I've learned from my sweet little Bella this weekend:

1. Coloring and painting are quite relaxing and therapeutic activities.
2. Your day is always better when you start it off with a cold up of juice and some morning cartoons.
3. Showers are WAY more fun with bubbles and kitchen cups to play with
4. Dressing up like a princess is a real self esteem booster.
5. Taking the dog for a walk is not simply a chore... its an adventure into the unknown world of the outdoors.
6. A "boo boo" will automatically feel better if given a Popsicle to eat.
7. Car rides are more enjoyable when singing funny songs at the top of your lungs.
8. And finally, goodnight kisses are always a great way to end the day.

Mommy For A Weekend... Part Three

Ready....

Set....

GO!!!!

Today has been a wonderful day with the kids.... wonderfully exhausting that is.

Who knew such tiny little human beings could tire out a grown adult the way they do.

After a day out and about around town, the kids and I decided a little water time in the backyard would be a perfect way to end the afternoon.

Here are a few (unedited) shots I took while the kids splashed around in the water.

Love the Face!

Blow up splash pad from Target... $25

Hours of endless summer fun... Priceless!

Nothing like sibling love... and a little booger picking.

What a beauty!

Prayer Request

Ok prayer warriors I have an assignment for you...

Please be in prayer for my mom who was admitted to the hospital early this morning.

I don't know much except for the fact that her blood pressure is quite elevated and the doctors cant seem to get her heart out of tachycardia (tachycardia= extremely fast heart rate, above normal). I know she's in good hands, but she can use all the prayers she can get right now.

Test are being run and hopefully we'll know more later this afternoon.

Thanks everyone!!

Mommy For A Weekend... Part Two

Well, I seemed to have made it through the first night with the kids.

Everyone alive? Check!

Everyone fed? Check!

Everyone clean and happy watching morning cartoons? Check!

Wahoo!! Hip hip hooray!! I did it... and survived!

Now for the rest of the weekend....

Mommy For A Weekend... Part One

One of the greatest joys in my life is being an Aunt.

There's really nothing quite like it in the world, and the best part is that I get to spoil them like there's no tomorrow!!

This weekend my sister and her husband went away for for two days to celebrate their 6th year of marriage, and while they're relaxing by the pool sipping margaritas, I'll be playing "mommy".

Right now the kids are napping, which means I get a few more minuets of peace and quiet before the little munchkins wake up and craziness ensues.

Who knows what the weekend will hold, but I'll be sure to keep you all updated with pictures and possibly even a short video or two... depending on how much energy I have left.

Wish me luck as I bravely take on two energetic kiddos under the age of 4....

New Home, New Friends

Wow has it already been two full weeks living in Arizona already??

I can hardly believe this born and raised California girl now calls Scottsdale home.

Surprisingly I'm adjusting rather well.

As I've mentioned before, the heat can be difficult, but I seem to be surviving so far.

Last night was my first time attending the young adult group"The Element" at Highlands Church, and although I was a bit nervous going in not knowing anyone, the Lord was truly watching over me as He so graciously brought wonderful friends my way.

I dont think I've laughed so hard as I did last night in a very long time.

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and making new friends, and cant wait to get to know everyone even better.

I think finding and making new friends in a strange place can be the hardest part of moving sometimes, but as my mom told me last week,

"There's no way the Lord would move you out here to Arizona and leave you stranded. Trust that He has a plan for you."

What a wonderful blessing it is to have a mother who can point me back to the Lord and have enough faith for the both of us when my own begins to lack.

I've kept her words in my heart and mind all week, and as usual, she was right.

The Lord did not forget about me. His plan for me is far beyond what I can see, but I will continue to move forward in faith, trusting that His plan for my new life here in Arizona is far greater than what I can even envision for myself.

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

One Year Ago

With all the hustle and bustle of life lately, I realized my one year anniversary of finishing treatment has come and gone without me even noticing. This last April was officially one year since I graduated from the eating disorder treatment center Healthy Within. I suppose it slipped my mind simply because it feels as if it was a lifetime ago. I look back now at the broken shell of a girl I used to be, and I dont even recognize her. What an amazing work the Lord has done in my life. Not a day goes by that I'm not reminded of my past struggle with anorexia. Its strange, even though I'm in recovery and happier than I've ever been, my eating disorder past is not easily erased. Perhaps because each day I'm forced to face what used to be my enemy (food), or maybe its because the pain I felt ran so deep not even time could fill what used to be. Regardless, I continue to wake each morning and remember. I remember every detail, every ache, every pain, and every life I affected.
But today I celebrate my freedom. I celebrate in the fact that I no longer measure food, count calories, weigh myself, or live on diet soda. I dont care about the size of my pants or if my stomach is slightly bloated. I dont freak out when offered carbs or sweet treats. I dont avoid food and social gatherings like the plague. I dont read fitness magazines or celebrity diet tricks. Above all I've learned to accept that each body is made to look different. I've embraced the fact that my body is continually changing, choosing to love my flaws instead of trying to change them.
Sure, I have my difficult days. Days when I wake up and wish I could change everything about myself, but then I glance down at my ankle and see my tattoo and I'm reminded once again that I am fearfully and wonderfully made!

Here's a picture of my tattoo for those of you who haven't seen it. Please forgive the angle and quality of the photo, I just snapped it myself and trying to take a picture of my own ankle was no easy task.

UPDATE:

For those of you who read my sister's comment and wondered what she's talking about in her reference to my tattoo artist using spell check, its a bit of a long explanation. So in an attempt to make a long story short, my tattoo artist made the mistake everyone fears... he misspelled my tattoo! According to proper grammar, the book is supposed to be spelled "Psalm" not "Psalms". Surprisingly, I wasnt upset or angry when he made the boo boo, instead I chose to see it as a beautiful representation of who I am.... imperfect yet still beautiful in God's eyes.

Happy Birthday Colleen

Today I dedicate this bog to a dear friend of mine. A friend who knows me better than I know myself sometimes. A friend who has been there for me through thick and thin and continues to love and support me through all the decisions I make, good or bad.

I met Colleen about a year and a half ago, and ever since then we've been fast friends. As a matter of fact, Colleen is much more than a friend to me, she's family.

No matter how much time goes by, at any moment I know we can pick up the phone and start right where we left off with each other, and I for one love friendships like that.

Yes indeed Colleen is a wonderful friend.

I admire she strength, her determination, and her heart for the Lord.

No has taught me more about having the courage to be genuinely authentic in life, and for that I am so thankful.

The Lord truly blessed my life when he put her in my path.

Happy 25th Birthday Colleen!!!

I love you to pieces!

xoxoxo

I Live In An Oven

Phew, life in Arizona sure is HOT!

I suppose I knew that considering I voluntarily moved myself to the desert, but let me tell ya adjusting to the heat is far harder than I expected.

Life is different when you live in a virtual oven.

For starters, its totally unnecessary to bundle up in the morning when I take Tirzah outside for her morning potty walk. Gone are the days when 6am meant 45 degrees. I now walk out the door and am greeted by a brisk 80 degree morning.

I've learned that air conditioning, ice cold bottled water, shorts, and lots of homemade Popsicles are my new best friends.

Another friend of mine..... my new automatic car start.

If you've never heard of it your seriously missing out.

This control panel slides onto my key ring and can actually start my car and cool it down for up to 15 minuets before I even get into the car.

No more sticking to the seats or wearing gloves because the steering wheel is too hot to touch.
I simply press a button when I'm in the store check out line, and *voila* my car is cool as a cucumber by the time I get to it. Its a life saver indeed!

As for Tirzah, well she's learning to manage the heat as well.

Tirzah now drinks double the water she used to in a day, and her new favorite hobby is when I place a cold ice cube on the kitchen floor for her to lick and chase around.

More often than not I find poor Tirz just sprawled out on the cool entry way tile just relaxing.

I've learned that during the heat of the summer its best for Tirzah and I to take several small walks a day rather than a few long walks. This prevents her (and myself) from over heating.

Yep, life sure is different now.

But I have to say, I'm starting to love my new life as an Arizona girl.... on the other hand maybe thats just the heat talking ;-)

My handy dandy homemade Popsicle maker.

Simply pour in your favorite juice (My favorites are organic blueberry and lemonade)

and place in the freezer. Once frozen, pop one out and enjoy the cool frozen goodness.

Here's a cute shirt I just couldn't resist buying. As a matter of fact I bought one for both my sister and I. If you cant read the print, it says:

"sun-loving, desert-hiking, mountain-biking, spa-hopping, poolside-lounging, blissed, blessed, at-one-with-the-universe, ARIZONA GIRL. Is it hot in here or is it just me?"

Not Me Monday

I can hardly believe its already June 1st as I sit here in my new apartment with my air conditioner blasting and organic homemade blueberry Popsicle in hand. Time sure does fly by when your busy having fun... or rather just plain busy. But regardless, life can get crazy sometimes, so join me in some therapeutic fun as I deny all the embarrassing things I've done in another round of Not Me Monday!

1. I did NOT leave the house at 6:45am this morning in order to make it to my new summer school class.... without coffee much less!


2. I did NOT nearly fall asleep during my first lecture due to the fact that I stayed up far too late last night watching the new completely cheesy 4 hour Lifetime movie "Maneater".


3. I am NOT secretly proud of my mom who has now officially joined the blogging world by creating her own blog (with the help of my sister and I of course)... Click here to visit her site: http://www.sharonsemptynest.blogspot.com/


4. I did NOT spend a good chunk of my evening coloring in a Barbi coloring book with Bella while watching Tom and Jerry cartoons.


5. I did NOT later bribe Bella with an airhead candy in order to keep her quiet and happy until my sister came to pick her up.


6. I am NOT panicking that my car is leaking some kind of fluid and I have to be a grown up and take it to a mechanic tomorrow morning.


7. I am NOT obsessed with watching various Monday night reality TV shows such as The Bachelorette, John and Kate Plus 8, Here Comes the Newlyweds, and Cake Boss.


8. I am NOT counting down the hours till I can get in comfy clothes, sit with my sister and a glass of wine, and watch the reality shows mentioned above.