Shutterfly and 50 FREE cards :)

In the past I have used different photo websites to create everything from Christmas cards to birth announcements to invites and even photo thank you cards. I am a big fan of personalized photo cards. I have not, however actually used Shutterfly for any of these projects. I know, I know. How is that possible, right? (However, I am using Shutterfly for some photo books of Mady's first year and my pregnancy!)

Well, somehow it is....but today that is all going to stop because of all the amazing things I've found on their website. Here are a few of the things I know I am going to be taking advantage of this season...

I like shutterfly a lot...and for a lot of different reasons.

One being just how many different cute holiday cards they have to choose from! The options are endless...which is what I like. I always spend forever trying to find the best one .....past places, walgreens, I've made our cards with just didn't have the options like Shutterfly. So, I'm excited to go through Shutterfly this year , and get the card I really want!

I mean look at how cute....(and classy, like not overly cheesy with Frosty, snowflakes and Santa and his reindeer)....love it! 

  

Here is the link to their photo cards if you're trying to find somewhere to do your families card this year.

http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards

Another reason I LOVE shutterfly, and especially this year is bc of the great gift ideas. Christmas shopping with a 1 year old is going to be difficult. NO MALLS for us this year. Online only! So I've gotten a little bit creative and started working on some Christmas presents for my family. One that I am really excited about is a calendar with pictures of Mady and other family members throughout the months. My sister in law does this every year (and she's where I got the idea). All I have to say is thank goodness there is another whole side of the family to buy for bc she's got the calendar idea covered on the Baise side :) 

Here is the link for the calendar's if your interested in making one too.

http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars/desk-calendars

They also have some other cute personalization ideas for gifts, find them here:

http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-gifts/photo-mugs

How cute is this....

Especially a great gift for the many coffee drinkers in my family....and who are we kidding, 

we've never turned chocolate down either...especially Ghirardelli chocolate. Yum! I can feel the holiday pounds already! Hah.

Anyway. Because I have not yet used Shutterfly for my holiday cards in years past, I am really pumped to get 50 free Holiday Cards by doing this blog post about this great company. 

If you are a blogger and want to join in on the 50 photo cards for free, check the deal out here.

Great Expectations

Expectations can be a funny thing. Not funny "ha ha", or funny "ironic" funny, just "tricky" funny.
I have found that placing expectations on people isn't good for a number of reasons; people will ultimately never live up to them (its a fact, "For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God." Rom. 3:23). People are sinful, even Christians. If we can fail a perfect God who saved us from death, how much more will we fail our family, friends and even acquaintances?  The answer is a lot. Count on it. Set your watch to it, because it is certainly the one thing you can expect from people.

So if we can expect that these certain "let downs" are coming our way, why are we shocked and saddened when they do? The answer is; we are human and not without emotion. It hurts when the ones we admire and love let us down. The sad thing is when it happens we almost always focus internally (why me, this sucks) which leads us, inevitably towards more let downs, ruined plans and broken dreams.

That is one side of why Expectations are dangerous.

The second side deals with the same outcome, but a little different motivation. This is something that I am presently dealing with in my life. The root cause of this "expectation epidemic", which has rooted itself in my life is fear of man. Many people in my life would find this a strange struggle for me because of my "leader type", "take a bull by the horns" personality. But let me say this, sin affects all and will affect all. What we do with this also affects where we spend eternity.

To be specific, but not specific. I've found myself letting others perceived opinions (perceived by myself) guide and direct not only my emotions but also my actions. I think many woman, many in this community with husbands in seminary who attend amazing Gospel Centered churches feel the overwhelming call to care and answer many the needy around us. Which is absolutely biblical (James 1:27) and should be done; please don't mistake this confession for a denial of taking up such crosses.

We find ourselves presented with amazing opportunities to reach out in ministry with other fellow believers in bible studies, discipleship meetings, accountability sessions and so on. There are classes and seminars, books and pod casts that encourage, uplift and fulfill. We pack our schedules and cram our days to meet this fulfillment....

BUT....
and this is a big but,

if our focus is even the slightest of centered in doing these things it is not a fragrant offering, it is sin.
And that is where my heart is breaking.

I am struggling lately in making my yeses being yes and no's, no....and in doing this, NOT let the fear of man control what I am feeling because of my decision. With every opportunity to serve, attend a bible study, read a good book I feel the OVERWHELMING pressure of everyone else's opinion of what I just did (or could have done). I have never been much of a person to do things based on what people will think of me if I do it, but with this bubble I find myself in this plight. I feel this amazing pressure mainly because of hearing the other mothers and wives talking about their "spiritual agenda". Where they are going, what they are doing and reading for God's glory. And I hope that is what it is truly for....but if I am struggling with this, I know other people must be too. This is where the light bulb goes off.

Their words: "For God's glory"...hit me. And thankfully during my run this morning (where I was happy to run out my frustration of again feeling "not good enough", "not doing enough", "not reading enough", "not praying enough"..."enough, enough, enough"......EXPECTATION after EXPECTATION). ...I read this verse that is always taped to my treadmill, but today was anew:

You shall fear the Lord your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, 

and by his name you shall swear. 

He is your praise. He is your God, who has done these great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes. 

Deut. 10:20-21a.

It hits me. Fear HIM. Not them. Serve HIM, not them (or their opinion of you), hold fast to HIM, not them. He is your praise (not if they think you are good enough). He is your God, He has done great things for you, before your eyes. He has saved you from the world and its opinions. Serve out of LOVE FOR HIM. Many ladies mean well when they rattle of their "agenda", but I think many, sadly do it to satisfy their own desires. I was falling into this trap. We need to be careful in how we are encouraging other woman to share in these opportunities. Love them. Don't pressure. Come along side them and determine their needs and abilities. Strengths and weaknesses. Gifts. Serve with them. Praise Him with them. Don't be in such a hurry to go to your next appointment that you miss the divine ones.

And ironically, not ironically. The verses before the one above are about taking care of the sojourner among you. Defend the weak and fatherless. Take up the cause of the widow. All the glaringly obvious needs among me. But, I cannot forget also God's command to not be partial. Show no partiality. Both in not showing favoritism in who I serve, physically, but also who's opinion I should be worried about.

Here's what I know. There are needs, many needs. There are books, many great books. There are amazing opportunities and resources out there for the Christian to both seek encouragement and be an encouragement, BUT...

and that's another big but...

if our hearts are NOT to serve out of our LOVE for the LORD, it is meaningless. I fear that is the mode I was operating under. I was too worried about the expectations of others and their reaction to me that I allowed this to fuel my actions and emotions. Whether I was saying yes or no (which I'm sure in my sin I could have said yes more) my motivation was all centered around expectations and assumptions.  I burried myself in a deep grave of fear of man. Of which, the Lord and by his unending grace has pulled me from, by the power of His written Word.

I am thankful for the reminder of where my motivation should come from. It comes from the overwhelming love in my heart because He has rescued me from the dominion of darkness and promises to bring me into the kingdom of His marvelous light. This is the only expectation I am believing today....and by God's grace, He will remind me of this again and again and again.

Wee Bit Wednesdays...I'm a fan!

Ok. So I usually hate these kind of answer questions type chain things because i debate and debate on my answers. So here goes brutal honesty! I'm putting the first things that come to mind.....and I must say, thank you brooke for getting me hooked to this! (sarcastic) I also hate these things bc I feel compelled to do them!! Thanks friend. I should be folding laundry, but here I am :) ha. you know I'd rather be doing this...

Ready

Set

GO!

{one} do you collect anything? if so, what and how long have you been collecting?

Not a collector. I tried to be as a kid, mainly bc different shows I watched always had some kid that collected something. I guess I thought it was cool, but it never stuck. I think its mainly because (enter psychoanalysis of childhood here:) my mom was a neat freak and made sure I didn't keep "clutter" around for too long. 

{two} what is one cleaning tip that you swear by?

CLOROX WIPES to everything!!! Nuff said.

{three} who would you call for bail money?

Probably my husband...but if he would be mad at what I had done and I wanted to avoid him until confession time....probably my sister in law.

{four} what is one thing you miss about being a kid?

playing outside all the time! Playing pretend, dress up, sleep overs, CHRISTMAS MORNING!

Movies. Maryland. My grandparents old house. My granddad. 

My dog, Katie. My old house. 

My family of four.

Whoa, didn't mean for that to get depressing! All good memories.

{five} name a few of your guilty pleasures.

Warm chocolate chip muffins and milk!!!

{six} how early do you start your holiday shopping?

hahahahahahaaaa!

Does that answer the question?

I'm a last minuter. 

Although. I am really excited about online shopping this year.

Can you believe after working all those years in retail and restaurants during holidays, I am now finally over being in the mass public during the holidays. Ready to click and "add to cart"!

{seven} what is a family tradition that you would like to pass on to your significant other/children?

Family dinners. Then when the kids get bigger and have their own kids, Sunday Supper with all the kids and grandkids.

{eight} what do you consider your greatest achievement?

College degree. 

Business and sales success.

Raising a daughter.

Not really achievements, in my book...but rather privileges that take some hard work. 

{nine} what do you do to pamper yourself?

Go shopping! 

or 

Veg out and watch mindless reality tv. Ha. Sad and true.

{ten} if you were to start your own restaurant, what would it be called?

Savor-Yeats. Get it, Savory eats. Not good.

Something having to do with lots of flavor! I'm a seasoning nut. 

I love to cook and would LOVE to open my own restaurant. By far that was my favorite job (other than being a House Manager in my own home :))

That was fun.

You should do it too.

Come on, you know you want to. 

Everyone's doing it.

Lately...

Anyone remember that song by Paula Abdul? "What have you done for me lately.....ooohhhh ooooohhhoooo yaaa!"

Immediately came to mind as I was searching my brain for something clever to title this random post, which will basically consist of things I've been thinking or doing, lately. I know, I know super creative. Don't be too jealous.

Before "lately", there was so much in the month of October that pretty much consumed my blog posts. The blog has been flooded with pictures and quirky & cute, little one liners. I like those posts, but the first and one of many reasons for this blog was for me to "hash" out my random thoughts (as well as bring God glory and file a few memories away....that I would undoubtedly forget if it weren't for said blog)....hence and furthermore....moreover....enter thesis statement here: This post will consist of the random happenings of my life and quite possibly some other things that pop into my head.

So, we've been sick. Sick as dogs. I cannot remember the last time I had a cold like this. You know the kind....the one where you feel tipsy, but not the good tipsy (I didn't just say that) the kind of tipsy where you are in between falling over from dizziness to maybe spitting up (one of the many reasons not to get tipsy: note from the sponsors, please drink responsibly, not while operating heavy machinery, not to excess or underage) Which is due to the insane amount of snot clogging my brain. At any given moment I may sneeze, which usually leads to tinkling (yes, I did just say that and if you've given birth you understand) my pants a little. I hate that. Bryan thinks its hilarious. Oh men.

Speaking of men. Why does mine seem to think its wise to throw the stomach virus on top of every cold he ever gets. Ok, maybe not every cold. BUT, he does seem to get the non-stop throw up syndrome once a year, which used to lead us to the ER, but we've since gotten smart and keep finagrin (the wonder drug) on hand at all times.  He doesn't just spit up a little, he violently explodes (not in a disgusting, messy way) and before you stop reading let me explain. He is the LOUDEST vomitor (is that a word?) in the entire world. I am confident in this. Why you may ask? Ohhh, only because last year, when we lived in the apartment on campus and during Bryan's yearly "stomach virus attack" he was so loud my neighbors below called my cell phone to make sure he wasn't dying!! True story friends.

I have not been sick since early in my pregnancy. So about 18 months ago. And even that didn't last long. Being pregnant gives you super immunities, I'm convinced. The only thing I am missing out on, during this cold is the ability to take mucinex (also a wonder drug). That dries me up in no time! I am still nursing Mady a few times a day, in addition to whole milk introduction (more to come on this subject in a later post perhaps) and, I believe you cannot take Mucinex, the common cure to the common cold (not their tag, but it should be) while nursing. Oh but how I need thee Mucinex.

Ok, enough about being sick. I'm sick of talking about being sick.

So, I'm excited about up and coming events. We are flying out to MD, again, the week of Thanksgiving. Bryan and I haven't been back, together since Thanksgiving in 2006. This will be Mady's 3rd plane ride in one year. She is a jet setter folks. We've got the TSA and travel thing down pat baby. If you need any tips just ask. I can pretty much handle it all my self with a baby on my hip, starbucks in one hand and an iphone in the other; texting, tweeting and status updating!! Watch out, I am that lady in the security line....but we make it...and we have fun. Mady waves at everyone as she passes through the metal detectors. I'm sure this trip she will incorporate her adorable and hi-pitched "Hi" as she waves this trip. Its almost always precious and heart melting, except when its during church. Like this morning. But who could resist this little cute four eyed, curly haired piece of heaven? Not many do. Hah. She is however, loud with her "HI". and it is slightly southern in pronunciation (the east coast side will love this). We're excited about going to MD as a family, it should be fun. We are even more excited because Bryan has already had the yearly "stomach virus attack" and we won't have to revisit (yes I said REVISIT) the ER in Montgomery Hospital this year. At least, we hope not. Fingers crossed.

And before you crazies think about breaking into my house while we're gone, don't...we will have people staying here....and of course, the attack dog will be here to protect what is his. 

And lastly. The weather.

This weather is proof of why I should live in the south. I am having panic attacks about the impending bitter and crisp cold of winter. I used to love fall, but now I dread it because I know where it leads. It leads straight to isolation for me. I think (I know) that Mady having RSV and me having a baby last winter has damaged me for good. Not only did the hospital and all its doctors terrify you into every flu shot they had to offer last year, they also warned you about keeping the baby indoors for most of the winter to avoid every possible sickness out there. And then, when Mady got RSV (which ironically was contracted from a family member, Bryan who got it from my dad) it really screwed me up.

I am the biggest people person you've ever met, isolation isn't conducive to this. The seasons also affect me. Sunshine makes me literally feel good. Bryan makes fun of me because I constantly keep our blinds and storm door open as long as possible to enjoy the suns warm rays. This unseasonably warm weather has pissed me off and kind of tricked me. I love it, but I hate it. I love it because of obvious reasons and hate it because I know that we will immediately be catapulted into freezing cold temperatures, rather than slowly being introduced with fall. Nope, we're skipping fall and going straight from 65 degrees (supposed to be the temperature tomorrow) to 30s. I am literally going to become a seasonal schizophrenic or maybe I'm already there. Who knows. So please friends, rescue me this winter and come over! I've already told Bryan that the Lord really should call him somewhere warm. Florida, S. Cali, Georgia...heck, I'll even take Texas. I mean, it would be good for Bryan too, probably less "stomach virus attacks"! We'll see if God complies with my plan. Haha.

Ok. So this post is too long....so I cannot write anymore or about the following things.
They will be on posts to come.

1. So many of my friends are pregnant now with their 2nd or 3rd. Lots of them were pregnant with me (last year) Crazy. Can you say Baby FEVER.

2. I've become an FBI pro-filer because my husband makes me watch Criminal Minds.  Not only do I think everyone is either out to get me or a serial killer in hiding, I am scared to be home alone (not good for the impending winter, yet another reason to move south).

3. and lastly my mental block (more like a road block) when it comes to all things crafty.

Should be some fun reads. For now, I am done. I am going to take a Tylenol Cold and Sinus and pray that the dizzy, tipsy feeling wares off and if it doesn't lead to something I'll regret later. :) JJ.

The 1st Birthday Party

Oh, what a day it was....

P A R T Y    T I M E  !!

The Spread

Birthday Girl....she was happy the whole day, even though this picture says otherwise :)

Friends Shana (Truett's mom) and Ashley (Harper's mom)

I'm not even sure she knew that today was her special day.

She played with her friends and family and acted like it was just another day...

My precious little big-girl.

I plan to reuse this banner for every one in our families birthday. 

Display it proudly on our mantel on the week of that persons birthday.

C E L E B R A T E ! ! !

Banner made by my SIL.

 

Cupcake time!

YUMMY!!

The day ended with some fun trick or treating.

We cultivated and pruned our little flower for a year, and will continue for many years to come!

Grandma and Pop's putting together Mady's new toys. 

They had fun :) 

Mady enjoyed the box....

We crammed everyone in, but we had a great time!

 She absolutely loved it when everyone sang to her!!

Happy Birthday to YOU!

We had a wonderful time. 

It was a great day to celebrate our little girls first year of life. 

She has been and will continue to be a joy to our days.

Mady,

It has been our greatest privilege to call you our child. 

We have immensely enjoyed watching you grow this year. We are proud of you and cannot wait to see what you will become and where you will go in the next several years to come.

Happy 1st Birthday Mady girl.

With much love,

Mommy and Daddy

Cowboys and Flowers and Bears, Oh MY!

HaLlo0wEeN

2o1o!

Cousins

Friends

Trick or Treat?

Family Love

Happy Halloween 

and 

Reformation Day.....

and

Madelyn's 1st Birthday Party Day...

pictures coming soon