Day 3 * I am looking foward to...*

1. The rest of the summer.

2. Staying at home with Drew and Emma.

3. Sleeping

4. Camping

5. Losing weight

6. Date nights

7. Emma and Drew playing together and being friends

8. playing games with family

9. seeing my sister and family again

10. Going to Disney World with the kids someday.

Day 2 *Things I am good at*

1. Procrastinating
2. Being a friend (I hope)
3. Being a mom
4. Having fun
5. Eating
6. Following through

I am only putting 6..I feel weird talking about myself. lol I dont know what to put...

Day 1 *A few things about myself*

1. I am a Christian.

2. I love my family.

3. I love sunshine.

4. I love summer.

5. I love the beach.

6. I am addicted to Zumba.

7. I am a stay at home mom for the time being.

8. I love being a teacher.

9. I miss college and my college friends.

10. I want to start running again.

*30 days of Lists!*

I am starting a new 30 day challenge...It's 30 days of lists...feel free to do it with me!

Day 1: A few things about myself
Day 2: Things I am good at
Day 3: I am looking foward to...
Day 4: Today's playlist
Day 5: My weekend goals
Day 6: My least fav words
Day 7: My favorite tv shows
Day 8: Whats in your bag
Day 9: Favorite websites and blogs
Dau 10: My wishlist
Day 11: Date night ideas
Day 12: Weekly rituals

Day 13: Things i love about my state I live in.

Day 14: On my shopping list
Day 15: Places to see in my town
Day 16: Words that are hard to spell
Day 17: Roadtrips must haves
Day 18: Recipes i want to try
Day 19: Celebrity favorites
Day 20: Things to do this summer
Day 21: Favorite movies
Day 22: Things you wish you had the guts to do

Day 23: I make lists for..
Day 24: Favorite places to shop
Day 25: Favorite books
Day 26: Lessons I have learned
Day 27: Vacations I have been on
Day 28: My favorite foods
Day 29: Today's to do list

Day 30: Favorite Bible verses

Greater is He...

Wow. God is good. The same time I am listening to a message by Joyce Meyer, I am reading one of my email devotions...and she just said 1 John 4:4: "Greater is he that it is you than he that is in the world." As she said that, I read: "Remember that as a believer, the Greater One is in you -- and He is greater than any problem or difficulty. He will help you. God has the answer for your situation. Look to Him and you will not be disappointed."
Wow.
Thank you God for that reminder. You are in control and have good plans for me. My trials will not last forever.
Why is trusting so hard sometimes? I trust then doubt....a vicious cycle. I know God wants me to cast my cares on Him... God is faithful. I need to trust even when it seems like it isnt going as I want it to.

Something you could never get tired of doing *Spring Forward Blog Challenge Day 29*

I am skipping day 27 and 28 because I dont have anything interesting to write for that. I could never get tired of eating, laughing, spending time with family, playing euchre, laying out in the sun, summer, watching my favorite shows...etc etc etc I guess this wasnt too interesting either ha

How have you changed in the last two years? *Spring Forward Blog Challenge Day 26*

In the last two years, I have become a real adult ha...no I have been an 'adult' for 4 years, I am 25 years old with a husband, a 2 year old and an almost 2 month old, a house, and a job. I guess I am an adult, with adult responsibilities. I have depended on God more and have learned more about being a better mom and a wife. A work in progress :) 2 years ago I also started teaching preschool - learning to work with other people better and communicate with parents effectively... etc etc.

Someone who impacts your life regularly. *Spring Forward Blog Challenge Day 25*

My mom is a big part of my life. We are close and talk regularly. My sister also impacts my life. She is funny and also fun to talk to. My whole family does! ha

A photo of something that means a lot to you. *Spring Forward Blog Challenge Day 24*

My family means so much to me. I love them all so much and am very thankful for them :)

I put the picture of the bible and a cross on here because that means the MOST to me...what Jesus did for me on the cross so I can be with Him and be saved from my sins. No words can be enough to thank God for what He did. :)

Tell us something you think no one really knows about you. *Spring Forward Blog Challenge Day 23*

First, I am not doing day 22, a letter to someone who has hurt you recently, because I havent really been hurt recently.thankfully...so anyways... Umm I am pretty much an open book so I dont really think there is much people dont know about me ha..ok well here is something. I just went to the dentist and I have 5 cavities! First time in my life!!!! I had a half a one when I was 18...and perfect teeth til now...sigh...how sad. lol

A photo of something that consistently makes you happy *Spring Forward Blog Challenge Day 21*

I posted 2 pics but its ok. Its my blog HA. What makes me happy is seeing Nick anf the kids together :) Makes my heart happy.

The meaning behind your blog name. *Spring Forward Blog Challenge Day 20*

This post is the lamest one for me because.....I didnt make my blog creative at all OR my blog name....lol its Angie_B because my name is Angie and my last name starts with the letter B.

hahahahaha and I dont have anything else creative. The end. ha ;)

What is something you hope never changes about you? *Spring Forward Blog Challenge Day 19*

I dont really know how to answer this, but maybe I hope that I will always make time for my friends and invest the necessary effort and time to maintain those friendships.

What is something you wish you could change about yourself? *Spring Forward Blog Challenge Day 18*

Man, there are definitely things I would like to change...this kind of goes along with the post about something you dont like about yourself. I wish I could not worry. I wish I could be carefree and trust. As I said before, I am working on that. Also, I want to look like I did before I had babies haha Gotta get on it now! Especially since I am in a wedding in June! I was so skinny. I just feel gross these days but I guess I did just have a baby .it will be 6 weeks ago in tuesday!

Something you crave a lot *Spring Forward Blog Challenge Day 17*

hmmmmmm I crave Olive Garden and Red Lobster :D yummmmmmm Olive Garden's breadsticks and Red Lobster's biscuits :) I love bread haha and those are the best! ha

What you miss most about your childhood *Spring Forward Blog Challenge Day 16*

I would say, as most people would probably say, that I miss not having any adult responsibilities. ha As a child, I was carefree, didnt have to worry about living because my parents took care of me and everything. I also miss all the vacations and cruises ha ...things you look back on and took for granted til you are on your own and cant do all that stuff all the time :) I am thankful now for my family and having a house and a car but I wish we didnt have to pay hahahhaha

Something you don’t leave the house without. Why? *Spring Forward Blog Challenge Day 15*

That would be my phone...I couldnt leave the house without it because I feel disconnected from the world, number 1. Number 2- in case I need to get ahold of anyone or if anyone needs me, they can reach me. LOL I feel like I am writing an essay. This is kinda a boring post too...oh well. The funny thing with my phone is that I have an old phone. I dont text either because I dont wanna pay for it. lol My friends laugh at my phone...."i had that like 10 years ago" lol

If you had unlimited resources, what would your life look like? *Spring Forward Blog Challenge Day 14*

I would probably buy lots of clothes...lol and travel a lt. We would prolly go on more vacations and buy another car and bigger house, stuff for the kids..etc etc...really who would buy more? I would give to missionaries too and help others. I do love giving. We would prolly go to every world cup too LOL Nick already wants to ha I have nothing really else to say. :)

Where are you spiritually? In a valley or on a mountain? *Spring Forward Blog Challenge Day 13*

Why is it so easy to trust and be joyful in good times and hard to in not so good times? I really think I have big faith but then I go through trials and I worry. I fear. I doubt. I feel like a hypocrite sometimes. I need to practice what I preach but it is hard. I struggle the most through physical symptoms, especially weird ones. I worry that it wont go away or that there is something wrong. Deep down I know that is irrational and ridiculous. I go around the same mountain til I can trust God and remain joyful through trials. I am working on it. That is the purpose of trials - to draw us closer to God and lean on him. I have to just give it to him and trust that he is working it all for good and that he has good plans for me. Jer 29:11 Why is it hard? I want to feel good all the time. lol That is not gonna happen. ha I then think of people going through REAL. Hard. trials and they are happy and keep a positive attitude. That really makes me think. I need to focus on the positive and just "keep swimmin' " As one of my profs said "If God was sitting at a desk, nothing would go past his desk that he didnt approve first." God works in everything. This post is really jumbled and I just really just starting typing my thoughts so I apologize for it being random and/or confusing...and also sorry for this being late. I knew there was a lot to think about and I could write forever.....I dont really think I answered the question but that is ok. This is where I am right now. :)

A photograph of the town you grew up in. What did you love/hate about it? *Spring Forward Blog Challenge Day 12*

Jackson, MI is where I grew up. I dont really know what really to say about it. I like it. I dont know anything else. However, I know I dont want to live in BIG city. People say there isnt anything to do in Jackson; which I agree there isnt much. HOwever, I am not a partier and more of a homebody so I dont mind. This is a boring post but I dont have much to say about it lol

Greatest vacation or trip *Spring Forward Blog Challenge Day 11

So I have been on many many great vacations...but I will have to say my favorite was my honeymoon. We went on a cruise from Long Beach, California and stopped at Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico. :) It was sooo fun! I have some albums on my facebook if you wanna see all our pics :) We walked around Long Beach first and then at beautiful Catalina Island...At Ensenada, we went to a blow hole in the ocean. That was cool! And walked around little shops and tried to barter with them ha. After the cruise we spent two more days at Long Beach, CA.


The funny thing that was while we were there, there was an anime convention. It. was. hilarous. and crazy how man people were there for it!! There were thousands of people dressed up walking around to the convention center! Goood times haha So that is our trip in a small nutshell ...here are some pics from it...if you wanna see more look in my facebook! :)

Favorite Way(s) to Pamper Myself *Spring Forward Blog Challenge Day 10*

Hmmm I need some pampering haha

One thing that I dont get to do that often is get a massage! Last year for Christmas, I asked for a bunch of gift cards to the spa and I got a massage, facial, and body wrap! It was all heavenly and a great Christmas gift! I have to say my favorite was a massage and facial. I have another gift card and some left over from last year so I want to get a facial!

Another way I pamper myself is taking baths...I do that more often. What I love even more is going in the hot tub! My parents have a hot tub. I used to go in it all the time when I lived at home. I havent been in a while because I was pregnant... so I will say hot tub is another fav. This is a pic of my friends Karina and Betsy and I in my parents hot tub :)

A photo of your last significant purchase. Did it satisfy a need or a want? *Spring Forward Blog Challenge Day 9*

Ummm I dont know what my last significant purchase was...what defines significant? Prolly the last significant purchase was diapers....cuz we NEED those!!! times 2! except we havent had to buy any for Emma yet. Thank you to all who bought us diapers :) But the wipes go fast and still getting diapers for Drew cuz he isnt potty trained yet...so boring post but there ya go!

Not necessarily huggies but didnt feel like taking a pic of our diapers hahaha

The Best Advice I have ever received *Spring Forward Blog Challenge Day 8*

Hmmmm the best advice I ever received.... I dont know if I can pick one that is THE BEST but....I would say something that is very important is to never compare yourself or your children with others. Everyone is different and everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. We may look at each other and think he or she has it all together but everyone has struggles, and gifts as well! As for comparing children, I have learned I cant do that because of the fact that they all grow and learn at different rates and that doesnt mean that one is better or behind the other.

Tell us about your wedding or your dream wedding *Spring Forward Blog Challenge Day 7*

Our wedding was on June 23, 2007 at Grace Church and the reception was at Davis Catering. As they say on Four Weddings on TLC " I should win because my wedding was the best." BAHAHA I am totally not saying that and jk. I think its ridiculous they say that because of course you are going to think your wedding was the best because it was YOUR wedding haha anyways... just a little sidetracked.. :)

Anyways, the wedding and reception was so nice and fun. We had a fairly big wedding and and a wedding party of 6 bridesmaids, 6 groomsmen and 2 flower girls. Three of my girls were friends/roomies from college, my sister-in-law and my maid and matron of honor was my sister and my middle school/high school best friend. My flower girls were my two oldest nieces :)

My colors were pastel colors. Each girls had a different color dress. The flowers were gerbera daisies. :D

The reception was so much fun with all our families and friends. I had a bunch of friends there from elementary/middle school, high school and college! :) It was a blast! We were all out there on the dance floor having a great time.

Nick and I danced to "Time of my Life" for our first dance! It was so fun - you know from Dirty Dancing :) I kind of lead him in the moves but I wish we practiced and actually did the dance haha

Well there is a lot I could write about all the details but those are some highlights :) It was one of the best days of my life besides giving birth to Drew and Emma :)

Tell us about your best friend when you were 16, and where you two stand today *Spring Forward Blog Challenge Day 6*

Kathryn (aka Katie to me) and I were best friends at 16 and we are still friends today even though we have gone down different college paths, locations and careers. We have known each other since preschool and have more inside jokes than can count. I miss those days but thank goodness for facebook, we keep in touch. Katie is a professional woman working as a Public Policy Specialist at Disability Network/Lakeshore... (I just copy and pasted that from her info on facebook) lol. I dont even get what she does :) But she is good at it! Anyways, even though we live a few hours away from each other and do different things, I still love her. We have been through good times and bad times and I hope to stay connected through our whole lives. :)

Something You Definitely Could Live Without *Spring Forward Blog Challenge Day 5*

Something I can definitely live without is WINTER! The cold! The snow! I hate it. I hate being cold. I rarely complain of being too hot. I am in the wrong state. ha
Anyways, this is something I can live without and wish I did. I am so ready for summer! I was very thankful for the beautiful day yesterday and hoping its not just a tease. I know it is Michigan though so the weather can change at the drop of a hat. At least the end of winter is in sight! :)

Something or Someone You Can't Live Without, Because You Tried *Spring Forward Blog Challenge Day 4*

It is probably pretty popular to pick your spouse as someone you can't live without but it is true. I have been with Nick for 9 years and will be married for 4 years in June. It's hard to remember my life without him. The longest we have been apart is 2 weeks when we were dating when he went on vacation with his family. It was the longest 2 weeks ever haha! He is my best friend and I love doing anything and everything with him. Even when we are fighting, I would rather be with him fighting than without him. I know I am getting all mushy gushy ;) Its all true. He is my lobster. :D (F.R.I.E.N.D.S) "Shes your lobster. It's a known fact that lobsters fall in love and mate for life. You know what? You can actually see old lobster couples walkin' around their tank, you know, holding claws like..." Phoebe

I havent really tried to live without him but thats ok. I know I cant live without him.

"So it's not gonna be easy. It's gonna be really hard. We're gonna have to work at this every day, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, for ever, you and me, every day." Noah, The Notebook

A Photo of Something I Ate Today: was it worth the calories? *Spring Forward Blog Challenge Day 3*

I have become addicted to animal crackers. not necessarily organic. Someone gave us these after we had Emma. :) And I have been eating a lot of them. especially today. Luckily, they dont have THAT many calories. compared to other things I could be consuming in large quantities. ha The serving size is 17 crackers. I have eaten that many or more today. But its ok and I say...worth it. haha there ya go!

Something I Really Dont Like About Myself *Spring Forward Blog Challenge Day 2*

Of course this post is easier than day 1...

I do not like the fact that I worry easily. I worry a lot about physical symptoms, especially when they seem weird or annoying. I get panic attacks about it and worry it wont go away. I know, irrational... I need to practice what I preach and trust God. He is in control. However, I still struggle with worry and anxiety. That is my biggest struggle. I have to give it to God daily.

I also do not like the fact that I tend to be on the pessimistic side; HOWEVER, I have been more positive lately. But at times, I focus on the negative and not ALLLL the many positive blessings in my life. Why cant I be one of those people who is always positive? I can strive to be that way. It is a choice. I am striving to be more thankful and think of alll the blessings I have and focus on those things in my life God has given me.

What I like about Me *Spring Forward Blog Challenge Day 1*

Hmm so...I feel weird talking about what I like about me because, its just weird.But here I go...

I like to think of myself as a compassionate/sensitive person. I care about people and their feelings. I think I am pretty in tune with that and dont want them to feel bad etc. Of course I cant say I am like that alll the time but...

I also like to think I am a good friend to my friends. I know that any relationship takes work and sometimes I dont put in 100% effort all the time but I think that I do my best to keep up with my friends and stay connected and interested in their lives.

Finally, I like to think I am a good mom. I do my best to take care of my Drew and Emma. I put their needs above my own almost to the point of worrying, well ok I do worry but hey that is what moms do ha

Alright...that was kind of hard to write. It felt weird. lol But there ya go and I hope that you agree with me?

See you tomorrow for day 2!

Spring Foward Blog Challenge

some things to remember, a few to forget.
spring clean your soul with the happy life blog!
march 14-april 13


Day 1 – A picture of you and something you like about like about yourself
Day 2 – Something you really don't like about yourself.
Day 3 – A photo of something you ate today. Was is it worth the calories?
Day 4 – Something or someone you can't live without, because you’ve tried.
Day 5 – Something you definitely could live without.
Day 6 – Tell us about your best friend when you were 16, and where you two stand today.
Day 7 – Tell us about your wedding or dream wedding.
Day 8 – The best advice you've ever received.
Day 9 – A photo of your last significant purchase. Did it satisfy a need or a want?
Day 10 – What is your favorite way to pamper yourself?
Day 11 – The greatest vacation or trip you've ever had.
Day 12 – A photograph of the town you grew up in. What did you love/hate about it?
Day 13 – Where are you spiritually? In a valley or on a mountain?
Day 14 – If you had unlimited resources, what would your life look like? (Have fun with this one!)
Day 15 – Something you don’t leave the house without. Why?
Day 16 – What do you miss most about your childhood?
Day 17 – Something you crave a lot.
Day 18 – What is something you wish you could change about yourself?
Day 19 – What is something you hope never changes about you.
Day 20 – The meaning behind your blog name.
Day 21 – A photo of something that consistently makes you happy.
Day 22 – A letter to someone who has hurt you recently.
Day 23 – Tell us something you think no one really knows about you.
Day 24 – A photo of something that means a lot to you.
Day 25 – Someone who impacts your life regularly.
Day 26 – How have you changed in the past two years?
Day 27 – What is something you need to forgive yourself for?
Day 28 – What is something you need to stop blaming yourself for?
Day 29 – Something you could never get tired of doing.
Day 30 – A photo of you today, and 3 good things that have happened during this blog challenge.

Emma update

The ultrasound went well today. Emma is head down so that is good! We were pretty sure she was but wanted to be 100% sure. :) Also, according to the ultrasound, I am 38 weeks today! meaning a few days earlier..also means that I had Drew at this time! So..comon Emma, lets go haha. She isnt as eager apparently ;) Oh well at least I know it wont be too long now!

We saw her wiggling her toes!! It was so cool and cute saw her little toes going back and forth. And her hands were in front of her face and moved it down and up :) She also has HAIR :)

Sooon :)

Through JESUS...

This bible study on the tabernacle is so amazing. I want to blog about this first day of homework for this week.. God is so amazing- words cannot describe. In the tabernacle one of the things we find is the mercy seat. Back in the day, God was present there. It was the focal point of God's manifested glory to His people. Long story short the Hebrew word for mercy seat means to cancel, or to make atonement.
* "God presented Jesus Christ as a [mercy seat] through faith in his blood." (Romans 3:25)
God sent his Son to be the mercy seat for our sins!

Now, a great reminder...in our depravity, Christ died for us! She says, " Christ died for us. He died for people who yelled, "Crucify him!" He died for those who ripped His flesh with whips. He died for those who slapped Him and spit on Him... In the moment in all of history when humanity could not have been further from God, Christ died for us."
We cannot even imagine how terrible the sins that hung on Jesus that day. "His father was forced to look away. His Holiness had to forsake His own Son so that through his sacrifice Christ could intercede on our behalf. Jesus experienced the excruciating pain of being forsaken by God so that we might not have to. And because He did, "we have peace with God." (Rom. 5:1)

Our minds cannot even comprehend that kind of love. Even as I type this, I think, even if I dont want to ....sometimes I take this for granted. Lord, forgive me.

All we have to do is believe and accept that love that Jesus died on the cross and rose again for us and we are free and clear and forgiven! John 3:16

" Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. " John 14:6

"But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)" Eph. 2: 4-5

In Control

So I get devotions in my emails and other random daily bible verses etc...and I was looking through them and realized something. The last few days the same bible verse kept coming up in different places....



Like 5 different sources had the bible verse 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." ad little add-ons about it..I was like "Wait. There are a lot of places reminding me of how God is in control and knows the plans he has and that they are good....when I dont know what I will do or what I should do....God knows...now is when one prays for wisdom. :)



God is good!

36 1/2 weeks...

Drew...sleeeeep...I am sooooooooo tired....I guess I have to get used to it though because I am gonna get even less sleep when I have Emma! siigh I need a HUGE pot of coffeeee!! lol

I had a dr appt today. I am measuring where I am supposed to be...Emma hasnt dropped yet...The dr estimated she is 5 1/2 to 6 lbs... I hope she comes early...lets this show on the road! ha!

I am very thankful for a healthy pregnancy. God is good. What a miracle a baby is! :)

random rambling post...

I am just not a good blogger at heart I guess ha...I always think about blogging and what I would write but there is just so much to write about that I never feel like writing it...but after I do, I am glad....anyways...you know the phrase "a woman's work is never done." ?? a rabbit trail...I just looked that quote up and went to this website -
http://www.americanantiquarian.org/Exhibitions/Womanswork/intro.htm it says " Martha Ballard, a well-known eighteenth-century woman, wrote in her journal on Nov. 26, 1795, "A womans work is Never Done as ye Song Says, and happy Shee whos Strength holds out to the End..." Interesting...
ANYWAYS
haha its true...as not necessarily a woman's work but besides that point. it is a true statement...always laundry to do, dishes to do, clothes to put away, toys to pick up, clutter to pick up, cleaning....you get done and feel a sense of accomplishment...then ...you do it all over again. But it is life.
If you know me, you know that I am disorganized and a messy person ha i dont really care to clean...however when its done, I love that it is clean. I have actually gotten better and want it to be clean more than before if you can believe it! ;) Therefore, everyday I have been picking up and cleaning so that it doesnt pile up...except for the laundry today...but I spent all day catching up on laundry and now its 7/8ths done hahaha

Then ending the day playing with Drew and Nick is the cherry on top :) I love Drew's laughs!

slacker....

I will blog tomorrow. lol