tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17833445196310233352024-02-19T11:16:12.873-06:00Confessions of a Wannabe SupermomKeeping faith and family at the center of my life while balancing work, college, home, and family.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18130395080716366052noreply@blogger.comBlogger424125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783344519631023335.post-91498230528530740522013-05-01T11:29:00.001-05:002013-05-01T11:29:56.210-05:00Book Review<em>I received a free copy of this book in exchange for reviewing it.</em><br />
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<em>The Fantasy Fallacy</em> is not the type of book I would typically choose to, but with the recent popularity of books like <em>50 Shades of Gray</em>, I thought it was an interesting topic that needs to be discussed more in the church. I also personally know people whose marriages have suffered because of issues such as these. I was given the opportunity to review it for Thomas Nelson Pusblishers.<br />
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The author brings out a lot of interesting thoughts from her counseling experiences. She also addresses <em>50 Shades of Gray</em>, why women read it, and the dangers behind the ideas presented in the series. It wasn't what I expected - she delves into the "why" behind fantasy and what causes issues in people's lives.<br />
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This would be a great read for anyone who is in ministry or who mentors people. It could really help them understand the reasons behind issues like this and how you can help someone who is struggling with this.<br />
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18130395080716366052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783344519631023335.post-76472766936233939182012-09-01T15:11:00.001-05:002012-09-01T15:11:30.211-05:00Eyes of Justice: A ReviewI've been reading Lis Wiehl's Triple Threat series since the first book. They are the kind of books that you get more and more wrapped up in as the series continues. You feel like you really get to know the three friends who make up the group. You see the ups and downs through the cases they work, as well as their personal struggles.<br />
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That's what makes <em>Eyes of Justice</em> such a shocker - one of the Triple Threat women becomes the victim, leaving her remaining friends grief-stricken and searching for her killer. I never saw the beginning of this book coming. Ok, I never saw <em>any</em> of this coming! I was floored by the events as the whole story unfolded.<br />
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It was a pretty emotional read, but I think this is probably the best book yet of the Triple Threat series. It's a little tricky to really review the book without giving away too much of the plotline, but it's safe to say it's a fantastic read! As always, I look forward to the next book and can't wait to see the new directions the series is sure to go in.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18130395080716366052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783344519631023335.post-87495131671041287102012-03-10T15:33:00.000-06:002012-03-10T15:33:10.867-06:00Heaven is For RealI have to admit, I was a little wary when I first heard about "Heaven is for Real." I've read books before by people who claimed to have gone to heaven and returned to earth, and to be honest, many of them don't line up with Scripture. But when I found out this book told the story of a child who saw heaven, I was very interested. <br />
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I really didn't expect this book to influence me like it did. It rocked me to the core. If you want something that will build your faith, this is the book you need. The descriptions shared from Colton's experiences are incredible. I read much of the book with tears in my eyes. When Colton told his dad, "Did you know that Jesus has a horse only He can ride?" I had goosebumps. Colton's descriptions of heaven and of an adoring Father who loves us more than we will ever know will not disappoint even a skeptical reader (like me).<br />
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Thank you to BookSneeze for allowing me to review this book. I received a free copy in exchange for my review - however, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.<br />
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18130395080716366052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783344519631023335.post-83114800591991671972012-01-01T16:55:00.002-06:002012-01-01T16:55:48.835-06:00Ready for Some Big Changes?Sometimes you need a change of scenery. You need to shake things up. You need a new direction. I've reached that point. For the past year, I've felt restless about my blogging. I started changing. God started pointing me in a new direction. After years of blogging at Confessions of a Wannabe Supermom, its time for a new look, a new location, and a new purpose - here, at <a href="http://graceinourmoments.blogspot.com/">Grace in Our Moments</a>.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18130395080716366052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783344519631023335.post-69595826124204583552011-12-30T07:00:00.001-06:002011-12-30T07:15:04.371-06:00Morning Grace<div>I'm a rule-following kind of girl. Its a great trait to have...sometimes. Sometimes it can really get in the way, though. When it comes to my morning quiet time, it can be downright dangerous.
As a college student and into my early married years in my 20's, it was easy for me to get up early and spend an hour ir more with God every morning. Then we had kids, and everything changed. Suddenly I was a 22 year old stay at home mom who considered taking a shower a major accomplishment. Days went by without me ever even opening my Bible. My prayer time dwindled to, "Lord, how am I going to get this done?"
I'm a voracious reader, so as my kids got older, I started reading again - along with my Bible, I read books on marriage, parenting, and being a Godly woman. I learned a lot from those books - mainly that I was failing. One book said I should spend an hour or more a day in Bible study. Another told me it should be easy to pray for an hour a day. Still others told me I should tithe my time - spend 10% of my time with God and never miss a day.
I beat myself up a lot during those early years of marriage and motherhood. I knew there was no way I could live up to what those books suggested. I was breaking all the rules. Then, a few years ago, I discovered something amazing - grace. Its my morning grace - grace for my times with God.
My goal is to get up early every morning and spend time with God. Most days it happens, but if not, there's grace. Some days its long, other days its just a short devotional. One day I might spend more time in Bible study, another day might be focused more on prayer, and still another might focus on journaling or scripture memory. Whatever I'm doing, there's grace.
I believe that God delights in our efforts and our successes to spend time with Him, but I also believe that He's ready to wrap His arms around us and carry us when we're frazzled, frustrated, and struggling to keep up. He made us, He knows us, and He understands our ups and downs.
My morning quiet time is again something I look forward to. In fact, its one of my favorite times of the day. Do you want to have consistent time with God every day? Sign up for Hello Mornings! It has inspired me so much that I'm going to be an accountability captain for the 2nd time in the winter session!
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</div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18130395080716366052noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783344519631023335.post-36000393502901030652011-12-28T08:28:00.001-06:002011-12-28T08:51:51.060-06:00When Mom Gets Sick<div><p>The past couple of weeks have been interesting...and challenging.  I finished the fall semester two weeks ago today and threw myself into getting ready for Christmas. Despite my plans to rest, I was doing anything but resting. Finishing my shopping, taking Christmas card pictures, helping my husband get ready for Christmas events, going to church Christmas parties....</p>
<p>Then, while teaching my preschool Sunday School class last Sunday (the 17th), my throat started hurting. It went downhill from there. I think I just had a bad cold, but it hit me really hard. I'm sure my immune system was down from the stress and exhaustion of school. Whatever it was took me down in a hurry.</p>
<p>Suddenly, Mrs. "I-get-up-at-5:00-a.m.-every-day" was rolling out of bed at 9:00 a.m. Instead of running 90-miles-an-hour at work, I was rescheduling appointments and struggling to even show up at work. I think this was God's way of saying, "Look, you need to rest, and if you won't take time out for, I will make sure you get the rest you need." It worked.</p>
<p>Thankfully I felt much better by Christmas. I'm almost 100% now, although I'm still fighting a little bit of a cough. I'm gradually getting back to a normal routine...although I only managed a 7:45 a.m. wakeup time today. Gotta work on that... Its good to be back to even a kind-of normal life though. Back to blogging, back to planning, back to normal, and definitely back to enjoying every second of my Christmas break.<br>
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</div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18130395080716366052noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783344519631023335.post-57872856052933492112011-12-21T20:42:00.000-06:002011-12-21T20:42:36.226-06:00Not Quite According to Plan...I've been so excited about Christmas break. I have so much I want to accomplish over this month-long break - books to read, projects to work on, cleaning and organizing to do. I was ready to hit the ground running Thursday, my first day with no classes. It started out okay, although I had a busy end of the week last week.<br />
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Then this week happened. My week so far...<br />
<ul><li>I cooked for a church dinner.</li>
<li>I almost destroyed my cake for the church dinner.</li>
<li>I went to church.</li>
<li>I got sick.</li>
<li>I slept in.</li>
<li>I went to work.</li>
<li>My washing machine broke.</li>
<li>I got sicker.</li>
<li>The dog puked on my pillow.</li>
<li>I sat in the puke on my pillow.</li>
<li>My house is a mess.</li>
<li>My presents aren't wrapped.</li>
<li>The boys are fighting.</li>
<li>I yelled at the boys.</li>
<li>The toilet overflowed.</li>
<li>...Merry Christmas - where's my Grinch hat?</li>
</ul>Thank goodness for God's grace, even when I'm exhausted and nothing is going according to plan! One day, hopefully soon, I'll look back on the week before Christmas 2011 and laugh...Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18130395080716366052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783344519631023335.post-4610321028701583982011-12-18T13:52:00.001-06:002011-12-18T13:56:12.803-06:00A Digital Scrapbooking Giveaway!I was very excited to recently get the chance to review <a href="http://www.mymemories.com/">My Memories digital scrapbooking software</a>. I posted a few weeks about wanting to be creative again and starting new projects, including digital scrapbooking. <br />
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I had a lot of fun playing with My Memories. It's very easy to use. I created a couple of pages right away...<br />
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Althought was my first ever attempt at digital scrapbooking, I already love it! <a href="http://www.mymemories.com/">My Memories software</a> is just as versatile and fun as traditional scrapbooking, but it takes so much less time. Plus, it's really easy to share albums and pages with others. I also love the fact that there are so many add-on packs available for a very affordable price. I can't wait to do more! I'm already planning albums I want to put together.<br />
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If there was anything I didn't like about My Memories, I wish there were more embellishments available in the starter pack. However, as I said, there are so many very inexpensive add-on packs available, that's really a minor thing. Overall, I think this is great software that will really help me reconnect with my love of scrapbooking.<br />
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Now for the really fun part...the giveaway! One lucky winner will win My Memories for FREE and all my readers can receive a special discount code that provides a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the My Memories store - a $20 value! Just enter code: STMMMS56503.<br />
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To enter to win, go the My Memories website and then leave a comment here telling me which digital scrapbooking kit you like best. For additional entries: follow <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/amandablogs">me on Twitter</a>, subscribe to Confessions of a Wannabe Supermom, like the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/MyMemories/140359372717593">My Memories Facebook page</a>, follow <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/MyMemoriesSuite">My Memories on Twitter</a>, and leave a separate comment for each one.<br />
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Entries will be accepted until midnight on Saturday, December 24. The winner will be announced Monday, December 26. Thanks for entering, and good luck!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18130395080716366052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783344519631023335.post-56026815856188281582011-12-01T14:56:00.001-06:002011-12-01T14:57:25.313-06:00Real Women, Real Health, Real God<div>I am so excited about the new website/forum/ministry my blogging friend Kristi is launching! January 1, 2012 will mark the launch date for Must Love God, where women can find support for total health - physical, emotional, and spiritual.
<a href="http://mustlovegod.net" title="Must Love God"><img src="http://mustlovegod.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Kristi_MLG250x.png" width="125px" alt="Must Love God"></a>
This has been on Kristi's heart for a long time. She has covered this in prayer, and so have many others. I'm so excited and honored to be a contributor for this. Watch for updates and like the Facebook page. I can't wait to see what God is going to do!</div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18130395080716366052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783344519631023335.post-55713133139876889522011-11-30T15:56:00.000-06:002011-11-30T15:56:44.884-06:00Black Friday Madness<div style="text-align: center;">1. So, did you get sucked into the excitement and drama of Black Friday? If so, what deals did you snag?? And for our international gal, has our shopping madness spread to your area?</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">2. Four day weekends are nice but the transition back to work can be challenging! How are you doing with the transition?</div><br />
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My name is Amanda, and I am addicted to Black Friday shopping. Ever since my husband and I went on our first day-after-Thanksgiving bargain hunt nine years ago, I've been hooked. We've landed some amazing deals over the years, and we could never pull of the kind of Christmas we have at our house without those bargains. <br />
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This year was much more challenging in some ways, because stores were opening all night long instead of just early Friday morning. I left my house at 8:00 p.m. Thursday and didn't get home until 7:00 a.m. the next day. Yes, it was my first ever all-night shopping trip! I slept for a couple of hours before I left home, and (I'm not kidding) I slept in our truck for about an hour and a half while I waited for JC Penney's to open.<br />
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As always, we got some great deals on gifts for our kids, like two video game rockers, normally $65-70, for $32 each, and tons of DVD's, video games and toys. This year I also scored some awesome deals for our home, like a soft, fuzzy king-size blanket for $24 (which came in handy while I was napping outside Penney's); a set of 600-thread-count sheets for $20 (we won't go into the fact that I was almost trampled for those sheets at Walmart...) and two Scentsy-style wax warmers for $9 each. <br />
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Finally, I got a few things for myself - a cashmere blend pea coat (originally $200) for $50; a pair of boots for $30; five seasons of our all-time favorite TV show, <em>24</em>, for $10 each (a joint gift for my hubby and me); and (you may do a double take on this one) ammo for my gun for 1/2 price. (Yes, I have a gun...not a rifle, but a pistol...going to the gun range is one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon. My husband and I both shoot, and we'll take his .22 rifle and let the kids shoot, too. It's a fun family hobby for us!)<br />
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I'm sure I like having stores opening on Thanksgiving night, but I love the deals on Black Friday, and it would take a lot to keep me away from it. It's become a challenge to us to find the best bargains. My hubby and I team shop (although he just hit the first couple of stores with me this year) and plan it like a military operation. I love it!</center>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18130395080716366052noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783344519631023335.post-2831118984741119832011-11-28T03:54:00.001-06:002011-11-28T03:54:00.439-06:00When the Cape Comes OffSome women seem to have it all together. On the outside, they seem flawless - their house sparkles, they have a successful career, they perfectly balance work and family, they spend time daily with God and they lead a small group at church. They look like Superwoman. But sooner or later, the cape has to come off.<br />
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The truth is, every woman, every day - no matter how long she's followed Jesus or how much she seems to have it all together - fights battles. For some, it's depression. For others, it's habitual sins they struggle to overcome. For others, it's addiction, haunting memories of abuse, loneliness, feeling overwhelmed, a negative attitude, or any number of other battles.<br />
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There are who people who think that, because I'm a pastor's wife, I'm automatically a super-Christian. They think that I have it all together, that I have all the answers, and that I don't fight the same battles everyone else fights. WRONG! There's no cape. There's no "S" on my chest. I'm a messed up, sinful person, saved only by the grace of a God much bigger than my faults.<br />
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None of us have arrived. None of us are good enough. I love Paul's words in Philippians 3:13-14 (NASB): "Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." If anyone had a right to claim the status of super-Christian, it was Paul. But he didn't wear a cape either - he was as flawed as we are.<br />
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We all know we're weak and flawed, but here's the scary part: we need to let people see our weakness. The world is crying out for real, authentic people with real faith. Think about it: if someone is struggling in their faith, do they need to see someone whose like they think they can never live up to, or a real Christian? It's okay to take off the cape and stop pretending. We need to admit that we can't do it all. When you take that first step, you'll be amazed at how many others do the same.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18130395080716366052noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783344519631023335.post-71843837108937577052011-11-27T16:54:00.002-06:002011-11-27T16:54:50.761-06:00Cilantro Lime Pot RoastA friend of mine shared this yummy new slow cooker pot roast recipe with me recently and I wanted to share it with you...you can find it here: <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/roasted-lime-cilantro-eye-of-round-roast-10000000600494/">Cilantro Lime Pot Roast</a>. I hope you enjoy it!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18130395080716366052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783344519631023335.post-7259012790026969192011-11-26T06:15:00.001-06:002011-11-26T06:43:53.712-06:00Just What I Needed<div><p>The past few days have been amazing. Today the fun and relaxation ends, and its back to reality, but this short break has been just what I needed to give me the 'second wind' I need for finals week.</p>
<p>I had both school and work Monday and Tuesday, but from Wednesday on, I had neither. Tuesday my youngest was at the doctor's office - they thought he was in the beginning stages of strep. So we took it easy this week, staying home almost the entire time. He's feeling like his old self again now, thankfully.</p>
<p>Wednesday I stayed home and cleaned house while Robby visited church members in the hospital. When he got back, the boys stayed with him while I bought groceries and picked up our smoked turkey. I spent the rest of the day cleaning, cooking and prepping for Thanksgiving, and watching movies. (Unknown was awesome! The kids saw Rio and Spy Kids 4.)</p>
<p>Thursday we ate, slept, and watched movies. (Soul Surfer this time.) At 8:00 p.m. we left home for the madness of Black Friday. Robby and the boys got home at 1:00 a.m. and went to bed. I slept for an hour and a half in the truck outside of JC Penney, waiting for them to open, and got home at 7:00 a.m. It was wild! A few highlights: from Penney's - a cashmere-blend pea coat (originally $200 - I paid $50) and boots (originally $100 - I paid $30); from Walmart - tons of toys, DVD's and video games, including 4 seasons of my all-time favorite TV show, 24, for $10 each, and Scentsy-style wax warmers for $9; and from Target, video game chairs for the boys for $32 each.</p>
<p>We got almost all of our shopping done for the boys, and got lots of stuff for our house too. We spend a lot of money on Black Friday, but we plan for it every year because it saves us so much money. Its really fun, too - I guess its the ultimate shopping trip for a bargain hunter like me.</p>
<p>Yesterday we slept (a lot) and watched another movie (RED). I also finished a book I was reading (The Brotherhood by Jerry Jenkins). Today its back to reality - buy groceries, clean, do laundry, work on school assignments, study. I'm ready to wrap up this semester and get to Christmas break!</p>
</div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18130395080716366052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783344519631023335.post-2763855989264326562011-11-12T15:08:00.000-06:002011-11-12T15:08:28.938-06:00Time to Get CreativeI used to be a pretty "artsy" person. I did a lot of drawing in high school and took several art classes. My time and interest for art fizzled when I hit college, and I never really picked it back up. When my oldest son was born, I decided to give scrapbooking a try. I loved it, and kept it up while we lived in several large parsonages. I could have a room set aside just for scrapbooking, where I could leave all my supplies and works in progress out, and just close the door when I was done. Once we bought our own (small) house in 2007, it became too much of a hassle to pull all my supplies out, work on a project, then have to pack it all back up until next time.<br />
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For the past several years, I haven't done anything artsy - I've gone to the occasional scrapbooking or cardmaking party, but that's been the extent of it. I've really missed it, but I just haven't had the time or found my niche in the crafting worldy. Lately, though, I've been craving craftiness. (Maybe it's because I've discovered Pinterest...doesn't it make <em>everyone</em> feel crafty? Don't you love it?)<br />
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For several years now, I've wanted to learn to knit. I dabbled with it once, but never really got past a basic knit stitch. This past week, I finally did it - I bought myself some knitting needles and yarn, and I printed off a free ebook from Lion Brand Yarns. So far, I've just learned to cast on, knit, and purl, but it's a start, and I'm loving it! It's so soothing and relaxing. Once I get some more basics down, I plan to start with a scarf, then move on a tote bag, and finally to a beautiful throw, like the one below. (The colors shown here are a perfect match for our master bedroom.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOP4vY4IHkhlhI_FdZSLZ_bkwfkrrBFGRlXtUCQeBB9gTbduPtRnXS3g7NPSg-kGk2Qc-KN0T6gGDwqR8DqDdMd8RJSuqmjNjbV95bCwiAoc_PFexkIZUADDLGt7bu9vyK8qcpkXgHn0/s1600/throw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOP4vY4IHkhlhI_FdZSLZ_bkwfkrrBFGRlXtUCQeBB9gTbduPtRnXS3g7NPSg-kGk2Qc-KN0T6gGDwqR8DqDdMd8RJSuqmjNjbV95bCwiAoc_PFexkIZUADDLGt7bu9vyK8qcpkXgHn0/s1600/throw.jpg" /></a></div>I've also dabbled with the idea of digital scrapbooking for quite a while now, and I think that my upcoming Christmas break may be the perfect time to dive in. We have Photoshop...it's just a matter of me learning how to<em> use</em> Photoshop. It may be a long process. I really miss scrapbooking, but when time (and money) for buying supplies are limited, digital seems like the perfect solution.<br />
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I'm excited about both ideas of mine. (I'm not sure how enthused my hubby will be, but thankfully they're both cheap hobbies!) I hope to start sharing photos of completed craft projects with you soon!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18130395080716366052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783344519631023335.post-58107058885521872522011-11-06T17:26:00.000-06:002011-11-06T17:26:49.780-06:00Ready to Hide His Word?Today I'm starting a new challenge with Katie Orr at <em>Do Not Depart</em>...<br />
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<a href="http://donotdepart.com/hiding-romans-8-in-my-heart"><img alt="" src="http://donotdepart.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Hiding-Romans-8.jpg" /></a><br />
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Scripture memory was, for a long time, been something I knew I <em>should</em> do, but somehow never got around to. Earlier this year, I took the plunge and decided to start it after reading a great post on <em>A Holy Experience</em>, one of my favorite blogs. <br />
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Memorizing God's Word is life changing. When you're memorizing scripture, you're truly meditating on it, feeding your soul with it day after day. I don't know why it took me so long to grasp the importance of it, but now it's a vital part of my quiet time. I hope you'll join us - you won't regret it!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18130395080716366052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783344519631023335.post-16517630667772072082011-11-01T04:00:00.002-05:002011-11-01T04:00:05.035-05:00Top Ten Things I Want to Do on Christmas Break<a href="http://ohamanda.com/" target="_blank" title="Top Ten {Tuesday}"><img alt="Top Ten {Tuesday}" src="http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn115/purplesahm/toptentuesday.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
This semester of college is the hardest I have ever done...I'm counting the days until my Christmas break. Here's what I'm most looking forward to doing...<br />
<ol><li>Get lost in my favorite author's new book (<em>Forbidden</em> by Christian suspense author Ted Dekker) plus several others that are downloaded to my Kindle app</li>
<li>Take my boys to the library</li>
<li><strike>Lapse into a coma</strike> Sleep in</li>
<li>Clean house (Well, I'm not exactly looking forward to the cleaning, but it's got to be done)</li>
<li>Learn to knit (or at least start learning)</li>
<li>Spend long quiet times catching up on my Bible studies</li>
<li>Snuggle up and watch movies with my family</li>
<li>Blog more</li>
<li>Try some new recipes</li>
<li>Get back into my running routine</li>
</ol>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18130395080716366052noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783344519631023335.post-91898867558021374352011-10-30T17:36:00.000-05:002011-10-30T17:36:58.808-05:00The First 5K That (Sort Of) Wasn'tSaturday was the big day - the day I planned to run/walk my first 5K. Let's just say things didn't go quite as planned...<br />
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Friday night, my husband told me that he was way behind on his work for the weekend, and desperately needed to catch up. He had errands to run and things to do, and he couldn't watch the kids Saturday morning as planned. I texted my boss and told her I wouldn't be able to make it after all. She suggested that I bring the boys - it's a family-friendly event and there would be lots of kids there. Obviously, my boys are not ready to run a 5K, so plans changed a bit.<br />
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Bright and early Saturday morning, we headed to the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event. It was so fun, although I think my boys were traumatized when 1,200+ women opened the walk by singing "I Will Survive" and doing Zumba! We started the walk with the group, then doubled back at around the half-mile point, when my youngest started to tire out. We headed back to the start/finish line and cheered on our team as they crossed the finish line. Even though it didn't work out as planned, it was fun. Best of all, my oldest son is already wanting to go back next year and walk the whole thing. (BTW - My boss took some great pictures - I'll post some as soon as I get them from her.)Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18130395080716366052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783344519631023335.post-29932136551698687632011-10-26T18:54:00.000-05:002011-10-26T18:54:17.737-05:00On my "I can't wait to read" list....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjey75dnG6ybvWfNYs7lGxr1a-VmmQJEIwtYYt8qwa8_slbGBQSGLkP2cVqm7DO7qIduHv0XIemEskY4oyj-PZYTBjT9MxVywb-QNLcxtxEvRExsqCyU58zkOKDOXQ9mVzsAYmrUpyKesM/s1600/heaven+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjey75dnG6ybvWfNYs7lGxr1a-VmmQJEIwtYYt8qwa8_slbGBQSGLkP2cVqm7DO7qIduHv0XIemEskY4oyj-PZYTBjT9MxVywb-QNLcxtxEvRExsqCyU58zkOKDOXQ9mVzsAYmrUpyKesM/s320/heaven+cover.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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I was so excited when I logged onto Booksneeze this afternoon and found this on the availabe books list! I immediately loaded it our iPad. It may be slow reading, since I still have six weeks of college left before Christmas break, but I can't wait to dive into it! I've heard so many awesome things about <em>Heaven is for Real.</em><br />
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This is going to be my first ebook to review, and I've got to say, I love it! Nothing can beat getting a book immediately instead of having to wait a week or two for a hard copy to come in the mail. I love books. I love technology. When the two are combined, can it get any better?Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18130395080716366052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783344519631023335.post-85970725416032893362011-10-23T17:50:00.000-05:002011-10-23T17:50:01.711-05:00It's Just a Season<div style="text-align: center;"><em>There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven... </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Ecclesiastes 3:1</em></div><br />
Life is full of seasons. There are seasons of new beginnings, like marriage and the birth of babies. There are seasons of transitions, like starting or leaving a job or moving to a new town. There are easy and hard seasons, seasons you enjoy and seasons you can't wait to see pass.<br />
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This is a strange season for me. It's exciting, because I'm following my dreams and transitioning into a new phase in my life. It's hard, because, honestly, going through dental hygiene school while working and raising a family is the hardest thing I've ever done. It's frustrating, because it's hard balancing my roles as a wife, mom, manager, and student. <br />
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It's a season of tears and joys, highs and lows, exhaustion and exasperation. It's a season of questioning my decisions (and my sanity). It's a season of wondering if it's all going to pay off or all go up in smoke. It's a season of pushing myself beyond what I ever dreamed I was capable of, then having to dig down deep and push myself more. It's a season of begging God for fresh strength every day, several times a day, and learning to rely on Him like never before.<br />
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Right now, I'm focusing on finishing this semester strong. I only have six weeks left, then I get a month off for Christmas break. I'm looking forward to relaxing with my family, reading some books, and maybe working on a couple of crafty projects. We'll probably watch some movies, maybe take a mini-vacation, and just enjoy time together. We'll all need it, because my spring semester will be the hardest of the entire dental hygiene program.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18130395080716366052noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783344519631023335.post-33906599798977180962011-10-22T16:44:00.000-05:002011-10-22T16:44:56.466-05:00My latest addiction...I guess it's about time...I've discovered Pinterest. (Like I needed another way to spend hours online.) I completely and totally love it! I'm having so much fun looking for new recipes, reading inspiring quotes, or finding my inner fashionista. (I sense a shopping trip to Ross and Marshal's in the near future - I've seen some adorable outfits I'm going to try to piece together.)<br />
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I'm still in the process of setting up boards and learning my way around. I'd love for you to join me! Check out my Pinterest page...<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/amh1023/"><img alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" height="26" src="http://d3io1k5o0zdpqr.cloudfront.net/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" /></a>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18130395080716366052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783344519631023335.post-2838248910718136612011-10-12T15:37:00.000-05:002011-10-12T15:37:20.152-05:00My Upcoming 1st Ever 5KI'm so totally NOT ready for this...I'm excited, but between school and my husband's recent health scare, I haven't run in about three weeks. Then on Facebook, a friend posted this, and I had to steal it. It sums up exactly how I feel...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtIwVJpKucpg2JniAS92qz8ROZMneT0iGYgvnj9WUGXMS_YtbXChBeNt2fMlVB7Y5Fo62kkb-YNkQq2JrBNR3w76p_3vxQqPbI3xL1_oCF_hCPYiaPMM-qznV1O5-CrgniCmECuSpYGw/s1600/running.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtIwVJpKucpg2JniAS92qz8ROZMneT0iGYgvnj9WUGXMS_YtbXChBeNt2fMlVB7Y5Fo62kkb-YNkQq2JrBNR3w76p_3vxQqPbI3xL1_oCF_hCPYiaPMM-qznV1O5-CrgniCmECuSpYGw/s400/running.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><br />
I really do feel like the top picture when I run...if only I looked the same! <br />
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I am really looking forward to getting back into my workout routine. I love to run, even if I'm not good at it yet. I love the way it makes me feel, the peace and quiet of being alone with my running shoes and the street (or treadmill), the feeling of doing something I never really thought I could do. Plus I've already heard about another 5K in November, and a friend of mine is going to make that her first...I think I see my second 5K on the horizon.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18130395080716366052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783344519631023335.post-27270675840531460112011-10-09T17:45:00.000-05:002011-10-09T17:45:49.909-05:00A Cardiologist and a New PerspectiveLife can get pretty stressful for me sometimes...and then something can happen that puts it all in perspective. That's what has happened at our home during the past three weeks.<br />
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It all started with my husband having sudden chest pains about three weeks ago. We thought he'd pulled a muscle while working on his truck. After a couple of days, the pain went away. Then it came back. Finally, a week and a half ago, he made a trip to our family doctor. The doctor did an EKG and set up an appointment with the cardiologist. Last Monday my husband went to the cardiologist, who didn't seem too concerned but planned to schedule him for more tests. Then Wednesday hit...<br />
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Robby's truck was in the shop, so I dropped him and our boys off at the church before I headed to class until lunchtime. At 9:00 I left class for a break and checked my phone to find a message from my husband. He told me that something was happening, and he thought it might be his heart. A church member was driving him for an emergency visit to the cardiologist and he wanted to tell me that I might need to leave class and head over there. He told me that he loved me. I honestly didn't know if I would hear his voice any more after that message.<br />
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Panic doesn't even begin to describe what I felt. I rushed into class in tears. Classmates helped me get my things together and I sped to the doctor's office to be with Robby. To make a long story short, five hours and two tests later, we found out that my husband's heart is in great shape. Apparently he suffered a massive anxiety attack, and may have some underlying minor medical problems causing them. Our family doctor is trying some different treatments until we find what works. He's still having daily attacks, but he's finding ways to manage them a little better. I've been giving him a little advice - I struggled with anxiety attacks for about a year in 2006/2007.<br />
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It's been a really scary week and a half for us. I want to say thanks to all my Twitter friends, especially my Hello Mornings #mym2 girls and my Good Morning Girls group, Sisters in Spirit, for all your prayers and encouraging words. All I can say is, I'm so thankful my husband is okay. School is important, but I have to admit, whether or not I make an A on a test isn't quite so important anymore. Life has a different feel after a crisis. Gratitude reigns in our family right now.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18130395080716366052noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783344519631023335.post-90500359991696670482011-09-27T04:32:00.000-05:002011-09-27T04:32:00.594-05:00The Many Sides of MotherhoodSome days a mom just needs some extra encouragement...this past week, it came from my blogging friend <a href="http://www.mommakristi.com/">MommaKristi</a>. We had some lists going on Twitter this week, and between the two of us, we came up with a good list of the many sides of motherhood in this season of my life...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3iWNdJwDOjDQbO5WaiV1DLm76bVuhzb9C0i_4yb1t-W2mqnwvz3FubeNELNzpewRCEXy6z2hSDiz9yMuTS5IykUXBQ4zS3AdC31YGfP8MhCl75TQBPVM9g6GZS0dYKswRPTtyS2sfuc/s1600/momma1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3iWNdJwDOjDQbO5WaiV1DLm76bVuhzb9C0i_4yb1t-W2mqnwvz3FubeNELNzpewRCEXy6z2hSDiz9yMuTS5IykUXBQ4zS3AdC31YGfP8MhCl75TQBPVM9g6GZS0dYKswRPTtyS2sfuc/s1600/momma1.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcoXwAx-KgO2_oBURV1mJHIHM21mt5abKPhJ_rj0iKmxm-zO2CpSUHizQzL7ZxyiqniBdav9MaBa3VzONcGhoLLDDWICEnVTCobkeioQzdD6GsM3LcgpmKQ2ccx1gt_FS_CHFNI5NQV4/s1600/momma2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcoXwAx-KgO2_oBURV1mJHIHM21mt5abKPhJ_rj0iKmxm-zO2CpSUHizQzL7ZxyiqniBdav9MaBa3VzONcGhoLLDDWICEnVTCobkeioQzdD6GsM3LcgpmKQ2ccx1gt_FS_CHFNI5NQV4/s1600/momma2.png" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Don't you love it when God sends you just what you need, just when you need it most? Thanks, Kristi!</div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18130395080716366052noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783344519631023335.post-12428122610647523122011-09-21T16:06:00.000-05:002011-09-21T16:06:33.389-05:00No More ExcusesI found this today and love it...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxj1FzCUF8SMWFz0zMERpyBr4Gt-H8jbinIW8svh97eFOx7AXStpXksXY3XgysBmZ9iVdz3epIhGsgilpXcx2Yt0fUFPnlEe8bHsGzphRw10rLSRq6IKsxc-CvOBSnUdVNZ0JKGc3CYE0/s1600/stronger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxj1FzCUF8SMWFz0zMERpyBr4Gt-H8jbinIW8svh97eFOx7AXStpXksXY3XgysBmZ9iVdz3epIhGsgilpXcx2Yt0fUFPnlEe8bHsGzphRw10rLSRq6IKsxc-CvOBSnUdVNZ0JKGc3CYE0/s1600/stronger.jpg" /></a></div><br />
It's a perfect picture of my thougts lately. This week, I've really been trying to push myself. I have a 5k coming up in just a few weeks, which is a BIG motivator. And to be honest, I got tired of making excuses for why I don't have time to work out hard. I need to push myself more than ever. With my stress levels at an all time high, I need to get rid of a lot of stress or one day, I'm going to snap. <br />
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Sunday I put in my best run ever - running more than walking for the first time - and yesterday I did a boot camp class at work. I want to get in two more runs this week, tomorrow and Saturday. Hopefully boot camp will become a regular feature at our gym, because I LOVED it, but if not, I'm going to put together my own at-home version of it. I've tried our Zumba classes at our gym, and while they're fun, I'm not a dancer - I have no rhythm at all. Boot camp doesn't require coordination or rhythm. I can't shimmy or cha-cha, but I can do jumping jacks and kickboxing.<br />
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Fitness and healthy eating are going to have to be priorities for me. Its worth the time because it will give me an edge. If I'm fit and healthy, I'm less likely to get sick, and I'm more likely to have the energy I need to get through my crazy days. I can't take care of everything and everyone I need to take care of if I don't take care of myself, too.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18130395080716366052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783344519631023335.post-36690509197306291322011-09-19T05:00:00.001-05:002011-09-19T05:00:04.688-05:00What Touches a Momma's HeartLast week was a really hard week. If you read <a href="http://justamandaslife.blogspot.com/2011/09/when-your-heart-breaks.html">my post Tuesday</a>, you know that I've been struggling with "mommy guilt" and the heavy load of balancing college, work, and family. I was pretty down, but God always knows what we need. I found my oldest son's prayer list on the floor a couple of days on it. On it were two requests - Mrs. Jackie's uncle (Mrs. Jackie is a lady in our church) and Mom. He knew I needed prayer, and he was praying for me. That touched this momma's heart in a way he will never know. God knew exactly what I needed, and He sent it by way of a precious nine year old boy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i689.photobucket.com/albums/vv256/holland1023/2010-10-10_21-42-59_931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="http://i689.photobucket.com/albums/vv256/holland1023/2010-10-10_21-42-59_931.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18130395080716366052noreply@blogger.com3