Job Title: Professional Mover

I am moving this weekend!!! Three times in ONE year! I am super excited! Do you know what the best thing about moving is? Throwing things away! It's almost like spring cleaning - just not in my case because it's Fall and I'm moving not just cleaning. Either way it's a great feeling! And although I am very excited about moving in with my best friend, I am sad about leaving my apartment. It was "me" - if you know what I mean. Oh well, I am going to have a blast with Sha-nay-nay (a.k.a. Shannon).

* * * A D V E R T I S E M E N T * * *
If you are in need of a TV or an entertainment center, let me know! I have just the right thing for you!

It's official...

...I'm moving!! I know what you're thinking (that is if you know me) and if you're thinking I'm crazy, you're probably right!I know I've only been living in my apartment (on my own!) for 7 months, but I think it's time to share the...the...the whatever the word is! <---- (I do that often) This apartment has been great! I've loved living on my own, but I'm tired of it! :) I also want to help out a good friend of mine and her husband. This apartment is super cute, large enough for two, and definitely worth every penny - which isn't much at all!

Where am I moving?! In with my best friend, Shannon! Yep! I'm pretty excited about it if you couldn't tell! It's coming a lot sooner than I had expected, too. I am moving in THREE WEEKS! I have to get to work packing! It's amazing how your stuff can grow in just 7 months. I started out with only bedroom furniture and now I have a whole apartment full of stuff! Wow!

Alright, I'm off to pack! Oh, not for that...I am going to Jacksonville, FL this weekend!!

Jennifer who?!

I feel I need to be fired from having a blog. It's been waaaay too long since I have written anything. I miss it!! So, I'm back...until I get busy again of course! :)

Here is a little update on my life...

I have been dating someone for a while now. His name is Matthew and he's probably the reason I haven't been blogging lately. I'm not sure how since he lives 2 1/2 hours away, but it's always fun to put the blame on someone else, right?! As much as I agree with that statement, it's doesn't apply here. Although I have been spending a lot of time with Matthew, he's not the reason that I am "falling down on the job," I'm just a slacker! Speaking of job, mine is going great! Being a "stay-at-home mom" for children who belong to someone else is a hard job!! I have a lot of down time to read, watch TV, take a snooze, or make appointments for myself. I get to leave the house wearing a t-shirt and jeans with my hair thrown up in a pony tail, but that is what makes it so hard! Sure...that may sound appealing to all of you who walk out the door in your business attire, coffee in hand, ready to face the day and deal with a bunch of adults who you think could use a bit more education. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing better than walking in to see two children looking up at you with a smile because they have no reason not to love you. It can be the most rewarding job ever! Have you ever tried putting two babies to sleep at the same time? Let me tell you, it feels like you've conquered the world!! Also, you have a captive audience who laughs at all your funny faces and weird sounds! Ahhh...what a life! Even with all that to look forward to every day, I still miss the business world! I'm not sure I would trade it for anything, though! Well, maybe just one thing. Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure.
(we were reading "The Cat in the Hat")

(Henry being a good sport)

(Amelia being sweet as always)

(That's Matthew!) :)

"Moveing sale!"

Just thought I should share my experience today. I was driving through a little town called Berea, just outside of Greenville. If you've ever been there you already know where I might be going with this. It's a quaint little town. The roads are lined with beautiful trees and flowers that will take your breath.... yeah never mind! I can't get away with that! It was definitely not a picture perfect scene!  I was a little lost so I turned around. On my way back I saw a sign that said "Moveing Sale! Saturday 7-12." I thought that was just a misspelling...nope! There was another one, an even bigger sign that said, "Moveing Sale! Saturday 7-12." So, it was definitely not a mistake! Haha! Oops!

Just wanted to share! :)

Happy Birthday!

Today was a fun day at "work!" It was Henry and Amelia's 2 month birthday! Unfortunately (for them) we did not have a party, but instead had a doctors appointment. That's not fun for anyone, but especially the little ones! It wasn't too bad. Okay, yes it was, but they did great! I had Chick-fil-a for lunch. As usual it hit the spot! After "work" (which was like 2:30) I went to my old job and hung out with everyone for almost 2 hours! It was great! I love going back there knowing I don't have to do any work! Once I had a full and exciting day, I decided to cook. Yes, I cooked a meal tonight! HEY! Get up off the floor! It's not that crazy! Anyway, the food was amazing (in my opinion) and I enjoyed making it! Would you like to know what I made? Either way I am going to tell you, so I hope you said yes! I made Lasagna Rolls (below). It was good, but I'm not a fan of the Kalamata Olives. Gross! 

Creative?!

So, my creative juices started to flow last week when I decided to make my own headboard. I have been sleeping in my bed without one for a few months now and I'm not so sure that I like it. In fact, I can promise you that I don't! Instead of going out and spending a fortune on a new bed frame, I decided to allow my creativity to take charge. Now, if you know me, you know that I have no creativity whatsoever! Honestly, I took a test one time and it was the last one on my list!! So, I was pretty amazed at what I came up with. Of course, I'm sure it's from watching all those TLC and HGTV shows! Design On A Dime anyone?!

Anyway, I went to the fabric store tonight to see what my options were. First of all, there were way too many fabrics to choose from! Who knew there could be so many?! So, I narrowed it down to a few. My color scheme is tiffany blue and brown (I love those colors!). I am going to be taking 6 (maybe more) wood squares with some "stuffin'" and covering it with the fabric that I so carefully choose. I'm not so sure how I will mount it on the wall, but I can cross that bridge when I come to it! Of course, after I narrowed down my choices to a few, I decided to go down the street to the Oops Co. and ended up buying a hat and some sunglasses. Oh well, at least I got a good deal!! :)

Needless to say, my journey has come to a screeching halt! At least for right now! I will pick up where I left off later this week! I will keep you updated with pictures of my progress (but I have to start first!).

Anxious?

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

Need I say more?!

Sushi

Tonight I went to dinner with my good friend Shannon. We went to Takosushi for the first time. Now, when we go to a sushi restaurant I normally get chicken & vegetable fried rice and normally try someone's sushi. Tonight, I decided to get the Japanese Bagel. It is a smoked salmon, cream cheese, and scallions wrapped of course in seaweed and rice.  I gotta say, I was pretty excited that I was able to eat it! Some parts of it were a little hard to get down, though. Out of 8 pieces, I ate 6 of them!! Oh, I tried using chopsticks but I was unable to so they gave me the modified chopsticks! :) 

This is a rather goofy picture that Shannon took of me. I honestly thought her camera wasn't working, that's why I look like that! 

Prayer and Thanksgiving

"Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving." Colossians 4:2

First of all, wow! Second of all, Amen! Prayer is such a powerful thing! It's not just something we should do to feel good. It's not something we should do only when we want something from God. It's not just something we do three times a day before each meal. That is not what I consider, "devoted to prayer." Prayer is much deeper than that. 

We are also supposed to keep "an attitude of thanksgiving." That can be difficult at times, depending on what you're going through. The only thing about that is, it doesn't say, "when you are having a good day, keep an attitude of thanksgiving." If you are devoting yourselves to prayer (on a daily basis) then every time you pray, you should be keeping an attitude of thanksgiving. 

Are you devoting yourself to prayer? Are you doing it with an attitude of thanksgiving?

Catching up!

So, I've been just a tad bit slack in posting during the month of June. It's been a pretty busy month to say the least. It has been the month for new adventures, which of course have all been great! The first week of June was my last week at American Services, Inc. I enjoyed my time there, but at the same time, I was excited to try something fresh and exciting that didn't require a desk, computer, or business casual dress! :) Now, I get to wear T-shirt, jeans, and tennis shoes daily! There are way more things going on in my life that I wish I could share, but for right now I will keep you guessing! 

I have only been a full-time nanny for 7 days total. I have loved every minute of it! I will say, it's hard staying awake sometimes because for the most part it is relaxing. I watch TV, rock babies (usually one at a time), listen to a sound machine, change diapers, and feed them. So, needless to say, it's hard to keep from dozing off! Other than being sleepy, it's the perfect job...for me! At this point, I don't think I want to do anything else! In just 7 days I have become attached the twins...and the whole family. It helps that I work for two of the greatest people ever, though. They truly are a blessing and they know how to treat an "employee" (I put that in quotations because I feel like a part of the family). Here are pictures of the twins. 

         

Oh yeah...I also can mark something off my list. I bought a couch!!! Woohoo! 

What a day!!

I am worn out! Wow! It's been a great weekend! Today I was blessed with the opportunity to go with my favorite family to GA. We went to Browns Bridge Community Church, went to eat at Chipotle and Panda Express (we all wanted something different), then we went to see their new house. That was fun! I hung out with the coolest 6 year old and was helping her choose her room and figure out how she would set it up. We took lots of measurements, notes, and pictures. :) It really was a lot of fun! I am so excited for Casey and Julie, but I realized today how much I was going to miss them. I am glad that it's just Cumming, GA and not Chicago or something crazy like that!! 

Well, I am going to bed! I'm beat!!

My list of things to do

I have a lot of things on my "To Do" list that I haven't quite gotten to. The main reason being $$$$. Who wants to spend money?! Not me! When my tax rebate check came in, I put that baby straight into savings! Let me just say, I like the way my savings has started looking over the past year...not so sure I want to tap into that all at once to get everything on my list done! Some things don't cost much, others cost a little more than I'm comfortable spending (unless it's for good reason).  Here are just a few things on my list: plant some Gerbera daisies (my favorite flower), buy an i-Pod, get my car windows tinted, buy a couch, and buy a nice camera. This is not the order in which I want things done, just a list. That would be a couple thousand dollars! Whoa buddy! Of course, I want to get it all done now, not later, but that may not so wise. :) So, I'm trying to prioritize my list by what is most needed (which none of that is...so I should say by what is most wanted), then by cost. This should be fun! 

(I was trying to upload a picture of my Gerbera Daisies, but it won't work!)

What are friends for?

Do you have a friend who you can always turn to for encouragement, prayer, etc.? Who will let you vent, then speak truth into your life? Who will tell you what you may or may not want to hear at the time? Every person needs a friend like that. I have a friend who fits that description. I am about to get very personal and open up with you, so beware!

The past couple of days have been a little tougher than usual for me. I have found myself dwelling on my current state of...singleness. At 26 years old it's not really easy to let go of being single. I know that I need to be content in my singleness. I need to trust God with that area of my life, knowing that He has a plan for my future, whether I can see it or not. As much as I know that to be true, sometimes I need a gentle reminder. That's what friends are for.

Keep smiling!
Keep shining!
Knowing you can always count on me,
For sure!
And that’s what friends are for!

In good times!
And bad times!
I’ll be on your side forever more!
That’s what friends are for!

(Lyrics from www.sing365.com)

Sorry, I somehow can always break into song! Anyhow, despite how I was feeling, my friend spoke truth into my life. She knew exactly what to say. She knew exactly what I needed to hear, the truth. I can't thank her enough! Although she's married (and has been for a while), she still found a way to connect with me. She knows what it's like to wait. To wait for something that she wanted so badly. Just like she had to wait for that unexpected blessing, I also must wait for God to give me the desires of my heart...in His perfect timing. He hasn't forgotten about me and never will.

So, thank you Julie! You are truly a blessing!

This weekend has been incredible! I got to hang out with a cool dog for a couple days, went to the Greek Festival, went to NewSpring, and saw my twins!!!! Yes, I had twins yesterday! I am feeling great! They let me leave already! Okay, I definitely didn't have twins, but my future boss did!! It was a boy (Henry) and a girl (Amelia). They are adorable! I cannot wait to start! I am still nervous, but I'm so very excited! It's such a great family to "work" for!

The Greek Festival was fun. I love Greek dancing! I would also love to go to Greece! Such a pretty place! Oh, the Gyro and Baklava was so good! Probably couldn't eat it all the time, but it was so good!

NewSpring was not what I expected...at all! Last time I went there, it was in a much smaller auditorium. It was great, though! The parking crew was very welcoming and fun! Made me feel very good about being there. There were so many people!! That's what threw me off! Anyway, everyone was very nice, it was a very welcoming atmosphere. I will definitely visit again. Can't wait to get involved somewhere.

Well, tomorrow is Monday and I don't want to go to work, but it's coming anyway!

Hmm....

I have nothing to post about....

This is really sad....

I love blogging....

I'll be back soon, I'm sure!

What a day!

It's difficult to find a church. It's especially difficult to find a church after you've been a part of something like Catalyst for 2 years! Yesterday morning me and a friend actually went to two different churches within an hour and a half. Yeah, it was a little strange. We went to one and it was...well...country! We sang songs like, "Lord I Lift Your Name on High," and "All in All." These were the type of songs that I sang in High School. I don't see how so many people attend that type of church. Then we went to another church and heard the sermon and the closing song. It was definitely better, but still...not my cup of tea! I realize, you can't just go to any church and be able to fully worship.

I do not want to lose focus and I do not want to forget about my unchurched friends. I have to find a church that I can invite my friends to. If I don't find that kind of church, then what does that say about me? I think it would say that I'm very selfish and that all I care about is growing in my relationship with Christ. You have to care about both. When your spiritual gift is not evangelism, you need all the help you can get! I'm not saying God can't use just me to guide someone into a relationship with Him, but it sure helps to know I can take someone to a church where I know they will learn/grow in a relationship with Christ. Whether they are far from Christ or have never known the beauty of a relationship with Him, I want to be able to share the truth with them with the help of my church.

Thank you Catalyst for helping me understand the importance of this!

Nanny McPhee

Here's the thing...I'm about 36 weeks pregnant with twins and yet I can still see my feet! I'm not married which may make you question?! Well, I am not literally pregnant, but I am going to have twins very soon! Nope, not adopting....especially since I am only 26 and could never even afford one...much less two!  I am going to attempt to be a full-time nanny! I won't have an annoying laugh, but you can call me Fran if you'd like! To prepare myself, the parents (my new employers) have given me a book to read. They enjoyed it and now I am enjoying it as well. It is called, "The Happiest Baby on the Block." It's actually a pretty decent book! Plus, the baby on the front is really cute! :) Anyway, it is starting to sink in. I am going to be taking care of twins 5 days a week! I do get to go on great vacations, though! We are all going to Italy in 2 years (if they keep me) for 2 weeks!!! Okay, I'm getting off topic. I don't have much else to say except....BRING IT ON...and not cheerleading style either!!

Pandemonium

I accomplished a lot tonight. More than I ever thought I could in one night after work! I cleaned (as in swept, sanitized the entire bathroom, dusted, vacuumed, etc), cooked (which is something I rarely do!), baked cookies, did laundry, and set up my new DVD player! Okay, the only big deal here is the cooking part. I don't cook! Don't get me wrong, though, I can whip up a mean bowl of cereal, an awesome grilled cheese (just ask Kattie), and even some great pancakes! Tonight I made something random! It involved meat, vegetables, and for the random part....cream of broccoli soup. To me, that's random! I'm not too creative in the kitchen, but I was proud! I didn't use a recipe! Nope, just my ideas! Anyway, it actually tasted pretty good! I was impressed! I would have preferred a bowl of cereal with sliced banana instead, but oh well! 

Not exactly pandemonium....but I like that word! :)

Paramedics please...

Life has been crazy lately. I've been super busy, and I love it! Well, for the most part. I've been playing a lot of softball. It's been pretty great! I love my team, the sport, and the exercise that goes along with it. You can't beat that! Last night's softball game went a little different than usual. For the good news...I hit a "home run" and got 3 people home not including myself. Bad news, I supposedly didn't touch first base and I was out! Not cool! I totally touched first base! Later, I was on second base and definitely in the moment of the game! I twisted my knee and fell to the ground in a lot of pain! Okay, I have felt pain like that before but never as instant as it was last night. I was carried off the field but eventually was able to get back on my feet. My knee hurts pretty bad today, but definitely bearable! After all that, we won!!!!

Impossible Sadness?

As I think to myself, talk to God, and have conversations with people, I have started to realize that it's impossible for me to be sad right now (not prior to this post). Maybe I am stretching my imagination a little bit, but I believe that's where I am with all the changes that are occurring. I feel as though, there is no way for me to be sad. Maybe it's the fact that reality hasn't had a chance to fully sink in. If that's the case, I'll let you know in a couple of weeks if this post was a lie. It's from the heart, though. As much as I will miss Catalyst Church and everything/everyone that came with it, I'm happy. I honestly just realized that tonight.

I like to think that our lives are just a bunch of chapters. If I were to take a second to look back a few chapters, I would see how good God has been to me. Despite all the "bad" stuff that might have happened, something better has always come. God has always been on my side (and yours), and He always wants what is best for me (and you). I keep thinking how funny it will be a year from now, to look back on this chapter and be able to smile. Smile as we think of all the good things that came after the storm. 

I look at my life as a book that started out bad, and will end with the best ending no novelist can think up...except my God. All the in between stuff, that's just the road we must take to get to the "good stuff!" Huh....reminds me of a Kenny Chesney song, The Good Stuff. Okay, maybe not!