Moms: First and Last and Always

Mark 10:31
" But many who are first will be last, and the last first. "


    There are 3 references in the Gospels of this same phrase: in Matthew, here in Mark, and in Luke. I would say that gives it some significance and that we should at least ponder its meaning. I'm not going to give you the scholarly take, the pulpits take, or the biblical expert's explanation of this verse. You are lucky enough to be reading the Michelle interpretation/spin!! Yay!

   What I see from this important message from Jesus, is that giving of one's self and putting others first is the way we need to go through life. We don't want to do it to gain first place or to receive an award as the most giving person or the most generous philanthropist, either. Or even, to get us in a better position in line at the pearly gates. As Christians, this should just be our modus operandi. We shouldn't even be thinking about our position or station in life, it should just flow naturally. I think too, that the most obvious example of this (other than Jesus, of course!) here on earth, is a mother.

    Motherhood is certainly one of the most "last place" kind of positions that our society has. The pay, for one thing, is terrible!! As a matter of fact, it'll cost you; not only monetarily, but physically, and emotionally, as well. And, it's a lifetime commitment with not a lot of opportunities for advancement. Oh sure, you could possibly get promoted to Grandma, Gigi, Nana or Bubie someday, but you still hold the same title you currently held: Mother (in my case Mom, mom, mom, mom, mom, mom...etc and so on).

   On the "first place" side though, motherhood has unbelievable benefits. You get to love. Love that grows and multiplies bigger, stronger and higher than you can ever imagine. You almost feel your heart could burst!! There are moments, too, that they love you back. AMAZE BALLS! (this phenomenon, seems to happen less when they are teenagers, but there are certainly those moments when you can still catch a glimpse). There's also the unbelievable pride that you feel. Sometimes it happens when you simply just watch your child dancing around in the living room, doing their homework, or catch them reading. Other times, it's bigger: watching them walk across the stage at graduation, getting their first job, having the people they work with or for telling you how amazing your child is, seeing them take a chance or a risk on a dream, and maybe (someday for me) telling you they found the love of their life and are going to have a baby of their own.

   Lord, thank you for giving me the best/worst, first/last position in the world!

Here's a pic of the first person that made me a mom.

July 1990

And, the last.

December 2012

   I wanted to give you (and my husband and children...) a list of my top picks for Mother's Day, this year. It's been a lean shopping year for me, because of our house. So this year's picks will be given with a strict budget in mind.

This tote...yes, Walmart shoppers, I like this purse! and the price is right.

$16.97 Time and Tru Straw Circle Tote, Walmart
 Comes in various colors. They were out of this color online, but I found several in my local store.

Towel sets. (*note to my family: NOT THIS COLOR!) We are finally to the stage where the bathrooms at the new house actually have tile and counters, so of course, my mind is currently decorating the bathrooms. There is nothing better than fresh new towels in a fresh new bathroom.

These towels are from Kohl's and come in 21 different colors. (look more at the blues please, family!)
Sonoma Goods for Life 6 Pack Towel with Hygro Technology, $64.99- Kohl's

And, not expensive and local for me but they do have a website, these bath and body products...

Welcome Home in Chestertown, MD. carries this wonderful array of lotions, soaps,
and other bath and body products by Barr-Co. and K.Hall Designs. Prices vary.

Happy Mother's Day to my beautiful mom, Paulette! and to all mom's! 

Have a blessed day today, and celebrate on Sunday, the best, first, last and always job you'll ever love!!

The Milliner's Great-Granddaughter

Daniel 3:21
" Then these men were bound in their cloaks, their tunics, their hats, and their other garments, and they were thrown into the burning fiery furnace. " ESV


   
 This sounds terrible, doesn't it? You're dressed in your best outfit, feeling sharp, and then the king demands that you are thrown into a fiery furnace! Well, probably for anyone else, this story would have had a terrible ending. But here, in the book of Daniel: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, are met in the furnace by "a son of the gods" and much to everyone's astonishment (probably their own as well), they walk out: completely unburned, with their clothing still intact, and they don't even smell like smoke! They were protected by God, because of their faith.  Oh Lord, if we were judged solely on our faith, would we be burned? Don't answer, just pray on that one...

     Today, I have been putting off for over 3 hours writing this post. And shockingly, I started to write a post last November that I never published! (it's a shame because it looks like it would have been a good one, too!). In fact, it hasn't just been 3 hours, it's been almost 6 months that I've been putting off writing anything. Why? Well, I guess I was afraid. Afraid my post wouldn't be good enough, afraid that no one would read it, afraid that there would be misspellings, grammatical errors, afraid that I would be too revealing about what was happening in my life, maybe not revealing enough, afraid I wasn't faithful enough, that you could see through my faithfulness or lack thereof.

     It has been a long year and a half or more since we've moved to the eastern shore. Truly some very unpleasant things have happened in the building of our new home, but also some very special "God" moments as well. Personally, it has been draining as well. Children, no matter how wonderful, are just so darned draining!! Marriage is HARD! And, getting back to work or working at all when you have so much going on, is nearly impossible. But my God is the God of doing the impossible. So TODAY, May 1, 2019, I'm moving forward with God. He has created me for so much more. Ready or not, here I come.

     Why is this post named "The Millener's Great-Granddaughter"? Well, that would be me. Unfortunately, I don't really know a lot about my Great-Grandfather. My grandfather never really talked about his family life as a child. I was fortunate to have met my Great-Grandmother, and his brothers and sister. I am also very grateful to know their children and some of their children. What I do know is that at the turn of the 20th century, my Great-Grandfather was a milliner in Baltimore. A man that made a living making and/or selling hats to men and women. Can you imagine someone making a living doing that today? I can!!

     I was contacted by The Wallaroo Hat Company to represent them to their wholesale customers. How fun is that? I love that it totally fits my lifestyle. Currently, I represent Southwind Apparel, beautiful ladies clothing that is perfect for an active lifestyle, and Rodan + Fields, skincare products. What do all of these things have in common? Believe it or not, these are all skincare products! Yep. Southwind Apparel's clothing is UPF50 rated and not only do you obviously get some sun protection from wearing any hat, but many of Wallaroo's hats are also UPF50+ rated!! Skincare can be fashionable, too!

     Let me also just say something else. Each one of these companies: Rodan + Fields, Southwind Apparel, and Wallaroo Hat Company have been started by strong, smart, and talented WOMEN!!! Yeah, you go girls!! I pray that one day my daughters will be able to describe me that way, too.

     Here are some shots of me in some of my great new hat samples. Click on the link to view the catalog to see many more beautiful fashionable hats.
 

This fedora is called Palmer.  It's in the "Men's Collection", but these are great for men and women!

This hat, also a fedora, is the Monterey from "The W Collection"

I pray you have a wonderful Wednesday!

She's Leaving!

Proverbs 22: 6
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."


Well, I'd like to say that this verse rings so true in my life. I'd like to say that each and every one of my beautiful children have been raised in an upright, perfectly Christian home and setting and that every day I have absolute assurance that each one of them is perfectly happy, healthy, wealthy and wise. NOT! On either count. I know that I am certainly full of sin, faults, worry, and frustration. And I know, too, that my children have had more than their fair share of hard times.

But, what I do have is HOPE. Yes, folks, hope. Committing your life to Christ isn't an instant cure-all for all of life's problems. But what it gives me is hope. Even though I have had major parenting fails, my children have a heavenly father that loves them and has a plan for each one of them. He will not leave them or disappoint them. He has already given them the ultimate gift of His Son. I will still worry, mess up, get angry, and yes, still sin (because of all of my humanness!). But my hope comes from the Lord!!

So, what brought all of this on? Well, after 28 years of parenting, I will be alone in September. My youngest is going to kindergarten. And, if that won't be hard enough, I have a senior in high school this year as well. My baby boy (who is actually almost 17) is going to graduate next spring. I'd like to say that I will be doing a happy dance when they all get on the bus in a couple of weeks, but I know how emotional I get, so I will probably be a wreck!!

The highlight of getting ready for back-to-school has definitely been shopping for my little girl! She's old enough to have an opinion, but still young enough that I get to have a lot of input. Yay!! I love input! (control, whatever!)

Here are a few things we have for her so far for this school year.

We did some great bargain shopping at Marshalls.
She insisted that she needed this Peppa Pig outfit.
It's sparkly and adorable, just like my girl!

This dress will be perfect for her first few weeks in school.
The temps stay pretty high here until October
(sometimes even November and December!).
Love the asymmetrical hem!

This is her goofball pose.
This 2 piece outfit will be perfect for chilly mornings and air-conditioned classrooms.
We purchased all 3 of these outfits for under $30 at Marshalls!
What a deal!

     When you save money somewhere you can splurge a little somewhere else! I love these Spunkwear dresses for my girl. They are UPF 50, moister wicking keeps her dry and comfortable, and they are made in the USA. Not to mention, they are ADORABLE!

This is the Girls Original Dress in Hot Pink Crab. Preppy Crab and Carolina Crab are available online.
You can even get a matching dress or skort for yourself!!
Use code MICHELLESHIP for free shipping!

 Enjoy your babies, one day you'll turn around and they'll be off to school!

I hope your day is full of blessings!

3000 Steps

Psalm 37: 23-24
" The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. "


I have a FitBit. I got it as a Mother's Day gift last year from my daughter (her father helped, too!). I have been noticing lately, that usually by 7:30 in the morning I have walked about 3000 steps, that's about 1-1/2 miles of walking. I am not taking a morning run in this time, I do however walk my dogs up and down the block, so that does account for some of the steps. Running up and down the steps to get my teenage son out of bed in the morning does account for a good bit of the steps, too, LOL!

Where are my steps taking me? Am I choosing the right path? Should I walk away? Should I run? Can I walk back? Steps.

When we walk on sand, like at the beach, our steps are harder to take. When we walk on a path in the woods and it's uneven terrain, we can sometimes stumble.When we walk on solid firm ground walking is so much easier. I sometimes have nightmares where I am either running away from something or running to catch up to something ,and I don't have the strength to run anymore and so I crawl and pull my way. Steps.

This year has brought so many changes, some of them easy, and some of them hard. I have walked steps I didn't know I would walk. There are paths that I have not yet taken, paths I thought I knew the direction I was taking, only to get miserably lost. Some of the wrong paths have taken me to beautiful places that I didn't expect to find. I find, that wherever my steps lead me, even when I go off on my own, I have the assurance that my God is always near me. Like a child lost in the woods, I cry out and my Father will find me, setting me back on the path that is firm.

Thank you, Lord, that though, I may stumble along in my life, your hand is always there to uphold me.

Mother's Day this year...well, I haven't given it a lot of thought, it seems to have come up really fast. My biggest desire, right now, is for my house to be done. That will certainly NOT happen by Sunday! So here are a few other suggestions for anyone who might be reading this...for YOUR mom, of course!

Me and my baby girl!!
These great dresses by Southwind Apparel are an adorable mother-daughter combo!
For FREE shipping on these dresses and so many other great dresses, skorts, pants, etc...
use this code: MICHELLESHIP
at  Southwind Apparel and Spunkwear

I love Ainsley Earhardt, and I can't wait to read this book about her journey of faith.
Get your copy here: Barnes & Noble

Or, maybe a pair of sunglasses!
Like these from Nordstrom Rack! 

 I pray you have a blessed Mother's Day weekend!!

Ode to Joy

Psalm 16: 11
"In your presence is fullness of joy"

Wow! It's been over 3 months since I sat down at this computer and wrote anything except a quick FB or IG post. Where did the time go? Was it truly full of joy for me and my family? Full?? No way! Were there joyous moments? Absolutely. I have to say that the busyness of settling my family into a new town with new schools and of course, starting at the end of October, the busyness of the holiday season, took it's toll on me. Mostly, though, the true drain for me, has been our new home. Here's a pic of what our new home looked like at the beginning of January...



and this is what it looks like now...



OK, you got me, it's the same picture. but truthfully, NOTHING has changed!

This house has truly been the albatross around my neck. It's the gift that keeps on giving. Just when I feel like I am going to move on in faith and hope, something else happens. We are now down another builder. I didn't share this with you before, but the last builder was to have us under roof  by the end of October, and we are still not under roof. The first week in January he packed up all of his things (unbeknownst to us) and left the job. No roof, no windows...certainly no joy here.

Don't get me wrong. I haven't given up (although some days my husband calls me "Debbie Downer"!), but it is certainly not what I had hoped and dreamed for, for my family (and of course myself!).

So, in the beginning of the year, in my devotionals, I was to pray about a word that would somehow define my year. And, the word that kept coming up for me was JOY. What??? JOY??? Yep, joy. Well, Lord, here I go. I am stepping out in faith today, and tomorrow, knowing that this year, there IS joy. That this year and beyond, the joy that I am seeking does not come from this acre lot and this unfinished house. It comes from You, Lord, just from You. The full verse in Psalm 16 is this,

" You show me the path of life;
 in your presence is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore"

Amen.

H is for October!?

1 Corinthians 13:6
" Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. "


I certainly didn't mean to mislead you with my post title today. If I have offended or confused you, I am truly sorry. And that's the truth! Are you rejoicing?? That's the hardest type of sin to confess, isn't it? If we don't know we have sinned, then how can we confess it? Fortunately we have wonderful prayers that help us to cover these types of situations. Here's one that I rely on.

"Most merciful God, 
we confess that we have sinned against thee
in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done,
and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved thee with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and we earnestly repent.
For the sake of thy Son Jesus Christ, 
have mercy on us and forgive us;
that we may delight in thy will,
and walk in thy ways,
to the glory of thy Name. Amen. "

I borrowed this from the Book of Common Prayer. While I no longer attend an Episcopal Church (a story for another day!), the resource of the prayer book is still invaluable to me. We can't escape sin, but if we confess each day and follow this simple "formula", we can cover in prayer, those sins that are less obvious to us. Lord, forgive my sins, things I have done, those things I have left undone, and those things that I don't even realize that I have done. Forgive me, Lord.

So now, to the fun!! H is for October because there are (and have been), so many fun things that begin with H this month that make me Happy! First, this is our first October in a new town. Each year, here in Chestertown, they have a HP Festival! No, not Hewlitt Packard, Harry Potter!! And as coincidence would have it, the little girls and I had just decided to re-read (read for Frankie) the Harry Potter book series. So we were ready to hit the streets in our wizard robes and wands. Here's a pic of my very favorite wizard at our first HP Festival.

We also have been busy with HoCo (Homecoming), 2 weekends worth! My son went to Homecoming at his former high school with his beautiful girlfriend. And, my beautiful daughter went to her first Homecoming dance at her new high school with a group of friends. Here are some cute pics.

My girl is on the left.

Then, on Saturday, my 2nd oldest daughter had a birthday. So, H is for Happy Birthday!

Here's a cute pic of my parents and 5 of my babies.
My birthday girl is front and center!

And, finally, we have to look forward to Halloween!! We love dressing up in costumes and trick-or-treating. Here's what my 4 year old wants to be this year.

We found this costume here-  HalloweenCostumes.com

I hope you have a happy, harmonious, healthy, start to your week!

               

Living the dream!

Habakkuk 2:2 (ESV)
" And the Lord answered me: 'Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.' "


I am definitely a visual learner. I really need to see something to understand. Just hearing someone tell me about it is not going to do it for me, I won't retain it. It's gone. If I can see it, or touch it and feel it, or experience it, I've got it. God knows that some of us need more than just to be told what to do, we need more than a good Sunday sermon. We need time to figure things out. We need to make mistakes, we need to have experiences, we need to see what He has put before us, He has to light with clarity the path we need to take. Even Habakkuk was commanded to write down God's word and post them, so that people could see the words that God had spoken. Thank you, Lord, for showing us, leading us, and teaching us your will for us. Thank you for coming to us, just where we are.

Yesterday, I had an experience that I could only have dreamed of as a young woman. And now, as a (let's just say) mature woman, I can certainly appreciate it that much more. I was invited to come to a meet and greet for a local clothing company, and be a MODEL!!! Now, to be clear, I don't know if any of the pictures that were taken of me last night will ever be seen by anyone outside of their offices. If they do, I'll certainly let you know, but truly, I felt so beautiful and blessed by the experience that if it doesn't happen, that will be OK. If someone had told me that this would happen to me, I probably wouldn't have believed them. The only pictures I have posed for taken by a professional photographer, were school and wedding pictures. I never even did a Glamour Shot in the 80's! Most of the pics you see of me on this blog are taken by me or my children.

The lesson that I learned last night was, had I not acted on this opportunity, it wouldn't have happened. Just like this blog, and so many other opportunities and blessing in my life, I didn't just hear about what could happen or what was possible. I had to put my fears and insecurities aside, make a plan, and take a chance. One of the other ladies last night said, that she could now check off- be a model, on her bucket list.  I'm going to use this opportunity, to continue to push forward and visualize and realize some other goals in my life. We are given such short years here on earth, I don't want to waste my time wallowing in unbelief and fear. God gave me so much to use and share, it's time to start doing, it's time to run. It's time to live  the dream!!

Here I am!! This was the first dress that I was photographed in.
It's so comfortable and it has pockets!!
Behind me is the designer/creator of this amazing local clothing brand
 and some of the fabulous women she has on her team. 

Yes, when you are a "professional" model (lol), they bring out the good snacks!!

Here's my 2nd outfit!
Can you tell I'm having fun??
I didn't take a pic of my 3rd outfit, it was the same top with a skirt that matches the first dress.
So comfy, so cute!

Have a blessed Thursday!! Run after those dreams. Truly live the life that you've been given. 

The Chestertown Blues

Joshua 1:9
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."


It's amazing to me how I am constantly getting a word or a verse, just when I need it. Not surprising amazing; awe inspiring amazing. In the Bible, I find words, verses, and stories and phrases that touch my heart and feed my soul. These are the words of God, so of course they are given to us for just that purpose. (Although, I have to admit that sometimes these same words confuse the heck out of me??!? Is there a Bible for Dummies,yet?). Thank you, Lord, for your word. It brings light into my darkness, it speaks love and comfort to my heart. Amen!

So...I've been away for a while. Have you noticed??
 There have been so many times when I wanted to sit at my computer and write, but I have been soooooo busy. Here's the rundown.

-I started watching a cute baby boy in March (so stinkin' cute: never slept!)
- one word- SKINCARE!
- another word (or two) We MOVED!!
-kids started new schools in a new county
-Football (Mr. Football made varsity this year!)
-building a new home (longgggg story!!! definitely for another day)
-stress, depressed, anxious (all these feelings take a LOT of time!)

I have definitely got a case of the Chestertown Blues. Why Chestertown? That's the name of our new town (temporarily). Why blue? Two reasons: One, I've been missing my family, friends, moving in general...SUCKS!!! Two: my favorite color is blue and I have seen so much beauty here, it gives me comfort. And of course, that beauty has been coming to me in lovely shades of blue. Enjoy!

The houses here are painted in such beautiful colors!

Oh, you know, just a view of the river at the end of my street!!!

My world is blue. This girl, is my world!

I had to get one in of my cute blue outfit.
(I'll fill you in on the details of this dress in another post!)

The beauty of this waterfront town overwhelms me. I drive across the Chester River every morning at sunrise to get the children to their bus stops. And, around every corner is another charming house or adorable little local shop. Blue definitely suits me!!!

I'm so excited to be back! I can't wait to fill you in on all that has been, and is going on in my life!!!

Gone with the wind

Ecclesiastes 1: 14
" I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind. "


Oh my goodness, I started to type this post a couple of weeks ago. I've been so busy, that I haven't been writing a lot lately. This topic came to me because, literally, from all of the wind we've had late in the winter and early this spring. Just when I thought the wind was dying down, it would pick right back up again. The linen bow on my front door wreath blew away a couple of weeks ago,so frustrating!! The temperature has been fluctuating up and down dramatically; hence the wind. Today is going to be in the 80's, and it'll be cooler again next week.

When I started to type this a few weeks ago, I was going to write about the Holy Spirit. I often think of the Spirit rushing down and through the house as a mighty wind where the apostles had gathered. I would love to feel the God's presence like that. Just to hit me like a great gust of wind that I feel around me all of the time. But unlike that moment in Acts (Act 2, to be precise), I don't feel God's presence rushing around me and through me like that. I long for it, but it hasn't happened for me like that. Sometimes, I feel God in a tender touch from a loved one or friend, I hear His still small voice when I pray, and listen, really listen for his will. Sometimes it's even in a flood of tears: tears of sadness, tears of relief. I still welcome that gust of mighty wind (blow me right over, Lord, I'm ready!!), but if I never feel God's presence like that, I still know in my heart that He is ever present with me. Thank you, Lord for never leaving my side.

Another topic came to me, though, through the wind, "Gone with the Wind". This has to be my all time favorite movie. I read the book too, years ago (sooo different than the movie). The character of Scarlett, though, is still the same. Scarlett is strong, determined, naive, smart, stubborn, headstrong, beautiful, flirtatious, and so much more. I wanted to be Scarlett!! Unfortunately, if you truly were Scarlett, you'd have to go through more than just a few cotillions and barbecues. You'd have to go through war, disease, death, loss, starvation and poverty. Do I really want to be like Scarlett? Unfortunately, we all have to endure hardships here on earth. Just like at the end of the movie when Melanie dies and Scarlett has her epiphany about how much she loves Rhett, these unbearable things we have to endure, mold us to be the people we are. If we cling to God and our faith in the midst of this kind of wind or storm, we will be transformed in His likeness, as we are promised. The promise is real, the promise is sure. The promise is Jesus.

"Take your hands off me, you drunken fool."
(Photo found on Google Images)

I pray you have a great day today, enjoy it. And, I also, pray you have a good day again tomorrow.

"After all, tomorrow is another day"!!!

March Madness!

Ephesians 4: 31-32
" Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you. "


I don't generally think of myself as an angry person. But around 6:30 in the evening, after getting up at 5 in the morning and working hard all day long, when I have a 4 year old whining, my 15 year old stinking up my house fresh out of lacrosse practice and refusing to walk the dog, my 13 year old sleeping in her room, my 10 year old sassing me, AND my husband walking in the door and complaining about the condition of our house: I turn into Godzilla!!! Flames shooting out of my mouth, sounds emitting from me that bring terror to the hearts my family and perhaps even to a few unfortunate neighbors that might happen to be walking by. You get the picture, right?

Yup, that's me!!

I don't want to be Godzilla. I know how I should be behaving, I know that I am sinning. I know that it is not pretty, not acceptable, not right, not good, not proper, and most importantly NOT from God. And, the saddest part, I see my children emulating this behavior. Shame on me. Forgive me, Lord. Forgive me, Family. Lord, help me to put all of this anger aside. While some might even say, that I am justified, that they behave the same way sometimes, that doesn't make it right. It's still wrong. And while I still start my day with hope and joy and gladness in my quiet time, I need to remember to continuously ask God to help me guard my mouth, my thoughts, and my actions throughout the day. Can you imagine the example I am setting for my beautiful family, my neighbors, anyone within earshot??

Fortunately, verse 32 reminds me that I am forgiven. Even when I continue to stumble, when I seek forgiveness, I will find it. God is so good!! Help me, Lord, to be good, too!

I pray you have a wonderful Wednesday!!

Made in the shade

Psalm 121: 5
" The Lord watches over you- the Lord is your shade at your right hand; "


I love Psalm 121.  Verse one always been a favorite verse of mine.  The song Praise You in this Storm, by Casting Crowns uses Psalm 121: 1 in the chorus. I get emotional just thinking about that powerful song. Click on the link above and give it a listen to. LOVE IT! And by the way, that is so hard to do, praise God in the midst of our "storm". Did you lose your job? Are you going through a financial storm? Did you lose your home? Did you just lose someone you love, are you ill, is someone you love ill or dying? Some storms seem much bigger than others. But we are called to praise God through those times. Easier said than done. I am terribly guilty of worry and panic first, and then eventually I get to the praise part. Wouldn't it be better to go there first? Yes, Lord, I will praise you in this storm. As hard as it is, I know You are God, and this time of struggle is going to be used (someday, somehow) for good. Amen.

Speaking of storms, we had a snow storm last night. Just when I thought we were home free this winter from using any snow days, doggone it, we have at least one, maybe two. That's ok. I got to sleep in (I usually get up at 5 am, my daughter's alarm went off at 6 am), and I didn't even get dressed until after noon!! Whoop, whoop! I am looking forward to spring, however. Last week my husband bought me a new pair of sunglasses, and I can't wait to wear them. I'm saving them for the Blue Angels demonstration and the Boat show which are both this spring.

I recently found a new website for great new glasses and sunglasses. It's called Warby Parker and their new Spring 2017 collection is available today! Here are a couple pair of sunglasses that I'm loving.

I'm in love with these great tortoise shades!!
Marzipan Tortoise with Classic Brown lenses

Or, how about these cool blue sunglasses?
Durand Sunglasses in Deep Blue with Vintage Blue lenses

And here's something great, too, Home Try-On. Most styles are available to try-on at home FOR FREE for up to 5 days! You can select up to 5 frames to try-on at home (some exclusions may apply). You only pay for the glasses you keep. So cool.  

There are so many styles to choose from, you have to check them out yourself,
and yes, they have men's styles too!
Click on this link here- Warby Parker

Well, while I was writing this, the county called and schools are cancelled again tomorrow. I hope that means another morning to sleep in! So tonight, I'm going to be praying for spring to spring. I have some new sunglasses to wear!!

I pray you have a terrific Tuesday!

Pinkaliciousness

1 Corinthians 16: 14
" Do everything in love."


And there you have it, pretty straight forward. Do EVERYTHING in love. This close to Valentine's Day, love is everywhere. But this verse isn't about an occasional, "I love you". This verse is about EVERYTHING. When we correct our children I know we are doing it out of love but, are we doing it in love? When we pay our bills? When we make a meal? When we say, "Hello"? "Goodbye"? Wash the dishes? Travelling to/from work? Grocery shopping with the kids...? I'm guilty. I am not doing everything in love. My motives aren't always love. Sometimes they are selfish, angry, panicked, defensive, exhausted, and downright foolish. I'm human, Lord, and I do things and regret things that I say and do, all of the time. I wish I would just take a moment, and remember the sacrifice, and the pain, and the true love given for me on the cross. He gave EVERYTHING, so I could live in love and be loved eternally. Thank you, Lord. I mean that, completely, in love.

There's nothing wrong with celebrating love. That's why Valentine's Day is a fun holiday. Let's celebrate love and the one's we love!! Here are some fun Valentine's gifts that I'm thinking about this year.

Cupcakes!! OMG, we have a La Cakerie opened in Bel Air. If you watch The Food Network then you must have seen Jason Hisely! He was a winning pastry chef on "Cupcake Wars", and took second place in "Sweet Genius". He's the owner, and head pastry chef of La Cakerie in Towson and Baltimore, and now Bel Air. A bonafide celebrity!! After reading my girls one of our favorite books this week, "Pinkalicious", we took a field trip to La Cakerie on Main Street in Bel Air, to see if we could find a pink cupcake. Of course we did! Here's my girl with her pink cupcake (and chocolate, we love chocolate!).

The pink icing was the first thing to go!

I also found these "sweet" t-shirts, I thought they'd make a great Valentine's gift!

                                                                                               

                        

So fun!!




I found these pink tennis shoes at another store along Main Street. LOVE!!

Size 8, Honey!!
(These shoes are available at Urban Pearl)

Or just off of Main Street, my favorite store, The Pink Silhouette, carries Brighton jewelry which always comes with a heart. And, they have such fun clothes and accessories. Here are a few things that caught my eye.

Here's the back!!!

I think this is cutest top ever, here's the front...look at the back.

and here's some Brighton to brighten your day!

and these earrings, no hearts but anchors away!!

Right now thru February 14th The Pink Silhouette is offering 20% off in their store (some exclusions apply).Tell them Michelle sent you!!

I pray you have a fantastic Friday, and a wonderful weekend!!

Money, worry, me?!

1 Timothy 6: 10
" For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money have wandered from faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. "


This final chapter in 1 Timothy is chock full of great advice about money and faith. Yes, you can have money...and faith. It's what you do (or don't do) with your money that is important. I wish I could tell you that I have loads of money, we give generously to all and, I don't ever worry about money. NOT!! I have ingrained in my Christian head that worrying about money, isn't Christian at all. But, I'm not so sure about that. I don't worship money, I worship the One True King, but I am conscious of the money coming in and going out (there is a LOT going out!) and, yes, I worry. I sometimes have to pray and refocus, because we are told, " do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. " (Phil 4:6), In Matthew 6: 25-34, we are told to be "do not be anxious about your life..."  I shouldn't worry about money, but I need to be conscientious, and deliberate in using it. Lord, help me to be a good steward of all you provide for me, when my mind wanders with worry about how I will pay my bills or give to others, help me to refocus in prayer with thanksgiving. " Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself..." (Matthew 6:34). 

We are entering an exciting chapter in my household. We have sold our home, moved, and soon will be building our "dream home".  We still have bills to pay, moving expenses, new furniture to buy, and money to save. It can certainly be overwhelming if you don't have a plan, and while it's still early in 2017, I now have a plan, thanks to "earnest". Earnest is an online, personal and student loan company based out of CA. They have products to help you to refinance a student loan or, personal loan products to help you streamline your debt. I gave some of my personal goals for this year to one of their consultants and I now have a plan in order to help me achieve some of those goals this year. What fun!! Here's my 2017 Money Saving Challenge, and I challenge you to join me!!

Your March, June, September and December will probably be a little different than mine. But consider getting a budget ready for 2018 in December. I pray today, that when you find yourself anxious, that you take a quiet moment and cast all of your anxiety on God, because he cares for you!!

Have a blessed Thursday!

I heart you!

 1 Corinthians 13: 4
" Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. "


This is the first verse of one of the most famous passages in the Bible about love. It is one of my favorite verses. I have some very personal reasons why I love it. I'm certainly not alone, though, because I'm sure it's one of the most read passages at wedding services around the globe. Let's stop and think about this verse in a different way today. A few years ago, I attended a women's conference at my church and one of the speakers used these verses in her talk. It really was profound what she said about them. Basically, she told us to substitute our name (ie. Michelle) for the word love; like this, " Michelle is patient, Michelle is kind. Michelle does not envy, Michelle does not boast, Michelle is not proud. "  Uh oh...I might be in a bit of trouble here!!! Lord, forgive me when I don't reflect you in my life. If I reflect you, then I am truly reflecting love. You, Lord, are love. Help me to be more like you, Lord, in all things, everyday. Amen.

I have love on the brain today. I'm just coming down from my last weekend high. I was high on love. I was pampered on Saturday morning, got to see my daughter perform in a chorale festival in the afternoon, and then after dropping the children at my parents house (thank you Mom and Dad!!), my husband and I zoomed off to the eastern shore to attend the charity event for my BIL, and then off to a wonderful hotel on the beach for the night (and of course there was delicious food, I LOVE me some food!!). Such a nice weekend, so full of love! Well, now I'm home unpacking again (yuck!). But that's ok, because Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and love is in the air!

Here are some things I'm thinking about for a fun Valentine's Day...

- Brownies! You can't go wrong with chocolate. I've made 2 pans of brownies in the past 2 weeks (and I've eaten most of them myself). Here's a great recipe I've been using.

Tori's Brownies

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter                   1 1/2 cups flour

3/4 cups shortening           1 tsp baking powder

3/4 cup cocoa                   1/2 tsp salt

2 cups sugar                      

4 eggs beaten

1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 350*

Cream butter, shortening, cocoa, and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla beat in until blended. Combine dry ingredients in separate bowl. Carefully add dry ingredients to wet and mix until blended. Spread onto greased jelly roll pan. Bake 30-35 minutes.

Icing

1/4 cup butter

5 tbsp cocoa

1/4 cup milk 

2 cups powdered sugar 

1 tsp vanilla

 Melt butter add cocoa. Stir in milk and sugar (alternating). Remove from heat, add vanilla. Pour over warm brownies. Let set, and EAT! Yummy!!

-Hearts on doors. I saw this cute idea on FB yesterday. I heart it!! What a fun way to decorate and build up your kiddos (or get romantic with your hubby!). Every day, starting February 1st, put a heart note on the door of your kids rooms with some of the many things you love about them. So cute!

Image is from this website (and idea for that matter!)
Skip To My Lou

I'm still on the lookout for more fun Valentine's Day ideas. I hope you heart these!! Let me know if you have a fun Valentine tradition at your house. Please leave a comment below, I'd love to share them with you. 

I pray you have a wonderful Wednesday!!

Fight, fight, fight!!!

Ephesians 6: 12
" For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. "


This weekend I, again, had the privilege of watching my brother-in-law take on ALS, head first. Almost literally this time because his charity, Ten Mile Miracle, held it's 3rd annual fundraiser, a Pro Wrestling event, Body Slamming ALS; and Tim, who has now been diagnosed with ALS for over 3 years, participated in the "Battle Royale" and was victorious!! Tim had a bit of an unfair advantage, though, he was victorious before he even got into the ring. His battle was already won, when our Lord and Savior died for him on the cross. Tim is a believing Christian. It is with this faith and assurance in victory, that Tim is beating the odds and able to raise awareness and money for his local ALS charity, Ten Mile Miracle. Tim's battle was won 2000 years ago, as was mine, and anyone who believes that Jesus Christ is their Lord and Savior. It so simple, pray right now. Know that God loves you. Confess your sins, ask for forgiveness. Believe that through Christ we are saved, and receive Him into your heart. I pray that today, you can claim victory through Christ.  

Here are some pics from last weekends, " Body Slamming ALS" event.

Here's a link to a great article by,Delaware Online.
(Photo by Steve Bernard)

Did I mention the famous WWE/WWF Hall of Famer, Tito Santana, was there!!
Here's Tito and Tim!
(Photo by Steve Bernard)

...and this was Saturday!!!

My SIL's and me. This was 1995...

It was also a chance for my handsome husband and me to take have a little overnight trip. Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate, but who needs sunshine when you have good food??

Brunch at our hotel
We stayed at the Bethany Beach Ocean Suites, it was wonderful!

This was mine...

Eggs Benedict, but served on a fillet of fish!!
Yum!!

If you'd like to make a donation to help those who are fighting their own battle with ALS, I encourage you to click on this link here, Ten Mile Miracle . ALL (100%) of the proceeds from these fundraisers go directly to helping provide for the immediate care of people in the Delmarva region suffering with this disease. Thank you for your support!

Have a blessed Tuesday!!