ABC's of Thankfulness

Good Morning Y'all

I am pretty excited about todays post.

Yesterday Marquis shared that she would have a one time link up for us to share our 

ABC's of Thankfulness!  

I love thinking of all the MANY things I am thankful of and couldn't wait to share.

{Thanks Marquis for such a great idea and for the link-up}

So here goes my ABC's of My Thankfulness. I am sure I will think of so many more things after I am done and please note this it no where near everything I am thankful for...that list would be endless.

Oh I am so thankful to have so many things to be thankful for.

A- Air Conditioner- for those HOT summer days when I can come into a home and cool off

B- BIBLE- This is a BIG one. Words can't even describe

C - my  son CALEB- (who is a complete replica of his Daddy I may add;) ) 

who will always have my heart

D - My Dad- without him I would obviously not be here today 

and for the little daddys girl that will always be in me

E - Eternal Life- How awesome is this!!  

F - Family and Friends

G - GOD- and what a AWESOME GOD 

H- MY High School Sweet Heart who is now my HUSBAND and the Hardest working man I know

I- Ice-cream- yeah probably one of my biggest weaknesses..Yummm

J- JESUS- I cannot express how thankful I am....No words could ever express such perfection and perfect love. WOW

K- my daughter KARSYN and the sweetest girl you will ever know

L-  Laughter- I love to laugh

M- My Mom- Again without her I wouldn't be here today or be the person I am today. 

N- No car payment...(those stink...need i say anymore, ha)

O- Ocean (even though the Mountains are my favorite I'm still thankful for the Ocean and love the sound of the waves and late night walks on the beach, etc)

P- Prayers- the Power of Prayer- answered and unanswered Prayers

 oh and Pinterest ;)

Q- Quiet time- which is something I don't get much of so when I do I am equally thankful for it as I am the not so quiet times.  

R - the Right to bear arms

S- Sweet tea and being Southern :)

T- Tractors- yes I said tractors..I have a thing for tractors (I've said it before but especially with my hubby hard at work on it{sorry if that is TMI}  go ahead and laugh)

And our black lab TANK

U- Umbrellas- for keeping me mostly dry in the rain (that is as long as I do not fall, which happens more than it should, and if I actually remember to grab the thing in the first place....still something to be thankful for)

V- Vacation- again not something I get much of, but when I do I am so thankful

W- Water- and thankful I have access to clean drinking and bathing water...something I think is so easy to forget how lucky we are to have and be thankful for.  

X-eXclamation mark- I just like it more than the period or question mark, ha!!!

Y- You Y'all- seriously I am very thankful for each of you

Zzzzzz- "when all else fails take a nap"


{And don't forget to enter this giveaway for a free blog design from Taylor. You have one day left}

ABCs of CAT

As I am trying to work on an updated "About Me" page I figured I would do the ABC's of me to maybe help me get started :)  I have seen a lot of other girls doing this one and had a few of my good blogging friends say I should too so hey why not!!

Age: 29 ( but not for much longer at all )

Bed Size: King

 ( but when there are normally you, your hubby and TWO kids in your bed..you need a king)

Chore you hate:  Hmmm all of them.  HA  But mostly washing dishes and laundry

Dogs:  I love them and wish I had the room/land for a bunch.  

But right now we have a black lab named "Tank"

Essential start to your day:  Considering the fact that I am NOT a morning person at all I don't even know how to answer this one.  

Favorite Color: Hot pink 

Gold or Silver: either  :)

Height: 5.4"

 (but whenever I have to do a weight chart I always say 5.5" HA)

Instruments you've played:  I use to play the violin growing up then in middle school I also played the flute.

Job Title:  What don't I do??  I am a stay at home wife/mommy ..enough said!!

Kids:  Two heavenly babies and two one earth

Live: born and raised in the south...North Carolina y'all ;)

Married: Happily married to my best friend and high school sweetheart 

Nicknames:  Cat (obviously)  Kitty and Blondie

Overnight Hospital stays: Several during my pregnancies and then with the births of my babies :)

Then for few weeks when I had pancreatitis and my liver and pancreas were shutting down my entire body....yeah i was VERY sick..like VERY.  I had my gallbladder removed and then had to have my bile completely reconstructed..ok so this one is just a really long story!!

Pet Peeve: When people are fake, chew with their mouth open, 

or a big one.. take the Bible out of context

Quote: "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need."  

Matthew 6:33

Righty or lefty: Righty 

Siblings:  I have two half sisters and recently got two step sister

Time you wake up:  6:30 during the week and 8:00 on the weekends..if I am lucky

University Attended:  too many

Vegetable you dislike: Mushrooms and well I know it is really a fruit but I think it belongs as a veggie so I am saying Tomatoes...makes me sick just thinking about it!!

What makes you run late:  besides the kids the fact I can NEVER find anything to wear or like how I look

X-rays you've had: Teeth I think is it?  Now I have had plenty of C-scans and MRIs and ultrasounds 

Yummy food: Chocolate or a good steak But  I am really craving Chick-fil-A right now (since there used to be one right at my house but had to be torn down and we don't one in our town now :( BOO)

Zoo favorite animal:  I like them all (minus the reptiles) I really like the bears I guess or the monkeys...see I can't decide so I am going back to my fist response (I like them all)

OK and that's it..... I do want to say thank you real quick for the great response I have received in comments and emails about the 30 day challenge.  Make sure you link up :) and I am working on a button for us too....and come back tomorrow there may or may not be a giveaway ;)

A Bittersweet Award Post

This is a bittersweet post for me.  I have been awarded the Liebster award again by 3 lovely ladies.  As I have stated the previous times I love getting the award and I think it is a great way for "y'all" to get to know me.  Now it is bittersweet because this will most likely be the last time I post on this award but only because since their nominations I have reached to 200 followers friends mark.  I want to also thank all my friends for being awesome and welcome my new friends too {you are awesome as well}.

So anyways.... These THREE lovely ladies have honored me with this award : Chelsea, Courtney, and Jamie!!  Thank you again for the award.  I truly appreciate it and love answering your questions.  Now if you are reading this and do not know these ladies, well I highly recommend you check them out as well :)

So are you ready for 11 more Random things about me?

1. I am still scared of the dark (thank goodness for my hubby to keep me safe, lol)

2.  I have this thing for tractors...yes I said tractors ...especially when my hubby is on it..{ok, so maybe 

that is TMI???!!!  Sorry }

3.  I am a procrastinator. 

4.  I get excited very easily :)

5. I love music even though I cannot sing :) and Christian and country are my favorite but I enjoy all types of must from bluegrass to rock
6. I am pretty gullible.
7. I do not like to read {the Bible and your blogs are the exceptions}
8.  I am a picky eater and I do not like tomatoes (ketchup is NOT an exception)
9. I am terrified of storms.
10. While Pink is my favorite color I tend to accent the house with reds.
11. I tend to over think everything.

Questions from Chelsea:

1. If you could be any animal what would you be?  I would a dog (ha, kinda funny from the girl named "Cat") I picked a dog because they are always loyal, love attention and want to be by your side all the time.  They are a real companion. 

2. What was your first job?  Well I worked at an after-school program for a few weeks when I was in high school until it interfered with my dance classes/competition team etc. HA But my first job I would say would be when I was a hair stylist and worked in a salon. 

3. What is your favorite childhood memory?  I think I answered this one before??  I have trouble pinpointing just one..but this time  I am going to say visiting France.

4. If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?  I would have to say my self esteem/my looks {i guess they go hand in hand}

5. What is your dream car?  Uh, lets see either a Shelby Mustang,  a jacked up truck (bet you did't see that one coming...but I have always wanted one..ha), or an Aston Martin. I could probably keep going ha but for now I don't care as long as it is paid for!!  I hope to never go in debt over a car again!

6.  What is the best stress reliever for you?  listening to music

7.  What is the bravest thing you have ever done?  Does giving birth count?  If not how about traveling to Europe alone :)  ok technically only the flying parts were alone, then I met my "french sister/bff" once I was there..but still!

8.  What is you best quality?  I am very caring and love helping others.

9. Are you a spontaneous person or scheduled?  Well that depends I can be both.  But I will say if I do have something scheduled I like to keep it that way and if something happens I can freak out ha.  BUt on the other hand I enjoy doing things spontaneous as well!

10. If you could be on a TV show, which one would it be?  I am pretty sure not any on TV today!  OK well maybe extreme makeover ??  IDK

Questions from Courtney:

1.Why did you start blogging?  I know I have probably answered this but really I just wanted to have that personal documentation of my "story."  I hoped to be inspired as well as encourage others myself.

2.  What is your favorite & least favorite about the city you live in?  Well I love it is a small town and it is pretty "country" but on the other hand we do not have the best economy/job market {who does} and we don't have any really good restaurants.

3. Would you ever consider living in a different country? if so where?  Well I had always said I was going to live in Europe but that didnt happen.  But yes I would if my family ever needed to relocate or if God ever called us to move etc I would hope I would be able to maintain full faith and go for it! 

4. Do you have any hidden talents?  I have no clue??  I guess they are hidden well, huh! ;)

5. Do you have any long term career goals?  Yes, many.  I want to be a counselor/psychologist.  

6. What is your favorite post on your own blog? My testimony

7. Finish the sentence..if you want to spoil me rotten buy me... well right now I would say a nice camera.  Or how about all the things I pin on pinterest haha...but really just about anything! I get excited whenever I get anything!

8. Who can make you laugh the most and why?  My hubby...he has always made me laugh (even when I want to be mad at him), my son...he is a mess..the way he dances especially, and my daughter...you NEVER know what she is going to say!

9. What have you laughed at today?  Well that would be the hubby pointing out my "blondness"

10. Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?  Reese Witherspoon

11. Who is the most interesting person you have ever met?  My moms dad.  He is in heaven now but he was such an amazing person!  He helped SOOO many people all over the world. Helped with the USSNC and was friends with JFK and Ronald Reagan.  This is just the beginning. In all honestly he would need his own post.

Questions from Jamie:

1.What is your favorite day of the week? Sunday for sure!  I love everything about it!!  I love going to church and then spending the day as a family.

2.Are you an early bird or a night owl?  Night owl all the way!  I am NOT a morning person.

3. What is your favorite hobby other than blogging? Doing DIY crafts

4. What is one of your health habits? Well I have been terrible lately.  I used to run everyday and really watch what I eat now only time I am watch what i eat is when I am eating it :(  But I don't smoke or drink alcohol...does that count for a healthy habit?

5.What is one of your bad habits you would like to kick?  Worrying and procrastination!

6. Do you have a favorite season?  YES FALL!!!

7. What do you blog about?  My everyday life, my faith, my experiences and whatever else.

8.  What is your favorite childhood memory?  See my answer above

9. Do you have road rage?  NO but I do have road anxiety..is that even a thing?  Well I do not like busy roads, etc

10. Do you enjoy cooking?  Yes especially anything in my crockpot!

11. How many blog post do you do a week?  I try to do anywhere between 3-5

Thanks again for nominating me, reading my blog and being my friend!
                   Have a blessed day

I LOVE Awards

I feel so honored....The following ladies have each nominated my blog for the Liebster Award!!!  I think is is awesome to get any award and I will greatly accept anytime =) I have been nominated this lovely award two other times and you can read about those here and here.  I am still beyond excited to be nominated again for several reasons.  One I think it is an honor to be nominated for anything period. Growing up I never won anything or was anyones first pick so like I keep saying I will gladly accept any now lol.  Second I thinks these award post are a great way for you to get to know me even more...not to mention they are fun =). And also I have never seen anyone turn down and not accept a grammy or any other form of award before regardless if it was the first time or the tenth.  So thank you again ladies..ALL OF YOU!

I was nominated by:
Courtney from Once Upon a Canvas, Marquis from Simply Clarke, and Katie from The Creative Bubble.  I am so sorry it has took my longer than planned to get some of your answers up but I have got behind with Christmas and with the kids home etc.  I hope you will understand.

Ok so now for the details.  I have decided to only list one set of the 11 facts about myself instead of 33. Then I will answer each of your questions.  And for moving the award forward I would like to pass this on to any friend of mine who has less than 200 followers and who will accept this award.  The only thing I ask is that you let me know you accepted the award.PLEASE


11 Facts about Cat

1. I am pretty sure I am dyslexic...I do just about EVERYTHING backwards from spelling, typing, reading, you name it!!
2. I teach a Sunday school class.
3. I am also a youth leader.
4. I still get very nervous speaking(more so reading) in front of others.
5. I secretly wish we were able to have more kids. =(
6. I enjoy going fishing with the hubby and used to fish a husbdand and wife series with him (good times) although while he is really good at fishing I am not so much ..:(
7. I love exploring (riding, while Kelly drives) the backroads..or maybe even the lack of "a road."
8. I want to own/live on a farm one day..ha (yes I am just a good ole country girl who loves her country boy).
9. I am very sensitive and  cry very easily.
10. I would rather text then talk on the phone.  (but only because it is never quit enough around me to actually hear what anyone else is saying.)
11. I am very shy...even though a lot of people try to argue this!

Questions from Courtney:

1.  What's your favorite thing about yourself? yikes this is a hard one for me BUT I am going to say my compassion for others or that I am honest/trustworthy.
2. What's the last movie you saw? Last Ounce of Courage  great movie may I add...you need to watch!!
3. What quote inspires you? Oh sooo many!!  I am a bit of a quote addict...if that is even such a thing. You can find some of my favorites here. But one my Mom used to always say when I was growing up was "Remember who you are...who you represent...and who you may embarrass."  That was the quote used to remind me and my sisters how to act and think before we did something.  I also like "If God would of meant for today to be perfect he wouldn't of made tomorrow."  But seriously when it comes to inspiring quotes I could go on forever!!
4. If you could have any job in the entire world, what would you want to do with your life?  The best Mommy ever to my children.  Not even joking...if I could be anything in this world I just want to be the best Mom to my children...and YES being a mom IS A JOB!!
5.  How many siblings do you have?  I grew up with 2 half sisters and recently added some step sisters.  I have one of my best friends who we claim to be chosen sisters =) 
6. What is a favorite childhood memory of yours?  I have many wonderful memories from childhood but I believe a favorite would be all the times we would go stay in the mountains.  I have always loved the mountains and I have so many good memories of us as a family when were on vacation in the mountains.
7. What's going on around you right now?  My kids are playing so I believe that was a nerf thingy just flew by my head and a princess is putting a spell on me so from here on out I will be known as the QUEEN ;)
8. If you could recommend any place to travel, where would it be?  If you cant go to France then go to the mountains.  We have beautiful mountains here in NC but I love the mountains anywhere!!
9. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?  I don't really care where as long as it is still a small town..out in the country.  I really want to live on a farm and have toms of land and animals. 
10.  Why do you blog?  To encourage and inspire others all while I get inspired and encouraged by others.  
11. Do you ever lose motivation when you blog, and if so, what helps you to keep going? I haven't really lost motivation yet as a new blogger but I have had periods where I just didn't have the time etc.  I just move on and pick back up when I can and hope that my followers understand I am a mommy and my kids will always come first. 

Questions from Marquis:

1. Favorite movie? I love Sweet Home Alabama but another all time favorite is Shag.
2. What is your favorite vacation? Anywhere in the mountains
3. Current favorite Song?  I am Redeemed
4. What is your biggest pet peeve? People who are fake..period
5. If you could be any Disney princess who would you be and why?  I would  say Belle because she was always my favorite growing up but I do not like to read like her LOL so how about Repunzel not only does she have a big heart like the others, she is fun and curious and I will want her hair..LOL
6. What is your best childhood memory? PLease look up for this answer I just answered it in the previous questions :)
7. What is your most embarrassing moment? I am very clumsy and a true blonde so I am always embarrassing myself.  I feel bad because I cant think of just one right now but I promise when I do I will write about it!!
8. What is the oddest thing in your purse right now? An eyelash curler.  HA  I had to be at a ball game at 7:30 this morning so needless say I got ready in my car once I dropped my son off with his team to warm up. (yes I was finished by the time the game started...Note: I am NOT a morning person)
9. What is your occupation? I am a stay at home mommy and college student.  (But in the past I have been a hair dresser and a bank teller.)
10. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Again I really don't care.  Before I got married I planned to live in Europe ha but NOW as long as I am out in the woods/country with a lot of land I would be good..BUT I am blessed to have a home now and I will be happy as long as I am with my family :)
11. What is something most people don't know about you? I struggle everyday getting ready.  I am never satisfied with what I see in the mirror, ugh

Questions from Katie:

1. When it comes to blogging what type of things do I enjoy? I love it all!  I love meeting new people and the growing friendships from it.
2. What types of blogs do you like to follow and why? I like blogs that are true to life and that I can relate to.  Ones that people share stories and offer inspiration and encouragement.  I like faith filled blogs too.
3. Do you find it difficult to find time to blog? At times yes!  Especially when the kids are out of school and home.  
4. What is your favorite hobby? Does Pinning on Pinterest count haha.  All jokes aside I love doing crafts and any DIY project.
5. What is your favorite holiday and why? Either Christmas or Easter.  I love both of these because of what they really stand for.  Once Jesus was born and he was born to die for us.  What an awesome God we have!!!
6. What is a place you would like to visit the most?  Montana, Colorado, Australia...How about I just travel the world..YES PLEASE
7. What is the first thing you would grab if you house were on fire (besides family and pets)? My phone...to call for any help.
8. Do you have a job or are you a SAHM? I am blessed to be a SAHM
9. What is your favorite dessert? Pound cake or anything Chocolate.
10. What are some of the things your dream job would have? Well since I said earlier that job would be to just be the best mommy...all I would need is for my kids to always be happy and to never need for anything.  And for them to always grown in their personal relationship with God
11. Can you recommend any good books? Uh The BIBLE?  Other than that I don't really read books other than my school assigned books.

Thank you ladies again for the award and I hope each of you have a blessed day!!

God Bless

Cat

I've been Tagged

I have been Tagged :) Do y'all know Kindra?  If not you really should go introduce yourself...she is such a sweeite!!! Now let me tell you what Kindra has done....sweet Kindra from Trying To Be Who I Am has tagged me in a  little blogging game called 5 Wishes!  The rules of the game are to share 5 wishes I have for this upcoming year 2013 and then I get to "Tag" five other lovely bloggers...Sounds fun enough to me!!  Thanks Kindra again for tagging me!!

In 2013 I wish for......

• To continue to grow in my faith.  I do not think one can ever get to a point where they feel they cant grow in their faith.  I believe this is a constant need.  I pray that I will continue to strengthen my relationship with God and continue to get into HIS word (BIBLE) and to share HIS love with others.  

• Love myself....okay I do love myself BUT there are so may things about myself I do not love and I want to be able to love myself fully and be happy with who I am!  I NEED to lose weight and get healthy.  I wish I could look in the mirror and be ok with what I see. I wish I could put on an outfit and feel comfortable.  I wish I could run a few miles again.  

• This girl is wishing for a camera...HA yes you read it correctly.  I am wishing for something materialist but so I can capture those moments I may never have again.  I have been wanting a camera for a long time now but just haven't had the $$$ to get something like this for myself.  Considering I am a SAHM with two PRECIOUS kids and full time college student getting something for myself ...well lets just go with it hasNOT happened, HA  Now I do have my NOT SO SMART smart phone that takes decent pictures which I am very thankful for BUT why does it ALWAYS seem to die or crash when I want a picture the most!  So I would like a nice camera ...something i can easily use and start capturing moments =) 

• Be the best mommy I can be.  It is no secret I love my kids SO much! I pray everyday that I can be the best mommy for them and I can provide for them.  I wish in 2013 that I am able to continue to be there for them, let them know how much they are loved and set good examples for them.  I always think of the verse from Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."   

Thanks Michelle for capturing this one for me =)

• Do NOT Worry ... I am letting another secret out.  I am probably the biggest worrywart ever!  UGH.  While growing in my faith I am working on not worrying so much.  SO in 2013 I wish pray that I will not worry as much about things I have no control over or that don't matter, etc.  

Now that I have listed five of my wished it is time to tag 5 other friends of mine.....

Tag you're IT

Shannon @ http://imperfectlyperfectgrace.blogspot.com

Jess @ http://jmnway.blogspot.com

Jen @ http://kyleandjensmith.blogspot.com

Pam @ http://pamelasplace5.blogspot.com

Chelsea @ http://fromchrysalistobutterfly.blogspot.com

Hope you all have a blessed day!!  God Bless!!!

I'm Back AND with an Award

YAY my paper is DONE..OVER...FINISHED!!!  I could not be any more excited!!  Now I just hope I make a decent grade on it =)
So I feel so behind I have been so stressed and busy with school/papers/finals, etc....I MISSED Y'ALL!
I am so much to get caught up on now.  First off I was nominated the the Liebster Award again!  I received this award from Savard Studios.  I had received this award my first week of blogging from my friend Elaine and I have been equally excited about this award both times!!! I was excited too that I had a set of different questions and even added things to do this time (that way it was not all a repeat)  Thank you both again for selecting me for this award!!  I truly appreciate it and gladly accept =)

The Rules:

1. List 11 facts about yourself.

2. Answer the 11 questions given to you.

3. Create 11 new questions for the bloggers you nominate for the award.

4. Choose 11 bloggers with 200 or less followers to nominate.

5. Go to each bloggers page and let them know about the award.

6. Thank the person who nominated you and link back to their blog.

11 Facts about ME:

1. I am married to my high school sweetie (well he was even a middle school boyfriend too)
2. I am going to school to become a counselor.
3. I have deep passion to help others.
4. I wish I was a complete organized freak ....key word WISH!
5. I am very sensitive and get my feelings hurt easily. =(
6. I am a WORRYWART!!!
7. I have spent two summers in Paris (once with my family and the 2nd time I went alone when I was in high school (but stayed with my "french sister") ....my plan was to live there one day!
8. BUT  I live in the same small town that I grew up in all my life.
9. I love being out in the country and just being "free"
10. I love anything PINK and/or sparkly.
11. Most importantly I AM THE DAUGHTER OF A KING....THE KING OF KINGS!!! 

Questions and Answers:

1. Where are you from?  Morganton, NC
2. Why did you start blogging?  I wanted a way to document everything. As a way to tell "my story" and  I hoped to use my blog as a way to inspire and encourage others.  (maybe even myself too)
3.  Dogs or Cats?  Regardless of the fact my name is "Cat"  I am definitely a dog lover!!   If Kelly would let me I would have tons of dogs, ha.  I currently just have a black lab that I rescued from the pound a few years ago.  
4. What are your pet peeves?  I am pretty laid back but I cringe about the sound of people smacking their food...or whatever you would call it ...when they eat.  
5. What is your favorite holiday tradition (new or old)?  I have always loved riding around looking at Christmas lights and listening/singing Christmas songs.   We would always do it when I was growing up and now I enjoy doing it with my kids.
6.  What do you do to relax?  I love to watch a good movie or just listen to some music.
7. What t.v. show do you watch the most?  I don't really watch many t.v. shows and if I do it is just random.
8.  Early to bed or Early to rise?  Unfortunately I am LATE to bed but still have to be early to rise!! And I am NOT a morning person!!
9. What is your comfort food?  Ice cream or Chocolate (HELLO)
10. How attached are you to your cell phone?  TOO attached.  And this makes me mad sometimes!!
11. Do like bottle or tap water?  Either, it doesn't really matter to me as long as it is clean water I am thankful.

Questions for my nominees:

1. Where are you from?
2. What do you like most about where you live now?
3. Why did you start blogging?
4. Favorite Movie?
5. Favorite holiday tradition?
6. Who is your role model?
7. Movies or a book?
8. Do you have a favorite scripture? 
9. Where is your favorite place for vacation?
10. Are you ready for Christmas?
11. Do you have any pet peeves?

And the nominees are:  

1. The Killian Corner
2. jmn way
3. From Chrysalis to Butterfly
4. Imperfectly Perfect Grace
5. Trying To Be Who I Am
6. Life as Mrs. B
7. It's the little things
8. Ephesians 5:33 Wife
9. Southern Ramblings
10. Southern Living, Our Way
11. The Mosbys in China

Thank you ALL again for all you love, support, sweet comments, friendship, and SO much more!! 

Be Blessed

Cat

To read my other Liebster post click HERE 

Liebster Award

YAY!!!  How excited was I when I saw that Elaine had nominated me for the Liebster blog award?...lets just say I was very excited.  Thank you Elaine again for choosing me!!

My first thought was I have to find out what "Liebster" means.  After not finding it in my dictionary I was able to figure out via the internet it means "sweetheart, beloved person, and darling."  I feel so honored and I am thankful to have been nominated. (Don't you like how I worked this in with my "thankful" theme for November)   (I have no idea why this is a different background  color...sorry I don't know how to correct it)

How this works.... So Elaine has given me 11 different questions to answer about myself and then I am supposed to pay it forward by passing the award on to someone else.  The person must have less than 200 followers and be an up and coming blogger. So lets get started.  I hope you are ready for all this!! I know it is going to be long but I hope you will enjoy it all.

Why did you start blogging?  I started blogging less than one month ago... October 24th to be exact.  I have thought about starting a blog several times before but never really knew where to start and to be honest was nervous (lets face it, I am probably not the best writer even though I wish I was).  But I have so much I wanted to share with others and say.  I want to be an inspiration and offer encouragement to others.  I have been through a lot in my life and I hope I can use my past and my experiences to help others.  

What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition?  Does eating count??  ;-)  Seriously it would have to be just spending time with my family and everyone sharing what they are thankful for.  I always enjoy hearing what everyone else is thankful for and I love making memories with my children.

Who has been most influential in your life?  I would have to say my Mom.  She is such an amazing person who has always took care of me and so many others.  She is a good Christian lady who raised me to always be honest and help others.  One thing mom would always tell us (me and my two older sisters) was to "Remember who you are, who you represent, and who you may embarrass." 

I cannot thank my mom enough for all she has done!  I love you Mom!

What is one quirky fact about you?  I love to research things.  I research everything!  Literally, I spend countless hours researching products, facts, reviews, diets, etc etc.  Although I enjoy the research I do NOT like research papers!!!  

What is your favorite book, movie, or TV show?  Well I never really loved reading (I'll blame it on the ADD) but still the best book out there is The Bible!! I have several favorite movies but to name just a few they would be Shag and Sweet Home Alabama. I love a good true movie and I am a sucker for a good tear jerker.   I  do not have a favorite TV show.  

What is your favorite quality of your spouse?  I obviously love many things about Kelly, but I have never seen such a hard worker as my husband.  He is one hard and dedicated worker.  I have seriously never seen someone work as hard as he has always done.  I thank him for his hard work especially since it is his hard work that provides for our family.  

How did you meet your spouse?  Long story short, we met in the 6th grade and dated on and off all through middle school.  Not sure you if you really call it dating because we never really got to go anywhere, ha. I was so "in-lust" with him =)  At the end of my junior year in high school we ran into each other again and it was only a matter of time before we started dating (for real this time) and we have been together ever since!!  

What are you looking forward to this Christmas?  Again it would be spending time with my family and friends.  I love the true meaning if Christmas and all the joy it fills my heart.  I am also going to enjoy the break from school ;-)

How has God recently revealed Himself to you?  Let me count thy ways!!  Besides the many times He revealed himself to me a few weekends ago at Women of Faith, one recent story pops into my head.  It is kinda long so here is the short version....Recently a lady I had never met started to visit our church and one evening service I go to say hello to her and out of nowhere she tells me she has brought me a book.  I was surprised by the gesture and but I  thanked her and told her I would read the book and return it as soon as I finished.  She explained to me I could keep it and do with it as I please.  Well I was already covered with unexplainable chills and emotions I cannot describe but when I got home and pulled out to look at what book I had received from this total stranger I busted put into tears.  I had been really struggling with something very personal that no one....especially a stranger...knew about!!  Well wouldn't you know this book was on exactly what I was struggling with!!!  I am so amazed how God finds ways to speak.  He is so good!!!  

Do you have a life verse?  I am pretty sure I could write an individual post just on some of my favorite verses...I just may do that very soon in fact!  But here is a sample of my life verses:

• "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."  ( Isaiah 41:10)  
• "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  (Phil.4:13)
• "For I know the plans for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  (Jeremiah 29:11)
• "I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."  (John 8:12)

Since a theme?  Well each one has helped me in a battle.  I struggled with depression and anxiety most of my life and have been the lowest you can go.  I have not always had the relationship with God as I do now and it wasn't until I fully rededicated my life to Him that I was able to see the "Light" (hence the title of my blog)  I still have my days but I see how God is going to use my life now, as I hope to use my experiences to help me to  be a Christian counselor and help anyone and everyone that I possibly can through our Lord and Savior!!

What else can you tell us about yourself?  If you stayed with me this long I am not sure what else you want to know.  I am worried you already got more than you bargained for! ( I am sorry) If there is anything else you want to know, feel free to ask!!  

I can say I am very sensitive, emotional and caring!  I love to laugh and my children are my world!  

Thank you and I apologize for rambling so long!  I want to share this award along with the same set of questions with the two ladies who encouraged me the most to start this blog: Michelle and Kat