Favorite Four Letter Word

Psalm 33:22 "May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,

even as we put our hope in you."

Hope:

–verb

to look forward to with desirable and reasonable confidence

I heard on the radio this morning that God didn't make us for the valleys. We don't belong there, so we can have hope that He won't keep us there! Isn't He great?

Through the years...

Mya's Past Halloweens!

First Halloween

Ladybugs!

Second Halloween

Bunny Rabbit

Third Halloween

Cinderella

Fourth Halloween

Dancer

(My favorite!)

If I could...

...go back, this is what I would do differently.

-Enjoy every minute that I have to myself.

-Not take for granted a good nights sleep.

-Save more money.

-Do lots of adventurous things!

-Develop a time-consuming hobby

These are the things I am limited to by having a kiddo.

So all you out there who aren't parents quite yet, enjoy it.

There is TONS of joy, but there is no more "you."

You become your children!

Pursued.

This here is a picture of my journals from middle and high school. Isn't that crazy?! I didn't realize I had so much! These past few days, I have been reading up on them and wow! It's actually depressing. I'm sure that there have been tons of good things happen in my life, but it seems like the only things that get written down are the bad ones. 97% of what I write about is... guys.

And now I understand where my bitterness for the male gene comes from! Reading up on my journals, I have noticed that through middle and high school, my whole self-worth revolved around what a certain guy/ guys thought of me. If a certain guy would look at me or talk to me, I had the BEST day but if I saw him talking to another girl and he just happened to walk right past me without smiling, it was just "the worst day of my life." And then just when I was about to give up and not worry about him anymore, he would do something to spark my fancy again and just keep me right where he wanted me! Although, I would love to blame most of my "male problems" on the male himself... I have to point the finger at yours truly. Without a doubt, I have let guys trample all over me. They can humiliate me, cheat on me, not smile at me etc. and I still hold out for those smooth words he sometimes says.

Looking back and reading my journals, I keep thinking to myself, "gosh I was so DUMB! I just let these guys hurt me and kept coming back to them, kept liking them and kept waiting around for them to 'come around' What is wrong with me!?" But the sad thing is, I still do it. It's like I STAY in denial. I don't realize it at the time, but when I look back, I totally see so many things that say "RUN NOW! He doesn't love you!" In every single one of my relationships, friendships, etc. I see a handful of times I should've thrown in the cards.

So... my goal now is to NOT do that! I have faith that I will find a guy one day who will never make me feel the way any other guy has, and I know that he will chase me and that I won't have to wonder if he likes me, because he will let me know in a million ways. I believe it's God's design for the girl to be pursued and the guy to pursue. From now on, I will NOT PURSUE!! :) I am waiting for my special guy!

Inspirational

Our youth pastor recently shared this video with our group and

I thought it was SO powerful so I will share :)

The First Part

The Second Part

Kinda Silly But...

I have found a way to make my morning devotions more spunky! I put my creativity and love for Jesus together in this little notebook :)

It's my "Devotions Etc." notebook!

But even cooler than that, I'm so proud of my "Prayer Request List."

I totally recommend this for everyone!

My Prayer Request List is a long list of requests that I have, along with the date and a note section beside it to make notes about how God is working in those situations.

(Ex: on Sept. 20th I put down for my mom to get a job and on Sept. 27th I wrote down that she got a job!)

I know a lot of times I will pray for things, and they get answered but I don't even realize it because I'm not really keeping track of it. I just kinda say "Here God, take care of this."

But I want to appreciate everything that He does for me! This helps SO much!

An Answered Prayer

Having grown up around church my whole life, getting pregnant seemed like the worst thing I could possibly do. I remember feeling like God was punishing me and that Mya would be this awful kid who was sent to give me what I deserved. I pleaded with God to not let that be true and that instead Mya would be an angel for me. And that she has been!

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good..." Genesis 50:20

Who am I?

Here lately I have felt so blessed! Nothing really new has happened, I have just thought about where I have been, things I have done and how in the world I got to be where I am at today. I know I have been talking a lot about going to Liberty but I'm just so thankful! I never thought I would get this chance since I had a baby so young. And not only do I get to go off to school, I am going to be surrounded with the best people in the world (other than friends & family here)! I keep asking myself what I did to deserve this... but I have to remember that it's not about who I am. It's who God is. He is paving this path for me! I'm so sure that I'm doing the right thing, and that's a great feeling! I'm so glad He is a good God. :)

Doctor's Office Etiquette

Today we went to the Dr. because neither one of us was feeling very well.

But with Mya, there was sure to be some entertainment...

• Walking inside, she tells me, "Mommy, you're gonna be just fine."
• Once we are sitting down in the waiting room, she says, "Who stinks Mom? Somebody does... and it's not me." But about 10 seconds later, she starts giggling. She was the one letting them rip!
• We get in the room and when the doctor comes in, she tells me, "I want to be the doctor." So the doctor tried to give her his little heartbeat thing, but of course she wouldn't take it.

I'm sure there was more, I just can't remember! This little girl has some crazy stuff come out of her mouth!

Maybe wishful thinking...

I bought these people decals at the beach this past weekend and put them on my car, but if you notice, I left a little space on my other side :) That's for my S.O.S wherever he is! Just waiting for him to complete the picture!

Hehe :)

Sneak Peak!

Today was a very exciting... it was my first time at Liberty! I took the day off a while ago and once I got accepted last week, I decided to spend it productively and get a sneak peak of what's to come!

Soooo... actually it was a bit overwhelming! First we made a trip to the financial aid office and sorry to say, the guy we saw was pretty useless. But then we went to the bookstore (my favorite part!) and got some "School Spirit" items! And around 1PM we went on a tour around the school. It took about 3 hours and poor Mya did a great job for a 3 year old! She was super bored but it was really cool to see all the different buildings. That place is HUGE! It's going to take some getting used to for sure!

But while we were there, I saw a good friend of mine, Carlos (and I know you're prob reading this, so HI CARLOS! haha) and he helped us out with finding somewhere to eat. :)

Overall, we had a good day and although we didn't get EVERYTHING done we wanted to, I still have a good feeling about it all! Everyone we ran across was so nice and it was a very uplifting atmosphere! I am super excited :)

Here is myself & Mya sporting our new Liberty shirts!

Big Girl!

Monday was Mya's first day of daycare! And I am SO proud of her! She got a good report and last night she was in such a good mood. I think this is going to be SO great for her. She didn't like the idea too much at first but once we put her Princess backpack on and talked a little bit, she perked up and said she wanted to go back. I'm so excited for her!! :) Proud of my little miss!

She told me that she was going to walk in the classroom and do this face...

Thankfully, she didn't. :)

Love her!

YYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYY!

For about 2 weeks now every time I see the mail stack sitting on the counter, I anxiously search through it in hopes of seeing a nice package from Liberty and GUESS WHAT?! I FOUND IT TODAY! A nice little plastic bag with a folder and huge LIberty T-Shirt inside. And I'm sure you can already tell that in that folder was an ACCEPTANCE LETTER! I'm super excited but honestly, a little nervous too! Now it's time for the next step.

Funny thing is... for some reason, I decided to take Monday August 16th off from work, with no intentions of doing anything. But I am thinking I may make a trip to visit Lynchburg! Funny how God works! Perfect timing! :)

Keep me in your prayers friends! I know this is huge step for myself and Mya, but I know it's one that will help us both grow! Thanks for all the support!

Anticipation!

I went to Target today and I am so proud of myself, for once! I only spent $20 and I actually got a good amount of stuff. I am dearly in love with their $1 item racks! I found a few things I am going to add to my "hope chest." (Which if you aren't aware, my hope chest has items in it for my future home when I get on my own)

I am no photographer but here are a few items I got!

• Clock
• Set of 4 plates
• Chips Bowl
• Strainer
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• 3 pairs of socks
• Tide To-Go Pen
• Flash Cards for Mya
• Letter Stamps
• Wooden Calendar

Love when I feel good after shopping! :)

Stupid vs. Faith

Being set on going to Liberty in the Spring, I have really had a hard time checking my motives. I have never stepped out in faith in such a big way, or at least that's what I hope I'm doing. I have questioned myself many times about whether or not I'm just being selfish and trying to get an experience I thought I would never get, being as I have a baby, or if I truly believe this is what God wants me to do for myself and for Mya. I have thought about many different reasons I may REALLY be doing this and here are a few:

• I want to finally be on my own & support myself and Mya
• I want to find more Christian friends that will uplift myself and Mya
• I want a Christian atmosphere for Mya to grow up in & become used to.
• I believe it will help me to grow my relationship with God
• I will get my education done faster & in turn be able to take care of myself and Mya (... and not waiting around for Mr. Right)
• I will be away from influences I have become so used to and find out who I am
• I will feel more like a mom to Mya rather than counting on other people for help all the time (granted I couldn't do it without the help that I get... so that may be the hardest part!)

...Those are probably my biggest reasons. And although, realistically, it looks like I won't be able to do it, I really do believe in the long run, I will be so glad that I did! It's going to be hard, no doubt. And I may feel a little left out when everyone else can go out and have fun... but I have faith that it's going to be so good for both of us!

Financially, its just plain dumb to even try. I honestly don't know where I will have an income from, but I need one. I will still have car payments, phone & internet bills, daycare, etc. But I am not worried. I feel peace about it, and I have no hard knots in my stomach...yet.

So, all in all, I believe I am making the right decision. But if not, my pride won't keep me from coming home :)

Mya Remedy

Lotion heals everything- she told me she "broke her tummy" today

and cried for lotion to make it feel better.

Lotion also heals things like bug bites and bruises.

Oh, and she also squirts lotion in a bowl to make "cheesecake."

Delicious medicine, who knew?

If your pillow is ever "too hot"...

just turn it to the other side.

Makes it ALL better!

She wakes up just to tell me her pillow is hot

and the only right answer I can give is for her to turn it over-

then she is fine

Testimony Tuesday Is Back!

I know I haven't done my "Testimony Tuesday" in a while and truthfully I have just been so busy! Summer is probably not the best time to try this because so much is going on! But anyways- I have struggled a little bit as to what I am going to write about but I think finances is pretty fitting. As much as I feel like I have been scraping pennies for the past few months, I really shouldn't complain about my finances. Although I don't have much money left over to play around with, I do have enough to do just the important things. This isn't much of a "testimony" I guess.. besides the fact that God has been faithful to me and Mya. I know so many more people that are honestly struggling with finances and one day I may look back and just wish I have then what I do now (no rent, no REAL bills like power, gas, etc.).





So as of today, I am not going to complain about my finances, even when it comes to going to school... I am going to trust that God will get us through it and even through these times right now. As a test to myself and to see where my treasure truly lies, I am going to vow to not spend any "extra" money for the next 2 weeks. (I would say month, but we are going on vacation in August and well, I just can't not spend there.)

Not too much on the testimony side, but maybe it will be soon :) God is faithful and He will get us through school and through daily life!!

Freedom!

This week I have decided to take a break from the famous Facebook! I have deactivated my account since under no circumstances would I be able to resist the temptation to just easily type Facebook in my web browser as I do every single time I get on my computer no matter what my real goal is! It's amazing how much time I spend of my life on Facebook. So I have decided to get rid of that for one week and believe it or not, I already feel some type of freedom! Not having to check it every so often to get the latest news or "check my wall." :) Yaaay! Little step of sacrifice for me which will hopefully pay off!

Hebrews 11:1

"Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see."

This is a verse we focused on this past Sunday in Sunday School and our job was to make a list of things we have faith about... things we want to see come to pass. Here are a few things on my list:

1. Find an amazing Godly husband (...of course!)
2. See family members get saved & reunited.
3. Go to school financially stable & stay financially stable.
4. Everything would work out with Liberty for Mya & myself (daycare, job, finances, etc.)
5. Do something bigger than myself.
6. Mya to be set-apart & save herself for her Godly husband.
7. Become a true woman of God.

An Ashley Ultimatium

I have been letting my hair grow for the past 2 years (actually since I got it cut after High School in order to look more like a mom) and I came up with an idea! I am going to let my hair grow until I get married! Hopefully it won't be so long that it goes below my waist (that's my stopping point if it gets there) but I want it to be long for my wedding!

This is a picture of how long it is now:

So ready, set, grow! :)

Almost Exciting News!

Well, it kinda IS exciting news. I had to take my ACT Test in order to get accepted into Liberty... so I took it last month and just got my score in TODAY!! :) I don't think I did great but I did good enough. The minimum ACT score for Liberty is a 17 and I got a 21! I'm sooo excited! I am hoping this is just the beginning :)

Surprise!

Just when I think I have got it down and that I'm doing a great job raising Mya, I have a day like today. Granted its not my fault (all the way) but it makes me feel like an awful mom whenever Mya gives me a hard time.

First, I picked her up from the babysitter and she was in a "why?" mood the whole way home.
Patience = 7

Then, we got home to eat dinner & Mya didn't want to eat.
Patience = 6

She sat at the table and kept telling us how she didn't want to eat. So I took her to her room gave her a talk and brought her back. Still... she didn't touch her food.
Patience = 5.5; Nice, gentle voice = 3

10 minutes later, she is still not eating while we are almost done. I put her plate in another room by herself and tell her to eat. She still refuses to eat.
Patience = 4; Nice, gentle voice = 0

Finally I take her from that table, give her a few "love taps" (so to speak) and she ate half of the food on her plate.
Patience = 5

Through out the entire evening, she was just not happy. I can honestly say this has been one of the worst days we have had together. But I say that in hopes that we won't have another one for a VERY long time :)

I mean, what are good days without the bad.....right?

Video of Camp

I have become a Video Queen! I am in love with making videos! So this is a 6 1/2 minute video of our time at camp! :)

Space Camp

This past week I was at Space Camp in Roanoke, VA with my "Church of God" friends. :) It was SO much fun! Between intense worship services and hiking up a mountain, there was never a dull moment! This was my first year being a cabin leader and my girls were amazing. I had a lot of different personalities in my room, but we all blended together very well! We had teams that would play games for points, and our team got second place every night! We were called "The Buzz CHRISTyears."

When I got back home today- Mya did not leave my side. She is in bed now but she told me a few times that "she loved me so much." :)

Here are a few pics to recap!

On top of the mountain

Goofy Speakers

My team

My cabin

Had a great great week!! Can't wait until next year! :)

Crazy People!!

Oh, the things you see at a stoplight!!

On the same day I saw:

1. A lady in an old beat up car with her head turned talking to something in the backseat. I didn't see anyone sitting in the seats but as I looked down, there was a little toddler standing up in the floor facing the back seat playing with toys!! No car seat in sight! She was at most 2 years old...
2. A guy in his boxers riding a motorcycle!! Tried to get a picture, but it was late at night:

Youth Camp!

Tomorrow night I will be going off to Church of God Youth Camp!! :) I get to be a kid for a week! It's a place where teens get together for a week and do different activities, games and of course awesome services. Last year our theme was "That 70's Camp" and this year it's "Space Camp." So it should be interesting!! Here are a few flash backs from last year!

Yaaaay! Can't wait :)

Isn't it funny...

• How we always think our kids are so much funnier than other people think they are?
• How we see other kids acting up and think "I would NEVER let me kid get away with that!" and next thing we know they just got away with that exact thing?

Motherly love is like no other!

Testimony Tuesday Pt. 2

Last Tuesday I talked about my experience "getting saved" for the first time, and how I felt so different. Well, after that trip I went back home and of course all my old problems hadn't gone away. I was in middle school, which was the hardest three years for me, and all of it's drama was just waiting for me to return.

The first few weeks I was still pumped up from the services and I still felt good. I even witnessed to two of my friends at a sleepover and the next morning, we made index cards with scriptures on them and walked around the neighborhood putting them in mailboxes!! I thought getting saved was going to make everything perfect and Ashley would be this new great girl who had everything right. But I was wrong.

I quickly learned that being a Christian is not about solving the problems of life and it's not about being perfect (which I am obviously not!)- it's about accepting the fact that Jesus died for my sins. I love the saying "Christians are not perfect-just forgiven." It's very true! It's the first step in starting a relationship that will change your desires and change your heart but it doesn't happen overnight and no, its not easy... but it's totally worth it!!

Day Field Trip

Today me & Mya took a mommy-daughter trip to Pocahontas State Park. It was sooo much fun :) They have an awesome pool area for the little ones. She loved it!

Mya Moment

Today as we were getting out of the car, Mya let out a belch..

and she exclaimed,

"Mommy, I just farted in my mouth!"

And walked on like nothing ever happened.

Forever Young... & few thoughts.

I'm really struggling here lately with my time management. I work 5, sometimes 6 days out of the week and I normally work from 8:30 A.M. until anywhere from 3 to 6. Not to mention, it takes me an hour to get home! Then on Wednesday nights, I have church until 8. So, I don't get much time (besides weekends) with Mya.

My hope is that I will be going to school maybe in the Spring of 2011, so that will be a huge change for us, but I'm a little anxious to spend more time with her now. Only problem is, I have a GREAT job! I would be so so stupid to let that go. So, I am going to do a lot of praying and keep my eyes open to new opportunities.

Maybe I'm just ready for a change... I want to live a simpler life, but maybe thats just wishful thinking! I think I might be trying to stop growing up. Going back to school, looking for a less committing job... not really good signs!

Thanks for hearing my jumble of thoughts today! Not sure where I was going with that post.

Testimony Tuesday

This week, my "testimony" is about getting saved for the first time.

It was when I was 13 years old, in 7th grade. It was at a place called "Winterfest" where tons of teens come together for 3 days and have several services with amazing singers and preachers. It was Friday night, February 7th. "Angus Dei" was playing and I remember just feeling numb. Everyone around had their hands up and they were worshiping God. I don't even remember what the service was about, I just remember that moment.

Later that night, once we got back into the hotel after the service, I was talking with the girls in my room. Somehow we came on the subject of getting saved. I explained to them that I felt different, like really happy. I had never heard about "being saved." I didn't really understand what happened, I just knew that something was different about me. I felt like I could just run around and around and scream about how wonderful and free I felt. They got excited and exclaimed to me that I had been saved!

Anyone that has ever been saved knows there is no feeling like that, and I don't think I have ever felt that way since. (Don't know if that is good or bad) But before being "saved," I felt lost. I was in middle school and that is some hard years! Especially for a girl! The year before that, I didn't have many friends in school and I was more of a loner.

Since this is getting a little lengthy, next week I will share how what life was like after that :)

So come back!

John 3:16 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

For more information about getting saved if you are not, talk to me!! :)

New Budget for preparation

In anticipation for going school, I realized that I need to SAVE as much money as I can! Granted, I have never had much to start with, but I really need to buckle down. So, as a way of holding onto commitment (or trying), I am going to share with you my plan. Not giving too many details of course!

My new budget:

Expenses-

Car Payment

Tithe

Phone & Internet

Gym

Savings Account

Mya's Savings Account

Babysitter

GAS (probably the biggest- from driving an hour to work everyday!)

So- left over from this each week is about $30. This goes to anything that I want for myself which includes food, clothes, and more food. (Can you believe how much buying food is such a waste?? You have nothing to show for it, but FAT!) And needless to say, this is actually a hard number to live by for a week. I have already spent everything but $10 of this week's spending allowance and I wanted to invest that for new shoes. :( BUT! It could be worse. At least I have some, just a little bit, but its something. So thank you Jesus!

And about school, I took my ACT this past Saturday and it was HARD!!! Wow, I have to say I will be surprised if I did well. Lots of guessing! That's what you get for not getting it taken care of when it's fresh in your brain!

Memory & Mya Moment

I had a very good night tonight! I went out with my grandparents to Cracker Barrel and then we went to the mall for a bit to do some shopping! On the way home, we thought for sure that Mya would pass out (since she hadn't had a nap ALL day and it was going on 9:30) but she just sat in her car seat talking up a storm about something being broken?? Not too sure!

But anyways... Pawpaw decided that we should play a game! It's called the "quiet game," so I explained to Mya that whoever talks first loses, and took it so seriously! She didn't talk the rest of the car ride and to our surprise our plan worked! A few minutes later, she was snoring :) And my excitement is because shopping makes you tired, so I am very ready for bed!!

As for a memory- the game we played ("quiet game") used to be my favorite! I would always win! Whenever our parents would ask us to play the quiet game, it's my natural ability... being quiet. Still to this day, I think I could beat anyone :)

G'nite!!

Reason for busyness...

So these past 3 nights I have stayed up until 1 o'clock making a gift for a very good friend of mine. His name is Lindsey Ore and he was adopted by our Pastor's family (whom I LOVE)- and he has brought so much joy and excitement into all of our lives... unfortunately he is graduating today and he is going back to his home in North Carolina. So, I made a video of this past year or so of videos and pictures we have of him as a tribute to show how much we will miss him! It's a little lengthy but it's totally worth it for him!! He is amazing :)

(I couldn't upload the video because it was too long, but it is on my facebook... check it out!!)

Love you Linz!

Project Complete!

I know its Tuesday and I am supposed to do "Testimony Tuesday" but I have been super busy with a little gift for someone- (can't say anything now, but I will post about it later after it has been revealed!) but in the meantime, I thought I would update about my bike! I now have a picture and not only that, but I have my complete project (which consists of bike, Mya's seat for the back & helmet, and bike rack). I'm so excited!! So here is a picture :)

A memory for the weekend

This is a photo of Mya's 1st Birthday Party. It was called a "Pink Poodle Party" and we all wore pink or white. This picture stands out because it shows her walking towards me and I remember that this was actually the first time she really walked... at her birthday party! She did it right in front of everyone. :)

Tiny Investment

Monday, I bought a bike!! Not a motorcycle- but a bicycle. I have been wanting one for about 2 months now and finally, I just put aside my financial sense and splurged. I'm burdened now because I had to take money out of my savings leaving hardly anything in there, but I GOTTA BIKE! Now... I just have to invest in a seat for Mya, bike rack, and helmets. Can't wait for this project to be completed. :)

Oh, how the littlest things can make me so happy!

(Sorry... no pics yet)

Testimony Tuesday

For a while now, I have wanted to start something on my relaxing Tuesday! (Since this is the only night I get a break from motherhood- Mya's grandma takes her overnight to spend some quality time with her!) Soo... this thing is called "Testimony Tuesday" and I don't want to say I'm going to do it every Tuesday but my intention is to give little testimonies of things God has brought me through. :)

Innocence

This is a video I made when I was almost 15 about my goals for marriage...

And about two years later, I became pregnant with Mya...

The hardest part is losing my innocence. But God has taken that loss and given me a huge gain. Mya is honestly the best thing that has happened to me. She is my shadow and best friend! I always have entertainment for sure! She has given me a greater purpose and a huge witness. I used to ask myself why God would chose me out of all the girls that could get pregnant... but I think He knew I needed her. I look forward to coming home and spending time with her!

Memorial Day Show

Today we had a very good day! Me, Mya and my sister Lillie went to "Lake Anna State Park." I have never been there before but they have a little beach area and a playground with lots of land for picnics. After that we had a cook-out with my family at my house. Although I'm disappointed I didn't get much sun, it was a great success! Enjoy our video.

Sick Day :(

Today I had to take off from work because my little Mya was sick. She has thrown up about 3 times and she is kinda mopey. I'm not sure what's wrong but she hasn't had a temperature or diarrhea so I'm thinking it's just a little bug! Pray for her friends!

I want my superstar happy girl back...

Still High Hopes

I know its been a while since I have posted last... and it was about school. So I'm giving a little update! I have applied to Liberty and filled out my "FAFSA" but I think it may be too late for the fall semester. :( BUT that may not be a bad thing! That will give me a chance to save up some more money and get a little more prepared. I have to take my ACT since I didn't take that in High School. So I take that on June 12th. Prayers will be much appreciated!! I really hope this works out for me :) I think it would be so great!

Trying not to beg!

So I was talking to my aunt today about my schooling and getting on with my life and it came up that I should try to go off to college. At first, I just brushed it off because I thought NO WAY with a baby!! Buuuttt... I think my hopes have gone a flying! I am super interested in going to Liberty University in the fall and yes, taking Mya with me. This sounds so scary and so crazy, but I need a new and fresh start. I need to get on with life and get my schooling going! This staying with my grandparents and doing part time school is getting old... I'm not getting anywhere :( So needless to say, I feel like getting on my hands and knees and BEGGING God to let this work out! I would be so appreciative and so uncontrollably happy if it did. I want to be a sort of normal 20 year old and meet new people! PLEEEEASE pray for me and just pray that financially it will all come together because that's the only thing holding me back. I will keep you updated FOR SURE! Ah!

Mothers Day Fret

Today was such a good day! We went to church of course and afterwards, we went to a camp site with some of my family & church friends. It was awesome :) We went bike riding and flew kites, played on the playground and had lots of good food.

As I was driving home, I kept thinking of how I wish I could do this for Mya all the time. I always want to go places and give her experiences but its just me & her. I know that shouldn't hold me back... but if I wanted to go to the beach for a week, I couldn't just go with the two of us? It's probably just me being really hard on myself, but I hate that she misses out. Like the fact that she doesn't have her own room or that we don't have our own little family we can go bike rides on. But I guess I should make the best of it and realize that our back yard picnics and bike rides in the driveway is good enough. I just worry too much! But that's motherhood, right?

I just hope and pray that God has someone amazing for me & Mya both that will fill in that little gap. One day! Pretty please God... with sugar on top!! :)

My MacBook helps us to use our imagination as well :) We were on a roller coaster here. Very fun as you can see...

Long time gone.

Hey friends! I haven't updated in a little over a week and I apologize! I have been a little less motivated although I have made a list of posts I would like to publish. My list consists of: "Not me mentality. Pride," "Video of goals," and "Hairy Knees." So... if I stick to my little notes, I will eventually update on these things!

This past Tuesday was my last day of school and I already feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders! I came home today around 3 (after taking Mya to the doctor for a pink eye and ear infection) and spent time with my family. I loved it and almost felt guilty because I never have this time. My schedule during school is summed up in one word- overwhelming! And now I can breath!!! :)

Tomorrow is my Grand-Opening for my new Jewelry hobby! I'm very excited and I hope it goes well! Wish me luck!

Mya Moment for the day: She was sitting here talking on her play cell phone to Hannah Montana and she says, "HEY! Hannah Tanna! You are not the best of both worlds!" I thought that was too funny!

Quick Idea: I am thinking about doing a "Testimony Tuesday" and do random little testimonies every now and then! Now EVERY Tuesday but a few :)

And alsoooo- I have been going to the gym for about 2 or 3 months now, and I am starting to tell a difference. I have lost about 4 pounds but I feel like I am toning up. I'm very excited! My current weight is 125 and I would love to get either under or around 120. Not too bad!

Best Concert Ever!

Yesterday I went to the Carrie Underwood Concert here in Richmond with my friend Kayla. Here are a few pictures! It was AMAZING!

My 3 year old Princess

Today we had our birthday party at my Mawmaw's house for Mya. It was "Princess" themed and was very fun! Mya & I have wonderful friends and family in our lives :) Thanks to everyone who came! We love you!

And... us singing "Happy Birthday" to Mya :)