Titles on Tuesday: New Bible Study Approaching

Our Women's Ministry at church is about to begin our fall Bible Study. I am so very excited about it because it is a look at the life of David. I've never really done an in depth study on David and look forward to what this study unfolds about God's word.

The study is called Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed: A Study of David by Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer and Kay Arthur. For those of you who follow Mrs. Moore, this particular Bible study was taped at the 2007 Deeper Still event. It is a six-week study with each of the authors having a time-span of David's life.

I don't have a review on it, because we haven't started it, but I'll keep you posted!

Who, MeMe?

So Rachel at Just Another Day in Paradise tagged me for a meme last week. This meme came at a really good time because, 1) it is my 1 year blogoversary month and 2) I don't have anything to blog about.

So without further adieu, let me list the top 5 ways that blogging has changed my life...in no particular order.

One of the number one ways that blogging has changed my life is it has given me that out that all of us mothers, in my case stay at home mothers, really need. A way to feel connected, a way to channel inner intellectual desires, a way to feel a purpose aside from raising a family.

Blogging has also given me so many friendships that I would never have had without virtual cyber-bloggy-land (is that even a term?) Friends that understand when I'm at a weak point because my child has not slept in days, friends that understand how funny my son strewing toilet paper all over the house is, friends who know the struggles that Christian moms face and give support and friends who know when to comment and pick me up even though they've never laid an eye on me.

Blogging has challenged my spiritual walk and helped me become a stronger, more faithful Christian. It has challenged me to put into words my feelings and thoughts in hopes that I might feed the desire for Christ to someone else. It has allowed me to challenge all of you in your walk with the Lord as well.

Blogging has kept me connected to the ever-changing world. Often times as moms, we find ourselves bogged down in the everyday struggles and tasks and feel disjointed from everything else. Blogging has changed that for me.

And finally, blogging has sparked my creative side. Or, better yet, it has dug it out and caused me to learn something about myself that I didn't know I had. Will I be the next Martha Stewart, um, no, but I have come up with a few things that I am very proud of and owe the creativeness of many that I read for this.

So there you have it. Blogging has brought me a lot of things and I look forward to the positive perks I get from it in the next year.

I'm not tagging anyone, but if you want to play along, I would love for you to. And remember, bloggers like comments (yes, I am putting into words what we all think), so comment away!

And the one who will be reading Southern Living is...

Christina is the lucky winner of my 1 year Blogoversary giveaway!



Congrats Christina and please let us know if you learn something earth-shattering that we all need to know!



Thanks to everyone who entered and I hope that you will stick around with me for the next year enjoying my randomness.

That Day

Ok, my bloggy friends...I'm going to get a little deep today.

Have you ever heard the song, "There will Be a Day", by Jeremy Camp?


The chorus of the song reads like this...

There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears

There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we'll see Jesus face to face But until that day, we'll hold on to you always

Can you even imagine a day like this?

A day when we meet our Maker face to face and He takes us to that place in glory?

We won't have hurts...we won't have fears...we won't have pain...people can't say bad things...people won't commit crimes...finances won't matter...earthly possessions won't matter...government won't matter...all will be happy.

That's what I hold onto daily. That's what I have my faith in. That's where I know I'll be someday.

Superheroes

Some kids look to Superman to give them strength.

Others look to Spiderman to conquer their fears.

And still there are some who turn to Batman to drive those bad guys away.

Well, my niece (J-Girl) and nephew (Goose Man) fall into none of the above categories because in their eyes, the superheroes they look up to are none other than...

Super "Snow Ball"

And, Super "Speed Racer" (who lost the "R" on his cape in a daring rescue)

Their capes are supplied to them by NaNa Lu who makes sure all the superheroes in the world have the uniform they need to make those daring rescues.

So if ever you are in need, give them a call. A pack of tuna or a can of cat food will surely bring them flying...I mean running.

P.S. If you want to be a part of my giveaway, please comment today by 6 p.m to be entered to win a years subscription to Southern Living!

Look Who Has 10 Fingers...

It's true.

Their back.

I'm elated!

They feel funny.

They look strange.

They still hurt.

But they all work.

I wouldn't recommend chopping off your fingertips and going 8 weeks without 2 of your fingers, especially fingers on your dominant hand.

There are easier and less painful ways to get out of having to work.

It's Been One Whole Year

I can't believe it...

One year ago today, I entered the blogging world with this post. Mind-numbing content, I know.

And one year later, I'm still posting about my random, crazy, satisfying, very blessed life. And many of you are still reading. Thank you!

Who knew that I would meet so many great people out in bloggy land? Who knew I would talk about my highs and lows and everything in between and still live to tell about it?

This has been a wonderful journey and I hope that it continues on for many days to come. Keep reading and keep commenting and hopefully we'll reach the 2nd "Blogoversary" together.

And to commemorate this wonderful year, I have a giveaway! One lucky winner will receive a one year subscription to Southern Living Magazine. All you have to do is leave a comment telling me your favorite part about my blog. Make sure that you leave a way for me to contact you should you win. This giveaway is open to bloggers and non-bloggers (and I would love for all the lurkers who don't comment to enter as well). Comments will close at 6 pm on Thursday, September 25 and a winner will be announced on Friday. Only one comment per person.

Thanks for a great year and I can't wait to see what the next year holds!

A little bit of this, a little bit of that

I've had a makeover!

What do you think? Michelle at Shabby Creations was kind of enough to give me a fresh new fall look and I am enjoying it oh so much.

It's kind of like when you get a new something in your home and walking by it makes you smile and you want to walk by it many times to see how great it looks.

What, don't tell me I'm the only one who does this?

That's what I thought...

Anyway, I loved my old look and will go back to it, but for now I wanted a little change and Michelle was able to make that happen for small fee. Thanks Michelle! Be sure and check her out if you are in the mood for something a little different.

Totally changing the subject, tomorrow is a very special day here at By His Grace. In the blogging world, it is known as my "Blogoversary." Exactly one year ago tomorrow, I started this blogging journey and it has been a very fun ride! Be sure and check back tomorrow for a look back and also a fun "Blogoversary" giveaway!

I could have gone without seeing that

D-Man was in the bathtub last night and I was doing my nightly routine of getting stuff ready for him to go to bed (especially since he had not had a nap yesterday). I was in his room (which is right across the hall from his bathroom) when I heard him say, "Look Mom!"

Those two words will now forever haunt me.

When I hear those two words from now on, I need to remind myself that he is a boy and prepare myself for what I will see.

For last night when those two simple words were spoken and I poked my head into the bathroom to see, D-Man was holding some poop. Yes...you read correctly...he was holding his own poop.

Apparently, when he asked for Calgon to take him away, it took his brains and his bowels completely away.

So, I cautiously, I mean graciously picked him up, set him on the toilet and let him finish his business while I soaked the toys and cleaned the bathtub, all the while reminding myself that this too shall pass.

When does Calgon get to take the mommy away to a remote resort with white sandy beaches, no phones and great books to read...oh and no poop to clean?

All I needed was a bit of encouragement

D-Man and I traveled on Monday to the closest "city." We make this trek at least once a week because I need, I mean want, some "city" life and conveniences to calm the stir-craziness in me.

Anyway, our main focus for this particular trek was to have an ENT check out D-Man's ears. We have been having a time trying to get an ear infection under control (almost 3 months) and wanted a specialist to take a look.

While at the ENT's office...the office that we waited in for upwards of 1.5 hours in order just to see the doctor...we visited the restrooms.

D-Man informed me that he didn't have to go potty once we entered the stall, but "encouraged" me to go ahead and potty. And after I finished, in one of the loudest voices he could have come out with, he says, "Great job pottying, mommy. I'm so proud of you," as the lady next to me tried to control her laughter.

Do you think he's heard that before?

This is the same kid who said to the chairs...yes, that's right, the chairs...as we were leaving, "Bye chairs," and to the restrooms as we were getting on the alligator, I mean elevator, "Bye potty."

I think our stay at the doctor's office (2 hours and 15 minutes to be exact) was a bit too long. And, I could have used some of that earlier encouragement at the end.

Works-for-Me: 4 Ingredient Pie

Hello All...if this is your first time to visit, welcome! I hope you find enjoyment and entertainment and wisdom and information here at By His Grace. Today, I've got a little bit of info or wisdom and enjoyment for all my bloggy peeps out there!

I seriously think this is the easiest pie in history. And, I hope you will make one today, put in the refrigerator to chill and invite me over ASAP!

Here goes...

Lemon Icebox Pie

1 graham cracker crust

1 can fat free sweetened condensed milk

1 8 oz tub of fat free cool whip

6 oz (half a can) of frozen lemonade

Combine last 3 ingredients, pour into pie crust, chill (you can literally chill while this pie is chilling because it takes so little time to make).

I made this pie this past weekend for my mother-in-law's birthday and it was a hit. I would show you pictures, but, well...the pie is all gone. For other great tips, visit Shannon and all her linky buddies at Rocks In My Dryer!

So, what's on your bedside table?

Inquiring minds want to know...what books are hanging out on your bedside table at the moment?

Any that have just taken you by storm?

Any that you've started and stopped more times than you can remember?

Any that you've thrown out the window all together?

Speak up...we are all waiting!

One down, one to go

Oh my internet friends, I have news...BIG news.

One of my fingers is free again. Free at last, it's free at last!

But it still looks rather strange; and has some healing to do. But, it's free at last, free at last!

And here's a photo to prove it.



Notice, one is still bandaged. And the prognosis on it is unknown at this time. I'm meeting with a new plastic surgeon in the next week or so to determine if he wants to start over again...that is make my finger hurt by re-creating the injury again and re-grafting.

And I've decided that if he does want to reg-graft, that I'm going to ask that he take the skin from one of my MANY "fat" areas and take plenty of extra off just to make sure there is enough skin because it is much easier for me to get into a pair of jeans if my backside is skinny, but my finger is fat.

It's all in the name of medicine, my friends, all in the name of medicine that I'll allow extra skin to be pulled from my body. That's just how I roll.

Thanks goodness it's finally Friday

I'm tired.

Are you?

It's Friday.

Are you happy?

I think that's all I've got.

Are you glad?

Have a great weekend and remember those in the path of Hurricane Ike and say a prayer for them. See you Monday!

I've been somewhat inspired

I think I've read decorating blogs until my brain is about to explode. And I've had a few creative juices flowing. And I've, you know, created a few things recently.

And here is my newest creation.


And it's complete with all things, you know, creative...feathers, twiggy things, vines.

Here is an up-close look at the fall-themed items...otherwise known as pumpkins.

Martha and Sandra Lee had better watch out, because I'm on a roll.

I might go a little overboard

It happened yesterday.

The day I have thought about for many years.

The day I knew would mark a new beginning in the D-House.

D-Man brought home his first book order form.

People, did you hear me? BOOK ORDER FORM!!!!!!

They bring back so many great memories...a fondness that I am savoring as we speak.

And you know the first thing I did when I got in the car after picking up the order form? I called Queen B because I knew, day or night, she would want to know. You see, the Queen and I share a love for all things book order and book fair related. We learned this a few months into our friendship when we were discussing the smell of the book fair. Yes, sadly, we can both still smell it.

And the smell brings back so many great memories.

And now I can begin the we've-gotten-our-first-of-many-book-club-orders memories with D-Man and I couldn't be happier!

Oh what will we order? What should we pick? Will the order form have enough room? Will I (I mean we) get a little out of control?

Are you as excited as I am?

And what does Husband think about all of this excitement? Well, he suggested framing the first book order form much like we would the diplomas, birth certificate and other milestones that will come D-Man's way. WHATEVER!

I really think he just doesn't want me, I mean D-Man, to go overboard...

Teaching the Technique

Many have wondered why I rarely (if ever) show D-Man's full face on my blog. There are really many reasons for this, the biggest being I don't want his sweet, little face used in an inappropriate way.

I know there are those type of people out there and frankly, they scare me.

So in keeping with this idea, I thought I'd show some pictures that show I'm "teaching" D-Man to "pose" for my blog. That, or he's just being a 3 year old and not cooperating.

Please pay no attention to the extremely large very tasty-looking pizza in front of D-Man's face. And please don't look at the cute toes of the person holding D-Man's hand.

So what do you think, am I teaching him well?

Daily Treats

As I watched D-Man get excited the other day about a toy he was able to pick out from the "treat drawer" (all those toys from kids meals get placed there unbeknowst to him to later be retrieved when the time is right), I was amazed at how excited he got about what was inside.

Many of the toys that were there had been placed in there over and over again because after he finishes playing with it for the moment, I put it away for another "treat opportunity."

And this made me think of my relationship with God.

Am I excited every morning when I wake up and begin my day thinking about how amazing God is? Am I giddy with anticipation for all that He has to show me?

Or do I treat my relationship with God much like the toy that gets played with and tossed aside? Am I so excited at the initial encounter and then slowly lose interest until I "need" or come across it again?

Shouldn't my relationship with Christ be just as exciting today as it was the day I accepted Him and was baptized? Shouldn't I yearn for the new things that He has to show me daily?

I am challenging myself as I challenge each of you today to treat your relationship with Christ like the toy that gets pulled from the "treat drawer" everyday. Embrace the excitement, delight in His blessings and shout it from the rooftops.

Let's hope his future wife thanks me

D-Man and I were very busy when we got home from school today.

He had laundry to do (his job is to pour in the detergent and put whichever sorted clothes I tell him into the washer).

He had laundry to put away (his job is to select the correct drawer in which the clothes go in).

He had laundry to hang up in his closet (his job is to hang the clothes on the rack after I've put them on the hanger).

And after completing these tasks, he turned to me and said (and I quote), "This is a great day!"

I'm just hoping his enthusiasm for domestic duties holds out through the teen years!

You can call me a copycat if you want

First things first, thanks to everyone who offered this momma up some great preschool advice yesterday! I appreciate all the time and energy that went into giving me honest, heartfelt answers. I'll keep everyone posted on the preschool experience.

****************************************************************************************

I read this post last week and was completely inspired to tell Husband to quit his day job and I would support us all in the coaster making business...well not really all that Husband quit your job stuff, but I was inspired.

So, D-Man and I set out in the downpours of Gustav yesterday in search of tiles and ink. And you know, the rain didn't hinder and both items were found easily. And look at what I made.

Aren't they adorable?




If you would like to place an order, D-Man is standing by.

What Has Worked for You: Calming a Momma

So I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that D-Man had started preschool. The preschool he attends is a school-based program comprised of no more than 20 kids (3 teachers). D-Man attends his "school" on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:30-12:30.

This, in my book, is just enough time for this momma to buy groceries, get them home and put away and wash a couple of loads of laundry all while eating my bon-bons and watching my soaps (and if you believe that this momma or any momma for that matter has time to eat bon-bons and watch soaps all day, I have a nice piece of property to sell you today!)

Anyhoo, this momma has to admit that it has been tough to let my three-year old sidekick walk away for 4 hours twice a week. To see him trying to fill Daddy's shoes back just a few short years ago to being well on his way to accomplishing that has been tough.


So, my question out there for all you mom's who've already been there, done that, got the t-shirt, how do I know that we've taught him right? How do I know that he'll behave like we've taught him? If he has a bad day and sits in time out more than once, is it all over? Do you find that your girls were different than your boys at preschool or school?

This momma needs her fears, anxietys and worries calmed. Help a girl out, PLEASE!

And for other great questions and answers, check out Rocks In My Dryer!

To my shower, with love

Has it really been five weeks
Since my feet have graced your door?
And all because a sharp blade
Caused me to bleed all over the floor.


The fingers are almost healed
And the doctor has said it's alright,
For me to take an occasional shower
As long as afterwards I seal the bandages back up tight.

I've missed you old shower old friend
And now I am so very happy,
I can shampoo and rinse with not one hand but two,
Making me extremely sappy.

**I know this is an interesting stab at poetry...go ahead, you can say it. But I've been many weeks without the use of both hands, so to get the go ahead to at least have the fingers uncovered to shower is a momentous occasion.**

And Today Let's Rest

Rest.

Sounds good, huh?

I hope you all get some rest today.

Enjoy your friends and family, eat some great food and rest.

For Tuesday the real world comes back.

And let's remember all those who are being effected by the hurricane. Say a prayer for all of them!