Big Pitt Stop

2011-09-28T12:06:00.002-05:00

Hi!
I am blogging because I just registered online for the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life.
When I registered online, I was issued my own personal fundraising web page. It explains what Relay For Life is and why I chose to get involved. My web page also has my fundraising goal and how much money I’ve raised so far.

Please visit my page, and while you’re there....why not make a donation to the American Cancer Society? Or better yet, sign up to join us for the event! It’s going to fall on my 30^th birthday weekend and I cant think of a better way to celebrate!

Your donation will help the American Cancer Society create a world with less cancer and more birthdays - the amount you donate will count towards my fundraising goal.
Thank you so much for your help - I will keep you updated on my progress!

2011-09-15T16:07:00.002-05:00

ok, I'm using my blog for propaganda today, but hey, its my blog!

After an amazing weekend at the American Cancer Society Mid-South Headquarters, I'm committed more than ever to funding research and all the things needed to finding a cure for cancer. Most cancers are preventable, but we need to get the word out. There is a group called the ACS Cancer Action Network (or ACS CAN) and they are the friends who STAND up on THE HILL and keep the decision makers straight. They are making budget cuts again and cancer research along with the auxiliary medical things that affect us are on the line. We can make a difference! Please read below about how you can get involved. (BTW, I have a few ideas of things that we could cut....that aren't saving lives!)

We've all heard it, friends.

Congress has created a “supercommittee” whose job is to find more than one trillion dollars in cuts to the budget. And, they’ve re-started work on a budget for next year that will cut billions.

But, what about things like cancer research and early detection programs that are working -- that are saving lives?

Who will protect such lifesaving funding from this mandate for cuts?

Friends, it's up to us. It's up to you and me and volunteers just like you across the nation, working together with ACS CAN to ensure that the voice of cancer patients is heard loud and clear on Capitol Hill.

In just one minute - yes, only one minute - you can do three things to make sure we're all ready to stand up and fight for cancer patients. Can you spare one minute right now to help us continue saving lives from cancer?

www.acscan.org/1minute

We know that nearly half of all cancer deaths could be prevented through prevention and early detection. We know that research can eliminate suffering and death from cancer. And we know the impact of significant cuts on American lives could be devastating.

But what we don't know yet is if Congress is ready to stand up and fight for this lifesaving funding. These are tough budget times for our country and some cuts do need to be made, but it shouldn’t be to the research and prevention programs that are saving lives from cancer every day.

Please take one minute right now. It's easy, quick and doesn't cost you a penny. But the lives you can save - men, women and children - are priceless.

www.acscan.org/1minute

Thank you,

Brian Rubenstein
Associate Director, Grassroots at ACS CAN

P.S. We're hearing that a key U.S. Senate committee might vote on a budget as early as next week. So, please act now.

O-U-A-C-H-I-T-A

2011-09-06T09:12:00.000-05:00

My favorite Ouachita memories involve these ladies:

While the memories in Frances Crawford East and Maddox flood my mind, its the 7 years since graduation that are the most meaningful.

I could write about the posters we made for serenades in the courtyard, getting ready to go on TWIRP dates, packing to go on outings with boys we barely knew, trash schedules, late night trips to the ER, Friends running on our TV all night, some boy showing up at our door with a green frog floatie for our birthday, lighting candles when we weren't supposed to (sorry, Keldon!), watching April's dad hang Ansel Adams pics in our "living room" and wondering if she was related to the artist, a road trip to Durant complete with black and white film, helping Brooke poof her hair for a special Valentine's date, Arby's runs on Saturdays and watching Lifetime movies... but I''ll leave the specific details of those days out!

Instead, my favorite moments with these girls are showers, weddings, pageants, cookouts, big girl sleep overs (meaning we go to be early and get up early), and new babies.

The special time we shared in 71998 created lifelong friendships. I remember the day I called each one of these girls in March of 2008 to tell them I had cancer. It was so difficult.

April was in a dressing room trying on dresses for Lindsey's wedding.
Lindsey was on a Friday night date with her soon to be husband.
Lacey and I played phone tag for a couple days.
Brooke and I were both driving down the highway.

I'm not sure what happened in the moments after I hung up with each of them, but I do know the moments I shared with them, they were calm, understanding, and sympathetic. Reactions I so desperately needed at the time.

I remember getting a care package full of goodies for chemo and stuffed with feathers for packing (that book still has feather hairs and glitter in the binding). I remember walking in to my appointment where I found out my treatment routine and Lacey's mom was standing in the lobby of the building to go in with me. I remember April and Derek picking me up to drive to Dallas for Lindsey's wedding and I slept the whole way there and back. I wouldn't have missed that weekend for anything, but I was too weak to drive myself. Then, there was the one chemo weekend that my mom and dad couldn't come in town and Lacey came to stay with me. We ate Burger King and watched every "Love comes....." movie in the series. We laughed and cried together through each one and sweet Matt let us have our own time together.

And, I will forever cherish being asked this past spring to come to come to Cabot Relay for Life and share my story. I watched Brooke and Robert lift an offering of praise and then we walked hand in hand in silence during the luminaria lap. It was a truly special moment.

These girls are like sisters to me and Ouachita gave me that.

I remember every year when I worked in Admissions and we would gather with Mrs. Frazier with the housing folders of every new student and the comment was always made "no pressure, we're just helping them pick who will be in their wedding". While it was meant as a proverbial tongue-in-cheek joke, it was true.

The people you meet at Ouachita really are your lifelong friends. They are the people you call when you are in your darkest places and who you rejoice with in life's greatest victories.

My greatest Ouachita memories are being made right now!

Gov. Beebe declares Sept. 6 as Ouachita Baptist University Day

2011-09-01T08:22:00.000-05:00

August 31, 2011 Gov. Mike Beebe, the keynote speaker for Ouachita Baptist University’s opening chapel of the academic year, presented a proclamation declaring Sept. 6, 2011, as Ouachita Baptist University Day in the state of Arkansas.

The Aug. 30 chapel service served as a kickoff event for Ouachita’s 125th anniversary celebration throughout the fall semester. Sept. 6, 1886, marked the first day of classes for Ouachita Baptist College, with an inaugural fall enrollment of 166 students. During the ensuing 125 years, the university has grown to an enrollment of approximately 1,600 students from more than 30 states and 40 nations.

The proclamation presented by Gov. Beebe to Ouachita President Rex M. Horne, Jr., notes that Ouachita “has operated continuously since 1886 to meet the educational needs of students from Arkansas, other states in our nation and numerous countries around the world.”

It adds that Ouachita “offers a strong curriculum with four bachelor’s degrees in more than 50 majors of Business, Christian Studies, Education, the Fine Arts, the Humanities, the Natural Sciences and the Social Sciences.”

Emphasizing that Ouachita “is celebrating the 125th anniversary of its founding as a learning community dedicated to fostering a love of God and a love of learning,” the proclamation concludes by encouraging “fellow citizens to recognize and congratulate the trustees, administration, staff, students and alumni for 125 years of service to higher education in Arkansas.”

Introducing Gov. Beebe to the chapel crowd, President Horne said, “How blessed we are today to begin our celebration of our 125th year with the governor of the state of Arkansas to come and be our speaker. I speak to you so often about being a difference maker. Here is one before us today who is truly a difference maker. … He is a man of service, now in his second term being elected by the citizens of Arkansas as our 45th governor.”

In his chapel address, Gov. Beebe detailed the biblical account of Queen Esther who had “been placed by God in that position for a time such as that” to intervene on behalf of the Jewish people who were scheduled to be slaughtered.

Noting that going before the king without an invitation “was so taboo that it might put you in peril; wife or no wife,” Gov. Beebe added that Esther declared, “If I perish, I perish.”

Citing her courage and leadership, Gov. Beebe said, “She either had to do it or God would replace her and somebody else would do it. For all of the peril, she beseeched the king and was successful.”

Applying Esther’s example to today, Gov. Beebe said, “You, me, Dr. Horne, virtually all of us at some time in our lives will be called on to do something dangerous or unpleasant or taboo or against the norm and you will be faced with that challenge and decision.

“If you accept the challenge despite the obstacles, despite the dangers, despite the challenges and if you are successful,” he added, “then you know that you fulfilled the challenge for a time such as this.”

Ouachita provides students “an educational opportunity to be able to make those judgments going forward in your life … that allow you to meet those challenges,” Gov. Beebe concluded. “I hope all of you will understand when that time comes, that you are not alone, that there are people on whose shoulders you stand and that there is a precedent for doing God’s will.”

In addition to Gov. Beebe’s visit, other 125th anniversary events in the next few weeks include a Founders Day Convocation and Musical Showcase on Sept. 6, a campus concert by Gungor on Sept. 9 and a chapel address by former Gov. Mike Huckabee on Sept. 20. Activities also will include a 125th anniversary Community Celebration on Oct. 19 and A Festival of Christmas featuring Point of Grace on Dec. 2-3.

For more information about Ouachita’s 125th anniversary celebration, contact the university’s Office of Communications at 870-245-5206 or visit www.obu.edu/125.

By Trennis Henderson, OBU Vice President for Communications

http://media.obu.edu/?p=2799

new adventure

2011-08-07T20:20:00.000-05:00

Wonder what I've been up to? Well, this summer, I've been working to build an inventory for my new adventure....

Its totally something fun for me to do on the side...although its never really just that easy! I've opened my electronic storefront this weekend and hope to do a trunk / studio show sometime before the end of the month. You can find the "store" at kcutiedesigns.blogspot.com. I'm also on facebook and twitter (@kcutiedesigns) under the same name. Its just a fun little thing to do on the side since I have absolutely nothing else going on....yeah right!

Oh, and in case you are wondering what I'm selling, here's a little preview:

If you are interested in a dress, you can contact me at kcutiedesigns@gmail.com

lookey here

2011-07-12T11:29:00.000-05:00

Look at this message going out later this month from the American Cancer Society's Mid-South Division. It's not too late to join in their efforts for this year. Everything ties up on August 31. Arkansas is one of the leading states in the nation! Donate Today!

Cancer affected my life at age 7 when I lost my grandmother after experimental treatment for kidney cancer. It hit me again when I was in middle school and my uncle struggled through a hard battle with prostate cancer. My next personal encounter was in high school when I lost a grandfather after two rounds of prostate cancer. The first day of my senior year of college, I lost a dear friend and long time mentor to a 3 month battle with brain cancer. 5 years later, my best friend’s youngest sister was diagnosed with childhood leukemia at age 14. That was the year I became involved with the American Cancer Society, on the most basic level. I participated in our local Relay for Life event with the hopes of taking a lap in the name of each of these friends and family members that I wanted to honor.

However, my connection with the American Cancer Society changed in 2008 when I attended Relay for Life. I walked into the gym at one of the local colleges and as the National Anthem was being played, I looked to my left and saw five of my co-workers/friends wearing black t-shirts that said “I heart KP”. Those are my initials. I had just walked in from my 3rd chemo treatment for Hodgkins Lymphoma. At age 26, that was not on my radar and definitely not the way I had planned to spend a Friday afternoon. But, cancer was now part of my story and I had a journey in front of me to fight through.

But my story is a lucky one. When my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer in 1989, she had over a 90% chance she would not make it. When I was diagnosed in 2008, I had over a 90% chance that I would survive. That is because of the work of the American Cancer Society. I wear a lime green bracelet on my right arm that reads this, “No one Fights ALONE!” This is a battle and a journey that we share.

The American Cancer Society is not just committed to Finding Cures, they are also diligent along the path of helping people Get Well, Stay Well and Fight Back. Your financial donation moves us forward toward all 4 of these goals. Your dollar(s) could be the one that makes the difference. The support you have provided in the past to the organization has been tremendous, and we hope we can count on you again this year. Make a donation today- just click here to easily give. One of the best things about the American Cancer Society is that those in your local community can directly benefit from the donations made to this global organization. One of the chemo drugs I took is also used to treat breast cancer. We all benefit when we all connect together. Researchers, medical professionals, and community reps are taking up forces on the ground. Will you partner with us financially to continue to make a difference?

Give. Serve. Connect.

Keisha Pittman

2011 Hero of Hope

3 yr. Hodgkins Lymphoma Survivor

power of words

2011-04-15T14:43:00.000-05:00

Below is a video my sister shared with me today. it was definately a prospectve changer!

Power of Words

So much going on with Relay for Life right now. I spoke at Rotary on Tuesday morning and in Bryant on Tuesday night. Yesterday we had our last committee meeting before our event and tomorrow I'm speaking in Harrison at a Survivor dinner.

Monday we are having a community kickoff and if you are anywhere near Arkadelphia, you should join us for "Lunch for a Cure" from 11-1 at Dino's Main Street Cafe in downtown Arkadelphia.

If you would like to donate to my Relay for Life team, you can check out my personal page and make a donation online! We are making great strides and together we can find a cure!

weekend

2011-04-11T11:12:00.000-05:00

So, I've been super busy and without excuses, I'm sorry I've not been better about blogging. It will come back..I promise.

This past weekend was Tiger Tracks and I encourage you to watch this fun little video...dont mind the annoying lady at the beginning!

Traks Video

We also had our 2nd Annual Celebrity Karaoke Challenge on Saturday night and made almost $300 during our fundraiser! It was a fun night and I am so grateful to all who participated.

You can participate with us by donating through the Ouachita Relay for Life team!

Tonight I'm involved in a Donkey Basketball fundraiser for the Henderson team...should be interesting. Here's hoping I'm still around tomorrow!

HOH family

2011-03-01T09:10:00.000-06:00

My friend (Jennifer) and fellow Hero of Hope in Nashville, TN was interviewed and this story ran last week on the news. I'm so proud to be part of this community of survivors.

WZTV FOX 17 :: Newsroom - Top Stories - Special Report: Risk Removal

again

2011-02-04T09:49:00.000-06:00

for the record, the pics below are most appropriate for today as well!!!

snow days

2011-01-26T17:34:00.002-06:00

This is an old post that never posted...so, enjoy the pics a few days late!!!

Sunday we got somewhere between 7-9 inches of snow. Which made for a fun "snow day" on Monday. I took advantage of the time and took some pictures of our campus. Enjoy!!

mary or martha?

2011-01-26T17:33:00.000-06:00

I found this today on my google reader from InCourage - one of my new favorite things filling my reader. It spoke to me in such a clear way. It is no news to anyone who semi knows me - you dont even have to know me well to know this fact about me. If there is a biblical character that I identify with at all, its MARTHA. Full blow, every characteristic, if she were living now, she would be my best friend...well maybe not, but my Doppleganger for sure!

Case in point - when I was in OKC for Kate's birthday last weekend, I found myself worried about the details and the kitchen more than the events going on in the dining room. I cant help it. Its how God made me! Yet, I find myself all too often hearing the voice from the other room beconing me to to just come and sit - come and rest. I never understood how my sister could just sit. You know with so many things necessary to be done, she can just sit there! I dont get it. But sometimes in life, God gives you an outward glimpse of yourself. Whether through a movie, another person in your life, or written word, He reminds you of how much He desires time with you. And, today, when I read these words, it reminded me. The quiet moments He gives me are ok. I dont have to be "doing" something all the time. I dont have to busy all the time. And, for whatever reason, He is giving me a huge blessing of some quiet moments in the evenings. So, I feel that I really need to take advantage and beckon my heart to His and rest.

Hey Martha's are you with me?

Again, these words are from the InCourage blog and posted here (If you need your daily ounce of "other poeple who understand you", I encourage you to add this one to your daily portion!):

**I was made to plan and organize.

That’s what I do best. Give me a sticky problem and I’ll find a solution. I’ll set up a check list and organize the workers and get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Really. That’s how my brain works.

My reaction, when I’m faced with a predicament, is to analyze, determine the best course of action, and then implement it.

I don’t think things should just be left to themselves.

They need to be dealt with, planned for, and finalized.

How does that phrase go? Ah, yes! Divine interruption.

Or, “Divine, set me back on my heels and tell me to sit down and just listen”.

Martha is memorialized in the Bible because she approached Jesus and asked him to tell her sister Mary to get up and help her in the kitchen. She was, after all, doing what she did best – taking care of her guests by planning and executing.

Cooking, cleaning, serving. Much needed and necessary duties.

Mary, on the other hand, is memorialized in the same Bible, indeed in the same passage of scripture because she wasn’t doing anything at all – just sitting at Jesus’ feet and drinking in the life-altering words he was speaking.

I’m thinking that Martha, for all her hard work utilizing her greatest gift – that of organizing and serving – missed something that day, so Jesus reminded her of just what it was.

There comes a time when Jesus just wants us to sit down at his feet and listen. Absorb his love, his words, his heart.

I can guarantee you that if Martha would have asked if she could just sit there too instead of fixing the meal, Jesus would have fixed the meal for them all, just like he multiplied the loaves and fishes.

Because checklists and timeframes are no big deal to him. Changing lives is.

For me, just like Martha, it’s very hard to fold my hands, rest my mind, and let Jesus take care of the planning. The greatest breakthroughs are always at those times of quiet and submission at the feet of the One.

So, I’m sitting quietly and listening. Listening to that still, small voice.

I’ve dusted off my hands, and left the mess in the kitchen to be dealt with later. I’m resting my mind from its incessant checklists and timeframes, and I’m sitting comfortably at the feet of Jesus.

Tell me again just how much you love me. Tell me again just how much you love us all. Tell me one more time, please.

Expand my heart. Expand my reach. Expand my influence.

Until all the world knows

As Jesus and his disciples went on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha”, the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
~ Luke 10:38-42

forward

2011-01-25T13:51:00.000-06:00

This was too good not to share:

Only in America…do drugstores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front.

Only in America…do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a diet coke.

Only in America… do banks leave vault doors open and then chain the pens to the counters.

Only in America..do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and put our useless junk in the garage.

Only in America…do we buy hot dogs in packages of ten and buns in packages of eight

Only in America .....do they have drive-up ATM machines with Braille lettering.

EVER WONDER ...
Why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our skin?

Why can't women put on mascara with their mouth closed?

Why don't you ever see the headline 'Psychic Wins Lottery'?

Why is 'abbreviated' such a long word?

Why is it that doctors call what they do 'practice'?

Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?

Why the man who invests all your money is called a broker?

Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?

Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food?

Why didn’t Noah swat those two mosquitoes?

Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?

You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes? Why don't they make the whole plane out of that stuff?!

Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?

Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?

If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?

If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?

lazy dog

2010-12-30T15:55:00.000-06:00

After I looked through my pictures from Christmas, I decided to do a whole post of pics form Christmas of our dog and how lazy she is...don't mind all the extra adornments...she secretly loves being terrorized!!

day 20-25

2010-12-30T15:31:00.000-06:00

so, these are a little late, but I thought you (and I!) might need them for records sake:

20. M - Tweet memories of your favorite Christmas

Micah 5:2-5

21. T - Google holiday traditions of your favorite country

Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11

22. W - Visit www.incourage.me and see what kind of Christmas warm fuzzies you can read

Luke 1:1-38

23. Th - Put on Christmas music and dance

Luke 2:1-20

24. F – Put out cookies and a note for Santa – cross your fingers he gets you what you want!

John 1:1-9

25. S -Enjoy the day with your family and remember why this is the “Most Wonderful time of the year”

This really has become a new thing I will add as a tradition at Christmas. It really helped me focus on the meaning of the season and made me intentional about the things I was doing...more to come on that later!

announcement

2010-12-20T10:24:00.000-06:00

yesterday at church, we talked about a miraculous announcement.

How God appeared and prepared the hearts of Elizabeth and Mary and how John came to prepare the way, how God prepared Mary's heart and how he provided to us His grace.

We also talked about how all of them were in the right place to be used by the King. He was going to send his Son - and they were willing and available to be used...that's powerful. To be the instrument through which God demonstrates his GRACE...

Saw this video this morning that really put it into perspective

I really love how these technology groups are making social media videos for the rest of us to understand!

no words

2010-12-17T19:34:00.000-06:00

I have no words to really explain what this video means to me this year...this truly is where my heart is and what it bleeds for this holiday season...

that this box of things I collected throughout the year at clearance sales and as coupon freebies...

could turn into this...

May my life reflect the wonder of God's restoration and JOY!

advent 16-19

2010-12-17T14:28:00.002-06:00

16. Th - Think of someone spending the holidays alone for the first time, send them a card to let them know you are thinking about them this time of year

Daniel 9:24-27

17. F - Send your co-workers Christmas emails!

Galatians 4:4-5, Ephesians 1:9-12

18. S - Make holiday cookies or bread

Numbers 24:17, 19, Revelation 22:16, 2 Peter 1:19

19. Su - Have a picnic under the Christmas

Malachi 3:1, Luke 1:67 -79

Advent 13-15

2010-12-15T10:25:00.000-06:00

13. M - Make cider and sit with a candle and read your favorite scripture

Psalm 62:5-6, Isaiah 26:3, Isaiah 40:31, Hebrews 10:23

14. T - Pay for the person in the drive through behind you

Isaiah 11:1-2, Jeremiah 23:5-6

15. W - Reflect on your favorite Christmas present received and given

Isaiah 42:1, 5-6, Isaiah 60:1-3, 19-22

Advent 13-15

2010-12-15T10:24:00.001-06:00

13. M - Make cider and sit with a candle and read your favorite scripture

Psalm 62:5-6, Isaiah 26:3, Isaiah 40:31, Hebrews 10:23

14. T - Pay for the person in the drive through behind you

Isaiah 11:1-2, Jeremiah 23:5-6

15. W - Reflect on your favorite Christmas present received and given

Isaiah 42:1, 5-6, Isaiah 60:1-3, 19-22

advent catch up

2010-12-10T15:08:00.002-06:00

6. M - Write a list of 10 things you are thankful for this year

Numbers 24:17, 19, Revelation 22:16, 2 Peter 1:19

7. T - Google the traditions of other December holidays like Hanukah and Kwanza

Malachi 3:1, Luke 1:67-79

8. W - Stop by Starbucks for a holiday beverage

Micah 5:2-5

9. Th - Read your favorite childhood Christmas story – even if you have to go to the bookstore to find it

Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11

10. F - Watch your favorite Christmas movie

Like 1:11-25

11. S - Drive around your favorite neighborhood and look at lights

Luke 1:26-38

12. Su -Tweet your favorite Christmas tradition

John 1:1-9

Advent 4 and 5 - Weekend

2010-12-03T10:54:00.003-06:00

4. S - Go to the mall just to look at the Christmas decorations (you can shop too!)

Daniel 9:24-27

5. Su - Visit a church you don’t usually attend

Galatians 4:4-5, Ephesians 1:9-12

Advent Day 3 - Friday

2010-12-03T10:53:00.002-06:00

F - Make a bowl of Christmas oranges – stick cloves in the sides of oranges in

Isaiah 42:1, 5-6, Isaiah 60:1-3, 19-22

Advent Day 2

2010-12-02T09:34:00.000-06:00

2. Th-Check out what Day Spring is doing for Compassion Kids in Ecuador. Send a card through their website… http://www.studiodayspring.com/cardbasket_view/?basket_id=160 or http://www.dayspring.com/

Isaiah 11:1-2, Jeremiah 23:5-6

Thanksgiving

2010-12-01T21:09:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving night, my dad decided it would be fun for us to go to the ICE exhibit at the Gaylord Texan. And, he was right...it was fun. He just left out the part of reminding us to bring all our gloves and such since it was so cold. But we had a great time. My dad's cousin and his family went with us and it was fun for all involved. I'm just afraid the kids and adults roles have changed!

The Gaylord is decorated so amazing this time of year. Everywhere you turn there is something else so cool to look at. We enjoyed all of it! I really wanted to just to the restaurant and watch football, but that wouldn't be very hospitable!

Advent Day 1

2010-12-01T20:54:00.000-06:00

Advent Day 1:

1. W-Light a candle and say a prayer for a loved one far away

Psalm 62:5-6, Isaiah 26:3, Isaiah 40:31, Heb 10:23

Advent Calendars

2010-12-01T20:53:00.000-06:00

Advent calendars have become my obsession this holiday season, thanks to my friends Suzanne. A couple weeks ago, I was in Fayetteville spending the weekend with her and we started talking about how she loves Advent. We never really did anything with Advent at my house growing up, so its one of those holiday traditions that I've kinda been intrigued by. I always thought it was something that very liturgical churches did by lighting a candle and doing the 4 Sunday's leading up to Christmas....boy was I wrong!

Of course like so many holiday things, it can run in so many directions. Some people fill there Advent holder with candy, some with service projects, some with fun holiday traditions, some with scriptures, some with devotionals. I'm kinda the fan of the "combination" tactic. You know a little of everything!

After we visited, I became curious and spent some time researching online about Advent. There was all kinds of info about these felt, holiday shaped things that you can purchase at places like Pottery Barn. But, I didn't find anything that was the combo that I was feeling or that had the "look" I really like. So, I decided to branch out based on the ideas I'd seen and make a "wall hanging" advent calendar myself and then decided I would put my own set of "to-do" activities inside.

In the process of looking at these ideas, I couldn't find a great "how-to" on sewing an Advent calendar of your own..maybe that's a sales ploy and I apologize now to the Etsy's shops I'm killing business for, but I thought in my process of making an Advent calendar, that it would be fund to take pics and create a little "how-to" demo for you guys (or for me to come back to next year!)

How to make your very own Advent Calendar Wall Hanging

Keep in mind here the goal is to make it personal, so pick fabrics, threads, and accessories that match your home, your personal style, or the colors of your Christmas decorations. This is also a great time to dig through that scrap bin and see what you have to use up - or to check out that sale section at Wal-mart.

For my wall hanging, I chose a grey herring bone designed fabric. I'll be honest. It took me a while to decide what kind, but I loved this..its really fabric to make dress pants out of and I thought really would complement the home of the person I made it for. They have a very comfortable, yet modern home decorating style. To me, something like this should complement your home - not stand out! Since her home is decorated in Black, White and Grey, I chose those colors as my main focus and then accented with other colors I'd seen around her house - my thread was a dark brick red like the colors in her kitchen.

Gather your supplies:

I worked of the dimensions of 17" wide x 20" tall for the back ground fabric (x2)

5 strips that were 17" wide x 4" tall - for this it was the same fabric as the background, but I did another one where I used a solid on the background and stripes and polka dots on the strips.

17"x20" piece of iron on interfacing

accent thread - will show from the outside

25-2" squares of felt - again, you could use any fabric, I just wanted a solid for this one

accent pieces you can sew or glue on

3 - 4" strips of ribbon

fabric paint for numbers or on my second one, I hand embroidered the #'s on - you could monogram them as well if you have that type of machine.

using my lovely Fiskars cutter, I cut all my fabrics first to they were ready when I needed them:

2 - 17"x20" background pieces

1 - 17"x20" piece of adhesive interfacing

5 - 17"x4" strips - can match background fabrics or be an accent

25 - 2" felt squares or whatever fabric you want to put your #'s on

I folded down one long edge of the strips by 1/2 " - iron down and sew to make a hem/finished edge

I'm horrible at ironing, but every time on this b/c of the type of fabric I used, I always went back and ironed after I did any sewing just to reinforce the crease.

***Let me add in here. If you are planning on putting #'s on the squares by monogram or hand stitching, this would be the place you would want to do that, BEFORE you secure them to the strips. Since I painted mine on, I did not include this step until the end.***

Next, find the middle of each strip and place a felt square - centered - over the space and pin down (it doesn't have to be completely exact)

Place two squares on each side of the center one, making sure everything is evenly spaced as you go

(use the picture above as a guide)

Repeat this on all the strips.

Then, sew a straight line down the top and bottoms of the strip to secure the felt squares in place. This is the way I chose to do it - I didn't want glue over time deteriorating or discoloring the fabric. I also didn't want the fabric squares flapping because the top was secured, but the bottom wasn't.

Next, go in and sew on your embellishments. again, these could be anything from ribbons, to buttons, to beads, to other holiday items you find - you name it and you like it - its free game!

Also, I chose to sew these on - I feel like an item like this can be in the family for a long time and I didn't want the glue to deteriorate over time.

Once all of your strips have everything you want done to them before they are sewn on to the back, you are ready to "assemble" your calendar. Strategy and measurement really comes into play at this point.

*Make sure you pay attention to which side of the strip is the finished edge and which side is raw. - You will want to sew the raw edge to the bigger fabric so when it is turned up, the edge is finished*

Place the background fabric flat on your surface with the "right" side up. place your bottom strip on the fabric - rights sides together with the raw edge facing away from you. Measure up an inch from the bottom of the background fabric and pin down your strip straight across. Sew your strip to the background fabric, trimming your threads as you go.

bring your fabric with one strip sewn on back to your flat surface. Roll the strip up to make a giant pocket where the embellishments are facing up. Pin down, pulling the pocket taught as you go.

*hint, you will want to put your pins along the top seam going parallel with the seam, in a minute when you sew down the fabric to make the individual pockets it will be much easier if you can keep your pins in place.*

(close up to see what the pockets look like when you pull them taught and pin)

Repeat with each layer, remembering to keep a small distance between the top of the previous layer and your seam allowance.

Once all 5 rows are sewn on the back fabric and pined, you are going to sew straight down (top of the first row to bottom of the last row) to make the individual pockets. You may measure to be exact, but the felt squares should serve as a guide for you to see the individual rows. I also sewed down each side just to reinforce the edges of the pockets even though they will be caught when you add the backing.

Iron your interfacing to the back of the other large piece of your background fabric. Remember to iron it to the "wrong" side of your fabric.

decide where you want your 3 hangers to be on your calendar. Above you will see that I used one giant loop. I DO NOT recommend this method. The edges curl down when it is hanging. I would instead suggest one loop in the middle and one towards each end that you could run a dowel rod or other stick through to hold the calendar once it is done.

With raw edges together, pin the loops to the fabric with the pockets on it. Remember that when this is turned inside out, the loops will flip over, so when you pin it down make sure the "loop" is facing the bottom and the edges are pinned to the edge of the fabric.

Once you have your interfacing attached to the fabric. Place the fabric on top of the background fabric with pockets. The "right" sides should be together. Pin the outside edge of the two fabrics together and sew all the way around the edge. The seam will not only hold the fabrics together and make a finished edge, but it will also help hold the interfacing in place. Remember to leave about a 3 inch space at the bottom to be able to turn the calendar right side out.

Turn the calendar right side out, making sure to push out all the corners to a point (trim them before you turn them if you need to). Iron down all the seams to make a nice crease. Also, fold under the opening to the same seam as the rest of the calendar. Pin in place.

Sew right along the edge of the Calendar all the way around. This will make a clean edge and will help close your opening at the same time.

your almost done.

Since I chose to paint my numbers on the pockets, I had to make sure everything else was done b/c once I painted, I need to let it air dry for a couple days to let the paint fully dry.

While you wait, you can pick the 25 things you are going to put in each pocket. I made a list of activities, service projects and prayer/Scripture projects. It was so fun to come up with the ideas. I might also suggest looking at the calendar and seeing what day Dec 1st falls on so you can plan accordingly as you fill your calendar - some activites are better over a weekend vs. a weekday, you may also already have something on your calendar that you can incorporate into your advent (like a holiday party or parade). I just typed my activities out on the computer and cut them in strips that I folded and put in each pocket. You could also fill the pockets with a little holiday toy or candy. The possibilities here really are endless. However, make sure your numbers or any other embellishments are dry before you start messing with the projects.

You can see the finished product below.

If you are like me and have never really done Advent, let me encourage you to research it and check it out. There are so many ways you can incorporate this into your holiday tradition and I can already see how it really can help you get in the holiday spirit.

Remember this should be something that's fun and helps get you in the holiday spirit. But, its also an easy way to prepare your heart for the Christmas season. Let me encourage you to include scripture and service ideas as part of your 25 days of activities. It really does make you think about the endless possibilities we have when we just take the time.

Here are some ideas not included in my caledar this year that you can steal:

Take food to a local food pantry

Take doggie treats to the local humane society

Send a holiday card to a military person

Denver in November

2010-11-18T18:47:00.000-06:00

To celebrate our HUGE success, Suzanne and I took a weekend trip to Denver...Estes Park.

So relaxing, so fun and I was not ready to come home.

I LVOE FALL

capitol

downtown

where we stayed

nice view

view from the balcony

and these little guys live in town..apparently they own the place

took a little drive through the mountains..we planned to hike a little, but when we got to the top, it was a sideways blowing storm. Started out at 64 and was 33 on the way up..not so great for "walking" and outdoor picture taking

two little roadside friends

butting heads

We took a tour of the Stanley Hotel. While we were there they were having a TAPS convention - you know the paranomal activity folks. It has a long history of ghosts and hauntings.

This staircase was used in the movie Dumb and Dumber..welcome to Aspen

tunnels that used to lead underground and connect the grounds and their buildings

This place was awesome. Beautiful, restful and relaxing..much different than the busy city of Arkadelphia!

November to remember

2010-11-18T18:23:00.000-06:00

This month, we hosted our first

Stepping up for Ouachita

women's fundraising event.

It was so successful and a great inagural event.

My co-worker Suzanne and I have been working planning this for the last year.

Pink Party

2010-11-18T18:15:00.000-06:00

October was also my month to host Bunko and since its Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I thought it was a perfect time to "theme out" a party. We had such a good time and you know I enjoyed pulling it all together:

grandmother's recipe - Strawberry cake

this amazing fabric I found for table cloths

pink candy in my goodie bags

little happies at all the places

the spread

I even fuond crystals to rim my cups with

giant campfire marshmallows dipped in pink chocolate - yes, I'm that crazy

roasted red pepper and artichoke dip

strawberries in my water

pink pasta

ribbon breadsticks

cranberry meatballs

Reunited

2010-11-18T18:06:00.000-06:00

The last weekend of October was my 10 year high school reunion. Its so hard to believe that these years have flown by so quickly, but it was so much fun to get back together with so many great friends:

Heather and I before we left for the game

walking up to the stadium...so many Senior memories in this place

Ashley...one of my sweet friends I've known since birth

Kerri, Paige, Emily

The girls at the game...if you only knew the process to get this shot

Pathetics 2000 - Janelle and Lynsey

Bennett's Babes - Erin and Heather

Julie, Angie, Heather and I

Mama Pitt and her boys - miss these guys

M.C. Lively crew - we all went to elementary school together

Sucha fun weekend. Sad we dont stay in touch better, but I'm so proud of these friends and all they are doing! So many teachers in our class.

October - fest

2010-11-18T17:53:00.000-06:00

October always ends up being the most busy month of the year, but its my favorite...

I made a christmas quilt for the OSF silent auction

I re-did my bedroom and "accessories"

Homecoming helped kick off the new Tiger for Life program

my name in the list of my class

we unveiled the new Tiger

My co-worker and P.I.C. came down for the weekend

Mom and Resa were around for the festivities

A little backstage action with Cortnie

And the boys...I "jazzed" up these shirts for their Disco #

At the end for the month, I went home for my class reunion and got to go to the pumpkin patch with the Hodgkiss/Miller crew

My best friend Heather

and trick or treating with Gavin, the lion

rest o' september

2010-11-18T17:38:00.000-06:00

I know that this time of year, an excuse post always shows up, I'm not sure what to tell you. However, here are some pics to give you an idea of what's happened...well since my last post.

Relay for Life Kick-off Party

I joined a group that I've really wanted to be part of - Leadership Clark County

zipline at our first retreat

My Class - LCC III

Pittman Productions

2010-11-18T17:22:00.000-06:00

Pittman Productions Recording Studio released its first single this week. This is a project my sister has been working on for some time and I'm so proud of her. Seriously if all of us had a P.E. teacher like this, I think childhood obesity would not be as big of a problem. If PE was this fun, even I would have enjoyed it more.

She wrote this song last year, inspired by the Cupid Shuffle that her students were doing. The students spell out the name of the school through foot and body movements. The background music was created just for this song. She could not find a beat she liked and knew that for creative and copyright purposes, she had to have her own, so she enlisted the help of a great musician at church. She sang through the song a couple times and he created the beat. She cut and edited it all together. The voices you hear are all her singing it, with voice adaptations added.

Us Pittman girls are known for our creativity - we just express it in several different ways. She definitely got the athletic and techie genes. Hey we cant have everything!

Enjoy!!

Time for a Change

2010-09-20T23:07:00.000-05:00

My good buddy Jason Jones is running for City Office - there have been some interesting things going on here in 'ole Arkadoo and its time to make some changes in city leaders and get some things done...well the things the people want done anyway.

So, we had ourselves a good old fashioned "Meet the Candidate" shin-dig at mi casa. It was so fun. We were all convinced of a couple things:

• we need to get together more

• there are way too many people in my neighborhood that I don’t know

• my backyard is a perfect place for an evening gathering...we need more reasons to get together back there!

It was fun and I loved having the opportunity to support Jason I'm so excited about what November will bring!!!

You know any good party has to have a theme..."Jason Jones, our ticket to Change"

and we had carnival food - popcorn, candy, animal crackers, and mini corn dogs

So fun!

And, BTW, if you are in Arkadelphia, get out and vote for School Board tomorrow - Sept 21 - we need to be doing our part to make a difference. Stop complaining and go punch the buttons in the voting booth!

Papa's Pears

2010-09-20T22:57:00.000-05:00

When I was at my Papa's house weekend before last, I might have snuck a couple pears from his tree out back while he wasn't looking. Bartlett pears have become a new obsession, but I think its becase they remind me of Papa's Pears. You see my Papa has a tree behind his house that I can remember for most of my life. It has the pretty green and brown pears on them. I dont know that I've eaten many of them, but I love to look at them, gather them up in the big galvanized bucket and put them in a basket on the table. I LOVE these pears. But, this time, I was determined that I was going to get some and make soemthing out of them. So, when mom and dad came last week for my scan results, I surprised them with a fancy dinner (I event put out cloth napkins and my dad won't use them-stinker)...well, maybe not fancy, but it was homemade and I topped it all off with Paula's Pear Crisp made with Papa's Pears (move over Peter Piper!)

Homemade Lasagna and it was good. I've worked on my recipe a couple times and I think I've perfected it!

Spinach salad with homemade Italian Pesto Dressing, Bartlett Pears from Brookshires and Toasted Pecans

Papa's Pears - they make me so happy

Steps to Pear Crisp:

thinly sliced...I think it made the difference...I'm a fan of leaving the skin on veggies

Flour, Oats, Brown Sugar - sprinkled over the top

And, there might have been 2 1/2 sticks of this stuff involved - it is Paula Deen after all

Cook until it is nice and toasty brown

Serve it with Ice Cream and it is perfect - We had it with Yarnell's Key Lime Pie - I know it sounds weird, but the tart and the sweet were the perfect mix.

I've looked up the recipe online to list below. I would adjust it if I made it again, but this is not what I wrote down the first time, so I might try it this way first...But, I thought it had too much flour and not enough sweet. When I re-heated it, I drizzled honey on top with a little cinnamon mixed in and that was perfect, wish I had thought of that the first time.

Oh how I love my Papa - not just for his pears! But it sure doesn't hurt. :)

Paula's Pear Crisp

6 Large pears (about 2 - 1/2 punds) peeled, cored and thinkly sliced

1/4 cup warm water

1 lemon, juiced

2 cups rolled oats

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups brown sugar

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

2 1/2 sticks butter, melted

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine pears, water and lemon juice in an 8 by 8-inch baking pan. In a bowl, combine oats, flour, sugar and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and stir to make a crumbly mixture. Spread the topping evenly over the fruit. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until the topping is crisp and browned.

apologies explained

2010-09-20T22:41:00.000-05:00

So, I've been busy and here's how:

I mentioned in my previous post about the Heroes of Hope Program. What I failed to mention was a sign of blessing tagged to it. Back in the middle of August I received a call from a "228" area code. I went ahead and answered it for fear that it was something I didn not want to miss and I'm glad I did. I was a sweet lady on the other end of the line with a nice southern twang in her voice. She proceeded to introduce herself and conduct what I considered a "trial run" interview. I think she really wanted to see what kind of Southern twang I had in my voice and I'm guessing more importantly, she wanted to see what my communication skills were like.

It is a little known fact that when I'm on these types of calls, I get up and pace. I talk loud, I go in the other room from where I am and I pace. So, while chatting with sweet Stella, I walked into my living room (I was in the middle of a sewing project with music blarring) and just walked back and forth from my window to the dining room. As our conversation was coming to a close, I looked down at my table and saw this (laying in a pile of fabric I had not touched in two weeks):

I know it seems strange, but to me it was a sign. Not a sign that I got it, but a sign that if I believe that all God's promises are true, that He is who He says He is, and that He is in control, then....He is in control. It was a subtle reminder in the midst of all I was doing that He holds on to His promises. Simple, but true. I think I will call it my Noah moment. You see the ribbon crossed in this manner is a universal sign of HOPE. It doesnt matter what color it is or whether it is cancer related or not, it is the symbol we use for HOPE and, in that moment when I was interviewing for something I wanted so bad, it was a sign of Enduring Promises.

I've also been a little busy with some re-decorating activities. I mentioned sewing, here's what I've been up to:

I found a new comforter for my guest room on sale in a "back to school" reject section at Wal-mart. I loved the colors, but I wanted to add a personal touch. I think the lady at the Wal-mart fabric counter runs when I show up because I pull out all kinds of stuff and then just stand there and stare at them until they "speak" to me. I found the charcoal and the silky peach stuff on the $1 table and I just love the black and white flowers to much to walk away from them. The rest of the stuff I found in my remnants and notions at home. I must admit the big pillow wasn't initially intended to look like that, but I mis-measured, well, mis-cut, so I had to modify and adjust...but, now I'm in love. Sometime, I impress myself! :)

During my week of "updating" , I re-painted my bathroom as well. I found this shower curtain when I was with Mom at Burlington one day and decided kiwi green was going to be my accent (I was afterall still using the towels I went to college with!). So, My friend Kate helped me pick out paint colors and now my "Jasper" bathroom feels like a Tiffany Box greeting me every morning! I'm in love!

These little babies came from Big Lots on one of my recent trips to Tyler - how perfect and $5 for the set

And this, I felt so proud of. I found the fabric at Wal-mart - $1 bin and it matched almost perfectly. I thought the white piping just made it "pop" it was much better than the dusty thing I was using before (but super grateful for b/c the folks before me, left it behind!

completely clear

2010-09-15T00:35:00.000-05:00

That's what Dr. M said today when I went in for my post-scan apt. He read straight off the report "no evidence of anything"! So um yeah...that was awesome news.

2 years. It’s been two years since He first told me I was in remission. I think the words "complete remission" were even used today, but I think we really have to wait for the 5 year mark. But, 2 years was the big one.

I am so excited. It was kinda weird. You expect big speakers to fall from the sky and angel music to start playing...you know kinda like what you hear in the background when you look at a picture of the Taj Mahal.

There was definite retail therapy had this afternoon and I might just the new proud mama to a pair of black, peep-toe Bandolinos. Maybe, just maybe.

But, I am so ecstatic.

I was also recently bestowed the honor as a Hero of Hope. This is a great ambassador program that the ACS has and after an application, interview and selection process, I was chosen, along with another girl, to represent Arkansas ACS over the next year at events throughout the state. I'm super excited!

We have a training later this fall and then after some "bonding" with my fellow Heroes, we will be trained and ready for the year ahead. In a lot of ways, I really feel like this is why I had cancer. Speaking and using my voice is a gift and I feel very grateful for the responsibility ahead of me.

I'm sure you will hear lots of stories about the road trips, speaking engagements and people I meet.

Thank you for YOUR support in this process. I still feel so blessed to have had your shoulders to stand on while I've walked this journey.

O-U-A-C-H-I-T-A

2010-09-06T00:16:00.001-05:00

Well, it would seem after a week like last week when Tiger Tunes tickets went on sale, that I would have had a great opportunity to reflect in the days leading up to Thursday, about the wonderful place that I call home.

Yes, I'm one of the lucky ones....those who live in Arkadelphia and call OUACHITA - employer!

Two weeks after I graduated, I walked into Cone-Bottoms for my first day of work. 6 years later, I find myself at a different place, a different woman, a different understanding about Ouachita, but the same (well, if I'm honest, its different too!) love for the place that I call home.

Today, September 6th, is Ouachita's 124th Birthday - yeah, that's old. Its seen economic times like the depression, WWII, early 80's and 2009! Its lived to tell the stories of different curfews for men and women. Its changed athletic conferences several times, each with its own set of competitions - but none rival that of those stinkin' Reddies across the street. Its had several face lifts and is recovering very nicely from its most recent procedure!

But, through all those road turns, set backs, accomplishments and visionary fortitude, it has remanded the same. A prestigious (yes, I feel that confident in it!) 4- year, private, Christian (yes there is a difference in Private and Christian) academic institution. Its commitment to educating young men and women in a moral, ethical, Christian environment has not wavered.

Some criticize that it is too protective, I'm so grateful for that. Some criticize that it does not expose you enough to the real world, I say thank goodness. Some wonder if you can fully understand and prepare to work in the cut-throat corporate world when you are nurtured through a Christian academic environment, I say even more so. You see - we were lead, well "assisted" through an amazing time of self- discovery. And, I think when you are shown the way and not thrown to the wolves, you come out a different person on the other side.

Yes, you will automatically do some serious life growing from 18 -22, no matter what environment you are in. I'm grateful that I resided at 410 Ouachita for those years!

You see, the people I met there made all the difference. Yes, I had a great education, that I am so proud of. But, I was completely surrounded by people who cared about ME. From the President to my roommates (all whom I knew on a first name basis, mind you), I knew people there would love me and care for me despite the self-discovery process I was on.

And, I know that it was God's divine intervention that had me at Ouachita during my cancer journey. From the moment I discovered "the lump" to the day I heard the word remission, there was not a moment that my Ouachita friends did not surround me. Those are times I will cherish all my life and forever be grateful for.

The girls I lived with at Ouachita are some of my very best friends - I always tell people these are the girls I call when I want to celebrate a victory or be surrounded by during a crisis (and we have done both). Every time we get back together it feels like we are back on the 4th floor of Maddox hall or running that halls of Frances Crawford.

Speaking of Frances Crawford, I was in there a couple weeks ago for move-in weekend and I kinda got a little teary talking to some freshmen girls about the memories I made in that building. I can walk in the lobby and the smell can take me back (no its not bad...just distinct!) to late night conversations about boys and being away from mom, making food concoctions with our microwaves and whatever we could find in our "pantry", to writing Liberal Arts papers for each other, to getting ready for TWIRP (our version of a Sadie Hawkins week), to cleaning up the mess that was made over the Holiday weekends when we forgot to clean out our fridge. I think about walking in there hot and sweaty from intramural football games and first kisses. I think about that Saturday morning in January when all the social clubs came through to "gather" their new members. I think about Saturday's getting up late, going for an Arby's run, watching football and Lifetime movies. I think about late night Taco Bell and Wal-mart runs. I think about putting my laundry on to wash on the first floor and bringing my kitchen timer back to my room so I didn't let it "rest" in there before putting it in the dryer only to find my pile of wet clothes sitting on the table because I waited too long. I remember rearranging our rooms after our moms left because we didn't like the way it was set up. I remember that blue phone we used in our room before we all had cell phones. I remember loosing that stupid TCU shirt and turning our room upside down to find it. I remember the buzz of the air conditioner b/c we always kept it on high. I remember praying with my parents and my roommate and her parents after we left New Beginning before WOW and not knowing what all lay ahead. I remember crying and journaling about the "traumatic" things that were happening.

Somehow, I don't remember meeting the girls across the hall...we were just friends. And, somehow I don't remember how I made it onto a freshman girls football team (especially given my nonathletic background), but I did. I remember that the first day of my work-study job in the athletic office, I miss spelled the word "University" on a form for the conference and had to re-type it on a typewriter. I remember the night the girl across the hall from me fell off her loft her dad made and broke her arm. I remember the day I gave a girl a concussion in those previously mentioned football games and I broke my middle finger...(not in the same incident!) and my mom and dad told me that I was banned from playing...I didn't listen and re-broke the same finger the next year...that really made it hard to type my Liberal Arts paper.

I loved it and I truly consider myself a lucky one. Lucky that I finally listened to my 10th grade Sunday School teachers back in the "Crooked-I" who told me I would love this place (and so sad I missed up all those opportunities they gave me to come with them to Tiger Tunes). Lucky that I had an amazing work study job that really opened the door for me to get a job on campus. Lucky that I got that call on Wed of my senior year finals week - asking me if I wanted to come interview for a new job they had created at Ouachita. Lucky that I got the job and thankful that I'm still here.

O-U-A-C-H-I-T-A
Here's good luck to Ouachita
May all her skies be gay (we were established in 1886 when that word meant something completely different)
Come along and sing the song
A loud Hip-Hip- Hooray
O-U-A-C-H-I-T-A

**Ouachita alumni (or friends, too!) join the BlogAbout. Simply write about your favorite Ouachita memories and either leave a comment on my blog with a link, or email your link to motll@obu.edu and Lori will tag you on our special website www.obu.edu/blogabout. Oh, and make sure and encourage your readers to do the same. I cant wait to hear about your Ouachita memories. For more information, check out the BlogAbout story.**

obu hollar!

2010-09-03T15:11:00.000-05:00

Monday is an exciting day for Ouachita. September 6th is our Founder's Day. We are celebrating this year with a special celebration! Join us in the fun and check out how you can get involved at BlogAbout.

Here's how it works...

Announcing the first ever

OBU BlogAbout

Monday, September 6

We are asking all OBU alumni and current students who blog to share their OBU stories (favorite memory, how you ended up at OBU, etc.) on Ouachita’s Founder’s Day this year.

Then encourage your readers who are alumni to do the same or share their story in the comments section of your blog.

Send Lori Motl (motll@obu.edu) a link to your story, and she will post it on www.obu.edu/BlogAbout.

If you don’t blog, but know alumni who do, please share this blog with them and encourage them to join in.

So, go ahead, spread the word about the event over the weekend so everyone has their fingers ready to tell all those amazing Ouachita stories on Monday.
Let’s tell the world what is so special about the Ouachita Experience!

(And, you can even copy and paste the pic below as your profile pic on facebook over the weekend and tag your friends so they know what's going on!)

Tiger Nation, let's share the experience!

safe times

2010-08-25T11:14:00.010-05:00

Who said fun things don't happen in Arkadelphia?

LOCKDOWN

I was so proud of our campus and the way they protected our students, avoided mass chaos, and kept the day running as smoothly as possible.

On a totally related note, I'm officially and Arkansan. I listened to the scanner on the internet while they "tracked down" and "apprehended" the suspect. It was so cool. I completely understand why people here own police scanners...it can make for some interesting entertainment.

Tigers for Life

2010-08-23T16:04:00.002-05:00

I love the energy that is back on campus!!!!

http://www.todaysthv.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=592752558001

(make sure and mute the music to watch this great video about our new ranking!)

I am not however happy with how slow they are making the internet by all their frivolous activity!!!

give a little bit

2010-08-18T16:32:00.000-05:00

So, the American Cancer Society Little Rock Metro area is really close to meeting their fundraising goal for the year...you can help.

Think about it...what if you...
-gave up your coffee one day a week
-didnt eat out lunch one day week
-rented a movie from Red box instead of watching at the the theater
-used coupons on your next shopping trip
-didnt eat out one weekend a month

AND DONATED THE MONEY TO THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY INSTEAD!

Think about it. How quickly could it add up? So, here's a challenge. Click Here to visit my Personal Page and help us out. There are several links you can click to get to the donation page.

This is more than just finding a cure for cancer - its making like better for those affected by it!

pics from philly

2010-08-16T21:24:00.000-05:00

Let's just say there were over 1600 of these to sift through....I've been a little busy!

wanna see more? check out http://bigpittstop.shutterfly.com/

In case you couldnt figure it out...my mom, sis and I went to Philadelphia!

just like that

2010-08-16T21:07:00.000-05:00

And, just like that, my Google reader says I have one un-read item.

Yeah, there were over one thousand when I started. And, the "un-read" item is something I actually read, but wanted to read again, so I marked it that way. So, now that I'm caught up on that maybe I can write a blog again!

I kinda feel like I just cleaned out a closet.

zim zam zoom

2010-07-31T23:20:00.000-05:00

Today, we went to the circus in Dallas. So fun. We added it up and its been at least 15 years since any of us attended a circus. I'll admit, it was a little different than when I was 5, but there is something to nostalgic and amazing to watch magic unfold under the disguise of clowns, tight rope / trapeze artists, the elephants walking around holding each others tails, the black stallion, the Chinese ribbon dancers, the dog tricks, the tiger cage and the other feats of balance that keep you on the edge of your seat. I was disappointed that there was not a motorcycle trick act. But, we had 45 minutes on the floor before the show started and it was live action at its finest.

They told us before the show that we could not bring our cameras, so you will have to settle for the shots I got with a disposable camera...hey, it kept me entertained!

with Larry the clown...I commented that this guy was probably a huge dork in high school, but is living out his dream! They say if you can find something to do that you love, you will never work a day in your life.

I know its not all roses, but there must be something to traveling around on the 2 mile long Ringling Bro. train with the 412 people that it takes to entertain us and run the circus.

So fun, this guy was obsessed with NEON...completly 80's.

He was the colorful version of Magee and Me...Anybody?

Playing a little dress-up...those costumes are heavy...and I cnt imagine how much they stink after the show. Imagine doing the laundry for this group!

The trapeze artists were right above our head. I didnt think I could handle it.

That always scares me to death! They ride bicycles across a wire...I'm always amazed.

How fun would it be to take two years and travel with the circus? Their train is like a full city on the tracks. I tried to talk my sister into working for their school. She had a good point that they would probably be bored with the physical education stuff she teaches. I mean their parents are trapeze artists after all!

so perfect

2010-07-21T23:35:00.000-05:00

Saw this pic today and it completly made my day.

Somewhere along the way I became a font snob (probably from my font savont friends) and this would have to be one of my biggest peeves! I'm a serious nerd!

I also heard on the radio today about this girl...seriously is she really doing this? At least there is service component...if she doesn't find a man, she is giving the wedding to a deserving couple. And, she is organizing her men on a spreadsheet...oh a woman after my own heart (I mean, you have to have men to organize on a spreadsheet, so there's that). Whomever designed those was the ultimate Type A personality and should win a humanitarian award. I mean really, you can create complete peace from chaos with a good spreadsheet!

Enough now, I'm rambling.

CRFB

2010-07-20T17:08:00.000-05:00

Tonight, I have the amazing opportunity to share my personal story with a group of high school students and in the process challenge them to get involved in their local Relay events. I'm so excited. This is the reason I know I went on my cancer journey...surely this gift for gab is good for something. I'm really excited about it.

We are sharing this video with them:

I'm so excited to learn more about this group of Arkansas leaders (its the Presidents of each of the Student Councils). Some might say future leaders, but given the things they have already accomplished, I'm convinced they have already arrived!

light up the Dome

2010-07-13T18:57:00.000-05:00

Arkansas Friends, we have a really cool opportunity. On Friday night, the American Cancer Society is sponsoring a great event. Its called Light Up the Dome. HOPE will be spelled out on the Capitol lawn through lumniaries honoring those who are personally affected by cancer. You can get an early start on fundraising for your local event. Make sure and be a part of this awesome event.

Check out: Light up the Dome for more details!

You can contact Carrie Donnell at the main ACS office in Little Rock for more questions, but make sure to print off the order form on the link above.

Get involved...our gifts are making a difference!

so proud

2010-07-13T18:53:00.000-05:00

I know I always give her a hard time for all the crazy things she does, but I'm so proud of my mom. Thanks to my good friend Harper, I get to see all the fun things going on at Funshine at the Park this summer. It’s basically a Mother's Day out program with a fun summer twist. The first week, was the week of July 4th and they had a Thursday parade around the church and some of the houses that the church owns and our ministers live in. Last week was a circus theme and I've heard there was a visit by Lulu the clown..I'm holding out for those pics! This week is all about water fun and today they had a water play day and then on Thursday a Coast Guard guy is coming to talk to the kids about water safety.

When I was talking to my mom today, I told her I was so impressed. She just pulled all this stuff out of the air a few weeks before summer started. To which she replied, "Well actually, I just pulled it out of my head". That’s amazing to me.

My mama is so creative. She loves kids, loves teaching them new things and about Jesus. Growing up, everything at my house was an opportunity for fun. She would somehow manage to make a game out of housework...just ask my sister..there was a trash collecting game. I'm afraid it wore off on both of us. I'm the party planner and my sis is the amazing magician when it comes to kids.

I must say, she is a good woman to be a reflection of!

zippy's

2010-07-12T20:48:00.000-05:00

When I was home for the July 4th weekend, my mom and sis and I spent a rainy Friday in downtown Ft. Worth. Consider it training for our pending trip to Philly. Anyway, we stopped at this fun little burger joint for lunch. It was everything it promised...corner store, hole-in-the-wall, family operated (complete with a deaf grandpa who I was nice and smiled at and made a new friend with…it tested all my communication skills..I caught myself talking louder, like he was going to hear me),50's-diner-in-the-middle of the city kind of GOODNESS.

Zippy's is the place to be. The music was great. The service fast and friendly. And, you know it’s a good place when locals and business women in suits fill the booths. We picked the ranch style bar tables in the center of the room. Perfection.

yes, cheeseburger with pepperjack cheese and crinkle fries

my sis got a Southwest Grilled Chicken sandwich that was basically a fajita on a wheat bun...it was so good and those lovely golden brown disks you see are fried pickles. So good.

It did not disappoint. I completely, wholeheartedly, undeniably recommend this place!!!!

And looking at these pics makes me crave it already. So, if you find yourself wandering around downtown Ft. Worth, you are fool if you pass this one up!

4th of July

2010-07-05T19:35:00.001-05:00

We went down to the Ft. Worth stockyards on Friday and then Saturday morning, mom and Resa were in the Irving parade. An "on assignment" camera guy interviewed dad and I about the parade and apparently, we made the news. I've yet to see the interview and I can only imagine. After the guy asked me "why a local parade vs. a big city parade" and got my answer, he was surprised to find out I have a degree in communications...Got him!

Right before the Cattle Drive

Come on boys...

yes, for my Arkansas friends, those are real live Texas Longhorns!!!

This is dad's "why am I up this early on a Saturday to sweat and watch a parade

..oh yea, so I can be on TV" face

I love bagpipes, why are they not playing those things...oh yea, they were still trying to figure out how to step in line together...and, it was too early in the morning for a men to be wearing skirts

Nimitz High School band..I must confess they always have the best drumline

motorcycle church

right after I took this pic, the kid chunked candy from the car and hit his dad in the face with it...

I'm sure it was a long morning for the two of them

the local celebrities we came to see

our children's ministry at home as a red firetruck..its cool they are able to use it for all kinds of things

yes friends, that is woman balancing a watermelon on her head, she was spinning in cirlces and dancing too.

I know I was confused too, I thought I was back in Arkansas

I really think they could have picked a bigger guy to ride in this thing

So, why a local community parade vs. downtown Dallas? Community. You know these people, you can call them by name and they know you back. It gives you a chance to come together as a community and support each other - schools, business, politicians and churches, it doesn't matter we are all here supporting each other. These are the people you work with, you go to church with and you just do "life" together. and this gives you an opportunity to support each other and re-establish community pride.

~Oh, and I chose not to take pictures of the girls in flag bikinis - God Bless America~

Father's Day

2010-07-05T19:14:00.000-05:00

So, let's play catch up for a minute. for Father's Day, we had a NOLA feast. APparently this is the first year that we decided what we wanted dad to have instead of asking...but he still ate it all anyway...

At the last minute, we raided mom's jewlery and put on every long necklace we could find....I think we looked more like two crazy gypsy girls...but it was fun. We also pulled up some jazzy music and had a parade as dad came into the dining room

our parade was complete with a little lobster!

RC Cherry has made a come back and dad loves floats, so that's what we had for dessert (we found out later that dad has had homemade fudge every year since his first father's day and this was the first one without it...I guess were we having a "diet" dinner without chocolate!)

That's dad's I'm tolerating this face!

Man, he cleans up pretty nice...

With Papa!

Dad and his girls

deals and more

2010-07-05T19:02:00.000-05:00

So, it’s a well known fact that I like to shop with coupons. Why you ask? Well, it saves money and it’s like a fun little game I like to play. I don’t know that I could list myself as an overly competitive person, but I really like the rush and thrill that comes from playing the coupon game. Yes I know...I have no life.

I've had a couple people ask how, where and why I get all these coupons. My main sources are blogs - hence the fact that my Google reader stays full. I also find them in All You magazine, peelies - you know those little coupons that are stuck to products in the store, catalinas - the kind that print out when you check out of some grocery stores, and well, mom gives me some that she cuts from the newspaper when they are things she won’t use.

Why, and better yet, what do you do with all that stuff? Well, I do stockpile things and yes, I have a lot of extra things of deodorant, but it’s there when I need it and I usually don’t have to make one of those panic trips to the store when it’s the middle of summer and I don’t have shave gel! But, there are two other reasons that I really like to coupon.

A couple years ago, mom started giving us a FREE stocking - things that she collects all year long that are FREE. Yes, that means we have a stocking of random things, but they are usually things that we will use throughout the year. Like toothpaste, deodorant, razors, gum, etc. So, it’s always fun. Sometimes, she will get a gift card back from a store and then lets us use it to buy whatever. Last year I got some cool organizing things from Target. So, I decided this year to see what all I could collect. It has been really fun and sometimes it gets overwhelming and I have to take a break, but it’s cool to see what you can gather.

Another reason I coupon is for Operation Christmas Child. I collect things throughout the year that I can put in my boxes. For instance, this past week I had a $1 coupon for Reach toothbrushes and they were on sale for $.99 at Walgreens. So, they were completely free. Combine that with some toothpaste I got last month and those are two very practical items that I can put in my boxes. Also, at Walgreens, you can earn Register Rewards, or "dollars back" when you check out. I can turn right around and use those to buy 50% off summer items and have toys to go in my boxes. I know, it kinda sounds silly to be summer and packing Operation Christmas Child boxes, but its works for me.

It’s just a fun game for us to play. We are already getting these magazines or the newspaper. It just takes time to cut out and organize. Like I said it does get overwhelming and there are times I have to step away, but what’s a single girl to do in a small town on a Friday night!

Just to give you an idea of what I've done, here are some deals I scored this past week:

Example #1

I got all these items for 4.65 and saved 20.98 in one transaction

Example #2

I didn’t picture the receipt for this one because I paid with my debit card, but I spent $1.36 and saved $11.30. The Dentyne gum was on sale for 3/$1.98 and then there was a store coupon that made them 3/$.99 and I had a $1.00 off one coupon which made them free (at Walgreen’s you can combine a store coupon with a manufacturer’s coupon). The deodorant was on sale for $1.99 each and I had a $1.50 and a $1.00 coupon, so I paid $1.48 for two deodorants. And, I was excited about this next one. The Green Works cleaner (which I love using natural products like this) was in the clearance for $1.89 b/c the back corner of it was dented in. I had a $1.00 coupon which made it $.89. So, 6 items for $1.36!!!

Example #3

Those knives are going to be Christmas Presents. It was funny. There was a friend in line behind me when I bought these and I felt like I had to explain why I was buying 4 packages of kitchen knives. I also felt like this one of those receipts that they go searching through a serial killer’s house for. I have no intentions of doing anything with these except for wrapping them up in pretty striped paper and tying a cute bow around them. They are already in my Christmas present box and neatly put away in case someone comes looking for me. I was really concerned though that the guy at the register didn’t look twice at me or even make a comment. I guess that's why I wouldn’t make a good cashier...I'm too nosey to wonder what someone is going to do with all the stuff they buy!

Example #4 - My favorite one ever!!!

I must throw this out there, I did have my mom at Walgreens at midnight last Friday night...

It does take me a while to think through this and there are multiple lists,

coupon envelopes and the calculator on my cell phone involved.

Yes, you read that right, $.41 for 18 items. The plastic cutlery was on sale for $1 each package and I was able to use extra Register Rewards on those as well as the bamboo salad set which was marked down to $.50. The Reach toothbrushes I already told you about and the 3 yellow packages are airplanes that you put together to fly - great OCC items. The Kraft dressing ended up being $.50 and I got Italian so I can cook with it as well as make dressings and salads. The Hershey's pieces were $3.69 originally and they were on sale this week for 2.50 and I had a $1 coupon. These are great mixed in with sugar cookies for a fun treat for an upcoming event I have to go to. The gum was a repeat of above and the pink bowls - well, they were on sale for $1.50 for a package of 10 and I wanted them and had Register Rewards - I think there will be soup at Bunko next time I host!!! Everybody can have their own bowl!

Oh, and just so you can see...this is the box of FREE or extremely cheap things I've collected since January for Operation Christmas Child. We just started Christmas in July, so I think I'll be going to Dollar Tree this week to get those plastic shoe boxes (seriously it’s 1 more dollar and so much more useful than a cardboard one - our pastor's wife taught me that last year) and packing up these items to send to the kids.

There are a few philanthropic things that I get really excited about and this is one of them. I can’t wait to have kids to take shopping each year and use this as a really good lesson to teach them about missions, sharing, and praying for kids and families around the world who are not as blessed as we are. Our offering from VBS this year will go towards our OCC efforts and I'm so excited to see all the boxes the kids are able to pack. Get involved with this organization. It is such a blessing to pray for the children and their families as you pack the little boxes. These gifts through Operation Christmas Child will meet some needs for fun and practical ways, but God can heal their hearts, their wounds and their need for HIM.

yankee doodle

2010-07-01T18:42:00.000-05:00

When you wonder why I'm crazy, just remember this is the woman that raised me...

Yankee Doodle went to London just to ride a pony...I am that Yankee Doodle girl-ee!!!

(for explination, she was leading the children on their parade around the church)

mint-tastic

2010-06-29T23:34:00.000-05:00

I discovered today that I LOVE beverages with mint in them.

At the aforementioned restaurant, they had a little assortment of things you could mix in with your tea. So, I decided to tear up some mint leaves...I mean I'm from the south, it couldnt be bad. And, it was on the contrary...muy delicioso!!!

I think it must be something to do with my grown-up taste buds. You know they say that your tastebuds change ever 7 years or something. I think there are just grown-up foods that you decide to taste and discover that you like them and just because they were great or something, you never gave them a second chance as a child and have missed out. That or I'm just crazy and have learned the hard way how to appreciate the silly little things.

So, today it is mint. Love it. Want to grow it. Am trying. But, it isnt growing fast. I've always heard to never plant mint in with other plants because it will take over your flower bed. Well, I'm waiitng for it to take over my plastic terra cotta flower pot and its not working!

Sorry my posts have been so deep lately! Seriously, I have some thoughts I've been mulling over to share with you, but its a lot easier and quicker to write pointless posts about herbs!

run as fast as you can

2010-06-29T16:45:00.000-05:00

If you see a Cafe Express...run, run as fast as you can in the other direction. Otherwise, you will be pulled in by its perfect cozy dining room. It has all the things that make for a perfect summer restaurnat. Outside patio tables under white umbrellas and an inside dining room reminiscent of a European deli. The faux marbled turquiose tables and wooden chairs beckon you to sit and STAY. It has free wifi and a menu that confuses the mess out of you because everything sounds perfect. It is all made fresh, on-site. The sountrack mix that plays is only reminiscent of a fabulous pandora station - you know the one you listen to to put you in a good mood because it is so eclectic that you never get tired of the playlist. While dining, you get the vibe you just got off the beach on on a wonderful relaxing family vacation. (only to get back in your car and be abruptly reminded that you are in the middle of a city as you fight traffic on your way home!)

Once you get your food, you head to the condiment station. Which I can only imagine there are sevearl of in heaven. Everything you could want from banana peppers, garbanzo beans, marinated carrots and capers are waiting for you if you desire. Any type of mustard or salad vinegar that you could want to add a little kick to your selection sits adorning these clear hollywood party shelves.

So, I'm telling you...run, it will draw you in and make you want to eat dinner there too! (I'm just sayin)

oopsiee

2010-06-24T10:32:00.000-05:00

I need to appologize for my entry yesterday. It was abstract and probably didnt make sense...welcome to my world!

I know I could just easily delete it and start over or even pretend it didnt happen, but that's not authentic or organic...so I'm leaving it there. The bare, raw, strange part of my inner thoughts.

So, enjoy...pick it apart and realize "hey, we can't be perfect all the time!"

so, I fell in love today

2010-06-23T18:55:00.000-05:00

...with a new restaurant.

Blue Baker - it is all the things I love- free wifi, fresh food-like the made from scratch and use less ingredients kind, fun atmosphere and in a college town, and they had this amazing roasted poblano soup that I've already tried to google and I cant find a recipe...but, lucky for me, my mom likes to experiment and can usually figure out something like that.

While driving to the city that the above named restaurant is located, I drove through several small towns. Now, I love the back roads. You see country that you don’t usually get to see and I love a barn, a field with yellow flowers and longhorns, and country homes more than most. But, I noticed something as I drove into each of these cities. All of them had "historic downtowns". After seeing these "historic downtowns", I was hit with a thought...What exactly makes a downtown historic?

I grew up in Dallas and we all know that...so, I get the "historic downtown" thing - I mean we killed a President in ours. But, seriously, how can every small town be historic...and this is not just a Texas thing. Although we do like to tell "tall tales" more than the average American.

One town even listed "Recognized on the National Registry". So, ok, I'll give that one to them. But, what about the other cities around them.

And, I'm even more convinced today that 18-wheelers should have their own highway system. SERIOUSLY!

I had lunch with a friend today and was reminded what forgiveness can do for the soul. She has taught me a lot in life about what grace and unconditional love are and I'm the better for it. I was challenged today.

Dinner last night with an old friend reminded me - how much I've learned since I started a career 6 years ago, how fun a Texas summer night can be, the definition of being a young professional and my favorite things about summer.

So, in summary - I've got to figure out how every city can claim "historic downtown" and what qualifications have to be in place to give it that title, good solid friendships really do make the world go round, and when in Aggie Land eat at Blue Baker. The end.

on the road again

2010-06-16T12:41:00.000-05:00

I have a friend from high school whose dad, husband and another guy are on the road together to break their own world record. In 1997, they set the world record for driving through the 48 states using the least amount of fuel. In 99 they broke that record and set the record at 104 hours and 57 minutes. Since then, several people have attempted to beat them, but haven’t followed the rule correctly (and, if there was anything that drew this friend and I together it was because we were rule followers!...so, she is from good stock).

This week, the boys have set out to break their record once again, while following all the rules and make it something nearly impossible to reach!

I love it. I love the concept of a challenge and I love that they have set out something fun to do and accomplish together and stopped everything to do it (of course they have some good women behind them keeping things running while they are gone)..those are all the things WE at bigpittstop are committed to!

They are keeping a really fun blog going with pics and video of the progress so far.

Check out: 48in96

And, if you live in the DFW area, they have been keeping close contact with the ABC affiliate WFAA. I think there have been some spots on the Early Show and this feature as they set out. And, this article ran in the Dallas Morning News Monday.

Think about it. What record would you want to break? And, what have you set out to do and not accomplished yet? Is it time to drop everything and mark something off your bucket list...you do have a bucket list don’t you?

better than a hallejuah

2010-06-09T19:47:00.009-05:00

Here's a song that has really been speaking to me lately...

..(make sure you pause the music on the playlist on the left)

...may you be blessed by these lyrics..

I think there are a few things that I could add to her list...

fly to Jesus

2010-06-08T18:18:00.000-05:00

This morning, my sweet friend Jim Watts went to be with Jesus.

Jim was that guy at church that you wanted to see every Sunday because he greeted you with an encouraging word and a big bear hug. If you were down, he listened and then said something caring and funny to pick you up. Some of my earliest memories trying to get to know people at my church when I first joined were fellowships with Jim behind the grill. One of my most favorite things is a homemade hamburger and I swear he could make one (with his special spices) that could win a contest.

As I was finishing up my treatments in 08, Jim was diagnosed with colon cancer, and we walked the journey together over the past several years. His sweet wife Phyllis, or "Mama Bear" as Jim called her, has been through her own treatment and surgeries as well for cancer and their attitude going through this together was so strong.

Phyllis is a "put on your big girl panties type of girl" (now you know why we get along so well) and their strong faith has touched my heart. Jim always wanted to be at church if he could. He usually ran the camera at the end of the main aisle at church. And, when I was on the stage for Praise team, it was always an encouragement to see him back there. Even when he was too sick to be there, Phyllis comes and just sings her heart out. It’s amazing to watch someone who is worshiping through this type of experience. Her smile is so pure and you can tell it is from a clean heart that has a special relationship with her Lord.

When I got the news this morning, my heart hurt. And, as I read through comments on her facebook page this afternoon, my heart was full of memories of our sweet friend Jim.

I'm not sure when I will understand why the good ones have to go. It just doesn’t make sense. All I can believe is that we serve a faithful God and if His promises are true, then we have to believe that when we are in the pit, He loves us and still has the best intentions for us.

I cannot imagine or begin to feel what Phyllis and her girls are going through. They are my age, and they just lost their daddy.

I lost a friend, a cancer hero, a journey traveler, an encourager, a faithful man. And, as much as we love him, I can only imagine that His Father loved him more. And when he flew to heaven, he was greeted with a "Well done, my good and faithful servant".

May today inspire me to live everyday differently. And, may I not quickly forget how important it is love people and serve them with whatever God has laid before me. We are each given one go round...how will we spend it?

homage to ruru

2010-06-03T10:09:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I just like to wear dresses...I miss having a reason to dress up (she stated while still wearing her church dress at 9 o'clock sunday night)...somthing I never thought I would hear her say

I dont like tapping

umm...yes, ok - her answer to everything

si, si supueda - is her answer in the affirmative

everyday at school, she tries to get her kids to teach her a new Spanish word

when she wants to be annoying, she "meows" like a kitty

you can get her to do anything...like quit pestering you...by pulling her hair

dont ask her about putting up laundry when we were little unless you want to hear a story that is borderline sibling abuse...we are talking tying a purse strap to a laundry basket and the other end to her belt loop...she would drag the basket and I would put the laundry away...

Corduroy the Dog and Ice Cream Shop with our bicycles were our favorite sibling games to play

She is purple, I am pink

she can make a game out of anything

her new favorite thing is to paint...and she is very good at it

Dont leave any treasures on your curb, becasuse she is going to confiscate them, sand them, stain them, paint them or whatever it takes to make a completely new treasure out of them

She thinks through everything in the longest most drawn out decision making process, I'm spontaneous

she is the best traveling partner

she likes to experiment with vegetables

if the way she treats her garden is a sign of anything, she is very nurturing

she is the resident nurse

she is so hardheaded...like in an only child kind of way

she loves to play supermarket sweep and find things in the grocery store...it is still one of our favorite places to go

she doesnt like making decisions, but is compliant to do anything

She is my definition of patience...like picture in the dictionary kind of patience

She is very creative and loves teaching

She is the kind of friend you want to have, and want to be

She is the epitomy of chill pill

she is the best kind of little sister for a completely Type A, obsessive compulsive, control freak big sister..if that kind of person even exists!

She is 25 years of craft making, hair pulling, lower lip pouting, childhood playmate, snack numbering, fair playing, let me get my way, ubber supportive, quiet spirit, loyal ball of symmetry all mixed together

Happy Birthday Baby Sister...I love you!

freebies

2010-06-02T20:45:00.000-05:00

So, I've written before and confessed my obsession with coupons and a good deal. Well, my sister might like couponing just a little bit more than I do. So, for her Wednesday birthday celebration, we stopped by and collected these goodies before church...guess how much we spent?

$1.29...yes you read that right...free spicy sandwiches at Chick-fil-A and our lady offered us free drinks because we had to wait so long for them. Then, free Jr. Frosty's at Wendy's with a purchase. All we had to pay for were the fries!

That makes one Happy Birthday girl!

Oh, fyi, a Jr. Frosty is about the size of a shot glass and their special little lids have a "x" in the top for a straw. Not sure what the straw hole is for, but it was cute.

memorial (birth) day

2010-06-02T20:39:00.000-05:00

Monday, we took advantage of the holiday and celebrated my sister's birthday...the big 25. I know...such a young little pup... Anyway, we had so much fun in the West End in Dallas. We went to the Bodies Exhibit...I was really excited about it, kinda nervous that it might get a little too personal, but so good and, I feel like I learned a lot. The bodies are all unclaimed from the Chinese government. Not typically the most "muscular", but it was really neat to see all the systems (nervous, bone, muscular) together and separate. They even had an example of what Hodgkin’s Disease looked like. It was the lymph system from the tongue down through the upper parts of the digestive system and you could see all the infected lymph nodes around the throat. Really cool after every thing I've been through to see that from the inside. They also had a set of lungs that had been exposed to lots of smoking and compared it with healthy lungs, definitely made you want to leave the Marlboro's behind (not that I brought any with me). They also had a section in the back about the development of the fetus that was really powerful. It started at the 5 month stage and went in week sequence of development. Anyone who is for abortion should have to look at that. It really puts things in perspective for you. That was a really cool exhibit.

Later, we walked around downtown and then had lunch at the Old Spaghetti Warehouse. That place never disappoints, although the same nostalgia of sitting in the trolley when I was younger was completely gone because it was about 90 degrees in there!

We ended the day (well, our excursion) at the Highland Park Pharmacy. So fun...I've heard about their fountain drinks, but never been. We split a Orange freezee (tasted like a creamy Flintstones Push-up) and a chocolate shake. You just don’t know what you are missing.

Such a fun day and the partyin will continue all week!

final results

2010-06-02T20:23:00.000-05:00

So, wondering what all dad finished while he was here? Well. in addition to fixing the flood in my basement adding some nice security features to keep out the boogie man, he stripped down my light pole out front to find a really cool copper lantern..

but, we decided it was too much work to try and restore it to its original finish...so we just painted it black. Actually, I painted it..I'm actually proud that this was a part I did

and, I laid mulch in all the front flower beds..who knew something so simple could look so good. I think I'm addicted...for the record, I'm a big hopeagri fan!

and, he helped me get all my front porch pots fixed...I'm thinking this is cilantro that is trying to grow

and the early signs of basil, although I think this might be too many in one small place (oops)

and then the summer fern. I love these things...lets just see if I can keep one alive

we remember

2010-05-31T22:30:00.000-05:00

Today is Memorial Day and I'm continually amazed at the special way people remember this day. I heard yesterday day that Memorial Day was actually originally set to remember those who lost their lives in the Civil War. Who knew? Now, we use the day to remember all those you have given their lives in any war. I recently completed something that I'm really proud of. My grandad fought in WWII and when I was in DC in the fall, I noticed that his name was not listed in the registry at the WWII Memorial. So, I talked to dad and got the information (well, I had to update the original info I put in). Anyway, the original version has been approved and they have him listed now in the registry. I've added some more info that hasn’t been updated yet, but here's what they have listed right now.

Henry Doris Pittman

BRANCH OF SERVICE

U.S. Army

HOMETOWN

Winnsboro, TX

ACTIVITY DURING WWII

36TH DIVISION, 'TEXAS T-PATCHERS'. artillery

To see if someone you know is listed you can visit the memorial website at www.wwiimemorial.com

May we never forget those who have committed everything for us. And, we celebrate with a day off work, playing on the lake with a cookout...that sounds so trivial to put it like that, but even the freedom to have a job and then a day off is a complete luxury...may we always be grateful.

my special helper

2010-05-21T17:15:00.000-05:00

Well, my special helper arrived yesterday. And, he had a party with the power washer. Wonder what my water bill will look like this month between him and leak a couple weeks ago...oh well. I'm really glad my dad's here. I love it when my family comes to visit and dad just by himself is more fun. I get to spoil him that way. As long as you keep bringing the brownies, sweet tea and chocolate milk, you can talk him into fixing about anything!!

He has dug a new drain ditch for my driveway and I think there was a stack of mulch in my front yard. Who knows what's next.

(needless to say we will be doing some laundry tonight)

When I got home, I felt like we were in a commercial for special use for tile cleaner...it did a wonder on the outside of my house...I live in a white house...not a mossy green one!

the machine of choice...

and, this little helper came to visit too...I was reminded at 4 this morning why I dont have a dog...she was done sleeping and wanted to get up and run around...and then at lunch, dad left his chair out and she made her way to the table and had his plate on the floor and spotless when we walked back in the room...she really liked the brownie!

Gotta go, there is a shovel with my name on it...this should be interesting. I busted my keester last night in the mud and water and messed up my knee and hip...I'm sure there are more battle wounds in store!!

Thanks dad for coming to help me out....someday I'll have a man so you dont have to do this stuff!

Dedicated to God

2010-05-12T18:44:00.000-05:00

That's what her name means, and it was such a special day. I stayed here this weekend (I know, it was Mother's day, but I talked to my mama 3-4 times...does that count?) I spent the day with my college roommate Brooke and her family. She and her husband Robert recently became parents of sweet Baby Eva and it was such a special day. The last time I was in Cabot was for her baby shower and it was such an emotional day. But, this service topped it. I just couldn’t quit crying.

You see, after hard years of trying to get pregnant and more than one miscarriage, Brooke and Robert had a hard decision to make. They could continue to try and do things on their own or, they could let God do His thing. Those were really hard weeks for them and their courage and testimony of God's faithfulness is amazing. They give Him all the glory for the hard days. In November they got the call they had been waiting for and Baby Eva was on her way! The pictures and images of their first few moments together are amazing and watching them be parents (the thing they wanted to be so bad), is breathtaking.

Sunday morning was so special as Brooke spent her first Mother's Day dedicating her sweet baby girl to God. It was an emotional service and I think I scared the kid in front of me because I couldn’t quit crying. It’s amazing what God can do when we let him work.

And, I must admit, it’s even more amazing when you participate with Him. I haven’t seen Eva in a few weeks and she is starting to look like her daddy. I am completely convinced God had this all planned!

She is precious and I had a wonderful day with the Ramsey's and the Smith’s. Brooke is like a sister to me and I'm discovering a fun part of your 20's is watching your girlfriends become mom's. This really is one of life's greatest pleasures...I think I learn more about my friends by watching them be a mom.

I know right....

meet Reba (maybe Roxie is her middle name)

2010-05-12T18:28:00.000-05:00

Well, so I caved and I got my new camera. I'm loving it...of course I dont get to play as much as I want and I know I got more camera than I need, but I can already tell it takes better pictures and that was what I wanted it for!

Introducing, Reba....my new Rebel T1i ( I kinda like Roxie too, I'm still trying to decide. Which would be a better middle name? I like to call people by their first and middle name, so why not do the same with my cameral...plus Roxie reminds me of my show I love Army Wives...anybody?)

I will admit, she is a little high-maintenance already. I forget that when you buy a new camera, you have to get a new bag, special memory cards, lenses if you want to do anything, filters, etc, etc, etc! So, Reba and all her extra friends have moved in. We will see how it all works out...we are still getting used to each other.

Here are some of the things I've been able to document in our first week together:

the books on my coffee table

one of my "left over pork loin" creations...it was so yummy...toasted bagel, spinach, pork loin, peppercorn Harvarti cheese, sliced pear, and asian salad dressing..with pringles and chips...its just doesnt get much better

Another creation, this time salad with strawberries and pears..that dressing will change your life

my basil seeds started doing something

and my marigolds are still alive...cross your fingers!

and, since we have to be honest, I found this guy in my window sill, I finally picked him up...with my fingers!

then there was last weekend...I woke up and found this in my side yard

(that's a busted water main..that had been spewing for 12 hours)

and led to this..yes, if you had a canoe, you could have used it

then there was this...

and this in my yard when I got home from church

all because my stree got struck by lightening...

yeah, I know....fun times...so, those are my first few days with the new camera

Choose You PSA with Ellen Pompeo

2010-05-04T14:19:00.001-05:00

Check out this great video that came out today as part of a new campaign for women against cancer. The more we do together the more we prevent together!

Choose You PSA with Ellen Pompeo

not much to say

2010-05-03T19:53:00.000-05:00

well, I don’t really have much to write about...

I could tell you about how I didn’t really take very many pics at Relay for Life so when I just uploaded them to my computer so I could post them on here, I didn’t really have any...so I cant...but I won't mention that... (maybe someone has some good ones I can steal from facebook!)

or, how my computer at work has a virus and its been at the hospital since last Tuesday and the doctor wont release it because the virus is still working its way around campus and it is still very susceptible until that is fixed and I cant get any work done...but I’ll leave that out..

or, that I planted some marigolds in the pots on my porch right before the Saturday evening STORM...

or, that the aforementioned storm might have had a lightening bolt in it, that might have struck the tree by my house, that might have burst a pipe that ran for 12 hours, that might have flooded my basement and, might have thrown a switch to my AC and knocked it out, that there might have been a bulldozer in my front yard when I got home from church yesterday...but since they fixed my water and the amazing maintenance guys at Ouachita fixed my AC today, I'll leave that out....

or, that my Google Reader just says "(1000+)" in the "bolded unread area"...and that overwhelms me in ways that you don’t even know...so there will be some "marked all unread" before I leave.

But since I don’t have anything to talk about, I'll leave you with these

thankfully a little kid showed up right before they said go, so I didnt actually have to make 10 spins and then try to run to the other end of the court...its a sight, after "the big spill" last year, I fully decided that anything involving standing on your head and spinning is not for me...I'm so over roller coasters.

I hope he will still be my friend for posting this...it was a game...he is such a good sport...actually what I really wish I had were pics of the guys who played the "Look Good Feel Better" game that involved cosmetic kits...I'm on a hunt...but the OBU guys were not eligible, so nothing to incriminate

All my amazing friends who are so good to support and participate in Relay for Life...one of the good things about having it inside was internet (like Pioneer Woman, blogger, and baseball)...it was a lot easier to stay awake all night this year!

You can't take those two anywhere..

If you've never been to a Relay event, one of the special things they do is a luminary celebration. All the lights go out and we do a full walk in complete silence to remember and honor those affected by cancer

On Saturday, mom and I worked in my yard. I had been wanting to plant some flowers. I have no green thumb and I always forget to water my plants, but we will see. I planted flowers in this bed and herbs in my pots on the porch. Who knows if anything will actually come up...but it was a fun little activity!

she really enjoyed barking at the cars gowing up and down the road more than anything

I dont really do dirt, so this was pushing it!

But, I got new pretty pots and that helped inspire me...

sad face

2010-04-26T17:57:00.001-05:00

So, Relay was amazing this weekend. So fun...i'm still trying to catch up on the sleep. But, my computer has a little sickness and went to the doctor...so when I get it back, I'll share pics with ya.

sheer amazingness

2010-04-23T19:32:00.000-05:00

So, I came home yesterday and saw this on my porch...and got really excited...and wanted to do a little dance because...

...this was inside....

I placed this order on Jan 10th, but it was a pre-order for Plan B, so I had to wait on the Pioneer Woman too...sad day. I cant wait to look through it....there is already talk of a summer supper club!

birthday bonanza

2010-04-22T18:46:00.000-05:00

So, I got to celebrate my birthday this weekend with the fam. Mom made cajun chicken pasta with broccoli and asparagus (my two favorite veggies...gotta eat your greens), garlic bread, tropical tea, and PINK LEMONADE PIE. I've had pink pie every year for as long as I can remember.

You can see why I want a new camera...it just doenst do the same for inside pictures.

This is when you know you are a big girl!

I dont even have anything to put in it, but dad always takes care of me and

thinks of things I dont even know I need.

Last night, I went out with some friends and had so much fun with their kids at dinner.

I'm so blessed by so many great friends. Yesterday was a super fun day!!!!

Pound cake with strawberries - check, Strawberry cake with cream cheese icing - check,

really yummy homemade cupcake cookies - check...Calories that don't count on your birthday - Wahoo!!!

Tomorrow night continues the celebration...if you are in town,

Join us at Relay for Life

Rock 'n Roll All Night

HSU Gym 6pm-6am

(If the weather's good, we will be at the football field)

We love celebrating LIFE!!!

Adventures out East

2010-04-22T18:31:00.001-05:00

While I'm still fully convinced that I'm a city girl, I just cant help myself when it come to wide open fields with barns and cows in them. These pictures just don’t do justice to the fields I saw Monday on my travels through East Texas. I went down some roads this week that I've not been on in at least 3 years. And, they seemed more alive than I had ever seen them. So, apparently April is wildflower (or at least the wildflowers I like!) month in East Texas.

Does anyone know the name of this amazing yellow happiness that covers these fields?

**By the way, I always love the odd looks of people who pass me when I'm taking these pictures. It is definitely a moment from Sweet Home Alabama, city come to the country. I can only imagine that they are wondering why I'm taking a picture of their old, broken down barn and their cows. I'm obsessed, I don’t know what to tell you! There is a reason people come here when they retire!**

Red barn

Do you want me to smile

Buried to their knees (wait, do cows have knees?)

Yellow Happiness (field bug included)

This just makes me want to bust out in a "Texas" Song

For all you Arknsans who've never seen an Indian Paintbrush...

I mean really what do you people learn about in Botany here?

3 miles celebrating life

2010-04-18T23:16:00.000-05:00

This weekend was our 5K Sprint for Cancer in Las Colinas. Such a fun thing to do together as a family.

I think we should do more....but, my dad might disagree.

Such a fun way to celebrate my birthday with my family!!!