Thankful Thursday V10

Today is a special Thankful Thursday.

It is 100% dedicated to my Mommy.

I am thankful for the 17 years I got to spend with her :)

It is hard for me to believe it has been 13 years since she went to join our Savior.

It seems like it was just yesterday that I was walking through the halls of my high school, on the 4th day of my senior year, when I got the notification that she passed away. I remember it like it was yesterday. I called my Dad to check on her and she said he had just got the call, and was on his way to check me out of school and head to the hospital. I remember word of mouth had already spread via the office that my Mom had passed, so, friends were passing me in the hall as I was on my quest to find my best friends classroom, as well as my high school sweethearts classroom. I needed their support. I am still best friends with both of them as a matter of fact. My life forever changed that day. While I would give anything to have had more years with my Mommy, and have her watch me evolve into the woman I am today, I know God had a bigger plan, and her death has shaped my life in many ways. I also know she is watching over me. I feel her presence.

August is always a hard month for me, but, this year is different. I feel empowered. I feel good. I know God has me in Maumee, Ohio for a purpose. And the fact that Maumee is pronounced Mommy, and that I moved out here in August. I feel her presence all over this opportunity!

Sadly, I don't have many pictures of my Mom and I. She was the complete opposite of me in that she hated photos. I on the other hand am a photo freak, documenting every little thing.

My Mom truly was an amazing woman who went through many obstacles in life to get to where she was going. One thing I will never, ever doubt was her love for me. I know without a shadow of a doubt that I was her world, her pride and joy. She was sure to tell multiple people, who (just in case I didn't already know) were sure to tell me.

So, Mommy, I thank you for the 17 wonderful years we shared together, and the memories we made.

I will wear my yellow butterfly necklace in honor of you today.

When I look to the sky, I know you are there <3

Thankful Thursday V9

It's my favorite time of the week! Time to give thanks for all the wonderful things I have going on in my life. Well, I give thanks everyday, but, time to share the things I am thankful for with you all!

This week I am thankful for:

* An answered prayer. You guys, did you know, God is so, so good? I hope so! Because he is. All the time. Last Wednesday I made a 7 month goal of mine public on facebook. I said that within 7 months I wanted to pay off a few credit cards, sell my car around income tax time when I feel it will be the most profitable to sell, and then by me a new car. Then, I prayed for God to open a door and show me what I needed to do to make this happen. And you know what? He did. Within hours. I had just dropped my friend off at the airport and was heading home when I sent that prayer up. I had only been home about an hour when my boss called with an amazing opportunity for me. It involved a temporary relocation, but, you know what? I'm taking that leap because I feel that was the door God opened for me. So, this weekend I ship off to the Toledo, Ohio area for the next few months. I am so very excited and just so thankful to serve such an awesome God!

^^ Monday began the juror selection for Arnulfo's case. Justice will be served. For those of you not familiar with the situation, Arnulfo is one of my friends brothers. He was slain in the line of duty December 2011. My friend actually just graduated the police academy herself and will be working for the same department her brother did. #familypride

^^ tights! a friend of mine got me addicted. SO COMFY! and can be work at work or gym!!

 ^^ I am going to miss my furbabies while in Ohio!

^^ what what?! Is that some muscle starting to show?!

* new bra's! I rarely splurge on bra's, but, it was about that time. Victoria's Secret sent me some awesome coupons so I took full advantage of them. I had to get remeasured and all that good stuff since I have been losing weight with this whole clean eating thing. 

Those are a few things I am thankful for this week? What about you? Leave me a quick comment :)

Thankful Thursdays V8

Well, hello Thursday! And the last day of July. Time is flying and I don't know about you but I find it hard to believe that tomorrow is August. I will let you in on a little secret. August is my least favorite month of the year. My mommy passed away August 2001 and it has never been the same for me since. I plan to do my best to remain positive and smile on. August will not bring me down, I must shine on for my momma!

What better way to wrap up July than with a Thankful post?

This past week I am thankful for:

* Answered prayers. Yesterday I literally had just updated my facebook saying "I have a 7 month goal, pay off my debt, encourage those who owe me money to start making payments, sell my car around income tax time, and buy a new to me car around my birthday in March" and then I prayed for God to open doors and direct me on a path to reach my goals. Literally, within 2 hours, my boss at work called me with an amazing offer. More to come in the next few days on that.

^^ a beautiful stroll around Lake H

^^ Pina Loca's :) nom nom nommmm

^^ having sisters in Christ to grow with through daily devotionals <3

^^ I know pistachio seems weird, but, it's deeeelicious!

^^ still with the clean eating 5 days a week and I feel amazing!

And I will follow this by the worst thing to have when you are clean eating, BUT, it was a cheat day.

^^ I saw this smore pizza roll up floating around on facebook and had to try it. It was beyond amazing and super easy to make. I looked a recipe up on Pinterest. 

I hope you each have had an equally amazing week friends and have much to be thankful for!

Thankful Thursday V7

This Thankful Thursday post is going to be a little different as in it will have no pictures, just quick and to the point. Hopefully you all will still enjoy reading what I have to be thankful for from this past week :)

This week I am thankful for:

* the changes in my body.  In the past 6 weeks or so I have lost a total of 15lbs and 5% body fat! I am super stoked about this. I go to the gym at least 5x a week, but, I attribute this change mostly to a change in my diet. I have been doing the Crossfit Block Diet which is basically clean eating and I have noticed a difference in the way I look, and more importantly, the way I feel. I love it! Which really motivates me to keep it up.

* online accountability and support groups. I have quite a few friends who have expressed interest in eating clean after seeing the changes I have made. I want to help them and motivate them as much as possible so I created an online group via facebook for us to use to motivate and support each other. So far, we have about 10 members and I am very excited about this and thankful that I have been able to inspire others to want to lead a healthier lifestyle.

* Maxi dresses. As crazy as it sounds, I just wore my 1st Maxi dress last week and it was so comfortable. I didn't realize what I was missing out on!

* Free mattresses. I needed an extra mattress for a spare bedroom and out of no where one of my friends texted me asking "hey, do you need an extra mattress for your spare bedroom? I have two I need to get rid of" And just liked that I acquired a free full and queen size mattress and box spring. I only needed one, so I paid it forward with the other.

* Precious babies being born! One of my favorite bloggers, Kaelah over at The Clueless Girl just gave birth to a precious baby boy yesterday! Check her blog out in the next few days as I am sure there will be cuteness overload. Congratulations to Kaelah & Mike!

* Friends that are knowledgeable about cars. A gasket went out on my car again causing it to leak coolant. The same gasket went out exactly a year ago. I am so thankful to have a friend that I trust to do all the work on my car. I know Ol' Blue is in good hands.

* Time spent with D & C! They came over on Friday night for Chicken Bacon Pizza, WaWa Cookies, and a good Rom-Com. There was lots of much needed laughs. 

* This up-coming weekend. I know it hasn't passed yet, but, I am already thankful as I know it will be AMAZING as I have one of my best friends flying in TONIGHT from the DC area. We have a fun filled weekend planned while she is here and I am just over the moon to see her!  

That's my list for the week! What about you? Have a blessed weekend friends. <3

Thankful Thursday V6

We made it through another week friends :)
It seems like I will post a Thankful Thursday post, and then, before I get a chance to blog anymore, it's Thursday again. I promise, I will post more frequently. Life has been chaotic, as I am sure you can relate.

This week I am thankful for:

^^ the ability to work from home. I don't always get to work from home, but, when I do, it is amazing

^^ my furbabies! They are always on guard.

^^ A perfect Sunday. I swapped days with a co-worker so I could attend the 2nd annual Memorial BBQ Cookoff in memory of one of my best friends fiances, JD Clyatt who was killed by a drunk driver September 2012. I started my day off by going to church with two of my friends that visited my church for the 1st time and then we all went to the BBQ event. They had a live band, water slides, food, and kickball. It was a blast. We left a little early to catch the ending of the world cup. And after all that, I drove out to Orlando to visit with my cousin in the hospital.

^^ the way little kids can instantly change your day with beautiful art work <3

^^ A Friday night in with some amazing girls. One of my best friends celebrated her 30th and wanted something low key so I offered to host something at my house. I had a friend of mine make Mexican rice and tamales, I made fresh guacamole, and we got a recipe off of pinterest for Strawberry Lime Moscato and we were good to go! It was a great night...We ended it at Chili's with a sweet tooth.

^^ an amazing deal on baby clothes for my 1st niece! If you have a Once Upon a Child near you, I strongly suggest you check it out. They are amazing. I received an email that ALL of their clearance was on sale for a $1 SOOO, I bought all of the above for $19.79. You can't beat that. The only item I bought that wasn't clearance was the black onsie that is in Spanish. I couldn't pass it up, AND, even NOT on sale, it was $2.50. SCORE!

 ^^ My cousin doing so well after her kidney transplant. What a miracle of life <3

^^ I believe this is my soul song. I absolutely adore it. I have had my heart broken a few times, but no matter what, I still believe in love. I know that one day it will come knocking on my door. And the video? It was shot during a missions trip to Honduras. Check out Hearts 2 Honduras to learn more. My passion is ministry in Mexico and I hope to travel their in the next year.

I hope each of you have some wonderful things to be thankful for this week as well!

Thankful Thursday V5

Goodness gracious, is it just me, or does time just seem to fly by during the summer months? It seems like winter drags on forever... well, in colder states, not really in Florida... but, you know what I mean.

It seems like every time I glance at the calendar another week has flown by. Slow down, please!

This week I am thankful for the following:

^^ SHE GOT THE CALL!! A few hours ago my cousin got the call to rush to Florida Hospital as they may have her match. She has been waiting years for this call. We are waiting now for the cross match and if everything is ago surgery will be soon. The power of prayer is amazing my friends.

* An old coworker/friend coming back to chat/check in on me. He is actively involved in ministry and a great guy. He just returned to work and has no clue about the personal struggles that I am going through right now, so, I know that was God working in sending him to chat with me. It was nice to chat with him and hear how his sweet family and wife are doing right now.

^^ Mexican Candy, yes. I know, it is an acquired taste.

^^ Late night reflections by the pool. I have spent many nights recently outside reading my Bible, praying, and just reflecting.

^^ ELOTE! Enough said, if you've never had Mexican style corn on the cob you are missing out.

* Lots of phone time catching up with one of my best friends who lives out of state in Virgina. It's nice to be able to catch up with someone who understands me completely. Love you T!

^^ CURLS! I am not used to having long hair, I am loving the different things I can do now.

^^ Visually noticing the difference in my body since I started eating clean(er). I have lost about 12lbs (2 pants sizes!!) in the last month. I've been following the crossfit block/zone diet, which is basically Paleo, eating clean. I LOVE the way I feel, and don't even crave the other stuff. Basically, instead of getting my carbs from pasta-y stuff, I get it from fruits or veggies. A sample meal for me would be 6oz of ground turkey, 2/3 cup mashed sweet potatoes, 1/4 cup black beans and 3 table spoons of avocado. That's a 3 block meal and right there I get my protein, carbs, and good fat.

^^ rewarded myself with two new gym shirts. I love this one :)

How about you, friends? What are you thankful for this past week? 

Note: I should have my link up working by next week!

Thankful Thursday V4

Happy Thursday friends.

I hope you have plenty of stuff to be thankful for this week :)

This week I am thankful for the following:

* A trip to Michigan! And that I got to see fireflies. Fireflies have always been magical to me ever since I 1st saw them as a child so long ago in Ohio. It totally made my night to be out on a late evening stroll and see these beautiful insects lighting up the night.

* These two little munchkins <3 They hold not just a piece, but a chunk of my heart.

* new shoes and a shirt that M bought me! Not to be worn together, obviously.

* An impromptu beach stroll on a cloudy overcast day in Michigan. The moth/butterfly that had some how ventured out that far on the pier made me smile as it reminded me that beauty IS everywhere. Even in the darkness of a moth on a gloomy day at the beach. And those zebras?! I couldn't NOT snap a quick picture of them. I LOVE Zebra's. And found it hilarious that these were just chilling at the beach. I was so going to swoop them up for the boys IF they were still in the same spot when I came back, but, their owner (I hope) had rightfully picked them up!

  * Eating cleaner. While I haven't done crossfit yet, I have been following the Zone/Block diet that many crossfitters follow, and I feel AMAZING. What a difference it makes when we just fuel our bodies with the right amount of protein, good carbs and good fats. Obviously I don't stick to it 100%, BUT, during the last month or so that I've been watching what I eat, I have lost 8-10lbs.

* a great yard with plenty of room to do various circuits from home. Today was lunges down the driveway. My neighbors may look at me like *I* am crazy, BUT, I feel great!

* An oh-so-true fortune from the Chinese buffet while in Michigan

* The part for my car worked!!! Ol' Blue is back at it! I am so thankful to my friend B who was able to save me about $700 by buying the part from a wrecked car, and him doing the labor. I am also very thankful to his girlfriend who sacrificed him a few nights so he could work on my car.

* My best friends. I know everyone says they have the best, and I am not any different. In my eyes, they are the creme de la creme. Best of the best. I am forever grateful for them.

* MY SISTER IS HAVING A GIRL! We found out this week. I am over the moon. I can not wait to love on this sweet baby girl. Hopefully I will get to meet her around Christmas. <3

Those are a few of the things I am thankful for this week.

What about YOU?

Thankful Thursday V3

Ack! I missed a week last week :(

Things have been hectic around theses parts. Lots of overtime at work as we are unprecedentedly busy. That's a good thing though.

As I mentioned before, despite some hard times, I am doing my best to remain optimistic. The world needs more positivity! On top of my dishwasher, washer, and transmission control modular on my car going out, this week it was the pool pump...or I guess I should say motor. Goodness gracious! When it rains, it pours. But you know what? My God is bigger than my storm. He has my back. And, because of that, I AM BLESSED.

This week I am thankful for:

* a new dishwasher. The part for mine was going to be $150. Yuck. A friend of mine had two (long story) and the one she gave me fit perfectly, as if it was meant to be!

* a working washing machine. The part I ordered on Amazon did it!

 Banana pecan whole wheat pancakes with my Daddy on Father's Day

A little get together with some friends from high school, some I hadn't seen in YEARS.

* that my car part FINALLY came in yesterday. Here's to hoping this is the fix I need.

* Lot's of overtime. I have been going through some stressful changes and work has helped keep my mind busy.

 Chicken Wings & 22 Jump Street on a Friday night!

Constant reminders that God is good!

* Online yardsale sites on facebook. Always helping me make extra cash quick.

What do YOU have to be thankful about this week? I hope to have my link up tools soon!

Thankful Thursday V2

Woooo! What a week. I have had quite a few setbacks this week, my dishwasher went out, then my washer, and now my car (transmission control modulator, which might I add is NOT cheap) BUT, despite it all, I choose to be joyful.

Psalm 28:7 - The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all of my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of Thanksgiving.

James 1:2-4 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

This week I am thankful for:

* Chevron print and bright pants

 

 * Weird photo's with my furbaby!

* Great food ideas from Steff over at Iffy Inklings. I love avocado so this intrigued me

* My hair getting past the 'awkward' stage. Longest it's been since I was a child

* I am thankful for the fact that even though my car decided to go out on me this week that Ol' Blue at least waited until Em & I were home safe from our weekend trip to Port Saint Lucie. Being broke down almost 3 hours from home would have sucked. I am so thankful that I had no issues until I was in my own driveway.

* A possible chance at scoring a (free) dishwasher from a friend of mine. Free is for me!

* Good friends and coworkers that have ensured I've made it to and from work on a daily basis this week. I hate depending on others, but, it's nice to know I can.

* A good dentist appointment. Dentist told me to 'keep doing whatever I am doing'

* Quality time with my boyfriend, even if just by phone. I can't wait til I get to Michigan!

* The song 'Oh Lord I want you to help me' by Cheryl Pepsii Riley. It has been on repeat this week.

I linked up with Katie Elizabeth / Make Me Up Mia / Carly Blogs Here /  The Strong Family

Thankful Thursday V1

If you followed my previous blog, you will remember I did Thankful Thursday link ups every Thursday. I am happy to continue that tradition here, as I truly believe that a thankful heart is a happy heart! I am not hosting a link up yet this week because, well, quiet honestly, I am still trying to get my readership back up. When you go on a blogging hiatus for a year and a half, you kind of fall off the radar. But, the link up will be coming soon, once I get my button designed, likely next week. Now, without further ado...

This week I am thankful for:

These two cuties!

 

My 'nephew' turned 7 on Saturday and my 'niece' turned 4! Both of these precious babies have been through way more than anyone should ever have to go through, especially at such a young age.  "A" was born with VSD (Ventricular Sepal Defect) a congenital heart defect. He underwent open heart surgery just shy of him being 6 months old. He's a trooper! "B" lost her Daddy to a drunk driver in September 2012 when she was just 2 years old. Both of these kiddo's are so strong willed and I just love them to pieces and am so thankful to have them in my life. "A" no longer lives in Florida so I didn't get to see him on his special day, BUT, we had a big Princess party for Miss B and beyond us melting in the 100 degrees Florida sun, we all had a blast!

^^ B's family and friends dressed as princesses :)

I am also thankful for the way last Friday turned out. I had the option to go into work for overtime on my day off, or, host a yard sale while the weather guaranteed no rain (is it ever really a guarantee in Florida?!). I chose to host the yard sale because I normally due fairly well, and, needed to clear out some clutter. Well, sadly, even though I got up at 6:30 in the morning (not the norm for me!) and busted my butt at the yard sale, it just was not profitable this time around and I didn't make more than $25. Sadface! While I was upset that I missed out on all that OT at work, the bright spot in all of this was I got to see friends I hadn't seen in awhile. Michelle came over to help me run the yard sale, and sell some stuff of hers as well. Emily swung by on her lunch break to chat. Ashley came by to kill time before she had to go to work. And my room mate Kristie was off at the time, so we all got to hang out together for a bit. We actually ran up to a local taco stand (don't judge!) and got our food to go and enjoyed a picnic by the pool. I ordered a tostado and chicken quesadilla which I'd never ordered from this place before and they were pretty much amazing. Usually I just get tacos, or a torta. Now I will have to try it all. Yum!

On Monday some of my girlfriends came over and we relaxed by the pool for a few hours. We may or may not have had a few yummy drinks.

The week before last I got to enjoy pedi's and pizza with my good friend Joanna whom I rarely get to see. We went to a local favorite and I got a slice of BBQ pizza. I didn't regret my decision.

Last weekend I actually had a few days off, so, I brought my sweet pups over for a slumber party! They were so excited. The background on this is my house is not fenced in, so I left my dogs with my Dad when I bought my home as I don't want to disrupt their lifestyle and having free reign of his fenced yard with his two dogs that they adore.

After a long, long, week of overtime, and the end of a mentally exhausting almost 14 hour day, I came home and made myself a glass of COLD pink moscato and had a nice candlelit bubble bath. I am thankful for wine, candles, and epson salt to soak in.

This awesome shirt my boyfriend got me! Tapatio's! Need I say more?!

Homemade Guacamole. O-M-G. I used to always buy Wholly Guacamole until my boyfriend showed me just how simple and cheap it is to make. Now I make it weekly. Yum!

Those are just a few of the things I am thankful for. What about you?

I linked up with Katie Elizabeth / Make Me Up Mia / Carly Blogs Here /  The Strong Family