Exciting and Exhausing!

Today was exciting and exhausting. My neice Amy is expecting her third child and I watched her two precious girls Ashlynn (I have blogged about her several times) and Bralynn while Amy goes to the doctor to find out what baby number three is going to be.
Andrea decides that she would like to go shopping to look for dorm things and decide colors for bedding, towels and etc.
We meet Amy and Brad in Alabaster to eat lunch and to give them the girls. They are having a GIRL!
We (Andrea and I) then head to JC Penny's then to Belk . Andrea wants a purple comforter and matching sheets ...you know the hole shabang! Well, dorm beds are bigger than a normal twin bed. You have to buy twin XLG. Do you know how hard this is to find?
Well, we ended up at Bed Bath and Beyond. I think we was in this store for hours! We found a purple comforter but it wasn't soft. We picked up several different things. Andrea couldn't make up her mind. Because she has been set on the purple...but wants it to be soft. So, she ended up with the brand Nautica that has pink, green and whitish blue plaid. It had the sheets and comforter and pillow case in a package. We then had to find the perfect color match throw blanket that also had to be soft. We got one in the green color to cordinate with the plaid. The green is not a deep green...more like a light green ..pastels. Andrea is not really into pink....but with the other colors it just may work. We are still looking for the purple combo that is soft in twin xlg. The towels are going to be purple/lavender and turquoise. She wants her name monogramed on the towels.... turquoise thread on the purple/lavendar and purple/lavendar on the turquoise. My neice, Amy can do the monograming.
We got home and off we go again. My friend Chrissy, is having a Home Interior party and I haven't been to one in like forever...so, I go and pick up my friend Candace and we head to the party. They do things so different than they use to. But it is easier also. I really enjoyed visiting with friends and looking at the new things. Now, I am so tired but, can't seem to sleep.
I can't complain...today was filled with family and friends and spending time with Andrea.
It is fun and exciting to watch Andrea in this new chapter of her life.

I plan to post soon about my weekend in Atlanta, GA at the conference.. I am trying to get all my thoughts together on all that I soaked in. It was FABULOUS!
Stay tuned.....

Friday's Quote

Today's quote is:

I know God will not give me anything I can't handle.
I just wish that He didn't trust me so much.
Mother Teresa

Talk to me....do you like this quote?
If you have a favorite quote ... I would like to hear it.

I am going to Deeper Still Conference this weekend at Atlanta, GA. I am so excited!

FYI: Atlanta, GA is also hosting the 30th Dukes of Hazzard Festival. I think Bo Duke aka John Schnider was from Atlanta. YAAAHOOOOO!!!

Have A Fabulous Weekend!!!

Thankful Thursday!

Today I am thankful for:

Heart Friends

My brother-in-law (Tony) and his son (Todd) for coming yesterday and cutting our field and weed eating. It took them almost 6 hours.

My father-in-law who will be returning the industrial lawn moore to the rental place.

Women's team at my church for planning for us to attend "Deeper Still" this weekend in Atlanta, GA

For the V8 moment from God in an area I need to work on.

Husband who works so hard to provide for our family.

Andrea (daughter) even tho she is driving me NUTS right now. I am thankful that God gave her to us.

Books

Encouraging words from bloggy friends.

The sounds of summer.

What are you thankful for?
For more Thankful Thursday visit Iris at Sting my Heart.

Wordless Wednesday # 21

This is my great neice Ashlynn. When I say great I mean this in several ways. She is my sisters's granddaugher which means Ashlynn's mom Amy is my neice ...which makes Ashlynn my great neice . Are you confused yet? LOL She is also great to hang out with. She loves to come to my house and spend time with us. She enjoys drawing, watching movies and eating popcorn and swimming. She also went on vacation with us last year to Destin, FL which is where we took this picture.

SURPRISE!!

Last night was a BIG SURPRISE!! My "Heart Friends" group was meeting and boy did they surprise me! We get together once every two weeks for accountability, devotion, talk about things going on in our lives and give our prayer request. We are sitting in Candace's living room waiting for everyone to get there ...just chatting away about this and that... and I made the comment that I hope we can start on time because my mom was at my house and while Andrea was at home with her... I felt like I needed to get back asap. When everyone arrived ...I was busy getting ready to write down prayer request when they all stood up and Candace said " are you ready to go?" I thought "GO we just got here...what are you talking about"? When she walked over towards me and said " we are taking you out for your birthday!" My immediate response was "OH NO You are Not!" then I started to cry. They had taken care of all the plans ....
I WAS SOOO SURPRISED! I had on shorts and a blouse with flip flops and no makeup and my legs needed shaving. Thankfully, because Candace knows me so well.. told everyone not to dress up because she knew what I would probably be wearing. They explained no one would know that my legs needed shaving and I looked fine ....so after their encouraging off we go to eat. We went to Long Horns and the food was yummy O! The staff came out clapping their hands and singing to me and I even got presents! YEAH!!
***let's back up****
My birthday was on May 24th. Graduation was on the 22nd and because of all the planning for graduation things...you know receptions, family parties and etc. My birthday was not really forgotton...just with so much going ... the date got lost. I didn't think anything about it. I was so tired from all the things going on. Andrea remembered and called me from her senior beach trip to tell me Happy Birthday. Joey carried me out to eat on Sunday with friends at Zapopan's and they sung to me and put whip cream on my nose. My three sisters called me and gave me gifts at different times along with family.
***present***
Monday morning was filled with errands and etc. I picked my mom up to come for a visit to keep me company while Joey is working.
I have had so much going on ..just a bunch of stuff... by the afternoon ...I just was tired and feeling very frustrated about alot of things. I almost didn't go to my meeting....I talked to a friend and then changed my mind. I am so glad I did.
Thankful ....Blessed...Special .....this is how I feel.
Thankful for friends who care enough to take the time to talk, laugh, cry, listen to me and celebrate special days with.
Blessed by my heavenly father who has put these wonderful ladies in my life.
Special...I don't care how old you are ....you always want to feel special on your birthday.

These ladies(friends) are so special to me...They have seen me through some very bumpy roads filled with huge pot holes. Because of their prayers and encouragement and with God carrying me/us...my family has weathered some harsh storms.

THANK-YOU for remembering my birthday...but mostly THANK-YOU FOR BEING MY FRIENDS!

Be Still

Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

There are moments when God is not asking you to be victorious or walk through the door smiling. He is asking you to stand still...you don't always have to have the answers...because the Lord already has them figured out.
God will be God, our responsiblity is to BE STILL. HE will be exaulted!

LISTEN for His voice. God has the answers!

Friday's Quote

As you probably know by now...I enjoy quotes, so I decided to share another quote for today.

"Do you wish to find out the really sublime?
Repeat the Lords Prayer."
Napoleon Bonaparte
1769-1821 French General Emperor

Tell me what you think.
Do you like this quote or do you have a quote you would like to share?

Have a FABULOUS weekend!!!

Oh yea...Today is the First Day of SUMMER!!!!

Happy SUMMER!!!!

Thankful Thursday!

Today I am thankful for:

My Heavenly Father

Friends

My daughter Andrea for her safe travel to and from Orientation at University of Alabama.

Cell phones to make communication so much easier.

Singing... I attended choir practice after church last night.

The smell of fresh cut grass.

Summer time

Blogging friends

Iris the host of Thankful Thursday.

For more on Thankful Thursday visit Iris at Sting my Heart.

Wordless Wednesday # 20

AVA...
She loves to lick you when you least expect it.

Tackle it Tuesday

Today is Tackle it Tuesday.
I am going to tackle the mountain of laundry. I have a ton of laundry to work on. I just wasn't in the mood yesterday.
Our house is for sale and I am trying to keep it clean...which isn't too hard since I am home for the summer. But, I get tired of the laundry. I keep thinking one day someone will invent throw away clothes. The kind that look great and doesn't cost much since you are throwing them away when the day is at end. Will not harm our planet. I guess that will disapear like on the t.v. show I dream of Jennie. I think I must be in dream land. LOL
What are you working on today?

For more on Tackle it Tueday hosted by 5 minute moms visit here.

Bama Bound

Andrea is Bama Bound. She left this morning with a bag and pillow and a little grumpy. She is not a morning person. Orientation is today and tomorrow for Andrea at the University of Alabama. She will learn about student life, academics, meal planning, and housing. Andrea will also get the opportunity to meet her dorm roommates.
Feelings: Last night, Andrea was getting nervous. You know how it is ...you want everything to work out, not get lost, everyone to like you. It kinda reminds me of when she started kindergarden. Except this is soooo much different and on a way bigger scale.
Joey wasn't really making things easier for her. He kept asking her " Are you sure you want to drive all the way over there by yourself?" I think he too was nervous. For those who don't know ... Andrea has driven to Tuscaloosa probably about 3 times now by herself to football games, tailgating and such. It is about one hour and 10 minutes away from where we live.
ME: I wanted to make sure she had everything packed that she needed. I haven't packed Andrea's things for her in a while now...but, I was asking lots of questions. This was my way of reminding her of things she may have forgotten. Plus, I really hadn't thought about how I would feel because I was so busy trying to keep Joey from driving Andrea bananas. LOL
This morning, Andrea has only been gone about an hour and I already miss her. The house seems so quiet. I am excited for Andrea and I know that she will prosper at Alabama. This is one of the things that we have prepared her for most of her life.
Let's back up to Preschool. I remember a conversation with Andrea ...this is how it went.
"Mom how many years of school do I have?" My answer: "Well, lets see...you have 2 years of preschool, 1 year of kindergarden, 6 years of elementary and middle, 2 years of junior high and 4 years of high school and 4 to 6 years of college. Then you will be through depending on what you want to be when you grow up." At this point. Andrea wanted to be a Wal-mart cashier. Boy, has that changed over the years. In first grade she wanted to be an Anstronaut, till she realized that I could not go with her to the moon. About 4th and 5th grade she wanted to study volanoes and earthqakes. When she realized that Alabama didn't have a lot of action in this; she started changing her mind. The next several years she wanted to be study cells and was very interested in the medical field. Started talking about becoming a doctor. In 8th grade she took a Career test..this helped the school know what classes to give you to help prepare you for your goals. She tested high in medical and science field. With this information, Andrea was set on going into the medical field. She decided she wanted to be a OB-Special delivery Doctor...that changed to Cardiovascolar Pediatric Surgeon (sp?) Now that has changed to Nurse Anesithis or(sp) nurse practictioner. My spelling is horrible. Because Andrea knew she had alot of college ahead of her ....she worked hard and took 6 college classes her senior year of high school. She only needs 3 classes to be a sophomore in college.
Joey and I have always encouraged Andrea to follow her dreams. We have always told her that she can be anything she wants to be ....to keep God the center of her life and do her best. We have repeated numerous time the scripture Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
We are now at a new chapter in Andrea's life. This chapter is going to be hard for us. In August, she will move into the dorm for serval months and only come home on weekends (hopefully). I am sure the weekends she comes home will be when Alabama football team is playing away. That's okay....as long as she calls and does come home some. I want Andrea to enjoy her college years, make new friends and study, be all that God wants her to be.
I think I got side tracked. LOL I think I was talking about how I was feeling. I have tears in my eyes .... Andrea is her Daddy's girl but, she is my world! I am so proud of the beautiful young lady that she has become. Laughing now. She just called and she left her directions to the Ferguson Center on her bed.. you can hear panic in her voice. I read them to her and she is now parked and whispered into the phone "MOM ...Alabama's gymanastics coach is walking beside me...I gotta go". I could hear excitment and joy in her voice .
God has a plan... today Andrea is showing independance, bravery, and courage.
I am relieved that she made it safe and found the place. Excited for her and thrilled that she called me and the way she said MOM just melted my heart all over again.

Okay, Moms .....give me some tips on how to keep it together when she calls and how to deal with her moving into the next phase of her life.

Holding On...

I am at "Holding On" ...Devotional Blog today.

Visit me here.

Friday's Quote

I really like quotes. I just can't always remember them when I need them.
I like to look them up on the internet and see which one really jumps out to me. Today I had 6!
So, I decided to share one .

"The Bible is a compass, pointing you in the right direction"
by: Anonymous

Do you have a favorite quote? Talk to me ...let me know what you think.

Have a FABULOUS weekend!!

Sings My Soul Saturday!

I decided to change the name of my blog to "Everything to Me" the song by Avalon inspired me to this name. I posted on this earlier in the week :How "Puff" came to be you can click to read it you like. So all this to say... I have chosen Avalon again. But, this time I chose the song "Everything to Me" .....I love the pictures and scriptures that they use on the video. I have watched this at least once a week.




For more Sing my Soul Saturday click on button and visit Amy.

Friday's Quote

"I would rather walk with God in the dark than to go alone in the light"
Mary Gardiner Brainard

I came across this quote and thought it was good and wanted to share.
Do you have favorite quote or one you like? If so, what is it?

New Blog!

"Holding On" To the Truth of God's Word is a new blog that is started by a fabulous group of ladies who love God and want to share with others.

I am honored to be apart of this fabulous group! I am so excited....can't you tell?? :) You see, we have several ladies at our church that blog and we thought it would be a fabulous idea for us to have a devotional blog.

We are so excited to have the blog up ....but no one has posted a devotion yet. I am sure that one will be coming soon. SO, hop on over and check it out and let us know what you think.

http://holdingontothetruth.blogspot.com/

Stay tuned to see what God has in store for us!

Thankful Thursday!

This week has been very busy and I have so much to be thankful...

Thankful that my heavenly father loves me as I am and is always with me.

Thankful for time spent with my Mom this weekend.

Thankful for my family.

Thankful for the chrystal lite things you put in your water to give it flavor.

Thankful for Lorie who had a drawing from 31 days of praying for your husband. I won the Chocolate Covered macadamia Nusts from Hawaii to give to Joey and he shared with me. They were delicious!!

Thankful for great books to read this summer.

Thankful for being able to sleep in (even tho VBS is this week I am still able to sleep in longer than if I was working at school).

Thankful that Andrea has made her college decision and will only be about an hour away. She will be attending University of Alabama! ROLL TIDE!!

Thankful that Andrea is already connecting with her 3 knew roommates....none are from Alabama...this will be a great experience for her.

Thankful that Andrea is spending her mornings this week helping with VBS!

For more thanks visit Iris at Sting my heart

Wordless Wednesday #19

Andrea and Hillary at Panama City Beach on their Senior trip.

How name "Puff" came to be

Alot of people have asked how I came up with the name of my blog "Puff's Pocket". When I explained it was a nickname they looked surprised because they didn't know this.
How the name came to be:
I work at Jemison Middle School where I have a lot of great co-workers that I like to call friends. In the spring several years ago... Christy had a Beauti-control party called "spa party". I went to the party for some much needed girl time and we had so much fun. Most of the ladies there were co-workers and it was great to spend time with them away from work. We all needed some girl time ...to get away from our families, work and leave it all behind for a couple of hours to be pampered. The consultant was showing products and letting us try different things when she introduced us to Bistro body. Which had a powder that you put on your body and the puff to put the powder on smelled like chocolate! Well, everyone who knows me...knows that I LOVE CHOCOLATE! I just couldn't believe that a puff smelled like chocolate. Because of my surprise the consultant gave it to me first and well...lets just say I didn't want to share. So, everyone was trying to get the puff from me and was teasing me. I would give it up to let someone smell and then would ask for it back. Shonda who was next to me; kept trying to get the puff and then she said "okay puff give us the puff" we all laughed and then the next thing I know they are calling me "puff". Everyone was joking and have great fun with the girls.

The next day at work ...I walked past Shonda's classroom and she yelled "hey Puff Mama" I say hey and kept going. Then the next thing I know when co-workers spoke to me they called me Puff and then some of the students picked up on this and they would call me Mrs. Puff. No one till now; really knew how Puff came to be or why I was called that.

When I decided to start a blog....I was so knew and green...I was excited and trying to come up with a GREAT name and was stumped. I am not creative so, I went to my wonderful creative friend Shonda. I explained what I was doing and how I wanted a GREAT name and she out of the blue said "PUFF's Pocket". The students in her room was learning to blog also and they like it. Puff being my nickname and Pocket being my thoughts. So, that is how I decided on Puff's Pocket.

My friends (away from work) didn't understand how I came up with Puff's Pocket and I would just say it is a nickname....they didn't know about it and you could see confused looks. Then I had a bag monogramed with Puff's Stuff on the side and you could still see confused looks. LOL Some would ask how did you get that name and I really never took the time to explain.

Now: I see how reading blogs have helped and encouraged me in so many ways and through a rough 8 months with my daughter all the prayers and blogging friends I have met that the blog name just didn't seem to be what I needed or wanted it to be.
I want to encouarge others and with their walk with God and I want God to use me to reach out (you know get out of my box or comfort zone) to others. I see how God can use this for that. I have posted about my life struggles and ups and downs, being thankful and etc. This has helped me to put my feelings on paper (so to speak). I have always wanted to journal but, would get so caught up with it being neat and pretty that I would end up not doing it. This blog has been good for me to do this without worry about it being perfect.

I was trying again to come up with a GREAT name to rename my blog. When I came across the song by Avalon "Everything to Me" on youtube while looking for the video to post on Then Sings My Soul Saturday. I watched the video and it really spoke to me. This is what God is to me; HE is my everything. The air I breathe, more than a story, HE is everything to me. Has I was watching the video...light bulb moment ...I thought that is a great name for my blog "EVERYTHING TO ME". I decided to tuck it away and think about it and I have for several weeks now and this week deciced to change the blog name. While the address is still :http://puffspocket.blogspot.com the name is Everything to ME. I am still working on some changes but, have not posted them yet.

Don't misunderstand me... that while I love the nickname "Puff" and I get a smile on my face when I am called this. I felt it was time for a change for my blog to have a new name. A name to express how I feel about my Saviour, my family, my friends, my life.

So, talk to me....which do you like? Puff's Pocket or Everything to Me.