Hope Cancer Resources: Cost of Cancer is on the Rise

Hope Cancer Resources: Cost of Cancer is on the Rise

New Year, New Beginnings

I know I posted a Facebook comment about some of the changes coming our way in 2010, but one of my resolutions is to keep up with this blog a little better.  I like the idea of having the electronic play by play of the year to go back and see the memories made.
Joe and I are both starting new jobs this month.  He is leaving Procter & Gamble after being there 13 1/2 years.  It was a difficult decision, but after many prayers and analyzing it from every angle, we both felt that God was leading him to this new position.  He starts at Coleman Outdoor Products on the 17th as a Sr Category Manager.  I am very proud of his accomplishments and the kind words said by both P&G and Coleman.
With his new position, it has allowed me to take a part-time position with Hope Cancer Resources as an assistant to the Development Coordinator.  I will be helping with donor records and events along with various other things.  I am extremely excited to get the opportunity to work for this great organization.  I also feel very blessed that I will be home with my kids more and am more than happy to become the boys' taxi to their activities, etc.
I did make a couple of New Year's resolutions.  The first is to read the Bible over the next year.  I found a cool app for the iPhone that incorporates the One Year Bible where you read a little of the Old and New Testaments along with a Psalm and a Proverb every day.  It breaks it up, and I like that a lot.  I seem to always get stuck in Numbers somewhere.  My second is to lose weight by eating healthier and starting a normal exercise routine.  With the busy-ness of life, this is something I have neglected since having my hysterectomy almost 4 years ago.  (Wow, time flies!)  I am determined to make this a lifestyle change, not just the latest fad.
I also want to start adding my craft projects to my blog, as I have been bad to not take pictures of everything I have made.  I am also going to start a project scrapbook now that I will have a little more time on my hands.  And, I have a large stack of books calling my name.  I have had a list going for sometime of books I want to read.  Now I might have a little more time!
Lastly, I am trying to work out an attainable goal for memorizing Scripture this year.  Knowing the Word of God, in my opinion, is our most useful tool that we can have.

We are all definitely thankful for the many blessings that God has given us!

Memorial Day Camping Trip

We had a great time this weekend with friends and family camping at Sparrow Hawk Camp on the Illinois River in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.  The surroundings were beautiful!  It was nice to hang out and relax.  We always have fun and have quite a large group that goes.  Joe, I, and the boys, Joe's brother Jeff, his wife Stacy, son Brandon, son Jeremy and his fiance, Brittany, Joe's mom, Joe's sister Maggie, her husband Rob, and their kiddos Lola and Nate, my cousin Travis, his wife, Julie, and their girls, Haley and Hannah.  We were joined by other members throughout the weekend that didn't spend the night.  Travis's mom and dad, (my uncle and aunt) Linda and Roy, and my MomMom (my dad's mom), my parents, Joe's dad, and Joe's sister, Angie, our friends, Gena and Mikel Shepherd and their 3 kiddos, Austin, Aiden, and Abby.  We were set to come home today, but Jeff was looking at radar last night and it appeared that we would get pummeled with storms if we stayed, so about 8:15, we decided to tear down camp and head home.  It took us about 2 hours to get everything loaded up and out of there.  We are exhausted today, but have made a little progress in getting everything put back in its place.  All but Julie, Hannah, and I floated the Illinois on Saturday.  They had a blast.  They also enjoyed the log roll in the park and the water slides up the highway. 

Thank you for the prayers!

I accepted an offer today for my new job and start on Monday!  Thank you everyone who has offered prayers and encouragement during the past 2 months.  I will post more details later as I know more. I am excited to start a career outside the Financial Services field.  Sort of.
On the American Idol front, I am excited that we are down to the Top 12 now.  Tonight I loved Aaron, Lee, and Siovhan.  Crystal, Casey,  and Big Mike were good, too.  Didi was totally annoying tonight.  I think it will be goodbye to Andrew Garcia or Katie Stevens this week...I am leaning more toward Andrew.  He was terrible! 
I have been reading quite a bit lately.  I just finished Run by Ann Patchett and Noah's Compass by Anne Tyler.  Both were really good books.  I am now reading Home Safe by Elizabeth Berg.  It's good so far.  I checked out The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler and The Commoner by John Burnham Schwartz.  The second one is a Japanese historical novel, and I am fascinated with the Chinese and Japanese culture in these books, such as foot binding, arranged marriages, etc.  This one is about an arranged marriage of a common woman to a Crown Prince and the family's desire for a suitable heir (male child).  Can't wait to get started.
I have also gotten a lot of organization done in the last couple of weeks.  I finally bought some more bookshelves.  I have moved most of my books upstairs into the bonus room, which I have claimed part of for my own personal library.  I have all of my books arranged in alphabetical order by author.  I am loving that they are sorted.  I like my book collection and was thrilled to find that my memory has served me well, and I didn't have any duplicated titles in my enormous collection of books.  Now that they are in order, I am going to find an online personal library app, or one for my iPhone.  I know.  NERD ALERT! 
And of course, I have been crocheting some great things.  I have made several dishcloths lately.  Still working on the Chicago Bears blanket for Joe's boss....and several other projects. 
And, as if life isn't busy enough, we started baseball practice this week.  I am really excited about the boys' coach this year, and the boys on their team.  I think it is going to be a great season.  Just ready for some warmer weather so I don't freeze to death during the 6 or so hours we are at the ball fields per week.  GO WILDCATS!

Well, time for sleep!

2010 begins with a bang!

Well, we are now 27 days into 2010, and it has already been an eventful year.  For those of you who don't know, I was laid off on the 14th from Morgan Keegan.  I had somewhat expected it because of changes in operational procedures, so that made it a little easier.  I definitely think that better opportunities are on the horizon since I just finished my degree, so please pray that I will find a job and that it will be where God wants me. 
Other than the job search, we have been busy with basketball games and have already signed up for summer baseball.  We run constantly, so the time off has actually been a bit of a blessing.  We also have a new nephew born on December 14th...Nathan aka NateDawg, and I have loved every minute of getting to spoil him.
I have been crocheting like a mad woman, also.  I am currently making a very large blanket that is counted single crochet...it's the Chicago Bears logo for Joe's boss.  Once I figure out how to add pictures, I will post some.  I am also working on several smaller projects.  Found a new throw pattern that I am absolutely loving. 
I had a great adventure today at Walmart.  It was mass hysteria like I have never seen.  We are stocked up on everything and then some.  I know that the magnitude of an ice storm like last year is not the least bit funny, but the reaction of the public is a little amusing.  Hopefully it will not get that bad.