school closed = productivity on my end.

so. i have this thing about planners & calendars. i am obsessed with them and am always looking for new ones. in my blog surfing this weekend, i found this! it looks amazing. the downfall? it's $50 :( but i am seriously considering it. is that bad? 


i am working on goodies to take for new years eve.  the carmel pretzels were a  big fail. i left them in the oven too long and the carmel melted all over the place. buuut i may still take them. who knows. this afternoon calls for chocolate covered carmels & chocolate covered pretzels. 


i just downloaded the new matt nathanson cd "modern love." so far, it's amazing. worth a listen.


i am currently memorizing my 30th and 31st Bible verse. it's amazing how doing something like this is life changing. i never thought i would be able to memorize scripture like this. but so far, so good. fifteen weeks down :) 

a day of crafting with my best friend. 

result? signs that still need to be strung.

finally strung one of them. [at least it is the current season]

 hung on my coat closet door.

got to spend time with this kid.  not my nephew by blood, but i am still auntie rachel :) 

opening presents.

organizing my new [to me] desk. got it free from friends.

i have always wanted a roll top desk. and no, i am not an elderly person.

happy almost new years eve. have fun & be safe. 

I wish you a Merry Christmas.

maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more. -the grinch. 

Christmas.

Santa or Rudolph- Santa for sure. 

Stocking or presents- I do love stockings (usually gift cards which are always good) but love love presents. it's a fund tradition that we take turns opening presents one at a time. 

Egg nog or hot cider- i don't think i have ever had egg nog. so in that case, hot cider.

Angel or star- angel for sure. 

Decorating the tree or putting lights outside- well since i live in an apartment, decorating the tree. although i do love looking at outside lights. 

Warm cozy fires or sleigh rides- fire for sure. that is where i am doing this post from! in front of the fire at my parents. 

Family time or friend time- both. i love spending time with my family and all the traditions we have. but i also have some good traditions with my friends too. 

Expensive presents or from the heart- from the heart.

Snowball fight or snowmen- snowmen. 

Caroling or Christmas stories- both. 

Snowy days or ice days- snow. i hate driving with ice on the ground.

Red or green- red.

taken from the shine project.

i wish everyone a VERY merry Christmas. 

Merry Christmas!

a visitor from texas! so happy she is back in the mitten for a few days :) 

ch-ch-changes & failure.

shirt. cowl.

so, if you can't read the shirt since did the whole take-picture-of-myself-in-the-mirror-thing... it says "be the change you wish to see." 

so. i have made some goals for myself. i hope these are realistic. some of them are:

-do a fundraiser for my kids at school [i teach at-risk preschoolers].

-live a healthier lifestyle.

-have more women join Bible memorization at church. 

-learn a new trait/skill/hobby.

there are more, but none that i am ready to share.

i am scared of failure. i think this gets a lot of people in one way or another.  but i know that God will guide me in every aspect of my life. this past week i had a hard time with my verse for Bible memorization. i was super busy last week and didn't do my routine [i have the verse written all over the place in my house, car, school bag etc.] like i normally do. so i was worried since i didn't have it done on saturday night that i wouldn't be able to say it on sunday. but with some prayer and advice from a fellow group member i GOT IT! and wouldn't you know it, my verse for the week was about anxiety? funny how God plans things like that.

on a more happy note. only three more days and i am off of school for 9 whole days! hooray.

leigh is having a one-for-one giveaway. 

i won this 31 bits necklace from her a few weeks ago.

Merry [almost] Christmas!

winter wonderland.

the dog warming up by the heater...smart puppy :) 

winter has begun.

[new] long winter coat has been worn.

heat is on [for a while now].

snow has stuck to the ground.

Christmas tree & decorations are up.

shopping is [one present away from being] done.

Christmas cards are a work-in-progress.

cookies have been exchanged [thanks to my co-workers.]

one of my favorite children's books.

   

tree.

that's right, I have an N'Sync ornament..

enjoy the start of the new season.

31 bits.

very loveleigh is having a giveaway!  31 bits is an awesome organization. it is hand-made {rolled paper} beaded jewelry by women in uganda.  i have several pieces of this jewelry and get compliments on it every time i wear it. people are amazed that the beads are made from rolled paper. these women are incredible and do incredible work! so go on over to visit very lovleigh to see her giveaway. and visit 31 bits and check out what they are all about. 

thankful.

1. Who do I appreciate? my family, friends and God. 

2. How am I fortunate? i have family & friends that love me. a job that i love. Jesus who died for my sins. 

3. What material possessions am I thankful for? my apartment. my car. my computer & my new camera (canon rebel).

4. What abilities do I have that I'm grateful for? my ability to teach.  i teach preschool and hear SO many times "oh, so you're like a babysitter?" um, nope.  on the other hand, i heard a few months ago from a stranger "you have to have good preschool teachers because it sets the standards for those children for the rest of their school career."  amen to that.  

5. What about my surroundings (home/neighborhood/city/etc.) am I thankful for? i still live close enough to my parents & sister to visit.  but of course i always wish i lived closer to my extended family. 

6. What experiences have I had that I am grateful for? that I became a Christian almost 2 1/2 years ago. it has changed my life. about 10 weeks ago i started doing Bible memorization at my church.  so far, i have memorized 21 verses.  i didn't think i was going to be able to do it, but have surprised myself. 

7. What happened today/yesterday/this week/this month/this year that I am grateful for? thanksgiving this past week. i was able to see my family and spend several days with them. there are so many times that i wished i lived closer to them, but treasure the time i actually do get to spend with them. 

8. What opportunities do I have that I am thankful for? teach preschoolers. they are at a fun age where they like to learn. i love to see their faces light up when they think something is "cool" or shout "wow" or even say "ms. rachel, you're silly."  puts a big smile on this girls face. 

9. What have others in my life done that I am thankful for? sounds corny, but it is true...my friends & family are simply there for me.  they love me and accept me for who i am and will help me whenever i need it. 

10. What have others done that I am benefiting from in my life (even if I don't know who those people are)? Jesus. he died for everyones sins so that i can live the life i lead.  also, the men & women who are serving to protect this country.  i can't possibly imagine doing what they do. but they do it proudly, with honor and dignity, and love of their country.  thank you & God bless you!

11. What relationships am I thankful for? my parents & sister.  i get along GREAT with my parents.  they mean the world to me and am so blessed to have parents who do so much for me.  my sister and i have busy schedules but are always there for one another.  

12. What am I taking for granted that, if I stop to think about it, I am grateful for? that i have the ability to be living in my apartment.  a lot of people aren't able to live on their own (with out having a roommate or living with their parents) so i am very grateful i am able to do that. 

13. What is there about the challenges/difficulties I have experienced (or am currently experiencing) that I can be thankful for? (e.g., What have I learned? How have I grown?). challenges are indeed difficult.  and they suck at the time.  a big challenge i had this year was when my ex broke up with me.  i didn't see it coming at all and my heart hurt a lot.  but it has been for the best and made me grow a lot.

14. What is different today than it was a year ago that I'm thankful for? i have started my second year of teaching.  people always say that your first year of teaching is your hardest, and i agree with that. but i made it through!

15. What insights have I gained that I am grateful for? i had a teacher in high school that always used to say "enjoy the struggle."  when i first heard her say that i thought she was crazy (because she was kicking my butt in aerobics class at the time).  but it is something i have learned to appreciate.  life isn't always easy. it has its ups and downs and struggles.  but you will get through it. so while you are going through it, remember to enjoy the struggle. 

what are you thankful for?

taken from the shine project.

praise you in this storm.

a friend of mine is going through a huge trial in her life. without going into specifics of it, she has a very long two years ahead of her.  

during worship time today at church, i glanced over and saw tears running down her face. she was brought to tears during the songs. i went over to her in the middle of a song and gave her a hug and let her cry on my shoulder. tears ran down my face as i stood and held her while she let her tears out. i can not imagine what she is going through of the road that she has ahead of her. but i know that God will bring her through it.  He will be there to be a witness to other people and spread His word.

now to my title of this post.  as i was cleaning, i was listening to my ipod.  a song by casting crowns called "praise you in this storm" came on.  i began to cry.  she is facing a huge storm in her life but He will be there for her. 

so, if you have a storm in your life that you are facing, having the faith that God will always bring you through it. 

          

always seek Him. 

"Praise you in this Storm." 

I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to you
And you raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away


I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

thanks to my friend, leighann for helping me find out all the secrets on blogging. 

the last month or so has been filled with many fun fall activities. 

like my church hay ride.

football games. i went back to my college for their homecoming game. [which they won.]

making crafts for a co-workers birthday.

a wedding of a great couple.

cooking fall items like these gigantic sweet potatoes, courtesy of my uncle's farm. [not pictured, the pumpkin cinnamon rolls i made a few weeks ago.] weird picture, i know. i just had to document how big these were...i have never seen them this big!

my pastor started a new sermon series today on baggage. wow. hard topic.  everyone has baggage that they carry around for different amounts of time; months, years, decades. but we need to drop that baggage and move on to the greater things that God has planned for your life.  

and we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. [romans 8:28]

today starts week 7 of my Bible memorization. and so far, so good. i'm actually surprised at how well i am doing. not to sound boastful, but i was very worried about it when i started. 

can't believe that november is only 2 days away.  happy end of october. 

happy fall.

fall is here. 

down syndrome buddy walk was last week. big success.

the weather is cooler.

apple orchards are calling my name.

pumpkin spice coffee creamer is in the fridge.

sweatshirt weather is here.

october is breast cancer awareness month. 

feeling of the first cold of the season coming on is not so exciting.

curling up in a blanket in my recliner while blog surfing on a saturday morning = amazing. 

dinner tonight with old friends and getting to see my "nephew" is very exciting.

happy fall. 

prayer life.

prayer changes things.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. [philippians 4:6-7]

one thing i am challenging myself to do is improve my prayer life. my pastor had a great sermon lsat week. main points:

1. God wants to bless you.

2. we dont ask.

3. we pray little prayers.

4. dare to ask for the best.

5. be bold.

6. stretch your faith.

7. if you PRAY bold prayers, God will do bold things in your LIFE.

sometimes i feel like some of prayers won't be answered because they are silly and i am praying for things that aren't important to God, but yet i still want them. and i know i shouldn't have that thought, because if i pray for something from God, it is important to Him.  God takes a interest in my life and if it is important to me, it is important to Him. my pastor challenged us. he asked us if prayer was important to us. he said, if it was we need to be serious about it. have a prayer list. so that is what i did. i unwrapped my new journal that i bought on super clearance at borders and began my prayer list. 

and i will end with something that my pastor said on sunday. "go for it." pray big things, pray small things, pray bold things, just pray. 

fall is around the corner.

i can't believe that fall is right around the corner.  i am looking forward to cooler days, sweatpants and sweatshirt kind of days, changing leaves,  fall weddings, thanksgiving and duh.duh.duh...putting my Christmas tree up :) i can't wait for that last one!

i officially finished my first year of teaching, woo hoo!  i taught all summer so my school year was a bit longer than most of my teacher friends, but i made it through.  i learned a lot throughout this past year and love where i am at.  my school is a great place for kids to be. i get along with my co-workers and got a really good review from my bosses  [always a bonus] :) 

i finally made my bucket list. it doesn't have much on it yet because i was drawing a blank for some reason. but i have it now, so i can add to it when i remember everything i wanted to put on it. 

a note from one student.
"you are not only our teacher, you are a friend and guide all in one!"
makes hard days worth it. 

beautiful view from comerica park. love looking at old churches.

i finally made a bucket list. this isn't what i had envisioned for it, but it will do for now. 

scrapbook i'm working on for my parents 30th wedding anniversary. shhh, don't tell, it's a surprise. 

weddings, birthdays, wedding shower, baby shower, oh my! its a busy few weeks with gift giving.

happy [almost] fall.

passing the time.

so i have realized one thing lately: i need to STOP spending money!  so i have decided to use my craft supplies to work on  a few projects [instead of going places to spend money]:

-a scrapbook for my parent's 30th wedding anniversary.

-clipboards for co-workers for Christmas (never too early to start working on them!)

-some sort of way to display my bucket list. 

-start my bucket list for the above project.

-cards. -birthday.-anniversary. -wedding. etc.

perhaps i should start with the organizing aspect... i have A LOT of scrapbooking/card/craft supplies and have most of them organized in my spare bedroom. one thing i am struggling with is how to organize my scrapbook paper. 

any other suggestions for craft projects? 

seasons.

you should clothe yourselves instead with the beautfy that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. [1 peter 3:4]

we have a new sermon serious at church; seasons. we all face seasons during our lifetime, both good and bad. right now, i have a season of change, a season of hurt, a season of disappointment, a season of growth, a season of finding-a-new-normal. etc. etc.

the last month has been hard for me. adjusting to a "new normal." i have had good days and bad days. last week i had a few bad days... but i am really trying hard to focus on the positive and move forward. this season too, shall pass and i will grow and learn from it. it's hard at times to remember that though. but i hope a few of these verses can remind me daily that i will make it through. my pastor always says worrying will do nothing for you.

don't wory about anything; instead, pray about everything. tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. then you will experience God's pease, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. [philippians 4:6]

for i can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. [philippians 4:13]

this is corny, but cute :)

via.

this too shall pass. i am just glad that i have an AWESOME God who i can turn to.

bucket list.

remember the movie that came out a few years ago called "bucket list?" well, i never saw the movie but the concept is great. you create a list of things you want to do/accomplish before you die.

a co-worker of mine has a bucket list that she actually uses. if she does something on her list, she crosses it off. that is awesome! there are so many things i want to do in my lifetime, why not make a list? yes, i know i am only 26...why do i need a list of things to do before i die? am i being morbid? no. just hopeful that i will accomplish things off a list.

so this weekend i want to create a fabulous bucket list. not only adding things to it, but making it a creative process. maybe busting out the cricut machine i just brought over to the apartment...

do you have a bucket list? if not, you should consider making one and try to cross things off :)

via.

happy weekend.

new beginnings.

so...i moved out and my apartment is finally coming together. whew.

spare bedroom.
living room.

dinning area/living room.

screened in patio.

kitchen.

my room.

bathroom.

i still have a few more things to do and a few more things to hang on the walls, but for the most part it is done. i am very excited about it all. :)

thankful thursday.

what are you thankful for?

-amazing weather.

-a job to go to everyday.

-the fun i have teaching 3 and 4 year olds. sometimes they say the darndest things.

-family.

-friends.

-awesome church and small groups.

happy [almost] weekend.

changes.

there have a lot of changes in my life over the last few weeks.

-i moved into my apartment. been here a few days and have almost everything unpacked. woo hoo. i am really happy where i am at and the place i have. it has been a long time coming and happy it is finally here.

-boyfriend and i are no longer together. this has been a rough transition to make. but i have been praying a lot for strength. it's amazing how God comforts you and gives you what you need when you hit a rough patch in life. the week it happened, the band at church played an awesome new song. "go" by hillsong united. i have an awesome church. great people. great pastors. great sermons. overall, just an awesome place to be.

-mom is still out of work on medical leave. but she goes back to work one week from tomorrow. and she is improving every day :)

since i have moved out, my latest thing is couponing :) i know, i know. 25 years old and i am a couponer. but hey, it saves me money! so last night i spent some time looking at different websites and printing numerous coupons. extreme couponing here i come.

my 26th birthday (yikes) is this Saturday. do i have anything planned? nope, not at all. hopefully something will come up this week.

happy monday and start to a new week.

m.i.a.

i have been m.i.a. for quite some time. it has been a crazy few weeks/months. the most recent is that my mom was in the hospital. it was a long five days of visiting and camping out in her hospital room, but she has been home for almost 2 weeks and is improving with each new day.

i did some organizing of my mass amount of scrapbooking stuff. i am not done at all, but way closer. so i'm excited to get that all done and get working on some old pictures.

below are a few pictures from the last little while.

out for sisters 28th birthday dinner.

carolyn's baby shower for sweet baby james.

liz and i at carolyn's baby shower.

sushi for our one year anniversary. yum.

tulips. my fav.

this guy celebrated his 7th birthday. crazy to think i started babysitting him when he was just a few months old.

Easter egg hunt for the kids at church. we had one or two (more like 2,000) eggs. all which were stuffed by yours truly and some great friends.

eric and i on Easter.