Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Thankful

There are so many things I am thankful for. I have been blessed beyond what I deserve in so many ways. One of my biggest fears came true yesterday...being in a wreck while pregnant. Not that I don't fear being in one alone or with other people, but when you're carrying a sweet innocent child it makes things a little different. They say most wrecks happen within 15 miles of your home. I can attest to that...1 mile! I was leaving AMM Collision center, kind of ironic don't ya think! I was paying for Ryan's truck that was having some work done. I didn't plan to stop by there which makes me wonder...most of the time I think if I chose a different path it could be God's way of saving me from something potentially harmful..I've never really thought of going the opposite way: deciding to do something at the last minute could put you in a potentially harmful situtation. Anyways, like I said it was a last minute decision to stop by there. Turns out I couldn't even pay for it so it was a wasted trip! As I was pulling out I looked both ways and no one was coming at all for as far as I could see. I pulled out, all was well. I was going to turn on the road the leads to my street. I had been stopped for a good 30 seconds with my left hand blinker on, in my new BIG BLACK SUV. I looked in the rear view mirror.still. nobody. in. sight. I continue to wait for my turn to turn and WHAM! I didn't even see the girl coming. I didn't know what happened. Literally no one was around. I pull off the road as her cars continues up the grass almost landing on highway 35. Going a little fast? YES SHE WAS! She immediately jumps out."I'm so sorry I didn't even see you" In shock I was thinking seriously how to do you miss that? I'd been sitting there forever. Turns out she was on her phone GO FIGURE. When she saw I was pregnant, shaking, and crying at that point she really began freaking out. She went and got in her car and sat there on the phone???? Not sure what that was about! I tried 911 3 times and could never get a connection?? What the heck! Luckily as she got out I figured out why she was on her phone and a cop came to the rescue. Apparently she has 2 speeding tickets and caused another wreck a couple of weeks ago. She was trying to hand me her license and insurance and get the heck out of dodge. She was crying saying I gotta get out of here I can't get another ticket or they will take my license away. Here is my stuff I promise I'll pay....UHHHHH I was standing there in shock. Praise God at that time a cop just happened to drive by and stop! Umm hello dumb girl maybe your stuff needs to be taken away, just sayin'!
A bunch of paperwork later, a check by the ambulance, Ryan showing up...we finally went home.
I decided to call my doctor and let her know what happened. She told me I needed to try and get Aubree to move so to drink a sugary drink, eat some candy...and call her back in 2 hours if she hadn't. I did all of that and wait over two hours. I called her back...no movement. I went in to be safe and all was well! Scary moment! I didn't want to be paranoid but I also didn't want to worry all day if everything was okay or not. I am so very thankful all is well.
My poor new car that doesn't even have the license plates in...will be okay after spending some time receiving TLC at AMM Collision where I was leaving in the first place!

We have so much to be thankful for this holiday season: Aubree, health, wealth, house, cars, family, friends, church, jobs, food, clothes, LIFE!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thursday, November 3, 2011

A longggg overdue post

So clearly it has been forever and a day since I have blogged. I have not felt like it much since I've become pregnant. I was looking back at my previous post and died laughing at this one. Reason being...it wasn't quite a fireworkless fourth after all. Leaving all details out, Miss Aubree Kate is a fourth of July baby!

Things in our life have changed quite a bit. We found out at the end of July we were pregnant at 1 in the a.m. because I couldn't wait till "morning." I started school in August, which if you are close to a teacher you understand why it is November and I am just now getting to blog! We a got a "new" pre-owned momma vehicle. I guess that covers just about all of the big things that are going on.

I spend my nights addicted to pinterest and searching for nursery ideas and crafts! We have purchased her crib and two amazing dressers. This weekend we are going to get the paint for her room and next week a friend is coming to do it all for us! When that part is complete I can really get going on all my ideas! I. Can't. Wait.

Here are a few pics of my bumb!

13 or 14 weeks

16 Weeks
17 Weeks

19 Weeks

Friday, July 15, 2011

90 to nothing

...that is the speed at which my brain is constantly going at. I don't know how to silence it. I fall asleep thinking, wake up around 3 or 4 a.m. for a quick bathroom trip, thinking, fall asleep again thinking, wake up for the day thinking. AHHHHHH this is me screaming! I don't know if this is normal? Do you do this?
On mind:
  • What is the new school year going to be like? New Grade? New curriculum? How do I set up my room?
  • How can I get this sewing thing to take off? What legal steps do I need to take? *ADVICE NEEDED*
  • Should I change my business name to Simply Snell? *OPINIONS WANTED*
  • I need to read, I have put that off this summer!
  • I don't really want to go to Virginia for 8 days in the heat.
  • Is it wrong that I prefer to read the bible from my phone? *OPINIONS WANTED*
  • I need to cook more!
  • Should I start couponing?
*Sigh*
I appreciate any and all feedback.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Seriously? There is only 2 of us

I guess I have some work that needs to be done today. Either my days are running together or this sink really was empty YESTERDAY! As the title of this post says, there are only 2 people who reside in The Trails subdivision. Yet, this looks more like a family of 4. I wish I could say it's all my good cooking but I don't recall there being much of that lately. I want a maid, wishful thinking, but then I could have the freedom to focus more on sewing then balancing this as well. Okay I am done complaining, I was just saying it'd be nice.

Ideas on how you stay on top of household chores would be appreciated.
Disclaimer: I blame my husband for my getting behind. After all he says I don't want you doing this kind of stuff all summer and our house doesn't have to be perfect all the time. Me: If you say so buddy!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

An odd day

Yesterday was so weird! Everything (Bible study and lunch) was wonderful...things changed after lunch. I went to the grocery store where many odd events took place. First, I went shopping in the complete opposite direction. I started on the health and beauty side of the store. NEVER do that. Not that it matters, just saying. I found myself barely able to finish the trip due to an all the sudden case of exhaustion! While in the checkout line my bill ran up to 98.00. No big deal until I tried handing the lady a 20 and was convinced in my mind that it was a 100. She looked at me like I was insane and I apologized a million times. Left and started to load things in my car when this man got out of his and without missing I beat I asked him to help me. WHAT?!?!?! Never have I done that, but I couldn't lift for some reason. Drove home and was forced to unload them myself, as I was the only one home. Unloaded and cleaned for dinner guests. But all I wanted to do the whole time was sleep. My eyes kept closing but no time to sleep. I had to leave my house at 4 for a meeting at school with my new teammates (which was wonderful). However, while there I yawned a hundred times and felt completely rude. At some point our conversations it got better. At 6 I left because our company would arrive at 6:30, I wasn't worried though because Ryan was going to start cooking and I had previously had the stuff ready to go. BUT I called him on my way home and he was just leaving the office! OH NO! Cody and Alisha would arrive in 15 minutes, neither of us were home yet, and nothing was prepared. I wasn't mad at Ryan, I understand his work load, but for some reason I just starting crying! HARD! My very symphatetic husband was like are you okay and all I could say was I'm just exhausted. All I can think about is going to sleep. He asked if I wanted to cancel and of course I said No. 10 minutes of crying seemed to cure all for awhile. But it was the weirdest thing. It's summer I have no reason to be that tired, I didn't do anything but study God's word, eat lunch, and grocery shop. I do that all the time. I come home from field day with more energy than that. It was a weird unexplainable day for sure!

Oh: Dinner was wonderful and I perked up!

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Peace in the storms

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your savior."~Isaiah 43:2-3

What a comforting and peaceful promise! I am learning so much in Beth Moore's Breaking Free study! Her ability to pull scripture from all over the bible amazes me. Her homework day 5 of week 2 talked a lot about enjoying God's presence even in the midst of storms. In 2006 I faced one of the biggest storms of my life thus far. Throughout that process I have never experienced God's love, peace, patience, and promises as I did then. It was a tough road and things weren't always peachy with the Lord and I, but nonetheless, He never left me. He showed me love and patience every second of my healing process. I love the verse above for many reasons: 1) It says WHEN you go through these troubles, meaning we will it's just a matter of timing. 2) It says you will NOT be overtaken by anything you go through. 3) He says again He is our Lord, our Savior. Gives me chills!

I learned through experience He may not calm the storm immediately, but He promises He will be with right there every step of the way!

Psalm 16:11 "You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever."

If you're in the middle of a storm. Take heart, you will come out on top; stronger than you can imagine.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

A fireworksless 4th

Yesterday was not a typical 4th of July celebration for us, as most probably experienced. We spent most of the day driving back from Magnolia (my parents new residence). We went home for a dear friends wedding. We were extremely lazy the morning of the 4th...because we are all addicted to the Casey Anthony trial. Many hours have been spent in front of the television this past weekend (sadly to say). My mom cooked a delish lunch and then we hit the road. For some reason the drive was insanely miserable. I was bored beyond belief. Ryan kept making fun of me. My ADD-ness was out of control. I can't even think about how we have to make the trip again this weekend!! AHHHHHHHH it makes me want to scream. Should we move back to the area or not has been on my mind!?!?!?! Contemplating! Anyways, by the time we got home it was dinner time and we weren't feeling going or doing anything. We picked up a pizza and caught up on the DVR. Needless to say no family fun, no friends, and no fireworks for the Snells this 4th of July.

What did you get to do this 4th of July?

Friday, June 24, 2011

We can be faithful to God and still....

be attacked by the enemy.

This morning, Day 4 of Beth Moore's Breaking Free Bible Study, I learned A LOT!
She has such a way of making you see things through scripture that I am unable to on my own. I am thankful for God's calling on her life. As a woman I know she has helped me tremendously!

"We can be faithful to God and centered in His will and still be attacked by the enemy. Sometimes our enemy attacks the weak and wandering believers because they are easy prey. Other times he attacks competent, fully surrendered servants of God for the challenge and the possible contagious effect of a fall. Let's not be fooled into thinking we can somehow avoid all Satan's attempts to take us captive. We are wise never to consider ourselves invulnerable, so that we stay alert and aware at all times. Satan cannot force us to go where he leads, but he can certainly choose a scenic route for a lure."~Beth Moore

Powerful, true, scary. I don't know where you fall: weak and wandering or competent and fully surrender. I do know that we must always be on our A game, guarded and ready to fight off an attack that may come our way. It may be as small as a negative or jealous thought towards something or someone or as big as (you can insert what you think could be considered big).

My prayer for myself and others is that we never let our guard down, we remember who gave us life and everything in it, and that we encourage each other in our christian walk.

Blessings
I love the space God has blessed me with to study His word and coffee!


Wednesday, June 22, 2011

The start of something new

As most of you knew we were gone to Puerto Moreles Mexico (right past Cancun) for a glorious 8 days. The much wanted and much needed (If I can say so selfishly) time away was just what we both needed. From the time the plane took off and the time it returned home 8 days later was complete paradise. Never a dull moment with the two of us. And no we didn't get tired of one another. At first we would be laying out and we barely talked. I thought...ummm why aren't we talking? Then God helped me discovered we don't always have to talk. We can lay and enjoy the silent presence of one another. When the talking times presented itself we dreamed, reflected, planned, laughed, and encouraged one another in our dreams. That in itself was perfection. One of the best parts of the vacation was coming home knowing it was completely paid in full with no debt to worry about. While we were there we celebrated our 2nd anniversary. The past two years really flew by. It's crazy to think about it, really!

Coming home has been an adjustment. Starting Monday we began P90X, it is challenging for sure especially the 4:30 a.m. part of it. We have found that evenings are a no go for us. Something always comes up or we talk ourselves out of it due to exhaustion from the day. So that means we wake up early and get it out of the way. We need the accountability of each other. That is why I am sacrificing and getting up with him. It's not to bad, but the vacation kind of got us a little lazy so that is the difficult part. Also for me...I don't have to get up that early, so I end up taking a nap at some point. I cook breakfast for Ryan and send him to work then it's me time. I spend time with the Lord then start my organization plan for the day. I have completely cleaned out the office and am working on making the guest room part of my sewing room. I have moved furniture...etc. With that I have purged a ton of clothes and books and even some small furniture items. In fact, I have a small end table and storage ottoman for sale if you're interested. As well as books!

I am so thankful for the summer to get things in order and the time to spend with family and friends!

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

A sewing machine and a serger

I've been busy lately, but it's a good thing.
I made a dress that I posted on facebook thanks to the help of Angie Cole (a wonderful teacher who you should all go to her class at The Shops Above Memory Lane). I will be wearing it in Mexico! I have also been busy with onesies. Some I have remembered to take pictures of some I forgot! If you need a customized gift please let me know. I would love to create something for you!



sail boat, airplane, initial B
My dress, upside because I can't get it to flip!

The new serger that Ryan allowed me to buy! Huge sale!



My good ole sewing machine





Monday, June 6, 2011

3 days

Gonna put the world away for a minute
Pretend I don't live in it
Sunshine gonna wash my blues away
Had sweet love but I lost it
She Got too close so I fought it
Now I'm lost in the world tryin to find me a better way

Wishin' I was
Knee deep in the water somewhere
got the blue sky, breeze and it don't seem fair
the only worry in the world
is the tide gonna reach my chair
Sunrise, there's a fire in the sky
never been so happy
never felt so high
and I think I might've found me my own kind of paradise

Wrote a note, said "Be back in a minute"
Bought a boat and I sailed off in it
Don't think anybody's gonna miss me anyway
Mind on a permenant vacation
The ocean is my only medication
Wishin' my condition ain't ever gonna go away

Now I'm knee deep in the water somewhere
Got the blue sky breeze blowin' wind thru my hair
Only worry in the world
is the tide gonna reach my chair
Sunrise, there's a fire in the sky
never been so happy
never felt so high
and I think I might've found me my own kind of paradise

This champagne shore watchin' over me
It's a sweet sweet life livin' by the salty sea
One day you can be as lost as me
Change your geography and maybe you might be

Knee deep in the water somewhere
got the blue sky breeze blowin' wind thru my hair
only worry in the world
is the tide gonna reach my chair
Sunrise, there's a fire in the sky
never been so happy
never felt so high
and I think I might've found me my own kind of paradise

Come on in
the waters nice
find yourself a little slice
grab a backpack
otherwise you'll never know until you try
when you lose yourself
you find a key to paradise

Saturday, June 4, 2011

The last day of school

The last day of school is always bitter sweet. Some you hate to see go, others not so much (just being honest). Graduation, the parties, and goodbyes all went well. The saddest part of the day as knowing I wouldn't be teaching with my dear friend Alisha Mize next year. We're great together. I am very excited about the future, my new team, and grade level...but I will miss her being across the hall. Love you Lish!

Friday, June 3, 2011

Can I get a witness?

Acts 4
This morning I dug into Acts 4. It continues on with Peter and John witnessing. Take a minute to read it!
Anyways, they got arrested, went before the council, and got out because God is...well God and awesome.
Before I get to the part I want to focus on I want us to stop and think...It is not very often if at all anymore to get arrested for sharing the good news...but there are still risks involved. I think we'd all be willing to spend a night in jail if we knew 5,000 people (more or even less) would come to know the Lord. But the thought to ponder is, shouldn't we be willing to risk SOMETHING to see one person come to know Him? I think the main thing that has held me up lately is one, probably laziness and two what I am going to lose? Selfish-I know, but I have to be honest. We all know it is a risk, but we all should also know that anything we do for the Lord is not wasted! But do we is the question!
I am the one hindering my selfish self, because honestly whatever it is I am holding onto I know the Lord has something far better for me. It takes me back to the verse Jeremiah 29:11 and Psalm 3:5, there are many more to back up the fact that God has my best interest in mind and wants to bless me more than I can even imagine. Yet I sit stuck, holding on to nothing, not ready to let go. Sad. Pathetic. Me. I know.
Scard of rejection? Yes I am.
Then I am reminded of this verse. "If anyone acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will openly acknowledge that person before my Father in heaven." Matthew 10:32
Ummmm HELLO! And I am scared of rejection-whatever! NO more. The absolute only one I need to be acknowledged by is my Savior!

As my dad says every Sunday..."Go and be the church!"
Yes sir!

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Lately

  • Summer is here, Praise the Lord
  • I am now a 3rd grade teacher, rather than 5th
  • We leave very soon for our 8 day vacation in paradise
  • I have been getting up every morning (well at least 4 times a week) to run with my husband! Even though it's summer I want to keep it up. Getting up with him makes it easy :)! We cook breakfast, drink coffee, and have our quiet time. I couldn't ask for a better way to start the day!
  • I have been sewing like crazy...pics to come on the dress I am making for our trip!
  • I am reading 2 books: Quitter and Water for Elephants (I need to just pick one and finish it!)
  • I really want to write my own book, it's on my mind a lot but there are several ideas going on in my mind and I can't narrow it down!
  • I am getting ready to grow in my walk and break free from some bondage with Beth Moore's study at Jenny Childress's house!
  • I have not had to take an allergy pill the whole month of May! I feel such a difference taking Juice Plus and my energy level is way up!!! You really should check it out, you're worth it! www.asnelljuiceplus.com
  • I have enjoyed hanging with friends and building our couple friendships!
  • My nephew came this past week and we went to Sea World! My favorite phrase was, "Ashwey what's Shampoo doing!" Sweet boy! I can't believe he is almost 3 years old!

Me, Lala, E, and Lish at the Round Rock Express game on Monday
Look at that devilish face....TROUBLE but oh so cute!

Jumping to Acts

For some reason I randomly decided to switch to the book of Acts. If you follow you should know I was in Exodus, but here we go with Acts.
I have already read Act 1-3. I am learning a lot about witnessing and how the church should be. I am only going to focus on a couple of lessons today.

1)
"They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity-all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their groups those who were being saved." Acts 2:46-47

It's clear what we as Christians are called to do. A healthy Christian community will attract people to Christ. Are we is the question? A loving church will grow in numbers....are we? What am I doing, what are you doing to make the church the kind of place that will attract others to Christ? How am I, how are you hindering those from walking through the doors? It's kind of scary to think about!

2)
"The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting a gift. But Peter said, "I don't have any money for you. But I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!" Acts 3:5-6

The lame man was asking for money, but instead he got something much better...the use of his legs! I know this is true in my life...I often ask God to help me with small problems. However, He exceeds my expectations by helping with ALL my problems, giving me a whole new life. I think so often we don't even know what we need and God is sitting back saying "I've got something far better for you...more than you can even imagine!"

Question: When is the last time you witnessed to someone (like Peter was doing in Acts)?
My answer: I have no idea!

Monday, May 16, 2011

Hardship

Exodus 5, yes, a couple of days late;

So brief summary...God sends Moses to Pharaoh. Pharaoh wouldn't respect Moses or Aaron because he did not know who God was...(have you ever had to talk to someone in this day and age who doesn't know or could careless to know God?)
M and A were obedient and persistant because God commanded them to do so. However, they didn't get the response they hoped for and needed. This meant harder work and more oppression for the Hebrews. They were suffering! Are you following God but suffering at the same time? I don't think that always means God has lost favor in us, but that we may be suffering for doing good in an evil world!
As the story continues Pharaoh keeps increasing the work load and taking away supplies needed to get the job done! They were whipped if unable to produce the adequate amount of work. I think this paints of the picture of how it can go when God is at work! We may suffer, have setbacks and hardships. James 1:2-4 talks about how we should consider it PURE JOY when trials come our way...Say WHAT?!?!? I may consider it something, but joy isn't the first thing that comes to my mind. But I do know that problems "trials" develop several things in us: strength, patience, perservance, character...I think if God were to speak to me flat out in the middle of hardships he would say: 1-trust me to do what is best for you. 2-look for ways to honor me in this present situation. 3-remember I will not abandon you EVER. 4- keep watching for my plan.

What have you learned about God during your hardships? Do you consider trials Pure Joy???

Thursday, May 12, 2011

But..but I can't Lord

Exodus 4
Oh Moses, I think you have a tad case of the whines!

In Ex. 3 God asked Moses to go to Egypt and let the Israelites go! Everyone probably remembers the song "Pharoah Pharoah, oh baby let my people go, ugh....ya ya ya ya ya...."
Love it growing up!

Anyways, Moses was reluctant, so many excuses. He was worried about how the people might respond (ugh I'm raising my hand, guilty as charged). We so often build up events in our minds and then panic over every little thing that might go wrong (hand raised again). News flash: God does not ask us to go where he has not provided the means to help.
Challenge: Go where he leads, trust him to supply all the means and resources at the right moment!

In verses 10-13 Moses kept on whining. He pleaded with God to let him out of the mission (guilty as charged here again). "God I'm not a good speaker, I'm clumsy with words...I'll embarrass us both Lord". All Moses needed was some help which is exactly what God was trying to say he would provided. Moses must have had ear wax build up, or maybe that's me. Who better to help us than God, after all he is the one who made our mouths! It's pretty easy for us to focus on our weaknesses, but if God asked us to do something (and he will), then we have to be confident in the fact that HE will help is accomplish it! If the job involves some of our weak areas, then we have to trust it will provided everything (words, strength, courage, and ability).

If you know the story you know that Moses got out of it...Aaron his brother was his spokesperson.

Question to ponder: Who has taken over the jobs we failed to complete for God? And who missed out on the blessing of obediance, us or them?

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Inadequacies

Moses, Exodus 3

Have you ever really stopped to think about Moses and the burning bush? FREAKY!
God spoke to Moses from an unexpected source. Leads me to believe that God may use unexpected sources when communicating to us too. Likelyhood of it being a burning bush, not so much, but, people, thoughts, experiences, etc...I believe as christians we have to be willing to investigate, and be open to God's surprises!

When God told Moses to lead the Israelistes out of Eygpt I believe he felt inadequate. He made excuses (naturally). He was inadequate by himself. But God didn't ask him to do the work alone. As my dad always says...God doesn't call the qualified, he qualifies the called. So yes God may call us to tasks that seem to difficult, but he never asks us to do them alone. Challenge for myself and you Don't hide behind our inadequacies, let's look beyond ourselves. Then we can allow God to use our unique contributions!

What do you feel inadequate about? How can I pray for you or challenge you?

Since I've already talked about him once...in the words of my dad after every sermon "Go and be the church"

Blessings!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Heaven is for REAL

A must read for allllllll!!!!
Amazing! Eye opening! Chilling!

Next on my shelf...Water for Elephants!

God Chose Moses!

This morning in my quiet time I read Exodus Chapter 2: God chooses Moses. Too often I feel as if the Old Testament doesn’t have much going on for me, today, however, was different.
There are many lessons I took away from Moses and his mother. Here are a few:
Special opportunities may come our way unexpectedly. Don’t let the fear of what might happen cause you to miss an opportunity God gives you and take full advantage of them.
Applied to my life right now…sewing and juice plus. Two things I have been letting fear get the best of me on.
 Sewing: wondering if my stuff is good enough or if I am just wasting valuable time that I could be spending with my husband. Wondering if God has placed it in my life as a way to get out of debt at a faster rate.
Juice Plus+: the fear of someone saying “what now Ashley” not to my surprise that happened right away. The fear of failing, not being successful with the business. But I am so excited about it, so so so very excited. I learned about it through a friend whose baby was saved because of her getting on the whole based nutrition capsule at week 20 in her pregnancy. He had a mass on his lung and wasn’t expected to make it, let alone be so healthy. A nurse friend of her told her some doctors had been recommending Juice Plus+ and that she should try it. She got on it and he came out perfectly healthy. Her story has left the doctors and surgeons all amazed and completely on board with JP+. We had a huge prayer chain for her back in the day and it is awesome to see God answer the prayers! Shortly after his delivery her mom decided to become a wellness consultant to share how it saved her grandson’s life. Annie jumped on board since it was her story and son! J  After she saw many allergy suffering posts, she shared it with me. Ryan and I, if you remember, tried actually juicing raw fruits and vegetables and drinking them…YUCK, I think I liked one combination. He wants so badly for our doctor’s bills to go down and me to feel better on a daily basis. But the time, effort, messiness, cost, etc just did not justify. Juice Plus+ does that exact same with organic vegetables and puts it in a capsule so you don’t taste the grossness of what is really good for you. And it’s a lot cheaper! That is why I am excited I see story after story of how it got rid of allergies, sinuses, asthma, improved energy, healed diseases, amazed doctors with the cancer recovery, and the one I am most excited about is BABIES! Everything I am saying is clinically researched…it improves Fertility and has excellent outcomes with the pregnancy process. I have tons of research on that if you’re interested, and much, much more. There are tons of studies and more coming out on the benefits of JP+. It just made sense to me. I don’t eat my recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables, why don’t bring the gap and feel better! On the business side of it there are no parties or inventory and the list goes on.
I’m really not here to discuss all that, more of my fears and excitement. After prayerfully weighing my fears to the benefits it’s easy to see what I chose. Many people are successful with at home business and that is what I want so badly. I want to be able to work, but from home so I can spend time with my family… when the rest  come along. I want to accomplish more than just teaching day after day. I want to help, make a difference, save a life, and make someone feel better! Needless to say Pampered Chef wasn’t for me. The time and cooking thing was just not my cup of tea. So yes, here I go again, and I am so excited about it! www.asnelljuiceplus.com if you’re interested in reading up on the research. Watch the video, it’s great!
Back to Moses, I am taking the opportunity God has laid in front of me and to the full advantage! I’m praying to gets us out of debt faster and provides the way for me to stay home.
The other lessons I learned this morning:
God doesn’t need much from us to accomplish His plan!
When you don’t see the way out of a problem or situation…Focus on God and trust Him for the way out. That is all He needs to begin His work in you.
We may feel abandoned or isolated because of something we have done. But though we feel afraid and separated, we should not give up. Moses didn’t! He trusted God to deliver him, no matter how dark his past or bleak his future.
God knows the best time to act. When you feel that God has forgotten you in your troubles remember that God has a time schedule that we can’t see!

Sunday, May 1, 2011

And the winner is...

I decided on the name A. Snell
Here is my first tag! I'm still deciding on the way the tag is, but so far I like the look.

The winner is Dina Holman because when I created my etsy account ASnell was taken so I used asnellscreations...Thanks Dina! Send me your address!

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Working..

I am in the process of working on some hopefully good stuff!!! That's why I haven't blogged lately. I haven't forgot the contest...I am waiting to reveal!

Quick update on life:
My kids got 100% on TAKS! WHOO HOO!!!!
My man and I have been working on some housing stuff!
Still sewing and loving it, need more time!
My parents are amazing...more to come!

That's all for now folks! Blessings to you all!

Saturday, April 9, 2011

So Supertabulous Saturday!

I am blessed and my heart is happy! This morning Ryan and I woke up and headed straight for the patio. After a cup of coffee, I made us pancakes and bacon! Ryan left for some truck repairs and I went out on a limb! I facebook'd Jenny C. to see if she wanted to come over for coffee! She showed up 30 minish later with her beautiful baby Kennedy Kate! It was delightful! I learned something...not to not invite someone over because it's last minute and not planned! It was such a sweet blessing that I would have missed out on if I wouldn't have asked! After she left we went for a forced run. I say forced because I was HORRIBLE this week; eating and working out wise. I let stress and busy'ness get the best of me! Needless to say I was not motivated at all! We decided it would be best to try a different neighborhood for a scenery change. We ended up at a park I am now in LOVE with. Stagecoach Park in Buda! Wow! If you haven't been there you need to go! Take your kids, friends, family...whoever. We for sure will be making that habit. The neat thing was we ran into the Stricklands! What a blessing. They gave us water and we got to visit for a while! Neat family!
After the run I went out another limb. Contacted our dear friends Matt and Erika! They instantly came and we were both blessed with a wonderful visit. We love them! Erika is my closet friend from college! We are fortunate that our husbands love each other as much as we do each other. We spent the whole afternoon on the patio. It felt GREAT! We talked about our crafting business and future plans. Ryan and Matt played guitar and we all sang!
You know it's been a good day when your husband hugs you in the kitchen and says "I love today and have enjoyed it very much!" Yes baby me too!

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

1.) Very interesting 2.) Need your help

1.It says on my stats that 81 people have viewed my last posting. 8 followers and 3 comments, something is off :)!

Just teasing one day my track record will be back up!

2.
I need help picking a name for my "stuff" onesies and such. Please comment with an awesome suggestion!!! The winner will receive a sonic gift card!!!!

Friday, April 1, 2011

Where to Begin

This post will have different topics that have been on my heart and mind lately.
Forgiveness
The past several months at Teams we have been watching a video series called Laughing Your Way to a Better Marriage (highly recommend it to all married couples). The last session talked a little on forgiveness and for many reasons it is relevant to my life currently.
Forgiveness is an act..
-not an erasure of the memory
-it’s not emotional
-it means “I forgive you. I will not bring it up again, use it against you or bring it up to you or anyone else.”
Breaking Heart
After a phone conversation with Jenny Childress last night I cried for about two hours straight. Not because of anything she did or said but because of a blog she gave me the address to. This poor sweet girl lost her baby girl to SIDS. Every day she wrote about it, her emotions, etc. I had to go all the way back to the beginning. I couldn’t just jump in. I bawled like a baby. My heart breaks for her. My heart breaks for all who have ever lost a child born or unborn. Why? How? God?
I worry for me and I shouldn’t. I shouldn’t think like that-the worst. But I do. Why is that my nature? Why haven’t I learned that worrying is a sin and I shouldn’t do it? Will something happen because of this sin that has such a hold on me? Do you see how the devil gets to me? UGH!!!
I get a little bit stronger….she writes about how even on her weakest days she gets a little bit stronger. I can relate-not in losing a child-but in another way. I prayed for her all night and will always continue too. Her story is with me now. This morning I got in the car and guess what song was on the radio??? That song-“I get a little bit stronger”. I cried for her. I want to send her this song, though I’m sure she has already heard it.
Held by Natalie Grant
Two months is too little
They let him go
They had no sudden healing
To think that providence
Would take a child from his mother
While she prays, is appalling
Who told us we'd be rescued
What has changed and
Why should we be saved from nightmares
We're asking why this happens to us
Who have died to live, it's unfair
This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was that when everything fell
We'd be held
This hand is bitterness
We want to taste it and
Let the hatred numb our sorrows
The wise hand opens slowly
To lilies of the valley and tomorrow
This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was that when everything fell
We'd be held
If hope if born of suffering
If this is only the beginning
Can we not wait, for one hour
Watching for our Savior
This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was that when everything fell
We'd be held
[Repeat Chorus]
I’m praying for you Kelli. You don’t know why yet, but one day you will.
Jealousy/Envy
I’m not sure what the appropriate title for this section should be…
I feel like I have been feeling this way lately. It’s not right but I have. Why? I wonder? Jobs, clothes, house, house decor, the list could go on. I love all my friends dearly. I think it is a passing feeling since this is not normally how I roll!
Lord help us all! J
I should probably stop here..

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Life lately

1.) I lost two more pounds!

2.) I have been sewing like crazy and l love it! I am hoping to start making a little bit of side money doing it! I take classes at The Shops Above Memory Lane. We stay up late, but it's worth it!
Recent Projects:
 Blanket made out of Minky super soft and personalized...guess how much they sell for at the store...$80.00!
Bird pillow, not finished
 Owl Pillow
 Personalized onesie
More personalized-for sisters!

3.) I ran my first 10K, actually my first race ever today! It was so much fun! I am for sure feeling it, but it was worth it. My husband, Britt, Brent, Alisha, Cody, all of Alisha's family, Claire and Jeremy soon to be Davis, and I am sure many more all ran it as well! It was great to have so many people!



4.) I have been reading through Genesis and doing a devotional on my phone. 21 days to form or break a habit! I'm on my way with my quiet times and running!

5.) I am loving talking to my nephew. He loves to call me now. "Meme call Ashwey" "Ashwey when you come see me? I miss you Ashwey" "Wanna come to my house Ashwey? Can you take me to the playground?" "Why you at home? Come over!"


Haha! I love it! His personality is really starting to shine!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Studio

On Monday night I had the opportunity, with our praise band at church, to record at a 2.1 million dollar studio for free. A girl at our church, Kim, is getting a degree from the Art Instutition off of Louis Henna in Round Rock! She uses us for her projects! It is a lot of fun. I can't wait to hear how "Our God" sounds after all the finishing touches.

Here are some pictures:

7 pounds

Surprise, surprise...
I am behind on blogging once again.

I weighed in Tuesday. I have lost 7 pounds! I celebrated...a little to much!
I totally blew it this week! Starting with a big teacher breakfast on Tuesday morning, Mardis Gras snack theme at faculty meeting on Wednesday, St. Patrick's Day luncheon on Thursday, and Alisha's b'day lunch today!

I am very disappointed in myself! I will weigh again on Tuesday, we will see what the damage is!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Sad Goodbyes

Sunday, February 27th, we said goodbye to Oak Shade Baptist Church.

I cried like I was at a funeral, once it hit me I couldn't stop. Hug after hug, comment after comment just caused the tears to keep on coming. I didn't think that would happen. I was confident I'd be strong for my parents, etc.
I realized 11 years in one place is not easy to say goodbye to, no matter how hard it has been for my family for the last couple of years.
-met my husband in Sunday School the first week we moved there
-worked as a Sunday School teacher, a summer intern, cleaned the church as a part time job, VBS every summer, camp after camp
-attend several women studies throughout college
-was apart of the best college and career class, that has now been dead for 5 or more years :(

The list could go on. You understand what it is like to say goodbye to people you love...don't you?

Closing one chapter, opening the next.

Goodbye OSBC...

Monday, February 28, 2011

A week and a couple of days late!

Not this recent past weekend, but the one before that...


We had a wonderful weekend with the Mallonee's! Ryan and I traveled down I35 to Fort Worth, Texas on Friday. We joined up with Laura and Chris at the Miranda Lamber concert. I LOVE HER! She is amazing live! Other than the back to back crowds of people it was fabulous! She is very entertaining and I love all her songs. I didn't want to carry a camera so this is the only one I got of the whole night on my phone :(.

We spent the night at a very nice hotel in Downtown Ft. Worth for super cheap thanks to priceline!

After a decent nights rest we got up to head to my family's house! My sweet cousins Brandon and Kelli Moffett delivered their first born on Monday, Feb. 14th! Sienna Nicole is absolutely precious!

I am so happy for all friends and family who have had babies recently! Congrats to all. I have enjoyed holding and loving all of them!

Sienna and me!


Monday, February 21, 2011

Flat Stanley...

This is a popular project in the primary grades. Did you do this when you went to school? If I did I don't remember it. My mom's best friend has a little girl that I just adore!

This is an old picture. She is precious. Before I moved and throughout college I spent a lot of time babysitting and just hanging out with MacKenzie. About a month ago I got a letter requesting that I take Flat MacKenzie around my town, to work, etc. Here are the highlights of our adventure together!


Monday, February 14, 2011

My Sweetheart

Valentines #2

We celebrated our second Vday as a married couple yesterday and today. We went to a lovely cafe on South Congress last night with our dear friends Erika and Matt Fletcher. We ate different "styles" of food and enjoyed a way overpriced bottle of wine. The random conversations were highly satisfying!
Today my kids showered me with way to much chocolate. In fact if you are interested in some just let me know!!! I came home and cooked dinner for my love. He walked in and surprised me with tulips and a sweet sweet card. My love filled my tank this Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day to you all!
 
Copyright ©2011 Small Bird Studios| All Rights Reserved |Free Blog Templates at Small Bird Studios