A Night with the Hunsleys

Part 1 = Ribs, steak, asparagus, green beans, corn on the cob, rolls, lemonade,mmm mmm good.
Part 2 = Drew and I taught them the card game Nines. It's a lot of fun, you should come over and I'll teach you. :)
Part 3 = Pound Cake cool whip and strawberries. enough said
Part 4 = Pictionary... was attempted. The rules were confusing and it took us forever to focus, but it was a blast seeing how poorly we were at drawing under pressure.

Throughout the night, good conversations were had and it stayed mostly wholesome. (Sarah, Phyllis and I can't always control those Hunsley boys. ;))

I'd say it was a successful way to spend a Saturday night.

Easter Sunday

We had an amazing Easter Sunday! Church, I hear, was great. I was in nursery because Mason and Kylie came to visit me, while Teal attended the service. It was wonderful to see them! :) We rushed out the door to grab mom and Melisa and head down to Winston-Salem... hugs, giggles, spray bottles, cupcakes, picnic blanket, warm breeze, swings, chubby legs, candy, yummy macaroni salad, family... you get the picture. It was a good day. We headed back home around 10, and when we got home we realized Melisa's car had a flat tire. So after that wonderful midnight adventure Drew and I headed home to SLEEP!

Date # 36 & 37

Date 36

Game night at our pastor's house. We love Nancy and Scotty! :) and Mary Ann and Trevor. Elizabeth and Lori are pretty swell as well. Get us all together and we have lots of fun. The guys usually play Wii while the rest of us learn a new game one of us loves. This time I taught them Nines... Pizza, cookies, and friends... wonderful. :)

Date 37

Drew made me Fajitas while I worked on a paper. Awe, so sweet. Then we went to the movies. Thank you Groupon. I appreciate your $4 movie tickets greatly! You're so kind.

Victory Comes While Praising

2 Chronicles 20 discusses Jehoshaphat the King figuring out how to defeat a vast army... He starts by saying "Listen... thus says the Lord:'Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's.  Tomorrow go against them... You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you. Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.'"

So they rose early and went out into the wilderness... Jehoshaphat stood and said,"Hear me, believe in the Lord your God and you shall be established; believe His prophets and you shall prosper." 

Jehoshaphat then divided his people between those who "should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of the holiness, as they went out before the army the sang "Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever!"

While they were singing and praising the Lord, the Lord set ambushes against their enemy, and they were defeated.

So when Judah came to a place overlooking the wilderness, they looked toward the multitude; and there were their dead bodies, fallen on the earth. No one had escaped.

Victory comes while praising.

When we are lost and confused. When we don't know what to do or how to pray about a situation. Start praising our Savior.

"Praising God is a way of trust." We have to set aside all of our fears and troubles of this world and look to God. Only God. That is where the battle was won.

Today I praise God that:
116- I only have 3 weeks of school left
117- I have a husband who likes me. :)
118- My Savior wraps me in His arms and holds me tight, through the best and worst times of my life
119- I no longer have headaches due to my heavy hair, because it's gone!
120- Audrey is my niece, her sweet and hilarious nature make me giddy with happiness
121- Owen is my nephew, his smiles make me want to never let him go.
122- the pollen seems to have diluted a tad since I'm not overly stuffy this week... knock on wood.
123- there is a possibility for starting a new small group at our house with friends.
124- phone calls from Mandy make me rejoice over the wonderful friendships I have, near and far
125- reeses peanut butter eggs are a part of my life... sigh pure deliciousness
126 - that I have to work hard for things that I love. The fact I can fight for what's right and God is right there helping me, makes me grateful.

 

hair loss & engagements

Youth volleyball has started and Drew and I are the coaches. We have about half and half on our team as far as experienced/never-played-before players so although we aren't winning all of our games, we are definitely holding our own! I have been so proud at the attitudes of the older teenagers, the veterans. They have been really encouraging to the younger ones, even when I know they really want to win. I can see their maturity and it's wonderful! 


I went to a party for my friend who just got engaged! As she introduced me, we are forever friends. Our families grew up together and I just love them so much! That week was so fun because I was able to help her dream/plan.  Seeing her momma was great too since they now live in Houston which is extremely way to far away from here!

I chopped my hair off... and I love it. It's light and swishy and all together wonderful. At least Drew and I think so. Thanks Lauren for getting rid of it!


My friend is leaving to go home in a few weeks. She lives in Indiana and although she is coming back in August, with her new husband (and by new I mean they are getting married in July, not as in she's going home to get a new one) I can't help but be really said she will be gone two months. Our bible study enjoyed throwing her a little shower with goodies and we are so sad we can't go to the wedding! I sure do love you Rebecca! :)


We are hooked on Prison Break right now. Drew and I also seem to be in the middle of some TV show, but we are faithful to watch from beginning to end.... except with Smallville we gave up because it became way to Sci Fi and just down right dumb.


Speaking of TV series, Micheal Scott leaves next week. I may have shed a few tears in this past episode, I-can't-rightly-say.

My friend Mandy just had a baby girl. Her name is Kayleigh, and although I haven't met her in person I already LOVE her! She sure is precious! 


School has been completely different from last 8 weeks. Mainly because I'm only taking two classes, and one is a breeze. It's week 5 and Drew finally heard me semi-stress about rushing to get things done. I'd say that's progress from last time. 


Mother's Day and Drew's Birthday are coming up... and I've got nothing in the present idea department.... sigh.

My niece knows 'Jesus Love Me' and sings in to the top of her lungs... as beautifully as her aunt and grandma do when they ride in the car. ;) Can't wait to hung that child and her brother's neck on Sunday!!  (You should definitely go over to the Naff News blog to watch the video. I would do a cool link to take you there but... I can't remember how to do such a thing... another sigh.

Easter is Sunday and I'm down-right giddy in love with my Savior right now. I love the fact He paid much to high a price, just so I can live with Him forever. He is my constant and I know that He has the BEST plan for my life. I love that I can trust blindly wherever He leads. Thank you Jesus for dying for me. Thank you also for conquering the grave!! 

The wife I long to be

Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they,without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives.

when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.

Do not let your adornment be merely outward - arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel - 

rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands.

as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.

1 Peter 3:1-6

Argh!

This flower is very deceptive. It may look pretty but I'm 96.892146% sure that it is the reason I have felt like I have pink eye and wake up many times a night sneezing for weeks now. Dumb.

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WICKED sweet...

It has been four whole months since I had a taste of the magical world that is called Broadway. I still think about it. I still listen to the soundtrack in the car pretty much non-stop. I can still see everything playing out as I listen to said soundtrack.

I think it deserves it's own post don't you? I'm glad we agree.

For those of you that don't know, which I think that is most of you unless I have talked to you, I want to tell you what the musical is about.

When watching the Wizard of Oz, I'm sure all of you stayed away from thinking nice and fluffy thoughts about the wicked witch. By just hearing the title of her name you want to run. We don't like associating with the wicked. WAYELL......

'Wicked' is all about the two witches of Oz. How they used to be friends. It shows how they met and how the 'good' witch was a spoiled, rich, popular, goody-two-shoes. The 'wicked' witch got treated differently because she was born green. She was loved less and her dream was for the Wizard to change her skin color to something normal. She also wanted to save the animals that were being forced to stop talking. Doesn't sound like a very wicked person does it? I didn't think so either. From the get-go Drew and I both liked Alphaba (the 'wicked' witch) better than Glenda (the 'good' witch). Although in the end I liked them both. This song depicts their relationship at the end. Not all the words are there, but I can think of a couple of friends I could say this about.

(Glinda) I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you

Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good

(Elphaba) It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend...

Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you

(Glinda) Because I knew you

(Both) I have been changed for good

(Elphaba) And just to clear the air
I ask forgiveness
For the thing I've done you blame me for

(Glinda) But then, I guess we know
There's blame to share

(Both) And none of it seems to matter anymore

(Both) Because I knew you...
I have been changed for good. 

No good deed goes unpunished. It's true. Time and time again Alphaba tried to do what was right and in the end... we'll people try to melt her and a house falls on her head. Tragic really. Until you see the play (or I guess read the book, but I've heard mixed things about it so I'm not recommending it) you will never know whether that is the end of the dear wicked witch, or whether she lives that fateful day when Dorothy knocks her out. This song "No Good Deed" is basically her decision to become 'wicked'. Here are a few of the words.

No good deed goes unpunished
no act of charity goes unresented
no good deed goes unpunished
that's my new creed
my road of good intentions
lead where such roads always lead
no good deed
goes unpunished


One question haunts and hurts
too much too much to mention
was I really seeking good
or just seeking attention
is that all good deeds are
when looked at with an ice-cold eye
if that's all good deeds are
maybe that's the reason why


No good deed goes unpunished
all helpful urges should be circumvented
no good deed goes unpunished
sure I meant well
well look at what well meant did
all right enough so be it
so be it then
let all OZ be agreed
i'm wicked through and through
since i can not succeed Fiyero saving you
I promise no good deed
will I attempt to do
again
ever again
no good deed
will I do
again! 

I seriously almost cried when I heard this song. A girl so misunderstood that her good deeds end up biting her in the... rear. Anyway, I know it's just a story, and I'm not a fan of witch craft, but I just loved hearing the back-story to one of the classic movies we all watched growing up! So now you know.

Satan Has No Control

How many times do we as Christians struggle to ask for forgiveness. I have talked to several friends and we all agree that there are sometimes we just don't want to ask God for forgiveness. It has nothing to do with us thinking we don't need it, and everything to do with being ashamed.

Ashamed to go to a perfect God, and admit (silly us, he already knows) that we screwed up. again. I hate that feeling but I have had it several times. That knowing that you need to make things right with God because yet again, you've failed. I feel like I don't deserve His forgiveness. I don't want God to let me off that easy to where, I neglect Him and yet He still longs for me to come back to Him. 

Last Sunday we were singing "Before the Throne of God Above" and a few of the lyrics really touch my heart. Read them slowly.

When Satan tempts me to despair, And tells me of the guilt within, Upward I look, and see him there Who made an end of all my sin. Because a sinless Savior died, My sinful soul is counted free; For God, the Just, is satisfied To look on Him and pardon me

Satan uses guilt. He wants us to stay far from the Savior as long as possible. But He doesn't have control over us. We are free from the bondage of sin. It has no reign over us. So don't let Satan make us think it does!

God has pardoned me. He has died a horrible death because He wants me. He wants me to be with Him. He wants me to come to Him with praise, hurts, and yes, even failures. Once I am in His hands, NOTHING can separate us from His love. Because it is unceasing. 

Full House Makes Me Cry

It's true. I tear up within 2 minutes of watching it. I haven't seen it in what seems like forever, but I was flipping through channels, saw it was on, and therefore had to peak. Of course I would know what episode it was within the first few seconds. Anyway, it makes me cry. So do engagements, weddings, and births. (I cried at my own weddings, and my sisters, along with each of my friend's weddings.) I also get close to tears when I see a child I adore (Audrey, Kylee, Owen, Mason) grow up too fast. I cry at church, and while watching movies where I see kids in horrible sittuations. I cry when I think about Thailand and how much I miss the people there. I cry when I hit my funny bone on something. I also laugh so hard I cry. I cry when I get tickled. Tears stream down my face every Spring due to dumb allergies. I was born sensitive what can I say. I used to try to hold it back so that I wouldn't get attention, sometimes I still do. Even still, I am becoming more and more okay with showing that emotion freely, because sometimes, a girl just needs a good cry. It feels refreshingly freeing. 

Side Note: After crying while watching full house I then went on twitter and tried to find most of the actors/actresses on there. That's right, I'm not ashamed. I am now following Danny, Jesse, Kimmy, DJ, Stephanie and Joey. Oh the memories!

Date(s) #35

We had a few 'mini' dates this past week. We spent a chunk of the day last Saturday painting our steps... Little did we know they took 24 hours to dry. I guess we should really read the back labels.. We then spend the evening with Lauren and Steven which was nice and relaxing. Rarely do I go somewhere without thinking through all the things I need to get done. This evening was not like that, and it was fabulous!

On that same Saturday I made homemade pizza dough, so we spent Monday night making our own Pizza. It was delicious! The only convincing I needed to do to get Drew to help was to give him permission to flip the dough in the air... success! We were a tad surprised it turned out. There may be a few times that my cooking has just not worked out for the best, but not this time! It was delicious!

Kiddos

Mason and Kylee are doing great, thanks for asking. :) They are at such great ages! I know they aren't my kids so giving an 'update' on them seems weird, but I love the fact that I get to watch them grow up and being a part of their lives! These kids are great, so I want you to get to know them.

Mason is 3 and talks constantly. He has the funniest expressions and loves to have "5 more minutes" outside/playing/watching a movie or whatever else he desperately doesn't want to stop doing. He gives great hugs and loves playing superhero and hiding from his parents when they walk through the door. Of course he yells "su-PRIZE" before they can 'look' for him. He has such a tender heart and hates if you tell him he has done something wrong.

Kylee is so stinkin' smart. She is 20 months old and carries on normal conversations with me. She repeats everything, loves singing twinkle, twinkle little star, and says 'That way' every time we pass a park. She thinks KNOWS she can do anything her brother can do and usually is right! She also gives great kisses.

We get together with Lauren and the kids she takes care of often. They are pretty much all BFFs. Yes, I just said that.

In times like these I wish I knew Bob the Builder Personally

 Oh the things we have learned during these almost 4 months... Drew is becoming a jack-of-all-trades since having to figure out how to put our house back together. I am so OVER the mess, but am loving my renovated house (even though it was fine the way it was before!) The steps are half done, but other than that we only have the randomness to finish up... Unfortunately, since we aren't tripping over tools, we have majorly slowed down in the lets finish this thing and be done mentality we once had. Drew no longer wants to learn more 'trades'. He wants to pretend it's done. I have to say we are doing a fairly good job of it! I really don't want to have this big of a project almost finished for years. That would feel yuck. Hopefully we will get motivated again soon since we've had a little break. Time will tell.

Raindrops on roses...

Raindrops on roses tulips? and whiskers on kittens duckies? Alright so that doesn't work at all, but as Kylee and I had our morning date I was feeling pretty joyful like that song expresses... We also love singing "I'm bringing home a baby bubble bee" and in that song a bee stings. So I think the sound of music song fits in well with Kylee and my date day.