purpose

Why is it so easy to fall into the mundane routines of everyday life? Why do we so easily lose sight of our happiness to just make it through? Why am I even here? What is my purpose? Is Your purpose for me the same and what I think it is for myself? Would you care to give me even the tiniest hint as to Your purpose for me please??

I know You know best. I know You have a plan. Does what I want for my life factor into Your plan at all? Would You even consider changing your mind if it didn't?

tears

lots and lots of tears.

overwhelmed.

pissed.

frustrated.

broke.

we usually weather the winter when my hubby's laid off pretty easily. but we both took large pay cuts going to new jobs last year. which means his unemployment is less and there's not that extra income from me to cover it. living paycheck to effin paycheck is no fun.

so yeah...tears are falling.

we're broke.

i'm frustrated watching all our savings disappear before my eyes.

i'm pissed that my hubby doesn't seem to care because he doesn't see all the bills.

i'm overwhelmed trying to figure out how to pay everything without depleting our savings.

more tears.

Funky Funkity Funk

Yeah, I've been in a funk lately. Yes, I've been showering...that is not the funk I'm referring to. I couldn't quite put my finger on why, but then my lovely husband reminded me that tomorrow I start my journey on the downhill to 30. Yes, tomorrow is my 27th birthday. No, I didn't forget it was my birthday tomorrow - I just blocked out the number. Yes, my hubby was just kidding. Yes, I know 27 is still young - but it feels old to me.

I've never been big on birthdays. In fact, when I was little, I would hide under the table and cry when they sang happy birthday to me. So, needless to say, the hubby and I aren't doing any big celebrating for my big 2-7.

One of my biggest flaws is that I tend to focus too much on the future and not enough on the present. I've worked really hard on that in the last year, and I was doing really well. But I'm human, and I slide back every now and then. So the specific plans I made for life so many years ago aren't happening the way I planned, and I'm in a funk.

I try to just keep repeating to myself that, "There is a plan for my life, I am just not in control of that plan." And "I must have faith and let go of the control." Some days it helps. Other days, I fall into the funk.

Haiti

I have been blessed twice in my life to have the opportunity to spend 3 weeks in the mountains of Haiti doing missionary work. The first time I went was in June of 1998, the summer after my freshman year in high school. Though the preparations for the trip were extensive, they didn't even come close to preparing me for an experience that would change my life.

In the eyes of the world, Haitians have nothing. But while they do live in poverty, they have much more than any of us could even imagine. That first trip, I went to Haiti thinking I would be able to help them. I left there having been given much more than I gave.

The people of Haiti taught me more about faith, happiness and community in a few weeks than I could have learned here in the US in my entire life.

And so tonight, the people of Haiti are weighing heavy on my heart.

Please pray for the people of Haiti during this horrific time. Economically, times are difficult for all of us. But we are blessed in so many ways. If you feel led to give a donation, however big or small, it will make a difference. The director of the group that I went to Haiti with, Sister Eunice Tassone, has been going to Haiti since 1984. She has many connections in Haiti and if you want to make a donation to an organization that you can feel comfortable that 100% of your money will go to the Haitian people, please consider sending your donation to COTY.

Donations can be sent to:

COTY / Haiti EQR
P.O. Box 745
North Adams, MA 01247

Sister Eunice Tassone will work with Janet Bauman, Director of Save the Children who is a personal friend of hers and who can work miracles in disasters such as this.

If you can give just $5, great! If all you can give is a prayer, that's great too! Every little bit will make a difference.

Please tell me...

...why it is that my husband's dirty laundry ends up on the floor, just inches away from the hamper!

The hamper is strategically placed where he gets undressed, so that it is easy for him! But, noooooooo. They end up on the floor right in front of it or on top of the cover. Is it really that difficult to lift the lid and drop it inside?!

Ladies, please tell me I'm not the only one dealing with this! I find it unbelievable and hilarious at the same time.

Why?!?!

i ♥ faces {best face photo}

Tomorrow, i ♥ faces celebrates their 1st birthday! Happy Birthday! To celebrate, they have a new logo and a fun theme this week. The theme is "Best Face Photo," which is fitting since we all ♥ faces! ;) The photo has to have been taken in December 2009 or January 2010, and must focus on a face!

I took this photo of our niece, when we were visiting with them the Sunday after Christmas. They have fantastic natural light in their living room, and Athena is always such a sweet, happy little girl! I love how her personality shines right through in this photo!

Taken December 27, 2009

OK Ladies...

(and Gents if there happen to be any of you out there reading my blog) I need your help!

You see, I have this friend and it's her birthday today...the BIG 2-7! Anyway, she's doing a giveaway on her blog and her husband doesn't think she can reach 125 entries. If she DOES reach 125 entries, he has promised to do all the laundry for a month!

Now come on ladies, help a sister out! Wouldn't you like your hubby to do your laundry for a month?! Head on over to her blog and enter the contest please! Tweet or blog about it and spread the word!

Happy Birthday, Trista! Hoping you reach 125! :)