Kill them with Kindness....

My friend Brandy has inspired me.

Brandy is married to my cousin Chad. They live in Athens, and I promise you that Brandy is the most generous person that I have ever known. Ever.

She is constantly making things for my daughter...all kinds of fun things.

Monogrammed, fun, frilly, girly things.

Yes, we love her around here.

Her heart is bigger than Jupiter. For reals.

She told me about this "random acts of kindness thing" that she is doing in December.

Basically, you make an effort every single day to do a kind deed for someone...anyone.

I love this.

Who doesn't love a kind deed? A kind word?

My heart is warm and fuzzy just thinking about it.

As we celebrate this Christmas, let's show some kindness!

Do something kind.

I want to hear what you are doing! Write me, email me, call me...tell me how you are spreading kindness.

Heck, why wait until December...start today!

YOU are making a difference!

inspired,

Jill

Party of 13....

the dining room table--ready for some guests!

the kids table--waiting on some kids!

ahhh---there they are!

presley and aunt jess <3

our kids are growing up

mom and aunt NiEata <3

the dynamic duo

this pretty much sums up the day. eating and lots of it.

I love Thanksgiving.

Not just because of the good food, but because of the family time.

Nothing beats sitting around the table with my loved ones laughing, eating, and laughing some more.

It is absolutely the best.

About 3 years ago, we started the tradition of having Thanksgiving at my house for my side of the family. Nothing brings me greater joy than hosting a dinner party!

Especially for a party of 13. YES!

I start decorating the tables a week before, and I completely lose myself in the small details of the table decorations. It's so crazy, but it's what I love the most!

I love sparkly pumpkins and shiny Christmas plates and silverware! I love finding the perfect edible napkin ring..yes, it's the little things that get my heart racing.

I even love Thanksgiving table confetti. Why?

Well, it's shiny, sparkly and FUN!

Even when I find myself still sweeping it up when Easter rolls around...it's worth it.

I never ever tire of opening our home to guests...especially my beloved family. Everyone knows the rule at my house: "The MORE the MERRIER". Always.

My Mom is the same way. Her door is always open for a hot meal and some laughter. I hope I grow up to be just like her.

My dream is to have a house FULL of guests for Thanksgiving EVERY year. I prayed this week that God would bring a family to our house for Thanksgiving. Something or someone out of the blue.

Lem's twin sister, Jessica, came and ate Thanksgiving lunch with us. We were thrilled to have her.

Also, another perfect surprise was my Aunt NiEata and Uncle Ben stopping by for coffee after lunch.

Happy, yes, happy!

God is so good, and He answers prayers in HIS way...which are always the best.
I am thankful for my life. It's not perfect, andI I hope it never is. How boring that would be.

God has given me more than I ever deserve.

When everyone left, my little family and I went for a walk in the neighborhood. As we were walking back, we saw FOUR red birds! FOUR!!

If you don't know the meaning of seeing a red bird...it means Jesus is with you and He is blowing you a kiss.

He blew us 4 kisses...one for each of us! It was the perfect end to our day. We were all so excited and I just instantly thanked God...again.

Ahhhh! He is so good!!

As I type, my kids are chasing each other around the house screaming and laughing. I should probably go check on them...or maybe I won't.

I will enjoy the sound of their music for a few more minutes.

How was your Thanksgiving?

a full stomach and a full heart,

Jill

Gratitude changes my attitude....

After this past weekends hormone pity party, I have had a fresh wave of JOY from the Lord. I think sometimes He leads us down that path, just to show us how desperate we really are for Him.

It's easy to not realize how much we need Him when things are going well, and life is easy. When life gets hard and relationships are tested....that's when we fall to our knees crying for our Savior.

Lem and I were talking early this morning about helping someone in need today. Not financially necessarily, but just being available to someone today.

We both prayed that God would put someone in our path to listen to today. Someone who needs a little attentiveness.

How many times have I been so grateful to talk to a friend at just the right moment...as if God had placed her right there at that very second to give me a word from Him. 

He does that!

We just have to keep our eyes open and be aware of His leading at all times.

I emailed some friends challenging them to thank 3 people in their lives for their impact and influence over them. What a difference a grateful heart makes!

It's truly healing. I speak from experience.

The times when I am wrapped up in my own self and my own emotions, is when God shows me to focus on someone else's needs.

He then fills my heart with Joy.

Every single time.

I challenge you to tell 3 people how thankful you are for them. Be specific. Let God lead you.

He will.

with a full heart,

Jill

the love of my life

my whole world...captured in this single picture.

Hormones and Christmas trees....

Wow.

It's been a while since I have even logged on my blog. I feel guilty.

Of course, I guess it's not something to feel guilty about when you are busy just living your life.

If I ever have time to sit down and write...it's just a huge bonus. Really, it is.

So, what's new with me?

Hmm.

Well, the Love Dare has ended. It was really fun. I am trying to live it out daily...some days are better than others.

So, what else is new...hmmm.

Well, I am convinced that I am perimenopausal. Not to be confused with menopausal.

My hormones are way crazy and I think Lem is convinced he married a loony toon.

He may be right.

On a serious note, I do think something happens in your body when you hit your mid-thirties. Things just are NOT the same.

I can be hysterically laughing in one breath, and hysterically crying in the next. Yes, hormonal.

Poor Lem.

Today was an example of hormones out of control.

The first half of the morning, I was grumpy, moody...and well, just not nice. (and I'm putting that mildly)

However, as soon as we got into the car to go and pick out a Christmas tree, I was singing, laughing, and miss jolly-molly.

Again, poor Lem.

I don't know why our hormones go haywire...but I am convinced my body is not my own most days.

Prayer-and a lot of it- seems to be the most help.

One day I will look back on these days and laugh...I am sure of it.

For now, I will just accept these hormone fluctuations for what they are...and deal with it. I am sure I am not the only 36 year old with hormone issues. Am I?

Since I am in good cheer as of this very moment...I will post pictures from our Christmas tree excursion today.

This is our first REAL tree in 6 years! I finally convinced Lem to get a real one this year. He gave in...reluctantly.

I hope this will be our new tradition...going to Jack's tree farm the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Followed by a trip to Wendy's for 3 chocolate frosties..and one vanilla (for Presley).

I know!! Who wants a vanilla frostie?? Yuck.

I love traditions. I always will.

trying to decide if this one is worthy of purchase.

only in Georgia does it get hot picking out Christmas trees.

my manly man putting the tree in the back of the truck. grrr!

ta da!!! we have a tree ladies and gentleman.

hormonally challenged,

jill