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^7-8 The wise counsel God gives when I’m awake
    is confirmed by my sleeping heart.
Day and night I’ll stick with God;
    I’ve got a good thing going and I’m not letting go.

^9-10 I’m happy from the inside out,
    and from the outside in, I’m firmly formed.
You canceled my ticket to hell—
    that’s not my destination!

¹¹ Now you’ve got my feet on the life path,
    all radiant from the shining of your face.
Ever since you took my hand,
    I’m on the right way.

Psalm 16:8-11 (MSG)

{DIY: Rust-Oleum Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit}

Better late than never...right???  It is a well know fact that I loathed our yellow bathtub, shower and counter tops.  They were seriously the bane of my existence.  However, our tight budget on the bathroom renovations did not allow for us to replace them.  So, we got crafty, did some research and found the  Rust-Oleum 1 Qt. White Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit.  These kits allow you to refinish the bathroom surfaces with a durable, high gloss epoxy acrylic paint.  We watched tons of Youtube how-to videos and read about a thousand reviews before we pulled the trigger and purchased the kits from Home Depot.  They are not currently available in store, so you can check them out HERE.  We are trying to take care of both bathrooms at the same time (crazy, I know).  We ended up purchasing four kits, which have taken care of a bathtub, shower stall, and 2 counter tops.  We were able to take care of 2 coats on all surfaces.  I would have liked to do a third coat for good measure, but we needed a functioning bathroom ASAP.  So, if needed, we can always go back and add that last coat.

Here is the process that worked for us:

Step 1: Clean, Clean, Clean!  We used a hefty dose of Comet to get a really good clean on all of the surfaces.

Step 2: Give the surfaces a good sanding with a fine grit sand paper.  According to Kevin, this was his least favorite part, but it makes a BIG difference in the end result.

Step 3: Pull out the painters tape and tape off all of the surfaces.  If this product gets on your walls or cabinets, it's not coming off any time soon.  Be sure to secure the tape, and you should be good to go.

Step 4: Mix the materials as instructed on the box.  FYI - the smell is pretty intense.  We are fortunate and have an attic fan.  We did this on a nice, warmer day, so we were able to turn it on and cut back on the fumes.  If you have children, you may want to get them out of the house for the day, open the windows and wear a surgical mask.  Seriously...it's tough to take in.  The smell doesn't stick around for too long, though.

Step 5: Start painting the first coat.  We used a foam roller and foam brushes for a more even finish.  I was a little wary after we finished the first coat.  I seemed a little spotty, and like the coverage wasn't going to be great or even.  The first coat dries super quick, so you do not have to wait a long time to start on the second coat...maybe 1 to 2 hours.

  

Step 6: It's time for the second coat of paint.  This will make all the difference in the world!  Once the second coat goes on, you will forget about the crazy color of your old tub or tile or counter top.  It's like magic!

Step 7: We let this paint dry overnight...just to make sure.

Step 8: Remove the painters tape.  Kevin used an x-acto knife to do this.  We wanted the edges to be sharp, so we didn't just rip it off the walls, like we tend to do with regular wall paint.  It was a tedious and careful task, but the edges turned out perfectly!

Here are the after photos of the bathtub and counter top:

REVIEW:  The Rust-Oleum Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit was awesome!  The price is great and we are very pleased with the results.  Are the surfaces 100% perfect?  No, there are a few spots where bubbles dried in the paint.  But, those are few and far between.  Honestly, I don't think you could notice, unless you did a detailed inspection.  I will do an update in a few months to let y'all know how it is holding up.  Fingers crossed!!!

COST: $103.88 (4 units @ $25.97 each + free shipping)

{Bragging On My Boy}

Copyright 2013 Angel Kisses Photography

For those that know Hayden, then you know he is high energy, a total Type A, super outgoing and an old soul with a heart of gold.  Last week, the high energy part of his being got him in a bit of trouble at school...several times.  Honestly, it took us by surprise.  Hayden is typically the teacher's pet.  He loves school and he also needs words of affirmation...this is CLEARLY his love language.  For the most part, I think he behaves so well because he desires praise instead of reprimands.  It was so out of the ordinary, and I was taken aback when his teacher said that he had been in trouble for his inability to stay seated during class and for acting crazy in the line.  Behavior and obedience are two things we don't mess around with in our house.  The boys know what we expect from them and they know their punishment if they break the rules.  So, Hayden spent a lot of time sitting in his room thinking about his behavior, and is banned from all things electronic for an entire week.  Last week was so hard on Kevin and I too.  We rarely have to punish our kids for how they act outside of our home.  We are so fortunate that they act WAY BETTER for others than they do for us.  I am totally okay with admitting that.  But last week, I started to think we had a full moon every night! Insanity!

During a normal week of non-crazy behavior, Hayden does things like volunteering to pray over our dinner(nearly every night).  This started when he was only 3.  When we would ask if he wanted us to help, he would always say no...that he could do it himself.  As he has grown, his prays have matured, but they have always been his special, precious words.  This is something that has always made me so proud.  I wish I could say that I had something to do with it, but I think that it's a true gift from God.  I call Hayden my Angel Face!  I think, for so many reasons, that he really is one...oh my heart!

Hayden loves going to church on Sunday.  Since he moved up to "big kid church" or KidMo (elementary ages) at Momentum CC, he has looked forward to going.  Kevin and I recently started volunteering with the children's program, so the boys are now spending 2 services in their respective classes.  Yesterday, we stopped by to talk to his class leaders to see how he has been doing. Honestly, I was a little worried to hear their response.  But here are a few things they said about Hayden:

1) He is always happy and obeys
2) If they ever need volunteers, he is the first one with his hand in the air
3) He loves to lead his peers from the stage in song and dance (even though he's one of the youngest in the room)
4) He ALWAYS volunteers to pray over the offering
5) When he prays, he always prays for orphans, that they find homes and families to love them

I literally walked in to church in tears.  So what if my child doesn't like to sit in his seat at school or tries to break dance while waiting in line to go to the bathroom!  That moment made the stresses of the previous week seem so trivial.  His heart...that sweet 5 year old heart...is certainly in the right place.  I am overwhelmed with pride.  Not because I think I have anything to do with it.  I am proud that he is the way he is in spite of me!  I could learn so much from Hayden's love of God and others, and his blind faith that Jesus IS the solution to the problems of this world.  I want need to have that child-like faith.  I am sure it would give me a much different perspective on life!

{Fear, Inspiration & Lungleavin Day}

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I find so much inspiration in this verse.  I for one, take the Bible at it's word.  With that said, I read this verse and know that God created me to be courageous and loving and determined.  How cool is that!?!  I love the thought that I was not created to sit on the sidelines of life cheering everyone else on.  I am meant to be knee deep in the trenches, acting as His hands and feet on this planet. 

That doesn't mean fear won't get the best of me at times.  It does...for sure!  One thing that terrifies me?  CANCER.  That word can stop me dead in my tracks, and make my heart ache like nothing else.  I have lost two grandfathers to cancer.  My grandmother and 2 great-grandmother battled and survived breast cancer.  Kevin lost his grandfather to brain cancer, and currently has a grandmother suffering with it as well.  The list just goes on and on.  So many people are affected by it, and it knows no boundaries.  It's easy to feel helpless, because the disease is just so vast. 

I have recently been feeling a tug at my heart, to volunteer with some organization that works with cancer patients or survivors.  I came across Magic Hour Foundation.  This organization's mission states, "We are a national network of professional photographers who want to serve the individuals and families who are fighting cancer by providing them with the ability to celebrate the truly important things in life through photography. These charitable portrait sessions will provide an opportunity to be normal - just relax, smile and have fun with loved ones. Above all, we will strive to express compassion and love as we support them and pray for God’s grace in their lives, no matter the outcome of their battle."  I am honored to now be a volunteer with this organization, and pray that my God given gifts will bring some joy into the lives of these brave warriors.  If you want to nominate someone, or are personally interested in applying for a session, please visit www.magichourfoundation.org.  We want to share this service with as many people as possible, so please help us spread the word!

Cancer is something I look at as a possibility in my life down the road.  With my family history, it's something I take very seriously.  But, it's not something I will ever allow myself to be fearful of.  My God is for me, and He is faithful!  Over the last few weeks, I have read so many stories of peers who have battled cancer, or have children or other family members facing down this disease.  So many of them are living out 2 Timothy 1:7, and I am in awe.

One story in particular touched my heart.  Heather Von St. James was just 36, and a brand new mommy to a 3 1/2 month old, when she was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma.  This form of cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos and kills 90-95% of those diagnosed.  That's grim folks, and I cannot imagine baring that burden.  On February 2, 2006, Heather underwent extrapleural pneumonectomy...or the removal of her left lung.  Today, she is healthy, happy and CANCER FREE (to God be the glory)! 

On the anniversary of her surgery, Heather celebrates Lungleavin Day (I love the name of the holiday...perfection).  In a recent email to me, Heather said. "Lungleavin Day is a celebration of life and facing your fears. Each year we celebrate with nearly 100 loved ones. The idea of this day is for everyone to fill a blank plate with their fears and smash it into a bonfire at my Lungleavin Day party, symbolizing people throwing their fears to the fire. I also use Lungleavin Day as a fundraiser for mesothelioma research."

Wow!  My friends, that's how it's done!  I pray that I would be so brave!  Please take a second to visit Heather's blog post about this special day, and to donate to her cause.  I know that your time and/or contributions will be greatly appreciated.

Heather's Blog: http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/heather/

Heather's FB Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/HeatherVonStJames

On Saturday, after all 10 of my Valentine Mini Sessions are done, I plan to write out a list of the fears holding me back.  Christ died so that I did not have to be afraid.  I think this is a perfect time to take a moment and reflect on His grace, and send those fears right on up for the Big Guy to handle.  If you are really wrestling with something, maybe you should consider doing the same!  Celebrate Lungleavin Day and let those fears go bye-bye!

{John 13:34}

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." John 13:34 

My minister spoke about this verse on Sunday and it really stuck a chord with my heart. Obviously, when Jesus said it, he meant it.  At the time, it was such a "strange and new" concept.  What???  We are supposed to love each other?  Really??

Our Lord did not say, "Love one another, if you believe the same things." Or, "Love one another, as long as you make each other happy."  Nope, we are called to LOVE each other all of the time...period.  As Christians, we should love everyone, regardless of our differences.  As my minister said on Sunday...this radical, not-of-the-flesh type of love could seriously ROCK our world.  Wouldn't that be a beautiful thing?  As a mother, I want to always see my children treat others with love and respect and compassion, not hate or judgement or disdain..  If I want them to learn those behaviors, I need to become a better representation of them.   This Easter, I want to stop just talking about loving people, and start putting that love into action. 

Has something, or someone spoken to your heart like this?  I would love to hear your thoughts.

{Keeping Up With Life}

Now that Kevin is working, it's time for me to kick into SAHM mode.  I kinda feel like I'm in the middle of a hurricane with no safety plan.  So, it's time to come up with one!  One of the biggest issues that I am facing is the chaos that is my house.  Clutter and mess give me a serious case of anxiety, but I also don't want to spend all of my time cleaning and organizing.  I did a little research (on Pinterest, of course) and found a nifty little chore chart for Mommies.  This is exactly what I need...a game plan.  This way, I have designated chores each day, and don't wind up overwhelmed and missing out on the fun stuff come Saturday.  Not to mention, the way this sounds, my house will always be clean!  That makes this Mommy very happy!  This is my version, dressed up a little bit...cause that's how I roll:

You can find the customizable/printable version HERE.  HERE is the blog post that shared this wonderful little tool.

I am doing a major clean and a crap-ton of laundry today so that I am ready to go on Monday.  Yay for getting it together!!!!  Now if I can just work on that exercising/showering everyday part.  Hmmmm...any helpful suggestions on how to motivate yourself to wake up at 5 AM???

{Roller Coaster Ride}

"The same roller coaster that brought you to your nightmare, will bring you to your dreams."  Beth Moore

Photo Found HERE

As I mentioned in a previous post, I am doing a wonderful Beth Moore study called, James: Mercy Triumphs.  This has been very eye opening for me, as the first few weeks we have been learning about trials and adversity.  Mrs. Moore made the statement above the photo, and I quickly wrote it down, because the visual makes so much sense to me.

The last year has been a struggle, in so many ways, just as it's been absolutely wonderful.  We made the decision to move to GA from Florida because we just were not happy.  As wonderfully blessed as we were, we just knew that our life there was not right.  I know it sounds CRAZY!  We had very good jobs, a home of our own, friends, family, a wonderful church.  Yet, there were things that came up, behaviors and situations that Kevin and I put ourselves in, that really made it clear to us that our life in Florida was not what God had in mind.  That was not an easy notion to come by...at all!   My husband and I fought, cried, and prayed over some pretty serious emotional and physical struggles, before finally deciding that things had to change.  Frankly, the first half of last year was, by far, the most difficult season of my life. 

When we made the move to Georgia, for some reason, I thought that everything would magically get better.  POOF...No More Struggles!  I was wrong!  As a family, we struggled to acclimate to our new environment.  Kevin struggled to find a job.  We struggled to find a church home that would create a stirring in us, like Christ Fellowship did.  It was not easy!

But, somewhere along the way, this stressful, anxiety filled season morphed into one of the best things that has ever happened to me.  From anguish to absolute joy!  I have been able to watch my babies blossom and develop a very special brotherly bond.  My husband just landed the job of his dreams, which was initially on his 5 year plan.  I have kinda found myself again in all of the chaos.  We have been able to spend so much time together as a family...more than we ever would have in Florida.  And, to top it all off, we found a church that we love, one that has completely embraced us and encouraged us when we really needed it most.

We are blessed in the good and the bad.  Without the bad, I don't think we would have been brave enough to take a chance and ultimately find the good we were so desperately seeking.

If you are in a season of just plain difficult...I feel ya!  Been there / Done that! But take heart...it does get better.  Our Heavenly Father made that promise to us.  Stay faithful and praise Him in the good and in the bad!  Because after the trouble passes, the joy is sooooo much sweeter!!!!

"Then fix this firmly in your minds: You're going to be in deep mourning while the godless world throws a party. You'll be sad, very sad, but your sadness will develop into gladness. "When a woman gives birth, she has a hard time, there's no getting around it. But when the baby is born, there is joy in the birth. This new life in the world wipes out memory of the pain. The sadness you have right now is similar to that pain, but the coming joy is also similar. When I see you again, you'll be full of joy, and it will be a joy no one can rob from you." John 16: 20-22 MSG

Have a lovely and blessed weekend, friends!

{Happy Birthday To Me}

It's my 31st birthday today.  I have to admit, I am so glad to move on from 30.  Last year, I was so excited...I knew and had known for a long time that 30 was going to be BIG!  The Good Lord knows, I had no idea how big.  The last year has been more of a marathon than a sprint.  I can honestly say that I learned more, about myself and others, in my 30th year than ever before. 

I started a new womens' Bible study yesterday...The wonderful Beth Moore's study on the book of James.  James 1: 2-4 kinda stopped me in my tracks:

"Dear Brothers and Sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So, let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."

I wish I had read this on my birthday last year.  Some of the challenges of the past year would have made much more sense.  But hey...His timing is perfect!  I WILL NOT argue with that!

I am grateful for all of the lessons learned, because they brought me to where I am at today.  I am in a place of peace and joy and contentment.  There is a lot to come this year...I feel it...and I cannot wait to see how God will use me and my family.  I have a feeling there will be a lot of opportunities to serve this year and I cannot wait.  BRING IT...I'm ready!

{Selling the American Dream}

The past week has been totally insane, and I have fallen behind (again) on my blogging.  But something really big happened, and I really want to document it.

One July 17, 2009, a personal dream came true when Kevin and I closed on our very first home in Wellington, FL.  This was literally the perfect house for us.  We really had no intentions on ever leaving it...at least for the next 10 years or so.  We had both lived in 10 different places over the course of a decade, and were so happy and grateful to have a place to call our own.  Well, yesterday, we finalized the sale of that house and I am a little torn over how to feel about it.  While our life has certainly moved away from Florida, I have so many emotional attachments to that house that are difficult to ignore.  We became a family of 4 in that home (less than 2 weeks after purchasing it). Tatiana joined our family in that home.  Kevin and I faced and overcame some really difficult challenges in that home.  We poured blood, sweat, tears and a lot of TLC into it.  I became a different person, and finally realized what I want for myself and my family there.  I know God put us there to prepare us for everything we are getting to experience today...so much growth occurred under that roof.  When we felt the urging to pick up and move to Georgia, leaving that home was one of the hardest pills to swallow.  But, when God says move, I have learned it is in my best interest to move.

So , today I celebrate a very special season in our life as a family.  I am grateful that we found that home, that we loved it and that it loved us back.  I found out yesterday that the gentleman that purchased it, bought it for his daughter and her family.  They have a 5 month old daughter and they adored the house.  I hope they love it as much as we did.  It's a good house!


Closing Day 7/17/2009



Living Room



Den

Kitchen

The Boys Bedroom

One of My Favorite Places in the House





The Boys' Playground...I loved that Backyard!



This was taken about 5 minutes before the moving van pulled out.



Getting Schooled

So this week has been a real challenge for me emotionally and physically. This stay-at-home mommy thing is no joke! And, Kevin has been home with me, doing most of the work around the house so that I can get my photography business up and running. I don't think I was expecting the transition from Corporate America to be so difficult. To top it off, there is a lot of pressure elsewhere (a lot of it self created) that has been weighing on me.

You see, we still have our house on the market in Florida. Being the control freak that I am, it is not easy leaving everything up to someone else. I may not have been able to fix everything that went wrong while I was down there...but I sure was a good delegator! It has been on the market since March, which by most accounts is normal. We had a buyer...someone who wanted to take the house off of our hands...but it fell through days before the scheduled closing. That was a month ago, and it seems like the market has slowed even more, if that's possible. This week, we are faced with the question of "to rent or not to rent". Not sure yet, so we are going to wait it out a little longer.

Kevin's job search is going really well. He has had multiple interviews with great companies, and they are all interested in pursuing his employment further. But, seriously??? 4 interviews??? I have never in my life seen a company (aside from The Ritz-Carlton) do 4 interviews.

Needless to say, things are going well, but not progressing as quickly as I had planned. I am realizing that this "leap of faith" is not as easy as I had anticipated. But my wonderful, and surprisingly calm, husband pointed out that no true leap ever really is. Huh? Could God be teaching me that lesson in patience and faith that I asked for?

Yesterday, I began to doubt this whole move and throw myself a little pity party. I melted down, which I am prone to do when I get really stressed out. I cried and blamed myself for the situation we are in. The Kevin, kindly stopped me and reminded me of several things:

1) If we had waited on the closing of the house to plan the move, he and I both would have been stuck in jobs, that made us miserable, for heaven only knows how long.
2) Had we not gone ahead with the move, Kevin might have lost the buyer on his agency.
3) Hayden is going to a great school and LOVES it and is thriving in it!
4) Colton is spending one-on-one time with his parents, that he has never been able to get before with big brother around.
5) The boys are happier than we have ever seen them. So are the dogs, for that matter!
6) Kevin is getting to spend so much time with his boys, which he would otherwise never be able to do.
7) We have been able to "just be" as a family. Relax, play, nap, school, play, eat, job interview, photo shoot, play, build fires in the chimanea, play, sleep. That's pretty much our day...and it has been good for my heart!
8) Kevin has several very promising job opportunities on the horizon, and more than likely, will have an offer in the next week or so (God willing).
9) Unlike so many others, we are able to pay our mortgage, which I am so grateful for!

The past year has been a tough one for all of us, full of anxiety and stress. Maybe this is God's way of making us slow down and re-prioritize...to really SEE what matters in this short life. Kevin looked at me and repeated Hayden's memory verse for last week:

Fear not, for I am with thee.

Genesis 26:24

I whole heartedly believe that God has a wicked since of humor. I literally laughed out loud when he said that! I had been practicing that verse with Hayden for over a week and had never really taken it to heart. But there it was...my Heavenly Father reminding me that he hasn't forgotten about us and that there is no need to worry. He's got this! And since the Holy Spirit resides in me, so do I!

If that wasn't enough comic relief, Hayden brought home his memory verse for this week:

My God shall supply all your needs.

Phil. 4:19

Point taken...I got the message!!! So, I have decided to enjoy this time as a family. No worries, or crazy melt downs. Because the next time we get to spend this much time together will probably be 16 years from now...if ever!!!

On that note, here is a little bit about our week:

I had 3 photo sessions this week and got to see some old friends I haven't seen in FOREVER! You can check out the pics HERE.

Hayden memorized that Bible verse and was one of only 2 kids in his class to recite it back to the teacher. I was so very proud!

Colton surprised us by pointing out the colors blue, red and pink (?). He also now recognizes the letters M, N, H and A.

We all drove to Loganville to spend Friday afternoon with Dad, Beth, Zach, Mary Beth, Cale and Sadie-Clark. we took over the Chick-Fil-A in Loganville and had a blast!

Hayden had his first soccer game with the Henry County Soccer Association. The association doesn't actually keep score since the kids are only 4-6 years old, but we did! We're crazy competitive...don't judge! Hayden scored 6 of 9 goals for his team. We're not quite sure who actually won the game, since some kids were scoring on the wrong goal...it got a little confusing! But we are super-proud of our little man and all of the hard work he has put in to practicing this new sport. I tell ya...anything this kid wants to do, he'll do it! Here is a shot of his first goal. Sorry that it's so blurry, but I'm pretty sure I was jumping, yelling and trying to snap the shot all at the same time!

Last but not least, we had an interesting night last night. Around 11 PM, a policeman knocked on the door to let us know that a water main broke right in front of our driveway. Thankfully, there was no major damage to our home or yard, or our neighbor's. And, water has been restored to the street. I snapped the photo below to ensure that we don't get charged $1,000 on our water bill this month. I think the blue lights add a nice touch. Kinda reminds me of the fountains in Vegas!

Here's to a good week, and actually enjoying it with the family that I love so very much!!!