It. Is. Finished. ...

Ok, its done. I can finally share.

After an overwhelming amount of supportive calls, text messages, emails, etc., I knew that I was doing the right thing. With that amount of support, I know I will be just fine.

After A LOT of prayer and consideration, I'm going out on a MAJOR leap of faith and have put in my resignation to my job. Sounds crazy considering that I actually love what I do and don't have anything else lined up as of yet. But there were some major problems there that I began to feel convicted about.

So, I'm literally walking blindly listening to His commands. I covet all your prayers and support. I don't understand why this is what I was called to do. I just know that I have an overwhelming sense of peace now.

Where I go from here...NO CLUE! I'm going to be doing some major soul searching. Any suggestions are gladly welcomed.

And finally, I'll leave you with a song I heard this morning on the radio while I was getting ready. It just reaffirmed that what I was to do was from my Savior not my own selfish desires.

Oh,what I would do to have
the kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown
Where Jesus is,
And he's holding out his hand

But the waves are calling out my name
and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
time and time again
"Boy, you'll never win,
You you'll never win

But the Voice of truth tells me a different story
the Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the Voice of truth says "this is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

Oh, what I would do
to have the kind of strength it takes
To stand before a giant
with just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound
of a thousand warriors
shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out
my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
time and time again
"Boy you'll never win,
you'll never win."

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the Voice of truth says "this is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

But the stone was just the right size
to put the giant on the ground
and the waves they don't seem so high
from on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
when I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
singing over me

But the Voice of truth tells me a different story
The Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me (calling out to me)
I will choose to listen and believe (I will choose to listen and believe)
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe the Voice of truth
I will listen and believe
'Cause Jesus you are the Voice of truth
And I will listen to you.. oh you are the Voice of truth
-Casting Crowns

Please Pray For Me..

After MUCH prayerful consideration, I've finally made a decision that I've been avoiding for MONTHS. And today's the day to put the decision into action. I need any and every prayer to follow through with what I've been called to do. I wish I could elaborate more, but I have NO clue who reads this and I'm pretty sure it would be EXTREMELY unprofessional to break the news to the blog world first.

All this said, if you know me at all, you know where this is going. I'm terrified, relieved and nervous all at the same time. But the Lord has been good to me. REALLY good. And when he calls me, I'm following.

Its a HUGE leap of faith. Probably the biggest one I've ever taken. But I know His promises are true. He will never leave or foresake me.

It was a really big Flashing Lights moment for me last night. One that I will share tonight. Until then, please pray for me. I need it BIG TIME!

All Mixed Up...

Where have I been?

Not blogging {against my choices of course} and WORKING. I've been thinking about all of you though. LOTS.

I'm not going to lie...this has been a heavy week for my heart. So many sad things have happened to some of the people I care about the most, so I just haven't been in the best of spirits. And since this blog is my escape, I usually try to keep it positive around here. Since I'm still learning of new followers, I'm not sure who all follows this. So to the ones I'm talking about, you know who you are. And I've stayed in constant prayers for you this week!!

Its been a challenging week, full of every emotion, but I continue to feel overwhelmingly blessed. Blessed to have my health. Blessed to have my family. Blessed to have friends {scattered everywhere in the U.S.}. Blessed to have food and shelter and so much more than I deserve. This week, I've been yanked back into reality and once again I've been reminded that all the things I was so concerned about are NOTHING in comparison to what is most important. Wondering how all the bills will get paid and stressing about 60 hour work weeks matter none in the big scheme.

I'm not sure where this is all coming from. Just heavy on my heart right now.

EARLY this morning, I had coffee with Ryan's mother. It was incredibly refreshing. To be able to share that time was a true gift. It was a sureal moment that felt like I had pushed flash forward from last July and was watching my future self while I was in the state of devestation. How I wished I could have been able to have done that back then. To be able to fast forward to May 2010 and see myself having that exact conversation. Laughing, crying, etc. And all the while HAPPY. What an amazing blessing. NEVER in a million years did I see that coming, but God is good and it was just the best therapy I needed right then and there. She kept saying to me, "something is different about you...and its really good." I am different. I don't even know that girl she knew. She asked me what happened to me that gave me this inner joy. And all I could tell her was this...the best thing that has ever happened to me was that I didn't get what I wanted.

So, to all you sweet friends out there who have held my hands with me down this long road...a million thank yous. You helped pull me through and now I'm back on top of the world and soaking up EVERY moment!!

OK ENOUGH of the sappiness...

MOVING ON...

Last weekend, my mom surprised me and treated me to a new outfit. Since I'm BEYOND obsessed with Ann Taylor Loft these days, I knew where I wanted to go. It was really hard to choose but this is what I went with. I call it my Tiffany Clemons Dress...

I swear I felt as though I was wearing pajamas to work on monday. Paired with an over the top necklace, flats and a white cardigan...My T Clems dress did not disappoint!!

PREPARE YOURSELF.

I know the pictures are small, sorry for that. But take a sneak peek at some of the looks that left me drooling...

For Sweet Carol...

I've been dying to share this little secret my brother, sister in law, sister and I have kept for quite some time. As a mother's day gift, we surprised mom with a photo session of her kids. It took an act of congress to get us all together, but we managed to do that and keep it a secret all the while.

So, for Mother's Day, we gave mom the proof book with a print on the way of her choice.

All she could say was, "this is incredible." And rightfully so...

Because we worked with the most INCREDIBLE photographer ever!! Dianna was WAY overaccomodating with our crazy schedules and was so sweet to deal with us non-touchy feely kids. Hands down, one of the most memorable experiences of my life. And to quote mom {when asked if she liked it}, "this is the best gift I've ever been given in my whole life."

Check her out. I'm telling you, it was the most fun I've ever had with giving someone a gift and she made it so easy!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!

Want to see a few of the favorites??

All the kids with our "kids"

Kristen & John with their girls, Gracie and Coosa

Me with Hudson and Madison

And SASSY!!

Weekend Food Wish...

Just when the workout routine started to feel good and made me feel accomplished, I saw this in Southern Living...
Mom, if you're reading this...THIS is what I want when I come home this weekend {wait, what am I saying. This is YOUR weekend. But I think you would like some fresh blackberry cobbler too:) }.

Attractive Workouts...

I've kinda gotten addicted to this pilates gig. Its one of very few workouts that I can make it through without wanting to quit 10 minutes in. Perhaps its the fact that I don't have to leave my living room. Or that I'm not sweating like a neanderthal after five minutes. Or that the workout gear associated with this regime is a little more aesthetically pleasing...
Yes, this is an actual yoga/pilates outfit. Granted, there isn't a chance that I'ld keep on the short sleeve cardi while I was doing leg kicks laying on my side. But still, its a lot more attractive than the nike running shorts that are overflowing in my closet {WHY do they have to be so comfortable...DANGIT!! They're the least attractive thing EVER}.

So, the point is this: for you stylish lazy girls out there, I've found the solution...PILATES and YOGA!! I can guarantee you will get an incredible workout when your doing things like this...

See all her muscles?? Yes, you really do use every single muscle with this workout. AND you look REALLY good while doing it!!! My advice: stick to the tight leggings and workout tops like above. You don't need any extra fabric to mess with.

My Gift is My Dress...

The big day is quickly approaching. UGH I DO NOT want to leave 25. Something scary about 26 and not having it all together quite yet.

Anyway, any of these items would really do a good job at cheering me up when the day arrives...

This dress is entitled "My Gift is My Dress." I'm pretty sure that sums it up right there for you!!
Still stuck on this hat idea. And I've seen the new line at Target but I havent taken the plunge and bought one yet. Am I crazy? BE HONEST.

And can someone please invite me to a fancy shindig so I could sport this Jessie Spano awesomeness??

Oh dear I NEED THIS....BAD!!

REALLY want this...

And I need something like this MAJOR...more like 20 of these!!