Follow Your Dreams

This morning my son read his morning devotion while gulping down his breakfast as quickly as boys do everything. After he we finished reading the devotion he had asked if I had read todays devotion of his book yet. He knows I always read his devotion along with my own. I do this so I know what he is reading, being taught and also, so that if he has any comments or questions regarding his devotion; I know exactly what he is talking about.

Although he doesn't always say much about his morning devotions, Ill occasionally hear from him "that was a good one!" and before I have the chance to respond he is off to his room to do whatever it is he is anxious to get back to..... (coughing under breath) his Mine Craft computer game addiction. He knows he isn't allowed on the computer in the morning before chores, breakfast and devotion. Which often leads me to wonder if he says "that was a good one!" only to let me know he read or should I say glanced over his devotion? At least that is what I think sometimes. I don't make a big fuss over it only because I want to keep the experience of his daily devotions positive. I don't want to jump on his case about it, then get him upset at my nagging about it, only to then resent the fact I am having him read them anyways. So, even if there are days he glances over his devotion, I do not doubt that when its necessary that GOD speaks to him no matter how quickly or not he reads.

Today for an example. I do not doubt that Hunters devotion struck a cord with him and instead of reading as fast as possible, it grabbed his attention and he read it and took it to heart. This morning I didn't get the quietly walk off after the read or the quick "it was a good one!" Instead, he asked me if I had read todays devotion just yet. To my disappointment, I hadn't gotten to it. But being the quick thinking mom I am, I replied back and said "no honey, whats it about? Will you read it to me?" In which he began to explain to me the devotions topic and point in his own words, which then gave me the opportunity to talk to him and explain to him what certain things that he had read were trying to imply and say to him and all of us about FOLLOWING OUR DREAMS!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you." Jeremiah 29:11-12

Hunters devotional book that I found for him over Christmas is "Heart of an Athlete." Its a FCA (Fellow Christian Athletes) Devotional book. What I like most about it, is that its written by different real athletes and coaches. The main writer of the book is NFL Kicker, Matt Stover; Super Bowl XXXV Champion Baltimore Ravens.

It's not a book just for boys. Its for ANY athlete out there. Its for coaches, parents of athletes or anyone with a completive desire or dream.

As an athlete with a passion for sports, you have a unique view of life through a competitive lens. And yet, your drive for success and commitment to your sport may lead to being set apart from other, distancing your from friends, family, church and school.

God doesn't intend for you to go at it alone. He wants to be included in your athletics and in every other area of your life. Heart of an Athlete makes it easy to receive regular spiritual training that won't take over your workout schedule. - Heart of an Athlete Book

They say "it won't take over your workout schedule" because they know and understand a devoted athlete is busy and probably have short attention spans because their minds are always focused on how to improve for the next game the next win.

Its a short read, easy read for all ages and its set up in a friendly manner for athletes. They break it down is READY, SET, GO and OVERTIME reads in each devotion. Less than five minutes to read each morning.

Todays story was about a guy who remembers calling to his parents and telling them he was coming home yet again. He had tears in his eyes, as the Clevland Cavaliers had become his third straight NBA team that he had failed to make.

He didn't understand why this was happening to him. He thought for sure his high hopes of realizing his dream to play in the NBA had arrived when he was drafted out of the University of Iowa. But it was becoming more clear that dreams don't always come true. He felt lost. His identity was basketball. It was his life. He thought "what could the future possibly hold for him now?"

Shortly thereafter that he received an invitation to play full-time with a sports ministry team. For the next nine years he was able to travel the country (and the world) playing basketball and sharing his faith with thousands of people. The tears were long forgotten as God began using him in ways that he had never imagined.

Doesn't that seem to be God's favorite thing.... doing things in away we never imagine?

Today Dan Frost still ministers to leaders in our nation's capital and he still says that daily he is reminded just as much as he did back when he was shedding those tears and thought his dreams were lost, that GOD still holds his future then, today and tomorrow... and the futures of those around him.

What Dan is simply saying is this; "Dream BIG, follow your dreams..... but hold those plans loosely, resting securely in the knowledge that our Father may have a far different plan from our own." -Dan Frost

Having a son that is an amazing naturally talented athlete of my own. Being a girl growing up with sports and with my own competitive juices; a husband that was a professional football player and Hunters dad who is one sports driven dad himself; Hunter almost didn't stand a chance to be anything but an athlete. I always joke and say he was born with a puck in his mouth and bat and stick in his hands.

Hunter is 11-years old and his dreams are big already. He talks about wanting to play hockey at Havard. He aims to be a professional hockey player when he graduates Harvard, as many young boys and girls probably dream. When I say these things, I mean them. My son (with the help of his dad) talks about it all the time. His dad is training him that sports come before everything else (not a believer in God). While I try to train him that GOD is first and then everything else after. Its very real to him and he believes this is what his future plan will be. But I know its got to be confusing for him with two homes completely opposite of one another. One is sports driven, self driven...and the other is God driven, family driven and selfishness driven. Both so similar and yet so different by one missing factor..... GOD!

My hope for getting him this book was to train my son to be a man or athlete of character. Because without character you have nothing. Be an athlete, thats fine! But be one that glorifies God. My prayer being this, that while I support my sons BIG DREAMS and I am his biggest fan, I wanted him to have GOD on his heart first so that if these big dreams are not in GODS plan for him, my son doesn't feel he looses out in life, or is a failure or looses his identity (as so many do).

And this devotion not only touched something deep and personal for Hunter.... it touched something very personal to me as his mom. I too have big dreams for my children. I too want them to be successful, happy and all their dreams to come true. But I also want to be the one to show them and guide them that there is someone who has already written the plans for their lives, and if they only trust in those plans while following their dreams.... they can't lose! EVER! Because one way or another either their dreams will be God's plan for them - they win! Or they won't be and if they know and trust God and allow Gods plans be unfolded - THEY WIN!

So I printed out todays devotion for Hunter, I wrote a note on it and I intend to frame it for him. On my note I said that this devotion was not only a good one for him as he dreams about his future, but that this devotion is still a great one for myself, Mark and his dad to also read. Being all athletes ourselves having big dreams in sports or acting careers, we all have been there where we felt high hopes of the reality of our dreams right in front of us...... and yet something happened and it didn't turn out exactly how we planned. And although we have felt disappointed, shed our own tears. We are living proof and examples of Dan Frost in todays devotions that DREAMING BIG and FOLLOWING YOUR DREAMS is beautiful. Achieving them is the cherry on top. But more importantly its a ROCKSTAR feeling if it all comes about with GOD first in your life and HIM blessing those dreams (or not). And if yours becomes an "or not." You still can get that exciting feeling of mystery knowing that whatever GODS plans are (if not your own plans) its going to be an even more exciting, satisfying and full life you live because it will turn out ......

Like you never imagined!!!!

Trust me.... I KNOW!

Follow your dreams..... hold them loosely and pray for Gods will to be done in your life! Thank him for your gifts. For your dreams. Whatever you do.... do it to GLORIFY GOD and watch out, you may wake up and find yourself living your dream!!!

Plan B (WINNER!) and stuff....

Congratulations to.......





 

I hope you enjoy it.

Not to worry.  I have ONE MORE BOOK to giveaway.  I am just thinking how I want to do this next giveaway.  Something creative and different than this last one.  Stay tuned.

I was outside and captured this little guy soaking up some sun the other day.  I thought it looked cool enough to post here, just because I can! 

 

Also, if you haven't been paying attention to my tweets or following me on Facebook (click button to left of blog post, since the new link setup they have here on blogger STINKS!), you missed out that I participated in a Model Beach Volleyball Tournament last weekend.  

 

As captain of the Green Agency, I would like to brag on my team a little.  We went in strong, ended the first day in the top seed bracket.  On Sunday, we lost a couple of guys and ended up with more losses than wins, eliminating us from the final rounds.  Although pretty bummed we lost the following.....

• Bragging rights for our modeling agency
• A trophy to have our agency name graved on it to pass it on next year
• A FREE trip for the entire team to a Nikki Beach resort somewhere tropical (besides Florida) 

We did have an amazing time.  I made some new friends, got a really painful sunburn and took some pretty cool pictures.  You can click HERE (again since the link setup isn't working here on blog, copy and paste link below in new browser to check out the photos!!!! 

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=171949&id=540996999&l=8e3909e5fd

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!!!!  

Congrats again to Heather Matherne!!!  

(Just message me on Facebook your mailing address and I will get that book on its way to you!!! 

8:16 AM....

..... on April 14, 2008.

The moment you enter into this world and into my life forever and always.

The day I saw my little girls face, heard her cry and touched her skin.
The very day that made my life that much better and richer.
The day I would start a journey of learning more about myself as a girl, through loving my daughter.
The day I realized I still had room in my heart to love that much more.
The day I became a mom of a little boy and a little girl.


Dear Morgan,

Today, you turn two sweet butterfly. I can hardly believe it myself.  As you lay sleeping so sweetly in your crib.  I sneak in to grab one last look at you before writing this post.  You are curled up on your side, with your hands on each side of your face.  You are truly precious and so peaceful when you sleep. Sometimes I go in and just softly stroke your hair, just because I want to touch you one last time before I fall asleep.  Sometimes after I pray with you, I will go back in and pray over you while you sleep.  You have brought so much joy in this family.  You are so full of life, personality and laughter.  You are outgoing, so friendly and you make friends wherever you go.

You love, love, love to talk.  Its insane how much you can go on and on and on, talking in your own language.  Funny thing is, I understand a lot of it.  I have you on video camera talking on the phone and I can't wait to show you when you are older. You are so big. Your hair has grown like crazy over the last year.  Its beautiful too.  The perfect shade of sandy beach blond, so soft and the cutest curls at the end. I love when the wind blows it in your face and you take both hands at the same time, cover your entire face up with your hands and push the hair back out of your face.

You love playing, singing and DANCING most. You love your brother and really love to make him laugh.  You vocabulary is amazing.  It amazes me how much you can understand at only two years old.  I still can't believe I just said "two-years-old!"  Where has the time gone?

My sweet little girl.  You are simply beautiful.  I know we are celebrating your special 2nd birthday, but inside I am celebrating all over again the gift that God placed in my life, when he breathed life into.  I will say this any chance I get "I am so honored to have been chosen to be your mother." WOW! What an honor that is. God has chosen you, and HE has a plan for your life....and yet HE chose ME, with all my baggage, my flaws and my imperfections as a human being, to me YOUR mother.

Sometimes I can imagine you grown up already, and looking into those blue eyes and just talking about life and memories.  You are a special little girl.

You are obsessed with shoes.  And I am not kidding.  You wake up and the first thing you want is to pick out a pair of shoes to put on.  You have a pile of "play" shoes, in which you rotate through them all day long, if it be rain boots, cowgirl boots, high heels, flip flops, moms 'big shoes' or sneakers. You love being girly.  You love wearing dresses, letting my blow dry your hair and paint your 'pretties' finger nails.

I remember the first time you said "I wuv you"... you were getting reading to go some where with daddy.  I was putting you in the car seat and out of nowhere, all on your own, you say "I wuv you." It took both your dad and I by such surprise.  It totally melted my heart.  I still get butterflies in my tummy thinking about that very moment. You wake up and you say "good morning" with a smile.

You are also really figuring out how to do the full body tantrums.  You are surely a strong child and with a feisty personality.  Right now it can be a challenge because there is no negotiating when you go into a full blown tantrum, but I know if we direct it in the right direction all that strength you show, we will make a strong women out of you.

You love watching Dora, Elmo, Scooby-Doo and Wizard of Oz. You say "Oz" when you want to watch Wizard of Oz, and you say "Da Da Da Dora" when you want to watch Dora.  And 'da da da Dora" is the theme song that you sing off.  You love books. You love to be outside.  You love to look at and touch every tree you see.  YOu give them hugs and look to see if you can find a bug on each tree.  It takes a long time to make it around the block on our walks for that very reason.  You love chasing the ducks out of the back yard. You love to play with balls.

Baby girl... there is so much I want to write down and not forget about you at this sweet age of two years old.  You are my best girl, my love bug, my princess, my rainbow, my garden, my sweet butterfly.

Happy Birthday My Love.


 



 

b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l.

Mirror....Mirror... On The Wall.

Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror. James 1:23

This is how I want to feel to those that mean the most to me.

I want to be beautiful
Make you stand in awe
Look inside my heart,
and be amazed
I want to hear you say
Who I am is quite enough
Just want to be worthy of love
And beautiful

This is how I feel when I stand up against the world.

Sometimes I wish I was someone other than me
Fighting to make the mirror happy
Trying to find whatever is missing
Won't you help me back to glory

But this is what I feel when I remember the one who created me, and has written out my life and its purpose, before I took my first breath.

You make me beautiful
You make me stand in awe
You step inside my heart, and I am amazed
I love to hear You say
Who I am is quite enough
You make me worthy of love and beautiful

(Lyrics By: Bethany Dillon)

Do you feel beautiful today?

I do.

But not all the time.

I would probably say, not a lot of the time.

Why?

Because when you are going through such hurting times, or you feel so uncertain, confused and even lost in your ways, or the direction you should be going. Its hard to feel safe, or right and at peace. Instead, you feel lonely, unloved, insecure and unattractive.

A young reader sent me this scripture the other night and it hit home with me. I thought I would share it with you all.

God said "But I'll take the hand of those who don't know the way, who can't see where they're going. I'll be a personal guide to them, directing them through unknown country. I'll be right there to show them what roads to take, make sure they don't fall into the ditch. These are things I'll be doing for them- Sticking with them, not leaving them for a minute" Isaiah 42:16 MSG.

Tonight, I sit in my home alone. In a quiet house. The only sound I hear is the clicking of my keyboard and the dead ringing of silence in my ear when I pause. Well, and that strange knocking sound my refrigerator just made. Sheesh... I am trying to have moment here and satan uses the refrigerator to distract me.

And here! (you will know what I mean by that by the end of this post!)

Too often I feel so unloved. Too often I feel so unattractive. And when I start to feel that way and ask myself "why am I feeling this way?" I am quickly reminded who it is that am putting myself up against. The world? People that don't love me as much as I wished they did?

But when I turn to the right person.... the one that calls me "mine".... at that moment I get a glimpse of the beauty I know that HE sees in me.

And I feel beautiful. And loved.

Tonight, I want to say a prayer for anyone that isn't feeling so beautiful today, or that loved. I want to remind you (and myself) that we are loved. We are beautiful. Look in GOD's mirror, not the worlds. Look to His word and obey it and trust it. Don't fall into the insecurity traps that satan sets up all around us.

Have you ever watched the movie "Over the Hedge?"

In brief its about wild animals that meet the suburban life... and at one point the humans set up traps to catch and kill the wild life entering their yard. As the wild life make out their plans to invade, they show a map were all the human traps are set up all around the outside of the home.... and basically there was a trap...

here.

here.

here.

here.

here.

here.

here.

and here.

here.

here.

here.

here.

here.

and here and here and here and here....

AND HERE!

In every direction you turn.

Satan has set up so many traps all around us, just waiting for us to hit one and fall. Fall flat on our face. To feel alone. To feel unsafe. To feel abandoned. To feel unloved. And ugly.

And again God said:

"But I'll take the hand of those who don't know the way, who can't see where they're going. I'll be a personal guide to them, directing them through unknown country. I'll be right there to show them what roads to take, make sure they don't fall into the ditch. These are things I'll be doing for them- Sticking with them, not leaving them for a minute" Isaiah 42:16 MSG.

Greater Things.

As things are continuing to change in my life, I see Greater Things ahead of me. Through all the heartache, the doubts, the questions, the whys.... I still praise and give thanks. I still see visions of greater things that God has planned in my life.

When I feel like everything just seems so messed up and so confusing, maybe even wrong... I stop and I trust in Him, and then I see GREATER THINGS.

Tonight my church has put a challenge out for us to fast this week for seven days. I have never fasted in my entire life. I know some people fast a day, some fast for a few days and some have even fasted for longer. Our challenge is seven days. It can be a 'modern' fasting I guess as a way to look at it. We have options to choose from in our form of fasting. It has to be something that really consumes a lot of our time, thoughts and energy (TV, cell phones, food, sweets, social networks, etc.) that would really provide you a challenge to commit to for seven days. This way, every time you are tempted to break your fasting and do whatever it is you gave up for the week, you will be reminded to stop and pray. The old traditional way of fasting, which also was an option to choose from, is going with out food. This way when your stomach growls of hunger you would stop and pray through that hunger pain. You didn't have to fast for the entire seven days without food, but you had choices of giving up certain foods items or number of meals for the day. I personally can't do that for seven days, with my metabolism, current body weight and the stress I am currently under, it would not be healthy for me to do that. Instead, I have chosen to fast on social network sites (blogs, twitter and facebook).

For me that will be (as silly as this sounds) pretty hard. Being alone most of my days other than with the kids, these social network sites are my adult play and interaction into the real world when home all day alone. I realize I visit them many times a day and for that, I realize that would be a huge portion of my day to give in prayer.

All the other fasting options I really don't give much time to as is, so for me to fast on those items, it wouldn't really open more time for prayer during my day (sweets, TV watching, eating meats, etc.) Out of the list, social network sites, I realize, would be the most tempting for me. Therefor, would be the one thing that would give me more reminders and discipline to stop and pray throughout the days.

So here I go.

Thankfully its spring break this week for Hunter and so Ill have both kids home with me to keep me from feeling isolated, lonely and becoming depressed. HA! Then I come back in a week crazy and ready for a different kind of fasting... LOL.

With that, I would like to end by saying a prayer for all of you and ask that you say a prayer for me, and I will be back in a week.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I want to take this time to give thanks in this new day. Thank you for the loving people you have placed in my life to protect me, love me, support me and encourage me. Lord, thank you for the difficult people you place in my path to challenge me to love only the way you could love, even when someone is unloveable. Thank you for my two beautiful children and their unconditional love for me. I am blessed.

Lord, I want to take this weeks fasting challenge to heart. I want to challenge myself to pray without so many distractions in my way. As I start this week with this challenge, I would like to start tonight by praying for my social networking friends, real life friends and family. Even the friends I have never met in person, but have come to appreciate and care for through blogs, Facebook and Twitter. I pray that their week is filled with blessings and joy. I pray for those that are struggling. I pray for those that are hurting, sick and even lost. I just want to say thank you for these friends that through these social networks have become a part of my life. I hope to meet them face to face one day and give them all a real Jesus kind of love - hug. Thank you for my church, Lord, and all the things you are doing with it.

Lord, although I am journeying through some difficult choices and times in my life right now, I thank you for the strength, the peace and the support you have placed in my life. I know this kind of strength and peace could only come from You, Lord. Please forgive me of my sins, and where I fail you and fail those you place in my life to love and protect. Please help me to be quick to listen and slow to anger with those that I feel hurt me. Let me love them like You love them, no matter what. Please provide me with the right amount of patients with my children this week. Let not my personal stresses to be taken out on them. Lord, place people in my path daily and show me how I can be, and allow me to be a blessing in their lives.

Lord, use me. I give You all that I am. I open up all my secrets, my hurts, my issues and my heart. I lay it all out to you Lord, as you know them anyways. I ask that you take all the good and all the bad in my life and use it to Glorify you and to full fill the purpose you have in my life. I want to leave this world known as a God fearing women, with a legacy with your name all over it. Lord, with saying those words, even writing them for the public to read. I ask that you give me the extra courage I need to get up and out of my comfort zone and step out and start being courageous and serving You, by serving others. Let me get out of "Misty's" selfish world, and let me serve and focus on others in need. Lord, I don't know what plans you have for me or where I will end up. I ask that you circumcise my ears and my heart, so I can hear you speak to me, and put my hands and feet into action. Where do I start?

Please remove all my fears and all the intimidations that hold me back, if this is the direction you want me to go. I want to go on missionary trips, Lord, and provide my hands and heart to the poor. I want to work with sick children. I want to encourage girls and mothers. There is so much I know I can do, but I always make excuses to hold myself back. Please remove all my fears and insecurities so I can show up and serve YOU. I want to be broken and exposed to life outside of my little world that I feel is so rough right now. Use me Lord. Use me for Greater Things... in Your name.

Amen.

I pray that you all have a blessed week....... and I'll be back in a week. Maybe.

Just kidding... I'll be back.

In the meantime, I am really behind on uploading pictures on my camera. Ill have plenty when I return of the kids so tonight I'll leave you with these two handsome men to admire. The first two men in my life once I left the nest. These boys are going on 14 years old (human years). They are my little sweet old men now.

Shilo

Milo

remembering Cora Paige - Birthday.

A year ago I posted this article on my blog.

I want to take a minute out of my day that is crazy and hectic, that I want to run away from it. I want to stop and again be forever thankful and grateful. As this family (as well as many families out there) who are celebrating a birthday of their little girl that is no longer with them here on earth. She would have been two-years-old today.

My heart aches just as it did a year ago today for this family. Its so close to home, as my little girl will be two (God willing) in April. Cora and Morgan also share the same middle name 'Paige'. I get to see my little girl who has been sick all week sleeping in her crib today. While this family, alone with their newest addition, little Levi (Cora's baby brother) try to find the strength to get through another day without their little sunshine.

Happy Birthday Cora Paige.

You can visit The Macs here and leave a little comment of love and support. Their little one is not forgotten.

Cora Paige

knock-knock....who's there?

Its ME, Misty.... did you think I went away for good?

Where to begin?

I have things I want and wish to write every day. I tell myself I will do it later, or Ill do it tonight. By the end of my days lately I have been so overwhelmed with exhaustion that I can barely tidy up the house before I go to bed. My head is so full of noise, thoughts and emotions, its so hard to just stop and have a moment of silence.

I am here though.

I have traveled the last week. I went to Vermont for another three day photo shoot with PajamaGram. I am thankful the for job, the amazing clients, hair/makeup and photographer friends I have made out there. It was freezing cold and snowing tons the first day I got there. The week was filled with long days (8-9 hours straight of standing and posing) and quiet reading time in my hotel. Not that glamours to say the least, but still very humbled and thankful. One night I was able to get out with a couple of friends and watch 'Dear John.' It was cute, but it was not the Notebook and it was much more a high school, young love kind of movie. Both actors are very attractive so that helped. HA!

Here is the Valentines catalog cover. Gotta love those um, extensions!!! Sheesh! I went from this cover, to the 'mama' look for the Mother's Day catalog. That's the next one I'll be in.

By the way, have you all heard of all the rave about PajamaJeans? I mean seriously, it has exploded and they are selling out so fast they can't keep up. They are coming up with all new designs and styles for these hot new items. You really must check them out!!! Here is a little sneak peak of the Mother's Day Catalog PajamaJean shot I did.

This week my little girl has been running high fevers every day. If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook you already know that. I took her to the doctor yesterday, but since she just finished two antibiotics for this pesty cough, they didn't want to place her right back on another one. So here we are keeping her fever monitored and waiting it out a few more days to see if she is able to fight it off on her on before going back to the doctors.

This week also brings some refreshing changes, as hockey season just ended and baseball for my big man begins. Tonight he had his first scrimmage and he was the starting pitcher. Although, I missed the game being home with baby girl, his dad kept me up to date. Hunter had a rough first game with his pitching, but made some grate plays in the field. I told his dad he was nine, its freezing out and to cut him some slack. LOL!

Speaking of COLD... I am over it. That's all I wanted to say about that.

There is so many things I want to write about. So many things I want to do. Why does it have to be so hard to just 'get moving' on any one of the many things on your list?

Oh got a question for all of you....

This is random and out of the blue, but tonight while out getting groceries I began to wonder what other families spend on groceries? What is the average amount you spend a week on groceries? How do you do your grocery budget?

Do you shop once a week?

Shop as you need?

Run to grocery story a few times a week?

Do you even have a budget for grocery spending?

I am curious to know, because I feel like I spend so much on groceries. Am I? Or is what I am spending pretty normal as other families with kids?

Well, its about 11:00 PM and I don't like to stay up past 10:00 PM if I can help it. I'm hoping Ill be able to post more here and get back into the groove. I have things to update everyone on anyways. Spring break begins tomorrow, so I am really looking forward to just doing fun things with the kids, IMAX and Disney.

For now.....

I am going to go and read the very last chapter of my book "So Long Insecurities, You Have Been A Bad Friend to Us" by Beth Moore.

I can't remember the last time I started and actually finished a book. I have really enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to share more about it. But... I must finish it first myself.

My FREE canvas arrived....

and I love it.

Well, it arrived last week, but in the mix of getting ready for travels and attending to busy kiddos, I didn't get a chance to share it. I am still here in Colorado skiing. I'll share more with pics in another post on that. For now, I want to show off my beautiful 8x10 FREE photo canvas by Canvas People.

{Remember this photo? Morgan only two-weeks old filming Marley and Me}

and I can't get over how BIG Morgan is now at 21 month old.

I guess I could have put something cute on my child before taking these pictures, instead of her pj tank and diaper. But hey, this is real life stuff here. Oh, and that is her hospital bracelet she is wearing from our ER run last week too. She refuses to take it off. That will be a post of its own too, I promise.

She loved pointing at mommy and "baby" in the photo. It will be so neat when she understands that the "baby" is herself.

Thank you Canvas People for a wonderful FREE gift. I am grateful.

$100 Giveaway Winner!!!

Sorry I didn't get this out yesterday. If you knew my plate right now, you would totally understand.

So before I pack up on an adventure to Winter Park, I wanted to say congratulations to Breanna from ....

She was selected randomly by Random.Org.

And its your lucky day x3!!!

For the next 2-DAYS Pajamagram is also giving FREE peronslization to your pj's, plus FREE gift packaging for every order!!!

Not only did you win $100 worth of FREE stuff, you get FREE personaliztion and FREE gift wrapping. That's 3 HUGE WINS in one day!

How to get FREE Personalization: 1. Order any personalizeable PJ by 2/3/10. 2. Use code PGPZALUV at checkout. 3. A maximum discount of $9.95 will be applied to your entire order at checkout.

FREE Gift Packaging with Every Order: All women's pajamas delivered with FREE: • Periwinkle or pink organza hatbox • Lavender bath confetti • Do not disturb sign • Personalized gift card

Congratulations girl!!!

Don't forget you can order your Hoodie-Footie or PajamaJeans and be so hip like me. I love mine! And that's the truth!

So get busy shopping girl. I am leaving early in the morning for a ski trip. I will have my phone on me, so once you get your ordered picked out. I'll provide them with my special code and your goodies will be on their way.

Have a great day.

its been tough.

I haven't abandoned the blogging world. In fact I think I enjoy writing so much I don't think I would ever abandon my "soap box". However, I have had many plates to balance over the last few weeks. I take that back, I have been balancing plates for a pretty long while now. I think over the last few months some where along the way I dropped a plate or two and it caused some major chaotic messes in my life.

I'm struggling with things, in all honesty. Without more detail than that.... I ask for you to pray for me and my family.

I will leave it at that.

Today after church my little girl threw the biggest fit I have seen of her yet. She is in a screaming phase. A VERY loud screaming phase and a "mine" phase. Everything is hers.

Today she wanted to ride in a friends car with the other kids as were were all headed to lunch together. She couldn't as she didn't have an extra car seat. I had to use every ounce in me that I could to get Morgan into her car seat. It took me probably a good two minutes or so to wrestle with her to get into the car seat. At first I was laughing and couldn't believe my very eyes. With in a moments time I stopped laughing and realized this isn't that funny anymore. I went from laughing, to annoyed to trying to take a deep breath to crying myself really fast. I gathered my composure and just continued to do what needed to be done in that very moment. Getting Morgan to calm down and in the car seat.

Finally, I got the snaps between her legs buckled and I begin to drive. She is jerking her body around, scream and crying as loud at her little voice and lungs would let her. I tried to void out her scream with some music, but the pierce of her scream just hit such nerves in my ears I couldn't help but cringe.

At the light I decided I would grab a little mini clip and video record her screaming the way she was. Is all of this really over wanting to ride in the other car my sweet girl?

I get to the place we were meeting at and I walk in, she begins to throw a fit again about her shoes bothering her. This girl and her shoes. I am telling you, I am in so much trouble and she isn't even two yet. I take the shoes off, she screams. I put the shoes on, she screams. Like many things in life, I can't win. As she begins to cry and scream inside the restaurant, I just looked at my friend standing in line waving at me, shook my head in a no motion and said I have to got home.

And I left.

My son stayed with her as he wanted to have a playdate with her son. He felt bad for mommy and decided he wanted to bring me a burrito for lunch anyway. So by the time I get home, Morgan screamed herself to sleep. I sat in my chair eating a cold sandwich in the quietness of my home and my little boy dropped of my burrito, that will now be tonight's dinner.

I love my children and my friends. I am blessed.

But these past two months of my life ..... its be tough.

Yet, this little girl of mine, no matter how many fits she throws or the tears she makes me shed. She also makes my life full, content and happy. I just smile looking at this little face of hers.

I love you baby girl.

but you promised.

I am back from a long weekend in Toronto and boy is my 'blog post' list getting long. As I am constantly thinking of things I want to blog about. While I update pictures from the trip, unpack all this dirty laundry and get my ears unplugged from all the flying. I wanted to share this.

I am a fan of Rick Warren's. There are many that are not. That's okay. Rick Warren isn't for everyone, just as toasted peanut butter and jelly sandwiches aren't for everyone.

Oh, I guess I am hungry....and boy does a toasted peanut butter and jelly sandwich sound good right about now.

I often find myself in these kinds of traps....and I have to consistently remind myself to not fall into them. Its easier to get in, than to get out.

Here is what Rick Warren wrote today.

It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows. Proverbs 20:25 (NIV)

Have you ever ...

... promised to deliver by a set date and later regretted it?
... volunteered for a job you had no idea would take so long?
... agreed to a deal that looked great but wasn't?
... accepted an invitation you wish you hadn't?

Eventually, we all learn by experience a basic law of life: It's always easier to get in than get out! The Bible says, "It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows." (Proverbs 20:25, NIV)

There are three common commitment traps:

• The Money Trap -- It's always easier to get into debt than out of debt! It's always easier to borrow than to pay it back.

• The Partnership Trap -- It's always easier to get into a partnership, or a relationship, than to get out of one!

• The Time Trap -- It's always easier to fill your schedule than to fulfill it! You can get so many irons in the fire that you put out the fire!

The solution: remember what the Bible says; don't make rash vows.

In other words, choose your commitments carefully; think before you speak; under-promise and over-deliver. With this, you'll build a reputation as a person of your word.

(Don't get trapped!)

A FREE gift for all of you {No strings attached!}

Here is the deal.

CanvasPeople.com want to get a FREE 8x10 Photo Canvas in every home. Their only dream, is to spread their name by example of their own product. What better way to spread the word than to offer out a FREE 8x10 Photo Canvas to every home? There isn't.

A friend of mine already received her FREE photo canvas and loves it. I just placed my order in today, and am looking forward to it's arrival.

You feel left out now don't you?

Well, not anymore. Here is a personal gift certificate to YOU from ME, for FREE {no strings attached!}

Just click here and it will take you straight to the website for you are to upload your picture and place your order. The ONLY thing you have to cover for is shipping. Mine was only $14.00. Not bad. I know some of you will see them asking for a credit card number will freak out and turn away. DON'T DO THAT!

Be sure to pay attention to the size that your photo must be in order to get the best quality on the canvas. Have fun with it and treat yourself, a friend or a love one with this free gift.

Don't forget Valentines is around the corner! So take advantage of this huge offer. I'll share mine once is arrives and I plan on going back and ordering more.

Here is your FREE GIFT CERTIFICATE FROM ME! Enjoy!!!

$100 giveaway

As seen on TV, I recently worked for PajamaGram. I mostly modeled all their 2010 Valentine PJ's. Although, not all of which I modeled are not online just yet, but I will also be in the new catalog. You can order your free catalog from their website.

In addition to that I also filmed two commercials for PajamaGram, one for their famous Hoodie-Footie Snuggle Suit as seen here.

The other was for their new and very popular PajamaJeans as seen here.

I had such a great time working with a long time friend of mine Victor, who booked me on the jobs.

Not only did I have fun, I got to keep my very own Hoodie-Footie and PajamaJean. I love them.

The PajamaJean is especially my favorite, because they stick to as advertised. I wore mine for a 10 hour shoot, having taken them off and put them back on for different parts of the commercial to shoot. The jeans never once lost their shape on me. They did not loosen or get sloppy, nor did they wrinkle. They were soft and cozy on the inside, while looking like a styish pair of jeans on the outside.

*NOTE* I am in no way writing this post because I have been asked or getting anything in return for promoting this. I actually feel this is a fun topic, something that maybe would be of interest to you and a funny story that now involves YOU and a special giveaway!!!!

Funny story:

After I had modeled for the PajamaGram client, I had went online and signed myself up for the catalog so I could have a copy of my own work. Its often hard to see and get hard copies of your actual work when modeling, so when you get a chance to get it, you do.

Well, a few weeks went by and all of the sudden I received an email. The email said this.

Dear Misty Rice,

Recently you signed up to become a member of PajamaGram’s VIPj Email List. Each month we choose a new VIPj Member to receive a free PajamaGram and we're happy to inform you that you have been selected as this month’s winner.

As our lucky winner, you are invited to select up to $100 of PajamaGram products. You can have your PajamaGram shipped to you, or treat someone special to a special surprise by shipping it to them — it'll surely make their day! We can ship your PajamaGram anywhere within the Continental U.S.

All we need you to do is fill out the attached form and return it to us via a reply to this email or via fax at (802) 985-1382 (Attn: Laura Fitzgerald). As soon as we have received your completed form, we will send your PajamaGram on its way.

At first I thought it was some kind of spam mail or gig with strings attached. I sent the email to my friend Victor, and he confirmed with a giggle "that's funny and offical."

I have been chosen randomly to receive $100 free stuff from PajamaGram. This part of the company has no idea who I am or that I just recently modeled for them. All they did was place my name is a recent customer that signed up to receive catalogs for them and I won!

Pretty funny, right?

Sure it is, Misty! But what does that have to do with US?

Glad you asked.

You see, I decided that I would like to take my blog in a little different direction. I would like to start blogging and building my audience. I plan on blogging about my children, modeling and life in general, just as I do now. As well, as blog about anything and everything I can think of (sort of like I do now, too!). Ha!

Like my little soap box! (sort of like now!)

But I never tried to really grow an audience. I want to see if I can slowly but surely grow my audience and take my blog to the next level.

"So what does that have to do with us, we ask again?"

Well, my little blogging buddies, this is what it has to do with you.

You know that $100 gift card to be used at PajamaGram.com?

I am going to give it away to a lucky blogger. You will be able to shop online to your hearts desire (up to $100's, that is). You will then place your order with me via email. I will get your order shipped out to YOU!!! You can shop for yourself, your dog, your family or a friend. Whatever you like! You can even order yourself your very own Hoodie-Footie or PajamaJean and be cool like me! *giggle-giggle*

Awesome right?

"So what do we have to do? You know those strings attached?"

Well, yes, there is a little tiny string attached, but it's so tiny, its more like dental floss. Its easy. Don't you think $100 in free stuff is worth a little tiny effort on your end?

"Maybe, depends on what it is I guess."

That's the spirit!

All I am asking is that you following me here on my Blog and Twitter, and spread the word about me. I also have a Facebook account, you can jump on their as my friend too. If you have one of the three (facebook, twitter, blog), I ask that you give a little shout out to my blog (with link) and this post, on one of yours.

I am not going to do the whole "points" thing, as other blogs do. I find that to be a little annoying. Okay, I find it to be really annoying. Besides, I don't want to keep up with all of that.

I would just like to gain some new readers. Simple.

I will wait until Feb. 1st to draw my winner. This gives myself and you two weeks to help spread the word. While also announcing the winner 14-days before Valentines Day, just in case you want to order something for yourself or someone special in your life.

While I have your attention, I want to do a blog makeover. Does anyone have any creative ideas for a model/actress/mother and wife? I always love to hear other peoples creativity. Toss that out to me in the comment box too if you feel up for it.

Okay, I am done.

Start following me on the following:

1. Here on my Blog! (just hit follow me to left of my blog)

2. Twitter

3. Facebook

and

4. Leave me a comment here telling me were you are following.

Leaving a comment here on my blog is a must, so I can keep tabs. I will do my (random) drawing from the list of comments on this post February 1st.

If you do not have twitter, blog or facebook. No worries. Just leave a comment and I will still include you in the drawing. I am just asking my readers for some extra love by helping me spread the word.

PS: If any of you already have the PajamaJean or Hoodie-Footie, please share. I would love to hear some personal stories from you on what you think about them.

Be sure to follow me some place so you know when I announce the winner on Feb. 1st.

Thanks for spreading the word.

this spell I'm under

This is my love song to my sweet Savior. When I heard this song on my iPhone iPod, the words of this song had such a whole new meaning like never before to me. I wasn't thinking of my husband. I wasn't thinking of my kids. I wasn't thinking romance. I instantly thought about my sweet Savior.

I often find myself to not be the best at witnessing to people. I want to by my actions. I want to share my life stories that I believe are my walking, living and breathing testimonies. Then I heard this song and I was like "wow, this is what I want people to know why I love my Jesus so much. I want them to know what it is about HIM that keeps me coming back for more. I want everyone to know what it is about this spell I am under."

It's HIS LOVE!

It really just does something to me.

It really sends a shock right through me.

Its made me who I am today.

Whatever HE is doing, I just want HIM to do it all over again.

Here are the lyrics of Tim McGraw's song - Its Your Love. Really read the words in this song. It is exactly how I feel about God's love for me and HIS purpose for my life.

Let this be my testimony!!!

Yea yea

Dancin' in the dark middle of the night

Takin' your heart and holdin' it tight

Emotional touch touchin' my skin

And asking you to do what you've been doin' all over again

Oh it's a beautiful thing don't think I can keep it all in

I just gotta let you know what it is that won't let me go

It's your love

It just does something to me

It sends a shock right through me

I can't get enough

And if you wonder

About the spell I'm under

Oh it's your love

Better than I was, more than I am

And all of this happened by taking your hand

And who I am now is who I wanted to be

And now that we're together,

I'm stronger than ever

I'm happy and free

Oh it's a beautiful thing,

Don't think I can keep it all in

If you asked me why I've changed,

All I gotta do is say your sweet name

It's your love

It just does something to me

It sends a shock right through me

I can't get enough

And if you wonder

About the spell I'm under

Oh, it's your love

Baby, Oh oh, oh,

Oh it's a beautiful thing,

Don't think I can keep it all in

I just gotta let you konw what it is that won't let me go

It's your love

It just does something to me

It sends a shock right through me

I can't get enough

And if you wonder

About the spell I'm under,

Oh it's your love

It's your love, it's your love, it's your love