Need A Christmas Card? Let Me Help!

To make some extra money this Christmas I'm offering my services to design you and your family a Christmas card this year. Now that school's out I have some extra time. Here's how it works: You send me what ever picture or pictures that you want on your card with some idea of what you want (colors, scripture, names, design ideas, etc.) and I'll make it happen. I'll send you back a high resolution JPEG of your card that you can take to be printed. Or you can do like we're doing this year and use shutterfly.com to print ours. I think they print 4x6 for .14 cents/print. I'm not sure what to charge. I was thinking about $10/design. Shana said $25 but you can get them done at Costco for way cheaper. Shutterfly does their cards for $1.49/print. But, if you take my $10 design and print them for .14 cents/print you'll save some money! Here's a price comparison for online printing with different sizes. Anyway, if you want one done I could probably have a one day turn around.

Here's our card for this year:

That's my offer! Post a comment or email me if you have questions.

Thanksgiving Past: Turducken

A few years ago I embarked on a journey to create something that I had never done before. A Turducken. At work I made a lot of these this year (over 50). However, the ones we make at work are only the breast meat of the Turkey, Duck, and Chicken. The one I made was actually the whole de-boned birds of each kind stuffed inside of each other. It was a lot of fun but a lot of work. It was a great one-time experience that tasted great. So great that I'll never do it again - at least not for free. Here are the pictures:

Way-Back Wednesday: Thanksgiving Ed.

(New Logo)

My parents are in town for Thanksgiving.

Mom is making breakfast, Dad is walking the dogs (yes, dogs - plural. Bogie is back in town for the week), Shana is feeding Truett, and I'm doing this - then to work. Yikes.

Last night dad and I went to the mall looking for a new game. We have a game store called "Just Do Something." There is also a puzzle store, so we went there too. I saw this puzzle that easily makes the Way-Back criteria being a way-back piece of nostalgia (click on it to see what I mean):

Thanksgiving usually brings families together right? I hope that is the case with your family. It is with mine. However, Andy is not here. So, I found some Way-Back pictures to post on here of our me and Andy. Let's get in the Way-Back machine and remember.... Happy Thanksgiving! (I'll have a post tomorrow (maybe) on the bird we're eating)

Shana's Update: Giving up the books (for now)

Truett is doing amazingly well with his sleep this week. I started reading the book "The No-Cry Sleep Solution." It is packed full of ideas on how to get your babies to sleep longer, go to bed easier, and nap better. I was worried a little bit because Truett doesn't nap by the book (6 hours a day), I am lucky if he sleeps 4, but he is a good night sleeper. Which after doing my logs realized that he sleeps more at night then the books says. So, that makes me feel better. Also, seeing that he isn't fussy and doesn't seem to be exhausted all the time. I guess my baby is ok. Well, I implemented a few of the ideas from this book and Truett is sleeping longer in between feeding now at night which is great for mommy. I am now getting between 3 and 5 hours of sleep at a time, as before I was getting 1 to 3 hours. Mommy is better rested which makes daddy happy too.

You are probably wondering why I say I am giving up the books for now. Well, my gracious husband has helped point out to me that Truett has slid into my number one spot of priorities of my life right now, giving God and my husband whatever is leftover at the end of the day. This was really easy to do. Also, I have been consumed in my parenting books trying a new idea almost everyday, and what Josh, many friends, and one of my books pointed out you have to give things time. Well, I have been driving Josh crazy with no stability in this. So, I am giving up the books for the rest of the year. We are going to stay on this course and see where it takes us.

I feel a huge burden to make sure we raise Truett right and so I consume myself with books. I think my friends have probably even gotten sick of hanging out with me and talking to me because all I ever talk about is Truett and ask parenting questions. Well, this is me asking forgiveness and asking for your help to stop this. There is more to me then being a mom, I am a child of God (number 1) and Josh's wife (number 2). I need to cultivate those a little bit more.

P.S. Dean and Judy are on there way to Louisville as we speak, SO EXCITED!

Truett Videos: Happy Truett

Truett is super happy and showing all kinds of emotions now. He'll actually interact with us now. Here he is playing with us last night. He looks so cute in his pjs and socks. He wores this half the day because it was a pj day. Aunt Heidi got him these pjs and Vena got him these socks. I love both of them.

Worship Project

This semester I'm taking "Biblical Theology of Worship" with Dr. Bruce Ware. I've learned a ton and its been great. One thing that he's had us do is a Worship Arts project. I could have written some music, a hymn, stuff like that. There were several options. What I decided to was to write a poem, use some Scripture, and illustrate the whole thing. Here's what I came up with.

I started with this picture. It's me in my parents' basement. I took it back in October. I had an idea back then of what I wanted to do. They had a white wall, I had a camera. Here I am.
Then I found a picture of a road, which for some reason I can't find on my computer right now but it looked similar to this one:
Anyway, I added a bubble/force field thing which represents the protection of the Word. I added the dark sky, some extra clouds and lightening using some sweet photoshop effects. I added myself, made the ground quake, and wrote a poem. I'm kind of putting myself out there with the poetry...which was the hard part for me. I'll turn it in on Friday. I'm going to take it and get it professionally printed. So anyway, here's the final project:

Worship Project

This semester I'm taking "Biblical Theology of Worship" with Dr. Bruce Ware. I've learned a ton and its been great. One thing that he's had us do is a Worship Arts project. I could have written some music, a hymn, stuff like that. There were several options. What I decided to was to write a poem, use some Scripture, and illustrate the whole thing. Here's what I came up with.

I started with this picture. It's me in my parents' basement. I took it back in October. I had an idea back then of what I wanted to do. They had a white wall, I had a camera. Here I am.
Then I found a picture of a road, which for some reason I can't find on my computer right now but it looked similar to this one:
Anyway, I added a bubble/force field thing which represents the protection of the Word. I added the dark sky, some extra clouds and lightening using some sweet photoshop effects. I added myself, made the ground quake, and wrote a poem. I'm kind of putting myself out there with the poetry...which was the hard part for me. I'll turn it in on Friday. I'm going to take it and get it professionally printed. So anyway, here's the final project:

Debuts and Changes...Way-Back Wednesday

A new blog is coming soon. But until then... here's a new feature.Every Wednesday I'll be taking a dip into the pool of the past. Several of you do fun stuff on different days. Meggan does Multitude Monday, Jennifer used to do Wordless Wednesdays, The Koons do their Friday Five. So here's mine. "Way-Back Wednesday." The name isn't original but the logo is. Although I might change it when I get some time. Until then.... enjoy today's peek into the past.

Let's get in the Way-Back Machine. Today we're going back to the 80's. Remember watching Saturday morning cartoons? Here's two videos featuring some of the best cartoon intros from the 80's. The Way-Back Question of the Week: What was your favorite cartoon growing up?

Creepy

This is creepy. Here's the caption that went with the picture:

"A Beijing shop owner is celebrating Obama mania and the 60th anniversary of communist China by selling what's been dubbed 'Oba Mao' products."

While that is creepy, this is hilarious....and true.

Shana's Update: testing 123

Better Videos...

Ha! I bet you thought there would be more Truett videos. Soon. But in the mean time here are more videos from Truett's favorite band, Need To Breathe, off their myspace page - also where you can listen to all of their albums for free!

Randomness...

I'm in the library trying to focus on this paper I have to write. I think I need to unwind a little before the creative juices start flowing. So here's a little type-barf to get it going...

I discovered a new favorite preacher this week. His name is Darrin Patrick. My pastor at Crossing, Dustin, often cites him in his bibliography on his sermon notes. So I looked him up. This guy is good. On the mornings when I have to open at work by myself, I usually take my ipod an listen to music. But I heard a message a few weeks ago by a professor here (Jim Hamilton, "the human cross reference" is my nickname for him) and he mentioned "redeeming the time." I've heard this phrase before. So I thought about time that I have and how I can make the most of it. Dude, working by myself is boring and easy - hence the ipod. So instead of listening to music I've started listening to sermons. I've done this before in the past, but its much more intentional now. Anyway, I've listened through a few series by this guy Patrick. He's good. You should check him out. He has a free podcast on iTunes from his church in St. Louis - The Journey.

I really like Candy Corn. When people make autumn trail mix they usually include nuts, m&m's, raisins, and probably candy corn. My trail mix would be candy corn only.

Today I got a text from my great friend Zach Watson. Here's what it said, "Just want 2 let u know I love u and I'm praying the Lord use u, your studying, and your family for his glory, which, of course, is your greatest possible joy." We don't see each other a lot due to the miles. We're both really busy - kids, work, school, etc... - so we don't talk as much as we'd like, but when you get a God-honoring, brother sharpening text, like that in the middle of a 5am-2pm shift at work, it just puts things in perspective. Thank you my friend. God used your obedience today to bless me. Its good to have friends who are faithful to the Lord.

I have a huge list of books that I want to read when the semester is over. It will be nice to read for pleasure one day.

When I do listen to music at work this is the band of the month...maybe of the year, for me.

Need To Breathe. They're one of those "kind-of-Christian" bands. They do have several songs that are totally God focused, but others that are just Switchfoot-ish. I don't mind a band like this as long as they are up front about it and don't try to sell their "poetic mystery person" as some allusion to God, but on secular radio its really about a girl in Texas they met on a road trip. Know what I'm saying? The real reason I like this band - the music. Look, I'm the type that when it comes to music, if I don't like that music style, it doesn't matter how good the lyrics are, I'm probably not going to go out of my way to listen. Its totally a preference thing and I'll be the first to admit that. *Note that this does not apply to corporate worship styles* What I'm saying is that I like certain types of music and I can't stand country music. It doesn't matter how often they talk about how Jesus is behind the wheel. I don't jive with the country so much. ANYWAY - this band, Need To Breathe - they are everything I like about music. A little blues. A lot southern rock. A little gospel (the music style, not the message). A little jazz. A touch of bluegrass (not the same as country). If somehow they could work in some r&b/hip hop I'd be in heaven (don't know how that would be possible). So, here are some videos and I'm done...

Gotta love the slide guitar at the end.

Darrin Patrick...not much on YouTube, but here's some good teaching on the Word. More on his website.

Shana's Update: I would do it all again.

Here is a picture of Truett fresh out of the womb. Moments later the camera crashed to the floor. He is so precious i would do it all over again.

Shana's Update: Labor

I just found these pictures on my computer. Thought I would share them with the world.

This is my labor and delivery room. That bed was like a transformer into all different kinds of positions. I absolutely loved my experience at this hospital.

I hated this position, but had to do it every couple of hours so they got a read on Truett.
In between contractions. This was in my room.

Shana's Update: New Label

Made a new label called Truett Videos, mostly with grandparents in mind. So if you scroll down on the right you'll see a label called Truett Videos. When you click on that it will pull up all the videos on Truett on the blog. Enjoy.

Shana's Update: Dad

I love watching my husband be a dad. Last night and this morning he was the sweetest ever. The past week Truett's sleeping patterns got all out of wack. After talking to Jennifer, he is most likely going through a growth spurt. I went to bed last night early when Truett went to sleep while Josh took care of Zoe and a few other things after he came home from work, which was after a full day of classes. He really is the best. Well, this morning when I woke up Josh was making a homemade breakfast. Homemade pancakes and sausage. It was really yummy. Then after breakfast he cleaned up the kitchen (even better) while I took a shower. When I got out of the shower this is what I saw. I thought it was adorable my man cleaning the kitchen with Truett strapped to him. Truett is really growing up these days and recognizing Josh recently. So, I think Josh is having a lot more fun with him. Truett googled at Josh in the ergo this morning, they had a good time laughing at each other.

Shana's Update: Truett

This is one of Truett's new play spots while mommy is on the computer. He is growing up so fast that now he is starting to entertain himself. Obviously mommy is helping out a bit here.

Shana's Update: Favorite Things

This is Truett and I walking down Hillcrest the day before Halloween. You can see Zoe down there too. Josh had never gotten to see it all decked out in their Halloween garb. They are pretty crazy about their Halloween decorations. Well anyways, this is me in my Mobe type wrap. It isn't exactly a Mobe, but it is just like one. This one is from Target. It is one of my favorite things. Seriously!! After finally getting the hang of it watching tons of youtube video on how to use it, it seriously is one of my favorite baby gifts. I never leave home with out it, no joke. It is always in my diaper bag. Since it is just 5 yards of material it fits nicely in my bag. Truett takes at least one nap in it a day about. He likes it a ton, sometimes when he is really cranky/tired I can put him in it and he goes right to sleep. Not to mention he takes way better naps when I wear him in it. As you can see here he is fast asleep.

Shana's Update: Hair cut

A couple of weeks ago I attempted to go get my haircut and had my first breakdown. I had Truett snug in his car seat walking into my appointment when they said sorry we can't see you unless someone is watching Truett. I was like what. I thought surely they won't not see me maybe a warning, nope. I went home with the same hair I walked in with. I was so mad and sad. I cried all the way back home. I was having a bad body image day that day too. The weather had just dropped and I threw on a jacket that has never been snug since I purchased it. Well on the way there I noticed it was really snug in my shoulders. Needless to say on the way home I was feeling really down about myself. I could careless most of the time if I wore makeup or not, but I care a lot about my hair. I felt so down, I came home and cried to Josh and saying I was fat and ugly and of course he was floored. Well that day finally passed and we figured something out. So my husband was an awesome husband last week. He met me at the hair salon so that I could get my hair cut and waited in the car with Truett. I was there for about an hour. What a trooper he was. Now I feel pretty again. Next week I will start to work my gym schedule back into my daily routine. Need to get my belly back to normal. We'll see about that.

I'm Still Yours

This song is great.

I'm Still Yours lyrics

If You washed away my vanity
If You took away my words
If all my world was swept away
Would You be enough for me?
Would my beating heart still sing?

If I lost it all
Would my hands stay lifted
To the God who gives and takes away

If You take it all
This life You've given
Still my heart will sing to You

When my life is not what I expected
The plans I made have failed
When there's nothing left to steal me away
Will You be enough for me?
Will my broken heart still sing?

If I lost it all
Would my hands stay lifted
To the God who gives
And takes away

If You take it all
This life You've given
Still my heart
Will sing to You

Even if You take it all away
You’ll never let me go
Take it all away
But I still know

That I'm Yours
I'm still Yours

Oh, I'm Yours
I'm still Yours
I'm still Yours