Happy (early) Halloween!

So, the only time I've ever dressed up for Halloween (other than when I was a kid) was when I was a junior in college in Tuscaloosa. My roommates Johna and Amy and I decided to go as 80s Prom Queens. It was quite hilarious! We got our dresses at the consignment shop. I paid more for mine, but I just had to have it.
If you can't tell by the pictures, I would have had some jammin hair had I been a teenager/in college in the 80s.
There is a picture of Jeremy somewhere with his mullet wig and mustache, but I'm not sure where. And there is one with all girls smiling somewhere too. Also, pardon the quality of these pictures. I had to scan them onto the computer.




So, we didn't realize until we got back to the apt. that her dress was most likely a maternity dress!
Amy broke out the crimper for her hair.

We made banners too. And I'm not sure where my crown was. I think we were supposed to be looking sexy, but I'm not so sure any of us pulled that off!

Do You Read to Your Children?

Do you read to your child/children? Even though I don't have children, I have always known that I would read to them. I love reading and I want my children to love reading. I also know that reading to children is important. When I was in graduate school, one of my clinical internships was at the High Risk clinic. My supervisor would always tell the parents that the best thing they could do for their baby was was to read to him/her. She would tell them to start reading while they are still babies because it's bonding time and they can't get away from you like they could if you wait until they are a toddler! She would also tell them that research shows that children who are read to typically do better in school despite what their IQ might be. So based on all of that information, I knew that I would read to my children one day.
However, I just read "The Read Aloud Handbook" by Jim Trelease and I am now even more convinced of the importance of reading to your children. This is one of the best resource books I have ever read. It was so engaging and easy to read. I highly, strongly encourage every parent, parent to be, teacher or anybody who has in interest in children to read this book!!! I feel that if more parents would read this book and apply the principles that we would see a major difference in children. I recommended it to all my parents on conference day as well. I could go on for days about what Jim said in his book, but I promise he would do a better job, which is why you should read the book for yourself. You will not be disappointed! I also encourage you to check out his website for additional information not found in the book. Actually, I think these stats might be in his book. But I have found them to be so interesting that I am linking you to them as well.
I hope I have sold you all on the importance of reading to your children and for reading this book! And I hope you all aren't thinking I am the biggest dork; but if you do that's ok too!

The Boll Weevil Soap Company

Have you guys ever been to the Boll Weevil Soap Company? I had never been until a few weeks ago. My mother-in-law had given me some soap from there a couple of years ago for part of my Christmas present. I really liked it and had great intentions of going to buy some more products. But as with most things I intend to do, I did not. But since I was in Enterprise recently, I told Jeremy I wanted to stop by. It is the cutest little store. They have a variety of products and more scents it seems than Bath and Body Works! I bought some lotion and a bar of soap in Butterfly Kisses. When I got to the register I saw some "Fall" scented soaps. I really wanted them too, but I only got the other. Almost everything I picked up smelled wonderful. However, going into the store is a bit overwhelming because of all the different scents. But I think you get used to after awhile.
I am a fan of buying and using products that contain more natural ingredients. (as opposed to synthetic and chemicals) I use a lot of Burt's Bees and still like to. But I will now be using more of the Boll Weevil's products; especially since they are locally owned and operated and they make all of their products. I like to support local businesses when I can and I encourage you to do the same. So check out their website. Better yet, go to the store because they don't have all their products listed on the site. Treat yourself or buy some Christmas presents. That's what I'm going to do!

Recap

Back to the Women's Conference from last Saturday. I just wanted to give you all a brief recap on Janie's message. But before I talk about her, I want to say one more thing about Tammy. Tammy led us in a good mix of contemporary songs and hymns. It made me quite happy to get to sing some old songs like, "Come Thou Fount" (one of my faves), "In the Garden" and "I'd Rather Have Jesus". Don't get my wrong, I like praise and worship songs and I listen to contemporary Christian music. But on Sundays, I sure do miss getting to sing those wonderful, old hymns.
Anyway, like I said, Janie's big theme is joy. She told us that joy is different than happiness. You can be unhappy about something but still have joy. She made so many good points and as I am typing this I wish I had written more of them down! I thought I would remember, but who was I kidding?
Janie also talked about the If-Only Syndrome. As in, if only I had more money, my husband was nicer, I had a different job, etc. And the list could go on and on. We all laughed, but I'm sure everybody was thinking the same thing I was; I am so guilty of the if-onlies. Actually, I say "I wish" alot and Jeremy says I'm going to wish my life away.
Janie also talked about the importance of being in the Word daily and memorizing Scripture. This is something I fail miserably at. Last December, I bought Max Lucado's Grace for the Moment Daily Bible; you know where you read through the Bible in one year. I was quite determined that I was going to do this. Well, I made it to about March before that ended. If anybody has any suggestions on how to get disciplined to read the Bible everyday please let me know! Janie said that it is so important to have verses memorized so no matter what situation you are in or circumstance you are facing, the Word will immediately come to your mind. And she is right! There have been so many times that I wanted or needed a certain verse but couldn't think of any.
And Janie also gave us her definition of hope; confident expectations of God's goodness. I like that.

Ya'll Missed Out!

The Women's Conference was Saturday and if you weren't there you missed a blessing! The music was lead by Tammy Jensen. She is been a part of the praise and worship team at Beth Moore's conferences. She was a precious woman with a beautiful voice. And as someone at the conference said, There are many people with pretty voices but it is different with her because she has such a sincere heart and you can tell. The speaker was Janie Walters. She is an absolute hoot! I laughed more Saturday than I have in, well, I don't know when. Her theme is joy and that is something I needed to learn more about.
I will give you all a recap of her message later. I have to get my things together for work. But in closing (haha, that sounds like I'm preaching!), it was wonderful being together with so many women (over 300!) and fellowshiping together. It was a great day!