Giveaway Winners!

First, I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart; especial the ones that felt led to participate in this awesome cause! I was incredibly nervous about doing this and at times quite disappointed; but God started to show me that this giveaway had nothing to do with me and had everything to do with HIM! ;)

I loved that I could help such an amazing family through this and I’m so blessed to have followers like you who are willing to sow into complete strangers lives. God is so faithful! Angie and Clint are already so close to their goal and it has been such an honor to be part of their journey! I can’t wait to meet this little one and the joy she will bring to their family.

And the Winners Are…

The first winner is... (drum roll, please)

Melissa D. from Elijah's Adventures

You won the nursing cover!

The Second winner is...

Paige H. from Live, Love, Laugh

You won the bag!

Congratulations girls!! Email me your address and I’ll get you in contact with Angie so that you can pick your fabric for the items you have won. :) Unfortunately I was only able to choose two of you, but I appreciate all of you who made such great contributions to my friends and it has not gone unseen. If you did participate and did not win, I would still like to send you a little something from me. A little thank you! Not a big prize, but something small to show my application. On the left hand side of my blog you will see a Facebook button with my email
address. Please email me and so I can thank you properly.

Thank you all again! You are all blessings!!

This Rock

I have found that even a safe and sturdy rock can sometimes crack. It’s a small crack, but as little pieces of it start to slowly crumble from underneath my feet, I can't help but feel panicked as I franticly try to find other life lines I can hold onto. Is this crack my fault? Was it smart for me to stay here in this place so long? Should I have left with the others?

I have put my faith, love, drive and sweat into this rock. I have cared for it, fought for it, defended it and have even been hated for it. I believe in this rock. I believed it would take care of me; it HAS taken care of me and blessed me. I'm doing everything I can to have this rock not hurt me; or am I? I have built my household upon this rock and not only have I come a long way, but so has the rock! It has stood the test of time, even when others said it would fall. It has seen its share of sadness; weathered its own storms; has been built upon and has seen growth because there is favor from God. It's a great rock; but with all things, it is still vulnerable to breaking.

Is this just God's way of saying to move on; or is there something more He is trying to tell me? I know that He is testing me again. But sometimes it's so hard to have faith that He will take care of all things, just as long as I trust Him. Is this me not trusting Him again? I have also found that - The bigger the bolder, the more pain it will cause when it comes crashing down on you. I’m in a state of confusion and I'm not sure where to find a good footing. I know there is a reason I know there’s a way. At this point... I'm just holding on for dear life, hoping it all won’t crash too quickly on me.

When all hope seemed lost, I trusted God... why do I not trust Him now? Is it because I'm comfortable? I never liked being "comfortable" when it came to my relationship with my Heavenly Father. I don’t think you should ever be “comfortable”... it's make you more vulnerable to the enemy. Is this what you are trying to teach me? Lord, where do I go from here? Can this crack be repaired or is it time for me to really move from this spot?

I trust you... help me find the way!

The Hearts of Two Mommies

My Sister-in-love and I (even before she was my sis-in-love) have always done the "big" things in our lives together... like ones you can never take back; ya know? Ha! When I say "never take back," I mean the very permanent things on our body. Tonight, wasn't any different!

For her 18th birthday, I paid for and took her to have her nose pierced. When she was 20... (I think she was 20) we went and got our "Sister-hood" tattoos! Tonight, we bonded together once again to share our love for our children. My sister and I have been through a lot together. Hard time, good times, the best of times... I believe that our tattoo represent something to us more that people know. I'm glad that I can share this with her and that we have such a tight relationship that we can do these special things together.

I got two footprints to represent my son and the joy he brings to my life. Kate got a beautiful heart with three teardrops falling from it. You see, she is a mother too. She miscarried in July, but her little bundle has stayed and will stay in her heart forever. We can't wait for the day we get to meet this little one in heaven! We were two sister's coming together and celebrating our children with one another! I'm so blessed to have a sister-in-love like that!!!

Ok... enough talking here is the fun picture from tonight!

Kate went first (I was a terrible photographer, I only got a few. But her's was so quick)

Her "pain" face... doesn't she still look gorgouse?!

This is her HEART

Good job Kate!

My turn!!

My pain face...

I love these next two pictures of me. Very natural... I think these were taken during the "breaking." ha!

This is my REAL pain face

Yep... not fun...

But loved how it turned out!

I love my sister... I'm glad I could share this with you!! xox

OBX – Rewind

I loved going on vacation with my family. I think it’s good that we go every other year, but I must say that I really enjoyed our vacation to the Outer Banks! My mom and dad for Christmas this year blessed us all with the gift of paying for our family vacation. It was very generous of them and it totally blessed us kids. It was a 6 bedroom, 6 bath beach house that had an amazing pool out back and was only two blocks from the beach! She did good! Thanks Mommy!

All family’s come with their own annoyances and aggravations and yes, we did have our moments at times where we did get under each other’s skin, but I have to say it was a pretty darn good vacation for us Balla’s (My maiden name.) It was hard for my dad who had just broken his leg three weeks back, but he did ok and did his best to join us out at the pool every once in a while.

Driving down on my birthday wasn’t the best thing in the world, but I got over it. Kate, (my sis-in-love) not only wrote me the most wonderful poem on her blog, but also gave me an adorable shirt with a hot head band to go with and also surprised me with another gift when we got down there. It was a HOT sexy purple dress!! You saw it on my silent Sunday post a week back. I LOVE THAT DRESS. Thanks babe!!

My other sister-in-love gave me a gift certificate to my favorite spa to get a facial. LOVE their facials!! And my mom and dad… well, they haven’t given me that present yet. My mom is giving me a tattoo!!! We wanted to do it down there, but it was too crazy; so hopefully we will be getting that done at home soon. We’ll see!! :)

My amazing friend Kasey also wrote this thing on her blog for me. She is like a sister to me and I cried when I read it. She is a blessing to me and it really touched my heart! To top it off she also got engaged last Friday and I was SO excited for her. I saw her on Saturday after we got back and took pictures of the lovely ring. You can see it on my photography blog if you want! Her man did a good job!!! ;)

There is so much I could say about this week… but I think I’ll just leave you with a few pictures to round off the week. All these pictures are all on the same day, but… it sums up a lot.

Birthday dinner and the Beach!

Pool and Family Fun!

And Jayden playing with his Uncle's cigar!!
Explanation below...

Ok, so I know this looks bad. The boys were having cigars and Jayden when up and wanted to be like the big boys and put the cigar in his mouth. It was too funny not to take a picture. I mean... look at it. In his mouth the first picture and then LOOK at that face in the second?!?!? He wanted to be one of the guys!!! It was hysterical. Don't worry... this was not lit! :)

When I got home, I was surprised with a gift from a blogger friend Kayla as well. I got a gift certificate to Starbucks! So thanks dear! I really missed blogging this week, but it was some good much need time with the fam! I have been doing my best to catch up on all of you from last week. Hope you all are having a great week!!

Your Blog is Fabulous! Really?

While I was away I receive another blog award!! I was pretty darn excited! My new blogger friend Paige from Live, Love, Laugh, gave my blog the “Your Blog is Fabulous” award! Not only do I LOVE this award, but I LOVE her blog… so go check her out! She is deep, creative, and she makes me laugh. If you haven’t seen her blog I would totally encourage you to go over there and check her out! ;)
So to accept this award I must do two things…First I need to list (5) obsessions. That will be cake; the second thing is what will be the hardest! I then need to pass it on to (5) other fabulous bloggers!! Here Goes…

Obsessions

1. 1. I’m obsessed with my new slamming IPhone – The new 3Gs. baby!! Video capability and ALL! My husband said that if I don’t use it… he will steal it from me. Can’t let that happen so I am going to use the crap out of it! Woo-hoo!
2. I hate to admit this… but totally obsessed with Facebook. I hate it! I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but I find myself getting upset when people don’t comment on my status when I think I left a really good one. (Come on girls… I’m not the only one!!) Then I start examining it in my head and find myself getting my self-worth from it. From FACEBOOK! Ok… I know, I have a problem, I’m working on it. (Can’t believe I just admitted that on here!
3. I have always loved Mexican food, but I have been craving it like crazy lately; and no… I’m not pregnant. So I guess you could say I have been “temporarily” obsessed with Mexican food.
4. I’m obsessed with writing, like article writing. I write a million things down all the time. Some deep, some not so deep. Obsessed with blogging too, but not just that. I have been looking into magazines who might want to publish a story or two of what I have written. My mom thinks I should send in a copy of my testimony that I wrote back in July. Um… not sure if I’m ready for that to be “published” but it’s something I am really looking into! Obsessed with writing!!!
5. I’m obsessed with pedicures. I love them… I don’t know what to say. They are one of the best things EVER! Call me vain… but I love them!!!!!
   

I think I admitted way too much in that. Oh well, it was really hard to choose these 5 fabulous bloggers, but here they are in no particular order.

Heather @ Step Inside
Emily @ Powell Power
Kace @ Calling Him Krew
Cara @ Only Believe
Lauren @ The Lucky Layman's

Silent Sunday's

I have got so much to tell you guys and so many of you to catch up on this week. I had a fabulous vacay and can't wait to show all of you the picture! But I start work up again tomorrow and want to get some sleep. So I'll leave you with my Silent Sunday photo today. Hope you all had a great weekend!!!

I think he is going to be a gamer... just like daddy.

He is still my little boy!

Silent Sunday's

OBX - Pictures taken by my awesome sis-in-love

A Few Thoughts, Before I’m Off

Happy Friday everyone! Let me tell you, I have been looking forward to this day all week! Don’t you just hate when you have those weeks that feel like they are just never going to end!? That was my week!!

Starting tomorrow, my family (I mean entire family, not just the Hubby and the little man) will be heading out to the OBX for our family vacation. I’m so excited!!! We haven’t had a family Va-Ca in 2 years and at the time my brothers weren’t even married… so this is really cool! I’m planning on it being a really great week with so many surprises!! In the meantime, I have decided that I am going to take a break from blogging while on vacation. I may hop on and off, here and there; but I really just want to spend this time with my family. But… before I go I’ll leave you with a few thoughts and excitements for what’s to come!

Vacation – Oh my word… I’m so excited!! Not for the long ride down or back, but being there with my family all week, I can’t wait! And it’s Jayden’s first real vacation!!

My Birthday – Tomorrow I turn 27. Oh my word, that means I’m three years away from being 30! I’m not a girl who likes birthdays; in fact, I dread them! I’m not sure why I don’t like them, maybe its fear people won’t remember or fear that I’m going to be disappointed. (My mom says I get that from her) I’m hoping this year I can take a brighter and more positive outlook on turning 27.

By no means have I ever been forgotten. My BFF gave me my birthday present before she left for Africa; she is taking me to the “So You Think You Can Dance” tour when they come to Philly in September! What a great gift!

And my wonderful sis-in-love, Katie never ever forgets my birthday! For the past 4 years she has written me a poem to remind me how much she loves me. Greatest sis-in-law ever!!! Last year she started posting it on her blog… she did it this year too a day early since we will be traveling all day tomorrow. So beautiful, it made me cry… go check it out! Thanks love!!!

My New IPhone – Can’t a girl be excited about her phone?!? I have wanted this phone since my husband got his last year! I have 4 days until my contract is up and then I’m buying it. I have already put money aside and it’s being purchased on the day I can do it!!! For the past few weeks I have been dreaming about just holding it. Crazy… I know! ;)

A Family Surprise – My family has something up their sleeve for vacation. You are just going to have to wait to find out! Oh… and it’s good!! ;)

My BFF Coming Home From Africa – After we get back from vacation, my best friend gets back from her month long trip in Africa! I will be so excited to see her. I’m glad she didn’t end up staying there for three months this time!

Dylan Update – The amazing people who adopted my sister’s baby, have been super terrific about giving us pictures and updates! He is SO freaking cute and he looks so much like my little sister! We are so blessed to have picked a family that is willing to share this information with us. My mom, sister and I sent them flower after the 30 days were up, congratulating them on this adoption and their new baby boy. They are a blessing and we have been blessed! Total win-win (Or you can say GOD) situation!

Reading with the Hubby – My husband has asked me to start reading books with him instead of watching TV at night. (I love that he thought of this, major hubby point’s earned here) I think this is a great idea, but we have no idea what to read. He suggested Lord of the Rings, but I’m not sure I want to read that. Does anyone have any suggestions? Something that we might be able to enjoy together?!

Giveaway – I have been really disappointed in how my first giveaway went. For some reason, I took it personally. But I know I can’t and think I have finally given that to God. I really thought it would have gone better, but I know that a lot of people already gave a bunch to Angie directly from her Giveaway.

Either way, it doesn’t matter. They are almost to their goal and that is the big picture! I did my best to help a friend and all who did give to them, thank you! What a blessing!

As of now, we only have one person entered and 6 great prizes still to giveaway!! If you are still interested, go over there and donate ANYTHING – ($.50 cents for all I care) just tell me you did and what you would like to win!! Guys… $.50 cents for prizes worth over $20, what a deal?! GO OVER AND DONATE, you only have until the 23rd!

That’s a lot to look forward to, don’t you think?! I hope you all have an amazing weekend and an even better week!

Where's My Focus?

I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Was it my pride; was it a sense of achievement? My hopes of helping other people, by sharing the heartache I had walked through has only seemed to cause more heartache at times. My mind plays tricks on me and I start to feel inadequate. Is this who I really am? Is this who I really want to be? I thought I had done a good thing, I thought I had been honest; why are these feeling still controlling me?

My Aunt gave me this verse - Revelation 12:11, it says that one of the ways we overcome the enemy is by the word of our testimony. She is right, but the enemy can also attack you in other ways and sometimes come against you even stronger when you do share that testimony. Or is it more… is it more complex than even this?

To be honest, I’m disappointed and I’m incredibly frustrated with myself. My focus has changed, I have gotten carried away and in the process I’ve lost sight of why I started writing in the first place. It’s not about me; it’s not about who my friends are or who might even wants to hear my story. It’s about my God and how faithful He has been to have brought me and my family this far.

When I started writing this blog, my intentions were different. My heart was to share with others what God was teaching me; not only as a wife and mother but a Godly woman. This was a place where I could come and freely, write what the Lord was telling me; a safe place where He would talk to me and show me new insight into who He wanted me to be.

I was more real then, I wrote about real life in all its forms; just a girl trying to be honest and skip all the superficial appearances of a perfect life. I wanted to be different; I wanted to show that life wasn’t just a cookie cutter dream world. I felt alone, I felt like everyone else had their life put together but me. I know that no one really knows what’s going on behind closed doors, but sometimes blogs can be deceiving.

Maybe this is the root of all this attack. My focus has changed. I want to be that girl again who writes from the heart and seeks God for each and every word typed. I’m still here, that oh-so imperfect wife and mother that cried out to God daily to bring new life and restoration to her family. Faithfully, you did!

I know I have been missing something. My focus has been less about Jesus and more about me. I don’t want my blog to be about how cool my layout looks or how many followers I have. I want it to be about real life and how God is making it better. Making motherhood, marriage and life as a whole better, because that is what He has done and is doing.

What has your blog been about lately?

Reminder: Don’t forget about the GIVEAWAY!
Psalm 34:4 "I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears."

My First Giveaway For Invest Love, Invest Hope

Giveaway!!!

A few posts back I told you about my friend Angie and her husband Clint who have started the long process of adopting a little girl from China. At this point they are only collecting to start their home study, but I know there are going to be many more expenses to come. They are still in need of $500 for their home study, but if we can bring in more that would just lovely!

Since then I have collaborated with the talented Angie Weldon (who has her own Etsy store) to think of more ways to encourage people to donate to this wonderful cause! With much deliberation, thought and excitement we have decided to have yet ANOTHER giveaway!!!! However, this time it will be hosted by yours truly!

If you already donated last week for a chance to win the Wii, from ANGIE’S giveaway, but want some of the things that I’m offering this time around; you’ll just have to donate again! We’re raising money people!!! :) Ok, so get ready… I have tons to giveaway and tons of ways for you to win, so pay attention!

Giveaway Prizes…
These prizes are amazing! If I could win this giveaway I would certainly do my best to try! But if you don’t win there is still a place you can go and purchase these awesome finds… I wanted some of this stuff so bad I asked Angie how I could win this stuff! Unfortunately I can’t, but you certainly can!


A coordinated set of 2 burp cloths, 1 bibs, and a quilt made by the talented Angie Weldon @ Foster Kade Designs
(winner gets to choose custom fabric)
Minimum donation required $5






A gift Certificate to Bonefish Gill, which can also be used at Outback and Carrabba's. Bonefish is my favorite!!!
Minimum donation required $5







Carry All Bag, Purse, Hobo, Diaper Bag, Tote - Size MEDIUM
Made by the talented Angie Weldon @ Foster Kade Designs
(winner gets to choose custom fabric)
Minimum donation required $2








An Awesome ITunes Gift Card!
Minimum donation required $2






A nursing cover with 2 coordinating burp cloths.
(winner gets to choose custom fabric)
Made by the talented Angie Weldon @ Foster Kade Designs
Minimum donation required $2







Regal Movie Tickets - Think of it as a date night!
Minimum donation required $5











Hobo Bag, Carry All, XL Size - Fit everything but the kitchen also made by the talented Angie Weldon @ Foster Kade Designs
(winner gets to choose custom fabric)
Must Donate at least $5







Want In?!?! Here’s how…

1. Donate to Angie and Clint’s adoption fund. Click on the ChipIn Link below and donate at least $2.00 (or if there is an amount cap on the prize you wish to win then donate that amount) to be entered into the contest.
2. Want to double your chances of winning? After you have donated the first time you can do any of the following below to increase your chances.

• Donate multiple times
• Post a link on your blog about this Giveaway
• Post a link on your facebook about this giveaway
• Get a friend to donate to this cause

1. Make sure to post a comment letting me know you have donated and for how many entries. If you have increased your chances to win by also participating in #2, leave a comment about what you did (If you posted a link or told a friend give me that information, so that I can validate it).
2. Don’t forget to tell me which prize you are trying to go for! I wouldn’t want someone getting something they don’t want or can’t use.
3. You have two weeks; the giveaway will end on August 24th. A winner will then be announced on August 31st.

Thank you all for participating and Good luck!

Tagged… I’m it!

How fun! A new blog friend, Kace @ Calling Him Krew tagged me to list 6 things that I love! This is in no particular order; it sure did make me think. I can’t believe it was only 6, but here is what I came up with!

(My family is SUPER close and I’m not sure where I would be without them!)

Blogging

My Camera / Photography

Encountering God through life’s Journey

My-oh-my… this was so freaking hard! I’m going to tag 6 lovely ladies I’ve never tagged before…

Melanie @ Smiley Melly
RCaitlin @ City Intern Girl LIfe
MissJody @ Miss Fancy Pants...Proud Army Wife.Hoo-ah!
Trina @ Fabulously Frugalicious
R. Wallis @ TrueBeauty
Novelista Barista @ The Novelista Barista

You're Next Girls!