I Didn't

During Christmas break....

I didn't wake up before 8:30.

I didn't change out of my pajamas until at least 11.

I didn't make "real" christmas cookies with cookie cutters and pretty icing. Just Pillsbury pre-sliced reindeer ones, and they were just fine.

I didn't take enough pictures.

I didn't go to Grinchmas at Universal, and really wanted to

I didn't have to deal with morning traffic.

I didn't take my eyes off the Magic game on Christmas day.

I didn't wrap my presents until the last minute, and my back was hurting. I won't do that next year.

I didn't take enough hashbrown casserole to the Christmas Eve gathering.

I didn't want to take down my decorations, It still makes me sad that they are now packed away for another year.

Commitment 2011

Every January, someone will ask you "What is your New Years Resolution?". Well I'm going to be honest, I've never really had a New Years Resolution. Why? Because I feel like you are failing before you even start. Keeping yourself on some strict wacky meal plan, or saying your going to go to the gym everyday is just not going to happen as time goes by.

But this year, I am making a commitment, not a resolution. A commitment to things in life I want to change or make better. Here is my Commitment list for 2011....

1. Attend my church on Sunday's on a regular basis, even if I'm too tired to wake up.

2. Go to my mid-week bible study group

3. Eat as organically as possible- keeping away from processed foods.

4. Cook at home during the week for dinner...and take my lunch to work

5. Keep making straight A's in grad school, that 4.0 isn't going anywhere!

6. Pray

What is your commitment?

The Great Pumpkin Cake

It's Thanksgiving time, and I am attempting yet again, baking a spice cake in my William Sonoma pumpkin bundt cake pan. Yes I tried this 2 years ago, and let's just say it didn't turn out the star centerpiece of the table.

This cake looks so lovely sitting in the Williams Sonoma window display and I want mine to look just like it...even with the powder sugar sprinkled on top. Maybe if I actually take my time, and with a positive attitude, I can get it just right...I have till Thursday to practice :) Happy Baking!

A Florida Christmas Photoshoot

This past Saturday, I put on my white coat with the fur hood, along with my black bow high heels and many other items for my wardrobe changes, while I stood in 78 degree weather trying to act like I was having fun shopping in the middle of Kate's back porch. This winter wonderland photoshoot was planned for my christmas cards, and turned out pretty cute if you ask me!

Here is a sneak peak at one of the pictures...but you will have to wait until December to see the finished product :)

Seussical the Musical

I always wanted to get into acting, and I even almost made it a major in college. Being as shy as I was then, I couldn't imagine it even working out for me, even though I really loved the thought of it! Today I got the chance to see our middle school Fine Arts Department at The First Academy do their full dress rehearsal for Seussical the Musical. What a great show! The singing, dancing and acting were great and the students really enjoyed themselves. It looked like a fun production, and made me miss that time in my life where acting and dancing was a dream of mine : )

A Cause for the Kids

I can finally breathe...seems like I've been going non stop since the beginning of October, and thats probably because I have. I always feel the first week of November is both relaxing and a little bit of a let down. Getting ready for the CKF Mask Care Aid Bash and Halloween Spooktacular takes time, energy, organizing, and lots and lots of running around gathering all the goodies you need to put on a great event for both the adults and kids. And we did just that...and then BOOM, it's over.

I have to say we had tons of fun at the MaskCareAid this year, with our crazy dancing group, the "football man", awesome candy bar, a silent auction that took up half the venue, yummy food and some really cool masks! And then to see the kids smiling faces on Halloween night makes it all worth it in the end.

After hours of putting on temporary tattoos to over 200 kids, the most precious little girl told me it was the best day of her life...that's all that matters.

Golf and Charity Go Hand in Hand

What a busy busy weekend! The Chris Kirkpatrick Foundation had their Inaugural Golf Tournament on Saturday, with a pre-party at Crave on Friday night, and an early wakeup call for Saturday morning's tee-off. I spent the whole day sorting and organizing the silent auction and riding around via golf cart on the course. We had so much fun stopping at each hole to talk with all the players... and riding all around places I'm sure we weren't supposed to be : ) It was a great day for all!

Gotta love the Loud Mouth Golf Pants! Snazzy

These girls were so cute, handing out refreshments to all the golfers as they rode by

Frankie and Mike were all smiles!

Pumpkins, Spice, and Everything Nice!

Autumn is here! Well, not really because it sure doesn't feel like it outside. But I have to say that Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. I just finished decorating the house with all my fall and halloween decor. I bought the cutest pumpkin rug and dishtowels from Target and my favorite pumpkin patch candles and hand soaps from Bath&Body Works. It is officially Fall in my apartment : )

Isaiah 40:31

What a whirlwind this past month has been. I feel like I've been put on a non-stop rollercoaster with no stop button. Phew. I am so thankful to have this labor Day weekend to regroup and get organized. As many of you know, I started a new job this school year, teaching children with special needs within The First Academy. I am so thankful for this position, but let me tell you I am WORN OUT. I have never felt so tired in all my teaching years. But this is the plan God has for me at this moment in my life, and I need to trust in Him. Pastor Uth came to our staff meeting and shared a verse that at this time, I would not be able to get through a teaching day without- "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint" Isaiah 40:31

I Feel Change Coming

I like change, but only on my terms. It seems that this year is all about change. I moved out of home this past March, and now I'm very close to getting a "real" job, finally! I have always wanted to work for The First Academy, but never thought I would get in. Getting an interview there is practically impossible. God definitely has opened some doors for me and I was contacted by one of the principals at TFA. I go for my 2nd and last interview this week, and if I do get this position, I will be making a VERY quick change from working at Delaney, to being an employee TFA by next week! This makes me nervous because first of all, I need a whole new wardrobe for this school, and second, I will miss my Delaney family so very much. But, all I can think about now is the chore it will be to pack my classroom up...tears will definitely be rolling down my cheeks. It's a bittersweet time...

25 Things You Didn't Know About Me!

1. I'm obsessed with monogramming
2. I'm terrified of raccoons and armadillos
3. I don't like the sound of dripping water
4. I read my devotionals every morning and night
5. When I was little, I wanted to be a cashier at Publix
6. Red meat grosses me out, as does most animal meat, yuck
7. I take a shower every morning and a bubble bath every night
8. I sleep with the radio on
9. I love swimming pools and waterparks
10. I crave fruit everyday
11. I don't like flying on airplanes alone
12. I never, ever sleep with makeup on, ever
13. I save all my Halloween costumes and have a pretty random collection
14. Christmas is my favorite time of year
15. I can't survive without my Macbook
16. I rarely watch TV
17. I didn't get my drivers license till I was 19
18. The Kardashians make me laugh
19. A day on a boat makes me happy
20. I'm terrible at math
21. I couldn't sit through a movie in the theater until I was 12.
22. I love to write
23. I think the use of cell phones has gotten out of control, but I'm just as guilty
24. Pedicures are a necessity
25. I am slowly becoming one of those crazy coupon ladies

Goodbye White Walls

I have lived here at this apartment for 4 1/2 months and have realized that I cannot stand looking at white walls. It makes it feel so "blah", a splash of color in the living room, dining room and my bedroom will be just the right touch! So I have decided to paint my apartment next month..the color I chose for the living room is "Wild Wheat"..sort of a deep mustard color. The dining room will be "Deep Bloom", a red rosey color which matches perfectly with my favorite chair and ottoman. My bedroom will be painted "Spring Morn", a pretty pale white green to go with the shabby chic decor. I can say I'm not looking forward to the mess that's involved with painting..I'm the type of person who wants something done yesterday without the work! If you have ever been to my old house, you know that my painting skills are not going to win an interior design award...I had a white "border" as I called it, surrounding the top of my bedroom walls simply because I couldn't reach up there to finish. That will NOT happen this time around!

Monday Latte Devotional

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.

Obsessed with Ribbon

There is one thing about me that all my friends can tell you: I love ribbons, monogramming and polkadots! I have a pair of these ribbon flip flops, and looked at them one day thinking "I can make these myself!" So, I am on a mission of starting a new hobby...first step- start collecting an array of fun ribbon : ) I can't wait to buy ribbon, ribbon and more ribbon! I definitely will be like a kid in a candy store and I am excited to make them for friends too...I can feel the creative juices flowing as I type...This might become a dangerous addiction

5 Things...

1. A great song to get you through a tough day
2. The close friendships I have with my co-workers. I <3 you Windy and Michelle
3. Baby William's sweet smiles
4. My 4.0 GPA
5. God's peace

LOVE the ones who treat you right and PRAY for the ones who don't

During my devotional time today I read a passage that spoke about forgiveness. It seemed to be written just for me at this time in my life. I have learned that It's finally time to let go...let go of the people in life who bring you down. I've learned that not everyone's heart is in the right place. I've learned that I must accept this to move forward. I've learned that some people are influenced through others in a negative way. I've learned that feelings are hard to let go of. I've learned that miserable and unhappy people only want to hurt you in the end. I've learned that I miss someone more than I ever thought I would.
As the saying goes- "Never regret what happened in the past, because at the time it was exactly what you wanted". I believe this is true. Forgiveness does not necessarily mean to forget, but you can overcome it, accept the situation given to you...and LOVE the ones who treat you right, and PRAY for the ones who don't...

A love for Organics

I used to NEVER take vitamins. I don't even remember taking them as a child. But as I got older, I met a lot of people through my church who were very much into organic eating and I learned a lot from them. I have been taking these super food vitamins for about 3 months now and I feel a huge difference, even my nails are growing like weeds, and I never had nails before. I get them from Whole Foods, they are organic pure food vitamins, and I take 2 a day, I don't love how I have to swallow this gross tasting horse pill, but I do love how they make me feel and keep me sick-free!
I can still remember sitting with Mrs. Pam (the teacher in the classroom next door to mine at First Baptist Orlando) talking and talking about how she eats naturally and always gave me ideas about nutrition. It was then when the organic bug hit me. I don't want you to think I ALWAYS eat organically, because I don't. But most of the staple items I buy are organic. My milk, butter, eggs, yogurt, fruit/vegetables, coffee creamer, sugar, tea and most of my snack foods I buy are organic...if I do buy a conventional food, I make sure it's free of high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated fats. I can definitely say I feel a difference in my health since I have been eating this way...and I could spend all day in Whole Foods Market, let's just say they are beginning to know me there!



Here is a magazine I subscribe to, It's a Martha Stewart publication on Whole living. I love this magazine and it has so many great articles on organics, superfoods and how to stay healthy

I love a sale!

I love love love the Topiary's I found at Cracker Barrel's porch sale this weekend. I've been looking for something with a little color, staying with my french country style to put on the bar of my kitchen. I found just what I was looking for! I had seen these a few times when I would stop in to eat, and couldn't spent the $19.99 for each of them...so I wanted to wait till they went on sale. So, when I went to Cracker barrel this past Saturday night, there they were sitting outside on the table of the porch sale...and they had two of them! They were marked down to $6 each!! I was so excited...I think they were waiting just for me

5 Things...

1. Cold pools on hot Florida summer days
2. Suntans
3. Coupons that save you a lot of money
4. Publix buy one get one free deals
5. The Cracker Barrel porch sale

Anna Moves to L.A

It's always hard when a friend moves away, and I'm glad most of my friends are settled here in Orlando. But Anna decided she wanted to be in Los Angeles, because that's where a lot of her work is. We had so much fun while she was here, and I miss my movie buddy. But It won't be much longer until I come to L.A. for a visit, then we can shop on Sunset blvd and eat at the little restaurant with the white picket fence, wearing our Jackie O sunglasses, sipping on mimosas. Hahaha I miss you already Anna!



Karaoke night for Anna's goodbye party and the famous fishbowl drink that I took one gross sip of!


Out at Rok Room for Trend...what a fun night

Notes and Such...

I love writing, and I wish that notecards were used more these days. It's kind of sad how email and online/phone communication has taken over. There is nothing like opening your mailbox and getting a little card with a hand written note. I found these cute cards at Target the other day, whenever I come across pretty/cute stationery, I try to pick it up. I am going to use these notecards and send them to my friends just for fun!

Monday Latte Devotional

Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and he shall strengthen
thine heart. Wait, I say on the Lord.
- Psalms 27:14

It can be difficult sometimes to wait on something you want badly. But I know the plans He has for me are wonderful, and I must wait patiently. Today is a good day, I am smiling. What about you?

5 things...

I am going to start something new on my blog that I saw one of my other blog friends create. I love this idea and it makes you realize what is important in life. So here goes my first post of 5 Things I'm Thankful For...

1. My sweet sister Cathryn's kisses over the phone, Oh how I miss that little girl
2. Late night talks with my close friends
3. Coffee with cream and sugar, early in the morning or late at night
4. Thunderstorms
5. My grandmother's sweet tea...made with organic sugar per my request : )

It's Time to Write Papers...Again

It's been 8 months since I graduated college, and the learning bug decided to bite me again. I knew I wanted to go to graduate school, but never really knew what I wanted to specialize in. For many years, I have helped friends through difficult times, not knowing I was really making a positive impact in their lives. A friend once told me, "Mal, You should really look into counseling and do this professionally". I thought about it for awhile and decided I would look into it. I found a school online that offered a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. I just started 2 weeks ago, and love it. I am actually enjoying this class, instead of dreading the assignments like I did during my undergrad years! It will be a long journey, but in the end it will we all worth while...

A Case of the Blues

So here I sit in my new room, in my new apartment, writing this blog. I have to be honest, these past few weeks have been a complete emotional rollercoaster. After moving in this past weekend, I finally let myself go. I cried and cried some more, and not really knowing or understanding the tears, I just let them come. I know partially why I have been upset and as I think about it, I just need to move on. Those who know me well, know exactly why I moved and they know it's the best situation for me right now in my life.

I'm not feeling so good today, this sinus infection isn't being very kind to me, and I feel like I have a bad case of cabin fever, hence another reason for tears. I will be happy to go back to work tomorrow and get back into my normal routine. I need a good dose of my crazy five year olds who keep me on my toes.

"So teach us to number our days, that we may present to you a heart of wisdom. O satisfy us in the morning with your lovingkindness, That we may sing for joy and be glad all our days" Psalm 90: 12, 14

A year of change, I can't wait!

As the new year begins you always wonder what it has in store. For me, I see a lot of changes. I am moving out for the first time this coming March. I feel that this new journey will be a positive change in my life that will bring peace and happiness. I cannot wait to have a master bedroom and bathroom and have space to put things..it seems like I never have enough room in closets with all my stuff! I can't wait to decorate and put things where I want them, I can't wait to cook in my kitchen, I can't wait to have my own living room Christmas tree, I can't wait to do laundry at whatever time of night, I can't wait to watch my TV in my living room, I can't wait to put my own magnets on my fridge and the list goes on and on. But as of now, I am still waiting...

Inspiration and Nutrition

While I love writing in my own blog, reading my other friends blogs is also fun for me. It's like reading a personal diary and you can really get to know someone just by keeping up with their blog, especially if you don't see them often. There is one that I follow all the time, Healthy Happenings. This blog is maintained by a lady, Tiffanie, that I met about 6 years ago when her children attended the school I taught in at First Baptist Orlando. She is also the creative mind behind those awesome purses I carry!! Anyways, her blog is filled with recipes and lifestyle advice when it comes to nutrition. I love everything about it, and because we have a lot of the same beliefs on organic eating, its even better! I am going to make her Chicken Tortilla soup tomorrow night : ) You should check it out, It may be your inspiration as it has been mine, to change the way you eat for the better...

Here is her link:
http://healthyhappenings.blogspot.com

That's What Friends Are For

I have to say I have some pretty awesome friends. I would do anything for you, and if you are a friend of mine, you know you can always count on me to be there for you 100% of the time, no matter what. This week has been full of girls nights. Movies, dinners out to Olive Garden, Red Lobster and Tijuana Flats, running though City Walk in the freezing cold, 2 year old tantrums, getting stuck for half hour in Universal's parking garage, KT's grandma driving like a mad woman so we didn't miss our movie, and some SERIOUS girl talk until the wee hours of the morning. It sure is a crazy week, but I wouldn't have it any other way....