To God Be The Glory

For the past 3 months my husband has been coordinating a community makeover event that took place this past weekend. Brian, our pastor, had a vision to start a non-profit organization called "Engage Atlanta". Working with other pastors side by side, not competing with them. Over 3,000 volunteers and 250 projects later, we have seen God work in and through the lives of the church and the people that have been helped. Last night we had a huge worship service in the Sam's club parking lot. Paul and I estimated over 6,000 people were there. 8 churches, different denominations, all coming together for ONE purpose: to make the name of Jesus known. To be the hands and feet of Jesus to our community. To lay aside our differences, color, race, background and work as a team. It was one of the most beautiful things I've ever experienced in my entire life. Paul and I drove around to the different projects...couldn't make it to them all, but I wanted to post about one of them.

My friends Skip and Jennifer adopted this family 2 Christmas' ago and have been helping the Mucino family ever since. Their trailer was in major need of some repair, they did a makeover on this home and the family was so touched and excited! Some of their pictures are in the slideshow.

Last night Paul and I were so tired, but in the best way. During the weekend, Paul got several calls for benevolence, people needing a meal, someone who was homeless, etc. In fact after the program last night, a homeless guy came up to him and needed a place to stay, Paul set him up in the Holiday Inn...walking to the car, Paul told me that he felt like God kept all these people coming to him to remind him that it's all about the "one lost sheep". Not the BIG event at Sam's, which was unbelievable!, but about being consistent and helping the poor and oppressed.

Last weekend while I was away in Lynchburg, Paul gave me a recap of what he did with the boys, and there was one story that made me proud. He had taken the boys to the Atlanta Zoo, then downtown to Centennial Olympic park to run in the water fountains, all the while, they kept passing this same homeless guy. Paul wanted to show the boys the dignity in introducing yourself and asking someone their name. Paul introduced the boys and the man said his name was Calvin. (Mind you, if I had been there, this whole thing probably would have NEVER taken place, sometimes, God has to move obstacles - in this case ME, out of the way). Paul asked Calvin if he wanted to walk with him and the boys to the CNN center and buy him a meal. Calvin wanted a "Baconater Meal" from Wendy's, so they sat and ate with him. My son Will has prayed for Mr. Calvin every night at bed time. He says, mom, tonight Mr. Calvin is sleeping on the concrete while I'm in my bed....we've gotta do something about this. Boy, do we ever!

I know that my posts are usually much more light hearted, but I can't help but share what God is doing. Don't worry, I'll get back to make-up and nail polish again soon! But, God has once again, stirred my heart for what really matters and I just can't keep it in!

Road Trip

Last weekend I went on a little road trip to Virginia. I've never gone by myself without the boys before. Paul stayed here with Will and Wesley. I got to spend some time with my family and go to my sweet friend Dolly's shower. So....weekend recap: (see slide show for pic's to go along with recap:)

Thursday, I rode up in the Moxey mobile. Lola-Reese and I gave each other tattoos and we sang and watched movies. These guys are great travelers!

As soon as I arrived at my parents, mom and I started eating and shopping. That's what we do. My parents took me to King's Island (my favorite chinese restaurant) for dinner. Then mom and I went to the Farm Basket on Friday for lunch. While we were there, we ran into Paul's mom, aunt, cousin and granny. That was a sweet time.

That night I spent some time with my nephews and my brother. Sutton, Jack, Evan, Max and auntie Angela had a water balloon fight, I mean... WAR! I filled up water balloons and Jason tied them. My fingers were raw from trying to tie those things. ouch. I let the boys BLAST me. My dad could not help himself, he had to get in on the action and started dropping them on us from the deck above. He's still a kid at heart.

Saturday morning, mom and I woke up and hit TJ Maxx and went to Shakers for the best chicken fingers on the planet. Then I was off to Dolly's shower.

Boy, what do I say about this girl? Dolly has been a friend of mine since I can remember. 5 years old maybe. And, now to see her having a little baby (BOY) of her own, makes my heart so happy for her. The shower started off with a story telling by Teecy. Then we played a game, who could come up with the most songs with the word "Baby" in them. Not trying to brag, but I took first place...yep, eh. Dolly got the hippest gifts. Baby Michael is gonna be stylin!

I was able to catch up with friends over the weekend. And made a few new friends...Kim Handy if you're reading this...I will never forget the furniture in the lawn story. You're hilarious!

Sunday, we headed back home in the Moxey mobile again. We were all a little more tired going home. At one of our gas stops, Kirsten and I raided the convenient store (see slide show). And, the Moxey's introduced me to the Hershey pie at Burger King. If you haven't had one...get one!

It was great to have some time with family and friends, but I was so excited to see all my boys. I got to hear all their stories when I got back. Which I will post about. Some are just too good not to share. One involves Paul, Will, Wesley and Calvin....stay tuned.

Mamma Mia

I just want to say, I'm so excited to see this movie. I've heard all the reviews..."Pierce Brosnan can't sing", blah, blah, blah. Meryl Streep is one of my favorites and I can't wait to see her in this role. She's the one singing on my playlist right now, check it out. This week is totally crazy so I won't be able to see it until next week. By the way, who cares if the guy can't sing? He was James Bond for crying out loud.

Juicer

I bought a juicer yesterday at Target. They can be kinda pricey, but this one was only $59.99. And, it works really well too. This morning, I made the boys fresh orange juice. And, this was my breakfast!!! I had all my veggies for the day in one drink. Took about 5 minutes! I went online and found different juicer recipes and this one is called "Sunrise Cocktail". Celery, Broccoli, Apple, Grapes, Cucumber, Carrots. It sounds disgusting to mix them all together, but it wasn't bad.

I Scream, You Scream, We all scream for ICE CREAM!

Homemade ice cream is just the best. A neighbor gave me this recipe. It's so fun for kids. A great way to cool off a hot summer day.

Here's what you need:
*a 1 pound coffee can
*a 3 pound coffee can
*2 quarts (half gallon) whole milk
*2 cans sweetened condensed milk
*1 pckg (4oz) instant pudding
*1 cup sugar
*3 cups rock salt
*10 pounds ice

Mix pudding with milk. Add sugar and condensed milk. Makes 3 quarts. Place in smaller can leaving a one inch space. One recipe fills three one pound cans. Put ice and rock salt around smaller can (in larger can). Place lids tightly on cans. You may want to seal the lids with duct tape. Then, KICK THE CAN around. We practiced bowling with ours! It took about 45 minutes for it to make a soft serve type ice cream. It was great!

Another Before and After!

Before...


After!


This is my pantry! I think the last time it was really cleaned out was when Cyndi and Esther came and did it FOR ME before Wesley was born. My mother in law was in town this weekend. She saw that pantry and took matters into her own hands. She went to Wal-mart and came home with cereal tubs, snack tubs and rubbermaids. I was excited to dig in and throw old expired stuff away. Will is so funny, he likes going and picking out his own snacks now, because he's says..."it's so organized mommy!"

I told you I was going to tackle this house. One closet at a time. There's more to come so stay tuned.....

I hear wedding bells!

It's that time of year. Wedding season! We've been to quite a few weddings lately. Paul has married 3 couples in the last month. I took this picture of my hubby last night from my seat.

Last night we went to a sweet wedding out in the country. It was at an old white house called the McGarity house. White chairs were lined up between rows of apple trees. Little Ball jars filled with candles hung from the trees.

The setting was so romantic. I couldn't think of a more fun date! Music, dancing, punch, and something to get dressed up for!

I snuck a few pictures here and there. Trying not to "step on the photographer's toes".

I need to freshen up on my wedding etiquette though. Everyone has their own style and it's making it hard to know, what to wear...etc.

For example:

1.Should you wear white to a wedding?

2.Should you take pictures with your own camera? (Like I did over and over)

3.Is it okay to get up out of your chair and say hello to other people after you've already been officially seated? (Oh my word, I did that too, but, since it was outdoors, I figured it was okay)

If there's an etiquette rule, I'm bound to break it. Here's how I rationalize it though...if I act like I KNEW what I was doing all along and am confident about it, then maybe, just maybe no one will notice. Maybe they'll think I'M the one doing it right and copy me!

The 50 Nifty United States

These are my all time favorite fireworks. You know the ones that look like a weeping willow tree. They seem to never end. Even when it's done, you feel like you can still see them in the sky. I can't help it every time I see them, I "oooooh and ahhhhh". I love how fireworks make everybody do that. It's not like being in a movie theatre where it's impolite to comment or talk outloud. You can clap and cheer and Oooh and ahhh all you want!!!


This weekend my mother-n-law, Carol is in town. We started the festivities a day early by going to the waterfall. These boys were so excited to show Granny their favorite new "hang-out".

We had a good 'ol fashioned cookout at the house tonight and put on our own little display of fireworks.

My husband Paul, loves to "choreograph" our fireworks display. He sets everything out ahead of time and keeps 'em coming. There's never a break in the show. Will LOVES fireworks, Wesley...not much of a fan. He stayed wrapped up in my arms for most of it. But, by the end he warmed up to them.

Here's a picture of our explosives...




Our next door neighbors came over and watched them with us. We love when they do that.

The boys are in bed and it's about 11:00 pm. I'm still hearing fireworks going off around the neighborhood. I LOVE THIS! Tomorrow night for the 4th we are headed to see the ATLANTA BRAVES! They're playing the Texas Astros. Yep, that's right, we're going to a baseball game for the 4th of July! I'm gonna make a sign for the boys to hold up that says "America Rocks". Our seats are right off the field, so I'm hoping to get the boys some face time on the screens. :) We might hit the Varsity first for a hot dog. And, we're gonna stay until the very end for the fireworks. Here's hopin' for a Weeping Willow!

Everybody have a happy and safe 4th of July! God Bless the USA!