Forgiveness

**I'm taking {quick} break from Project 365 to post something that's been on my heart all day I'm not really sure where's it going or what point I'm trying to make :) The pictures from our days will return soon; I'm in the process of editing.**

I typically listen to Kidd Kraddick in the Morning as I drive to work. For some reason I feel the need to get caught up on the latest celebrity gossip that I really don't care about. This morning, however, I left it on the Christian radio station I have on when Emily is in the car.

As I pulled into my typical parking spot, Matthew West's song, "Forgiveness" started playing. I've heard this song several times and I've always like it, but never given it much thought. But today I sat in my car listening to the song until it was over. I listened to every word he was singing and I haven't been able to get the song out of my head (and heart) all day. When I got in my car to go home, the song was on again. As soon as I got home a former co-workers posted something on Facebook about the song. It was playing in Emily's room as I put her to bed.  I'm not really into the "it's a sign from God" kinda thing, but I got the message....

I remember where I was, what I was doing, and everything else about September 11, 2001. That day was awful. I was confused. And I was scared. I sat around with my college roommates and friends watching the news for a couple days trying to sort through everything that happened. I felt angry and helpless.

My life continues, but each September 11 I remember how scared I was. I remember being sad for so many people. I remember how confused I was. I remember and reminded of how much I love my country. And how grateful am I for all those serving in the military. I also get angry - I'm holding somewhat of a grudge.

So what does all of this have to do with my choice of music this morning? As I was sitting in my car listening to "Forgiveness," I was also reading all the Facebook posts about 9/11. I read posts about where my friends were that  horrible morning. I read so many posts with the line, "never forget." I read lots of thank yous. I reflected back to where I was and how I felt that day - angry, scared, sad, confused, etc. - and then I started to get mad. All of this while listening to a song about forgiveness.

I'm not suggesting that we ever forget what happened on September 11. But maybe it's truly time to forgive those that hurt us. Maybe it's time to forgive those that hurt our loved ones, and hurt our country. Are we truly loving the unlovable? Maybe through forgiveness we could all do the impossible.


**And now it's back to posting pictures of my super adorable little girl. I promise Project 365 will return very soon. **

Project 365 - Week #31

Finally catching up!

Saturday, July 28 - Rec Camp at church! She played with the hula hoop, scooters, hit balloons with a wooden spoon, and ran around the gym. She was a happy girl.

Sunday, July 29 - Flower girl dress #4 with the Mother of the Bride. I think this dress is the winner - just wish she would quit playing with the dress so I could get a good picture.

Monday, July 30 - Giving her baby a check-up. She is in love with Doc McStuffins on Disney Junior. We often have a "waiting room" setup in the living room.

Tuesday, July 31 - Eating ice cream on the swing thinking about something. I LOVE this picture.

Wednesday, August 1 - No picture :(

Thursday, August 2 - This is what happens when she gets to play with stickers in the car :)

Friday, August 3 - Shooting baskets. She would fight off any boys that tried to take her spot.

Project 365 - Week #30

Week #30... An easy, not much planned week at home. It was much needed for all of us!

Saturday, July 21 - At a friend's birthday, hitting the pinata.

Sunday, July 22 - She's on the phone and I was trying to talk to her. She gave me some attitude

Monday, July 23 - Flower girl dress #3

Tuesday, July 24 - Organizing the art to start a new Doodles And Drawings Book

Wednesday, July 25 - Emily took control of the camera and started taking pics of her animals. 

Thursday, July 26 - This is how Banjo sleeps when Brad is out of town. She's got her ear up listening for anything that sounds funny. Sweet. dog. 

Friday, July 27 - Brad throwing Emily up in the air at the pool. 

Project 365 - Week #29

Yes, I know I'm way behind. I'm determined to catch up today! Here it goes!

This week was the conclusion of our beach trip, painting the office, and trying to find a flower girl dress for Emily.

Saturday, July 14 - Collecting sand and sea shells for all of her friends at school. It was so overcast the whole time we were there.

Sunday, July 15 - Watching the hermit crabs. She LOVED watching them. She never asked to take one home, but I know she would have loved to get one.

Monday, July 16 - I decided to paint the office. This isn't quite a before picture, but it's the best I've got. The walls are a light/mint green color.

Tuesday, July 17 - Emily is going to be a flower girl in a wedding in October. We started searching for a flower girl dress for her. This was attempt #1.

Wednesday, July 18 - Final wall color! I LOVE the change!

Thursday, July 19 - Flower girl dress attempt #2

Friday, July 20 - Playing catch with daddy - using a naked baby doll :)

Doodles and Drawings Giveaway

I'm giving away a book from Doodles and Drawings! You could win a 10" x 8" custom hard back coffee table book by Doodles And Drawings, a $105 value. I'll take your custom art work and create a special book with up to 40 pages and 60 pieces of art for you to keep, treasure-and let's be honest-show off!

The giveaway is available through the DFW Craft Shows website, check it out for from details.

"Like" Doodles And Drawings on Facebook, too and share us with your friends! Books make great gifts!

Project 365 - Week #28

Doodles and Drawings is now open for business!

Visit our new website for more information. We'll be giving away a free book this week! 

Visit (and share) our facebook page for more information.

All orders placed in July are 25% off. Just enter the code JulySavings12 when ordering. 

This is a week late - sorry about that. I know that you are waiting in pins and needles every week to see these posts (ha!). The week of July 7 was all about getting ready for the beach!

Saturday, July 7 - These are my favorite pictures. Not because the picture quality is good, but because Emily looks like SuperWoman flying into the pool.

Sunday, July 8 - Chilling in the chair before bed with Pelly.

Monday, July 9 - Homemade chewy granola bards. White chocolate chips and cherry craisins. So yummy.

Tuesday, July 10 - Emi trying on hats at the mall. She could have done this for hours.

Wednesday, July 11 - Last chain remaining in our count down to the beach chain!

Thursday, July 12 - Walking on the beach for the first time!!

Friday, July 13 - Playing in the sand and jumping in the waves at the beach.

Project 365 - Week 27

Doodles and Drawings is now open for business!

Visit our new website and send your friends to our facebook page. All orders placed in July are 25% off. Enter the coupon code JulySavings12 when ordering.

We'll turn your kid's art into a great book! Quit saving it in bins, boxes, and stacks on the floor.

This week reminded of why I love summer. Sure, I don't really love the 100+ degree days. But I'll take them any day over the freezing cold, icy days. I do love summer. We don't live by the school calendar yet, but summer just feels different. I love that it's not dark until after 8 p.m. I love that we spend so much time outside. I love making ice creamI just love summer.

Saturday, June 30 - On our way to Brad's 20 year high school reunion. Brad's best friend Shaun, his wife Sumer, Brad, and me. You can read Brad's thoughts on the reunion here.

Sunday, July 1 - Emily is still talking about her play date with Addi. She wanted to write Addi's name on the easel and send it to her. She is now including Addi on her "list of best friends." The list is now Daddy, Sadie, Addi, and Reece.

Monday, July 2 - These two pictures are what summer is supposed to be - playing in the grass, no schedule, no worries in the world. I love 'em!

Tuesday, July 3 - Celebrating the 4th...on the 3rd. Emily had a great time. She loved her Jake and the Neverlands fan, dancing to the Spazmatics, and hanging out with Mimi. She did not love the fireworks - too loud.

Wednesday, July 4 - On the actual 4th we went to feed the ducks and had lunch at the food truck park. Emily loved her red velvet cupcake.

Thursday, July 5 - Meet Pelly, Emily's lovey. Yes, we own four Pellys. Let me introduce you to each one:
(from left to right). Pelly #1 - This is School Pelly (yes, his name is actually School Pelly). He goes to school with Emily everyday and keeps her company during nap time. If she refuses to nap, her teacher will take Pelly away. It's a great way to get her to nap.Pelly #2 - This is a back-up Pelly we keep at home. He travels with us from time to time. But he has come in handy. Pelly #3 - This is back-up Pelly #2. He stays at home, but doesn't get used much. Pelly #4 - This is THE Pelly. Emily lovey. When E gets hurt, she wants Pelly before she wants Mama (or Daddy)

Friday, July 6 - We had about an hour to kill while out running errands Friday morning. We stopped by the Children's museum and Emily had a good time building different shapes with the straws and connectors.