Rise Above...

     And just like that another weekend is over! Life just flies by these days... I had a very busy weekend!! I started my weekend off with an epic fall in the UCO  library, yes I said fall. As most of you know, I am trying to finish my bachelor degree which is in elementary education. The deadline to apply for the program was last Friday, and of course I was up there on the last day trying to get it all done. I had a few bumps in the road last week while trying to finish up my application and get it turned in, which resulted in me rushing around like a crazy women! As I had finished up all the signatures, meetings, and the scheduling of interviews, I had it ready to go! All I had to do at this point was take my paper work to room 207... As I'm walking from the very back of a very crowded library, I completely lose my footing; and instead of just falling to the floor right then, I try to catch myself... this resulting in a completely ridiculous me flailing around trying to catch myself... At this point in my life, I was just glad I could get myself up and together to continue walking (30 more feet, might I add) out of this library and to my destination. I was and still am very sore from the wonderful fall... but, I got everything turned in on time and will be excited for this month of testing and interviews to be well on its way! 

    Saturday was Scentsy's annual "Spring Sprint", I love going to these types of events! I love motivational speakers, and I love to hear other peoples stories! It is amazing to hear how different men and women have been blessed, and in turn how they have been able to bless others! I am so excited about the opportunity ahead and can not wait to put everything I learned this weekend into practice!! Through direct sales, you are always hearing advice from other people, what works for them, how they run their business etc. and you can hear and write notes and be motivated all day long, but until you get up and put these "ideas" into practice all you will ever have is a dream. I think there is still so much to be accomplished in this business, so many ways we can be blessing other people and I am so excited about setting goals and achieving them (and hopefully blessing others along the way)!!! 

     Tonight my mind is on overload... from school, to the kids, to work, Scentsy, church, and bills bills bills!!! I was thinking about this weekend, about how I literally fell on my face, but some how got up and kept on going. In life (and in business),  we hit walls... barriers, obstacles, negativity... I know this all to well. I think it is during these times that we let ourselves fall short of what God has planned for us.These are the times we need to push forward and grow. One of the studies I am reading through my You Version app is called "living a divinely inspired life", (I told you I love motivation), today's reading began like this:

 "Break Barriers"

     "When you face barriers that threaten to hinder you from achieving your dreams, or you encounter obstacles that want to discourage you, GO HIGHER."

    

     "Rise above your circumstance in the spirit through prayer. Boldly approach the throne of grace and seek the grace and anointing of God to overcome everything that threatens your destiny."

    

     "Ask for the courage to break down barriers that have risen against you. Let God give you divinely inspired strategies to use in every situation."

     

    "Do not let anything or anyone stop you from reaching your divinely assigned moon."

Mark 2:3-6

Luke 19:2-4

     So this year I am going to set goals and dream big and pray though it all, because I know that the Lord has some great plans :)

Until next time...

Thankful...

     I have to start out by thanking everyone who have been reading and praying for baby Ryker, he has made it through three heart surgeries and is still going strong. He seems to be taking two steps forward and one step back, but with our prayers and God he will make it through this!! Please continue to pray for recovery and rest for Ryker and his family!
     I have had such a long day today, sometimes when I am going through my daily grind I don't really know how I am managing it all... but it all works out! I am really excited about tomorrow... I am meeting with some of my Scentsy directors to make some fun projects for our team and then I will be getting my hair done, its funny because I used to some what dread going and sitting for two hours at the salon, especially when I started working there, but now it's so nice to have some girly me time. I look forward to this so much.
      Saturday is Scensty's Annual Spring Sprint... I am so excited this year, I have a team of twenty-four people last year I had a team of two!! So awesome to see how things can change in one year!! I am excited to see what the future holds, as far as Scentsy goes! If you are looking for a wonderful business opportunity please talk to me... I've been very blessed through this company!!
     The deadline for the teacher education program is tomorrow and of course I am waiting until then to turn my application in... I would love to be more on top of things and more organized but I'm just not... So tomorrow begins a new journey in my busy life... let's just hope I make it in!!
   
     Although today was somewhat stressful and long, when I come home to hear a sweet little voice "Mommy come lay with me", I am reminded how incredibly blessed we truly are. I can't imagine life with out all three of my boys.They are what keeps me going, what makes me want to be a better person, and a better christian. I think it is crazy to think that I never knew this kind of love until the kids were brought into my life.  There was a time in my life when I didn't know if I would be able to have kids, I was actually told this by several doctors.... HIS plan is so much bigger than we can ever fathom... I will be forever grateful!

Romans 8:31 "If God is for us, who can ever be against us?"

Ephesians 3:20-21 "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen."

UPDATE

     Last night, I told you about a family that was going through, what I would describe as unimaginable. I know that we have been praying all day for Ryker and his family. I believe the Lord will answer our prayers and HE will be glorified through it all. Now for an update...
     So Baby Ryker had his open heart surgery today, he did quite well through surgery and was off life support shortly after... Praise God! However, he is having some complications and the doctors are not quite sure what is causing this. Please continue to pray for healing, rest, and strength. I know the family of this precious baby is grateful for everyone of you who have lifted them up.

All this are possible through Christ...

Keeping the FAITH and the prayer chain going!

A Simple Request

     My heart is hurting tonight for a family, a family with a three week old baby boy who is having open heart surgery tomorrow. I can not imagine the emotions that this mother and father are feeling this evening. Just as my heart hurts while I watch this video of such an innocent baby, it is filled with joy at the same time. Times like these call for believers everywhere to get on your knees and pray, calling out to the Lord for his healing and mercy.  I am overloaded with joy because we serve such an incredible God, who is very faithful. His promise to never leave us, he is with us ALWAYS. When life is going good, he is there to be praised. When trouble hits, he is there to bring us through and to be given ALL THE GLORY! I know that many people will be reading this blog and facebook posts on numerous pages, and my hope is that you will say a prayer for baby Ryker and his family. That the Lord will bring strength and healing and that He will be glorified through it all.

Matthew 21:22 "And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will recieve."

Lamentations 3:41 "Let us lift up our hearts and hands To God in heaven."

Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there with them."

TEAM RYKER
(here is a link to meet this precious boy)

     My simple request is that you would share this with someone and lift up your hearts and hands to the Lord for this sweet family.

God is good...

An eye opener...

     I don't even know where to begin... I can't believe I am about to share this with you but here it goes... Henry has been potty training (and doing quite well, might I add). Over the weekend we had to pull over on the side of the road to let him go pee, he couldn't hold it and we were in the middle of no where. So ever since then he has thought is was amusing to stand up to use the restroom (until then he had just been sitting). So for the rest of the weekend he has been standing up to pee and he comes and tells us every time so we can clap and cheer... So this morning as I am getting ready for church and the boys are playing, Henry comes running into my bathroom and begins to use the restroom... I decide to check on him just to make sure he's got every thing under control and then it happens... so fast I didn't even know what to think or do... some how, some way his stream of pee is shooting straight up in the air and hits me right in the eye!!!!! Yes, you read it right... my son peed in my eye!!! I didn't know where to begin... so I rinsed out my eye and cleaned Henry up. The things that happen to you as a Mom... This was a real "eye opener", I would have never thought this could happen. I have had lots of advice about how to potty train a boy, but no one ever told me "watch out for your face"!!!!

     In other news I had a two hour nap today thanks to my hubby! What a wonderful man :) So I am probably going to be wide awake for quite some time. We had a pretty great day. I was extremely late for church this morning... which is so disappointing because I really look forward to the worship all week long and of course that is what I miss when I am running late. This evening we got out the video camera and recorded the boys all playing together. What fun it is to watch them with each other. They are so entertaining. I hope one day they will be able to look back and see how adorable they all were at this sweet age.

     This week Rose State College begins, I am taking two classes there because they are half the price of UCO. It is nice to be close... stay close, go far right?!?! As this week begins, so does my grind of being a full time student. My schedule this semester is a little more demanding and intruding. I will be doing my first round of observations this semester and that is thirty hours outside of everything else we have going on. I know I will make the time and with God's help, it will all work out... this will be interesting! Here's to a new great week ahead...

Weekend Oh Weekend...

    Oh there is so much to share... first off let me start by saying I am not a fan of board games... not at all. First of all I am absolutely terrible at trivia... especially pointless trivia and I get a bit embarrassed when put on the spot during some kind of "team" game, afraid of getting stuck just saying... "uhhhh..." Last night however Justin and I went over to the White's and we had so much fun! We never have a Friday night to hang out together, usually Justin is working one of his many jobs so there really isn't much fun to be had. So last night he was off work and I was off work Saturday (which never happens either) So I called my niece to come over and sit the kiddos. We hung out with some awesome friends and I have decided after last night and a trial run at trivial pursuit, I still dislike  board games (and I'm still no good at them) but, Taboo... I love. We had so much fun... we are so lucky to have such great people in our lives. We need to make more time to have nights like these!
     Today was pretty wonderful and productive! It was so nice to be home today with the fam... watching the boys play and dance... it makes my heart so happy. This is what life is all about :) I have been working in a salon for almost six years now. I have always worked on Saturdays and I have always hated that about my career. This week though I took off and stayed home with the family. I can probably count on one hand how many times that has happened. I really love my job, and even on Saturdays I love it once I get there, but I feel like I am missing out on so much when I am working on the only day that everyone else is off. Justin and I have never had the same days off. Saturdays I have always been at the salon and Sundays he goes into church before we ever wake up. We do have Sunday afternoons together, but usually we are so exhausted from our week we nap and do dinner then before I know it, its time for bed. It was so nice today to be able to sleep in, eat a big breakfast with my boys, and stay in my pj's until well after noon :) We deep cleaned each of the boys bedrooms and rearranged James' room. I don't know what it is about a freshly clean and organized space that makes me feel so accomplished, but it does  (it's probably because my life in general is unorganized and crazy). If only I could have got to my room today. :/
     My baby sister came home from OSU this weekend and is staying with us tonight... I love these nights that we get to hang out. It isn't very often but it sure is nice to spend time with her. I have been looking for gas friendly cars (if there is such a thing) ever since I started driving to Edmond twice a week and today I thought I had found an answer to my car prayers... So since Tayler was here she stayed with the boys for an hour or so and Justin and I went to look at a car that I had found online. Before we left, I asked God to make it clear to me whether or not to buy this car. It seemed a bit too good to be true. I even told Justin, I just need to go look at it... So we get there, they get the keys and we walk over to the car only for the sales man to get inside and the first thing he says is "I guess someone must have stolen the stereo..." So I'm thinking 'it doesn't have a stereo??!!'... then just as I'd asked, it could not have been more clear... the salesman's next quote... "I can't get this car into gear... what's wrong with this transmission..." I then silently just said a little "thank you Lord" ;) I honestly felt a little bad for the guy, but oh well. It's funny how God can speak to us in all kinds of little ways. I was once told by a Sunday school teacher that you shouldn't pray for silly things but I have to say I completely disagree. I think God wants to hear about everything in our lives and I love when God can speak to me or hold a bold presence in such an incredible way.  I am thankful to serve a faithful God.Where would I be with out him?? I just might have bought that "lemon" of a car... :)

     So tonight I'm encouraging you to speak to God about anything... believe in the power of prayer.

Matthew 21:22 "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

Psalm 32:8 "The Lord says, 'I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you."

Until next time... 

What a day...

     I am so tired and yet I'm up at 1:39am blogging away...  (maybe the diet dr. pepper I had at 10pm has something to do with it) I am so overwhelmed by what is to come in the future! Scentsy launched their new products so hear it goes... these first two I am sharing with you are extensions of the line Scentsy. Did you know that stamps are going up to .46 on Monday? Worry no more! Scentsy Inc. added a new fabulous product and it will be available to purchase March 1st!! Introducing Sincerely Scent... with this product you can buy the card INCLUDING postage for $2.85, they are scented, you can schedule it 364 days in advanc, you can upload a photo and a digital signature, and it is automatically mailed out... that's right... NO walking to your mailbox or going to the post office! Let Scentsy make you life easier... more to come soon....

http://www.sincerelyscent.com/

Next we have Layers by Scentsy... This line extension will offer body spray, perfume, hand cream, lotion, body butter, shower gel and cream. Also, we will be offering a laundry care line with a dryer disk and scents for you laundry detergent. Now you can enjoy the scents you already love and layer them throughout your life! I am so excited to try all these new products!

http://scentsy.net/layers.aspx

There will be a new brand launching in May.... Welcoming Velata.... 

A chocolate fondue warmer... with 14 warmers and 4 flavors of chocolate you will be able to 

melt every moment with Velata! 

http://www.velata.net/

I told you I was on overload... now you see why! I will have much more information about these new line extensions and new brands very soon! Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have! Here's to 2012 and all the fun and exciting things to come!

Until next time....

01/17/2012

     What an exciting week I have had! A new semester means all kinds of new things for our family, our schedules are somewhat centered around each "semester"... This always means a new sports schedule for Justin, a new school/work schedule for myself and the boys (and my gmas) are adjusting to a new schedule themselves. I am so blessed and down right lucky to have such and incredible family who is helping us in a tremendous way this "semester"... grandmas keeping babies = free child care! Because I am not working much these days in the salon, and funds are kind of tight, it is so cool to see how the Lord provides in times of need. We always have more than we need and I will be forever grateful!

     As far as my school goes, this is my second week at UCO and I am loving it! I thought I would hate the long drive and the late nights, but it is giving me some time to myself, some quiet time, time to reflect and I have to say Although I miss my family terribly, I am growing to really appreciate those quiet drives to Edmond and back. I will be starting my first round of observations in a couple of weeks which excites me! Also, I am able to apply to the teacher education program for the first round of applicants (praying I pass the OGET)! I am starting to see a small light at the end of my education tunnel. On another note, Justin is considering finishing his masters.... He is a such a strong willed, smart, and successful man I know whatever he puts his mind to he will be great at. We are looking into different programs to see which best suits him and our family. I am beyond excited about this because it will only allow more positive opportunities to come his way. I am blessed beyond measure to have such a hard working hubby... I appreciate him so much. It is so crazy to think about life before him, I am so giddy to be sharing my life with him :)

     The boys are getting rowdy these days!!!!! I know God doesn't ever give us more than we can handle, but sometimes I am a bit fearful of how my future will be in this house surrounded by all these BOYS! ;) (I'm kidding... well kind of) Early on this week I caught the youngest two (2 & 1) 'trading hits' and cracking up... they push and shove and wrestle and they are only one and two.... Justin keeps telling me this is only the beginning.... Henry is becoming a bossy little two year old, I sometimes hear him scolding Charlie "Charlie Mann, NO SIR!' I usually remind him that he is NOT the mommy.... Charlie is learning new words every day but it at that stage where communication is some what of an issue... He knows exactly what he wants, but can't always let you know what that is,  so this results in lots of moments of an EXTREMELY frustrated Charlie. poor guy. We went over to my grandmothers today and he loved being outside and kept going over to the dogs to pet and play. James has now begun his second semester of third grade, I keep reverting back to the days when he was Henry's age and I can't get that vision out of my mind... I can NOT  believe he is a third grader!!! He is still as smart as a whip and loving the performing arts at the young age of eight. My boys sure keep me on my toes and I love them more than anything on this earth. Crazy how much love you can have for each one of your kids. :)

     As far as work goes... SCENTSY has some very exciting news they are sharing sometime Friday and I can not wait to hear details!!! They are going to be releasing new brands with new products for customers to buy and consultants to sell. This is going to be an incredible ground-breaking opportunity and I am so excited to be a part of such incredible happenings!!

     Well it is now past midnight and I should really be getting some rest... long day of work and school tomorrow. One last thing before I end here...  Justin and I are trying to come up with a devotional/reading plan that we can do together, we have never actually done this before. I have my own quiet time and he has his... but we are feeling led to do something together (quite honestly we should have done this long ago, but better late than never!) One thing I am feeling led to do right now is to pray more... and be a believer in my prayers. I pray on a pretty consistent basis, but I'm talking real intimate moments with God every single day. I absolutely believe in the power of prayer and I'm challenging myself to more of it! I read this scripture on my twitter feed today and it really spoke to me. Sometimes we don't understand why we are going through what's in front of us, in struggles and in good times, but God's plan is so much bigger than we could ever imagine. I know right now for our family, we are beyond blessed and we are so grateful for those blessings but there are times when I get down and confused, but tonight I am reminded that every moment we live God has a purpose and a plan for our lives. I am so grateful to serve such a loving, gracious, and faithful God.

Mathew 11:22 "...Have faith in God!"

Quiet Time...

   As I sit here while my babies are sleeping, enjoying some quiet time to myself, I am overwhelmed with all the amazing stuff that is going on in our lives right now. It is official... the new year is here and with that come some changes! Changes in everyday life and changes for the future. I had been very lazy during the holidays in 2011, eating like crap! So since Justin's birthday I began to diet, mainly not eat carbs and sugars and drink more fluids! The first week was really hard to stay on the strict diet itself, but very rewarding loosing 8 pounds in one week. Now I am stuck and at what most call a plateau... I lost a total of 11 pounds but I am stuck here! This is very frustrating! At least I haven't gained I guess... Anyway everyone is back to their routine, Justin and James are back in school and I started at UCO this week and will start at Rose in two weeks. This semester is going to be a bit crazy for me...I am in class pretty much every day Tuesdays are going to be extremely busy... class at 12:30 class at 4:30 and at 7:30... thankfully that is just one day a week! Justin is having to step into the role of Mommy and Daddy at night, it will be an adjustment for all but we are handling it well. We have been very blessed this semester because my grandmothers are helping us with the kids, coming over to our house and watching them while I work or go to school. This is a God send. The money we will be saving while they are helping us is unreal. Childcare is soooo expensive and I actually had a really good deal going... It has been so incredible to be able to keep the kids home, easy on Mom and easy on them. They are getting to play with their own toys, sleep in their own beds, and spend some much needed "grandma" time, which I'm sure they both love! In times like these when people such as family, step out and lend a hand I am reminded how fortunate we are as a family. I am so blessed to have so many people loving us and our children.
     On another note, I am trying to read more of God's word daily. It is amazing how every day he speaks to me through scripture, and the stories of other people. I have a lot on my heart these days and God is working me through it all. As I try to keep up with all my duties and titles in life... daughter, mommy, wife, hair stylist, scentsy consultant, student... etc. I am trying to remember that God loves me as just Heather... not how good of a hair stylist I am or how clean my house is (thank goodness ! ha!) or how good of grades I make or how I look on the outside... He loves my heart and I am so thankful for that today.

1 Peter 3:4 "Instead, make yourselves beautiful on the inside, in your hearts, with enduring quality of a gentle, peaceful spirit. This type of beauty is very precious in God's eyes."


And I think I hear someone crying... that didn't last long :)


Until next time... 

And it Begins... 2012

     So much has gone on in the few short weeks that I've written... Christmas... Christmas... Christmas...
We are so lucky to have so much fun on Christmas break. I do not know what I would do without having the hubby home for a good two weeks! Love his school breaks! We have so many Christmas celebrations it is unreal! Sometimes I find myself dreading the hustle and bustle but then again I totally enjoy the madness! We began this year with Grandpa Charlie and Grandma Carolyn's house, James got an awesome telescope, Henry and Charlie got talking big bird and super grover (which we brought with us everywhere for the rest of the weekend). We had yummy food and fun with family! Christmas morning at our home was next, my sisters came over to spend the night. After dinner we all piled in the minivan and went looking at Christmas lights! This will become a tradition! We went all over looking at lights... some were so bright I felt my retina's burning! On Christmas morning, my parents and grandparents came over at 7:30 to see the boys open their gifts... of course I was waking them up at 8:30 (they decided to sleep in). We all had several pots of coffee and watched my cuties open presents... Henrys reaction to everything was "WOOOOW!" He was so much fun! Charlie opened one toy and that was all he wanted... the "mater" out of the box...  After all the presents we all got ready for our delicious family lunch at the Richardson household. My grandmother has a tradition of making an amazing lasagna on Christmas day... I seriously could eat this everyday! It is my favorite thing to eat! After lunch we headed out to get James and bring him home to open gifts... he got some great stuff this year... Santa really does bring awesome gifts to good little boys! Then of course we were off to our final destination... Grandma Doris and Papa Rex's home. My boys love to go to see their grandparents... Justin has a HUGE family, he is the youngest of five boys and they all have multiple children :) There are 15 grandkids. Needless to say the kiddos have tons of fun! I can not imagine not having all these places to go and people to see on such a glorious day celebrating the birth of our King! I am so excited to have a young family of my own, start new traditions and continue old ones! This is what its all about!
     After Christmas we have a very important day to follow... Justin's birthday is December 30th... He was pleasantly surprised by my grandparents who gifted him a BRAND new sound system with speakers! (if only you could have seen the ghetto setup of a "sound system" we had before) I had no idea they were going to give this to him and he was like a kid in a candy store! We celebrated Justin's 34th birthday watching the Oklahoma Sooners with friends and family! (which as I am typing this very second he is now re-watching this game... I will never understand his love affair with football...) Other than getting to bed after 2am it was a great night!
     As for the new year ahead.... I can not believe it is already here! Time flies so fast as you age... this is true and especially when you have children and are as busy as us!!! I spent this new years eve at home with my baby boys... I think I was in bed before 10... (also the fun you have differs greatly when you become a mommy) Today is the first day in 2012 and it has been a great one! I got to start the day with my babies, go to church and hear the most beautiful voice lead us in worshiping our God! He has been so very good to us and I love more than anything praising him with song! Justin and I are beginning our diets today... we need to shed those pounds we gained over the holiday! It is nice to have a Sunday where we get to be lazy and hang out... (Although I spent most of my day studying for an interim class I am taking-which I will NEVER do again!) The boys all took long good naps and woke up ready to play! Tomorrow is one of our last days together before the work week starts up again... and school begins for James. We get to get our little James back tomorrow and I am so excited to see that boy! Well I am sure I will have many new adventures and stories in the future! Here is to 2012...

Happy New Year!