Brilliance.

My mother is a genius. There is more behind her than wanting to get on a bike and ride 100 miles or wake up at 4:30am to run 8 miles. Although she really loves to do that (who knows why), while not on her bike or wearing out her running shoes, she does have some creative ideas to room decorating. Not that I ever doubted she had this ability, but it really came out today.

Teddi and I both didn't know what to do with the many scarves that occupy our rooms. When thinking about it, I probably don't need that many scarves, but I will admit, I am addicted. We asked Mom what we could do with them and she came up with this brilliant idea. Buy curtain rods and place them over your windows. Hang the scarves to look like curtains. That way the scarves serve two purposes. And I LOVE it. Way to go Mom. I knew you'd pull through :-)

Happy fall.

I made Apple Cinnamon muffins and was really excited about it. They sounded so good on a fall day. I got a good deal on the muffin box. 99 cents from the discounted grocery store in ghetto Bakersfield. I found this place thanks to my mom. She shops there all the time purchasing the basics. The discounted store carries items that are damaged and close to their expiration date. And my mom shops there. Usually those who shop at this store are struggling families on food stamps and my mom goes there. She loads up every time too. I often have to remind her that she needs to leave some food for the struggling people out there. Rarely does she listen to me.

So. I baked these muffins. As I was taking out the ingredients, the mix smelled a little strange. I looked at the expiration date. 05/10. That's what I get for shopping at discounted grocery stores I guess. But, I decided to keep going and see how they would turn out. Not so good.

I got everyone in my family to try them. So maybe I lied to get them to taste it. They fell for it. They thought they were pretty gross. At first it was blamed on my baking skills, but I was quick to say that they expired 6 months ago. I was in the clear.

On the bright side, I got new Biolage shampoo for 6 dollars. Target sells it for 20.

Oh Max.

Max Lucado is one cool guy. And I say that because I met him. I would say we are pretty good friends now, but I don't want to push it. I got to meet Max at a concert held for World Vision a few weeks ago. Not only was it a good concert, but I felt so cool! I got a back stage pass to "hang out." No, I will not tell you how I got that pass, but I felt pretty cool wearing it.

When Max began to speak, he kept saying how beautiful Bakersfield was. He couldn't get over how many pretty trees we had and how nice the people were. I love Max. Pretty much for that reason. I was contemplating if I should bring my camera or not, but declined...I would get star struck by all the artists that I would probably make a fool of myself. Therefore, I have no pictures to prove that in fact, I was there.

All this to say.....I got one of Max's books called Out Love Your Life. I just started reading it and love it! A little convicting, but I think we need that in our lives. I am still at the beginning of the book, but it's deep. And really good. We are ordinary people who are made to do extraordinary things. Thinking of God's disciples, they were not great theologians..."Before Jesus came along, the disciples were loading trucks, coaching soccer, and selling Slurpee drinks at the convenience store. Their collars were blue and their hands were calloused, and there is no evidence that Jesus chose them because they were smarter or nice than the guy next door. The one thing they had going for them was a willingness to take a step when Jesus said, 'Follow me.'"

Good. Convicting. Creative. Pretty darn humorous. All Jesus wants us to do is follow Him no matter the kind of person we are. God tends to use those who think they are least prepared. I am one of those.

To top off the night, I received the book for FREE. Want to know how you can? Begin sponsoring a World Vision child and you can have your own. Your own book. And your own kid.

Two birds. One stone.

My camera is getting dusty and it's embarrassing. I want to be taking more pictures! I figured since I have been frequently visiting the homes of others and taking care of their children, why not work a little on my photography? Why not kills those two birds with only one stone?

I babysat for this family last week. I decided that as much as I love boys, I really enjoy babysitting the girls...they are the ones that get most excited about having dance parties.

We danced a bit. Painted a little. And even snuck a piece of gum when we weren't supposed to.

Meet Renee.

4 years old.

Looking to make her joy complete by laughing all the way until bed time.

Meet Lily.

7 years old.

Looking for someone to "boss around" (Only coming from her sister).

My paintings thank you very much.

Too bad we couldn't have spent more time together...

Wednesday.

Today was a day that called for the quote book to be retrieved from my purse. I subbed in a 3rd grade class and I could not help but laugh throughout the entire day.

As soon as I met the class, one of the students approached me and asked if he could share something with the class. I said yes and he came up to the front of the room.

Student: "Guys, I have something I need to say. I have never told anyone at this school what I am about to say. No one here knows." (a very dramatic monologue I must say)

Me: "Ok, ok. Get on with your news."

Student: "Well, guys (deep breath), I am not coming back to this school next year." (Mind you it is October and school gets out in June)

Class: A huge gasp for about 2 minutes.

Student: "I know. My parents are moving. My dad got a new job." (Once again, very dramatic)

Me: "Ok, well, that is too bad. Good thing you have a whole year left here." (Really trying to be sympathetic about the situation)

A few minutes later, a friend walks over to the student, pats him on the back and says, "Man, I'm really gonna miss you."

Mind you these are third graders.

Next quote book worthy moment.

I told the class my name was Miss Pierce and I would be their sub for the day. One particular student yelled out, "Oh, like Britney S. Pierce, also known as Britney Spears." For all you fanatic Glee followers, the Britney Spears episode's main character was Britney S. Pierce who played the part of Britney Spears. I have only seen one episode of Glee and it just happened to be that one.

I began to laugh at the situation and asked the student if he watched the show. He said yes and that it was his favorite show. The rest of the day, I became known as Miss Britney Spears.

I never corrected the kid because I thought it was so funny. Obviously not very professional to be called that name, but I went along with it. It's nice to have a change once in awhile.

The day was a blast and I am ready for two more days with this kiddos.

Mind you, these are third graders.

Continue reading "transies."

I am almost done with the book and still cannot get this quote out of my head.

"The land we least desire may produce the fruit we most desire."

The land, meaning, the difficult, dark valley we are going through, may produce in us something that we could never think or imagine. And it will be good.

Nothing left to say.

October?

I can't believe October is already here. Crept up on us didn't it?

I am not saying, by any means, that I am sad this month has decided to blossom. I am quite excited actually. I love when the seasons change. It's a start of something new and fresh. The weather changes (which I love), your every day scenery changes, and most importantly the clothes you wear change.

I feel guilty when fashion gets the best of me, but I love it so much! It's really sad when I watch movies because most of the time, I am looking at the clothes the characters are wearing instead of listening to what they are saying.

I have been waiting and waiting for cooler weather to come around the corner because I recently went shopping. I told myself no more tank tops and dresses. From here on out, I am consciously bargaining for warm winter tops, cozy accessories and hopefully a new pair of boots.

A few things that I think might come in handy with this new weather approaching...

BRING ON THE SWEATERS.

And a casual denim button up. Only if worn WITHOUT denim pants.

A never-ending scarf. After refusing to never buy into that fashion trend,

bought my first one last week.

I love boots. Especially with a skirt and tights.

Purchased a Vanilla Amber scented candle at Target. Adds to the feeling of Fall.

And of course, who could go wrong with a Chai latte from Coffee Bean?

I get really excited thinking about all these things.