…Our New Addition

I would love to introduce you to Miss Kaylee Marie Gurley, my precious granddaughter. Her mother, Jordyn, gave birth to our princess this past Wednesday afternoon, March 6th. She was born at 2:20 pm, weighed 7 lbs. 3 oz., and was 20-1/2 inches long. She and her mother came home Friday…both are healthy and perfect!

Our oldest son, Christian, met and fell in love with Jordyn when she was already pregnant with our angel.  I must admit that it was hard, as a mom who had become pregnant before I was married myself, to accept that my child had fallen in love with a girl who was pregnant with someone else’s child.  And I was also afraid that Christian didn’t understand the responsibility he would be taking on stepping into the role of “daddy”.  But as we began to learn and know more about Jordyn, we fell in love with her, too…and of course, we began to feel as though Kaylee was our granddaughter by blood as well.  As I’ve told many others before, once I love you there is no going back…I will always love you!

I am so excited to see what this life has in store for Christian, Jordyn, and Kaylee. Although I know that there are rough times ahead and periods of adjustment that they’ll go through, I am confident that the Lord will guide them and help them to raise our new little angel. And they will always have us and Jordyn’s mother, Kristi, to lean on.

I look forward to spoiling and loving this precious little bundle as long as God allows me!

…{the written word} and a new look

Well…the new blog header, footer, and sidebar elements are up and running! I just finished up the new signature badge to complete the transformation (all supplies from Sweet Shoppe Designs).  I’m still in love with the simple white background…I think it makes the blog look clean and uncluttered…just like me! LOL! Hope you like the new look as much as I do!

In my spare time {ahem}, I’ve also been doing a little reading. I’m totally addicted to books that are in a series…it’s hard for me to order (much less read) a book that is considered “over” once you’ve turned that last page…especially if I feel invested in the story and the characters. Then again, it’s also excruciating to wait a year (sometimes more) for that next installment in the series to be released, but becomes so worth it when you realize that the story isn’t over and may continue for several more publications! This is why you’ll see several pictures with more than one book included in the photo. Here are some of the books I’ve recently crossed off of my “to read” list: 

The Divergent series by Veronica Roth (Divergent, Insurgent, Book 3 coming fall 2013)

The Kane Chronicles series by Rick Riordan (The Red Pyramid, The Throne of Fire, The Serpent’s Shadow)

Peculiar Children series by Ransom Riggs (Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children, Book 2 TBA)

My Blood Approves series by Amanda Hocking (My Blood Approves, Fate, Flutter, Wisdom)

The Trylle Trilogy by Amanda Hocking (Switched, Torn, Ascend)

The Watersong series by Amanda Hocking (Wake, Lullaby, Tidal {6-4-13, Elegy {2014}

The Wolves of Mercy Falls series by Maggie Stiefvater (Shiver, Linger, Forever)

That’s it for today! I hope to be back with a little review for all of the series that I’ve listed here on the blog sometime in the near future, so keep a lookout for that! Until later…

…Back In The Saddle Again

Yep…you guessed it! I’m taking photographs again, and I must say that it feels wonderful to be back behind the looking glass! I will be sharing both photos and stories from time to time, so make sure that you’ve subscribed to my blog to keep up with the latest posts. There will be recipes, reading lists, and lots of randomness (is that a word???  well it is now)! I will also be redesigning some graphics and headers for the blog, so you are also in store for a new look! BIG CHANGES COMING!!!

Until then…

…Clearing the Air

Howdy from Georgia!  It’s been a while since I last posted, and I wanted to touch base with all of you for a bit. This will be quite a lengthy post, so please bear with me as I clear the air about some things that have brought to my attention.

When I first started blogging a few years ago, I did it as a means to share and document some of the paper-crafting I was doing at the time. I was enjoying perusing the internet, other blogs and paper-crafting communities to find (and try to be) some inspiration. I “met” some fabulous ladies and gentlemen in the process of blogging and cardmaking, and even got to spend some time with some local ladies that also shared a love of stamping and crafting in general. But I also “met” a lot of individuals who were one thing on the computer and another in real life. I guess that’s the dark side of the world wide web…anyone can act and/or portray themselves as anything they wish without being policed or held accountable. Such an incident happened earlier today while I was checking the comments waiting to be reviewed for publication. A “certain unnamed stamper” left a comment (which has been deleted by me) stating that she was so disappointed in the direction that my blog has gone since I left the stamping community, and that she would not be returning to view my blog again. She went on to imply that the posts I created regarding the books that I have read over several months upset her to no end. She is entitled to her own opinion, and quite frankly, so am I….so here we go!

I have always tried to keep my blog posts light-hearted and “fluffy” as to be an inspiration and positive experience for the readers….all of the readers (unless I needed to vent, of course). This “certain unnamed stamper” insinuated that I should be posting more “Christian” things since I had stated over a year ago that I was taking a break to focus on my walk with the Lord. As a result, there were several weeks and months when I didn’t post anything to my blog so that I could get my spiritual life on track. During that time I sold or gave away every stitch of stamping and crafting stuff that I had accumulated over the years. Wanna know the WHOLE truth???

I walked away from the crafting community because of women like this “certain unnamed stamper”! My personal experience in the stamping world is that most (not all, but most) of the people out there are simply looking out for Number One, and Number One ONLY…and they don’t give a flip who they demolish in the process. I have witnessed and been privy to backbiting, lying and scheming, and deceitful behavior the likes of which would make your hair stand on end! ALL FOR THE MIGHTY DOLLAR AND ATTENTION!!! And then after months and months of having NOTHING to do with that community, I’m reprimanded and belittled for not being “Christian enough” in my posts on my personal blog. My relationship with the Lord is NO ONE’S business but my own, but to set the record straight….those books were read at night whenever I layed down to go to sleep (and I still do the same thing). They were read after I had spent the day as a stay-at-home mom and devoted wife doing all of my chores and household duties for the day. They were read after I had spent my quiet time with my Bible and my Lord. They were read in order to help me wind down and fall asleep…much like people watch television as they fall asleep. Yes…I could have used that time to read the Bible again, but I didn’t. I had a teenager in my home who was reading these books and others like them, so I was making sure that I knew EXACTLY what was in them…and I enjoyed most of them. That doesn’t mean that I’m any less “Christian” than the next person either. I’m sure there are people out there who sit on their couches and enjoy questionable television shows when they should be reading their own Bibles, but I’m not about to judge or call out someone when I don’t know their heart or their character.

It’s been said that we should guard our character which is who we actually are, and we should think less of our reputation which is what people think we are. I have walked away from communities, friendships and relationships (including some of  my own family members) in order to guard my character and protect my family. I was raised here in the South by Christian parents who instilled in me that your words should be the truth, your walk should match your talk, and right is right even if no one else is doing it. I’m not one who enjoys drama or controversy, but I’m not afraid to stand up and defend myself when necessary either…and when someone threatens my integrity I find that highly offensive. You don’t have to like me or every single thing that I post on my blog, but that’s just it, isn’t it??? It’s MY BLOG. I’m not gonna be on here every day bearing my heart and soul to individuals who would rather be trying to tear someone down than to lift them up…that’s not who I am. I have made bad decisions just like everyone else, but I’m at the point in my life where I am making no apologies for who I am or what I stand for…to ANYONE! I can’t tolerate liars or those who think they are “holier than thou”…and I won’t tolerate them. All I can do is pray for these people, NOT associate with them, and do what’s best for me, my husband and my children…after all, they are the ones I answer for.

If this post offends anyone, then you are welcome to stop following my blog. I will not lower or compromise my standards simply because they don’t conform to everyone else’s morals and/or beliefs. I will not be changing the format of my blog either…I will post what I want when I want. Welcome to America and the South! Amen. 

…A Little Summer Reading? Yes, Please!

It’s been a wonderful summer of fun and reading at the Kerin house!  Here’s what I’ve read in the last few months:

The Inheritance series by Christopher Paolini (Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr, Inheritance)

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo series by Stieg Larsson (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played With Fire, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest)

The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling (The Sorcerer’s Stone, The Chamber of Secrets, The Prisoner of Azkaban, The Goblet of Fire, The Order of the Phoenix, The Half-Blood Prince, The Deathly Hallows)

The Heroes of Olympus series by Rick Riordan (The Lost Hero, The Son of Neptune, The Mark of Athena---coming soon)

The Hunger Games series by Susanne Collins (The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay)

The Hush Hush series by Becca Fitzpatrick (Hush Hush, Crescendo, Silence, Finale----coming soon)

The Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare (Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince, Clockwork Princess-----coming soon)

The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare (City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Glass, City of Fallen Angels, City of Lost Souls, City of Heavenly Fire----coming soon)

Random novels by Nicholas Sparks (Safe Haven, The Notebook, Message in a Bottle)

The Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan (The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan’s Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth, The Last Olympian)

And I reread the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer (Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn)

The Witch & Wizard series by James Patterson (Witch & Wizard, The Gift, The Fire)

So what have you guys been reading?  I’m a series kind of girl, myself…so if you have a certain series you’ve enjoyed reading please share it with me!  I’d love to make my “wish list” longer even though it’s already at FIVE PAGES!!! LOL! At the moment I have two more series on my bedside table----The Lord of the Rings series and the Narnia series. After those I have the O’Malley series waiting for me as well.  However, I have promised the hubs that I would read all the books I have now before I order anymore…anything to appease the bread-winner! LOL!

That’s it for me today!  I will see you all again soon!  {{{HUGS}}}

…Just Start

I absolutely love this quote from Saint Francis of Assisi.  When I began my life transformation a little over 3 months ago, I never imagined that I would be down 58 pounds and still going strong!  Where or when is the best place or time to start, you may ask?  Just start…you won’t be sorry!

…How It Should Be

Of all the changes I’ve made these past few months, these three have had the biggest impact on my life and my health.

#1: EXERCISE to be fit.

#2: EAT to nourish your body.

#3: IGNORE all the negativity.

I’ve made a conscious effort to increase the amount of fresh fruits and veggies that I consume, to increase my personal activity level and exercise regime, and decrease or eliminate all the unhealthy stuff.  It’s been a little over a month and I’m already noticing changes in how I feel, how I look, and how my clothes fit. I’ve lost over 20 pounds so far {but I have a LONG way to go still}, and it has given me just enough incentive to keep going and change my life for the better.

Not only am I reaping the benefits physically, but I’m also finding that the exercise helps clear my mind and even relaxes me.  I sleep better, I find myself in better moods, and I experience less stress during the day.  There’s apparently a lot to be said for that “runner’s high” you get from exercise; however, I’ve heard it said that it’s not really a runner’s high, but actually relief from not dying!  ;)  Either way I feel good after a couple of hours of elliptical and resistance training.

One day at a time. One workout at a time. One pound at a time.  I AM WORTH IT!!!

…I {Heart} Kitchen Aid & Cookies

Guess what…I’m back!  It’s been several months since I’ve left the stamping world, and I have to say that it has been such a relief.  I’ve been spending quite a bit of my time in the kitchen testing and writing recipes for my very own cookbook (thanks for the idea, Jessica Diedrich).  I have been dreaming of getting a stand mixer for several months, and I finally took the plunge and purchased a black Kitchen Aid Artisan mixer yesterday!  WOOHOO!!!

My youngest son and I were dying to break that puppy in, so we decided to make some homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies…and it worked FABULOUSLY!  I’m totally in love.  No more mixing by hand or using my small mixer that wanted to burn up every time I made a thick batter!  It’s all an effortless process now.  Check out the completed cookie dough that’s ready to go into the oven:

I always use my medium scoop from Pampered Chef (it measures about 2 Tbsp.) to achieve perfectly sized and uniform cookies.  I also bake my cookies on a parchment paper-lined metal baking sheet.  It’s so much easier to transfer the cookies to a cooling rack by simply pulling the entire piece of parchment paper off of the baking sheet straight onto the cooling rack (plus it makes for easy cleanup). I also try to space out my cookie dough scoops about 2 inches away from each other…nothing’s worse than having your 12 cookies spread out during the baking process to create one large one!  And it’s SO hard, but I never open the oven door to check the cookies as they melt into their gooey goodness either…that just lets all of the heat out, and that effects your cooking time and cooking consistency.  Here’s what they looked like when we pulled them out of the oven:

I like for my cookies to have a lightly crisp edge and a soft and chewy center…and these definitely delivered!  What on Earth is better than having your home smell like fresh baked cookies?  ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!  Interested in sharing some of this yummy goodness with your family?  Try them out!

Mercy’s Chocolate Chip Cookies

2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
½ cup butter, softened
½ cup shortening
1 cup packed brown sugar
½ cup white sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
2 cups semi-sweet (or milk chocolate) chips

1. Preheat oven 375 degrees F.

2. Sift together flour, soda and salt into medium mixing bowl.

3. In large mixing bowl, beat butter and shortening on medium speed for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar and white sugar. Beat again until light and fluffy.

4. Add eggs and vanilla, and beat well until just blended.

5. Add dry ingredients in 3 stages while beating until well blended.

6. Stir in chips until evenly distributed throughout dough.

7. Drop dough onto parchment-lined baking sheet in 2 Tbsp. scoops, spacing each 2 inches apart.

8. Bake for 12-15 minutes and remove to wire rack to cool. Makes approx. 6 dozen.

That’s it for me today!  After 6 dozen cookies, a homemade chili dinner, and a long day or running around with my hubby it’s finally time to grab my book and head to bed!  It feels so wonderful to be back in blog land sharing my love for new things with you all.  Let me know what you think of the recipe and I’ll see you back here later!  ENJOY!

…Happy Thanksgiving

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” ~ JFK

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!

…Did You Think I Was Gone For Good?

I’m still here!  I’ve been enjoying a long and wonderful summer with my hubby and boys, but they had to go back to school today. After spending the summer vacation free of deadlines, stress, and drama I’ve decided that I will no longer be stamping.  It was a fabulous hobby that was fun and very fulfilling while it lasted, but the time has come to let it go and start another adventure.  I will always be thankful and appreciative to all of my faithful and precious followers, and I will miss you more than the stamping and creating!  You all made every moment worthwhile.

With that being said, I am here to let you all know that I will be having a HUGE everything-must-go stamp sale starting tomorrow.  After I have sold all of the stamp sets I will begin selling off all of my cardmaking accessories: cardstock, patterned papers, ribbons, etc.  As soon as the sales page is ready to view, I will add another post above this one announcing the official sale and the link to the page with all of the information you’ll need to get started shopping.

Thanks again for a wonderful ride, and for your sweet and loyal friendships.  I will miss you all!