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January 31, 2011

That Says it All


Quick Update on the Daily Giveaways - they're going. . . I've kept the promise. . . kept the commitment. . . kept the 
RESOLUTION. . . . there really has been nothing creative or exciting - a lot of the same things (bread, meals, helping 
friends move, sliverware, much of the same). . . but I'll tell you what has changed - ME! 
I am learning that - really - this life isn't about me.  It's not about my feelings, my ego, my wants, even my needs. . . it's all about the Creator - God. . . When I'm tired and have forgotten my commitment for this year, it's not about me. . . so I get up and find something to give. . . even if it is a card to a friend who is going through a rough spell!
Yesterday, church was pretty powerful - worship was AMAZING!  (Side note:  if you need a church to visit or call home - email me. . . Crosspointe is the BOMB DIGGITY!)   We did one of my favorite songs - it's beautiful when heard and the words are INCREDIBLY powerful. . . The writer (I'm not sure if Michael W. Smith actually wrote it) has a great grasp of WHO God is. . . but my favorite favorite part is at the end when it says "You're my Savior, Messiah Redeemer and FRIEND!" - I get all. . . well, GIRLY sometimes when it comes to friends - I like to be the favorite. . I like to be the best, and so often - I'm just not - for no other reason than people are busy and LIFE doesn't REVOLVE around Me (shocker, I know). . . 
Bonnie Posey reminded me last week as I was having a pity party that I am JESUS' FAVORITE!!  He calls me friend. . . I'm awe-struck. . . will ponder that all week - Hope you do too!  I have more to say (again, SHOCKING)  - but can't put it all in one blog. . > Listen to the song. . . think about the words. . . I hope He is your friend too!
PS - I don't know what is wrong with the formatting on this blog - I can't figure it out!!

January 20, 2011

I'll do better. .. .

Ok . . It's Thursday. . . I haven't updated since Monday - b/c WELL I SUCK AT THIS!

Here's the first problem. . >I haven't given away anything fun and exciting - so I didn't feel like there was a lot to blog about. . .

Here's the update so far: Monday - did some work for some co-workers. . . HEY . . ITS MONDAY and I'M TIRED and . . ITS MONDAY. . . by the time I get to work. . I'm tired - so I just try to help the guys and gals out!

Tuesday. . . I seriously can't remember, but I know I did something b/c I didn't miss a day....although - Tuesday at the Corley house left much to be desired. . . it was chaotic and crazy - and NOT controlled at all!

Wednesday - this is where it gets tricky. . but I like it:

I was on the phone with a friend - a good friend - and he said: "You can pray for me and (unnamed party). . that can be your giveaway today" - (HE READS MY BLOG)

So. . I was thinking about that - and that is what I gave away yesterday - every single time I thought about what I was going to give away . . I prayed for this sweet couple who is starting a new life together this summer and just mean a lot to me. SO O O - that's what I gave away yesterday - a day of prayers for one couple in particular! I'm happy about that giveaway b/c sometimes I say I will pray for somebody but I forget or whatever. .. so . . I'm happy with that.

Today, I'm EQUALLY as happy to be going to my BESTEST friend, Paiges house (over at Boivin HomeSchool) to help her do a little spiffying up around her house. . . She has been working like a slave laborer all week and I hope I can bless her by helping her around her house a little!

January 17, 2011

Since Friday..

Whew - I haven't made a real post since like Wednesday - so here goes the catchup - WEEKENDS ARE MADNESS AT THE CORLEY HOUSE!

For my "giveaways" - Friday, I sent dinner to sweet friends the Wadleys (http://www.thewadleyfamily.blogspot.com/) . . . They just had a VERY VERY cute little girl, Naomi!

Saturday - I did NOTHING. . NOTHING NOTHING NOTHING - I was home all day except a quick shopping trip to Kohl's and then we went out to dinner with friends, and I totally forgot to give anything away until we were on the way home to watch the Falcons play (or not play. . . whatever you decide).

Sunday - I donated a crock-pot of chili to our youth at the church for their chili cookout - YAY - they made over $600 for . . well, for whatever they use it for. . I think to go to camp!

Today is Monday - I'm back to life, back to reality .. kinda! I'm feeling super duper yucky today about a lot of things...but I plan to give something away today! I think it will be .... I'm not sure....I'll figure something out and report back later.

January 14, 2011

Epic Fail

Well. . . . It's been almost 2 weeks of giving and yesterday was an EPIC FAIL! My intention was to give something away at work last night . . . well in the midst of my night at Longhorn, I was extremely angered by the events of the evening. . . (just part of the job) At any rate, by the time I remembered that I hadn't given anything away, there were no people left. . . Then my friends and I went to Applebees for a drink and some relaxation. . . . I was going to by one of their drinks but I didn't feel like buying a beer at Applebees was anything to blog about!!!

So - that's my post for today - Fridays are always "chaotic". . . . I have an eye appointment, a dentist appointment, have to work at Green Livin then Longhorn. . . . I'll be pooped when I get home :)

Will update blog tomorrow - I plan on doubling up my giving today!!


Peace out playas (<---- does that sound funny coming from me)

January 13, 2011

If we get 25 followers. . . . . .

I'll Make one of these CUTESY PATOOTSY clipboards personalized with your name on it. .




Why do I want 25 followers? Because, I'm hoping that somebody will "pay it forwards" and join with me on this resolution. . . and make it a lifestyle of giving!!

Refer me to your friends!! One lucky winner will get a clip board!



This is how you Make the Clip Boards:

What you need
Mod Podge
A Clip Board
Paintbrush
Scrapbooking paper of your choice
ribbon of your choice
any other embellishments of your choice


Decide which paper you would like to use - you can use coordinating paper or just one piece - cut it out to a TINY bit smaller than the size of the clipboard. I just turned my clip board over and used it as a template and then cut just inside of that....

Paint a THIN layer of mod podge onto your board and add the paper - use a credit card or something of that nature (I'm super technical and crafty, I know) to smooth away all of the bubbles. Note: if you have bubbles, DONT FRET - they will go away

Add the ribbon and whatever embellishments using the ModPodge. . .

When you have everything where you want it, simply ModPodge OVER everything - it leaves it with a glossy shine once finished and protects it from any spills or anything!

Add coordinating ribbon to the top!

Your possibilities are endless!! It's cute if you make a little pencil with matching paper and ribbon!!

January 12, 2011

Silverware and Plates?




I work at a restaurant . . . I love it - I mean, I really really love it!  For the most part, that is!  You see, I am at home allllll day every single day with my kids - whom I sincerely adore, but the truth that some parents don't tell you is. . . .. <THEY ARE KIDS> . . . . Mine, specifically, are 4 months (all he does is eat, sleep, and poop) 2 years (all he does is whine, make funny faces, say funny things b/c he can't articulate yet and EAT . . A LOT) and 5 years (all she does is WORK MY NERVES . . well when she isn't being super sassy, smart mouth, or HYSTERICAL - that kid is her mama made over). . . and here's a secret - we don't like the same things. . I don't like to play barbies, Dora on the Wii, Thomas the Train, LeapFrog TAG, or I Spy. . . I'm just not that kind of mommy - I don't love it - I do it and I'm trying to not screw up my kids a LOT. . . . but I don't love those things. . . yeah, yeah, I know some of you do - but it's not my thing!

SOOoooooo - I love my few hours a few nights a week at Longhorn Steakhouse - I work with a bunch of REALLY great folks - they're different than I am - not bad - just different.  They're not people that I would really run into in any of my "circles," but I wish I did - I wish I ran into more really REAL folks like I work with at Longhorn - they're not trying to be anybody they're not - or please anybody - or . . . well anything like anybody I know.  They're just good, honest folks, trying to make a living - work through school - get to their next "real" job - or whatever.  I love 'em!  I don't know if they realize what they mean to me or if I value their friendship - but I do!

I say allllllllllllllllllllllllllll that to say - that my "giveaway" for tonight was (1) I took one of my sweet friends, Amber, a bag of Reese's Cup Hearts. . . cuz I like her :)  and I wanted to make her smile and (2) - I put plates and silver on all the tables at the end of the shift.  This may not sound serious to you, but after you've waited on crazies all night, and you've done all your work in the back - the last dern thing you want to do is table work - I thought I'd just help the girls out a little bit. . . So, I put all the plates and silver on their tables so they wouldn't have to go back and forth to the kitchen a million times.....it made me smile - I hope it made them smile!


SnowFest 2011




What can I say?  We've had two great snow days - today is a third, but I think we can actually venture into town at some point today - and I hope so - b/c our milk, bread and egg stash has been HAD!
This is the little Doodle (aka Macie) and me - She has had soooo much fun



This is my little Butterbean (aka Cole) - The first day, he really enjoyed the snow. . he even went down on the sled a few times. . . yesterday, He just kinda walked around in the snow - the only thing he REALLLY wanted to do was ride the 4-wheeler with his dad!  



Max stayed int he house in his bouncy and watched cartoons much of the day........

Being cooped up in the house for going on three days has been REALLLLLLLLLLLLY fun for me!  I feel like a pioneer woman - all I've done is cook, clean up the mess and play outside!  Not that I think that pioneer folks got that much playing in - but I haven't even SEEN "town" since Sunday afternoon where I stocked up on my groceries - and I'm glad I did - b/c we would have run out!

THIS IS A STRETCH as far as my New Year's Resolution goes, but yesterday, I made breakfast and sent it downstairs to my grandmother - now my Grandmama lives downstairs but we don't really see her everyday - she has her own little apartment down there and we don't see her that often.  Today, I plan to do better! Being inside for 3 days has limited my giving abilities!!! 

I have nothing else of value to say today - just wanted to share my cute bundled up snow babies!!!
Maybe I'll have exciting news this afternoon about my giving news :)



January 10, 2011

A Week of Giving Away

Last Monday, I decided what my resolution would be. . . to give something away everyday!  I have lost a little steam since then. . . not b/c I'm not still very excited about the idea but just because, like everything else, life gets in the way.  Kids need stuff and bills need to be paid. I've kept up with it so far. .  it has helped that so many of you have taken interest and want to know what it is!  It kinda keeps me accountable.


Today, my family has played in the snow ALLLLLLLLLL DAYYY LONNG!  I'm loooovin' it - we rarely just get to play - 


I gave two things away today:  1) we went over to our neighbors house to play and I took a whole crock pot of homemade hot chocolate - it was DELICIOUS!! 



Ingredients

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa

Dash salt

1/3 cup hot water

4 cups (1 qt.) milk

3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Miniature marshmallows or sweetened whipped cream (optional)

Directions

  1.  Stir together sugar, cocoa and salt in medium saucepan; stir in water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Boil and stir 2 minutes. Add milk; stirring constantly, heat to serving temperature. Do Not Boil.
  2.  Beat with rotary beater or whisk until foamy. Serve topped with marshmallows or whipped cream, if desired. Five 8-oz. servings.

    VARIATIONS: Add one of the following with the vanilla extract:


    MINT COCOA: 1/2 teaspoon mint extract OR 3 tablespoons crushed hard peppermint candy OR 2 to 3 tablespoons white creme de menthe. Serve with peppermint candy stick, if desired.

    SWISS MOCHA: 2 to 2-1/2 teaspoons powdered instant coffee.

    COCOA AU LAIT: Omit marshmallows or whipped cream. Spoon 2 tablespoons softened vanilla ice cream on top of each cup of cocoa at serving time.

    SLIM-TRIM COCOA: Omit sugar. Combine cocoa, salt and water; substitute nonfat milk. Proceed as above. With vanilla, stir in sugar substitute with sweetening equivalence of 1/2 cup sugar.


    MICROWAVE SINGLE SERVING: Combine 1 heaping teaspoon HERSHEY'S Cocoa, 2 heaping teaspoons sugar and dash salt in microwave-safe cup or mug. Add 2 teaspoons cold milk; stir until smooth. Fill cup with milk. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 1 to 1-1/2 minutes or until hot. Stir to blend; serve.



The second thing I gave away was a whole day dedicated to playing with the kids. . > I NEVER EVER do that. . . I'm always cleaning, facebooking, paying bills, doing this, shopping, going by the bank, doing that. . . Whatever. . . This morning, I told myself that I was going to devote this entire day to having a fun day. . I can tell that Macie really enjoyed it!  


Right now - the chili is simmering, the sweet tea is ready and we're settling in for jammies and a movie! 


Hope all my Georgia friends are being safe and having a blast!!

January 9, 2011

3rd Snow This Year. . . . > WHAAAAAAAAAAT?

It's snowing here in Covington, Georgia. . . that's a big deal. . . we rarely see snow. . . and in the event that 3 flakes stick together on any road in a 15 mile radius. . . SCHOOL and MOST BUSINESSES will CLOSE!  In fact, the public schools in the area closed well before the first flake fell and my daughter's private school just sent out a calling post message to assure us that tomorrow is IN FACT, a play day!!  YESSSSS!!!!!


In honor of the snow, to fulfill today's part of my New Year's Resolution, I baked a loaf of yummy bread (because, after all, the SHELVES WERE BARE in most stores) and made little homemade hot chocolate mixes and took across the street to our neighbors that we haven't met yet!  Jimmy and Carrol are a nice family with a couple of teenage kids.  I hope if it snows a lot tonight, we will play with them in the snow tomorrow and begin to build a relationship.




I did a little research on snow. . . I learned how snow is formed - do you know that sometimes it starts as dust. . and as the dust goes through different temperature changes in the atmosphere, condensation happens and those particles of condensation freeze and add to each other, that's how the flakes are formed. . . every flake is it's own shape. . . varying from every other snowflake to fall - some may look similar but it's impossible for one condensation mass to look exactly like any other condensation mass. . . . As the snowflake hits the Earth's atmosphere, melting and refreezing takes place causing many intricate shapes and patterns - Even after the snow reaches the ground, it continues to change shape as it melts and melds with the other snowflakes until the temperature reaches the magic 33 degrees and it melts back into the ground






As I read that entire article on "How does snow form" found here. .I thought how MUCH LIKE snowflakes we are. .. Perfectly and intricately formed by a creative Father. . . not like any other flake. . perfectly unique and beautiful. . . always molding until we are put back into the Earth by the one who made us....I pray that as I "meld with other snowflakes" I am making them more beautiful, delightful, glorifying. . . not the opposite.  


Isaiah 1:18-19

Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord. 
Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; 
though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool.
If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land;

January 8, 2011

What Do I know of Holy

What Do I Know of Holy?

I love that this video lets you look at the words as you see Christ's creation. . . . I'm so. . . . utterly. . . . disgraceful. .. and the Creator of the Universe calls me friend.....WHAT IN THE WORLD DO I KNOW OF HOLY?  This makes me smile and yet a tear drops from my cheek as I ponder this. . . . I can't fathom. . .wrap my brain around the Judge of the World being my most intimate and loving friend.....despite - well, despite myself

.

So. . . have you ever heard anybody say "girl, you got issues" b/c you like to:

Have Stamps on envelopes in exactly the same distance from both sides of the corner.
prefer things in pairs 
rotate the rounds in your magazines so they all get cycled through the slide/extractor and all have the same exposure to air (oxidation)
Have all your pay stubs organized by date and separated between direct deposit and non-dd.
Know every light on your route to and from work and can actually drive from your house to work without ever getting stopped at a red light. 

Well - what is an Issue?  I have found through Recovery ministry that "issues" are just idols. . . Things that we put in front of God - or things that we focus on more than God.  

My BSF lesson says that "(a thing) that is worshiped is thought about constantly, spoken of continually, with ever attribute examined and praised toward deeper understanding and the closes possible relationship.  .. . but only the Creator God, good and perfect in every characteristic must be worshiped.  

I challenge you to think about your "issue" and examine it's "idol-ness" in your life and pray that God will help you only worship Him - because. . . . what do we really know of Holy?

AND MY GIVEAWAY - Yesterday, I bought dinner at Longhorn for some sweet friends - they were on a date and were trying to stay w/i a Gift Card limit. . . I Just bought it for them and let them keep their gift card for next time :)  

Today - I am giving away my time - I'm watching a friends little girl all day so she can have some time to do things she needs!!!




AND CONGRATS TO HEATHER< TERI< JILL< JENNIFER AND CARMEN - I'm making you something fabulous in the next couple weeks. . . I'm thinking something to do with knitting. .  but I"m going to think about it :)

January 7, 2011

What's in a name?

I have a lot I want to say today.. . but I hear the sound of "I want out" by an extremely cute 2 year old who still sleeps in a pack n' play b/c I am entirely too lazy to fight with him every sleep time about staying in his big boy bed. . . .

All that to say that the name of my blog "controlled chaos" is a revealing insight into my life - especially today!  First, I am getting dressed and taking the big girl to school - leaving straight from there to go couponing (I'll give you an update on how I did later) and then going to job #1 for 8 hours before going to job #2 for 6 or 7 hours. . . . Somewhere in there, I want to finish up my BSF lesson, eat breakfast and lunch in a somewhat healthy manner and call a couple folks I've wanted to catch up with!!!





But here is a quick thought:  Have you ever heard somebody say "girl, you have issues. .. "  What does that mean?  I live in a life full of people going through Recovery of some sort, and we always talk about "issues". . . . What does that mean?  Just a little hint:  I believe that God has revealed to me that every "issue" is just an idol. . . . . chew on that for today - I'll post more tomorrow!!!

My give away today:  NOT ENTIRELY SURE - I have a lot of running around to do - I'm thinking I'm going to pay for the car behind me when I run through Chick-Fil-A to get my free grilled chicken salad for lunch......Or maybe pay for the persons behind me groceries (if they don't have like $400.00 worth) -- If all else fails, I'm going to make something great for my peeps at work tonight!!!

LAST THING!! I saw this on somebody's Facebook and I replied but wanted to move the love to my blog - The first 5 people to leave a comment here are going to receive something handmade from me. .  please note:  note HOMEMADE but handmade - there is a difference!!!  I will have 3 months to finish it ... . if you live far, I'll ship!!  These will be my daily gifts for whenever I finish them!!

YAY - that's my day . . . . .a day of controlled chaos!

January 6, 2011

A Dilemma??

Is it seriously only 10:00 a.m. and when is nap-time?  I have been staying up entirely too late - I like to go to bed early - VERY early!  Working too many  nights at Longhorn gets my schedule confused. 


So, I am having a minor dilemma and could use your help!  Obviously, I have resolved to give something away everyday this year and I'm super excited about it. . . but here's the problem:  


Sometimes, what I'm giving away - I would have given away anyway even if it wasn't my resolution.  For example, tonight - I'm taking dinner to a sweet sweet friend of mine. . . she has hurt her back and is in bed for a week.  Well, I would have done that anyway - so, should I give something else away today?  And can time be something that I give away?  For instance, in a couple weeks, I intend to do a "couponing" class for my friends at work - does that count as giving something away?   I need more defined rules for this resolution. . or do I?  


Why am I so compulsive?!?!  UGH - I have issues (another blog on that later)


Back to what I'm giving away today - Yummy Southwestern Beef and Bean Burgers


Ingredients

  • 12 ounce(s) 93%-lean ground beef
  • 1 cup(s) refried beans
  • 1/2 cup(s) chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon(s) chopped pickled jalapenos
  • 1  avocado
  • 1/2 cup(s) prepared salsa
  • 1/8 teaspoon(s) garlic powder
  • 4  whole-wheat tortillas
  • 2 cup(s) shredded romaine lettuce
  • 1/2 cup(s) shredded pepper Jack cheese
  • 1  lime

Directions
  1. Position oven rack in upper third of oven; preheat broiler. Coat a broiler pan with cooking spray
  2. Gently combine ground beef, beans, cilantro and jalapenos in a medium bowl (do not overmix). Shape into four 5-by-2-inch oblong patties and place on the prepared pan.
  3. Broil the patties until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 165 degrees F, 12 to 14 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, mash together avocado, salsa and garlic powder in a small bowl.
  5. Place tortillas on a clean work surface. Spread each with the guacamole, then sprinkle with lettuce and cheese. Top each with a burger and roll into a wrap. Serve immediately, with lime wedges.


Oh - and I'm keeping some for myself too!!

January 5, 2011

New Year's Resolution. . ...

Ok, so here is my story!  I started this blog in October. .  with huge intentions!  One day around mid-November...I was going to make a post and I'm so technologically advanced, I couldn't even FIND my blog!!  That's how awesome I am!  So I was going to make ANOTHER blog and when I used my google sign in - FOUND this one!!  SO HOPEFULLY, from here on out - I can keep up with this thing!


I'm new to blogging - I don't know how or even why, but I do know I'm addicted to a few blogs and I hope I'm cool enough that you'll be addicted to mine but MOSTLY that you'll be addicted to my New Year's Resolution. 

Now don't go thinking I'm a super - genius. . I stole this resolution from a friend of mine. . . she is much more . . . well EVERYTHING than I am!  She's more compassionate, loving, tender, sweet and gentle than I am and she also loves Jesus more than me, I'm sure!  But I caught her vision, and as I prayed for a REALLY great resolution that wasn't so SELF absorbed (eg. losing weight, more this more that bla bla bla), I just kept coming back to hers!



GIVE SOMETHING AWAY EVERYDAY FOR A YEAR!!!!


Not a mistake - that's the resolution!  


Right now, I'm super excited about it - I am thinking, conjuring, planning. . . I wonder if I'll be this excited come June....I hope so but if I'm not excited - I hope I at least keep the commitment!  Only through the love of Christ can I do it!


So - I didn't start until Monday which was the 3rd but here's what I have so far:


Monday - took about 25-30 clipped Chick-Fil-A coupons to work and gave them to my friends there - you don't have to buy anything to use the coupons


Tuesday - Gave away supper (that I cooked) at our church's Celebrate Recovery ministry


Today - Giving a bag of groceries to a lady on Freecycle who listed that she didn't have any food!


I pray that this isn't about ME at all but about those friends I'll make this year and bless!!!