2012 Year In Review

     2012 will be one for the books in just a few short hours. It has definitely been a year for me! Here are some of the highlights:

• Car trouble, lots of car trouble. I pretty much have a new car under the hood, lol.
• My first and hopefully last kidney stone. Who knew something so tiny could be so painful?
• Spring trip to Nashville with the girls
• Started this blog! 
• Brought my total weight loss to 67 pounds! Never thought that would be possible.
• My brother got married!
• My friend, Christy, got married too!
• Summer trip to New Orleans
• Attended my first ASHA Convention and heard Maya Angelou and Gabby Giffords speak.
• Fall trip to Atlanta
• Loss of my last living grandparent, Pawpaw Red
• My dad's sickness/hospitalization two times. Thankfully he is recovering.
• Lots of time with family and friends during Christmas!

     Along with all the things I listed, this year is filled with countless memories of laughter and tears, thrills and disappointments, joys and heartaches. Many things I will never forget have happened this year. My faith has grown and God has changed me in so many ways. I am thankful for all that He has done this year. I look forward to what He will do in 2013! Happy New Year!!!

The Lord has done great things for us. And we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:3

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. Romans 8:28

Christmas 2012 in Pictures!

Christmas Tree, 2012 Version, Candace Style!

     I think my Christmas tree looks a little different each year. This year, I decided to use colored lights instead of white lights. I also randomly placed those red stems at the top with the star. I think the 2012 version is fun! And, I totally did not pose Effie in this picture. She did that all by herself! :)

Current Events!

     Last weekend, my friend Lauren and I went to a local Christmas parade. It was unusually warm for this time of year and I got a slight sunburn! It was nice being outside on such a pretty day and we got to see a few fun floats before we left early for lunch!

I love to hear the bands play in a parade!
And the Grinch was my favorite!

     This weekend, Becky, Elizabeth, and I were able to go to a local "Christmas lights extravaganza." I've never seen so many inflatables or lights in one place. We had a great time!

We found Frosty!

Christmas Fun!
Please notice Santa is in the outhouse. So random!!

Thankful Thursdays---Laughter and Tears

     I really have so much to be thankful for! I wasn't really sure what I wanted to write about tonight, but it just dawned on me: laughter and tears. I know, I know laughter is a given. It is fun-everyone loves it! Laughter is good for the soul! But tears? Who is ever thankful for tears? God has taught me that He is with me during hard times that causes the hurt and tears. He understands pain and He teaches me in ways I can never fully understand or imagine. Sometimes He allows hard things to happen so we can get to know Him in ways we never would have otherwise. So that is why I am thankful for tears. Because I get to trust in and grow closer to my Savior. {I would like to note that this is not easy at all and I'm not good at it, but He continually helps me with it.} He is completely worth getting to know, even in the hard times! Laughter is fun but God uses tears to develop our relationship with Him. That is so amazing to me. I am thankful for both. 

Thankful Thursdays---Happy Thanksgiving!!!

     Happy Thanksgiving!!!

     Today, I am very thankful that my Daddy was released from the hospital! He has been there all week and I know he is glad to be home. I am glad to have them back too! I am also thankful for my family. I love them very much and look forward to our postponed turkey day on Saturday! Maybe by then our famous chef (Daddy) will feel more up to cooking and eating. Blessings to all!!!

ASHA 2012: Evidence of Excellence

     Last week, my friend Becky and I had the opportunity to attend the annual American Speech-Language Hearing Association Convention. This year it was located in Atlanta, Georgia at the Georgia World Congress Center. The theme was Evidence of Excellence. Thursday morning's opening ceremony featured Maya Angelou as the keynote speaker. She recited several of her poems and told stories of her childhood. She was very positive and inspiring. The rest of the activities included attending several sessions of our choosing to earn continuing education units. I attended sessions relating to autism, pediatric voice therapy, vocabulary building, dysphagia, etc. I really enjoyed most of the sessions and learned several new ideas I look forward to implementing in my therapy sessions! 
     On Friday evening, the main event was the presentation of the Annie Glenn Award to congresswoman Gabby Giffords. I heard John Glenn, Annie Glenn, Mark Kelly, and Gabby Giffords speak. It was very inspiring and touching to hear their stories and words of encouragement to us as speech-language pathologists. Annie Glenn had difficulty with stuttering her entire life. This affected her life in every way. Her husband stated that she could not even make a phone call or read to her children. She received intensive therapy at Hollins University. Her husband said she called him for the first time and that for the first time ever he heard her say more than four words without stuttering. They then introduced Gabby Giffords who was able to walk on stage with assistance from her husband. She said, "People with aphasia get better. I'm getting better." It was a very touching moment. I think we all walked out  feeling validated in our chosen profession.
     I really enjoyed going to the convention. It was fun and exhausting at the same time, ha. The Congress Center is huge and we traversed it back and forth for two and a half days! It was an excellent opportunity for continued learning and networking with other SLPs. There were so many people there from all over the U.S. and it was interesting to talk to them. I look forward to attending future ASHA Conventions!

Peace Up A-Town!

Maya Angelou

How much fun is the Super Duper Store??? A SLP's dream ha!

Very pretty building downtown

I forgot to mention that we got to meet my cousin Melody for dinner at Mary Mac's Tea Room! So fun and delicious!

Good times

Evidence of Excellence :)

Thankful Thursdays---Effie

     I am very thankful for my little dog, Effie! She is a sweetheart. I never thought a four-legged animal could be such a wonderful companion! She makes me laugh and gives me someone to talk to even though she doesn't talk back. {Well, she does in a sense. She barks back when I get on to her, lol.} She has her own fun personality and does some funny things. She makes me happy and things aren't quite the same when she is gone. She also helped me become more outgoing and is a fabulous walking partner! There's no telling how many miles we have walked together. I was very hesitant to get her at first but I am soooooo glad I did! If you are on the fence about whether or not to get a dog, just go ahead and take the plunge and get one. You won't regret it!

Hardships of the Single Girl

     Two posts in one day? Wasn't in my plan for today, but neither was my having my car break down. Yes, that's right. The car is kaput. For now at least. And let me just say, there is nothing more frustrating and hard for a single girl than having car problems. It's hard not having someone to depend on to help. Someone who will fix the problem or help you get the problem fixed. Of course there are people who can help, but sometimes that feels like such an inconvenience. It's times like this that a single girl wants a special guy in her life that will come to her assistance. It wouldn't feel like asking for an inconvenience then. It would just be getting help from the person who wants to take care of you and help you no matter what. At least that's the way I imagine it would be. As for now, I don't have that. So, when I have car trouble, I feel helpless. When I'm in the middle of it I have these thoughts and feel this way. In the end, I know I will be ok and it will work out. God has taken care of me every time I have been in these situations. I may not have received help from that special someone, but He has provided people to help me when I needed it. 

Thankful Thursdays---Friends

     I am so thankful for all my friends, past and present! Since the time I was a little girl, I have always had a hard time making friends. I used to be extremely shy. Some would probably say that I still am, but believe me, I have come a loooooong way! Honestly, I'm just really quiet until I get to know people a little. Once that happens, it is hard to get me to stop talking, lol :)
      Anyway, God has certainly blessed me with friends in each of the stages of my life. When I graduated from high school, I started working while I went to a community college. I became friends with my coworkers. They taught me how to be silly and have fun (and still work hard at the same time) We literally had a party every chance we got. But, after two years, it was time for me to move on to a four year college.
      When I moved out own my own, I was still working and going to school. I didn't really know anyone in this new town and I really needed some friends. So, I prayed for God to send me some. He answered my prayers! A few girls from church reached out to me and took me in so to speak. I also became friends with another girl that was in my American Sign Language class. I loved hanging out with these girls and was truly thankful that I had people to enjoy college life with. As time went on, my friends from church got married and busy with life and my other friendship dissolved.
     Once again, I really needed some friends in my life. Well, God came through again! One of the married girls had a friend move to town and we became best friends. We were able to "build" a group of 6 friends for our grad school years. To say we had a lot of fun and trying times together would be an understatement! 
     After college, I moved to my current location where I have extended family nearby but didn't really know anyone else in the area. After two long, lonely years of not knowing anyone here, I decided to get my dog, Effie. Last year was such a fun year! I got to meet tons of people at my apartment just because I had Effie as an icebreaker. Some of those people I will truly never forget. So, I got used to talking to strangers and inadvertently became more outgoing. This was the reason I was able to meet my current group of SLP friends. Seriously. Through a couple of connections, I was able to introduce myself to a couple of these girls. Before, I probably would have been uncomfortable doing that.
     It is truly amazing how God works! The other day I was thinking about all of this and something dawned on me.....One of those friends from college was the connection to my best friend now who was the connection to one of my SLP friends here who introduced me to the other girls here. Whew! That was a mouthful!!! I know this was confusing and vague without naming people but I hope this post makes at least a little sense. Basically, I am thankful for all my friends, past and present! There have definitely been lots of fun times and a few heartbreaking times through these relationships, but God has used each of these friendships to provide for me, teach me, challenge me, and encourage me. The way He works simply amazes me! 

Thankful Thursdays---Lessons from Little Ones

     During the month of November, I thought it would be fun to reflect on what I'm thankful for. Today, I am thankful for all the sweet children at the school where I work. Rarely does a day go by that I don't hear a "Hey, Ms. Candace!", get a random hug, or see someone waving at me from the bus. These things may seem insignificant, but it really makes me feel special and loved. And, I don't always know the children who do these things. I think that is what catches me off guard, because I know I've done nothing to deserve that child's love. Just today, I was in a classroom while the children were lining up to go somewhere. One sweet girl left the line, came to me, and gave me a hug. Did I know who she was? No.  Did I deserve it? No. Did she have to do that? No. But as I am writing this, I am realizing something. The same is true of Jesus! I've done absolutely nothing to deserve His love. He left heaven, came to this world, and gave His life. Did I know who He was? No. Did I deserve it? No. Did He have to do that? No. But He did all of it anyway because He loves me and He loves you. We can have a relationship with Him even though we don't deserve it. He offers us freely this blessing. He wants us to accept Him and love Him. I couldn't be more amazed right now! I never expected to get a picture of God's love for me from a simple hug from a child. But that is just how God works. He does big things in the seemingly small. I'm thankful for those precious children and the lessons that God teaches me through them. I hope He uses me to be a good influence on them and make a difference in their lives. 

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from Little Ladybug Effie! :)

Happy Fall!!!

     It seems as though I'm at a loss for words these days. So, I thought I would post this picture. Happy Fall!!!

Update!

     Well, today is the day to give an update on my weight loss goal. Honesty is the best policy, right? Unfortunately, no weight loss was achieved this month. :( But, I am not giving up! These things take time. Some good news is my doctor was pleased with my overall weight loss and the fact that I have maintained it. Also, my friend Elizabeth and I have been running! This has been very challenging for both of us, but I think it  is worth it. I also decided to get hardcore about counting calories again today. (which is soooo not fun) I will reach my goal!  

Believe, Trust, Expect, Wait

     The Lord knows my heart and wants me to place my desires before Him and believe He will accomplish His will. These verses from His Word are very precious and I wanted to share them. 

[What, what would have become of me] had I not believed that I would see the Lord's goodness in the land of the living! Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord. Psalm 27:13-14 AMP

Unto You, O Lord, do I bring my life. O my God, I trust, lean on, rely on, and am confident in you. Let me not be put to shame or [my hope in You] be disappointed; let not my enemies triumph over me. Yes, let none who trust and wait hopefully and look for You be put to shame or be disappointed; Psalm 25:1-3a AMP

Lord, all my desire is before You; And my sighing is not hidden from You. Psalm 38:9 NKJV

But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing. Psalm 34:10b NKJV

     I truly believe a relationship with Jesus is the most important thing ever. He is my Savior, Friend, Counselor, and so much more! By giving Him my heart's desires and depending on Him for them, I get the greatest blessing of knowing Him more. Even if He doesn't give me anything else in my life, I still get to have the amazing privilege of personally knowing Him. He is teaching me so many things that I can't fully understand or describe. All I know is He wants me to believe Him, trust Him, expect Him, and wait on Him. And to do that I must seek Him. His word says when I do that, I won't lack any good thing. And that is proving so true, because I can get closer to Jesus, and He is certainly GOOD!

Finishing What I Started

     Around two years ago, I started my weight loss journey. I set a very high goal to lose X amount of pounds. I have lost two-thirds of my goal. I never dreamed I would actually come this far! I feel wonderful. But I really need to finish what I started. I can't quit now! I have to give it 100% effort and achieve my goal. I know I am going to have to work extremely hard to reach my goal. I decided I needed some motivation. So, I created colorful inspirational quotes to place around my apartment so when I see them I am reminded to exercise wholeheartedly, eat healthily, and most importantly to not give up!!! I also found a couple of fun ideas on Pinterest. The first one is a visual reminder of the pounds I have lost and the pounds I need to lose {glass stones in vases}. The second one is a binder with tips, recipes, workout ideas, notes of when I make good decisions, and weekly progress. My blog will also be motivation because I will come back in one month to record my progress.
     As I am writing this I am also watching The Miracle Worker which is a movie about Anne Sullivan teaching Helen Keller who was deaf and blind. She never gave up and all of her hard work and perseverance paid off when Helen finally understood her first word. I know that was a completely different situation than the one I am in, but that same perseverance can be applied to my weight loss efforts. Hard work pays off.....So, here I go! Wish me luck!!!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fu-un!

     My friends had the fabulous idea to have a "spa" day this weekend. Not actually go to a spa, but a DIY spa! So, we gathered at Elizabeth's house for a fun, relaxing afternoon. First, Becky and Elizabeth enjoyed pedicures. After that we took turns doing each other's hair and makeup. Then, we went to dinner and continued to enjoy the night. Our night included lots of laughter. Nothing like a fun day with your girls!

Beautiful Nature

     Recently on my walks with Effie, I have been noticing a lot of beautiful flowers, plants, and wildlife that surrounds me. All these beautiful flowers that are just growing randomly in the wild amazes me. God is so good and incredibly creative! Here are some pictures that I have been taking. 

Disclaimer: Pictures do not accurately capture the beauty that I see in person.

Effie loves going for a walk!

Looking up-nice view!

Cattails

These are really funny looking!  

Hard to see but there are purple flowers on this vine.

Really pretty

Beautiful butterfly! I think it is a Viceroy.

Basking in the sun! 

Such unique and interesting leaves!

These are everywhere

Yellow beauties!

Another fluttering butterfly

EEK! Pretty sure this little guy was dead, but I certainly
didn't get too close to find out for sure!

This is a Maypop or purple passion flower.
So pretty and unique!!!

I used to pick these at my grandmother's house.
They grow from these little green balls that kind of look like a lime.
If you look hard enough you may be able to see one in this pic.

Busy little bee

Morning Glories!

Hello, Sunshine!

Mr. Moth relaxing

Lord, you are great and powerful.

    Glory, majesty and beauty belong to you.

    Everything in heaven and on earth belongs to you.

Lord, the kingdom belongs to you.

    You are honored as the One who rules over all.

1 Chronicles 29:11