Below is a great article. I take it a step or 2 farther by using a notebook for each divided section. I buy the 1/2" binders for 99 cents. I have also converted my business to binders as well. I have a contract binder, contacts/past customer binder, current business binder, and etc. I divide the past contacts by month so I can send birthday cards every year. Everything get is own binder. No more filing cabinets or file folders.
The Household Notebook - Explained
by Nicole Humphrey More from this Blogger
24 Jul 2006 01:01 PM
Having a household notebook can be a blessing. It's an easy way to keep everything in place and find what you need when you need it. It also saves time and money, and as we all know, saving time seriously does save money in the long run.
A household notebook is what you make it, however it's an organizer for the entire family, sort of a command center for the entire family, if you will. I will explain how I put mine together and how it works for my family. You will need to customize your's to fit yours and your families needs.
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The process is very easy to get started. The very first thing you need to do is decide that types of categories you want in your notebook. You will need to evaluate what you are going to be storing in the notebook and what types of information you need or want available all the time.
My personal categories are as follows:
Calendar
a monthly calendar for each month with everyones activities written
Family
My Family section contains the following information:
a personal information page for each of my family members
a recent photo of each member of the household
a master list of birthdays, anniversaries, deaths and other occasions
a magazine subscription list with phone and account numbers and renewal information
a master list of our DVD's and movies, as well as CD's and software
our library card numbers and information for the library's website
a master list of gifts that we have in our gift cupboard for last minute birthdays
a clothing size chart
Home Management
My Home Management section contains the following information:
a stain removal guide
the names and address' of our utilities
recycling and clothing drop off locations
our household inventory
our household storage inventory
children's chore chart
Meals
My Meals Section contains the following:
a favorites recipe sheet
a master grocery shopping list
a price book sheet for finding the best deals at which stores
a place to hold coupons
a menu planner
a freezer inventory
a well stocked pantry inventory list
School
My School section contains the following:
a school information page
a 2006-2007 (or current school year) calender
class rosters
classroom schedules
lunch menu and schedules
field trip notices
important dates
extra book report forms
reading lists
phone numbers and email address' for teachers
Phone Numbers
My Phone Numbers section contains the following:
take-out/delivery phone numbers
emergency phone numbers
an address book with friends and family
a frequently called number list
the school buzz book
a babysitters needed numbers sheet
Financial
The Financial section contains the following:
my personal budget record
checking account statements
bills to pay
a list of our credit cards and how to contact them
insurance information
warranties
car records
Legal
My Legal section contains the following:
contracts
agreements
legal forms
legal papers
my lawyers information
Health
My Health section contains the following:
medical information sheet for each family member
medical authorization forms for each family member
an up to date immunization sheet for each family member
first aid kit checklist
a how-to card for CPR
prescription drug record
insurance information
contact and eye glass prescriptions
Holidays
My Holidays section contains the following:
a holiday planner
a countdown to Christmas planner that starts about six weeks prior
a master Christmas card list
a gift idea list
a catalog and website ordering tracker sheet
a holiday decoration inventory
an ornament inventory including where it was purchased and when
a holiday menu planner with recipes
a holiday shopping checklist
Pets
My Pet section contains the following:
pet information sheet
veterinarian records
shot records
a recent photograph of each pet
Miscellaneous
My Miscellaneous section contains the following:
yard sale checklist
wish lists for various things
things to pack for a camping trip, vacation, etc.
anything else I don't have a section for
Employment
everything having to do with my home business
resume's
a few current paycheck stubs
an employee handbook, etc.
Watch for the next article for a deeper explanation of these categories and what they contain.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Home of Hope for Human Trafficking in Texas
This is a cause I support. I have been to the property and they are still raising money to build the actual home for the victims. There is a home on the property that is big enough for the office, but no home for the victims yet.
http://www.homeofhopetexas.com/
This non-profit organization is trying to offer hope and new life to victims of human trafficking (slavery) in Texas! When victims are rescued they have no where to go and need help getting back on their feet again...home of hope is trying to create a safe place for them to go by providing a home, and loving people who will be there every step of the way and who will also share God with them. Believe it or not, even though it's such a huge issue growing bigger and bigger every year, there is still no place (like Home of Hope) to help with the after effects these victims are having to face. For those who didn't know: 2 million people are trafficked worldwide, 27 million people are enslaved around the world, and its a $9 billion dollar business. What does that have to do with you? Well...18,500 men, women, and children are trafficked into the U.S. each year and many for sexual exploitation. 20% are found in Texas. Houston is the human trafficking capital in the U.S. Just because you don't see it doesn't mean its not there. These slaves are kept in secret all around us. You can make a difference. Please help us by volunteering, donating money, or just by telling your friends about this.Help us build a home of hope for victims of human trafficking! If you would like to know more, or for ways you can help us, go to: http://www.homeofhopetexas.com/ or call 832-244-2214 and ask for Mark or Sandra
http://www.homeofhopetexas.com/
This non-profit organization is trying to offer hope and new life to victims of human trafficking (slavery) in Texas! When victims are rescued they have no where to go and need help getting back on their feet again...home of hope is trying to create a safe place for them to go by providing a home, and loving people who will be there every step of the way and who will also share God with them. Believe it or not, even though it's such a huge issue growing bigger and bigger every year, there is still no place (like Home of Hope) to help with the after effects these victims are having to face. For those who didn't know: 2 million people are trafficked worldwide, 27 million people are enslaved around the world, and its a $9 billion dollar business. What does that have to do with you? Well...18,500 men, women, and children are trafficked into the U.S. each year and many for sexual exploitation. 20% are found in Texas. Houston is the human trafficking capital in the U.S. Just because you don't see it doesn't mean its not there. These slaves are kept in secret all around us. You can make a difference. Please help us by volunteering, donating money, or just by telling your friends about this.Help us build a home of hope for victims of human trafficking! If you would like to know more, or for ways you can help us, go to: http://www.homeofhopetexas.com/ or call 832-244-2214 and ask for Mark or Sandra
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
My favorite teacher websites
Love the bulletin board activities
http://www.mrsjumpsclass.com/
Cheer Cards
http://www.drjean.org/html/monthly_act/act_2004/06_june/06_2004a.html
Love her Literacy Stations
http://www.msrossbec.com/literacy_index.html
http://www.mrsjumpsclass.com/
Cheer Cards
http://www.drjean.org/html/monthly_act/act_2004/06_june/06_2004a.html
Love her Literacy Stations
http://www.msrossbec.com/literacy_index.html
A great Author!
You may feel no one has it as bad as you have. You don't realize how badly Jesus was treated. He was innocent, a blameless lamb that was slain and took our debt! John Bevere
The fear of the Lord is to honor, esteem, value, respect, and reverence Him above anything or anyone else. John Bevere
If we see people as sources, then we will use them, especially when our wishes, needs, or desires are placed above their value. If we view people as ones who are created in the image of God and are extremely precious and valuble, then our motive will be to bless others, even when it appears to be at our own expense.
"Driven by Eternity" by John Bevere
The fear of the Lord is to honor, esteem, value, respect, and reverence Him above anything or anyone else. John Bevere
If we see people as sources, then we will use them, especially when our wishes, needs, or desires are placed above their value. If we view people as ones who are created in the image of God and are extremely precious and valuble, then our motive will be to bless others, even when it appears to be at our own expense.
"Driven by Eternity" by John Bevere
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Favorite teacher websites
1. http://www.drjean.org/html/monthly_act/act_2004/06_june/06_2004a.html
I use these cheer cards in my class to help the kids love me, school, and themselves. My favorites are "Kiss your heart", "Kiss your Brain" and "Give yourself a Star"
2. http://www.msrossbec.com
This First Grade teacher has great Literacy Centers to print out. Love it!
3. http://www.mrsjumpsclass.com
This is a beautiful site for Pre-K and Kinder teachers!
If any of these website addresses do not work just let me know.
I use these cheer cards in my class to help the kids love me, school, and themselves. My favorites are "Kiss your heart", "Kiss your Brain" and "Give yourself a Star"
2. http://www.msrossbec.com
This First Grade teacher has great Literacy Centers to print out. Love it!
3. http://www.mrsjumpsclass.com
This is a beautiful site for Pre-K and Kinder teachers!
If any of these website addresses do not work just let me know.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Application for Employment?
Application for Employment
Without regard to race, color, religion: John 3:15 Whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have eternal life. Matt 28:19-20
Position: The body of Christ 1 Cor. 12:12-31, Rom. 12:5-21
Eph. 4:11 Apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastors, teachers
Date of Application: 2 Cor. 6:2 Now is the accepted time
Name: 2 Cor 5:20 Ambassador, Eph. 2:10 His workmanship,
We all have one but ~ We will one day receive a new name that will be known only to us, like a "loving nick name" from our Savior. (Revelation 2:17) It requires that we overcome. We can't just ride along; we have a job to do. Prov. 31, Titus 2
Address:, the church we are in right now. Where are we in the body? Where we are right now ~ God will use us here whether "big" or "small" in the world's eyes. Today's success does not determine the value of our ministry
Phone: how to get a hold of you ~ Are you in touch with the Lord through the privilege of prayer? Are you reading His love notes to you in the Word?
Social Security: Home in Glory, Many mansions
Date Available: Full time, Part-time, weekends only
Have you been convicted of a felony? Conviction will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from employment. : Ps. 32:1 transgression is forgiven, sin covered, Matt. 3:2 repent for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand
Education: Heb. 5: 12-14 baby Christian, 1 Pet. 2:2 sincere milk of the word, that ye shall grow, Eph. 4: 13-14 Knowledge of the son of God...,Heb 6:1-3 doctrines
Employment History or Previous Job Description:
Previous job experience ~ God can use us if we've been cleansed and are available regardless of how adequate or inadequate we feel. Our past does not limit God's ability to accomplish His plan (Romans 8:28 & 29)
References ~ those who know us ~ Who are we rubbing shoulders with? Spiritually, are we under the influence of Godly men and women? (Hebrews 10:25 or Titus 2) Do we influence those around us who are not saved for the glory of God? Anticipated wages ~ By God's grace our wages will be no longer death but an eternity in heaven with rewards based on His standards, not the world's.
No need to be great at your job before you start. God's word does not return void. The bible is our on the job training or job description.
Without regard to race, color, religion: John 3:15 Whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have eternal life. Matt 28:19-20
Position: The body of Christ 1 Cor. 12:12-31, Rom. 12:5-21
Eph. 4:11 Apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastors, teachers
Date of Application: 2 Cor. 6:2 Now is the accepted time
Name: 2 Cor 5:20 Ambassador, Eph. 2:10 His workmanship,
We all have one but ~ We will one day receive a new name that will be known only to us, like a "loving nick name" from our Savior. (Revelation 2:17) It requires that we overcome. We can't just ride along; we have a job to do. Prov. 31, Titus 2
Address:, the church we are in right now. Where are we in the body? Where we are right now ~ God will use us here whether "big" or "small" in the world's eyes. Today's success does not determine the value of our ministry
Phone: how to get a hold of you ~ Are you in touch with the Lord through the privilege of prayer? Are you reading His love notes to you in the Word?
Social Security: Home in Glory, Many mansions
Date Available: Full time, Part-time, weekends only
Have you been convicted of a felony? Conviction will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from employment. : Ps. 32:1 transgression is forgiven, sin covered, Matt. 3:2 repent for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand
Education: Heb. 5: 12-14 baby Christian, 1 Pet. 2:2 sincere milk of the word, that ye shall grow, Eph. 4: 13-14 Knowledge of the son of God...,Heb 6:1-3 doctrines
Employment History or Previous Job Description:
Previous job experience ~ God can use us if we've been cleansed and are available regardless of how adequate or inadequate we feel. Our past does not limit God's ability to accomplish His plan (Romans 8:28 & 29)
References ~ those who know us ~ Who are we rubbing shoulders with? Spiritually, are we under the influence of Godly men and women? (Hebrews 10:25 or Titus 2) Do we influence those around us who are not saved for the glory of God? Anticipated wages ~ By God's grace our wages will be no longer death but an eternity in heaven with rewards based on His standards, not the world's.
No need to be great at your job before you start. God's word does not return void. The bible is our on the job training or job description.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Something from my favorite Author
Quotes from one of Emilie Barnes Books:
It's not the tea that makes teatime special. It's what happens when women make a place in their life for the rituals of sharing.
It's what happens when we bother with the little extra that feed the soul and nurture the senses and make space for unhurried conversation.
You can use a Styrofoam cup and heat up water in the microwave, then you can plunk in your teabag or stir in some instant tea and gulp it down. You really can do that if you prefer, but I hope you won't. You will get your tea, but you'll miss one of tea's most beautiful benefits ---- the blessing of slowing down to enjoy it. You will lose the opportunity to stake out an island of calm serenity in chaotic ocean of daily life.
It's not the tea that makes teatime special. It's what happens when women make a place in their life for the rituals of sharing.
It's what happens when we bother with the little extra that feed the soul and nurture the senses and make space for unhurried conversation.
You can use a Styrofoam cup and heat up water in the microwave, then you can plunk in your teabag or stir in some instant tea and gulp it down. You really can do that if you prefer, but I hope you won't. You will get your tea, but you'll miss one of tea's most beautiful benefits ---- the blessing of slowing down to enjoy it. You will lose the opportunity to stake out an island of calm serenity in chaotic ocean of daily life.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Tea Lord?
Waiting for the water to boil to make that perfect cup of tea is like waiting on the Lord.
Tea takes time.
Hearing from the Lord takes time.
We can not rush a good pot of tea.
We can not rush God. His time is not our time.
While we wait for the tea water to boil we can prepare a lovely tea tray or enjoy some quiet time.
While we wait on the Lord we can prepare our hearts to receive from the Lord by listening to our favorite praise and worship music or enjoy quiet time in prayer.
Waiting for the water to turn it's fragrant amber is like waiting for the Holy Spirit to change our heart toward Him.
Enjoying a cup of tea doesn't take that much time. It's an island of calm we can reasonably visit in the course of your busiest day.
Time in Prayer takes so little time when you think about how your day would go without pray. Prayer is an island of calm in the midst of our busiest and chaotic of days.
We can not have a tea break until we slow down and enjoy it.
We can not taste and see that God is good without slowing down and making time to enjoy it.
Once we make the decision to adjust your pace, you can relax and enjoy the journey!
This devotion was written while reading a book by Emilie Barnes on July 23rd 2008 during hurricane Dolly. Some of the words about tea were taken from her book.
Tea takes time.
Hearing from the Lord takes time.
We can not rush a good pot of tea.
We can not rush God. His time is not our time.
While we wait for the tea water to boil we can prepare a lovely tea tray or enjoy some quiet time.
While we wait on the Lord we can prepare our hearts to receive from the Lord by listening to our favorite praise and worship music or enjoy quiet time in prayer.
Waiting for the water to turn it's fragrant amber is like waiting for the Holy Spirit to change our heart toward Him.
Enjoying a cup of tea doesn't take that much time. It's an island of calm we can reasonably visit in the course of your busiest day.
Time in Prayer takes so little time when you think about how your day would go without pray. Prayer is an island of calm in the midst of our busiest and chaotic of days.
We can not have a tea break until we slow down and enjoy it.
We can not taste and see that God is good without slowing down and making time to enjoy it.
Once we make the decision to adjust your pace, you can relax and enjoy the journey!
This devotion was written while reading a book by Emilie Barnes on July 23rd 2008 during hurricane Dolly. Some of the words about tea were taken from her book.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
I started out a pretty happy child raised in a Christian home and then a preacher’s kid. Then I became a bitter teenager. My 80’s theme songs were “We’re not gona take it” by Twisted Sister and What’s Love Got to Do with It” by Tina Turner. I would say I hated people because I thought they were all hypocrites. I was a shy insecure teen that was really saying “Nobody loves me” and I was out to prove it. I was loved, but as an insecure teen you only see the negatives. Now I was still what they call a goody goody up until college when I made some bad choices. In college I was still very shy and insecure so the only time I could talk to people was after I had a few drinks, but then on Monday I would not talk to the same people I just talked to over the weekend. My next theme song became “I was looking for love in all the wrong places and looking for love in all the wrong faces” by Glen Campbell. Mom kicked me out of the house so I moved in with a cousin and then moved to Louisiana to live with an Aunt and Uncle there.
I had joined a gym and was working out when this guy came up to me and started talking to me. He eventually invited me to church and the sermon was one that I knew I was not living the way I was raised and I needed God’s help. I had run to God so many times, but this was different. I was in a new place without the old influences that I missed so much. I learned that I was a whole person and that I did not need a friend or boy friend to complete me. I had not heard that before and that was a revelation to me. I finally did come back to Baytown, but this time I really was different. I was different, but not perfect. I still made some bad choices, but I was able to come back from it and not just give up.
A friend from church invited me to go to college with her. We packed up and moved to Waxachie, Texas to go to Southwestern Assembly of God College. We moved in and then she decided this was not for her and she was going to move back to Baytown and marry her boyfriend instead. I now was all alone with a bunch of strangers. I had no choice but to grow up and depend on God now for all my needs. The things you learn in kindergarten still apply in college life in the dorms; how to cooperate and to share. I also learned how to tithe and how to have a closer relationship with the Lord. I met a lot of wonderful people in college, but I was still shy and insecure. I had to work my way through college so it did not allow me to really get to know everyone. I enjoyed Christian college and met my husband there. We got married after dating only 8 months. I started Jan 86 and received my MRS degree during spring break March 10, 1990.
Doug and I had the typical marriage where if we fought we could go weeks without talking to each other. Sometimes we could not even remember why we were not talking. I read all the marriage books and things went along as most marriages do the first two years of newlywed bliss. Date night was 5 burgers with 5 fries for $5 at short stop. That was our fancy dates. When we were really on a budget we went to the store around the corner for 25 cent ice cream sandwiches. We ate tuna fish sandwiches and Ramón soups all week then we would go to Doug’s mom’s house to eat on Sundays after church. Doug was still in school and working nights. We were broke but we were in love.
Two years into our marriage we figured it was time to start a family. This is when the true love test really began.We did the pregnancy test and it was positive. We began to tell everyone and then I miscarried. That hurt my heart and my pride. I just sat in the bathtub and cried and kept thinking about now I have to go and tell everyone never mind. This happened twice and then finally after 3 years of trying I was pregnant. I was teaching Early Childhood and had 23 students and a teacher's aide. It was a very difficult class. I was starting to have a lot of pain, but I was so naive that I thought it was normal. I bought a back massager thinking that would help. I started walking around the playground while the kids were playing. I went to get a massage, but they could not do that while I was pregnant so I got a pedicure instead. Nothing helped. Then my stomach started hardening up painfully all night then I would get some relief and it would start again around noon. Now that I look back these were early contractions that were lasting hours at a time. I was going to my regular checkups and they never found anything abnormal and I do not remember telling them anything significant, because again I just thought pregnancy was unpleasant.
Finally it came time for the sonogram. We were going to find out if it was going to be a girl or a boy? Well that was when we found out things were not normal. The Doctor sat us down and told us the baby had hydrops and some babies have survived. Some have survived? We knew that was not good news. We were then sent to Galveston, Texas where we were treated by doctors and students. The first blessing in this story was the night before we were to check into the hospital God gave me a dream. I was able to tell my baby I loved him and he told me he loved me. The second blessing was in the hospital. The song that was popular at the time was “you gotta be bad you gotta be bold you gotta be wiser you gotta be hard you gotta be tough you gotta be stronger you gotta be cool you gotta be calm you gotta stay together all I know all I know love will save the day” by Des’ree. That was not a Christian song, but every time I had to go have a test or procedure done that song would be playing. To make an unpleasant story short; things did not turn out good. I had an emergency c-section and an hour after our baby boy was born he died. We were devastated we had the perfect name picked out and the perfect bedding and room decorations. We now had to make some unpleasant decisions like do we give him the name that we picked out or a different name? autopsies, donations for research, funeral arrangements the horror went on and on.I then started the questions we all ask. Why? Is there really a God? Did I have faith or was it denial? How am I going to live through this? Whose fault is it? Is it the Doctors fault or was it my fault? Is it because we didn’t have enough faith? Is it because Doug sometimes did not tithe? This questions and the grieving process took 7 years. I was numb to the presence of the Lord.
During this time I had 2 more miscarriages. Thank God for a great church. I had awesome Godly support even though my attitude was not always the best.A year after my last miscarriage, 6 years after we started trying to have children and 8 years after we were married I finally had Tiffany. We later became pregnant again and the fear of losing another child had returned like a vengeance. I went to a women’s conference in Houston with my church ladies group and I was afraid that when I was tired I was going to lose the baby and if I drank anything with caffeine I would lose the baby. I decided I could not live that way so I prayed and told God after this next sonogram and check up I refuse to live in fear. At the doctor's office I found out we were having a boy and that all was well with the pregnancy and God took away all my fear. That was such a blessing.
Now remember during this time I was numb to God and could not feel his presence so I use to pray for that to return. The Lord told me that I really was angry with him and truthfully I knew I was, because I hated the song “I’m desperate for you”. I hated that song even though I chose to love God. God also, through a retreat speaker, told me to stop seeking the experience or relationship with him that I had lost when Travis died, but to seek a bigger and better experience or relationship than I had ever had before. 'Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, 1 will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?' Isaiah 43:18-19Here are a few other things God taught me. God is God. We live for him. We live to serve him and worship him. He does not live to serve us and worship us. We live in a fallen world. The rain falls on the just and the unjust. Faith is trusting God in the good times and the bad times. If life was going to be perfect we would not need God. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10 The devil is testing our faith in God to see how far he can push us until we turn our backs on God. The devil is out to destroy us not just make our lives uncomfortable. God does not see death the way we do. In heaven death on earth is life in Heaven. God has no reason to be sad, because he knows the plans he has for us. 'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11. It is okay to be sad and to grieve; that is how God created us, but we also must choose to trust him. I did a lot of praying Lord help my unbelief. “And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief”. Mark 9:24 and Lord I receive the life you have for me by faith. By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. Hebrews 11:8. I started worshiping him for who he was not for what he can or will do for me. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. Psalm 118:1 Here are just some of my blessings since then. Doug and I have the greatest marriage. We know we can get through anything together. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Ephesians 4:26. Yes we still have disagreements, but we never let it get in the way of our love and respect for each other. I have 2 wonderful but sometimes challenging children. The only debt I have is our house payment and Doug’s school loan. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Luke 12:31 Key word: the kingdom of God; it is all about God and his Kingdom. I have learned and relearned again how to forgive. I am finally able to see what God has done and is doing in my life. I have now found my ministry path which is Girls Ministry. My passion is for teen girls, but my ministry is for Princesses of all ages that need to know their self worth in Jesus.
I had joined a gym and was working out when this guy came up to me and started talking to me. He eventually invited me to church and the sermon was one that I knew I was not living the way I was raised and I needed God’s help. I had run to God so many times, but this was different. I was in a new place without the old influences that I missed so much. I learned that I was a whole person and that I did not need a friend or boy friend to complete me. I had not heard that before and that was a revelation to me. I finally did come back to Baytown, but this time I really was different. I was different, but not perfect. I still made some bad choices, but I was able to come back from it and not just give up.
A friend from church invited me to go to college with her. We packed up and moved to Waxachie, Texas to go to Southwestern Assembly of God College. We moved in and then she decided this was not for her and she was going to move back to Baytown and marry her boyfriend instead. I now was all alone with a bunch of strangers. I had no choice but to grow up and depend on God now for all my needs. The things you learn in kindergarten still apply in college life in the dorms; how to cooperate and to share. I also learned how to tithe and how to have a closer relationship with the Lord. I met a lot of wonderful people in college, but I was still shy and insecure. I had to work my way through college so it did not allow me to really get to know everyone. I enjoyed Christian college and met my husband there. We got married after dating only 8 months. I started Jan 86 and received my MRS degree during spring break March 10, 1990.
Doug and I had the typical marriage where if we fought we could go weeks without talking to each other. Sometimes we could not even remember why we were not talking. I read all the marriage books and things went along as most marriages do the first two years of newlywed bliss. Date night was 5 burgers with 5 fries for $5 at short stop. That was our fancy dates. When we were really on a budget we went to the store around the corner for 25 cent ice cream sandwiches. We ate tuna fish sandwiches and Ramón soups all week then we would go to Doug’s mom’s house to eat on Sundays after church. Doug was still in school and working nights. We were broke but we were in love.
Two years into our marriage we figured it was time to start a family. This is when the true love test really began.We did the pregnancy test and it was positive. We began to tell everyone and then I miscarried. That hurt my heart and my pride. I just sat in the bathtub and cried and kept thinking about now I have to go and tell everyone never mind. This happened twice and then finally after 3 years of trying I was pregnant. I was teaching Early Childhood and had 23 students and a teacher's aide. It was a very difficult class. I was starting to have a lot of pain, but I was so naive that I thought it was normal. I bought a back massager thinking that would help. I started walking around the playground while the kids were playing. I went to get a massage, but they could not do that while I was pregnant so I got a pedicure instead. Nothing helped. Then my stomach started hardening up painfully all night then I would get some relief and it would start again around noon. Now that I look back these were early contractions that were lasting hours at a time. I was going to my regular checkups and they never found anything abnormal and I do not remember telling them anything significant, because again I just thought pregnancy was unpleasant.
Finally it came time for the sonogram. We were going to find out if it was going to be a girl or a boy? Well that was when we found out things were not normal. The Doctor sat us down and told us the baby had hydrops and some babies have survived. Some have survived? We knew that was not good news. We were then sent to Galveston, Texas where we were treated by doctors and students. The first blessing in this story was the night before we were to check into the hospital God gave me a dream. I was able to tell my baby I loved him and he told me he loved me. The second blessing was in the hospital. The song that was popular at the time was “you gotta be bad you gotta be bold you gotta be wiser you gotta be hard you gotta be tough you gotta be stronger you gotta be cool you gotta be calm you gotta stay together all I know all I know love will save the day” by Des’ree. That was not a Christian song, but every time I had to go have a test or procedure done that song would be playing. To make an unpleasant story short; things did not turn out good. I had an emergency c-section and an hour after our baby boy was born he died. We were devastated we had the perfect name picked out and the perfect bedding and room decorations. We now had to make some unpleasant decisions like do we give him the name that we picked out or a different name? autopsies, donations for research, funeral arrangements the horror went on and on.I then started the questions we all ask. Why? Is there really a God? Did I have faith or was it denial? How am I going to live through this? Whose fault is it? Is it the Doctors fault or was it my fault? Is it because we didn’t have enough faith? Is it because Doug sometimes did not tithe? This questions and the grieving process took 7 years. I was numb to the presence of the Lord.
During this time I had 2 more miscarriages. Thank God for a great church. I had awesome Godly support even though my attitude was not always the best.A year after my last miscarriage, 6 years after we started trying to have children and 8 years after we were married I finally had Tiffany. We later became pregnant again and the fear of losing another child had returned like a vengeance. I went to a women’s conference in Houston with my church ladies group and I was afraid that when I was tired I was going to lose the baby and if I drank anything with caffeine I would lose the baby. I decided I could not live that way so I prayed and told God after this next sonogram and check up I refuse to live in fear. At the doctor's office I found out we were having a boy and that all was well with the pregnancy and God took away all my fear. That was such a blessing.
Now remember during this time I was numb to God and could not feel his presence so I use to pray for that to return. The Lord told me that I really was angry with him and truthfully I knew I was, because I hated the song “I’m desperate for you”. I hated that song even though I chose to love God. God also, through a retreat speaker, told me to stop seeking the experience or relationship with him that I had lost when Travis died, but to seek a bigger and better experience or relationship than I had ever had before. 'Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, 1 will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?' Isaiah 43:18-19Here are a few other things God taught me. God is God. We live for him. We live to serve him and worship him. He does not live to serve us and worship us. We live in a fallen world. The rain falls on the just and the unjust. Faith is trusting God in the good times and the bad times. If life was going to be perfect we would not need God. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10 The devil is testing our faith in God to see how far he can push us until we turn our backs on God. The devil is out to destroy us not just make our lives uncomfortable. God does not see death the way we do. In heaven death on earth is life in Heaven. God has no reason to be sad, because he knows the plans he has for us. 'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11. It is okay to be sad and to grieve; that is how God created us, but we also must choose to trust him. I did a lot of praying Lord help my unbelief. “And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief”. Mark 9:24 and Lord I receive the life you have for me by faith. By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. Hebrews 11:8. I started worshiping him for who he was not for what he can or will do for me. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. Psalm 118:1 Here are just some of my blessings since then. Doug and I have the greatest marriage. We know we can get through anything together. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Ephesians 4:26. Yes we still have disagreements, but we never let it get in the way of our love and respect for each other. I have 2 wonderful but sometimes challenging children. The only debt I have is our house payment and Doug’s school loan. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Luke 12:31 Key word: the kingdom of God; it is all about God and his Kingdom. I have learned and relearned again how to forgive. I am finally able to see what God has done and is doing in my life. I have now found my ministry path which is Girls Ministry. My passion is for teen girls, but my ministry is for Princesses of all ages that need to know their self worth in Jesus.
About Me
My name is Carrie Fullerton and I am married to the love of my life and my best friend. I have 2 children. My daughter is 10 and my son is 8. I am first a wife and mom, but I have 11 years experience as a teacher. I currently teach pre-kinder at Calvary Christian School. I started entertaining with tea parties in the classroom in 1995 while teaching at St Joseph Catholic School. When my daughter was born in December 1998 Little Women Tea Parties was also born. The first tea party was held in July 2000 and over the past years we have refined our parties to be the best in the Rio Grande Valley.
I have worked hard to develop the perfect tea party. I strive to create parties that will be treasured for a lifetime through the use of elegant dresses, silver tea set, china, invitations and a variety of themes. I have developed a business that has impressed the Rio Grande Valley by providing a distinctive, sophisticated approach to children’s parties as well as grown up parties. I make your event special while taking the pressure off of the party hostess wanting to plan the perfect party. I have a plan to fit your needs and best of all the tea party comes to you. I offer many different plans from a Royal Tea Parties, Specialty Parties, Basic Theme Parties, Baby Showers, Bridal Showers, Host Your Own Tea Parties to Little Guest’s Wedding Service.
“We specialize in elegant tea parties, but welcome other theme parties as well”
I have provided story hour tea for McAllen’s Palm View Branch Library and tea and etiquette for McAllen’s Girl Scout troops. She has also provided etiquette presentations for the Rio Grande Valley’s National Girls Ministires Club, Harlingen’s Girl Scout troops and will be providing tea and etiquette for her daughters Brownie troop.
“I would love to start doing more tea and etiquette presentations throughout the Valley.”
In my blogs I will share about being a mom, pre-kinder teacher, girls ministry, women's ministry and tea. Thanks for reading and come back often to see what is new in my life.
I have worked hard to develop the perfect tea party. I strive to create parties that will be treasured for a lifetime through the use of elegant dresses, silver tea set, china, invitations and a variety of themes. I have developed a business that has impressed the Rio Grande Valley by providing a distinctive, sophisticated approach to children’s parties as well as grown up parties. I make your event special while taking the pressure off of the party hostess wanting to plan the perfect party. I have a plan to fit your needs and best of all the tea party comes to you. I offer many different plans from a Royal Tea Parties, Specialty Parties, Basic Theme Parties, Baby Showers, Bridal Showers, Host Your Own Tea Parties to Little Guest’s Wedding Service.
“We specialize in elegant tea parties, but welcome other theme parties as well”
I have provided story hour tea for McAllen’s Palm View Branch Library and tea and etiquette for McAllen’s Girl Scout troops. She has also provided etiquette presentations for the Rio Grande Valley’s National Girls Ministires Club, Harlingen’s Girl Scout troops and will be providing tea and etiquette for her daughters Brownie troop.
“I would love to start doing more tea and etiquette presentations throughout the Valley.”
In my blogs I will share about being a mom, pre-kinder teacher, girls ministry, women's ministry and tea. Thanks for reading and come back often to see what is new in my life.
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