Samson Bass

WE GOT A PUPPY!! Craziest week of our lives with a little labradoodle running under our feet but we love him! He is 10 weeks old and is growing so fast already! Sixteen lbs. and seems to be gaining after every meal! 

Just had to share what happened to our sweet puppy tonight- We have the kitchen barricaded off with baby gates so he won't get on the carpet. Samson was so excited about getting his food, he pushed his little head through the holes and got it stuck. Oh if I would have had my camera ready. After stressing a little about what to do, we decided to smear canola oil all over his neck to see if it would slip through. Thank goodness it did and he is fine! Yay for eventful nights in the Bass house. (I just remembered I haven't updated about that! Maybe that will be my goal for this week). 

Mustard Seed

I am enjoying being apart of this girls' Bible study so much! Fellowship with these Godly women encourages me greatly! We are going through Mary Kassian's book "Knowing God by name". In today's devo, it talks about the name "Richon Va-Acharon, which means the First and the Last.  I just wanted to share this portion because it reminded me of how BIG our God is and how amazing it is that He cares about us. Hope it brings you a sense of humility as it did for me. We serve a mighty God!

"Have you ever stopped to consider just how big the universe is? If you were to build a model of our solar system to scale, you could begin by placing a softball on the goal line of a football field to represent the sun.  Mercury and Venus would be like pinheads on the 5- and 8-yard lines.  Earth would be the size of a mustard seed on the 12-yard line while Mars would be the size of a grain of sugar on the 18-yard line.  Jupiter would be a marble on the opposite 38-yard line and Saturn would be the size of a pea placed halfway through the opposite end zone.

In order to include Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, you would have to add four more football fields onto the end of the first one. Pluto would be like a speck of dust almost 500 yards away from the softball-zied Sun. And that's just our solar system!!!!!"

This is how I have always thought about the solar system, but it is a
lot bigger!! Much bigger!!

Wow. And I guess since everything revolves around the Sun, you can assume that to have an accurate scale, you would have to add 5 more football to the opposite side of the Sun to complete the picture. I cannot grasp why God would create human life on our "mustard seed", let alone show some sort of care towards us! But He did more than that! Jesus himself became one of us lowly people ON that mustard seed! That just blows my mind. Makes me think twice about placing so much importance on the trivial things in my life.

Thank you, Father, for giving us life, when you created so much more to worry about.  Thank you for DYING for this mustard seed! You are Higher than the Highest!

BLESSED Day! (No luck about it!)

As you already know, Friday was JB's birthday. I must admit- I procrastinated buying him a gift.. I had some things in mind, just never could quite find "it". So as I was leaving work, I told myself that I HAD to decide on something before his family party that night. First, however, I had some errands to run. I had $50 in my pocket and needed several things, including JB's present! (Tight budget, I know!) Since JB has cracked down on the debit card usage ( :/ ) due to me spending a little too much, I was determined to stick to my $50. 

Stop #1- The paint store. My mechanic is a friend of my dads. He fixed my car the other day and didn't charge me a thing- Praise God for talented friends! In return, all he wanted was some new rags. Sooo, I went to the paint store to get them! Cha-ching: $10.  Balance= $40.00

Stop #2- Lifeway. I have joined a sweet girls Bible study on Tuesdays nights and needed to buy the book! Lifeway had it of course so I bought it and a impulse buy (travel size leather Bible) at the checkout for JB to go with whatever (if anything) else I got him. Cha-ching: $20.  Balance= $20.00

UH OH. 

Now, JB is not materialistic. But you see, he spent more than $20 on my b'day gift. More importantly though- he deserves something more for his day of birth! I just really wanted to get him one of the things I knew he would like, not something dinky from Walmart camping isle (my default).

Stop #3- Post office. I needed to check our cute little PO Box. When I opened it up, there was this large envelope from a survey company.  I opened it and guess. what. i. found. Get ready. $30!!! Cash inside!!! I couldn't help myself from laughing at how God cares about what I get JB for his birthday. The guy standing beside myself must have thought I was a little crazy, but I just walked out still laughing. Balance= $50.00!! AGAIN!

Stop#4- Guitar Center. I got out of my car and was walking up to the door and just guess what I found on the ground next to my car......... a $5 bill!!!!!!! I absolutely never find money, so at this point, I am ecstatic about my findings today!!! Balance= $55.00!!!!!!!!!!

I now feel that this is my Divine Destination.

I walked into the store.  I know this is one thing JB has talked about wanting, but not something he could splurge on "just because". It's some sort of drum thing that sits on your lap. JB is always drumming his fingers on something- he says he hears the music in his head and likes to tap along (he's so precious). I asked the guy working there if he had anything like that, but didn't tell him my budget.  The guy showed me more drums for your lap than I knew existed. I finally decided on one that he priced as $65.... I thought to myself that JB wouldn't be toooo mad about me swiping the magic debit card for that extra $10, since it was his birthday present after all! 

Up to the counter I go with this wooden box looking thing that they deem to be a drum. The guy rings it up and says that it is ON SALE! My favorite words!!!! On sale for $49.99!!!! Wooo Hooooo! I have that much in my wallet, plus a little extra thanks to the side walk outside!! With tax, my total came to:

$54.99.................. Can you believe it?? That's no luck, people. That's God giving me a laugh and a hug, saying that He cares! He cares about my day, my husband's birthday, and my finances! Praise my sweet Jesus :). 

Balance= $0.01   AND   a heart full of joy!! 

Vera

I had a huge moment yesterday. Let me back up. In college, there were many things I needed. Money (!!), food, text books, friends for sanity, etc etc. But there was one thing in particular that I needed. I consulted this every day. It went with me everywhere. For the last 2 years of my hectic college experience. My dear Vera Bradley planner.

Now I know this sounds crazy, but this planner organized me! And with that pretty "paprika" pattern! I was in love. I was even slightly addicted to it (I realized this when I lost it for a solid 3 days).

Since then, I have graduated from college, gotten a full time job and married JB. I said to myself "So long Vera planner, I am done with that crazy time in my life where I have to write down the 15 item to-do lists in the margins of each day's space."

Yesterday, however, I caved. I had a moment when I realized I still had zillions of dates, times, appointments, to-do's, grocery lists, phone numbers, and work schedules floating in my head!  Now, I own one of those dinky dollar store purse sized planners... but I just couldn't handle it anymore. I needed a new Vera. I am starting another job and the process of purchasing my own home! I needed something to write down all of those floating thoughts that were subconsciously stressing me out, even though I didn't even realize it.

So I bought one. A beautiful 1 and 1/2 year Vera Bradley planner! I am already filling it up and am loving every minute of it. If I sound like a psychopath, I don't care- judge if you want. But it is saving my sanity by cutely organizing my life, one day at a time! :)

don't ya love it?!?

inside view- complete with a pocket and stickers!!! bliss.

Bass Birthday Week!

This week is full of birthdays! My hubs, his mom, and his sister are all having their special day!

Jess' day is Thursday! I hope she has the most loveliest of days! We will all have to go out for some crazy dinner where J will introduce us to a random new piece of food- and chances are we will all love it!  She is great about trying new places and unfamiliar things! Happy birthday sis-in-law!

JB's is Friday- I'm wondering what I should surprise him with. We aren't good at gift giving. I mean, we love to buy each other things here and there, but can never wait until the next holiday. It is ALWAYS given early! So of course, he already has my "b'day gift". But he still surprised me with something on my actual day, so I want to do the same! Boys are sorta expensive though.. so I'm still thinking of ideas. Any thoughts?

Mama D's birthday is Saturday. She deserves a wonderful day too!! We love you very very much! Can't wait to celebrate this weekend!

Mama D and Jess

Me and JB on the honeymoon :) I love this pic of him.

I am so incredibly blessed with such a wonderful extended family. I know the best is yet to come!! So, happy birthday to you all! Much love!

Mood: Inspired!!

I just realized that I said I'd post pictures of the Magic Kingdom from the vaca.. and failed to do so. Maybe because the fourth of July in the Magic Kingdom wore me slap out. And as we were being herded through the park all day, I could only snap a few good pics. Don't get me wrong, it was a wonderful day! But very tiresome- henceforth the lack of blogging. Check out the rest of the pics on FB :).

Anyway, that's not what I wanted to blog about today! I wanted to give a couple of shout-outs to some of my new favorite things!! They are so absolutely wonderful, I am deeply inspired to quit life and stay home/rummage through junk stores and craft all day every day. But, I won't do that of course.

For you creative people out there, check out pinterest.com! It's a wonderful site that is almost like blogging- only with pictures and very few words.  You can post (they call it "pin") pictures that you have run across and want to share with your followers. You can also follow and "repin" other people's pictures on your "board" to spread the idea. Very versatile and unique to everyone's interests!

Stumbleupon.com is my old faithful.  Customize your own search engine and see what you "stumble" upon!! This is where I get most (well, really ALL) of my pins from!

And lastly, I have fallen in love with this blog!! www.centsationalgirl.com. This chick is sooo on top of her crafting. I found it, of course, from stumble. Reading the DIYs and project gallery ideas gets me super psyched. NERD. I know. JB tells me all the time. But I don't care. I'm spreading my nerdy excitement with you blog friends!

Comment and tell me if you like these websites as much as I do!!

Happiest Place On Earth!

DISNEY!! yes, that's right. We went to the Animal Kingdom today in Disney World and it made us very happy! JB's mom booked us a trip to Orlando for our graduation and birthdays, so the week of the long-awaited vacation is finally here! Jessica and Bethany (our cousin) went too.  Today was our first day and our first park. Here are some pictures that sadly do not accurately express how "magical" our day actually was! But they will do :).

Our resort! Thanks Mama D!

Excited about Disney!

"Tough to be a bug" 3D show!

Tree of Life

Termite mound on the African safari

Me in Asia

Cool bicycle in Asia

Tomorrow we are going to the Magic Kingdom for my favorite day of the year!! 4th of July!!!!! WOOO HOOOO!!! I'll post my epic picture memories tomorrow night :) Happy B'day America everyone!

Go Braves!

This weekend was a success!! It was such a treat to spend some time with JB and do something that we have never done before- go to a Atlanta Braves game! Despite the 2 hr and 15 minute rain delay and their loss in the extra inning, it was still lots of fun.  Loving marriage more and more by the day! 

GA bound!

JB works for the corp of engineers here in town! We are so thankful he has a job. We are blessed to have 2 wonderful jobs, but there is a bummer about JB's. They send him out of town. ALOT. He has been away about as much he has been home, but I have some good news! This weekend (as in Today), I am renting a car (for the first time!) and driving up to ATL where they have my hubs working.  We are going to eat at some famous local places and maybe explore the aquarium. SO excited to do something together in a new place! No worries though, Daddy, be back in time for Father's Day :)

New things to experience:
-Rental cars
-5 1/2 drive all by myself!
-Atlanta, GA (and everything in it!)

Hopefully I'll get to snap some pictures (haven't done that in a while :/) and can post them soon!

Shipwreck

Just read this inspirational story and thought I'd share :) Hope everyone has a wonderful week!

***Shipwreck

My New LOVE!!

                                

This is Paxton, the sweet quarter horse I have fallen for :).

I have discovered my xanadu (thanks Mrs. Fobes). I have fallen in love with horseback riding!!! In early high school, I took a few English riding lessons at a nearby stable, but because of the time and costs involved, I had to give it up.  Ever since then, I have wished that I could either take lessons again or just plain ride with someone I know.  At our last family get-together, some of John's cousins invited us to come out and ride their horses whenever! So I have taken them up on it and am loving every minute! John hasn't ridden yet because of his knee recovery, but it is my favorite hobby as of late.  There is something so exciting about riding fast on a horse! I guess it's sort of like people's fascination with fast cars, racing, nascar, etc. ?? This is definitely my fascination!

Paxton, aka Punkin', is a mild tempered 12 year old who
loves people!

If I could ride everyday and not feel selfish about utilizing my time like that, I would.  Just wanted to share my new obsession with the blog world :). I hope everyone has something they love doing as much as I love doing this.  If not, get outside and get searching! :)

Weekend Campers

John and I went on our first camping trip together, just the two of us! As we were planning, we got so excited! The whole week leading up, we took a trip to Academy, planned out the financial part of the trip, picked out clothes we would take, etc. etc. We were basically like two little kids going on some big adventure. That's a part of marriage that I absolutely love- the fun that we have together! We have laughed more in the last few months than I have.. ever. :)

Anyway, enough gushing. Our original plans to camp at the Gulf State Park fell through. They were booked up. Guess that's what happens when you don't make reservations! Well, lesson learned and note taken for next time :).  We ended up at Meaher State park and camped outside this random fence. I have no idea why the tent campers are exiled to this grassy area outside of the rest of the park, but that's where we stayed!  It was fun though and made for alot of laughs later.

The sunset from the pier was gorgeous!! Picture credit to my awesome hubs. :)

The next day we got up early, scarfed down McGriddles from McDonalds, and went kayaking at Little Lagoon. Hope this is the first of many weekend camping getaways!

Bradford Pear Trees

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 These beautiful trees grow in our neighborhood! They are bradford pear trees and I think they are the most gorgeous thing that is in bloom this time of year.  I had to stop and take some pictures in the driveway and admire how pretty they are!! Up and down every driveway and street, lining the front of the neighborhood- it almost looks like snow is all over every branch and twig.

So, John and I decided to go for a walk this afternoon and enjoy the flowers in bloom and the sunset (well, John didn't care too much for the flowers, but I did!).  As we started our walk, we noticed a terrible smell... we thought it was garbage from someone's garbage can.  But let me report that it was NOT garbage. We sniffed and sniffed and finally realized what it was!! It was the beautiful trees!!!!! What a sad moment for me. I was in terrible awe of how something so exquisite could smell so aweful!!

Funny how the Lord can speak, even when you're not aware that you're listening.  I feel like those trees sometimes. On the outside, I may look like I have things together and all is well with me and the Lord, but inside, I stink. I am really just stinking it up in my relationship with my Savior.  Why do I do that?? I'm sure God is much sadder about me stinking than I was about the trees' stench.  The good news is, my Father is forgiving and graciously teaches me daily.  I want to honor the Lord, on the outside and the inside. Thank you, Jesus, for convicting me using bradford pear trees!

Latest survivals

Lately, John and I have jumped some hurdles! But we are enjoying every step.

Last Saturday we spent the whole day getting his jeep fixed at the mechanic.  This didn't sound very difficult, but to get a cheaper deal, we were told what parts to get and where to buy them! So we proceeded to run around town with these parts that we haven't ever heard of written down on this grimy piece of paper from the mechanic. I had no idea that 50% of the parts you buy, however, are defective! Whatdya know! But, it was such a fun day and LOTS of laughs were had between J and I.  And the best part was that we had just enough money in our car repair envelope, ha! Shout out to Dave Ramsey!

I have been a little under the weather this week.. well, actually for our entire marriage thus far! I think I've picked up everything my kids at school have had- and I mean everything! So I finally broke down and went to the doctor yesterday.  After the appointment, three prescriptions, and some TLC from the hubs, I'm feeling much better already!!

We had a leaky sink, dirty air filter, mystery stuff growing in our freezer, and a broken squirt nozzle on the sink! But it's all fixed!! well, almost all of it :) What can we say! Marriage is definitely a work in progress!

Husband Redemption

So this afternoon, I walked into our apartment and was greeted by my smiling hubby... and the stench of rotten garbage... that my smiling hubby had forgotten to take out this morning.  But all is well in the Bass household. JB redeemed himself! Wondering how? He hacked into the neighbor's wifi- I am overjoyed to have internet access! Even if it may be slightly wrong.  So long McDonalds parking lot with free wifi.

I have missed blogging! So much has happened this last month that needed to be blogged, if only for my own pleasure.  So, if the neighbors don't decide to create a wifi password, I shall be back on bassbliss soon to blog! Goodnight!