Recommended Reading: Heaven is in this House by Bobbie Houston

One of my New Year's resolutions is to read one book a month.  I know, not a very ambitious goal but I may be the world's slowest reader!

I had the pleasure of meeting Bobbie Houston during the launch of HillsongNYC.  She might possibly be the most kind-hearted, warm, caring, sweetest human I've ever met.  It was the first time we met and she made me feel like we've known eachother for years.  She has such a passion for Jesus and spreading His Word.  So I couldn't think of a better way to kick off the new year with one of her books.  It is an easy read, full of inspiring words and will really get you thinking about your church and church family.

My recommended reading for January is Heaven is in this House by Bobbie Houston.

American Idol: Love Story

I am not going to lie, I do not and never will watch American Idol.  However, a friend of mine sent me a short video of one contestant trying to make it to Hollywood.  He warned me that it was a tear jerker and he was right.  

Check out this amazing love story about a couple 2 months away from their wedding day!

More Blogs!

The other day I wrote about a few of my favorite blogs.  While I knew all along my friend Erin's husband had a blog I never sat down to read all of his posts like I do on Erin's blog.  Well he caught my attention with his latest series on pursing athletic greatness as a Christian.  It is a must read!  So I will add to my blog roll!

Joe Crispin
Make sure to check out his latest post about being fired over a tie.  It will definitely give you a laugh! :)

Meals with Maria
I forgot to add this one!  My friend Maria has some great recipes that are super healthy and most are made from scratch!

We Use Coupons
My latest addiction.  Please don't make fun of me.  The other night, I found myself watching Extreme Couponing on TLC and felt challenged.  Therefore, I took the challenge to start seriously using coupons.  So far my greatest deals have been: 4 Bottles of Xtra Laundry Detergent and 9 rolls of Scott Paper Towels for a total of $4.03!  And on Monday I bought 4 tubes of Colgate Toothpaste and Scrubbing Bubbles Shower Cleaner for $1.97!  I love a challenge :)

(And yes, the latest paragraph shows that I have a lot of free time on my hands - HA)!

The Jill E. Harrington Hanzalik Basketball Classic

On Saturday, the JEHH Memorial Fund held its 1st Basketball Classic and to say it was a success is an understatement.  We have had numerous emails come in saying players felt like they were part of the NBA.  Adam really did an amazing job creating an atmosphere that most kids will never experience.  During halftime, local dance groups performed and the crowd loved the fun games during timeouts.  We had amazing volunteers that helped out from beginning to end!  Being apart of such an amazing, full of love foundation is just an incredible honor.  I know Jilly was smiling down on us (especially when Cameron Diaz won the raffle - HA!  She opted to donate it back and draw another name)!

Please enjoy a few pictures from the event!

The locker rooms!

Most Valuable Player Awards!

A few volunteers!

The little mascots!

 

Warm or Fashionable?

If anyone knows me they know I am not known for "dressing for the weather."  Why?  I don't like to layer.  I'd rather wear one t-shirt and call it an outfit.  However, things have finally changed.  I made a huge life realization this weekend.  And here it is: there comes a time in your life when you must choose to be warm or be fashionable and I've finally reached the point in my life where I'd rather be warm then be any bit fashionable.  

With that being said, the hands down best two purchases I've made this winter have been a pair of boots (no I am not talking about fashionable boots I am taking about a good pair of winter boots) and a pair of snow pants.  I've lived in New England nearly my entire life and I've never owned a pair of boots (crazy, I know).  So my advice to you this winter, who cares what you look like as long as you are warm! :)

Sweet boots, ay?  

Morning Prayer

If anyone follows me on facebook you would've seen my status of Jayden blessing our food a couple days ago at breakfast.  We didn't even ask him to bless our food, he simply put his head down and utter these sweet words, "Thank You Jesus for my food and family.  Please let Jilly come down from Heaven.  Amen."

I instantly felt a tear.  And then I thought back to the night before when he saw Jilly's pictures on the wall and asked when she can be done playing with Jesus and come see him.  And then last night while we were driving he said that it is ok to cry and be sad like Mommy does sometimes when we talk about Jilly.  This is all still so new to him and we are trying to explain to him where Auntie Jilly is without using certain words.  

I took some time to think about Jayden's questions and blessing to see why this week he has been asking so many questions and then it hit me; Adam has been working non-stop on the basketball classic that is taking place this Saturday and Jayden is looking for his attention.  When Adam explains to him that he has things to do for Jilly's foundation, he begins to wonder and ask questions.

None of this is easy but with God's strength I am finding myself being able to explain and answer Jayden's question in a way that he can try and make sense of everything.  I will continue to pray that God will provide me with those answers and help a little heart understand something that even as a grownup is hard to do.

In the Big Apple with Auntie Jilly!

National Champions!

Congratulations to the Auburn Tigers!  What a great game!  I woke up with 1 minute and 36 seconds left in the game because Adam was shaking his legs so fast on the couch I thought I was on a boat!  Thankfully Auburn scored on the last drive of the game to secure them the victory!

Here are some pictures for you to enjoy!  We're Auburn fans in the Harrington Household!

3 Days Old

Negative Reaction

We've all done it.  A situation arises and you speak before you think of what you really want to say.  Or you say the first thing that comes to mind even though it could hurt someone's feelings.  We've been having a hard time with this kind of thing with Jayden.  When he misbehaves and I speak to him he usually talks back and says something in a harsh tone that is not acceptable in our home.  Within a matter of 30 seconds he is then at my leg telling me how sorry he is for using a harsh tone and not using kind words.  Yet, in the heat of the moment he can't find it in him to accept that he misbehaved and apologize and change his behavior and attitude.

Has this ever happened to anyone else?  Do you have any tips?  It just started happening within the last month but I am at a loss of what to do!

The God-Given Gift of Voice

Meet Ted Williams who was an ex-radio announcer who lost his job and became homeless and now has multiple job offers because of what he explains as his God-Given Gift of Voice!  What an inspiring story! :)

Blog Roll

I have noticed that some people have a list of blogs they read on a daily basis.  I don't read too many blog but the ones I do read are superb!  So here it goes:

Married to a Baller 
Erin recently re-design her blog into more of a website/blog.  She is an amazing woman of God and is pretty much a superwoman (although she'll probably tell you different)!

Pieces of my Mind
Maria is hands down the most eco-friendly woman I have ever met (we'll we've actually never met but she is a great friend).  Knowledge just flows out of her and she always has something good to say!

A Boy, His Girls, And A Big Dog
My friend Leigh always has something comical to say.  Her blog is more of a family blog but she's very witty and always makes me laugh (especially since we 1 dog costs the family more then her two children).

Better After
Go ahead and make fun of me but I have always had the desire to re-do furniture.  Why?  I have no idea.  I feel as though since my Dad and brother are both contractors that doing such a thing is just in my blood (Adam begs to differ)!

Equip & Empower
One of my favorite preachers, Christine Caine has a wonderful blog.  Her posts are short, sweet yet very powerful.  If you have the opportunity to hear her preach, I would advice you to do so!

Those are just a few of the blogs I follow.  I will add more to the list in another post.  Please share with me some of your favorite blogs!

New Year's Eve 2011

Welcome to 2011!  A year full of hope, faith, love and His word!  And remember the best is yet to come :)

Here are a couple pictures from Friday night!  We walked downtown and then my Dad cooked an amazing dinner for us (I should also note that Adam was in bed by 11 PM).  

How cute is my sister?

Auntie K & Jayden

Parenting: The Wrap-Up

Well the month of December has passed and I totally slacked on my parenting posts.  I hate to make excuses but the stomach bug attacked us twice and of course the holidays are always busy.  I did have the chance to write a handful of posts and I hope you enjoyed reading them.

Throughout the month of January I plan to continue sharing with you random thoughts that probably have nothing to do with anything but will help me clear my head and give you an laugh!

On that note, here is a picture of Adam in the eyes of Jayden....