Van Doss

Up All Night

2012-02-24T13:51:00.001-08:00

Have you seen it? It is one of our favorite shows. We used to love Wednesdays even more because we would get Up All Night added on to another favorite show, Revenge. NBC moved Up All Night to Thursdays, so now we have to wait! It's worth it!

It's about a quirky couple (Christina Applegate and Will Arnett) who are making it through their married life with a new baby! Ryan and I relate to so much of the show, so it's hilarious to us!

Let us know if you enjoy this dose of weekly humor!!

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens . . . LINKUP!

2012-02-23T19:04:00.001-08:00

These are a few of my favorite things!

My bff, Danielle, is hosting a fabulous linkup! I love the idea, and I will be sharing my favorite things in her linkup!

When I think about my favorite things, this is what comes to my mind!

I really feel great in my Nike Phantom shorts. Mine are hotpink with a pink band and white words! Talk about POP! They have an awesome liner along with the coolest band! I love seeing the Just Do It . . . the motivation that little phrase brings is unbelievable!

Peanut Butter...what a fatty I am! It seriously makes me so happy! Bad isn't it? I have a spoonful in my smoothie every morning. Am I alone in this love affair with Jif?

Lotion...not just any lotion but Bath & Body Works True Blue Shea Butter. It's amazing. I wash my hands a ton . . . life of a teacher. When it gets down to it, I don't want to be a lizard handed gal. I use the lotion a lot, but it lasts even after a good number of washes. I have to put it on in the am and before I go to bed, or I freak out and can't fall asleep or start my day on the best note . . . is that O.C.D?

My iPhone is one of my favorite things! I love that everything is at my fingertips, cool apps are downloaded in seconds, and Siri helps keep up with my appointments. Thank God for technology!

Thirty-One bags are definitely some of my favorite. I have a bit more than I need of these cute bags! Every one that I have gotten has been quality! I really love that they can go everywhere and look super fresh. My sister started selling them after we had been to a couple parties and gotten hooked. They are worth the investment!

Every morning I start my day off with this tiny book of goodness! A year and a half ago at the cottage we found it laying in a drawer. After that I was in love with it. Sarah Young does a great job of making God's love come off of the page and speak to every person in any situation. It's beautiful! This is my second year reading it, but I love how they are still fresh and can work in your current life.

Be sure you stop by over at Butler, Party of 2 and share a few of your favorite things! Thanks for hosting, girl!

It's almost Friday! Happy Weekend Eve!

It's Wednesday! My favorite day of the week...besides the others!

2012-02-22T17:09:00.002-08:00

Happy Wednesday lovelies!

Here are some things that I am loving this week as I link up with Michelle and Jamie! Aren't they fabulous for hosting?

I am loving that one week of tax season down, is one more closer to the end! No, I am not an accountant, but I happen to know a great one...Ryno!! Y'all, accountants work HARD, and their brain NEVER STOPS!

I am absolutely excited about this weekend because I have ZERO crazy commitments except for church and maybe a dinner date! :)

Thankful doesn't even describe my feelings of the great friendships I have in my life! They keep me focused!

Source: matildajaneblog.com via Catherine on Pinterest

Go check out my amazing mother's awesome blossom BLOG! You may learn a thing or two or three! I have!

I am pumped about Malorie and Peter having a sweet baby BOY!

These pins are also making my heart happy! When is spring going to be here?

Source: thepinkpeonies.com via Van on Pinterest

Source: facebook.com via Van on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Van on Pinterest

Source: earthboundwinglessdream.tumblr.com via Van on Pinterest

Happy Wednesday!

Motivation

2012-02-21T19:44:00.001-08:00

In many aspects of life I need motivation! I always have had internal motivation for things like my job, appearance, and maintaining relationships, but it can never hurt to have a little push! Do you have someone that gives you that little push and let you know that you can do it? I hope I am that person to others. I do know that my life is filled with positive people that let me know I am worth it, I can do it, and they will be there to help me! I thank God for these friends and family members. They sure do make the bad days good!

The Vow. Who saw it? Who read it?

2012-02-19T19:11:00.004-08:00

Source: imdb.com via Van on Pinterest

Who saw it? I may have TWICE! The first time I couldn't breathe. It is a gorgeous love story! The last 30 seconds of the movie get me. When I say get me, I mean make me have the ugly cry. I walked out of the theater the first time holding back sobs! Mom and I made it to Target and bought the book, so we would know what Hollywood changed.

We couldn't read the book before the movie was out. Unfortunately, on Amazon it was $45 due to a small print amount back in the 90's. Now, it's out and cheap at Target! :)

I started reading it on Friday and COULD NOT believe the change they had made. The real Kim and Krickett love story is based around God! Every bit of it! I had read about half of the book when I watched the movie a 2nd time. It was so different that it didn't make me angry. Basically the only thing that is the same is the fact that she loses her memory and they end up together (hope I didn't give it away)! :) I have about 50 pages left and am amazed by how Godly they are. It's amazing what Hollywood takes out for ratings! SAD!! Get the book and READ it. It's a quick, meaningful read.

One thing that I really liked in the movie were the actual vows during their wedding:

And this just makes me laugh!

So Ready For Spring

2012-02-19T18:04:00.002-08:00

I am so ready for spring (or some grey boots), so I can wear this little baby! Is this skirt not screaming sunshine!

Mom had another sewing class on Saturday, and I got to make this sweet piece to add to my wardrobe. There is something so satisfying with making your own clothes with your own hands! This was the first time many of us had put in zippers. Another added bonus was the cute pockets! I love pockets...how about you?

I also loved that I got to see one of my favorite Phi Mu sisters from college! Juliette signed up for the class! I loved catching up and sharing more laughs. College was even more fun than it should have been because she was a part of my memories!!

I also got to sew again with Miss Krista! She is awesome and it looks like we had the same love for stripes in our pic below! Glad she shared the class with Jules!

If you haven't already, check out Mom's sewing biz @ Just Sew! Studio on Facebook!

Valentine's!

2012-02-19T17:50:00.003-08:00

We celebrated Valentine's Day this past weekend. We stayed at Chateau Elan and had a relaxing evening and a great big breakfast.

We met friends for dinner at Versailles in Chateau and had tons of laughs. I often wonder after the dinner if people are highly annoyed with us! We laugh the entire time! It's hard not to with our comedians that we married!

I was glad that Ryan enjoyed himself! He has been working so HARD this tax season. I know he gets discouraged, but I am so proud of him!

On the actual day of Valentine's I surprised Ryan with a homemade HEART pizza (his favorite food), a sweet card, and a sweet book! He certainly surprised me with some gorgeous roses and a nice toast! It was a nice, peaceful evening!

I am so grateful for love in my life. I am also happy that is not ONLY shown on Valentine's. I thank God for Ryan daily and am blessed to call him my husband.

Who does that?

2012-02-18T19:12:00.004-08:00

Seriously! I don't know how I have made it this far! Sometimes I do the dumbest things WITHOUT thinking! I am sure that never happens to anyone else!

Today I was in a hurry to get ready for Mom's sewing class - we made the cutest skirt - and was ironing a shirt to wear. When I put it on, I noticed it still had a couple of wrinkles in it. Instead of laying the shirt back on the ironing board, I decided it would be quicker to iron it while I was wearing it. Now, I do this pretty often, so it's not a big deal. The part that was a big deal was my thumb pressing the steam button while I was smoothing out the bottom of my shirt. SERIOUSLY!!! Who does that?? The button of my jeans allowed my stomach to have an extra bit of added pain. Holy cow! I have four nice round burns to show for it!

After the sewing class, I ran by the convenient CVS and purchased some first aid ointment and big bandages so my pants don't rub my bothersome burn!

Please tell me I am not the only one who does things without thinking! Maybe this is a sign to SLOW down!

Even though this annoying event happened, I had a wonderful Saturday! I hope you did as well!

Worry.

2012-02-16T18:40:00.005-08:00

Why do we worry? In my case it is the fear of the unknown or the memories of bad things that have happened before.

Tonight, Ryan was talking on the phone and it cut off after only talking for a total of 53 seconds. I call him back, and back, and again, and one more time, and again . . . it's seriously ridiculous. This fear and worry crept in so fast, and all of the most senseless reasons as to why he didn't answer were swirling around in my head. I mean, CRAZY thoughts!

Source: flickr.com via Van on Pinterest

I called Mom just to make sure my phone was working. It was. Mom reminded me that his phone could have died. I wanted to believe her, so I took that as the case. I focused on something else.

Source: justbeenme.blogspot.com via Van on Pinterest

In the meantime, my very favorite verse was running through my head: Philippians 4:6 - Do not worry about anything, but pray about EVERYTHING! So, I prayed.

Thank God that it was just the cell battery running out of juice. He knew I was worried . . . it's not the first time!

Source: google.com via Van on Pinterest

Does anyone else do this?

Oh, How Pinteresting Wednesday!

2012-02-07T13:54:00.000-08:00

I love that I have friends that haven't joined Pinterest. Why? I love sharing the love and inviting them! If you want to join and have been holding out, just leave a comment with your email and an invite will greet you the next time you check your email!

This Wednesday, I am linking up with Michelle again at The Vintage Apple. Here are some of my favorite pins.

I love this color scheme!

Source: hollymathisinteriors.com via Van on Pinterest

One day I will have something like this. How special!

Source: blissimagesandbeyond.blogspot.com via Van on Pinterest

Better than the restaurant - Chicken and Rice Soup!

Source: pearls-handcuffs-happyhour.blogspot.com via Van on Pinterest

Made this two times in a month! We love it! :)

Source: foodwishes.blogspot.com via Van on Pinterest

Is spring here yet?

Source: google.com via Van on Pinterest

Love this outfit!

Source: mixmatchfashion.com via Van on Pinterest

Truth.

Source: Uploaded by user via Van on Pinterest

Where are your roots growing?

Source: lovefaithblogs.blogspot.com via Van on Pinterest

Happy Wonderful Wednesday! Only 6 more days until Valentine's Day! Are you ready?

Mountain Views with Great Friends

2012-02-07T09:10:00.000-08:00

This gorgeous weekend was even more beautiful because of who we shared it with. Our community small group took it's second annual retreat to the North Georgia Mountains. On Friday night we left out after enjoying a filling dinner at Loco's together.

We made it up a little before 11 pm. The road to get to the neighborhood was a one-lane dirt road, which had us all telling spooky stories on the way through the winding trail. The map said 2.3 miles, but it took us about 15 minutes because of our turtle-like speed and dodging ditches. What were we in store for?

Thank God it was perfect! The Snow Fort was fabulous and super accommodating. We stayed up late talking and snacking. At one point most of the ladies were asleep while the men were chatting away. Time for bed!

The next day, we woke up to a yummy french toast casserole along with some filling bacon, sausage, and fruit! Nathan and Sarah did a great job. The boys played some Jenga and got pretty loud with it, while the gals enjoyed a game of Scrabble. It was strange not to be able to press a button and scramble your tiles like on Words With Friends!

Ryan and I were in charge of lunch. We brought the CrockPot, chicken, Texas Pete, and some ranch packets along. When you mix it all up and let cook for 4 - 6 hours you have buffalo chicken for some spicy sandwiches on buns. We had some veggies and salad to go with it. Afterwards we chilled in front of the TV and watched 50-50. This is where all of the tears started falling {only the gals of course}.

Then, several of us went exploring the mountain. It was about 1.5 - 2 miles, but ALL hills. Even walking downhill was a bit scary. If you hit a pebble and started to roll, you weren't going to stop! That's why we had to walk like monkeys down the mountain and bearcrawl up the mountain to the cabin.

We stopped for a photo op at the entrance of the 'hood. The men really enjoy pics. . .

"Sorority pose" was decided on for the ladies pics. One thing we didn't decide on was having Scott hide behind the sign and POP out while we were posing!

PLANK.

Danielle and Matt were in charge of dinner on Saturday evening. They made a great taco soup that was enjoyed by all. Next, a game of Life was played. If only we got paid our salary every time it was a pay day!

After the game was finished we had communion. This is something we didn't do last year. It was something that will stick with me for life. We all shared how God used this group to help us. It was powerful to hear stories that we may or may not have known. Some special news was shared, contagious laughs were had, and tears were shed. So happy that we made the drive to join a community group that Sunday evening in 2010! I love where it's guided our lives.

Later that evening most of the gals hopped in the hot tub and had some girl talk. The guys stayed inside and who knows what was going on. Whenever I walked in someone was playing DJ and memories were being shared.

We all woke up on Sunday AM, ate some bagels, oatmeal, and fruit, and rolled out around noon. Before we all piled in the cars, I snapped some pics of every awesome couple and the whole crazy group!

{Karen and Scott}

{Danielle and Matt}

{Ryan and ME}

{Nathan and Sarah}

{Adam and Kristen}

{Mike and Lauren}

It was a successful trip!!
Thank you God for letting us share our time with you and your beautiful creation. Thank you for letting us get home safely.

I would have changed my lovely cold I caught mid-Saturday. I am sure it was obnoxious the way my horn was sounding every 5 minutes. At one point, I created a Neti-pot out of a water bottle. Not one of my proudest moments. Now, I am still laying in bed with a nasty sinus infection. This little cold hasn't visited since the last cabin trip. Maybe next year the beach will be in the retreat plans. What do you say group?

Our Favorite Superbowl Commercials of 2012

2012-02-06T15:52:00.000-08:00

The only reason I watched the Superbowl this year and many years are for the commercials and halftime show. Madonna did a fine job and I hope I am dancing it up at 53 years old. Now, on to our favorites!

Sexy and I Know It - M&M

VW Fit Dog

Doritos Dog

BMW Reads Email

Uncle Jesse and Oikos

What were your favorites?

Happy Birthday Sweet Ryan!

2012-02-04T06:15:00.001-08:00

Ryan turned 26 on the 26th! I am so happy he loved his presents - more workout stuff, a trip to the gym, and a dinner and yummy (red velvet from a local bakery) cake to enjoy! That's all he wanted. I love my giving, Godly, loving, hard-working, and handsome husband. Happy Birthday, Ryan!!

Perspective

2012-02-04T06:08:00.001-08:00

Life has been crazy since 2012 came. I can't complain because it's been a wonderful one . . . just BUSY!

So, this weekend we are relaxing with our community group. Living life and sharing life with others makes us better. Our group from church has been together for a year and a half now, and we could not ask for more.

Philippians 4:6 is a favorite of mine, and one I need to refer to from time to time. I get anxious, and when given the opportunity to relax it's a bit harder than I would like.

That's why I am grateful this was my view this morning.

How do you relax??

Have a super Saturday!

Sunday night

2012-01-29T19:39:00.000-08:00

I couldn't ask for more, God. You are so giving and just. Thank you for your true love. This song played on Friday, and it's so powerful. Just close your eyes and listen!

Happy Wednesday!

2012-01-25T19:55:00.001-08:00

I hope you've had a great week so far! I have a ton on my to-do list, so I will try to write at the end of this week! Check out my classroom blog if you need some fun reading! Www.doss5th.blogspot.com

Check out how spiffy we are before work (and squinty eyed)!!!

Red, Red Wreath!

2012-01-16T12:55:00.001-08:00

In my spare time in November (there was very little of that), I made a wreath out of a floral wire frame and 7" strips of burlap! Cheap . . . you know it! Time consuming . . . you bet! Worth it . . . YES! I have it hanging on my front door to greet all of our special guests! Erin, my sis, made the fabulous bow! I am so into red right now and love the way the red pops!

Happy Monday!

It's OK! Thursday!

2012-01-05T10:19:00.001-08:00

It's ok...that is my signature phrase! If you don't believe me, ask Julie! She cracks up when I say, "it's ok". It's about time I have written a post today.

It's ok . . .

that I haven't finished my ever-lengthy Christmas blog post.

that I haven't updated our fun and relaxed New Year's Eve post.

that I have a pile of MY laundry the size of Mt. Rushmore to finish. Ryan does his own, thank heavens!!!

that Lyla chewed up 1 of Ryan's running shoes, and he wears it to the gym with the back chunk torn off. *Oh no, what will people think about us? It's ok, right?!

that I have 3 crafts that are waiting in limbo for me to begin/finish!

that this week has gone by in a flash!
It's ok, because tomorrow is Friday!
Happy Thursday!
Did you get everything done this week?

Happy Wednesday!

2012-01-04T19:52:00.001-08:00

I am linking up with Jamie to celebrate this wonderful week!

What a great day! I was so excited to see my kiddos return to school! I believe they all grew a foot and look like they are ready for middle school. They had so many fun stories to share about break!

I am loving a couple of things this Wednesday!

I love my new monogrammed phone cover that my sis and bro gave me for Christmas! Isn't it darling? They got it HERE at Lipstick Shades. It's a real Otterbox case that they add your monogram to.

I absolutely positively have been enjoying our dinners (and lunches) using this little gem! The George Foreman is a serious grill. I especially love seeing all the fat drop off and Ryno gets to stay inside and not FREEZE in the wind! We've been having some tasty grilled chicken and veggies this week!

I really am loving Revenge! Have you seen it? I'm watching it right now and have to stop typing to remind myself to breathe. It's full of suspense.

Of course, I'm loving my sweet Man!

Happy Wednesday!

Kisses From Katie

2012-01-03T18:08:00.001-08:00

One Christmas present I asked for was the book "Kisses From Katie". I am very excited to read it! My Nannie and Papa bought it for me! Tonight I will begin reading about her adventure in Uganda. I pray God allows me to see his plan for me a bit clearer through this book. As I've written before, missions has been on my heart and this book really stood out to me while I was in Lifeway.

I hope you had a very blessed day! Tomorrow my kids return to school and I am excited to hear their stories from the break.

2012 - What Should I Accomplish?

2012-01-02T18:58:00.000-08:00

Last year was a year of goodness for Ryan and I. Our relationship with the Lord has been renewed and we are so grateful for another year of good health for us and our family. We are certainly blessed.

I have been able to cross a couple of things off of my 30 Before 30 which have made me very excited! 3 more years until I hit the big 3 - 0! That will be a celebration!

Here's what I can cross off NOW:

#9 - Running a 5k can be double crossed off! I did two and plan to do some this year as well!

#14 - Participating in more missions activities. While I have not gone out of the country, I have been able to give towards helping others in countries and in the US that need help. It feels nice to give to others that are not as fortunate. My prayer is that God is glorified through our giving, and we will be able to do even more in 2012!

#1 - Learn to sew was completed! Now, it's "find the time to sew". It's all thanks to my Mom. She has the patience not only to teach me, but to teach other ladies that want to learn! I'd say she's pretty AMAZING!

#16 - My EdS is COMPLETE! I am beside myself with all of this free time . . . yeah right! I have found things to fill that gap!

#24 - We made it back to MX! It was a trip that I never want to forget. . . except for that plane ride back!

#25 - Blogging has continued. If anything it has picked up more!

#26 - Deepen our spiritual relationship with God - This will always be on my list, but I am so happy that He has been our glue this year and helped our love grow even more.

#27 - Healthy eating is always something that I strive to accomplish, but this year I learned a lot more about what the proper nutrition does for your body.

#30 - Family time is super important to us. It's been so nice spending time with family and having them so close.

2011 was a wonderful year for us. We owe it all to our Heavenly Father!

There are some goals on the list that I am super close to and can't wait to see those get x'd off!

Here's to 2012!

What will YOU accomplish?

I never want to forget this night

2012-01-02T18:51:00.000-08:00

Happy January 2nd!

Tonight Ryan and I had a very serious conversation . . . planning for the rest of our life.

I didn't want to forget it, so I snapped a picture. One day far from now it will remind me of this conversation and the promise it held.

Love him to the moon and back! That's a HUGE LONG WAY!

Monday Morning!

2012-01-02T18:46:00.000-08:00

Do you like shakes?

Want one for breakfast?

Here's a great recipe I found on P.I.N.K. Method's sample diet last week.

I thought I'd try it . . . it didn't disappoint!

P.I.N.K. Shake

1 cup of skim milk

1 scoop of vanilla whey protein

1 cup of strawberries

BLEND IT!

ENJOY!

Our Winter Mantle

2012-01-02T15:01:00.001-08:00

When Christmas is over our house feels depressingly bare with the tree gone, the furniture back in place, and the angels missing from the mantle. This year I feel a theme of white coming on quick. I LOVE color, but my friend Sara over at Mixon Mania makes me want to keep it simple yet super classy! So, here is our mantle... **Excuse the lack of major photo quality due to my NEW iPhone 4S! Yeah baby!**

It's A Small Group PARTY!

2011-12-27T08:41:00.000-08:00

Our small group is the best! I am bummed that we only have around 9 months left with these wonderful people! For our Christmas celebration, we all brought some yummy foods and delicious desserts along with $5 gift cards to play White Elephant with! We all enjoyed a game Kristen shared with us last Christmas. The boys finally won a round of it. The girls truly kick butt!

Danielle and Matt were wonderful hosts!