It's now up and running...and this is going private.

My new blog is now up and running.  I will have both a family blog to keep up with the kids/family life, etc. and my other blog.  My family blog is going private so if you want to read it, email me.

Check out my new blog:  http://jessicamcnichol.blogspot.com/

Thanks!
Jessica

Blog Change...

I am going to be separating my family blog from all the other stuff I blog about [don't laugh...I *do* plan to blog more]

Watch for new changes....

J

Come Awake!

Oh January...January.

January, you scare me. Because of you, not only do I have to face all of the goals I didn't reach in the year that proceeded you, I have to make new goals on where I go in this year that has just begun...and THAT is scary. Mostly because I am a perfectionist, control freak who hates to fail and loves, Loves, LOVES to know what's going to happen before it actually does; then top that off with the fact that I actually fear things I can't predict and you have yourself one messed up Mama. Sadly, that's me but hey, at least I'm honest...right?!

However, with that said...I have decided to embrace you, Oh January, and write a new story for this new year you bring. With joy and faith in the One who knows my story before it has happened, I choose to be excited and hopeful of what 2010 has in store. I've decided that instead of "resolutions" where my eagerness will soon fade, thereby making my ability to keep them almost none existent, I will make healthy life changes that are motivated by one "thing" that my faith and persistence will not waiver from...and his name is Yeshua. That's right folks, good ol' Jesus.

I hope to do many things this year...

• To get rid of half of the stuff we own...I'm not trying to be a hippie or anything but we have a lot of stuff. :)
• Do more [healthy] meal planning...maybe even be "Clean Eaters" (wow, I really do sound like a hippie)
• Loose an undisclosed amount of weight.
• Be more active as a family.
• Create an efficient organizational system in our home, that actually works.
• Go wherever God leads...

Just to name a few.

This year will be new alright...a new focus, a new attitude, a new direction.

I. am. excited.

Blessings,

Jessica

Scottsdale Fashion Square Mannequin Design Contest

OK, so this is my friend Ashley (in all her hotness) modeling her new AP Collective line that she and Promise Tangeman-Wurzell have put together...well, Mrs. Ashley, has two mannequins in the Scottsdale Fashion Square Mannequin Design Contest one for AP Collective and one for Ashley's photography business; Bugg Photographer. I'm hoping by sharing this with you, you will vote for them!! Ashley and her Hubby, Jon are very proud of their work so please click on the pictures below and vote!! There is no limit to how many times you vote so PLEASE vote again and again.

AP Collective:

Bugg Photographer:

Thanks!!

Xoxo!!

Jessica

A State of Mind...

There are so many times we'll hear "cliche" statements like "Have an attitude of gratitude" and say to ourselves, oh that makes so much sense...BUT how do we really live? Do we express thanks to those who have blessed us? Do we really take a statement that can be easily passed off as cliche and apply it to our lives? I mean, think of the little things for example...you're in a grocery store, your looking for your jar of whatever and you notice someone coming down the aisle, so you pull your cart to the side to be sure they can pass through but do you get a "Thanks", a smile...anything?! Nope...not often. Now, how many times have you been rushed, someone moved aside for you and you've done just that? I realize you're in a hurry, believe me I get it. I have four kids and dinner to make also, I understand...but if we can't take one second to say thanks or smile to a stranger, can you honestly say you stop and express gratitude to those who do big things for you or even to your spouse for simply putting his clothes in the laundry room instead of on the floor like usual? :) Chances are, if you're anything like me, those things can tend to slip your mind and an opportunity to express love and thankfulness is lost. So why am I blogging about this you ask? To remind you and ME, that we can never say Thank You enough and because I'm reminded that Love Is Thoughtful and to be thoughtful we must THINK. Thinking implies we've thought about how we will respond when someone is kind, it implies we are thinking of how we can make the other person feel good or appreciated which then implies we aren't acting selfishly if we are putting a priority on other peoples needs. After all, we are suppose to love our neighbor as ourselves, right?

AND last but not least, I'm writing about this to propose a little dare...I dare you to say thank you to at least 5 people tomorrow...but be genuine and honest...and if you are thinking that there is no way you can say it to that many people then maybe you aren't seeing the opportunities that are right in front of you but if that's not the case, then think of the past few days, what has someone done for you that you overlooked and need to go back and say thank you for? I promise, that even though this seems very elementary...you will be blessed and you'll notice the more you show thankfulness and gratitude it will be shown to you.

Now, let me start off this little dare by saying Thank YOU! Thank you for reading my blog, for viewing my ramblings and still coming back for more! It makes me feel special to know you are taking your precious time to hear what I have to say...and for that I am grateful.

Hmm...

OK, OK...I've been gone awhile, chances are not many noticed as my blog isn't all that exciting but I'll update the two of you who've noticed I was away :) haha!

Since my last post:

• I've been crazy busy
• My Husband has started to coach a Varsity Soccer Team which he LOVES!!
• Ignite Small Groups (it's a Christian high school small group of Junior/Senior girls that I host at my house) has started back up again and I have two co-leaders this time...it's been fun!!
• Kobe has started to wear skinny jeans with vans and wear "Guess?" slim fit t-shirts and beg for True Religion Jeans! Bye, Bye skate clothes!
• I'm 60ish days into an amazing study of Proverbs 31 and I'm loving it!
• My backyard has been redone.
• My home office has been redone...(I've really enjoyed this one!!)
• My kids have become obsessed with High School Musical!!
• Cohen started a "Messy Art Class" he LOVES it!
• I've gone to Utah for the first time (with 55 high school kids!!) and now hope to have a house there someday!
• I've gotten a *NEW* (not refurbished) laptop from Mac for FREE!!! I LOVE APPLE!
• I've started to read my bible on the porch while my kids play on the playset in the mornings...that means the AZ weather has improved! Yay!
• Has become a secret Miley Cyrus fan!! I sing "The Climb" loudly in my car while driving. Shhhh...don't tell!! :)
• Lindsey, the young lady I had hoped would become my sister-in-law someday, has moved away to Colorado for college and I still find myself crying about it but I'm so excited for this new chapter in her life!
• I've decided I really want to go on a road trip with my kids for Fall Break.
• And last but not least....I've fallen more in love with my life...ironically my life is harder now than it's been in awhile but I'm growing through it and so are the people I love...so ultimately, it's a blessing!

So there it is...a glimpse into my craziness. I've really missed the blog scene so I don't plan to be gone for as long as I was before!!

Blessings,

Jessica

Follow Me...

Hey!

I'm on Twitter...follow me/join me....it should be fun!

Check it out over there somewhere ------>

Love,

Jessica

Prayer Request - Kate McRae

Over the past few days my heart has been aching over this sad, sad story!  I heard about it through several friends.  Kate McRae was a normal, happy and healthy 5 year old who started having minor health issues that never amounted to anything, until the other day her parents noticed that she was having tremors in her right hand.  After being sent to Phoenix Children's Hospital, her family was told that she had a brain tumor...and that it was likely a very aggressive type of cancer.  Since a few days ago she has had brain surgery, they think that have removed approximately 50% of the tumor.  Since the surgery Kate hasn't moved her right side which is something we are all praying will resolve itself!  My desire in blogging about this is that you would pray for Kate and her family!  They have ask for specific prayer requests so please view the video!!

God, is the Healer, I pray He will use sweet Kate in an amazing miracle 

and I hope you pray with  me!!

For more info visit: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mcraekate/journal or http://brianwurzell.wordpress.com/2009/07/03/kate-mcrae-a-revolutionary/

Summertime

What do you think of when you think of "Summertime?" Do you think beaches, water, picnics, swimming, vacations, fresh fruit, relaxation?  Well I do.  Summer is known for unplanned fun, living in the moment and enjoying family and friends.  For me, Summer is a time where I can devote hours on end to my children, which I love.  Plus, Summer has always been one of my favorite times of year because of the fact that it is expected and accepted to "go with the flow" "live in the moment" or have a "lazy day" here and there but I have to be honest, it's my favorite time of year and I'm struggling.  

I have deadlines, projects, work, etc. the list goes on and on and yet I can't seem to get it together.  It is like this "summer vibe" is on overload within me.  I can't seem to finish anything!  My mind wanders, I'm feeling overwhelmed by the littlest tasks, it's crazy!  In my many years of Motherhood, I have never struggled like I am this summer.  I have had a very successful and family-filled summers before.  I know how to have balance but not this time.  Granted, I have had a ton on my plate but it's weird...I always function best when I have many tasks to complete oppose to just one, yet, this summer proves to be the opposite.

Being the person that I am, it is difficult for me to see my "list" not being completed! I feel like I am letting people down by not completing certain things that I have, in some cases, volunteered to do!  It is just not like me, at all.  Anyway, I have decided to stop beating myself up and do what I can and be realistic with what I can accomplish.  Maybe, I have been on overload for too long and my brain wants a break or maybe this is God asking me to do less and enjoy my blessings more, I dunno?!  Whatever the reason, I have been meditating on some of my favorite bible verses so I can refocus and I wanted to share them with you!

She is clothed in strength and dignity

She laughs without fear for the future,

When she speaks her words are wise

And she gives instructions with kindness.

She carefully watches everything in her household, 

And suffers nothing from laziness.

Proverbs 31:25-27

I pray that I carefully watch over everything in my household and that I suffer nothing from laziness!  And I pray that you do too!

P.S. I'd like to hear from you!  I guess I am kind of curious if I am the only one who feels like this?  Are you struggling to get things done?  Do you want to do nothing besides enjoy the summer sun and smell of fresh fruit?  If not, I'll take some advice? :)

Xoxo!

Jessica