The Pumpkin Who Beat the Odds

Ok. so this here little {big} pumpkin we got at the first of October and for those of you who remember I told the story about the nice lady at Sam's who stopped me when trying to pick one out and told me it was a carving pumpkin so it wouldn't last long. She said I should wait to purchase a carving pumpkin til' closer to Halloween. And I contemplated not getting one and just waiting. One went in the buggy and then back in the bin it would go until I spotted this here beauty and knew he was the one.
Well he has beat the odds ya'll and I couldn't bare to get rid of him. I mean there is no sign of rot anywhere on him....it's craziness. So I was racking my brain trying to think of what to do with him and this is the best I could come up with. Only thing is I think he needs a beanie hat on top..that would be the last added touch for him don't you think? My kids were like "mom, you're seriously painting the pumpkin, like how embarrassing for all the neighbors to see". I said yep, and now you all get to see, too.... I love a good story of people who beat the odds.... and things, too like pumpkins.;)

He matches all of my Christmas decor... I'll post pics next week of the house all decorated up!

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I guest posted over at Kimberly's 2 weeks ago with 20 questions that she asked me.
Just wanted to post it here in case you missed it....

1.  If you could choose any mentor, who would it be?

The ultimate for me would be to be mentored by someone who has experienced life.

Heartache as well as joy…a woman who has raised her children. I think I would have to say Bobbie Houston from Hillsong Church in Australia. She is super passionate about the Lord_ life_ her family_ and empowering other women to find their God-given giftings and pursue them.

2.  What chore do you absolutely hate doing?

Cleaning the shower.

3.  What is a typical day for you?

Alarm goes off at 6:30am and I roll out of bed.

Wake the kids up, dressed, dropped off to school.

Back home to read the word, journal, blog, answer some emails.

Do some laundry, run errands, work on an order for the shop, or create something new.

2:30 to 3:45 is spent picking up kids from school

Help kids with homework

Get started on dinner

Hubs and I catch up while kids play outside & we usually take a walk

Then from 8:30-9pm it’s bath time, prayer time, and sleep time for the kids.

After that I get a bath and either have alone time with hubs or catch up on some of my fave shows.

And finally to sleep around 10:30-11:00 {I'm a shut down at 10pm kinda gal}

4.  If you knew Jesus was coming tomorrow, what would be different?

Ummm, my hair color…it's constantly changing. Kidding, just kidding.

Gosh, well I’m definitely not perfect so I would never want you to think that’s what I’m implying here. We sin everyday... but I’ve just always thought we were supposed to live like this. Knowing that He could come tomorrow and being ready. I grew up with a fear of the Lord and continue to have that to this day.

5. What is your wardrobe must have?

 A cardigan or sweater. I wear one pretty much over everything I have.

6.   If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

Sew or play the piano

7.   Why did you start blogging?

To document our life. I would love to be able to read over my mom or dad’s thoughts&struggles while they were my age/ in my stage of life. And so initially that is why I started to blog. I hope that my kids will have something to look back on and know that their struggles were normal. That they will treasure the life in photos & words that were typed out for them. Obviously though, I gained so much more than I ever thought when initially starting my blog. I’ve really pinpointed the things that I enjoy doing_ I started heathers happys which has been a blessing_ and I have so many friends all over the world. It just doesn’t get much better than all of that!

8.  If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to?

Umm, I kinda like my name, I think. Maybe Paige??

9.  What is ALWAYS in your fridge or pantry?

Flavored Coffee Creamer

10. What is your favorite quote? Favorite bible verse?

Right now fave quote: “Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Verse: Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

11.  If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?

Definitely give to the church and then help some of my family members who right now are losing their home, land, and business.

12. What are you hoping to get for Christmas?

A surprise. They drive me crazy_ like I'm the one who will snoop til' I find where J has hidden my gift. So he has to really hide them from me. But I love them! 

This Christmas I really want a sewing  machine though.

13.  It’s a rainy day and you’re all alone… What do you do with your time?

I stay in my pj’s all day and read or pin on Pinterest..ha!

14.  What is your favorite color?

Ok. this is hard for me. My kids ask me this all the time and I like so many.

Probably a blue, aqua, or turquoise-y color….

15. Have you ever had something happen to you that you thought was bad but it turned out to be for the best?

I was let go from a job in a health club when I was pregnant with my first child because they cut the position. I took it personally and was devastated at first. My desire was to ultimately stay home with the kids. So it worked out for the best because I didn’t go back to work all through the time of having my babes. Had that not happened I probably would have struggled with letting the job go. That was one of the firsts’ of watching how God provided for our needs even in the mist of something that looked not for the best…but it was.

16.  What is your favorite book? Movie? TV Show?

Right now I love “One thousand gifts” by Ann Voskamp. I learned so much from it.      

Movie: Elf              

Show: Parenthood

17.  What did you do growing up that got you into trouble?

I didn’t clean my room. It stayed a mess... but I knew where everything was.

18.  When is your birthday? 

January 11th

19. What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? Worst?

Without a doubt my husband’s love for me. He models Jesus to me in the way that he loves and cares for me. Hate to be that mushy.. but it’s true.

Worst gift ever was probably a blender he got me for Christmas. Yes, that really happened. It was like our 5^th year of marriage and he had heard me say I needed one…and I did need one, but not for a Christmas present. He’s made up for it many times over…J

 20. What story does your family always tell about you?

How I was an extreme tomboy when I was little. I used to climb trees with my cousin and try and do anything he did. Before I had a clue about ladies developing… I used to want to take my shirt off like he did in the Summertime. I know super embarrassing but I’ve had to hear my family tell of the time I asked and just could not understand why I couldn’t.

Happy Friday!!

heather.