Find A Little Peace

I can remember the first camera that I ever owned.  My Oma gave it to me for a field trip.  It was pink.  I wish I could say that I still have it.  It would contrast with the other cameras of my collection, but it would hold the place of honor amongst them.

That was just the beginning of my obsession.  I have found my happy place in photography.  Behind the camera I find peace.  I can lose myself in the sunset, leaves, grass, rain, ocean, whatever you can imagine.  I don't think about the stresses of moving, of trying to have a real estate career.  I don't worry about anything, I focus on the beauty that God has created.

With the move coming up, trying to sell a house as well as buy a house at the same time, I have become so stressed that I can barely stand to be in my own skin.  I want to scream!  I want to run (no, literally, I want to run.  I want to lace up my running shoes and hit the road for an hour), but I can't because I have so much going on that I haven't been able to practice yoga or go no a run in over a month!

Photography, though, I can do any time.  I don't have to worry about getting sweaty before going somewhere, I don't have to have anything except my phone (yes, I'm a phone photographer).  I can snap a photo of the sunset off of my back deck, or I can click out a couple of the roses that grow in front of the house.

I believe that God knew that I would be high-strung, in need of relaxation, and that's why I was introduced to photography.  It is where I can forget the rest of the world and focus on the beauty that He has created.  I can find peace, I can have a moment where I don't worry.  

Where do you find peace?  Where have you been led where you can rest in God?

See ya!
~Amanda~

The School Bell's A-Ringin'

Graphics courtesy of A Beautiful Mess Photo App

Call me weird, but I love the first day of school.  I'm not saying this as a mom who has kids in school and can take time off for myself when they start back (does any mom actually do that?).  I have always loved the first day of school.  I enjoy organizing and "setting up".

{Disclaimer:  I can't stay organized for more than a day or two at a time, but I am really good at organizing for that day or two, but that may be a post for another day}

Back to school is coming in just a couple of weeks, maybe it's already started for your family, or, maybe it won't start until after Labor Day (lucky).  Due to some new blessings in our lives (another long blog post for later), I am learning to stick to a budget, especially for back-to-school shopping, which is an area where I can go completely overboard.

My ideas haven't been put into practice just yet, as I am wracking my brain, trying to come up with ways to save even more money, but I'm going to give you a small list of some of my ideas.

Reuse:  My kids came home from school last year with a couple of little things that are still in great shape.  I have a pencil box, two pencil pouches, headphones, and two pair of scissors that they can use again this year.  I'm even going to reuse their lunch boxes.  There is a piece coming off of Youngest's lunchbox, but all it needs is a little glue.  These things are still in great shape (I even put the scissors in the dishwasher to clean them up a bit), so there's no reason to spend the money on brand new items.

Tax Free:  Today starts our tax free holiday, here in Georgia, and I plan on taking advantage of it.  I am going to see about getting some of the boys' clothes and shoes.  The holiday includes clothes, shoes, school supplies, some electronics (I'm not sure that an iPod would be on the list, but maybe some of the super expensive calculators).   It does make a difference, especially when you get all the items at the same time!

Shop the Ads:  Pretty self-explanitory, huh?  I cut coupons and check the grocery store ads, anyway, but it it especially important when school comes around, because there is such a big list to purchase all at once.  

Buy A Little At A Time:  Again, self-explanitory.  If you know that your child is in the grades that use a certain type of paper, or maybe a box of pencils, then just stop by the supply isle while you are out doing your weekly shopping.  This may not save you much in the way of money, but it will save your sanity, so you don't have to wrestle through the throng of parents shopping at the last minute for their kids' school stuff.

Another thing that I have thought about, and teachers, please let me know if you don't agree, the odd items that are requested: ie. paper towels, Ziplock baggies, tissues, hand sanitizer...  Those items, I would like to send in on an as-needed basis.  I have been involved in the school since Oldest was in Kindergarten, and I have sent in these items during orientation, to find that everyone else has as well.  That is an awesome sight, seeing all of the support that the parents are giving, just by sending in all of the items on the list.  My thought and experience as a room parent, though, is that the items are received on the first day of school, but they run out by winter break.  Why not check with the teacher to see if they are in need, and send in when they run low?  Granted, I know that if everyone did this, no one would bring in something on the first day, so I'm not saying that it's a grand idea for everyone to do, but maybe if you are running on a tight budget, you could work out something with the teacher. They will appreciate the donations of items during the year, as well.  

These are just some of the ideas that I've come up with (and they are not orginal ideas, by any means), and I plan on putting in place this year.

What do you do to relieve the stress/financial burden of the beginning of the school year?  I'd love some more ideas and input!

See ya!

~Amanda~

Life In Real Time

If you follow me on IG, then you know that God is really blessing my family, and answering long awaited prayers.  We are moving.  Yay!!

Yesterday, something happened to try to derail months of planning and hope and happiness.   We got a call that the closing is going to have to be extended.

That's normally not really a problem,  but with our situation, this is more than an inconvenience.   This could mean that all of our plans are trashed.  Our dreams might not come true.  Notice I said our plans and our dreams.  They are man-made plans, maybe {probably} not God-made plans.

I admit.  I had a very weak moment, where I dug in my heels and fussed and cussed (yes, I cuss... often).  Eventually, though, I tried to see the situation in the best light.  There has to be a reason for this, right?  I tried to keep God in my thoughts, and not the little devil on my shoulder whispering that it was all going down the drain. 

Throughout all of the upset, God has been throwing little things into my path, to let me know that He's still here for us:

Yesterday's verse of the day from my Bible app:  Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT) "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life."  I am an anxious control freak.  Things have to work my way, or they aren't working the right way.  Possibly, He is trying to make me relinquish the delusion that I have of being in control.

Yesterday on IG:  Psalm 36:5-6 "God's love is meteoric, His loyalty astronomic, His purpose titanic.  Yet in his largeness nothing gets lost;  Not a man, not a mouse."  (post from @littlebitfunky)  My interpretation:  He loves us, He has a plan.  He hasn't forgotten about us, hasn't let us down.  He doesn't do that.

Today's verse of the day from my Bible app:  Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) "Don't be afraid, for I am with you.  Don't be discouraged, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."  No interpretation needed here.

As we've traveled through this adventure, I have prayed that we are on His path.  That we are going the way that He wants us to.  I believe in my heart that He is doing what is best for my family.  It has been hard the past 24 hours, wondering what is going to happen.  What are we supposed to be doing?  I have not reacted in the Christ-like way that I should have, I will admit that.  I rarely do, but that's a really long post for another day.

What am I trying to say, here?  What's my point?  I have to have faith that God will be there for my family.  My faith in God runs deep.  I know that God is with my family, and that I may never know the reasons for the things that happen, but I know that things will work out the way that He wants them to, and it will be great!

We are being told to proceed, and so we will!

See ya!

~Amanda~

The Cold Hard Truth

This is my confusing attempt
At organization.   And no, I didn't bother
To make the bed.

I'm baaack!  When I say that, I always picture Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory when he was fed some of Howard's mom's medication.  Just me?  Huh, ok, guess I'm weird like that.

So, it's been a while.  How ya doin'?  I've been so busy that I can't even remember last night!  I haven't had time to blog, but that doesn't mean that I haven't thought about it.  I have been contemplating the direction that this Little Beach Bird should take.  I've come up empty.  Had no idea, but I knew of some awesome folks who would know...  My lovely IG friends.  

A few days ago I asked where I should go with this little blog.  I want to do something with it, I don't want to let it die, I want it to flourish, so I posed the question on IG, "Do you, dear friends, have any suggestions on ways to move forward?"  

I had a couple of comments telling me just to post about life, about being a wife, mother, real estate agent, crafter, ameteur photographer (if I can use that term loosely).  I never thought about that, really.  I never really thought that anyone would want to read about my life.  Then, my next thougth was that I really don't have my crap together (forgive my language).  I'm a hot mess.  Most of the time I can't find my bra, not to mention my house keys or my phone, or my shoes.  How am I supposed to blog about life?  I wanted to wait until I had my house clean and my schedule arranged, maybe look like I had my act together.  Well, I'm not going to do that.  That would so be a lie.  Here it is, the cold hard truth:

I don't have a clue what I'm doing!  

All I know is that I have some hilariously awesome kids and a hubby that I love so much.  He keeps me sane.  I try to have a plan in life, I have dreams and goals, but they never work out quite like I envision (they work out perfectly, though).  I am very type-A, and I'm a control freak.  So, if you can handle all that, stick around, because I may have some crazy stories to tell about trying to be balanced as a wife and mom while working 18 hours a day!

I'll work on balancing, and I'll try to post some nuggets of wisdom as they come to me.  I do hope you'll come back and visit my little blog!

See ya soon!

~Amanda~

Last minute Teacher Appreciation Gifts

Teacher Appreciation Week begins tomorrow (May 5)!  Don't forget to show that special teacher (or two) how much you appreciate them!

Our school has a pre-determined list of things to send in every day:

Monday:  School Supplies
Tuesday:  Unlimited Hugs and Smiles
Wednesday:  Something to Pop (popcorn or Blow Pops)
Thursday:  Something to Eat (fruit, treats, etc)
Friday:  Something to read (card or letter from student).

If your school doesn't do an pre-determined list, I've come up with a couple of extra ideas that don't have to cost a lot of money or time.

Gift card bouquet:  We made this one for our teacher's birthday, but it's great for any celebration.  The flowers can either be real or handmade, there doesn't have to be a lot of giftcards, one would suffice (or none, it could just be flowers).

Bags:  I was told by one of our teachers that they are the ultimate bag lady (or gentleman).  Teachers are always having to take home books and homework and such.  I love to give bags with a little something in them.  This year we have a student teacher, so I'm putting together a bag with some supplies that she's going to need next year for her own room.  I made this bag, but it can be store bought, it can be decorated by the kids, anything goes.

Summer Fun:  Just throw some summer type stuff together, a beach bag with a towel and water bottle, or something along those lines.

Spa Day:  Some lotions, body wash, face scrubbies, etc.  Just a little something to pamper themselves.

Pencil Flower Vase:  (I hope to find a pic of this soon because it's super cute) I made this last year, and she loved it.  All the kids brought in a flower, so she had a nice bouquet.  I found the tutorials on Pinterest (you can follow me there, if you'd like.  I'm Amanda Ropp <the one with the three palm trees as photo>).

There are so many ways to say Thank You to that special teacher, these were just a few of the things we've done in years past.  Imagination is the key.

I hope I've helped, if you've been stuck on ideas. 

See ya!

~Amanda ~

Wow! What a Week!!!

I have always found myself wanting to start huge projects (365 blanket, IG challenges, Pinterest Project Sunday).  I love the idea of having something huge to work on.  I really enjoy all the things I just listed, too.

I like to have something to do, something to work toward.  Well, every time I start something big like these projects I get slammed with stuff to do that takes my attention from them!

This week it's been real estate.  Business is picking up!  I'm super excited about it.  This is what I've been praying for, what I wanted!

Please just bear with me while I try to figure out the delicate balance between family life and business life.  This week I have been swamped and I'm running on empty.  I really, really want to do a Pinterest Project Sunday, or just to catch up on my challenges, but I don't know if that's going to happen.

Let me just say, God is definitely answering my prayers.  He is hearing my cries (sometimes literally), and he is providing.  I am so thankful to have the ability to work toward our goals, and to be able to be there for my family whenever they need me, while working toward those goals.

I just hope that you will stay with me along the way.  Hopefully I can get back on track this week.  I love posting and I love you guys!  Thank you for reading my little blog!

{Follow me on IG (if you don't already), and I'll let you know when another post is up!}

See ya!
~Amanda ~

Pinterest Project Sunday - Canceled This Week

random picture of my granny square blanket

Wow!  The weekend is already over!  It has flown by!

I'm sorry to say that Pinterest Project Sunday had to be canceled for this week.   I feel horribly guilty about it.  I truly enjoy doing these little crafts each week, and I don't want to make this a habit.

I'm still trying to get back into a routine.  My routine was messed up when the boys got out of school for Winter break.  I mean, it's March, for goodness sake.  I shouldn't have such a hard time getting back to normal!

Not to mention sickness! Oh my goodness, there's not been a week in February that we've all been well at the same time!

I'm definitely not complaining.  I'm happy to have been busy.  I'm glad that my little ones are finally feeling better.  I'm also ecstatic that we had a beautiful day today.  Hopefully we won't get any more really cold weather, and we can get outside more and we can all stay well!

Well, I'm going to collapse now, I'm exhausted.

Come back next week, I'll have a new project for ya!

See ya
~Amanda ~