Meet the Binkley's

The view from here...

2011-01-17T21:34:00.003-06:00

I've been sitting here staring at the screen and can't think of a word to say today. Have a great week!

Growing Babies

2010-10-10T16:15:00.000-05:00

Lily, 15 months

Owen, 4 months

It's been a while...

2010-10-05T17:15:00.005-05:00

I haven't blogged in over a year. Wow. I have plenty of things to blog about, I just haven't ever stopped long enough to do so. I'm going to go back and update. So here we go, in an effort to slow down a bit- I am going to start documenting our lives. Again.

Gatlinburg

2010-06-26T17:55:00.001-05:00

Travis and I went to Gatlinburg for our anniversary. We have a big trip planned later this year, but we were both ready to get away for a bit. We left on Monday and came back yesterday. We had a very relaxing trip. We went out shopping one afternoon and couldn't resist a trip to Marble Slab! Yum!!

The view from the complex we stayed in.

Sunset from our balcony.

Owen James

2010-05-28T17:44:00.000-05:00

Owen James Cart

Born: May 28, 2010

Lily

2009-07-27T20:24:00.004-05:00

Prom 2009

2009-05-11T16:39:00.000-05:00

Samantha went to her middle school prom this weekend. So, as promised, here are her pictures!
Doesn't she look pretty? And GROWN UP?

Visitor

2009-05-08T13:46:00.001-05:00

Meet Vandy.

He spent a few days with us this week.

Or maybe he spent a few days with Elbie.

Or maybe he spent a few days trying to toughen Elbie up.

But maybe she just isn't a tough dog!

*No, we did not get a new dog, we were dog-siting!

Please pray!!!

2009-03-24T20:15:00.002-05:00

As I sit down to write this to night I am completely broken-hearted. My family has only been hit with cancer once, and only because of God, my Grammy is now cancer free. Yesterday, our family was once more attacked by cancer. K was diagnosed with Esophogeal Cancer. As a person who has witnessed miracle after miracle in the blog world since this year started, I am praying and believing that GOD is still in the miracle working business. The same GOD that healed sweet Harper can remove this cancer. I know that He is more than able.
Please pray for my sweet family member, K, and believe with me that our God WILL HEAL HER. Please pray that God give her strength in to deal with what is to come. Pray that her family be assured of God's promises. He will NEVER leave them nor forsake them.

Please pray.

Ephesians 3:14-21
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen

Arbonne orders...

2009-01-30T22:34:00.002-06:00

I am SUPER pumped about Arbonne! I went tonight to place my month end numbers, and I may FINALLY qualify for district manager. If you would like to order anything, or know someone who does, please let me know. Call me, email me, or comment on here and leave your information and I will place the order tomorrow. The sooner you let me know, the better. I am so excited! I hope to make it in this business so that I can one day stay home with my family! Just let me know. Thank you!!

Guess who?

2009-01-28T19:38:00.002-06:00

Guess who is off all her meds and the ventilator? Guess who is eating? Guess who didn't even have to have a PICC line put it?

Harper Brown Stamps!

Go check her out here:

www.kellyskornerblog.com

Keep praying that her healing continues and that babies in NICUs all over the world be healed. I am absolutely amazed at how God continues to show himself through Harper's precious life to all who have followed this blog!

How GREAT is our God!

2009-01-26T19:10:00.006-06:00

Harper is improving day by day. Tonight, she opened her eyes for the first time! All I can say is GOD IS GOOD!

A week ago, this song got stuck in my head, and I have enjoyed it ever since!

Thankful Thursday

2009-01-22T14:12:00.004-06:00

**UPDATE: As of this morning, January 23, Harper is at 43% oxygen! PTL!!!!! Keep praying!

I am going to be really honest in this post. It may get long, but I feel like I need to write it all out. I have had doubts about posting this, but feel that God has led me to express these things and I don't want to get in His way anymore.

I have never felt like I am living up to the person God called me to be. I have never been outspoken about my religious views and I have never really carried on a conversation about God. I have always felt embarrassed. I have always believed, but I have always doubted as well. My human mind starts thinking and wants to understand logically how God is real and how can all these things the Bible talks about be true. It is hard to understand any of it. I have recently learned that it is not my job to understand or to make sense of it all. It is my calling to fully trust and believe that God is real. It is my job to have faith that God is real and trust that HE understands everything and that is all that matters.

A few months ago I saw on Kim's website that she had done a painting for a soon arriving (and much anticipated) baby girl, Harper. My first thought was, "animal print? for a baby?" So I went over to check out Kelly's blog (Harper's mom). I was drawn to her story and her personality- but most of all, I think God sent me to that blog for a REASON. Kelly and her husband, Scott, had struggled with infertility for several years and had finally gotten pregnant. I went back to the beginning of her blog and read the whole thing! I have never seen anything negative on it. No matter what situation she blogged about, God's light truly shined through her- something I have never seen so clearly before.

I was raised in a Christian home, I went to a Christian school, I am a Christian and I have been since I was little. But I have never felt like people could see God in me because I never have let him shine through me.

Kelly posted about her pregnancy and even shared all the wonderful girly things she had received and bought for Harper. Her pregnancy was perfect and up until the day she delivered Harper everything seemed perfect. I checked the blog everyday to see whether or not Harper had made her debut. She was a much anticipated little girl! I kept checking throughout the day Friday (January 16) to see if she had arrived. I read late that night that she had in fact arrived, but that she was in critical condition. My first thought was, WHY? How could this happen? How could God let this happen to a family that has expected to meet a healthy little girl and hold her and love on her? I thought- this can't be God- Satan has gotten a hold on this family and is making himself known. Still, not once did Kelly post anything other than she needed our prayers and that they trusted God with their little girl, regardless of what happened.
Harper was born with pneumonia and was flown to Tulsa, OK following her birth while Kelly was still in the hospital to recover. (Harper weighed 9lbs 12 ounces!) Harper was placed on 100% oxygen and the future was not looking good.
Friday night I prayed more than I ever have in my life. I woke up all night long praying for God to heal Harper and to kick Satan out of the way. I have begged and pleaded with God to heal Harper and to breathe life into her little body. Slowly, each day, Harper is progressing.
Last night, Kelly posted and asked us to pray that the doctor could lower her oxygen to 95% and that she would be able to stay there. I again, along with many others all of the world, prayed once more. This time I felt led to pray for God to show himself like he never has before. See, thousands and thousands of people all over this world are praying for Harper and checking for updates everyday. God has an opportunity to show His realness to all of these people. I prayed that he touch Harper and show us that HE is in control and to show the doctors, who expected 95% that HE is the HEALER. And guess what?? HE DID!!!
Kelly posted this morning to tell us all that Harper was down to 77% oxygen!! God has proven that he is the great physician and that HE is at work here. I believe more than ever in the power of prayer and I will always be thankful to Him for leading me to Kelly's blog. I have prayed all week. I have begged God to make Himself known and He has! God is awesome, and I will never doubt him again. I know those are bold words, because I know that Satan will be working harder against me now, but God is on my side and I want him to shine through me.
Praise God for his work in Harper. I am thankful for little Harper's life. What a testimony she will have one day. She is proof that God is still in control.
I said that things "seemed perfect until she was born." They seemed perfect to me until things got bad. But now I believe that this whole process has been according to his perfect plan. I read somewhere once that "God allows what he hates to accomplish what he loves." I didn't get this at first, but it was stuck in my head. No I get it. Completely. God doesn't like for his people to hurt, but he loves for his people to pray to Him and to completely rely on Him. He has allowed this family's pain, knowing they trusted Him enough to get through this trial, in order to bring people closer to Him. It may not be many people- but even if just one person comes closer to God, I know that Kelly and Scott will be forever grateful that God used them for that purpose. That is the kind of followers of Christ they are. I want to be that one.

Prayers Needed!

2009-01-18T21:03:00.000-06:00

After several years of trying to start a family, Scott and Kelly Stamps finally welcomed a sweet baby girl, Harper, into the world Friday. Harper is having complications with pneumonia and also some heart trouble. She is in the NICU in Tulsa and desperately needs your prayers. Please pray that God heal this miracle child and that this family would feel HIS love at this time. There are already people praying all over this world for Harper. Please join us.

You can check out Kelly's blog by going here:

www.kellyskornerblog.com

Please lift this precious child up in your prayers. Only God can heal this sweet little girl. I believe that HE can and HE will. HE is able to do more than we could ever imagine.

Update

2009-01-13T08:44:00.000-06:00

Here is Elbie after we got home last night. She is doing pretty well today. She is learning quickly how to get around. She slept better last night and is loving all of the attention I'm sure!

Sorry about the picture quality- I took this one with my cell phone.

Prayers, please!

2009-01-12T10:17:00.001-06:00

***We are home now and the vet was able to set her bones pretty well. She has a hot pink cast on and it limping around everywhere. She will have to wear the cast for 6 weeks. We will be going to the vet once a week to make sure that everything is healing properly.

Please pray for Elbie today, she has a broken paw and is at the vet getting it set right now. Pray for us that she doesn't need surgery as it would cost $1500! You all know how much I (and Travis) love this pup!!

I can't imagine what it will be like when we have kids... I am already worried sick about our dog!!

Will update later!

Favorite Foto Friday

2009-01-09T17:10:00.000-06:00

Small dock in Grand Cayman Island.

I wish I could sit at this dock all day long. Grand Cayman Island has to be one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-01-07T19:19:00.000-06:00

Not Me Monday!

2009-01-05T18:03:00.000-06:00

So, I am going to try something new this year and participate in Not Me Monday! So here we go:

I do not still have my Christmas tree up while every other Christmas decoration is put up. I am not that lazy.

I have not spent the last two weekends organizing my house and cleaning out closets and drawers because that would mean that I am unorganized and I definately am not.

I did not let 6 loads of clean laundry go unfolded for over a week. Again, I am not that lazy.

I have not stayed up late every night for a week playing in PS and loading my 8,000+ pictures.

I did not purchase a coat for my hopefully future daughter to wear because I fell in love with the one that AC was wearing at Christmas and was not scared that by the time we have children they would no longer make them.

I did not play Wii last weekend until my sides ached so bad that I could have cried! And I did not complain the next morning when my body was still aching!

AND, I definately did not sing karaoke at Uncle Michael's with people watching because that would have been outgoing.

Happy Monday, have a great week!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T20:19:00.000-06:00

Wow, I can't believe that 2008 has already come and gone! I'd have to say that 2008 was a great year. Here's a little recap of some things that happened this year...

We visited Gatlinburg in January

We got snow in March

We remodeled our half bath in May

Travis' Grandfather turned 90 in June

We celebrated our first anniversary on a cruise

Then we celebrated Travis' 23rd birthday on an 8 day cruise!

Waylon Thomas Williams was born in November

We had a great Christmas...

And Elbie took many naps!

Hope you all enjoyed 2008, and look foward to sharing 2009 with you!

A year can change so much...

2008-12-29T22:12:00.001-06:00

It's amazing how much a little one changes in a year! Check out these pictures of AC (my little cousin) and MT (my niece).

12/16/0712/25/08

MT

12/24/07

12/28/08

Amazing, huh?

Cute faces...and a handsome one too!

2008-12-29T21:51:00.000-06:00

Here are some sweet smiles I caught at Cart Christmas this year...Sweet AC

The new face AC made at Rachel everytime she pointed the camera at her!

Too sweet!

This little man informed me that he was not cute (at all)

Me: Thanks, that was a really cute picture of you

Little man: No, not at all. (In the most serious tone of voice.)

Haha- gotta love children!

Hoodies and toys!

2008-12-28T22:01:00.000-06:00

Tonight, Travis and I took Christmas presents over to our nephews and niece. We weren't able to see them on Christmas Day. Each one got an Old Navy fleece or hoodie and of course a toy.

William and Calvin unwrapping fun games!

GQ Triston sportin' the ON Hoodie

Is this not the cutest little momma you have ever seen?

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree...

2008-12-04T21:21:00.000-06:00

Tonight, Travis and I put up our Christmas tree! It is always so much fun getting ready for Christmas! Cookies are in the oven now and Purity Boiled Custard is chilling in the refrigerator. We watched this movie while decorating:

It's our tradition, even if this is only the second year!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T09:38:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving! Hope you all have a great one!

Under the weather...

2008-11-22T15:06:00.000-06:00

I've been sick with the flu for almost two weeks now. I am FINALLY getting over it and have about 50% of my energy back. I promise to update the blog as soon as I get my house back in order. Hope everyone has a GREAT weekend!

One Question...

2008-11-16T22:52:00.000-06:00

How about those Titans?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

10-0

Didn't happen...

2008-10-24T08:40:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry, I am having some major issues getting my pictures to load- there are over 2,400 pictures on the memory card that I used this summer. I tried last night over and over and couldn't get it to work. But- I am working on it. As soon as I get my pictures loaded- I will blog away! Have a great Friday!

I am attempting to do some major updating...

2008-10-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

I am going to try to update all the way back to June by the end of the day today! I am having a hard time getting my pictures to upload. (I guess that's because there are 2400 pictures on one memory card!) Any way, bare with me, I am trying. I PROMISE to keep it current if I can get it updated!! Have a good day!

A glimpse of what's to come...

2008-10-23T08:44:00.000-05:00

June:

Travis' grandfather turned 90!

Girl's night out

Kari's Wedding

Cruise #2- New Orleans, Cozumel, and the Yucatan

Somebody's 50!

July:

Cookies with the kids

July 4th

August:

Another girl party

A vow renewal

Travis' birthday

Cruise #3- Miami, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel

And I know there will be others. Check later!

A few of my favorite things...

2008-10-22T22:00:00.000-05:00

I love this...it is our vase from the sand ceremony in our wedding. I poured gel wax on top of it so that it would always stay the way it was made during the wedding.

I love this painting by Kim Wheeler. Thanks Rachel (and family) we LOVE it! I finally got a frame that I like for it ($12.49 half price at Michael's!!) and I have a BEAUTIFUL new shelf to display it on! The frame is black but there is some brown showing thru in some areas, I'm not sure if you can see it in this picture.

I love this picture of my Grandpa that Kyndall gave me for Christmas. I get to see him daily just as I remember him. Though it doesn't make up for him not being here- I love that this picture sits in my living room as a constant reminder of him.

Kashi bars...how I love thee... These bars are my new secret addiction..although it's not so secret anymore!

Home Project

2008-10-22T21:56:00.000-05:00

Look what Travis built this weekend. I L-O-V-E it! I can finally display things neatly! Thank you Travis!!

Elbie

2008-10-17T09:35:00.000-05:00

What kind of updating would I be doing if I didn't post about Elbie? Here is a cute picture of her doing what she loves to do after a long day of playing...

Laying on the back of the couch in her spot.

You would never know by looking at her sweet face that she is the same dog that destroyed a paint brush soaked in black furniture stain and coated herself in black and painted our living room floor black...more on that later. I want this post to be sweet.

This is what is keeping me away...

2008-10-15T09:25:00.000-05:00

It seems lately that I have been so out of routine. Always busy, always tired, messy house, laudry piling up, dinner at 8 p.m, not enough sleep, unfinished projects, 534 unread emails, paid bills to be filed(atleast I am getting still getting them paid on time), calls to be returned....

Here's the reason:

WORK!

That's right, this is where I spend every weekday and sometimes evenings. I hate to blame- but it's only the truth! This is where I have been hiding since July.

Dear Blog,

I promise not to let things get so behind anymore. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my new job. It was just hard to adjust to the new stress load, busier schedule and longer days. I wouldn't change a thing though! I am finally adjusting to a new schedule and I promise to no longer neglect you!

-me

Since April

2008-10-13T22:32:00.000-05:00

I bought three of these sticker type things at a home party in April. I FINALLY got around to making one of them! I still have a cross and another saying to put on something. They are made for walls, but I didn't want mine to be permanent! Here it is...

I put it on the front of a picture frame ($14.49 at Michael's!!) and I put some light brown fabric in the background! I must say, I really like it! Stay tuned for the next two...

A day at the circus!

2008-10-04T22:10:00.000-05:00

Today my mom, Lauren and I went to the circus. I don't know who had the most fun!

2nd row seats for 3= $60

Elephant ride= $10 each

Popcorn, lemonade, and cotton candy= $20

Spending a day with a happy six year old= PRICELESS!

We're back!

2008-09-07T15:11:00.000-05:00

We had a FABULOUS time. It had to be the BEST vacation we've ever been on! The weather was absolutely PERFECT. The sea was calm the whole time. It was sunny every single day! We took over 1,300 pictures while we were gone! I just can't say enough about how great this vacation was. I will post some pictures soon- obviously not all 1,300!

Have a great day, I know I won't now that vacation is over!

Birthday Cruise

2008-08-25T13:25:00.000-05:00

So, we are flying to Miami this Friday to go on a cruise for Travis' birthday. What a nice birthday gift!This vacation is much needed as we have both been so busy with work lately that it is INSANE!

So, Saturday morning we are boarding this:

And going to Cozumel, Grand Cayman Island and Jamaica.

Pray that there are no more storms!!! We will be back on Saturday the 6th!

I promise-I am going to go back and update before we leave!

Tagged....6 Random Facts About Me

2008-08-23T23:04:00.000-05:00

Okay, Rachel tagged me...so here we go with 6 random facts about me...

1. I plan to go to law school one day.

2. I love my job! ( Iknow- weird, right?)

3. I have been out of high school for 5 years, out of college for 1 year, married 14 months and the proud puppy-mommy to an adorable toy pom for 11 months!

4. I am 5 foot 3 inches tall

5. I have one the best memories ever created (seriously, i'm not trying to brag at all) and sometimes it annoys me.

6. This is one of my favorite quotes: "We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face... we must do that which we think we cannot."- Eleanor Roosevelt

That's it, hope you enjoy!! Thanks Rachel for tagging me, it was fun!!!

Catching Up...

2008-08-18T09:20:00.000-05:00

I have got to get caught up!!! I have been crazy busy lately and have not had a single moment to blog! Let's see....here is a recap of some things that have happened this summer...we have celebrated our one year anniversary, gone on a cruise, I have started yet another new position at the bank (and I love it!), planned a cruise for Travis' birthday, moved Travis' sister in with us, and the list keeps going! It's been busy, but it has been great!

I promise to get my act together and get this blog updated soon!!!!

P.S. : If anyone is interested in buying any Arbonne products, I will be placing an order this week and I will pay shipping! If you need a catalog let me know, or you can check out our products at www.arbonne.com - I promise they are good products- trust me- I have some serious skin allergies and I have not had a single issue with these truly pure products!

Have a great day!

2 weeks in the making....

2008-05-29T10:03:00.000-05:00

That's right- you all know us- we LOVE to start projects and drag them out for as long as possible!!! (NOT) That's just life I guess!

I bought this tile for CHEAP- it was 2.98 a piece and I got it for $1 a piece...2 YEARS AGO!!! Well- after contemplating where to put this tile...we finally decided that it should go in the half bathroom....2 weeks after removing the toilet and placing it on the back patio for the WHOLE WORLD TO SEE.....we have this....

This picture was taken before the floor was cleaned...I will update later when it is completely finished! Our house is coming together!

Little Pieces around the house...

2008-05-28T22:34:00.000-05:00

I thought it would be neat to share with you some of the things that decorate our house...Since things are finally starting to come together!

(Painting by Kim Wheeler....The ribbon and wrapping has been removed since this picture!)

These pictures are hanging on the wall behind our couch...We actually took the pictures on the last night of our cruise and printed them in sepia as 8x10's...They are even prettier upclose!

Elbie Update...

2008-05-24T10:56:00.000-05:00

We took Elbie in for a haircut.....

Before

After

She is such a small dog! She will be a year old soon- so we don't see her getting any bigger...she is so funny- if I am at home- she doesn't want anything to do with Travis...it's hilarious! But if I'm not there- she will follow him everywhere and sit in his lap! She won't even take a treat from him unless I am there to witness it! It's great!!!

Devastating News

2008-05-22T09:19:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, Steven Curtis Chapman- a christian music artist and Middle Tennessee resident- lost his daughter. She was struck by a vehicle driven by her older brother in the family's driveway. Maria was 5 years old, and the youngest of the Chapman's 6 children. She was one of the three little girls adopted from China. This is devastating. My heart goes out to their family. I can't even imagine their pain, and the suffering that her brother must be enduring. Please keep this family in your prayers.

I will end with a new song of his...it's heartbreaking to hear now...

She spins and she sways to whatever song plays,

Without a care in the world.

And I'm sittin' here wearin'

the weight of the world on my shoulders.

It's been a long day and there's still work to do,

She's pulling at me saying "Dad I need you!

There's a ball at the castle and I've been invited

and I need to practice my dancin'"

"Oh please, daddy, please!"

So I will dance with Cinderella

While she is here in my arms'

Cause I know something the prince never knew

Oh I will dance with Cinderella

I don't wanna miss even one song,

Cuz all to soon the clock will strike midnight

And she'll be gone

She says he's a nice guy and I'd be impressed

She wants to know if I'd approve of a dress

She says "Dad, the prom is just one week away,

And I need to practice my dancin'"

"Oh please, daddy, please!"

So I will dance with Cinderella

While she is here in my arms'

Cause I know something the prince never knew

Ohh-oh ohh-oh, I will dance with Cinderella

I don't wanna miss even one song,

Cuz all to soon the clock will strike midnight

And she'll be gone

She will be gone.

Well, she came home today

With a ring on her hand

Just glowin' and tellin' us all they had planned

She says "Dad, the wedding's due six months away

And I need to practice my dancin'"

"Oh please, daddy please!"

So I will dance with Cinderella

While she is here in my arms

'Cause I know something the prince never knew

Ohh-oh ohh-oh, I will dance with Cinderella

I don't wanna miss even one song, (even one song)

Cuz all to soon the clock will strike midnight

And she'll be gone

Arbonne

2008-04-28T13:24:00.000-05:00

I had a lunch meeting today with Liesa. She has cut/colored my hair forever now. She is very passionate about Arbonne products. Travis and I have been praying about whether or not this is something that I should get in to. After several months of discussing it, praying about it, and contemplating it, I have finally decided to pursue it. I love the products, and the results on the weight loss system are amazing. I have always wanted to be my own boss- but more importantly- I want to help make a difference in the lives of other people.

I know that by taking on something like this, I am going to receive all kinds of ridicule- it's already begun. But I have to stick to a quote that I know is true:

"Everyone is born into the world to do something unique and something distinctive and if he or she does not do it, it will never be done."

I can't be scared anymore to take a chance at something. I see this business as being very rewarding. It will take hard work, but I am ready for the challenge!

So, if you are interested in hosting a presentation, or viewing a catalog, please let me know.

I think that this will be the start of something great!

10 months today...

2008-04-23T12:34:00.000-05:00

Since we got married... seems a lot longer (I don't know if that's good or bad?) but at the same time, it's hard to believe that it's been that long since we got married...all that hard work and time put into planning that day and now it's been 10 months?? It's crazy!

Today is also 2 months until the cruise leaves! I cannot wait!!! 61 days and counting!! And trust me- I am literally counting- I've got a calendar made with a picture of the ship and all! Of course I just printed it off the computer- nothing too spectacular!

Down 30...

2008-04-22T12:29:00.000-05:00

This is my lunch everyday...I am beginning to look foward to it...isn't that WEIRD? But hey- it's working...that and a lot of hard work and a very restricted diet...I've lost 30 since the end of February. I'm excited! Of course Travis has lost about double what I have (men!!)- but that's okay, I'm gong to get there!! Now, off to drink my "shake", that's what I keep telling myself!

Have a great day!

Little project- COMPLETED!

2008-04-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

Well, I got this piece of furniture from my Dad. It was my great grandmothers- Granny Ligon- Travis brought it home- not knowing exactly why I had to have it...See, I had this pathetic desk- the kind that you buy for like nothing- we got it for like $2 at CVS. Well- it was "pathetic" because I put it together myself- so the poles were completely crooked. It was hilarious. I will try to find a picture and post it later. We were using the desk to house our DVD player, DVR, and DVD's. It was bulky and very sloppy! Now we feel very organized...for now!

Anyway, Travis brought home the very-old-but-new-to-me-shelf and sanded it (because it had my sister Jessi's name carved all over it!!) and painted it black. It does have some dents and dings- but we both just LOVE it in our living room. I will put some better pictures on here later on- but for now- here are some to give you an idea. (They are very small because I took these with my cell phone)

As some of you know, we like to start projects and then we never finish them- this was like a 3 day project- that's it! Can you believe it?!? 3 days- that's it! I will take some pictures of some of the other started-but-not-yet-completed projects we have going on and share them with you next time!!

$200.98

2008-03-31T14:10:00.000-05:00

Travis and I have recently been starting jogging pretty much daily. After a couple of weeks of aching legs and feet, we decided that we needed to buy some good running shoes. I, being the queen of cheap, knew that I wasn't going to spend much on my shoes. I just wanted something more comfortable. Well, Travis decided to go and get these shoes himself. (probably so he wouldn't have to spend forever going store to store looking for the best deal.) He walks right in the store, studies his options and makes the purchase. And of course, what would new shoes be without brand new socks to go with them. So he gets his and mine- without my foot present- and the socks for both of us. So when I check the bank account to see how much he spent, I about fell out of my chair. $200.98. His response was "It's not that much."I would have never spent that on running shoes. But I bet my feet feel good this afternoon. Crazy boy!

Oh, and the shoes do fit!

Carnival Fantasy....here we come.....again!!

2008-03-21T08:19:00.000-05:00

We've planned a trip for our first anniversary....we are going on the same cruise we went on for our honeymoon...it does make a different stop one day. So we'll be going to Progresso, Yucatan and back to beautiful Cozumel!

(Carnival Fantasy docked in New Orleans)

It is cheaper to fly than it is to drive...$399 round trip for both of us total! So, we have booked the flight....June 22, 2008 at 7:40 AM to New Orleans and our cruise leaves the 23rd at 4:00....so we will have a day and a half in New Orleans....anyone know of anything fun to do there? We visited an aquarium last time and saw a 3D movie there....but we want something different to do.

We were able to get the same room we had last time- perfect location- on the main floor, big picture window, first room in the hall! All that's left to do now is find a hotel in New Orleans that doesn't cost a ton! Last time we were able to stay at the JW Marriott- it was an extremely nice hotel- found it on a 24 hour sale on hotels.com for only $65 a night! Very comfortable and had a great view!!! Now it's $169 a night...I'm holding out for a sale...if anyone sees anything nice and cheap....let me know!! Or if you know where I can book a nice and cheap hotel room- please let me know!!

We can't wait!!! If you ever get the chance....you should definately go on a cruise...it is amazing...and cheap when you consider everything is practically paid for before you leave! So if you know of fun things to do in New Orleans....let us know!!

94 more days!!!

Updated a little...

2008-02-01T11:13:00.001-06:00

Okay, I just updated a little all the way back to December 1st! FINALLY!! I will try to continue posting...Have a great Friday!!

New hair...

2008-01-31T22:43:00.000-06:00

I've been going to get my hair highlighted every six weeks for years now. At my last appointment, the lady that does my hair said that we should go in and put some dark in- to match my roots....SCARY!! Yesterday I was nervous all day long! I know it shouldn't be such a big deal, but to me it was...I'm used to being very blonde! I do like the change, I miss the blonde- but this will be easier to keep up with and better on my hair! Here's a sneak peak...I'm not brave enough to post another picture where you can really see the change!

Where have I been?

2008-01-30T13:16:00.000-06:00

Oh my! We have been so busy lately!! I have tons of pictures to post- but no time!! Since Travis has become self-employeed and the recent change of job for me (same place different responsibilites) we have been absoultely CRAZY!! I do need to go back to atleast Christmas and update! I promise to do so in the near future- maybe tonight?

Hope everyone has a great day!!

Christmas Ornaments

2007-12-20T10:16:00.000-06:00

This year I was inspired by Kim Wheeler to make my own ornaments to give as gifts. I found the how-to on her blog. I made over 30 of them and had so much fun! Each one was uniquely different. I made big round ones, small round ones, and even square ones! I got so in to making them that I didn't take any pictures until I had given away all the ones that I liked the most...so here's a few that I had left over! Oh- you can check out Kim's blog at http://www.kimwheeler.blogspot.com/

Baby girl

2007-12-16T22:29:00.000-06:00

Here are a few pictures of Alaina Claire. She is just precious!!

Sweet Alaina Claire

2007-12-16T21:57:00.000-06:00

She's here! And she is so beautiful. We went to see her on Friday, and came back today. Travis held her for the first time today- and for quite some time too!

Cookie Day

2007-12-15T22:54:00.000-06:00

David and Lauren came over today to make Christmas goodies...Earlier this morning I had a rather traumatic experience when I got my acrylic nail caught and ripped it off along with the real nail...I called Travis home from work to get my bandaged up..yes I was bleeding pretty good- and about to faint at that...I sucked up the pain and tears and finished getting ready for them to come over. Travis didn't go back to work, which I have no problem with! But I knew that with him home- my brother would no longer care about making Christmas treats with me! Lauren lasted about two batches of cookies- because we were using the super cool cookie cutter thing- it made the dough into all sorts of cool shapes...Anyway, this is what you get when you expect a 13 year old and a 5 year old to stay in the kitchen and cook! Excuse the messs...things are rearranged from having the Christmas tree up...it's Saturday= cleaning day...and Travis started this built in shelf project and it's not complete! Notice my brother's feet on my CLEAN clothes waiting to be folded!!!

Little Man

2007-12-06T15:04:00.000-06:00

Travis' mom had to put her dog to sleep this morning. They've had him for a long time and everyone was very attached to him. They are all pretty upset, including Travis. Just keep him and his mom and sisters in your thoughts.

I hope to do some updating soon- so come back often! Have a great day!

Christmas at the Binkley's!

2007-12-01T10:05:00.000-06:00

So, being that this is our first Christmas since getting married, we decorated the house just a little! Last year, I refused to decorate the house for just me- so this year we had to! We went out and bought a very small Christmas tree, a couple of ornaments, and lights. That was going to be it. Then a few more trips to Target, we added more ornaments, stockings on the mantle (even a tiny one for Elbie) and garland and bows !

Chattanooga

2007-11-21T14:31:00.000-06:00

Last weekend we took a short trip to Chattanooga with Travis's sister Shavona, her husband Will, and their four adorable children. We all had a great time visiting the city, Ruby Falls, Rock City, and riding the Incline Railway. The weather was nice and the surroundings were beautiful! We all had a great time watching an old tear- jerker movie while eating dessert in a cozy hotel room. We all enjoyed the tour of Ruby Falls and the hike up through Rock City. Personally, the Incline Railroad was awesome- a little scary at times, but nonetheless- very entertaining! The views were amazing! Will post pictures of Ruby Falls a little later. Enjoy!

P.S.:If you ever visit Chattanooga, be sure to eat at Sticky Fingers- the ribs are great!

Sweet reminders

2007-11-14T11:09:00.000-06:00

I got the following story in an email foward this morning and thought I would share. I'm sure that many of you have read this before- but it's a sweet reminder of the power of prayer. Enjoy!

In September 1960, I woke up one morning with six hungry babies and just 75 cents in my pocket. Their father was gone.The boys ranged from three months to seven years; their sister was two. Their Dad had never been much more than a presence they feared. Whenever they heard his tires crunch on the gravel driveway they would scramble to hide under their beds.He did manage to leave $15 a week to buy groceries.Now that he had decided to leave, there would be no more beatings, but no food either.
If there was a welfare system in effect in southern Indiana at that time, I certainly knew nothing about it. I scrubbed the kids until they looked brand new and then put on my best homemade dress, loaded them into the rusty old 51 Chevy and drove off to find a job. The seven of us went to every factory, store and restaurant in our small town. No luck. The kids stayed crammed into the car and tried to be quiet while I tried to convince who ever would listen that I was willing to learn or do anything. I had to have a job.Still no luck.
The last place we went to, just a few miles out of town, was an old Root Beer Barrel drive-in that had been converted to a truck stop. It was called the Big Wheel. An old lady named Granny owned the place and she peeked out of the window from time to time at all those kids. She needed someone on the graveyard shift, 11 at night until seven in the morning. She paid 65 cents an hour, and I could start that night.
I raced home and called the teenager down the street that baby-sat for people. I bargained with her to come and sleep on my sofa for a dollar a night. She could arrive with her pajamas on and the kids would already be asleep. This seemed like a good arrangement to her, so we made a deal.That night when the little ones and I knelt to say our prayers, we all thanked God for finding Mommy a job. And so I started at the Big Wheel. When I got home in the mornings I woke the baby-sitter up and sent her home with one dollar of my tip money-- fully half of what I averaged every night.
As the weeks went by, heating bills added a strain to my meager wage. The tires on the old Chevy had the consistency of penny balloons and began to leak. I had to fill them with air on the way to work and again every morning before I could go home.
One bleak fall morning, I dragged myself to the car to go home and found four tires in the back seat. New tires!There was no note, no nothing, just those beautiful brand new tires. Had angels taken up residence in Indiana ? I wondered. I made a deal with the local service station. In exchange for his mounting the new tires, I would clean up his office. I remember it took me a lot longer to scrub his floor than it did for him to do the tires.
I was now working six nights instead of five and it still wasn't enough. Christmas was coming and I knew there would be no money for toys for the kids. I found a can of red paint and started repairing and painting some old toys. Then I hid them in the basement so there would be something for Santa to deliver on Christmas morning. Clothes were a worry too. I was sewing patches on top of patches on the boys pants and soon they would be too far gone to repair.
On Christmas Eve the usual customers were drinking coffee in the Big Wheel. There were the truckers, Les, Frank, and Jim, and a state trooper named Joe. A few musicians were hanging around after a gig at the Legion and were dropping nickels in the pinball machine. The regulars all just sat around and talked through the wee hours of the morning and then left to get home before the sun came up.
When it was time for me to go home at seven o'clock on Christmas morning, to my amazement, my old battered Chevy was filled full to the top with boxes of all shapes and sizes. I quickly opened the driver's side door, crawled inside and kneeled in the front facing the back seat.Reaching back, I pulled off the lid of the top box. Inside was whole case of little blue jeans, sizes 2-10! I looked inside another box: It was full of shirts to go with the jeans. Then I peeked inside some of the other boxes. There was candy and nuts and bananas and bags of groceries. There was an enormous ham for baking, and canned vegetables and potatoes. There was pudding and Jell-O and cookies, pie filling and flour. There was whole bag of laundry supplies a nd cleaning items. And there were five toy trucks and one beautiful little doll.
As I drove back through empty streets as the sun slowly rose on the most amazing Christmas Day of my life, I was sobbing with gratitude. And I will never forget the joy on the faces of my little ones that precious morning.Yes, there were angels in Indiana that long-ago December. And they all hung out at the Big Wheel truck stop....

Another post about Elbie.....

2007-11-08T14:16:00.000-06:00

Elbie loves ti sit on the back of the couch and watch tv.....

Until she realizes that she has absolutely no idea what in the world she is watching and that she really has no idea what they are saying, and that there is no way she ever will understand. That is when she decides to just go on to sleep.....There's no need to waste any time!

By the way, I promise to get some pictures of me and Travis up here SOON! ( or something other than the puppy!)

Make sure to check the other posts...

2007-11-05T11:57:00.001-06:00

I just wanted to make sure that everyone knew...under my long post below there are a few shower pictures...I will try to post some more later! Have a great day!

God is Going to Take Care of YOU...

2007-11-05T09:06:00.000-06:00

Saturday as I was coming home from getting last minute things done for the baby shower, I was listening to our David Phelps CD, if you've never heard him sing, you've got to check him out- his voice is incredible. Anyway, as I was getting closer to home a song came on that I have always liked, but never let the words sink in. This song must have been written for me. It's called God is Going to Take Care of You. It's like every single word of that song was written for me and not meant to be understood until now. Although Travis lost his job, it is truly becoming the best thing that has ever happened to us. As devastated as I was when he called me last Tuesday morning and asked me to come get him and told me what had happened, it's all making sense now. Everyone told me that there were better things in store and that God was going to take care of everything. It's hard to believe that when you think about getting the bills paid and the thought of using our "Just in case something happens" funds- I was scared to death. It was all I could do to not fight back tears, to appear happy and to believe that everything was really going to be okay.

Halloween night, after visiting my princess sister and scary- masked-brother, we went to my Aunt and Uncle's house. My little cousin and sister were selling there Halloween candy for 5 cents a piece....smart- wonder why we didn't think of this as kids?...You all know Travis and he had to contribute to their business...so out with the pocket change and in with the treats! My aunt told the girls to stop asking Travis for money because he had just lost his job and would be needing that money to pay the bills and buy groceries. Mind you, it was only the day after he lost his job. They went on asking other people. Then dissappeared. Soon they were back to Travis with a plastic bag. They handed it to him and it was all the money that had made plus some of their own money. They told him that they wanted him to be able to pay his bills and buy groceries. Oc course, Travis did not accept the money. But the next day, I got to thinking. Was this God's way of telling me that it was going to be okay? I believe that he used the precious love of children to show me that he was handling everything. It showed me that as a child of God, if I can fully rely on him, without a doubt, He will take care of everything. I now believe that COMPLETLY..

Last week, Travis began working for himself, and he has come across some really nice Contractor's and it appears that he is going to be doing better than we could have ever imagined. So many things were waiting for him. We just had to trust that everything was going to be okay. And it will be.

Here are the lyrics to the song by David Phelps....

You don’t say a word, but I know you’re so afraid
Trying hard to take a step of faith
You’re so confused and you’re so alone
Standing face to face with the unknown
Every need you have God already knows about it
Still He longs to hear from you
I believe if you put your trust in Him
That is where the road of faith begins

Cause if His eye is on the sparrow when it comes to me and you
There is no place He wont go
And nothing He wont do
Like a mother cradles a child
His grace covers us somehow
So whatever you go through
God will take care of you

Change is never easy; its just part of living
There’s so much more that we can see
A higher place so far above it all
Is ours when were faithful to His call

Cause if His eye is on the sparrow when it comes to me and you
There is no place He wont go
And nothing He wont do
Like a mother cradles a child
His grace covers us somehow
So whatever you go through
God will take care of you

We don’t know
we don’t have to understand
the how’s, the why’s, the when’s
Just give it all to Him

It's a Girl!

2007-11-04T22:30:00.000-06:00

Today I had a shower for my cousin Rachel. She has two adorable little boys, and a girl on the way! I think everyone had a great time, and Alaina Claire definately racked up! Here are a couple pictures from the shower... Travis' aunt made the cake...it was almost competely gone. Her cakes are beautiful- and delicious! I made the punch that everyone loves...I think that's why we go to showers---to drink the punch! Rachel has picked out a pink and green theme for Alaina Claire's room, hence the reasoning behind the pink and green shower! For my first attempt at hosting a shower of any kind, I think everything turned out great!

Fun shower games look sick in the FREEZER!

2007-11-04T22:00:00.000-06:00

Okay, So I was trying to come up with some unique shower games...and UNIQUE is what I got! I read online about a game called "My water broke!"...Sounds good so far...everyone gets a small plastic baby that has been frozen in an ice cube and placed into a small plastic cup...the object of the game is to melt the ice cube enough so that the baby is freely floating in the cup. Constestants are not allowed to take the ice cube out of the cup. The sick part of this is this- Imagine if you will, being my husband and opening the freezer to find this...

Knowing that I was getting ready for the baby shower...all he could say was "I hope no one investigates our house or anything."It turned out to be a very fun game, I don't know if anyone had ever played before.

Guess who the winner was?

No news is good news....

2007-10-30T13:45:00.000-05:00

In our case anyway....I haven't posted in a while...not too much going on lately. UNTIL today! This morning, Travis lost his job.....really for no reason. He's been with the company for almost 3 years now. His boss has always been really tough on him- but lets other employees get by with pretty much anything--like not coming to work every other day! Travis has been a loyal employee, has always shown up for work, represented the company well- as if it were his- although half of the time, his boss did not deserve it. I know that Travis is a HARD worker- a very hard worker. He's very thorough, clean, and trustworthy. I have never known him to be lazy....His boss has made a huge mistake....you reap what you sow. Travis believes that. I just hope and pray that everything works out for the best. Please pray for us that Travis will not have a hard time finding another job. Pray that God will keep us both strong through this and for us to remain hopeful for what is to come. We believe that this is a test of our faith in God. He will bring us through it. In the meantime, if you know anyone that needs some electrical work done, please don't hesitate to give them Travis' number. We love you all!

More pictures of Elbie....

2007-10-04T21:15:00.000-05:00

Here a a few pictures of Elbie in her new shirt...She doesn't like to wear it so she was only in it long enough for me to snap a few pictures!

And my little dog's name is...

2007-09-25T11:07:00.000-05:00

Little Bitty Binkley...aka "Elbie" (for L.B.) Just thought I would update you all since we have been going back and forth on names to register her with....have a great day!

More Elbie pictures...

2007-09-17T21:42:00.000-05:00

First night we had her...playing with Travis

Pa and Elbie

Why do you keep taking these pictures?

I know I'm cute!

We need a name to register her with...any ideas?

Update on Pa...

2007-09-14T01:00:00.000-05:00

We went to visit Pa again tonight...we talked to his nurse and she said that he had an amazing day. She said he walked several times, ate better than he has been, and was more alert than he has been since he got to the nursing home. We took Elbie to see him again, and he loves her! He kept telling us: " I just love that little dog!" The nurse even said that Pa had been joking around with the nurses and offering them some of his candy. She said that he was a completely different person. We're so proud! Looks like he is starting to make a total turn around. Maybe he will be able to go home soon!

Elbie...

2007-09-13T09:32:00.001-05:00

Travis and I just love this dog to death!!! Last night when we put her in her crate to go to bed, she didn't cry. She laid down and went to sleep. Then, this morning when I left for work, she didn't cry either! She sure is a smart dog! Last night, Kyndall and I went to Target to get her some treats, and I bought her the stuffed animal thing that is bigger than her...she picks it up though and runs with it in her mouth. It's hilarious!

A visit with Pa...

2007-09-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

Travis' grandfather, aka Pa, has Alzheimers and is currently in a nursing home. We try to go and visit him as often as possible. Usually when we get there he is laying in his bed watching TV. So tonight when we went for our visit, we almost walked right past him because he was sitting at a table in the eating area looking out the window and watching other residents. He smiled ear to ear when he saw us, as he loves having company! We had Elbie with us, so he was even more excited to see us (along with all the other residents)!! We had a lot of fun tonight because he was acting a lot more like himself! He kept picking on us and laughing and joking around! He introduced the other residents to Elbie as "his little dog". He asked a nurse what she thought of "my little dog"! It was so sweet! Suprisingly, Elbie was good the whole time!

This one lady kept coming over to us to see the dog- she wanted to give her some Diet Mountain Dew. We could hardly understand what she was saying- so everytime she would talk, Pa would start laughing...and of course I was there to snap a picture! By the end of the night, he was enjoying having his picture taken. He got to where he would ask me: "did you get another picture of me?"

Here is a picture of him talking to Nanny on the phone...he sure does miss her! We sure do hope he gets better soon so he can come back home! He's so much fun to be around though! What I wouldn't give to have one more day with my Grandpa. Keep Pa in your prayers. We're hoping that he will get stronger and be able to walk on his own again soon so he can come home.

One last funny story...last night we were having trouble getting Pa to drink his minerals... here is how it went:

Lea Ann- Come on Pa- you have to drink your minerals to get stronger so you can go home.

Pa- (rolling up his shirt sleeve and flexing his muscles) - I don't need to get any stronger- I'm already dangerous!

Lea Ann- (speechless)

Our little addition...

2007-09-12T09:49:00.000-05:00

So, last night we went and met the little dog...She was adorable and Travis and I fell in love instantly. She seemed to like us pretty good too. So- we bought her! Brought her home and played for a while. She was already named Lady Bug- so we shortened it to LB- "Elbie" aka little binkley...she is so sweet! She slept all night in her crate. Travis had to wake her up to take her outside this morning. Then she played a while and cried when Travis had to leave for work. She didn't like the hair dryer very much. I had to put her in the crate before leaving for work. She cried a little and I felt HORRIBLE! We love her!!! Travis texted me this morning and said he already missed her! (If you know Travis, you know that this is very UNUSUAL!)

A Little Cart-Binkley?

2007-09-11T14:52:00.001-05:00

Okay, so it's just a dog...but in our world it's a big deal!! Travis has been totally against having an animal in the house until this weekend. I just asked (it's become a routine) if we could get a dog. I don't know what happened because the answer has always been "no" since we have all new flooring in the house. But for whatever reason- Travis decided that this time he would say yes when I asked!! It caught me off guard! Here is the dog that we are contemplating getting...tell me what you think. She's a 12 week old pomeranian. Already crate and house trained. She will be between 4-5 pounds when she's fully grown.

Here we are...

2007-09-10T13:22:00.000-05:00

So I decided to make a blog to keep everyone posted on our first year of marriage. So far, things are great. I am going to go back and post other things along with pictures from our wedding, honeymoon, trips, and anything else I can find! But for now- welcome to our blog!

Happy Birthday, Travis!

2007-09-03T09:10:00.000-05:00

For Travis' 22nd birthday, I suprised him with a trip to Gatlinburg! We were only there for two nights- but we had a lot of fun! We went to the wax museum, star cars museum, rode the ski lift, and did tons of other things...The museums were a first, and a last. Worth seeing once, but too expensive to see twice!

Views from the room...it was foggy in the afternoons!

I'll be back...

2007-09-01T23:30:00.000-05:00

For those of you who don't know, Travis has a fascination with Arnold Schwarzenegger. So, we went to the wax museum and, can you believe it, there sat Arnold's metal arm, the real thing, from Terminator 2...Travis was amazed!!! He wanted to touch it but it was inside a glass container inside another glass case....must be special! Anyway, here is a picture of the hand and one of Travis with another part of the Terminator....

Honeymoon...aka PARADISE

2007-07-02T12:31:00.000-05:00

For our honeymoon, we went to New Orleans to check the place out...great place to see once, but neither of us were extremely impressed. Anyway, we left from New Orleans on a Carnival Cruise to Mexico for the week. It was amazing. We both agreed that we could stand to live on a cruise ship...it's definately our favorite way to travel! Anyone who hasn't been yet should definately go on a cruise. Here are a few pictures... The first one is of a beach in Costa Maya, Mexico...Then the beach in Cozumel-- a beautiful city.. I will post more pictures later....we took a ton!!

Just chillin in Mexico!!!

2007-06-27T16:00:00.000-05:00

Here's a picture of us just sitting at a restaraunt in Costa Maya Mexico... 4th day of marriage... just got off the cruise ship...we were wasting time until it was time to climb aboard our so called "dune buggy jungle adventure"-- will post on that later...

Wedding Day!!

2007-06-23T10:20:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 13: 4-7

"Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

Today we will become Mr. & Mrs. BINKLEY!!!

(This is a picture of our wedding cake...Travis' wonderful Aunt Patsy made this cake- she did an AMAZING job!)