Amada sin medida

2014. Is it only June 20?

The beginning of this year began like a dream, but by the end of January and halfway through February, I abruptly awoke from many dreams. Loss seemed to hover over each week. I waited for the next phone call, text, email, or conversation that brought heart breaking news. My heart had never physically hurt like it did and I never thought putting one foot in front of the other would require so much strength. I tried to hide the extent of what I felt, but couldn't. (I am more thankful for Pam Brassart now than I have ever been. I saw daily, sometimes hourly, the true character of my Mama. She truly is a gem and deserves to be called blessed). And I admit that Jesus was who I tried to seek but darkness seem to shroud his face. Some of you know what I am talking about. Others may not ,and that is okay. I had to see the day minute by minute and not as a 24hr day. (Believe me, I know how crazy it sounds, because I thought I was crazy).

Why?

Why did more than one special relationship end either by human decision-making or by death?

Why did a dream of grad school crumble?

Why was my practicum not what I hoped?
Why did granddaddy pass away a month before graduation?
Actually, why did any of this happen before graduation?

Why?

I don't humanly know. 

BUT there are several things I do know. 

Someone very dear shared these things that helped alter my perspective. 

1. We cannot truly be like Jesus unless we have experienced sorrow. He was the man of sorrows.

2. We are in good company when Satan bullies and darkness hides Jesus. Peter told Jesus he would never deny him. Jesus compassionately responded saying, "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat, but I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail." Even now, Jesus is sitting beside God the Father and interceding on our behalf.
3. He wounds so that he may heal. His timing is not ours and the process may take longer than we imagined, but Joy will come.

Today, I am still lying in bed recovering from a surgery that has caused me to be on my stomach and sides for almost a month. There have been good days and bad days, and I have continued to learn a few things.

1. Jesus really can do more than we ask or imagine: I am moving to Baylor in little over a week. The grad school dream is back.
2. He allowed and He really did know all along what 2014 would hold thus far, and he knew to the extent my heart would hurt and how it would need to be healed.
3. "He is too wise to make a mistake and too loving to be unkind."

Today I received an incredible graduation gift. In high school Spanish, I was given the name Amada. Today, I opened a gift that says, "Amada sin medida." That translates to "loved beyond measure." How special to have the reminder that my name whether in English or Spanish (Amiee or Amada) means "beloved."

2014 has happened for my good and His glory.
You and I are loved beyond measure.

Granddaddy

The little girl, with what seemed like only a few strands of blonde hair, loved for water to slowly trickle out of the faucet as she contemplated her 2 year old world during bath time. The protector that he was, Granddaddy said, "Baby, it is too hot. I'm going to turn it off." She replied with "No, it isn't." He responded with a protector answer again. Following a little banter back and forth, the blue eyed, blonde looked up and said, "Don't argue me, Granddaddy!" His laughter couldn't be helped, but as protector he had to fulfill his duties, and he did. 

With Granddaddy, life couldn't be better. Ice cream was always on the nightly menu. My stuffed animal collection was never too big for one more trip to KB Toys, especially when the giant, stuffed Albino gorilla sat on the shelf (You know… The time in life when you go through wanting to be a zookeeper for albino gorillas, because the one at KB Toys is so fluffy and sweet.. it happens). When cracking pecans from the pecan trees, eating more than we should was okay. John Wayne was our hero. Hardee's biscuit and gravy was served promptly when we woke up. Listening to the story about his job at the donut shop or his paper route was expected. For me, I knew that our special, extended bed time was promptly at 10pm, but I also knew he would listen to me ramble about anything and everything before he or I drifted off to sleep. He would be present at programs big or small…always smelling like Stetson (my favorite) and with a proud grin on his face! You could count on remarkable paint jobs for vehicles that needed a new look. His grass always looked pristine and flowers would be ready for each season. You knew a stray cat would be lurking nearby for the cat food he always had on hand. You knew that cards would come on Valentine's and Easter, and the date would be written on the card. Along with the card, there would be a stuffed animal that matched the particular season. That was always a plus! You knew that church and family were important. Quiet faith was reflected in a very big heart.

 We all know that he loves us. 

There has never been a doubt in my mind that Granddaddy would or did give everything he felt we needed and/or wanted. Growing up in a mill village, during the Great Depression, made him a man bent on providing and giving those that followed him every opportunity to excel. He married his high school sweetheart, and they had two spectacular and selfless daughters. He always encouraged education and working hard. He knew about hard work and what it felt like to come home after a long day. He worked in the boiler room of Navy tug boats and painted Army tanks. He also knew and spoke about the joy of having my Auntie and mama as daughters. But, oh…grandchildren. Ask him about his car tags that say "Let me tell you about my grandchildren" or the one that says "If I knew grandchildren were so fun, I would have had them first." Those are real. I can show you, because those sentiments are true. He has loved us all with all of his heart.  

More importantly, he has loved Jesus. When the time comes, he will wake up and see his face. He will stand complete without any pain he has suffered the past several years and these past couple of weeks. He will be reunited with his girl, Polly. He will been given sight to his faith. How we long for him to stay. We want to love on him, to watch John Wayne with him, or bake pecan pies with him. While it is heart breaking for us, what a glorious thought that he is close to our resurrected Jesus and will be for ages and ages to come. 

It is hard to let go. It hurts to let go. We do not want to let him go. With Easter approaching, we can be grateful. As a family bent on hope, we are staring death in the face and saying "No! You cannot and will not win this fight.  Granddaddy belongs to Jesus, because Jesus paid it all. So, move over and let him and us walk into His glorious light." Though they will be different steps, heavenly steps for Granddaddy and earthly steps for us, we will be closer than we were before. Jesus will be drawing us to himself. 

The same little blonde has grown to 22 years of age. In her heart, she is saying "Don't argue me, Granddaddy. You have taken care of us and loved us to the best of your ability. Now it is time for us to return the favor. Let us be protector for the time we have, until Jesus bids you come home. We love you." 

*There are boy cousins too, but there is a lot more estrogen in this family. :) Fellas, if you need help with girls, be like granddaddy! 

The BFF Challenge

When I was little, the movie this character is in "disappeared" for a time. I might have gotten carried away watching it over and over in our tv room. I just loved it, y'all. I just really loved it….. I still do.

Drumroll please! bdddddddddd!

Oh, Abu. No one can deny those big ole friendly eyes. Although, I do believe we all wish his eyes didn't get so greedy in the Cave of Wonders….. Despite all of his shenanigans, he is Aladdin's bff, and Abu even comes around to liking Jasmine. That is an accomplishment.

Who doesn't love their best friends?

The Character: Abu

The Outfit: Blouse from Banana Republic from Mom 2012

                  Brown skirt from NY&Co 2008

                  Sparkly flats from Target 2011

                  Gold bracelet borrowed from Kyleigh 

The Disneybound Inspiration: 

BFFs are the best. Don't forget to tell them. 

Love & Sparkles* 

The Plaza Challenge

This character is one of my favorites. This character's movie came out in 2006, and I have loved it since. The first time we ever saw the movie it was on ABC Family, and we didn't get the blank VHS in the recording mode in time. It took a year to track it down again. Thankfully, it is now on DVD, and gets at least one yearly showing.

Drumroll please! bddddddddddd! 

The spunky and feisty yet tender hearted and lovable Eloise. If your DVD player is broken have no fear, Erin and I could quote 97.6% of it without any help. Just call us up and we will be there. It is a Brassart Boswell favorite, and Christmas isn't the same without it. 

The Character: Eloise

The Outfit: White Blouse from Loft 2010

                   Black cardigan from B.Moss 2007

                   Jeans from Loft 2010

                   Red flats from Target 2008

The Disneybound Inspiration:

Click here and watch a short clip that Erin and I have reenacted on MANY occasions. I'm sure you will be shocked!


Love & Sparkles*

The Always on Your Shoulder Challenge

This character is not in a movie I desired to watch over and over. I do think that this character can always bring a little smile. In one sense, I believe it is part of this character's job. Hopefully you will agree. First, I will show you the outfit.

Drumroll please! bdddddddddd! 

What a guy Jiminy Cricket is. He can help, if you let him. Plus, like Mushu, he is "travel size for your convenience." 

The Character: Jiminy Cricket

The Outfit: Black Blazer from Parisian before it turned Belk 2006 (yes, that is the right year)

                  Mustard shirt from Mama 2012

                  Jeans from LOFT 2010

                  Blue headband from Mama 2012

                  Sparkly Oxfords from DSW 2011

The Disneybound Inspiration: 

I'm not really sure what I was doing here, but I thought an outtake would be funny.

Love & Sparkles*

The Sly Challenge

Well, here I am again asking you to guess. I know it has been months. I hope you can bear with me a little while longer.

The voice of Roger Miller opens this classic Disney tale. It is an odd mix of a whimsical and a modern tale. It was one of my favorites nonetheless, and the dvd is currently sitting on the bookshelf in my living room.

Drumroll please! bddddddddddddd!!!

Robin Hood (the sly red fox as I like to call him). That's who! You may be asking yourself, "What does this fox say?" Well, he says a lot with his actions. His methodology may not be the most upright, but he does great good for the poor in Nottingham, and he gets Maid Marian. What more could he ask for? (to continually stay out of jail is probably at the top of the list of life questions). 

The Character: Robin Hood

The Outfit: Green blouse from Anthropologie ON SALE via mom 2012

                   Jean from GAP 2010

                   Khaki jacket from Sam's 2008

                   Sparkly shoes from Target 2011

                   Necklace from NY&Co 2011

The Disneybound Inspiration:

My sly look….. I'm pretty sure I need to work on it…

Love & Sparkles* 

The Tambourine Challenge

This outfit comes from a glamorous girl. I thought she was the prettiest thing in the cartoon world. Please forgive the crazy outfit. Part of me is unsure of what I was thinking. Oi. I hope y'all still love me.

Disclaimer: This is the winter version.

Drumroll please! bdddddddddd!

Our favorite gypsy, Esmeralda. She is spunky and whimsical. Plus, the girl can rock those golden bangles and golden hoops. She can also play a mean tambourine. She is a Jack-of-all-trades or should I say Jackie?

The Character: Esmeralda

The Outfit: Purple dress from GAP 2008
                  White shrug from Marshall's 2011
                  Brown boots from Clark's 2008
                  Floral scarf from Target via KelKel
                  Gold earrings from Papaya 2011
                  Gold belt (you can't really see it) from Mamichka 2012


The Disneybound Inspiration:

I want to try the summer version, because I love a great pair of gold sandals. Here's to hoping for Summer 2014*

Love & Sparkles*
                 

The Laughing Challenge

I wrestled with how to execute wearing this character. Don't get me wrong, I love a mixing and matching of colors and prints. This one was just challenging...Get it? Challenging. Punny...

Drumroll please! bddddddddd!

Goofy, of course. He's a mess. Literally, he makes messes wherever he goes. He IS a faithful friend to our favorite Mickey. So, he definitely has that going for him.

The Character: Goofy

The Outfit: Green cardigan from NY&C 2008 (it was a Union tornado survivor!)
                  Striped shirt from Mamichka via Banana Republic 2012
                  Flared (very wrinkled) jeans from Kohl's 2009
                  Gold flats from Target 2011
                  Awesome necklace from Eo via Budapest 2009

The Disneybound Inspiration:

This outfit isn't generally how I roll. That is why I was in a predicament, but I liked the outcome. I hope it worked. I still didn't figure out how to incorporate white gloves? Any suggestions?

Love & Sparkles*

The Parisian Challenge

This character holds a special place in my heart. I hope she does for some of you too. 

Drumroll please! bdddddddddd!

Madeline. I love her. She went on so many adventures, got into scrapes, had a fabulous pet dog, and ended her days safely tucked away in bed. Minus the dog, I would like to think my growing up years looked the same as hers. I had a kitty in tow when I had adventures. I also had a wonderful little computer game that had me using critical thinking skills through the eyes of this sweet little literature heroine.

The character: Madeline

The Outfit: Blue blouse from NY&C from Mamichka
                   Yellow/mustard cardigan from NY&C 2010
                   Jeans from Ann Taylor 2011
                   Red flats from Target 2008

Disneybound Inspiration:

 Madeline with real people, as I like to call it, was one of my very own VHS tapes. I thought it was awesome.

I love children's literature, and I wanted to start building up my personal library for my students one day. My sister gave me children's books for Christmas per my request. This is one I received. I was th-rilled! 

Love & Sparkles* 

The Wicked Challenge

Well, hello everyone, I am a terrible person. I never finished my Disneybound posts. I am going to get on that tonight. (If you would like me to fill in the blanks of the last 9 months, message me. I will tell you the story of a girl who loves school and being involved).
In case you forgot what the Disneybound Challenge was, click here. With that reminder, I am going to go for it.

This was from a whiiiiile back. Look at Erin's baby bump.

Anyway.
Drumroll please! bddddddddd!

She's the lady who removes stereotypical images of her kind. With such a comforting voice, she rocks the yellow brick road with tule and glitter. She is Glinda the Good Witch. To be honest, my love for Glinda did not originate from the Wizard of Oz, but from the classy Kristin Chenoweth from broadway's Wicked.
P.S. Wicked is coming to Memphis in February. I hope I will be able to see it another time. The show rocks and can change your life for about 3 hours.

The Character: Glinda

The Outfit: Pink blouse from Anthropologie 2011
                  Jeans from GAP 2010
                  Pearl necklace from my Great Grammy
                  Silver belt from Mamichka 2012
                  Silver flats from Target 2011

The Disneybound Inspiration:

Hopefully everyone will get the change to wave a star wand and fly around in a bubble like Glinda in Wicked. I mean, who wouldn't want to do that?

Love & Sparkles*

A Penny for your Thoughts...Unfortunately, I might have a penny too many.

Is it really time for my alarm to go off? What should I wear today? Why is my hair doing that?
What am I going to eat for lunch? Do I look like I have it all together? What is happening on Facebook and Instagram? Why do I have to wait on whatever/such'n'such? Why can't I look like her? Why did I just say that awkward statement? 
Why? How? Who? What? When? Where?

All of these questions and many more have darted through my mind. Some of them are quite embarrassing, but let's face it, life happens and thoughts happen. In a society that is moving what feels faster than our comprehension of the speed of light, I can find myself stagnate in my own little world. I ask myself how? How am I obsessing or worrying about what the next hour will mean based on MY social meter, MY academic meter, MY emotional meter, and any other kind of meter I possess? my...my...my...

All the while, Christ is telling me Come. 

My Heavenly Father is a myriad of unfathomable things. El Shaddai is his name. He is the All Sufficient God. It is so easy to fall into the path of trying to keep up with our fast moving world yet be stagnate in our own minds and forget that we have our sufficiency. When we are washed in the blood of Christ, we are automatically clothed in security and beauty. Why is it hard to accept that? 
Because we believe in a God we cannot see. He is ever-present, but we cannot see him face to face. (What a day THAT will be!) Today, I looked at my phone countless times, and I checked Facebook several times. I wanted to "see" what was going on. I knew that life was happening without me looking at it, but I wanted to see it. We are called to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith." Yet, unlike Facebook, I turn away because I am not seeing a physical picture and let myself sink into a halted state and let my mind wander. He is more than any of our wonderful pictures we post. He is definitely more than a status can express. Why do I turn away? Once I finally snap out of my slump, I realize that Christ called me out at that moment like he did when I first cried out for Him. He is always beckoning me to find myself in His sufficiency. Wow. Throwing off layer upon layer is scary and tough, but through the stagnate or active times God is faithful, because He is good.

 "To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presencewithout fault and with great joy-- to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen." Jude 24-25

Angels Unaware

"God is still in charge, and He never looks back and says, Oops!" he said as he clutched the hand of a sorrowful young lady. A man that once towered over her now reclined in a comfy chair. He was beginning to look jaundiced and also weary from the influx of visitors. Earlier that day, he had received his final dialysis treatment to treat the kidney failure that attempted to control his body as well as the recently diagnosed liver cancer caused by agent orange. He was resting easy, all considering. He spoke of times at church, church members, encouragement cards written by young children, and then he spoke from his heart.

"I'm not afraid to die. (because I know where I'm going) My biggest regret is that I will not see my grandchildren grow up and the families they will have. I hope I have done them justice as a father. I believe I have done what I was called to do," he said between tired breaths. "I believe that we all have angels, and I have seen mine. Y'all saw that I Love America program a few years back, right? When I was fighting in Vietnam, I was given a certain assignment via helicopter. Before the mission began, a young man came to me and asked to take my seat on the flight in order to take care of an urgent matter. I agreed. That mission turned tragic and every crew member was killed in the explosion. Following the incident, I attempted to acquire contact  information for this young man's family. I searched and searched. I asked around...This man was never recorded as being on the mission...or in the military anywhere. I couldn't believe it. He came to me as an authentic army officer. He never existed. I believe that I was entertaining an angel. I have stepped on booby traps, uncovered wires just enough to see what I was walking into. I know that God is good."

As the time drew near for the family to leave, the young lady asked if she could sing for him. She knew this would be her final time to visit with the man that had greeted her every Sunday from the time she was five years old, the man who would always say that he was better after a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. Fighting tears and trembling voice, she held his hand and sang Amazing Grace. He relaxed as much as he could. After a few farewell hugs, with a heavy heart, Amiee left Mr. Phil Williams to rest. He was a general in the army who has seen more than many can imagine and also tried his hand at becoming Alabama's governor, but most importantly, he is the kind usher at church who welcomes hugs and kisses or fist bumps from young children on any given Sunday morning. You never know when you are with angels, unaware.

The Speedy Challenge

This outfit was actually a costume. Mama and I made it back in 2008. It is still alive and kickin 4 years later.

*Laura Kay was Princess Tiger Lily and Kyleigh was her TeePee...Get it?

I'm sure you know who I am, but for good measure...

Drumroll please! bddddddddddd!

Mr. Speedy Gonzales himself. He is Mr. Dash Incredible. Why am I Dash you may ask? 1. He is blonde. 2. He runs and I am admirer of runners.

The Character: Dash

The Outfit: Homemade my Mama and me!

Disneybound Inspiration:

Here is the first time I wore this costume. I was brace faced and all!

Good times everyone...Good times!

Love & Sparkles*         

The Toe Tappin Challenge

This outfit debuted around my birthday. The special accessory will give it away.

I look a little funny in this photo. I will blame it on my giddiness about Birthday/Family Weekend. Let's just add to the funniness by giving a drumroll.

Drumroll please! bdddddddddd!

He is just the cutest. How can you say no that face? How can you say no to Thumper?

The Character: Thumper

The Outfit: Tan blouse birthday present from Banana Republic 2012

                   Tan shrug/vest/whatever the appropriate name is

                   Gray shorts from Mama via Target from Mama

                   Silver shoes from Clarks 2006 

                   21 Tiara from Eo's 21st

The Disneybound Inspiration:

See the similarity? or is one not like the other?

Love & Sparkles*

The Mustang Sally Challenge

Ladies and Gentlemen,
My life for the past several months has looked/happened like a whirlwind. It is December 15? What? The challenge for this year is almost over? (Notice I said the challenge for THIS year. Be on the lookout for the Brasswell/Bosart challenge for 2013. We are still hashing out the details.) I realized that tomorrow marks a year since we decided to tackle this bear. I am a little nostalgic. Have no fear, sappy/sentimental post about how this year made me feel, what I learned, and how it has made my life better will come soon. :D

You may say, "Girl get a jacket" when you see this picture or not. The temperatures have not been reflecting December recently.  (I wore this outfit back in July.)

Drumroll please! bdddddddddd!

She is Sally. Sweet Sally. Look at those baby blues. No wonder Lightening fancies her...Maybe I will start batting my eyes like she does. 

The Character: Sally

The Outfit: Blue shirt from Mama 2011

                  Gray shorts gift from Mama via Target 2012

                  Black sandals from Target 2009

                  Earrings you can't see from Eo 2011

Disneybound Inspiration: 

Here's my go at being like Sally.

More posts will be coming soon!

Love & Sparkles*

Expectation

I know. It has been a long time since I last posted, and from the title of this post, this is not a Challenge post. Please know that I have not given up on the challenge, life has just been a little busy (hold the little) and I am behind on my picture taking. I had planned to have my blog up to date over Thanksgiving, but a dreadful little bug hit me for about 48 hrs. Thank goodness for my own bed and family.
My mind is always busy, and lately, Little Claire Bear or Baby Girl has been occupying my thoughts. I can't wait to snuggle. I can't wait to buy her all of the accessories a little lady needs. I can't wait for that baby smell after she takes a bath. I can't wait to buy her bows and make her look like a precious present to everyone around her. I just can't wait. I am not even her Mama, and I am waiting with great expectation for her arrival.
Little does this precious baby know that her little life has been pointing me to the beauty found in the manger this season. The prophecies foretold of a Messiah. Everyone was waiting with GREAT expectation for the Savior. How much more anticipation built up because a precious little baby was on his way? I imagine Mary couldn't wait for Jesus to recognize her voice, coo and giggle, smell sweet, feel soft, and snuggle close to her. I don't fully know about wardrobe in those days, but I am sure if something baby size was available, Mary loved looking at it. It is incredible that he was the Savior of the world, capable of stepping straight out of heaven to complete his mission, but he chose to bless a young couple with great joy over the birth of a baby. He fanned the flame of expectation/anticipation by doing so. As I think about little Claire, and how excited I am that she is one her way, I am reminded that I should be beyond just excited for Jesus' birth to be celebrated. He is more than we can ever hope and dream. It's cliche, but we all say that our baby is perfect.  Jesus is no cliche.  He was the perfect baby.

Claire is coming. We are all giddy over this gift. Mamichka has a pink box full of Claire Bear treasures to prove it.  Jesus was coming. I know Mary and several others were giddy over his arrival. Kings brought the finest treasure of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to prove it.

Just stop and think about this. Jesus became a baby. A baby. (I wonder if he had peach fuzz hair?) He was long awaited/expected. 9 months of anticipation culminated in the stable. I cannot wait for Christmas morning to hear the soft sounds of a sleeping baby, smell that familiar baby smell, and wrap my arms around my long awaited Savior.

Claire Bear,
Thank you!

He has come.

Love & Sparkles*

The Feathered Friend Challenge

This week my outfit included a shirt from Anthropologie. We all know it is going to be a good day when you were an article of clothing from Anthro. My sweet Mamichka gave it to me.

Drumroll please! bdddddddddddd!

He's everyone's favorite little feathered friend with his unique voice. He is none other than Mr. Donald Duck. You can find him chillin' with his bffs in the Mickey Mouse club. You should try your hand at  the interesting timbre of his voice.

The Character: Donald Duck

The Outfit: Yellow cardigan from Wal-Mart 2008

                   Blue and white stripped shirt from Anthropologie via Mamichka

                   Jeans from GAP 2010

                   Orange-y flats from Target via Goodwill

The Disneybound Inspiration:

Little fact: My bathroom at home used to be decorated with a duck theme. When I say decorated, I mean EVERYTHING was duck. Birthdays, Christmases, or random occasions brought new ducks to my bathtub. It was quite a sight.

Shake your tail feathers!

Love & Sparkles*