Life According to Sherry

The Hunger Games

2012-03-24T22:18:00.000-05:00

After much anticipation, The Hunger Games movie is finally out, and I got to go see it with some of my girlfriends. We stayed up late on Thursday night and went to the midnight showing. It was worth staying up late for! If you have not read The Hunger Games or seen the movie, then you might not want to read this post, as there may be some spoilers in it!

I was very excited that Jennifer Lawrence was cast as Katniss. She played the part very well. I was worried at first that she wouldn't be "plain" enough to play Katniss, but the movie people did great. I was disappointed in Peeta, though. I'm sure I just lost some readers. I think Josh Hutcherson played the part well, I just don't think he looks like I imagined Peeta would. I was pretty impressed at how well the movie was done. I was afraid it would either be too gruesome or that you wouldn't get the same feel for the characters as you did reading the book. I was also impressed with the scene where Rue dies. It was so beautiful in the book, that I wasn't sure how they would do it in the movie. It was just as beautiful. I guess my one complaint would be the ending. I was disappointed that when the games were finishes, and Katniss and Peeta were removed from the arena that they didn't so the whole scene on the hovercraft where Katniss was beating on the glass screaming Peeta's name. That was one of my favorite parts of the book. I felt her emotion during that part, and it was so raw and real. I wish they had played that up more.

After you see the movie, leave me some comments and let me know what you thought!!!

Holiday Sparkle

2011-12-22T12:40:00.000-06:00

Cardi and Skirt: Gap, Shirt: Catos, tights: walmart, Shoes: Kohls

So my little blog has been neglected lately, and I would like to say Sorry little blog. I have been super busy with work and school and kids and holiday cheer. I love my sparkles today, and thought I would share them with y'all.

I want to take this time to wish each and every one of my blogger friends a very Merry Christmas!! I hope y'all find happiness and hope with each Christmas wish. I hope everyone remembers why we celebrate Christmas, and that we all take the time to remember what Jesus Christ has done for us. Our church had a great Christmas Devotional this year, and you should check it out if you are needing a little help getting in the spirit this year. Merry Christmas to you all!!!

Shine

2011-11-09T11:22:00.000-06:00

Have you guys met Ashley? She is incredible. She is kind and caring and very inspirational. She gives to others freely and makes her readers want to do the same. I kinda have a blogger crush. She's that great. So seriously- if you haven't read The Shine Project, go read it now!! You won't be sorry :)

Follow Your Heart

2011-11-02T09:27:00.000-05:00

So we all know I am on a bit of a journey. One to find myself. Today I was feeling a bit overwhelmed with my mile long to do list- school work, work work, kids, church, husband time, laundry- And there are only so many hours in the day. I am exhausted just thinking about. So I went to pinterest for some inspiration, and what I found there led me to read the Commencement Speech made by Steve Jobs at Stanford in 2005. I know alot of you made have read it recently with the passing of Steve Jobs. I didn't until today. It is a great speech. He was a great man. He changed the world. Reading this speech made me want to work harder- do more- be better. My most favorite part of the speech is this paragraph:

I'm pretty sure none of this would have happened if I hadn't been fired from Apple. It was awful tasting medicine, but I guess the patient needed it. Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don't lose faith. I'm convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You've got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don't settle.

It made me realize that God really does have a plan. Even when we feel like our life is over and life isn't going our way, He knows what is best for us. He sees the big picture. I am going to work hard at remembering the big picture when life seems too overwhelming.

Followers Fest

2011-10-28T09:39:00.000-05:00

Hey guys! Today I am linking up with Casey Wiegand and some other lovely ladies for Follower Fest . Head over , check it out, and link up!!

Hello everyone! I'm Sherry and this is my little blog. If you're new, welcome! Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you come back! If you're not new, thanks for stopping by! And thanks for hanging in there with me!!

I am a thirty year old mother of two great kids. I constantly worry about them and worry I am not doing enough. But that's every mother's worry, right? I am also a wife to the most wonderful husband ever. He takes such good care of me, and I would be lost without him! I am the girl who is constantly changing her hair (did you see the new bangs?) and loves to go shopping. I love to read and write, although the only reading and writing I am doing at the moment is for school. I work at a bank, and while I love my job, it is not my passion. I am still trying to discover myself and my passions, so you never know what you'll get when you stop by! I try to do a little fashion blogging. So here is today's outfit:

Sweater: American Eagle, Pants: Gap, Shoes: DSW

I am also going to share with you my new favorite recipe. I found it on Pinterest. I am SO adddicted to Pinterest. Anyway, the recipe is for crock pot Buffalo Chicken. It is so Yummy!!

Ingredients:
4 Chicken breasts (thawed or frozen- I usually throw mine in the crockpot frozen)
1 12 oz bottle buffalo wing sauce ( I have used Franks and the Kroger brand -Franks is better but the kids say it is too hot)
1 pkg. dry ranch mix

Place chicken in crockpot. Pour buffalo sauce over chicken. Sprinkle ranch mix on top. Cook for 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low. About 30 min before you eat, shred the chicken with a fork. The chicken will soak up all the sauce and be super juicy. We eat this as sandwhiches on Kings Hawiian bread sandwich rolls. My whole family loves it, and I love it because it's super easy! Here is the link to the recipe on Pinterest: Buffalo Chicken. Happy Eating!

Don't forget to head over to Casey's blog and link up!!!

Unsure

2011-10-27T08:55:00.000-05:00

Sweater-gap, shirt: Kohls, skirt: hand me down gap, boots: famous footwear

Ok- so do you ever have outfits that look way better in your head than they do actually on your body? That is they way I feel about this outfit. I had high hopes for it, but it didn't quite deliver. Oh well- better luck next time.

On a totally unrelated note, I am a sad momma today. Today my kids dressed up for school- Book Character Day (aka Halloween). They are out of school tomorrow, so today was a good day for a party. I am sad because today is Emily's last time she will ever dress up for school. Next year she will be at the middle school and I don't think they allow the students to dress up. So as I sit here today typing, I am kinda emotional. My kids are growing up way to fast. They are 10 and 6. She will be 11 soon. I often wonder if I have done enough. Have I spent enough time with them? Have I made enough memories? Have we laughed and giggled enough? The answer is no- but there is still some time. Sometimes I feel like all I do is fuss at them- clean your room, do your homework, don't hit your sister, don't make fun of your brother, put your laundry away. I am trying hard to not be the mom that fusses all the time. Who really cares if there are toys in the floor in their room? One day they will be gone and I will be longing for the messes they leave around. I wish I could take them and put them in a bubble and they would be mine forever. But, then again, it would be very selfish of me not to share them with the world. They are amazing kids.

Prayers

2011-10-26T11:39:00.000-05:00

I don't know these people, but please pray for them. Grab a HUGE box of kleenex before you head to this blog, but please head over there.

http://byrdhouse-byrdsnest.blogspot.com/

I am so thankful for my health and the health of my family. I am so thankful for my Heaven Father and for the comfort he gives families like the Byrd's. I am also thankful for this little girl's faith in Him.

It's a Beautiful Life

2011-10-25T12:04:00.000-05:00

This is a great quote. I have been trying harder to be a better person. Sometimes it is hard to change your old self into a new, better self. Old habits are hard to kick. Then I was introduced to Casey. She is the best. I can't get enough of her blog. I wasn't sure what to post today- then I read her post and thought you needed to read it, too. So please- hop on over to The Wiegands. and read todays post. Its great. It gave me goosebumps. Then read all of her posts for a truly inspirational experience. That's all. Happy Tuesday.

Inspiration

2011-10-24T10:46:00.000-05:00

My whole outfit came from Kohls. That's right- I am a one stop shopper. At least today anyway. I have been neglecting my blog. I'm sorry. In a world where I can't stop to think most days, my blog has suffered. And I have been lacking inspiration. I have tried so hard to make my blog like other people's blogs. I wanted to be successful like Kendi, or famous like Jessica. Funny like Sydney or just plain cute like Ashley. What I realized was that while all these ladies are fabulous, they are not me. I am trying to make my blog more me and its very hard. Lately I have realized I am a people pleaser. I do things to make others happy. My husband and I were talking a while ago and he noticed the same thing. He said I always do what everyone else wants because I want to make them happy. Then he asked me what my favorite thing to do was. I had no idea. I've spent (almost) my whole adult life doing the things other people wanted to do. I'm not saying I don't enjoy those things, but when asked what I really, truely loved- I don't know. Reading is my passion and it makes me happy and I really, really love a good book. But that is the only thing I do for myself. It's sad, I know. So I'm doing a bit of soul searching. I'm trying to figure out what makes me happy. It's a hard thing to be 30 and not know what your passions are. I have devoted my life to my kids and family, and I wouldn't change that for anything. I feel maybe I never had a chance to discover my passions because I became a mother when I was 19. I wouldn't change that either. I wear the mom hat very well, but I don't want that to be the only hat I wear, because one day (and I'm afraid it will be too soon) my children will be grown.

Hair today, gone tomorrow

2011-10-06T13:52:00.000-05:00

Ok that was cheesy. I tried something new with my hair (shock! I know!) and its ok I guess. I don't think my hair is long enough yet. I followed this video that Linda from Rose a la Mode posted. I wore my hair up for the first part of the day, the way she usually sleeps in it.

Then, when I went home for lunch, it had started to fall, so I took it down. It looks ok, but i think it would work better on longer hair. I like how easy it was though. No curling iron, blow dryer, or heat of any kind used.

My hair never holds curl, so the fact that the front is this curly really surprises me! I'll have to keep this in mind as my hair grows!!

What's on my phone

2011-10-05T09:12:00.000-05:00

My outfit is very unispiring today, so I thought I'd share with you what is on my phone!

My children at my nephew's wedding. Grady was the ring bearer

Grady and his tball buddies

Grady getting his medal for being the coaches choice on his team this season

Emily with her aunt at a wedding this summer

And a crazy picture of me..... I'm not sure why this is on there...

So there you have it- What I have on my cell phone. Scandilous I know.... or not. I'm very boring. Happy Wednesday!

10/4 good buddy

2011-10-04T11:29:00.000-05:00

sweater, tank, and shoes: Kohls, skirt: walmart

Ok that was corny. But I said the date to someone this morning and they really thought I said 10/4- like I was agreeing with them. Yep- those are the people I deal with everyday. all day. Anywho- I have been neglecting my little blog lately. If your still around visiting me, thanks. I promise to get back in the habit. I just feel like my outfit pics ended up all looking the same. I just purchased a new camera and I am trying to figure out how to get cool pics with it. You all may get to see more pictures than you bargained for once I figure this bad boy out! Hope you all are doing well, and please don't give up on me. I promise to be a more faithful blogger!

Today

2011-09-20T15:36:00.001-05:00

I've spent alot of time recently think about my life. What do I want? Its a hard question. At 15, I thought I knew exactly which direction I wanted my life to take. At 20, it was a little less unclear, and now, at 30, I don't know what I want. I love my family and wouldn't change that for anything, but what do I want for me? My kids are growing up fast, and I want to be with them as much as possible. I want to nurture my marriage so it stays strong. But I have been thinking about what I want to be. I want to be an inspiration to those around me. I want my family to be proud of who I am and what I accomplish. I'm just not sure how to get there. I'm tired of being the girl who has great dreams, but never accomplishes them. I am tired of being lazy. I want more from my life. I want my life to have focus and purpose instead of just floating along. Its something I have been struggling with for a while. And I always say- tomorrow I will change. Tomorrow I will start something new. Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow.... Well we aren't promised tomorrow. I need to say Today and then act on it. Today is the day.

Shabby Chic

2011-09-12T10:12:00.000-05:00

Dress: Shabby Apple, Shoes and Watch: Kohls, pearls: Grandma

So I got this fabulous dress from Shabby Apple. If you've never browsed their website, you should. Be prepared to fall in love. Just sayin'. Their dresses are adorable, modest, and quality made. The only downfall is they are a bit pricier than I usually like to spend on a dress. I bought two (i had coupons) and I love them both. I will have to let you know about the wash and wear factor after I wash them- yes I'm the girl that just wears her new clothes without washing them first. My mother in law tells me all the time how wrong this is. Oh well. I've been doing 30 years and no harm has been done yet. Anywho- I am sad the weekend is over- it went by too fast. Yesterday was a really emotional day for me. I get emotional on every 9/11. I can't tell you what I did last Tuesday, but I can sure as heck tell you what I was doing Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001. I dropped my 9 month old daughter off at daycare, got in the car, and drove to work. The annoucer broke into the song on the radio to say the first tower had been hit. I went in work and everyone was gathered around the tv. Then the second plane hit. Like every other American that day- I didn't know what to feel- fear, anger. Every time I see the footage or hear something on the radio, I tear up. I always listen to the radio when I get ready in the morning, and yesterday was no exception. I didn't wear mascara to church because I couldn't quit tearin' up while I was getting ready. The radio station I listen to was having a tribute, and the first song of the day I hear is this. I can't hear it on a normal day and not get emotional. It was a very somber day yesterday. I will never forget. I am proud to be an American and everything it stands for.

Copy Cat

2011-08-26T08:58:00.000-05:00

Jacket- JC Penney, Shirt- Gap, Pants and Shoes- Kohls, pearls- Grandma, watch- Kohls, bracelet- don't recall

Ok, so I have been following Jessica from What I Wore for a while now. I love love love her style. She is always so put together and polished. Today I copied one of her looks. This one. I love it. I love how clean it looks. I am starting to love my white pants more and more as I style them differently. I am far from the fashion icon that Jessica is, but its still fun to play and dress things up!! Happy Friday, my loves!!!

Negatives

2011-08-08T15:28:00.000-05:00

I learned alot this weekend.

It was a kinda pivotal moment for me.

I realized

not all bad things happen

to punish me.

Sometimes life throws you curves

just to see if your paying attention.

Sometimes you need to

learn things.

Sometimes you need to

re-evalutate the direction your life is headed.

Sometimes you realize

the negative things are are put in your life

for a purpose.

There is a greater purpose in life.

Everyone has one.

Nothing you do on this Earth is as important as keeping

Him in your heart.

I am thankful for negatives in my life

so that I can develop.

2011-08-02T11:33:00.000-05:00

People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within. ~Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Thanks to all of you who pulled together yesterday for my friend Kelsi and her family. She had the scan she needed, and the doctors are optomistic about her recovery. They found out her cancer is treatable. If you would like to keep up with her progress, please visit her caringbridge site at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kelsicaten This is an extraordinary little girl with a family that is just like her. Please keep on praying :)

On a totally unrelated note, I have been inspired by Sam at Love Never Fails. This girl is like my blogger soulmate, I think. Similarities between things that have happened in our lives are crazy. Now, here she has started the Live Free Project. In all her posts, its like she knows what I need to hear. So Sam, if you read this. Thanks. Thanks for putting yourself out there so the rest of us can be inspired. Thanks for being braver than me. I hope to make some changes around here, too, although I am not ready to put myself out there just yet. Hang around, though, it won't be long.

"Life is not about avoiding the storm; It's about learning to dance in the Rain"

Kelsi Caten

2011-08-01T11:57:00.000-05:00

I know I haven't posted in a few weeks, but todays post is really important. For those of you who may not know: My dear friend Rosanne Caten has a 17mo old daughter, Kelsi who has recently been diagnosed with cancer throughout her body. They are a very faithful family and know that prayer works. Today they need her to have a ct scan and are afraid they wont get her in. Please pray that Kelsi will get her scan today and continue to pray for her and her family.

Here is the post from our Bishop on Saturday:

We visited with Brian and Rosanne Caten at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital last night. Kelsi had come out of surgery and was resting. The tumor have spread throughout the head and brain area and a CAT scan will be done on Monday to determine if it is in other parts of the body. This cancer is very rare and very aggressive, it is found only 1 in 3,000,000 people. The doctors say that it is "programmed in the DNA" and that nothing could have prevented it. In the meantime the family waits for test results to find out which way to best treat Kelsi. The doctors will take a break from any procedures today to give Kelsi's body a rest from all that has happened. Of course the family is in shock and grief. They have expressed their appreciation for everyone's concern.

So, brothers and sisters I would ask that you join our Ward in fasting for Kelsi and her family. As the Lord said, "...this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting," Matt. 17:21. This family needs a miracle and they feel very strongly that this fast will be a big part of that. They have felt and continue to feel your prayers and support. Sister Caten has said that she will feel good that we will end our fast, together, at the potluck, tomorrow following church.

I know you are like me and want to help or reach out to this family, but you just don't know what to do. It is hard to talk on the phone while at the hospital. They need to be alert and be ready when doctors and nurses come in. So Sister Caten has said that if you want to contact her text would be the best way to do this. As they said last night, prayer, prayer, and prayers. I know that prayers are heard. So if you find yourself wanting to do something and just don't know what to do then please pray and plead with the Lord.

Brothers and Sisters, may the Lord bless us in our fast and I pray that our Father in Heaven will be with this family.

Thank you all for all that you do.

Bishop Weeter

I know you all are faithful out there in bloggerland. Please Please Please pray for this family. Feel Free to copy this post to your blog, facebook, twitter or whatever else you may have. This little girl needs our prayers. The more, the better. Thanks blogger friends- I knew I could count on you!!

Hello Yellow

2011-07-12T10:41:00.001-05:00

Dress: Loft, Cardi: Catos, Shoes: Apt 9

Hello Yello. Glad to see you today. I didn't even know it was yellow day over at Everybody Everywear until Miranda told me. I was so happy!! I love this dress, which you can tell since I wear it all the time!!

Sorry I have been out of pocket on here. I am burnt out. Not with blogging, but with sitting in front of a computer. These summer classes are kicking my tail, along with all the summer activities my kids are busy with- I'm just pooped and don't feel like being creative with clothes. I hope to be better in a few weeks, as I am going to lay on the beach for a whole week and rejuvinate myself!!

Last Day of my 20s

2011-07-01T15:36:00.000-05:00

Shirt and Cardi- Cato Fashions, Pants- Gap, Shoes- Apt. 9

I came to work this morning and found this:

Yes, its true- tomorrow is the big day- 3-0. Ugh. I've been dreading it for some time now. I'm not sure why. I don't really feel 30. Most of the time I feel about 20. I forget sometimes how old I am. Oh well. On another unrelated note, I am wearing black and brown today- which is a major fashion faux-paus. But I did it today and I am in love with how it turned out! I hope everyone has a GREAT 4th of July weekend. I'm off to see some long lost family!!

Friend Friday: Summer Recipe

2011-06-17T08:51:00.000-05:00

Shirt: Kohls, Pants: Gap, Shoes: Goodys

Today over at Modly Chic, the lovely Katy has asked us to share our favorite summer recipe. This is a hard one- there are so many good ones!! But my favorite has to be a pasta salad. Here's what you need:

Pasta (I use the colorful vege noodles in corkscrews)
tomatoes
cucumbers
bell peppers
Italian Dressing

All you do is cook your pasta according to the directions on the box. Chop your vegetables into small, bite-size pieces, mix pasta, veges, and italian dressing together and chill. I didn't put amounts of anything because I make it to taste. Its super yummy and super easy to make!! Hope you enjoy!!

I'd also like to say Happy Birthday to my sweet son who turns six today!!!

Awkward and Awesome Thursday

2011-06-16T08:46:00.000-05:00

Shirt: JC Penney, Pants: Gap, Shoes: DSW

Its been a while since I've done an Awkward and Awesome post, so I thought I 'd join in the fun today!!

Awkward:

My wrinkley pants- I just noticed how wrinkley they are when I took my photo. Sorry guys, I'll try to break out my iron more often.
Calling someone I went to school with the wrong name. Then having them stare at you like your an idiot.
Leaving my umbrella at work, then having to fight a monsoon on my lunch break. That's not so much awkward as it is just plain crappy.
Having some guy hit on me at work- this guy thinks he is all that and let me tell you he is not. Then he tries every way he can to get me to flirt with him. Dude, do you not see the ring on my left hand??

Awesome:

The beach vacation I booked! WHOO HOO!! Florida here I come!!!
My new yellow dress that I wore twice in one week. To some, this could fall under the awkward catergory. To me, its awesome.
Fresh strawberries. Love them in all their juicy goodness.
Tomorrow is my baby's 6th birthday! (for those that think this is sad not awesome, I get to have cake therefore its awesome.)
Incentive pay at work. 'Nuff said.

There you go, my loves. If you have had an awkward and awesome week, head over to The Daybook and link up with Sydney!!

EBEW: Lace

2011-06-14T09:44:00.002-05:00

Cardi: LC by Lauren Conrad, Shirt: hand me down from bestie, pants: Kohls

Today is Lace day over and Everybody Everywear. So if you've got your lace on, go link up!!

So today is Tuesday, and I am already ready for the weekend. These summer classes I am taking are already kicking me in the tail. I am an overachiever and thought taking 3 online classes would be smart. Wrong. So I have 8 more weeks of them and I am counting down. You all may have to come visit me in the looney bin when its all over. If I am unable to speak, please tell them I'd love to have a pink straight jacket :)

Rule Breaker.....

2011-06-13T09:02:00.000-05:00

Cardi: Old Navy, Dress: Loft, Shoes: Apt 9 via Kohls

Ok, so today I am breaking the cardinal rule of fashion bloggers: wearing the same dress two days within a week. I know, I know- I am shameless. I just love this dress. Its fun and summery and it makes me feel happy. And lets face it- Who doesn't love to wear something that makes them feel good?

This weekend was great. My family went to a great little place called Lake Winnepesaukah. It's this great little amusement park about an hour from our house that I never knew about. It has been there like 85 years and this is the first time I have been. It was so much fun. It wasn't crowded, we didn't have to wait in long lines for rides, and the big kids loved it as much as the little kids. We will definately be going back!!

Sunny Day

2011-06-08T16:04:00.001-05:00

Dress: Loft, Sweater: Old Navy, Shoes: Apt 9 via Kohls

I love this dress. Not like it. LOVE IT. It makes me feel sunny. If you have never felt sunny, then you should buy this dress. I went shopping with my mom last night, determined not to buy anything because my closet is overflowing, but came home with this dress. I love all things yellow, so it was a must. I also have been coveting this dress wore by Linda at Rose a la mode. I found my version of it :) Don't forget it is dress up day over at No Model Lady! Link up!!