Hope you all are spending time with your loved ones. It's been a quiet Christmas for us this year. We did manage to head out to my parents for a little while. They have a new addition. Although, they haven't decided on his name, we pretty much called him baby. I think they are going to go with "Chester"-ha!

This is him smelling Christmas dinner. He's got a really cute personality.


I'll be back to post more pictures as our Christmas celebration continues tomorrow with our little niece.

My 2 favorite perfumes.

I went perfume shopping over the weekend, wanting to try something different. I'm a big fan of Clinique Happy and pretty much anything Este Lauder and Ralph Lauren. I ventured out a little, I fell in love with the new one from Armani and refilled on one of my favorites....Romance. The perfume lady gave me some samples of different things too. If your at the mall, stop by and grab you some samples.....you won't regret it-HA! What's your favorite perfume?

I'm approaching my 200th post....perhaps a giveaway coming soon.....

Busy Busy Busy

I can't believe the year is almost over.....geez where is time going?

We didn't put up a tree this year, really didn't even put up any decorations. This is about as good as it gets.

Hopefully, this time next year we will be in our new home. Yes, we are looking to buy a little bit bigger, sometime in the Spring. The hardest part is deciding where....just trying to keep the kids in the same school.

Am I the only one that's feeling a little bah'humbug? Maybe if we had some snow or something...just lots of rain and gray skies.

Should Christians celebrate Christmas??

I went out to lunch with a friend of mine today, who is Jewish. I just love to sit and listen to her tell me about her faith.

Well, while I was eating my salsa n chips, she asked me " So, tell me, why do you celebrate Christmas?" I was like, umm ok, well, uh, for many reasons, one being we've always celebrated it and two, it represents Jesus's birthday. So as we continued our lunch "my wheels were spinning". We talked for a bit more then we had to depart.

So, once I got back home, I started reading some things on the internet and WOW! Why do we celebrate Christmas?? I'd like to hear your thoughts on this.

I'm still looking in my Bible for scripture on Christmas or even the celebration of Jesus's birthday. I just know if HE wanted us to keep this holy, he would instruct us to do this. Afterall, certainly HE would share with His 12 disciples..right?

Funny, how watching the History channel this evening, there was a segment on Paganism.....hmmm my "wheels are still spinning on this" Please please share with me your thoughts.

Happy THANKSgiving ya'll.

A morning with Jacob/Video

Most people like to sleep in on the weekends...especially on a Saturday morning--- not our son Jacob. At 6:45(AM-that is) he's waking me up asking if I can take him and his friend to a skate park. What the heck?!? So, as the good mother I am (ha!) We head out.....to Allen.

She'll be coming around the mountain when she comes

YEE HAW~~~

Is anyone still out here???????


The blogging world seems as though it has s l o w e d down. Why is that..maybe cause life seems like it is speeding up..hm?

We're all trying to recover around here----we've all been sick, EXCEPT for me. What can I say? The kids have NEVER missed school like they have this year. In fact, Josh is out for at least another week. He has mono. I never knew mono could effect one like it has him. WOW!

So, not much to post here. Just want to see if my blogger account was still active and to give a shout out to all of you!

I will leave you with some pictures....Josh's "friend" is one of the Dallas Maverick Ball Girl's. And by the way, this job appears to be some HARD work.

Our first Homecoming

With high school comes all the dances too. We've explained to Josh that high school will probably been one of the biggest parts of his life....it's where sooooo many memories will be made. Tonight is the homecoming dance.....he asked a childhood friend and she of course said yes. So, with excitement, they went and had a blast!

Another year added to her life.

Happy Birthday Rebecca~~~

I continue to hold on to the hope, the hope that one day we will be reunited.


Love,

Your BIRTHmom,

I could sing this all day long

Also, I wanted to share a blog with you. If you need to see an example of how God's timing is not only HIS timing, but a perfect timing, please stop by here . This story will absolutely melt your heart.

A'nons (annonymous that is)

I vist other blogs quite often, some I enjoy visiting every day...new pictures of sweet family members, thoughtful prayers and the list goes on and on. Up until recently, I hardly ever checked my sitemeter. I didn't realize you could see all of the "lurkers" if you will and where they are from. It really doesn't bother me who's looking or who's reading as long as your nice and well, not out to harm anyone. So, I'm going to start getting better at leaving comments even if it's just a "hello". Ok, enough about that.

You know it's amazing at what you learn from other blogs: new things to try, new ways to decorate, new recipes to try and so on and so on. What a way to connect, I must say.

So from here
I tried this
and boy is it dee lish.

From this blog
I read this awesome awesome quote which I just love:
Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander that said:
"Whatever happens in the life of a person, if his attitude is right, the Lord will work that experience for that person's good."
Oh and by the way, a beautiful story about an adorable little baby girl.

Also, here I discovered a new way of looking at peace.

and here how GOD is working HIS miracle in this family.

I learn so much about so many things, and for you, I am thankful.

Plano Balloon Festival

Yesterday, I volunteered at the annual balloon festival. The company I work for does A LOT of volunteering throughout the community, well actually worldwide, but for me, right here at home. For a few hours of my time, in return, I get a free three day pass, free three day parking pass and all the fun you could ask for. Can you believe that you can take off in one of these for $250.00. Not sure how long the ride would be.

Usually the balloons launch at sunrise, but didn't yesterday for some reason. They waited until evening to launch oh about 15/20 balloons. We would've stayed but I was oh so ready to get outta there. The crowds were overwhelming. But I did manage to snap a picture of one that was taking off as we were leaving.


Josh just looks so thrilled to be there...doesn't he? He was ready to go about this time as well.


Maybe next year I will get better shots of all balloons.

ACORN--are you serious?

I typically don't discuss politics here....BUT one can't help to think what is happening to our country and what will our children's' generation have left..if anything.

Our government is so corrupt and it's nothing new. Have you heard the latest?

ACORN...if you haven't...google it. It's sad...just plain sad.

I couldn't have said this better myself

"Do you really want to hand over your health care and your lives to a government that funds an organization like ACORN?????? "

Hope you have a great week~~

SIMPLY THE BEST

Two of my favorite things.....


You have got to try this....Southern Blackberry Cobler Ice Cream

and


Yep...football.....oh the joy!

Whole lot of a little bit

Whew!! We got the first week of back to school behind us, all the school supplies bought and we're getting the routine down..I think.

Now that Josh is in high school, we stirring around here at oh about 5:20 in the morning. He has to be at school and in his first class by 7:20AM. They start early around here. Here they alternate days, they have "A" days and "B" days. A days he has Algebra, English and World Geography. B days he has Biology, Keyboarding and Computer Graphics. And each day he closes out with 3.5 hours of football. He doesn't have time to make time. But, don't get me wrong..he's loving it thus far. Ask me in two weeks and I'll let you know if he's changed his mind-ha!

Jacob is in his last year of middle school, so it's pretty much the same. Poor thing, he is so ready for a new environment. But, he is excited to be in the mix of all his school friends, again.

So, how many of you are keeping up with this young lady that was kidnapped at 11? It is HEARTBREAKING.....and I can't even fathom what her parents are going through. And, her own daughters....it's just sad!

My mom called me last night to tell me that my grandmother is in the beginning stages of Dementia. That's a whole "nother" post for later. Please pray for my grandmother and my mother as she journey's down this path. Thankfully, my mom has siblings that help & support one another.

Let's see....what else...I have so much to say....but since it's 1:30 in the morning, I'll stop here.


Have a great weekend~~

Just another day in this HOT HOT heat

Today, it's oh about 108 degrees...it may even be hotter....so what a good day to stay inside and watch movies.

This was a good movie...


Also, we watched The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.

Ok, off to get in the pool.

Giving up on a new look

Well, I'm still on a waiting list to get a blog-makeover. After all said and done it's going to be $85.00. I just can't do it! For $85.00--I can get new bedding and the new lamps that I want from Hobby Lobby....so for now, I'll keep what I have. Sorry, to those of you in the blogging makeover business---I just can't do it.

Comfort Food

What is your favorite comfort food?

Today, the boys' went to spend the evening with their grandmother and will return tomorrow. So, that left me thinking....should hubby & I sneak away for a dinner date or what?? So, as I started to think....about what and where we could go...I came up with an awesome idea...comfort food.

I started thinking..hmmmm chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and rolls with tons of butter....but then I reeally started thinking...big ol pot of pinto beans, fried potatoes and some sweet cornbread.....




well guess what won??? We had dinner at home and oh how I enjoyed it. It's not very often that we get to have this for a meal as the boy's just don't understand how anyone could make a meal out of beans & cornbread.

So, I'm interested in hearing what is your favorite comfort food.

You

The rain is coming down pretty hard, it's early, and I'm so enjoying reading your blogs all in the quiet.

I just wanted to give a shout out that I'm praying for a lot of you.....I read about your hurts, your joys, your physical pain, your frustration, your anger, your hopelessness, your triumphs, anxiety and oh how the list goes on.

You give me hope in return, you give me assurance, I cry with you, I laugh with you, and I'm reminded why I come here.

If you have a special prayer request that you would like for me to pray with you, just leave me a note or email..and I will be happy to. It's a must that we have a peaceful heart about EVERYTHING we decide & choose to do.

Blessings to you, to all of you,

Is there anyone out there that reads or listens to Larry Huch? He's a pastor of a church here in Dallas. I'm listening to the series First Fruits. Very interesting! I'm reading a lot about Shabbat, which I find interesting...if you know anything about this...let me know..I would love to hear your perspective.

Do you have the full armor on?

HELMET OF SALVATION



Hebrews 4:16 NLT. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious GOD. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it.

BREASTPLATE OF SALVATION

James 2:24 NLT. So you see, we are made right with GOD by what we do, not by faith alone.

BELT OF TRUTH

Psalms 25:5 NLT. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the GOD who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.

Make sure you're prepared with the armor of God at all times.

As I've said in my previous posts', we've been attending a spiritual warfare bible study for about 8 weeks now. No book was bought, only the Bible, pen and paper were needed. Each Thursday was broken down into a certain topic. This Thursday, it will be about "spiritual house cleaning".
This bible study has surfaced some buried negativity and so much other stuff that I did not ever want to see again or talk about. I've been praying for spiritual cleansing and boy has God had a number with me. I didn't even realize I had this much "junk" within me. Carrying this around with me, I realize I've missed so many blessings God had for me and well it hurts. I cannot think of any better word to describe the pain of disappointing my father. But, I know that my father is proud of me that I'm finally understanding....I'm so glad he never gave up on me. It's still a struggle everyday and I realize that Satan is ready to take a stab at me...but with my armor on and ready, he'll have to go through God first.

I thank God everyday for a new day..another day to thank him for ALL that HE has given me & will give me and that at the age of 38, I'm finally realizing that He put me here for a purpose and now I need to find that purpose and walk in that purpose.

Praising Him and holding on to Him like never before~~

This is how we spent Jacob's 13th birthDAY:

First there was football camp led by the pros....chiefs, colts and saints.


then a trip to pick out a new skateboard...

not only do you pick a board, but you gotta get the hardware too. Such a selection.

then you have to put it all together....

and then you have a board...$182.00 later. Yes, I know, your probably thinking what's so special about it?? but I suppose it's the wood & hardware...who knows..It's still hard for me to look at him on it...I'll have to show you some of his other boards after just a few months of use...sigh.


Moving right along...Jacob decided he needed to take a break & swing in the hammock.

Then his brother decided to join him...just now noticed how scary their shirts look


Jacob also got a new ipod after his new stero blew his out.
And from the grandparents he got the all time favorite....cha-ching. So I think he did pretty good for turning 13.

Have a great Sunday!

Finally....

we made it to Six Flags. A whole day of it in the 100 degree heat. The best part about it...no lines. Get on...get off...get back on....we did this all day long.

I can tell going to Six Flags isn't the same as back in the day.....At one point I found my self sitting in some shade while the kids ventured out to ride this....

and this....

There were quite a few other rides, but I was so blessed to ride them too, even the ones that go upside down...oh my word.
But seriously though, I did enjoy the day with my oldest and his "friend" Marina.
I know that my days being able to take them places will soon come to an end, they will want to travel to places like this with their friends and not have mom tag along. (sigh) A few more pics....



Now I have to go rest my feet because tomorrow is Jacob's 13th birthday and he wants to go shopping to pick out his gifts....so that we will do.

Oh yeah, we had one of those little gadgets that tells you how may miles you walk...guess what?? Today, I walked 17 miles.....calgon here I come!!

Summertime

A few of my favorite things.......







Hoping you are enjoying your summer, too.

I feel like I've been gone for a long...long time. But, I've been around...keeping up with you all and praying for all of you. I'm typing this post because I feel like someone out there reading this is needing a gentle reminder of how amazing God's love is for us. I've been praying for some time now for God to change my heart and to change who I am...to bring glory to God. If you understand your purpose, you'll know where your going. Establish a purpose and walk in that purpose.

YES, God does answer prayers! He answers us! God's unfailing love desires nothing short than the absolute best. Thankfully, when we think we know best, He gives us the answers. Of course, we can't see that until the situation has passed.
His amazing love knew what was best--all along.

"So, next time you fail to get the answer you want or the next time you feel like God is simply being quiet, set your concerns aside and trust Him. With time, you'll see protection & divine hand in your situation."

"God stands to gain nothing from us, but we stand to gain EVERYTHING from Him!"

Pray faithfully seeking the Holy Spirit's help. Ephesians 6:18


A few words spoken from the heart, speaks volumes.

God is faithful as we depend on Him daily for answers.

When we WILL to pray, God's WILL is done.

Remember His Sufficiency......

During difficult times, our human instinct is to turn from God and focus on self-sufficiency. Of course, as Christians, we know that these are the times to draw closer to God and we ask for his daily sustenance. These are the times for prayer--constant prayer.

True possibility.....

Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible, but with God, everything is possible" Matthew 19:26.

Although

I haven't had much to say, I've enjoyed what you've had to say.

We've been going to this topical bible study on Thursday evenings and so far so good. Last week it was the weapons that God gives us to fight off evil...tomorrow night it will be the weapons that evil TRIES to use against us.


Will try to do a meaningful post soon.


Blessings to all of you,

I'm A okay

Well, I went to the dermatologist today to have the spot looked at on my face and leg. The one on the leg is benign and the one on my face was something...one of those long medical words....but sort of like a sun spot that had a rough surface..make any sense? Anyway, he froze the one on my face..now I just have an ugly brown blister. I feel better knowing it was nothing. (Thank you Jesus!!) I enjoy being out in the sun..guess I better ease up on that.

Not much planned this weekend other than the usual.

I'm still on the waiting list to have my blog made over....until then I decided to change my background. Maybe I can get some tutoring on this and not have to pay for it. SMILE

have a great weekend~~~

Didn't realize

My email address has been updated. For those of you that have emailed me...the email was actually going to my sons address. I've since updated it.

He'd be checking his email and ask who is this..who is that...I apologize.


I have no idea why it was set up like that but none the less...it's fixed now. :)

ok, gotta run....hoping you all are having a wonderful week thus far.


be back tomorrow to let you know about the "spots".

group photo

Last Saturday we headed out with my parents to this place in the country...Miller Cove...never heard of it. Well there is this place, I cannot remember the name of it, but it's only open on the weekends....and it's all you can eat catfish/shrimp.

When we arrived, it appeared to be a hole in the wall..and actually it really was. BUT, I must tell you...for us city folks, it was the best catfish we have ever put in our mouths. Can't you tell?



This place had more food than you could've ever imagined.

See how miserable we were feeling about this time..but what I want to point out are those mops....when I tell you a hole in the wall..that is what I mean.


Look at this cute sweet little church that was across the street


Before we all piled back into the truck, we decided to show everyone just how full & happy we were. HA!




Have a great week.