Divamom - Living a Blessed Life

Feminine Friday

2012-02-11T01:07:00.001-06:00

Today I'm posting an outfit I wore to church recently. I found the jacket on clearance at Cato's and had oodles of fun accessorizing it!

This is my first time using the blogger app on my iPhone, so forgive me if it posts strangely! Lol! I have an icky feeling the pics are going to seriously be out of order!

Be Blessed

11 Years Old Already???

2011-12-17T23:30:00.000-06:00

Where has the time gone? Eleven years ago a sweet little boy made his way into the world a little earlier than expected. Although three weeks would go by before we would be blessed to make his acquaintance, God already had a plan for our family. We got a call from Child Protective Services about a three week old baby boy named Tyree. After scrambling around trying to find clothes and diapers to fit a preemie, we picked him up from the hospital. Now, eleven years later, we have a very energetic, inquisitive and verbal fifth grader. I say verbal, because the boy talks non stop!!! LOL Happy Birthday Darian Emmanuel Taylor!

Birthday dinner at Ihop!

Hanging out with his sisters

Christmas 2001

Mommy and my little guy

All 3 lbs and 5oz of him!

Happy Tuesday!!!

2011-10-11T23:30:00.000-05:00

""/>This evening when I got home from work, I looked at the top of the refrigerator and decided it needed some fall decor. So, thought I'd rearrange what was already there and add a little fall to it. Then I discovered how dusty it was, so another project got started! I pulled out my step stool and proceeded to dust with a Swiffer duster. Apparently, the decided to stick to the top of the fridge, so I was just swirling it around pretty much. Being that the wonderful appliance (I really do love it) is about six feet tall, I couldn't reach the top without using the step stool in the first place, but then I couldn't wipe it, because it was too hard to reach the back. So, I used my Swiffer mop and cleaned the top of it! LOL It's clean, so I guess you gotta do what you gotta do! Anyway, here's the finished result:

I even had Hubby pull it out, so I could put up my "Bon Appetit" sign! Since it is a surface for decorating, I decided to join in Marty's 85th Table Top Tuesday over at . Go check her out. She always has the lovliest tablescapes!Be Blessed!

A Great Start to My Week!

2011-10-10T22:50:00.000-05:00

Today was my first day at my new temp-to-perm job at the Water Department in Arlington. Thanks to the economy, my SAHM status has been revoked! I've had a couple of temp jobs in the past couple of months, but things didn't work out as planned. The staffing agency called me about this position and I interviewed, not thinking I would get it and I wasn't that interested because of the distance. But God! He obviously had something else in store for me, so I've been given another chance. My first day was good. I got a tour of the building, had a badge made and got a short tour of the municipal building down the street. But best of all was what awaited me when I walked in this morning:

Now, that's how you treat a temp!Be Blessed!

Feminine Friday

2011-09-11T01:42:00.001-05:00

I know the title says, Feminine Friday, but Valencia over at has graciously extended her link thoughout the weekend for us slow posters! LOL I'm so happy to be a part of her link and for the extension! I love posting anything about being girly and showing modesty. The last time I posted, I showed a dress that I wore with a jacket. The dress can also be worn as a skirt, which is shown in the photo below. I love the versatility of this dress. I usually get a lot of compliments too! So glad I found it at Burlington Coat Factory!

Be Blessed!

School Started! Hallelujah!!!

2011-08-23T23:12:00.001-05:00

Ok, I guess I sound a little too happy, but I am and so are my little tribe members! Funds were short this summer, so we didn't get to do as much as usual, so I think they were more than happy to get back to their friends and be in the midst of it all! LOL! Now I have the joy of dropping off and picking up to and from three different schools. Our school district decided to be the first in the state to charge for bus service, so I'm not the only mom taxi service on the road! Although, day two wasn't as bad as day one, there is a significant increase in the number of cars at school now. Anyway, they all seemed to have had two good days, so I'm looking forward to a blessed year for all!

Day 2.....I forgot to take a picture on Day 1! LOL

Feminine Friday

2011-08-07T00:03:00.003-05:00

Hello ladies! I know it's been forever, but I'm back and I thought I'd start up with one of my favorite posts. Over at Buildeth Her House, Valencia is hosting "Feminine Friday" again. I love doing this! I think it's so important to show our femininity, especially when society is trying so hard to steer clear of it! My daughters tease me about not being camera shy and making them take my pic for these posts. But they know what they're for and the point I'm making, so they don't mind.

The fashion industry promotes as little clothing as possible, which makes it hard to find cute, fashionable modest clothing, especially for young ladies. It's our job as Christian women to set the fashion example for the young ladies coming behind us. This was instilled in me as a young child and I still follow suit today.

I bought this little dress (I call it little because it's one of the shorter ones that I own! LOL) at Burlington Coat Factory. It can be worn as a skirt also, so I'll probably show that as a look at another time. I paired it with a little khaki jacket and I got many compliments on it. This pic was taken at a hotel in Ardmore, Oklahoma, when I took a quick getaway with my hubby! He invited me along for one of his airport inspections. Short trip, but fun!

Be Blessed!

Back in Blogland!!!

2011-07-24T00:49:00.003-05:00

Hello Ladies!!! I'm finally back in blogland! To some extent, I've been unplugged because my laptop has been out of commission for about a couple of months. Not to mention, a tad bit of writer's block. I was able to use my husband's laptop occasionally, so I could surf the web. In my last post I mentioned buying a blogger app for my iPhone, so I could post with pictures, but I decided against it since I'm price challenged in some areas. I find it extremely hard to pay for an app, especially when there are so many free ones out there. So, I decided to just wait till my laptop was fixed. Good things come to those who wait, right? Anyway, my phone decided to go on the frizz for a week too, so I was really technologically in despair. I was okay without the laptop (slightly), but being without the phone was HUGE!!! My phone and I are best buds! It's with me always or at least within 10 feet away at all times! Well, after three trips to the Apple Store and a replacement phone, we're together once again! Needless to say, I'm back to posting!

So with that all said, I'll be around more often now. I look forward to visiting blogs and hopefully I'm back on track to meeting some more blog buddies!

Be Blessed!

I'm Still Here!!!

2011-05-12T11:56:00.000-05:00

Hi ladies!!! I know it's been forever and a day since I posted last. Computer issues are the pits! My laptop is completely dead, so I have to borrow hubby's. Problem is, so does everybody else who needs to do a report during these last few weeks of school! Right now I'm using my phone for this post, but I can't upload pictures to my posts. I'm in the process of investigating blogger apps, to see which one is the best to use so I can blog from my phone. Then I can be back on track!

Life always manages to have setbacks, but we just have to learn how to deal with them. First, it was the downfall of my computer, and now the disappearance of my camera. Well, actually it had help. We went to a wedding in Dallas Saturday before last, and I took my camera which was in it's lovely Mary Kate & Ashley sparkly pink case. Well, at the beginning if the wedding, my battery died so I only got to take one picture. The reception was in Grand Prairie (in a seedy area, I might add) and my daughter put my camera in her purse, which she left in the car, and used hers. When we decided it was time to hit the road, we went out to the car only to find the passenger window was broken and her purse was gone! Of course her wallet with all her identification was in it & a debit card. So we've had the added drama (and rudeness) of going through the long wait at the DMV, the social security office and a few phone calls to Chase bank. Oh yeah, the fun of contacting the unconcerned police dept., who thought we should've known we were in the worst crime area of their lovely little city! Duh! We don't live there! Normally she doesn't carry her SS card, but she needed it for a modeling job the day before and forgot to take it out. Thank God we were able to catch the one and only charge that was made to her debit card. She withdrew the money that was left on it and they sent her a new card. Never a dull moment at our house!!!

So, not having my trusty camera (that I loved!) has been no fun at all! My iPhone camera does a good job, but it's not the same. At least I can post pics to my Facebook page, but I miss blogging! So for now, my posts will be picture-free, but hopefully I can figure out something soon. There's so much I want to catch up with! Of course I'm still checking out other blogs when I can, so you'll still see posts from me every now and then! Love you all! Be blessed!!!

Tribute to my Godfather, Bishop Chandler David Owens,Sr.

2011-03-14T16:29:00.004-05:00

Hello to all! I took a little break due to the recent death of my beloved godfather. I've been a little off kilter (well, a lot actually) since then, so blogging wasn't even a thought. Sorry! I rode the bus to Atlanta for the funerals (yes, plural because he was a Bishop) and that was an experience in itself! No more bus riding for me! Even though it was long and the bus and the people were smelly, it was worth the trip to pay respects to an awesome, extraordinary man. He wasn't just a godfather in name only. When my mother passed, he told me that he and his wife were my parents now. When he said that, he meant it too. I called him (and Mother) often, just to see how they were doing and just to say hi. I got to visit them in Atlanta and was treated like a princess each time when I was there. Whenever I saw him, he was just as excited to see me as I was him. He loved my family like they were a part of his. He was a great man of God and formerly held the highest office in our church, Presiding Bishop of the Churches of God in Christ, Inc. He has left an empty void in the lives of many worldwide, but I feel like I've lost another parent. Knowing that I won't be able to hear him say my name (as only he could) or hear the excitement in his voice when I would call to say happy birthday or just hello, is going to be incredibly hard to get used to. He had a voice like no other, and he left many spellbound with his vocabulary, when he talked or preached. We think he made up some of the words (lol), but it didn't matter! I thank God for the blessed life that he lived and that I was able to be a part of it. Rest in peace, Bishop! I love him and miss him lots!

Here are a few pictures of him
Atlanta 2006

Houston 1990 (I was skinny! Lol)

My Heroes (Daddy & Bishop)

Here's one of his messages from 1987

Be Blessed!

My M.A.C. Experience

2011-03-01T22:06:00.004-06:00

Yesterday, my daughter and I hung out at the mall for a little while. She decided to have some mascara applied by a MAC makeup artist in Nordstrom's. Well, mascara turned into moisturizer, eyeshadow, blush and lip gloss. While waiting, the sweet, but seriously plain & earthy looking makeup artist asked if I wanted my face done too. Since I ran out the house face undone, I decided to give it a try. I've never worn MAC before, so I wanted to try it since I've heard so much hype about it.

First, she asked if I wanted a shiny or matte finish. Seeing that my skin is oily, I thought that was a no-brainer, but I guess not. I said matte. So, she used strobe cream (mistake #1). Then she asked if I wore blush, and I said yes, so she used Powder Blush in Format (mistake #2). She used a couple of shades of eyeshadow, which were sketch and brown script, and a rubenesque paint pot. She used the brown script for my eyeliner. Then she filled in my brows (mistake #3). She used a brow pencil in stud. Finally, she used the tinted lipglass in lovechild. Ok, let me explain the mistakes. Number 1 - On the MAC website, Strobe Cream is supercharged with POTENT botanicals. Obviously they are quite potent, because I immediately started to notice little bumps on my face. Number 2 - Since she was quite barefaced, she obviously doesn't have a whole lot of experience with blush. I literally looked like I was blushing! Note to self: never get make up done by Birkenstock fresh faced looking girl. Then, Mistake #3 - My brows. She drew and drew and drew. Honestly, I thought I was going to have some picture on my face for the time that she spent filling in my brows. I know they are light, but come on. Anyhoo, my finished look included Anne Frank eyebrows, rosy pink cheeks and bumpy skin! My cheeks look decent in the pic, but they were a lot pinker than they look. The bumps are right under my glasses, so they aren't too noticeable either.

I didn't exactly have a wonderful first time MAC experience, to say the least. Would I do it again? Probably not the whole nine yards, but I really did like their eyeshadow and loved the lipglass! Regardless of my experience, I enjoyed hanging out with my dear daughter. We had fun!

Be Blessed!

A Little Something Different!

2011-02-25T21:32:00.005-06:00

Hello everyone! I've been out and about blog hopping and I stumbled upon some makeup blogs. Being a diva, I love all things girly and of course makeup is right up there with the rest of the things I love! I found a few really cool blogs that I started following (always like to make new friends) and I even started viewing some youtube makeup tutorial videos and some on storing and collecting makeup. Trust me when I say I'm far from having a sizeable collection, but they were really interesting to watch. One thing I noticed though, was that all that I came across where either teenage girls or very young women in their 20s. I only saw one that had a picture at the end of her video that showed her and her daughter. Other than hers, I really couldn't relate. Don't get me wrong, because I got some really neat tips and enjoyed reading, but don't moms in their 30s and 40s enjoy dabbling in makeup and fashion??? I KNOW I DO!!! Soooo, what I would like to do is incorporate a little makeup and fashion into my blog, every now and then. If anything, it'll be fun and also an opportunity for me to showcase some of my Avon products that I sell. Yes, I'm an Avon Representative, if I've never mentioned it. I never wanted to run readers off, thinking that I'm trying to coerce them into buying something, so I don't mention it much. But with the economy the way it is, I do need to boost my sales!

Anyhoo, I'm going to showcase a cool product I found for nails. OPI has a Katy Perry Collection that includes a black top coat "Shatter" which is a deep asphalt black with a "shattered" texture. You put it over another color and it literally separates or "shatters" right before your eyes. It was also pretty hard to come by. Apparently, OPI isn't making a whole lot of them or they are slow about it, because every time Ulta receives a shipment (they were the only ones in my area that carry it), they only receive a few and run out the same day. I was finally successful on the third try! I called on a Friday (the 1st two times were on Sundays when they normally get shipments) just to see if they had any on the shelf and the manager told me they had actually gotten a small shipment that morning and had a few bottles left. I told her to hold one and I'd be there within the hour! LOL

OPI Black Shatter

Nina Ultra Pro Nail Enamel in Fuschia Rave (I don't recommend this polish, because it gets kinda clumpy.....you can't tell because the OPI covers it)

The after effect (sorry, it's a tad blurry)

I love the way it turned out!

If you can't find it in your area, I found out that China Glaze also has a similar product. Theirs is called Crackle and comes in different colors. You can check them out on one of the blogs that I found (www.thepolishaholic.com). She gives a good review on each color and how the textures come out.

Well, hopefully you've enjoyed my findings! I did! (Hee Hee!)

Be Blessed!

Feminine Friday

2011-02-19T00:16:00.005-06:00

Loving another Feminine Friday! Today I'm posting one of my favorite church outfits, that has shoes to match! This suit was one of many blessing from my pastor's lovely wife! Of course I snatched up the shoes (at Charlotte Russe) when I saw how perfectly they matched! Be sure to check out Valencia, our Feminine Friday founder over at Buildeth Her House.

Be Blessed!

The Greatest Parents!!!

2011-02-17T22:53:00.003-06:00

Couldn't let the day end without remembering the two greatest people in my life! Today commemorates the homegoing of both my parents. My daddy, Elder Leon C. Smith and my momma, Missionary Barbara L. Smith went from labor to reward on the same day, seven years apart. It has been 12 years for Momma and 19 years for Daddy, but it still seems like just yesterday. I'm grateful to have so many great memories to pass along to my children. They were wonderful people of God, and I was blessed to have them in my life. I pray that I live my life as they both did......loving and pleasing God. They were the GREATEST!!!

Happy Valentines!

2011-02-14T23:04:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful day! Mine was hectic, but I did most of what I had planned to do. Being that it's been so cold here lately, I hadn't ventured out into the frozen tundra of our garage to get any decorations until today. We went from 12 degrees near the end of last week, to 72 degrees today! So, since I was late I decided to just have a Valentine's dinner and give the kiddos some treats, since the school district decided they couldn't have parties. That meant braving WalMart and Kroger today (something I don't recommend) and snagging what was left. Never shop on Valentines Day, because the store is full desperate men grabbing plants and ready made floral arrangements, frantically looking for cards, etc. Not a pretty sight. My daughter and hubby went last night (under the guise of getting gas), so she was able to tell me what he said he wanted. Added to the drama of last minute gift buying, was searching for Davon's items for his Famous Texan project due today! Due to a misunderstanding of emails between two fourth grade teachers (yes, I have two fourth graders), I had to find items for him to use as props. Needless to say, ripping and running was an understatement! Well, I survived and had a good day. The kids and hubby were happy too, so that's what is most important! Ahh, the things we do for love!

Let me share some love with you!

My goodies from darling hubby

The roses are from hubby and the colorful flowers are from the kids.....so sweet!

Hubby's goodies (fat free gourmet jelly beans, sucrose free fudge and butter & cheddar popcorn)

Kid-friendly Table setting

Cutest plates (thanks Dollar General!)

Goodie bags for the kids

Spread love everyday!!!
Be Blessed!!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-02-02T13:30:00.006-06:00

Peggy over at The Simple Woman's Daybook is the gracious host here. Join in any day of the week.

For Today...February 2, 2011

Outside my window... there is still ice on the ground and it's 14 degrees! Thank God for my Snuggie!

I am thinking...about all the projects that I need to tackle! Hope this allergy attack doesn't last long!

I am thankful for... being able to take care of my family. Don't know if it's God's will for me to work right now, but I'm thankful to be at home and available for drop offs and pick ups and all the errands in between!

From the kitchen...I made my menu for the week and have stuck to it! Yay! Being stuck in the house due to the ice, makes it easy to stick to my menu! LOL Tonight we are having chicken wraps with fruit cups.

I am wearing...my black pajamas, which I plan to stay in all day!

I am hoping...to do better at blogging. I hope to gain more followers, because I love meeting new friends!

I am hearing... My daughters fixing their lunch in the kitchen and laughing while doing so. Also, hearing the tv upstairs.

I am remembering...how cuddly my babies used to be. Now they're big and cuddly (sometimes). They grow up so fast!

I am praying...everybody to be safe and stay in if they can. The temperatures here in the DFW area aren't expected to rise until Friday. Also praying the kiddos go back to school tomorrow! LOL

Around the house... Kids enjoying their second snow day, playing games and watching tv.

On my mind... How good God is! He's an awesome God, who is worthy to be praised!

One of my favorite things... wrapping myself up in my Snuggie on our couch in our bedroom and watching my favorite shows!

A few plans for the rest of the week...waiting to see what the weather does, but I plan to clean up around the house as soon as I start to feel better.

Here are some picture thoughts I am sharing with you...

Me and my Snuggie!

Be Blessed!

Snow Day!!!

2011-02-01T12:32:00.003-06:00

Yes, it's been awhile and please forgive me for not getting on here sooner. I've had somewhat of a writer's block, but today's weather definitely gave me a something to post about! It is 18 degrees here in Fort Worth and we have snow! I went out last night trying to find thermal underwear (long johns) for the boys, in case they had to go to school, but they weren't necessary because school was cancelled. I have some of the boy's teachers on my Facebook page and they were posting around 10:00 last night that the district was calling them cancelling school. Our district hardly ever closes, so I knew it must not be a good weather outlook. Around 3:00 this morning I woke to sleet slamming up against the windows, which continued till about 7:00 this morning. The wind has died down a little, but it's still blowing hard enough for me to stay indoors! The boys had a brief playtime (around 12 minutes, lol) in the snow, but quickly came back in! Today will definitely be an indoor, hot chocolate kind of day!

About to head out into the frozen tundra! LOL

He missed the group shot, because he didn't have on the right shoes!

Playing in the backyard

Front door view

My welcome mat is under there somewhere!

BE BLESSED!!!

My Christmas Decor

2010-12-26T00:48:00.007-06:00

Welcome to my home! I'm a little late posting my decor, but with six kiddos, I had bigger fires to tend to! Mainly, holiday shopping! Anyway, I still wanted to share my little side of the fence, so here goes.....

This is my entryway table. Since it's the first thing you see when you step in, I tried to make it pretty!

This is my little Nativity scene that I bought several years ago from a little girl at church. She had a flyer from school that had all sorts of items and this was only $7, but so cute I couldn't resist!

Here's our tree in all her glory!

Since hubby turned the dining room into his office, I added my village on top of his desk! We made the tree fit, but it's not centered so you can't see it from outside. Something might have to change next year!

Welcome to my kitchen!

The printed tablecloth belonged to my mother and is actually too short for my table, but I had to use it, so I put it on top of a plain red one.

This year I changed out a couple of pieces to have a different tablescape. I moved my birdhouse from this corner to the other counter, and brought in my sleigh filled with gorgeous gold ornaments.

I love my little Christmas tree cookie jar! I found this at Wal-Mart on clearance for $2.00!!! I didn't know where I was going to put it at the time, but for that price I knew it would go somewhere! LOL

Every year I try to use one of my favorite dish towels that belonged to my mother. I hung it on the oven door, but warned everybody that it's for decoration only! The gold thread in it is hideously scratchy, so it's just hanging there to look cute!

Here are more Christmas towels that I got at Dollar General last year. I actually had to iron them when I took them out of storage. They're a pain, but pretty!

Here's all of our stockings!

TV decor (shoulda got closer)

I love my skating gingerbread couple!

My pretty angel I got as a gift several years ago

Hall bath

Yes, almost every room has a tree!

Noel!

Frosty is a reed diffuser!

I even included the laundry room!

This is my newest tree that my neighbor gave me. She was going to toss it and I told her I would gladly take it off her hands. I bought a bow and used some ornaments I already had, plus a few newbies from WalMart. Ain't it divine?

I used the leftover poinsettias on our Master Bath tree

See my little snowman flameless candle? I got him from Dollar General for $3 a couple of years ago

I added a cute snowmen rug to the kids bath

Christmas bear is kinda lonely. I'll have to add something with him next year!

A little stairway decor

Gameroom decor (not much because the kiddos play up there)

Well, that ends my tour! Hope you had a fabulous Christmas day! Be Blessed!

Merry Christmas!!!

2010-12-25T17:16:00.000-06:00

Hope everyone has a fabulously blessed Christmas! Be Blessed!

Fabulous Feminine Friday!

2010-12-04T12:15:00.003-06:00

Hello all! Hope your Thanksgiving was fabulous! Ours was a lot of fun. We spent it in San Antonio with friends. I now know the true meaning of "big family" fun! Along with our eight, my girlfriend invited her brother and his 7 kids and her sister and her 8 kids!!! Yes, the house was packed for two nights and there was a waiting list for the bathroom, but we had fun despite the chaos!

It's been so long since I've posted due to computer issues, but I couldn't keep staying away even though it's not fixed yet. Just praying it stays on long enough for me to post this! LOL

Deondra and I were in Nordstrom yesterday and had fun trying on dresses. I thought I'd post two of the ones we tried on, because they were so feminine.

Don't forget to check out Valencia's Feminine Friday post over at Buildeth Her House!

Feminine Friday

2010-10-02T01:36:00.004-05:00

Welcome to another Feminine Friday hosted by Valencia over at Buildeth Her House. This week I'm showing a sundress that has a little story behind it. I recently attended a funeral in San Antonio, and I forgot the dress that I was wearing to the funeral. When I decided I would go to the store to get one (hubby so graciously gave me the go ahead), I discovered that I also forgot the skirt that went to the top I was going to wear on the drive home! Needless to say, it was a quickly planned last minute trip! I stayed with my bestie, Theresa and family, and I asked her if she had a sundress that I could wear to the store. She brought me a couple she thought would fit and I chose one. Well, after eating a grand breakfast that she cooked, I discovered I didn't have a whole lot of shopping time. The funeral was at 11:00 am on the other side of town and the stores didn't open until 10! Deondra suggested that I wear the dress that I had on and ask Theresa if I could borrow a little black jacket. She said no problem and quickly brought me two choices (she shops like me!). I picked one and wore the outfit to the funeral. It was sooooo cute on me, that she told me to keep it, because I looked wonderful in it! So now I have a new dress, thank the Lord!!!

Be Blessed!!!

Feminine Friday

2010-09-25T19:21:00.003-05:00

I'm joining in Valencia's post on Feminine Friday over at Buildeth Her House. This is a comfy sundress that I bought at Cato's about a month ago. I covered it with a little black vest I found at Macy's. I thought I'd get a little more wear out of it before the weather gets cooler. Check out the other ladies on Valencia's blog. I love Feminine Friday! Be Blessed!

I'm a Year Older!!!

2010-09-21T22:47:00.003-05:00

Today I was blessed to see birthday number 45!!! Thank you Lord! My sweet daughter and hubby arranged a surprise party at Olive Garden Restaurant, which included family and friends! I was so surprised and thrilled! I had a wonderful day! I feel so blessed!

I Know, I Know, it's Been A While!

2010-09-20T19:04:00.004-05:00

I know it's been a while, but I'm back!!! Sorry, just been extremely busy with the kiddos starting school and I'm getting over an icky sinus infection too. But I just thought I'd share some random goodies with you.

A couple of recipes that recently went over really well with my family were Taco Salad and Banana Pudding. I'm talking rave reviews and licking the bowl, and such! I thought I'd share them because they are cheap and easy to make. First, the Taco Salad recipe. It's sooooo simple, and basically I made it up after eating some in Houston and nobody (supposedly) could remember the recipe. My recipe is:

1 bag of Baked Doritos
1 1/2 to 2 lbs. of cooked ground turkey with taco seasoning added (follow back of package directions)
1 bag of shredded lettuce
2 tomatoes, diced
shredded cheese of your choice (I used the Kraft mexican blend)
Layer the bottom of a 9X13 pan with Doritos, then put the ground turkey on top. Then, I followed with layers of lettuce, tomato and cheese. This was the end result:

Everybody loved it and I even had one that wanted leftovers for lunch! The only reason there were leftovers, was Deondra had to work and got free food at work! You can add your own toppings such as taco sauce, salsa or sour cream.

The other recipe I wanted to share is the easiest banana pudding ever! All you need is:

1 can of Eagle Brand milk
8oz pkg of cream cheese, softened
3 cups of milk
1 large box of instant vanilla pudding
1 large tub of cool whip
1 box of vanilla wafers
3 or 4 bananas
In a large bowl, whip cream cheese and Eagle Brand milk until smooth. Add milk and pudding. Stir or beat. Add cool whip and beat.
In a bowl of your choice, put a layer of cookies, a layer of bananas and a layer of pudding. Repeat, ending with last layer of cookies.
I didn't think about it until afterwards, but if you have cookies that aren't completely round to go on top (if you're into presentation), crush them and sprinkle them around the round ones. My mom used to do that. This is how mine turned out:

Trust me when I say, it went fast! LOL

I'll try my best to post more often. Even when I don't, I'm still checking on everybody else! Be Blessed!

Feminine Friday

2010-08-06T23:06:00.003-05:00

Welcome to another Feminine Friday! I'm posting another church outfit today. The dress is actually pale pink and white (looks white in the pic) and the shoes match. I love to dress up for church and I've been blessed to find many bargains on cute dresses and suits. Check out the other participants over at Buildeth Her House.

I'm Back on Feminine Friday!!!

2010-07-23T01:48:00.004-05:00

Hello everybody! I'm back from vacation!!! We had a blast and pics will follow. I wanted to start back by posting on Feminine Friday! Since I'm just getting back (a couple of days ago), I decided to just post a picture that I already had of one of my church suits.

Check out Valencia's blog at http://buildethherhousewithlove.blogspot.com for more Feminine Friday posts.

Have a blessed day!

Vacation Time

2010-07-12T11:21:00.002-05:00

Hello everybody! I'm enjoying a much needed vacation with the family here in the great state of Kentucky! I won't be posting again until we come back, because I have very limited computer access and will be spending a lot of time with the family. I'll be back on the 22nd, so have a blessed week and a half and I'll chat later! Luv y'all!

Be blessed!

A Blessed Independence Day!

2010-07-04T23:42:00.000-05:00

Happy 4th to everybody! It's just a blessing to live in a country where we are free to worship an awesome God! We spent our day at church and enjoyed an awesome service. Later this evening I took the kids to see the fireworks. I hope everybody had a joyous day!

Watching fireworks from the trunk!

Feminine Friday

2010-07-04T01:38:00.003-05:00

Welcome to another Feminine Friday post. I goofed last week and forgot to link to Valencia's post, so nobody saw my post. So if you see this week's post, you can check out last week's too! lol This week I'm posting pics of a church outfit I wore a couple of Sundays ago.

Be Blessed!

Completing Him Challenge - Week 3

2010-07-01T01:23:00.003-05:00

Although I'm a few days late, I'm still within week 3 of the Completing Him Challenge. This week's challenge is to pray daily for our husbands.

I grew up in a church where prayer is as natural as eating three meals a day, but sometimes I have dropped the ball in this area. When we moved to Fort Worth four years ago, my life drastically changed. I suddenly had to adapt to a new home, new city and a new way of life. I fell into a deep depression after so many things weren't working out, even though I was praying. My besties "back home" had kinda kicked me to the curb because they didn't know how to deal with me moving away. They've since come around a bit more, but not the way things used to be. I still haven't made many friends here, I guess because they already have enough friends and my lifestyle is so differnt (church and six kiddos) from most that I come across. I have family here, but I was never around them for more than a visiting weekend. Now I see how they really are, and I was just a tad taken aback (for lack of a better way to put it! lol). I found a job when we first moved here, but got laid off a year later due to the building closing. Then the whole reason for our move seemed to work against me too.....my husband's job. He travels a lot now and I'm left at home to hold down the fort and do the chauffeuring. Not to mention a bi-polar child who usually has meltdowns when dad is away. When hubby is in town, he's busy working long hours and then comes home and falls asleep easily, mainly because of his medication. Then to top it all off, he's had health issues take over his life too. To be bluntly honest, our marriage has gone downhill in lightening speed. But, thank God, through Courtney, I see a light at the end of the tunnel with this marriage challenge. With all the entries, she may never see any of my posts, but I hope she knows how many marriages she is in the process of changing. I even copied and pasted the list and emailed it to my neighbor across the street. She struggles with marital issues because her husband has turned away from God. I hope that this challenge can help her as well.

The challenge this week has made me stop and look at all the things that I've been complaining about and set them aside to focus on my husband. It made me stop and think about all the challenges he is facing, since this move. I can only imagine what things go through his mind on a daily basis as the head of his household. I know it can't be easy, and it's my job to hold him up in prayer. Please pray for me that I can be the wife and help meet that God wants me to be. Please keep our marriage in your prayers (and my neighbor's too)! Love to you all!

Feminine Friday

2010-06-26T23:14:00.000-05:00

Hello to all! I'm a little late posting my Feminine Friday post (it's actually Saturday), but better late than never! Also, a big thank you to Valencia for extending the post throughout the weekend!

I actually wore this outfit on Friday night to our Women's Fellowship at church. The top has a matching zebra print skirt, but to me it looks like way too much zebra at one time! lol Later I'll do another post with the skirt and a different top.

Wedding Bliss - Women Living Well Challenge (Week 2)

2010-06-16T01:27:00.006-05:00

Hello all! I'm linking up to the Summer Marriage Challenge over at Courtney's blog, Women Living Well. This weeks challenge is remembering your vows - post pictures of your wedding day.

My husband was deployed to England during Desert Storm and we were originally supposed to get married in September of 1991. After not liking the distance, we decided to move the date up. Actually, we were going to get married "by proxy" and have my best friend's (then) husband stand in for him, which turned out to not work (God knew). The actual paperwork never arrived in England on time, and he actually was due to return home by the time they did arrive! Too funny! So, then we decided to put together a wedding in two weeks time! Everybody quickly assumed that I was pregnant, but I wasn't. Just anxious to marry the man I loved! My dress was in layaway and one of our sweet elderly church members got it out for me as a wedding gift! I found a veil for $25, when I picked up the dress,which was an awesome deal! It rained that day and it started an hour late, but was a very memorable day! I would've liked to had a bigger wedding, but it was what was meant to be. The best part was that my father performed the ceremony. The minister that actually introduced us, was the one that gave me away. That was March 16, 1991, 19 years ago! I still love him and I think he's a keeper! (hee hee)

I missed out on last weeks challenge, due to way too much to do in one week! Here are a few engagement pictures anyway.

Be Blessed!

Feminine Friday

2010-06-11T00:00:00.001-05:00

It's another Feminine Friday! This is actually what I wore tonight to work complete with the flip-flops! Nobody said anything until right before I left, when a manager told me that we can only wear flip-flops with wedge heels! She claims that they look dressier! I bought them at our store, and I've seen people with them on, so I thought I'd try it! Oh well, you live and learn! LOL

Anyway, check out Valencia's blog at http://buildethherhousewithlove.blogspot.com for more Feminine Friday participants.

Be Blessed!

Feminine Friday

2010-06-04T00:18:00.000-05:00

Amidst all the preparations for graduation weekend, I stopped to participate in Feminine Friday! I love doing this and participating with Valencia over at. Check out the other participants and their beautiful feminine attire.

Since graduation day is approaching quickly on this Sunday evening, I won't be posting until afterwards when my guests are gone back home. So, have a great weekend and be blessed!!!

Prom Night!

2010-05-29T00:56:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited because my "little" girl went to the prom tonight! Our day was filled with last minute preparations, which of course, had a little added drama! Originally, she was supposed to have a couple of human hair tracks added to her hair for a little extra length and volume. Well, the lady that claimed she would do it for free decided to go out of town to drop off her granddaughter and forgot about Deondra's hair. She text'd her friend, who was getting her hair done by our neighbor down the street, and asked could the girl do hers too. She didn't text back, although they had been texting prior to that back and forth with little time in between each text message. Anyhoo, she decided to just get her own hair crimped and it turned out pretty anyway.

She got to experience her first trip to the nail shop, which was quite interesting! Since we weren't able to freely dish out cash, we had to find a reasonably priced nail salon. Well, that means a trip to da hood! LOL We got to watch a baby crawl on the not-so-clean floor, a "granny" aged woman come in wearing a FUBU brand jersey and shorts, complete with black & white claw-like nails (she was missing two---reason for her trip) asking "how murch" it would cost, and listened to a lady complain that her nails were way too short for her to pay full price! Extremely interesting trip! Hee Hee! I managed to get pics while she was getting them done, but forgot to take one of the finished job! I'll update later.

Can you tell she's thrilled?

After a trip to Belk for her stick-on bra, and a trip to Sam Moon (oh how I lurve that place!) for her purse, I dropped her off at her friend's house so she could curl her friend's hair. Then I picked her up and brought her home so she could get dressed. I then dropped her off at her other friend's house so they could all ride together. By the way, boyfriend lost his status due to not calling when he should and not returning text messages in a timely fashion, so his prom priviledges were also revoked!!! Several of her friends were going "stag" so she didn't have a problem with it, thank God!

All in all, she looked beautiful and as I'm typing, I'm awaiting her arrival! Oh how I look forward to waking her up for church in the morning! lol

P.S. She wore four inch stilleto heels, so I look short next to her!

Feminine Friday

2010-05-28T00:20:00.000-05:00

Check out Valencia's blog at Buildeth Her House for more on Feminine Friday. I love dressing up wearing all things girly! I actually put this dress on just to take the boys to school and run an errand before work. At the last minute (because I was running late) I decided to wear it to work. I got compliments on how cute it was! Go figure? I wear it around the house most of the time! Hee Hee!

Just Me Being Me

2010-05-15T23:25:00.004-05:00

So many topics swim around in my mind, and sometimes I just want to write out my thoughts. I love blogging because we can share our thoughts with others and maybe help someone along the way that we many never get the privilege to meet in person. I love blogging because I've learned so much and met some really super cool people while doing it! So many on here inspire me to take care of my family in ways I never dreamed of before blogging. I'm an only child who grew up with the best example of a Proverbs 31 woman. My mother was a stay-at-home mom, who did all the cooking (Dad bbq'd and in the later years tinkered with many small appliances he bought off of the tv - lol), cleaning, laundry and taking care of little old me. Fast food was a rare treat, as was going out to dinner. My daddy was in the military, so I do remember going to the NCO and Officer's clubs for dinner occasionally. The majority of the time, she cooked and baked from scratch. Being an only child and a little on the spoiled side, I didn't turn out to be very domestically inclined. If I didn't seem that interested in cooking, she sweetly would tell me to go play. Needless to say, my hubby didn't exactly get Julia Child. Instead my other married friends were bragging about the wonders of microwaving and I quickly followed suit. I did at least pick up baking from scratch, because my mother would always shun box cakes and store bought sweets. I knew better than to go there! lol I also loved to look at cookbooks and later learned to make many good meals that way. The Lord knew I needed domestic guidance after my mother passed, so he sent me a sweet friend named Theresa. We knew each other from church functions and were reconnected when she slipped me her phone number at my mom's funeral. I later learned from her that through a dream, my mother spoke to her and told her to be there for me. Isn't God awesome??? I learned cooking tips, and how to care for my children and home the way a godly woman should. Because of her and her husband, we were motivated to foster children and eventually adopt. I learned how to raise a big family through her guidance. She adopted a daughter and also has four birth children and one stepson. Unfortunately, many changes in our lives separated us once I moved away. We still talk but aren't as close as we used to be. I still think of her often and incorporate things that she's taught me. Recently we've started texting each other and sending messages through Myspace. I hope to see her soon when Deondra graduates next month.

I'm not a perfect person by no means. I'm definitely not trying to be someone that I'm not or trying to keep up with other families. Most of the time I'm overwhelmed by the clutter and laundry, and exhausted from work and chauffeuring kids around. My kids can be a handful and a half, and things don't get done when they should. But I love the Lord and try to live the way He wants me to live. Even though Momma's gone, I have a wonderful Pastor's wife who inspires me to live as a Proverbs 31 woman. I also have an awesome godmother I can get advice from, who is just a phone call away in Atlanta. There are days that I want to throw in the towel, but I have 7 people who rely on me daily and I can't ever let them down. Sometimes it's lonely and rough, but it's rewarding and I wouldn't trade it for the world. It's my fabulous life and I thank God for it!!!

Feminine Friday

2010-05-14T23:39:00.000-05:00

Although I'm still short on dresses and skirts that I can wear to work, I did find a picture to share. Thanks Valencia @ Buildeth Her House, for hosting! Dresses are in this season, so hopefully lots more ladies will join in. This is a dress I got at Belk (where I work), last year. It's very cool and comfortable, as well as pretty.

Be Blessed and enjoy your weekend!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

2010-05-09T23:53:00.007-05:00

I hope that everyone had a blessed and fabulous Mother's Day! I had a really good one, which started off with breakfast in bed, cooked and served by my oldest daughter, Deondra. Delicious!!!

Then I was greeted by all the kids with their cards. I love all the artwork and the effort that went into them.

After church, they gave me the cards that they made at church, plus all the mothers got a goody bag from the church.

My aunt prepared a big dinner at my cousin's house, and when we got there, my family gave me a few more surprises. I got a bag of Ghiradelli dark chocolates with raspberry filling (in the photo above), the cutest crystal penquin from the boys and a balloon that has a recorded message of all the kids saying "Happy Mother's Day" and then it plays "How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You"!!! I was so thrilled!

Last Saturday I got my dream purse from Hubby (greatest on hubby earth). Wow!!! Yay me!

That was my day! It was awesome and I feel so special! I'm ending this post with a picture of the greatest mother ever! She's been gone 11 years, but so much of her is instilled in me. She was a true Proverbs 31 woman and I live my life the way she lived hers. She was a true inspiration and left a legacy to be proud of. I look forward to seeing her again one day!

Be Blessed!!!

Feminine Friday

2010-04-30T23:20:00.006-05:00

Happy Friday! I didn't want the day to end without participating in Valencia's post over at Buildeth Her House. I love everything about being feminine, so Feminine Friday is right up my alley. I need to add more dresses and skirts to my daily wardrobe, but until then I'll post some church pics. Be Blessed and have a great weekend!

It's Monday and I'm baaaaack!!!!

2010-04-26T01:07:00.000-05:00

Hi everybody! I know it's been a while, but it's been pretty busy around our household. I'm up late typing when I should be in bed, but it's been so long since I posted, I didn't want to pass up another opportunity.

I was blog browsing (one of my fav pastimes) and I came across a new meme on DeNiece's blog over at Organized Homemaking for Christ.

The weather in my neck of the woods:
The weather was beautiful today and actually got a little chilly this evening.

Things that make me happy:
Enjoying my family and laughing with them!

Book I'm reading: Fascinating Womanhood by Helen Andelin (Awesome book)

What I'm enjoying on TV:
Criminal Minds (recorded episode)

On the menu for dinner:
We actually ate fast food tonight, because we had a concert to attend.

On my To Do List:
Going to work
Stopping at the store to exchange trashcan
Picking up Deondra
Getting dinner
Going to concert
Laundry
Anything else that needs doing etc......

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
Company fruit salad - need to add new sides to my repetoire! Something different!

In the craft basket:
nothing at the moment

Looking forward to this week:
Going to our church organist's concert tonight. He is an awesome musician and I know it's going to be an incredible concert. It's called "The Journey" which encompasses his music and his travels. Also looking forward to being off Thursday and Friday!!!

Tips and Tricks:
Mr. Clean magic eraser is wonderful!!! It cleans the white rubber on the front of my Coach sneakers (nothing else would) and it also cleans the water residue from the shower door!

My favorite blog post this week:
"Bricklayers" at Buildeth Her House Blog... Valencia's blog is inspiring and gives me the motivation to joyfully take care of my home and family.

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
Simple Musings of a Pastor's Wife....She has a really cool outlook on life!

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T23:18:00.000-05:00

I know it's been forever since I posted, but I'm still around! It's been crazy busy around here, on top of not having internet service for two weeks! Well, after three and a half hours on the phone with AT&T and Dell, and $130.00 later, it's fixed!!!Well, my post won't be long, but I just wanted to say Happy Easter and I hope
everyone had a blessed day! Here's a pic of my kiddos.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2010-02-25T23:57:00.004-06:00

Elder Leon Charles Smith (February 25, 1925 - February 17, 1992)

I couldn't let the day end without saying "Happy Birthday" to the greatest man in my life! He would've been 85 years old today, which is hard to imagine. He went home with the Lord when he was only 66, so imagining him old is hard to do. I thank God for him and the years I was blessed to share with him. He was a quiet man, with a quick wit and sense of humor that surprised most people. He was a great man of God, a dedicated pastor and an awesome preacher. He was my shopping buddy and mutual car enthusiast. We went to many car shows together and brought home brochures galore of cars we would never get! lol Many times we would go to the mall together (quick trip, 'cuz he knew what he wanted before we went) and I would end up getting something that "I couldn't live without!" I was an only child and his little girl, so I was spoiled rotten. He used to make me laugh uncontrollably, but all you would see was the simple, cool smile on his face. I loved to hear him say "wow" when he thought something was interesting. Especially when we would "people watch" at church conventions. He was a professional photographer and I was one of his favorite subjects! I also enjoyed the many times he would go take pictures and I tagged along. He was a sharp dresser and the coolest man I knew! He was just amazing! I will love him forever and look forward to seeing him (and Momma) again one day!

Daddy & me (1966)

I love you Daddy and miss you more than you could ever imagine!!!

Table Top Tuesday!

2010-02-23T22:09:00.006-06:00

I love participating in memes and this one is fabulous! Marty from A Stroll Thru Life, is hosting Table Top Tuesday and we can decorate pretty much any tabletop! This is right up my alley, because I love decorating tables. I was a little discouraged when we turned our dining room into my husband's office, because I lost my table, but after looking at Marty's blog, I'm excited about decorating different tabletops. They don't have to be eating tables, so that gives me more room to work with! Since I just discovered this late, I don't have anything set up, but I really wanted to join. Soooo, I pulled some pics from a Victorian tea that we had at our church a couple of years ago. We each decorated a table in our own theme and then our guests who purchased tickets from us, sat at our table. I'm an amateur at this, but it was fun to test my skills!

My table didn't really have a theme, but I made my color scheme from my china design. I used my china that I bought from a former church member when we lived in San Antonio. She sold them in a church yard sale, and I paid $15 for the set!!!

I purchased most of the accessories from Wal-Mart. I started to use confetti on the table, but I thought the "ice" rocks and mirrored candle plates looked more elegant.

I wrapped candy coated jordan almonds and put them in each teacup as a party favor.

This is a close-up of my china. I got the chargers at the Salvation Army for $0.50 each! I needed eight and there was actually a huge stack of them!

Here's me in my Victorian finery! lol

It was a really fun event and I hope we do it again. I'm thinking of a beach theme this time!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

2010-02-15T17:55:00.003-06:00

Last week, snow was in the forecast for our area. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that we would get almost a foot of snow!!! It started around 2 o'clock in the morning on Thursday and continued throughout the day, stopping around six that evening. The kids came home an hour early and were out of school on Friday. Here are some pics below of what it looked like.

This was early Thursday morning after the boys left for school. See their footprints by the car? lol Christian was so excited, he asked if he could make step foots in the snow!!! lol

This was the back yard around 7:30 in the morning.

This is how my "big red bus" looked the next day.

The kids having fun in the snow.

Our version of Frosty!

It was beautiful to look at, but not so fun to walk in! It was thick and slushy! First time I ever had to shovel snow! Thank God I knew what the shovel looked like and how to use it! lol (resourceful diva) It was even more interesting when I went to the store and right before I parked, what was on the roof that I couldn't reach (big red bus is kinda tall), slid right down on the windshield as I was about to turn into the parking space. Sooooo, I had to hold up traffic by getting out of the car and frantically try to wipe it off so I could see! A nice passerby offered me his long handle brush to get it off! News flash: There ARE some nice people in Cowtown! You know I can't do anything without a touch of comedy added! Of course, I've been in Texas most of my life, so I'm not used to all of this. My hubby called me a "newbie" when I was explaining what it looked like and all the associated adventures over the phone! He's from Kentucky. Hence, the newbie remark. He was in Florida for a conference all last week, so he didn't get to see it until Friday evening, after I trudged to the airport to pick him up!

Anyway, it was quite a memorable experience. It's mostly melted now, but there are white piles here and there, with an occasional snowman hanging around. Check out my Facebook page for more pics. I didn't want to make this the longest post ever!

Be Blessed!

Birthday Boy!

2010-02-11T11:41:00.002-06:00

Davon celebrated his 9th birthday and this was our little family celebration for him. Hubby is out of town for a conference, but we called him and put him on speakerphone to sing along with us! Davon was too thrilled!

Thankful for What I Have

2010-01-30T22:50:00.007-06:00

I was reading a post on Cafemom, titled "Working with what I have" which was in a home decorating group. This made me really stop and think about being grateful for what I have and working with what I've got. It's nice to look at pictures of big, beautiful homes with much more space than mine and with much more expensive decor than mine, but why?

(photo from http://meritagehomes.com)

(photos from http://housebeautiful.com)

They are definitely beautiful, but not exactly attainable by most. Society encourages us to want more and never be satisfied with what we have. If God blesses us with a roof over our heads, why not work with that roof and everything beneath it? I've heard women complain because they were in a rental or public housing and figure there's no use to trying to make it look good because it's not theirs. I've also heard some complain because the house wasn't big enough and they'd rather wait until they get a bigger house. What if that never happens? Why sit around and not enjoy the surroundings you are in? Even though the economy is tight, most manage to get little things that they want from time to time. You can decorate on any budget. Resale shops, Salvation Army, Goodwill, thrift shops, Family Dollar, Dollar General, etc. are all good places to find cheap cute decor. You don't have to hire a decorator if you have no sense of style, either. Websites abound with decorating advice and bloggers galore have great ideas and pictures of what they've done. I've spent hours (when I should be doing something else!) looking at different blogs and HGTV's Rate My Space and enjoying the many decorating styles. What I've really admired is the ladies showing off their living spaces whether small or large, and being proud of what they have. You can live in an apartment, trailer or small house, but it can still be stylish.

manufactured home kitchen remodel from www.hgtv.com/ratemyspace

small living area from www.hgtv.com/ratemyspace

I thank God for blessing my hubby with a good job and for being able to provide us with a beautiful home. That's enough right there to make me work with what I have.

(our house)

(a couple of shots from my kitcen and breakfast area)

It may not be a $1,000,000 home or furnished with Ethan Allen decor, but it's beautiful to me and I thank God for it! Thank God for His many blessings!!! He doesn't have to do it for us, but He does!!!

Be Blessed!

Gone Bye Bye - Part 2

2010-01-11T01:23:00.004-06:00

My previous post contained pics from our Christmas celebration! I had a few more pics to share of my decorations, but I didn't want to make that the longest post ever, so this is part two! Maybe next season I'll link to one of the wonderful decoration parties, but until then this is what I put up.

This is our front door. I got my little tree at Belk for only $20! It was $80 marked down to $29.99 and then I got my discount, plus a coupon! I got the wreath at Wal-Mart in San Antonio a while back. I just lurve it!

I didn't put up all the outside deoorations as I usually do, but I think it looks nice with the minimal approach.

Our master bath with a little tree (Garden Ridge) and snowman reed diffuser (Avon).

My Christmas village my hubby bought for me several years ago.

Our tree in all it's glory! I actually took this after Christmas (forgot to do so before), so that's why there aren't any gifts under it.

The mantel and all our stockings! I need new stocking holders, because they were too heavy for the little bears in the middle, which aren't really supposed to be used for that purpose. Oh well, it never hurts to repurpose!

Pink victorian tree in the girls' room.

Cute hat and shoe!

Love the glam shades and purse! I got these on clearance at JcP awhile back.

Last, but not least, is our hall bath. I got that little tree at Big Lots and the snowman soap dispenser is from Avon.

Hope you enjoyed my little tour. I didn't put up all my decorations this year, but hopefully this next season I'll have more energy to do all of it! Be Blessed!

Gone Bye Bye!

2010-01-11T00:27:00.004-06:00

Well, January is in full swing and we have FINALLY taken down the Christmas decorations! I'm just a week behind, so I don't feel so bad! After all of this, though, I realized that I never said Merry Christmas to my blogging family! I'm soooooo sorry! I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas! At least I did remember to say Happy New Year! Well, since I'm making up for lost time, I'm going to post my Christmas pictures. I say, "Better late than never!" Of course, they are done in the wrong order, but I REALLY don't feel like trying to rearrange them. Soooo, bear with me!

These were the goodies that I was blessed with! Deondra gave me Godiva chocolates (my favorite) and my aunt gave me a cute Coach purse! And my sweet hubby got me a beautiful ring and some pretty pajamas!

Here's sweet hubby with his key finder! Now he says I need to find one to locate his glasses and medicine! It made a great stocking stuffer!

Darian and Davon are happy campers with their matching robes and slippers!

I think Deondra's smile says it all!

Their stockings were stuffed to their satisfaction! lol

I should send this to Apple, because I think Cedraya is the happiest iPod owner ever!

Davon finally got his "remoco control car" as he called it!

DJ asked to read the scripture before opening gifts.

The boys sang "We Wish You a Merry Christmas"

Well, in a nutshell that was Christmas! We had a blessed one and I hope you did too! (Part two of this post will have some of my decorations)

Bargain Day!!!

2010-01-07T23:02:00.004-06:00

I'm a day behind, but I just had to post the goodies I found yesterday. I went to the bank and I overheard a lady talking about Hobby Lobby having 90 percent off on Christmas decor. Yes, you heard right......N-I-N-E-T-Y P-E-R-C-E-N-T O-F-F!!!! Of course, I figured that there wouldn't be much left, since I rarely find out about a ginormous sale until after the fact. There wasn't a whole lot left, but I was able to find a few goodies and saved a ton!

Aren't the gingerbread men plates adorable? There were regularly $16.99 each. I got them for $3.40 for both! The peppermint candles were regularly $9.99 and I got them for $1.00! One was broke, but there's still five left, so I still did good! The snow globe was a whopping $29.99, but I paid a whole $3.00! The little tree skirt was only $2.99 and I only paid $0.30!!! I forgot to take a picture of the two six foot ropes of garland that were originally $7.99. I got them for $0.80! I plan to use some of the garland on my kitchen light fixture (HGTV idea) next Christmas! I couldn't believe the prices! My total came up to $9.20 and I saved $76.44!!!!

I left Hob Lob and went next door to JcPenney to get the peppermint candy dishes that they had for $3.99. Well, the key word was "HAD" because they were long gone when I got there! Oh well, I at least got a candle that was only $3.49. Next year, I hope to make a tablescape using all the candles and the gingerbread men plates.

Afterwards, I went to Which Wich sandwich shop and scored again! My girlfriend from down the street, told me that there was a coupon in the Sunday paper for any sandwich for 99 cents. After checking it out, I discovered that no coupon was actually necessary, so you could get as many as you wanted! Of course I had to stand in line outside in the cold (with 5 kiddos in tow) for a few minutes and then wait inside for a few more (you know a "few" isn't short, right?), but I walked away with 8 sub sandwiches for $8.66!!! Funny, I spent more on the chips and soda at Family Dollar ($10 for 2 bags of Lays and 3 2-liter sodas) than I did on the sandwiches!!! Anyway, I had a great bargain filled day!

Be Blessed!

Have a Blessed and Joyous Christmas!

2009-12-25T04:12:00.004-06:00

I just want to wish all of my blogging friends and wonderful and joyous Christmas! It's been hectic around here with shopping (in the snow) at the last minute and gift wrapping after midnight! Hope everybody enjoys their day and those of us in North Texas, enjoy the snow!!! It'll probably be hot tomorrow! lol

Here's a few pics I took today while I was out last minute shopping. This is a rarity in Texas, so take a close look! Be Blessed!

A Christmas Survey

2009-12-08T16:00:00.003-06:00

I saw this cool Christmas meme over at Denise's blog at Organized Homemaking for Christ. I love filling stuff like this in....

About the TREE....
1.When do you put up the Christmas tree? Usually, we put it up the Saturday after Thanksgiving..
2. Real or fake? We have an artificial tree(fake sounds so un-glam!)
3. Lights? What color? hundreds of them in white (clear)
4. Garland? They're actually strands of ivory, rose and burgundy beads
5. Theme or no theme? The main tree has burgundy, rose and gold decorations, but not an actual theme. Some of the smaller trees throughout the house have sports or candy themes
6. What kind of topper? A star with white lights
7. What's your favorite ornament? a beautiful little gold and burgundy church
8. What does your tree skirt look like? burgundy velvet with a gold trim
9. Where do you put your tree? In my husband's office, right in front of the window
10. Who decorates the tree? The whole family
11.What's "under" the tree? Nothing yet
12. Do you put candy canes on your tree? Not on the big one, but on one of the smaller ones (little candy canes)

About the FOODS....
1. What's your favorite Christmas cookie? sugar cookies with decorations on them
2. Do you bake cookies and give them away? I bake them, but have never given them away. I might do Denise's jar idea this year.
3. Any "special" foods or candy that you only have at Christmas time? I have a recipe for candy made from almond bark and peanut m&ms, that I only do for Christmas time
4. What do you eat Christmas EVE? a light meal
5. What do you eat on Christmas day? Breakfast: Eggs, bacon, biscuits or pastries and juice; Lunch: really just a snack because dinner is early; Dinner: Ham, turkey, tamales, green beans, dressing with cranberry sauce, mac and cheese abd deserts galore!
6. Do you like Eggnog?? I love eggnog, eggnog ice cream, eggnog lattes from Starbucks....
7. Do you like candy canes? I love peppermint, which was my daddy's favorite
1. Where do you hang your stockings? Fireplace mantel
2. Do you put lights on your house? Not yet; hopefully one day when I can afford to pay someone to hang them (lol)
3. Got any outside lawn decorations? I have a porch tree that I just got at Belk, and small Christmas trees with lights, snowmen path lights and lighted gift boxes
4. Do you put up a nativity (crèche)? Not outside, but I have a small one in the house
5. Do you hang mistletoe over the door? No, but I might do that this year
6. Got a wreath on your front door? Yes, a big, beautiful gold one
7. How long does it take you to decorate? Most of December! The year we moved in, I decorated on Christmas eve (we moved in on the 22nd), because I was determined that the kiddos would have a semi-normal Christmas!

About the movies/show
1 . Favorite Children's Xmas TV show/cartoon? Charlie Brown Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer
2. Wonderful Life/Miracle on 34th St/A Christmas Carol (Scrooge)..Miracle on 34th St.
Favorite Christmas movie?? A Christmas Story, we watch it as a family ever year and crack up laughing every year!
4. Have you ever seen the Nutcracker Suite Ballet live? No
5. Ever been to the Radio City Music Hall Christmas show?? No
6. Ever gone to the movies on Xmas Day? No

Other Christmas things....
1. Favorite Christmas book or story? The story of Jesus' birth
2. Do you stuff your stockings with any types of food? For the kids? We do little toys and candy and jewelry (for the girls)
3. Do you go to church on Christmas or Christmas Eve? Depending on what day it falls on, we usually have a Christmas program and if there's a Wednesday night right before, we usually omit bible study and have a service
4. Have you ever gone Caroling? When I worked at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, we went caroling on base
5. Favorite Christmas Carol? The First Noel
6. Do you believe in Santa? Yes, I'm married to him!
7. Do you leave Santa cookies? No, because Santa is a diabetic (type 2) and doesn't need to be enticed!
8. What about Rudolph...what about him? I can't single him out, without doing for Donner, Blitzen, Comet, Cupid, etc.
9. What was your best Christmas gift? My Dooney & Bourke giraffe print "June" bag, that I got last year!
10. What was the worst/most odd gift? Hmmmm...
11. Do you go to a "work" Christmas party? Since we moved to Fort Worth, we haven't. My husband's job usually has a luncheon at Joe T. Garcia's Mexican Restaurant and only I go with him. My job doesn't do one since we're at a store and nobody's ever off at the same time.
12. Do you hate going? No, it's okay
13. Do you send Christmas cards? Haven't in a while, but hopefully we'll get a few out this year
14. Do you make a "list"? Yes
15. Do you check it twice? & thrice & etc...Yes
16.When do you start shopping? When I have money
17.Do you shop on Black Friday? I had to work it this year, but I have before
20. ARE YOU READY FOR CHRISTMAS? I'm always ready for Christmas!!! My favorite holiday ever!

TAG! You're it.
I Tag:
All my blogging friends! I would love to see what you put for your answers!

I'm Thankful!

2009-11-15T22:47:00.005-06:00

I find it amazing how we jump from Halloween to Christmas and hardly even acknowledge Thanksgiving. The store that I work in has literally shoved the fall items in a corner, placed them 50% off and prominently displayed the Christmas stuff back in late September! Don't get me wrong, because Christmas is my favorite holiday, but Thanksgiving is next in line and I celebrate it just as much. I know that we should be thankful everyday, but that in itself should be even more reason to make a big deal out of the actual day. God has given me many reasons to be thankful and I have no problem celebrating the holiday! Yeah, turkey is wonderful and being around family is too, but just to think of what God has done in our lives is the reason for the holiday (in my opinion). I'm thankful for my husband, children and extended families (including in-loves and godparents and their family too. I'm thankful for all of my blogging friends and the awards that I've received. I especially want to thank Gloria from Gloria's Blog Viva la Vida, who is so sweet about giving me awards that I don't even feel worthy of receiving! I'm very thankful that God chose me to be one of his children and for watching over and protecting us daily. He is such a good and loving God and He is worthy to be praised!!!

I know I haven't posted much, but I'm still around and reading and enjoying a lot of blogs! I've got a lot to do in the coming week and a half. I have a to do list of things to make ready before Thanksgiving when all the relatives converge on our home! Lack of money will probably cut the list in half, but cleaning and small projects (i.e. hanging curtains and room decor) will definitely keep me busy! Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving! I do hope to post some pics of my fall decor this week. Until then, have a blessed week!

Mums the Word!

2009-10-24T00:48:00.004-05:00

I know it's been a while since I posted, and I'm so sorry! Life has been extra hectic with having to drop off and pick up kiddos everyday, plus added activities, church and work. Not much time for breathing! My house is a mess (no, really) and my days seem so short with little time to do anything after I get home (to stay) besides cook, help with homework and go to bed.

Anyhow,I've spent the last three evenings shopping for and working on homecoming mums for both of my daughters. I got the wild idea to make them when my daughter brought home a brochure and I thought I could do them myself. The girl that makes them only charged $40 for the smallest (which was still large), but money is tight and hubby didn't get paid until this past Tuesday and the homecoming game was last night (Friday). Too short of a time period to have one made, so I volunteered to make my oldest daughter's since this is her senior year and she never asked for one until now. My shopping time was limited to one hour on Tuesday evening (after spaghetti dinner fundraiser at the boys' school), none on Wednesday (due to flooding rains in the evening---gotta love TX!) and two hours on Thursday evening (had to add an Avon delivery in there too). I stayed up until 4:20 a.m. trying to get them both finished (oh yeah, daughter #2 made her request known at Hobby Lobby!) before they left for school. After the boys left, I had to call my neighbor and ask her to help me with her glue gun to get them both finished. She glued the backing in place and a few ribbons on Deondra's and I glued the backing on Cedraya's. These are the finished products below. I think I did pretty good for a first time effort! I spent a little over $40 each, which was what the girl charged that gave Deondra the brochure, but I wouldn't have had the money in time to get them back before the homecoming game. I think I did a decent job and they seemed happy. That's what counts, right? Anyway, maybe I'll have more time next year. Cedraya wants one for every year now, so maybe I can make some for other people and make some resale shop and garage store money! lol

I learned that senior mums are white with an added accent color. Deondra chose pink for hers.

Here's some little extras

Since Cedraya is a freshman, hers has to be the school colors (black & gold). Yes, there's mum protocol!

The finished products......

The happy campers....

Be Blessed!

What an Awesome Day!

2009-09-27T23:24:00.004-05:00

I just wanted to share what an awesome day I had today! It started off in church, and what a time we had!!! My lil' bro (he adopted me), who is our assistant pastor, preached an awesome message titled, "A Yet Praise." While listening to him, I really thought about all the things I've been going through (no, life isn't perfect)and realized that through no matter what, yet will I praise Him! I put aside all my insecurities and wants (not needs) and complaints, and just praised His Holy name! God has been so good, in spite of all that's going on around us. I need to be thankful for my family, my home, my job and stop complaining about the kids not doing what I need them to do, about the house not being big enough, about not having the job that I desire and about the pain that comes with working this present job. I'm just grateful that God has allowed me and my family to see yet another day, and for that I praise Him!

We had our church picnic today after service, and we had a really good time there, too. The kids got soaking wet with water balloons, and they enjoyed playing and hanging out with their friends. I enjoyed just being around the saints. Afterwards, we went to my cousin's house for a dinner to celebrate my aunt's, my cousin's and my birthday. We were all within days of each other. I really had a lot of fun all day and now I'm going to bed!!!

My cousin, Cavon, me and her mom, my aunt Roxie (we are all in September, with the same ending number in our ages - 64,44 & 34!)

Be Blessed!

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

2009-09-21T21:37:00.004-05:00

Today is the 23rd anniversary of my 21st birthday!!! lol Yes, today is my 44th year on Earth, thank the Lord! I'm not ashamed to say how young I am, because it's a blessing to be here in the land of the living! I just wanted to share a few pictures on my day! Hubby and my precious kiddos gave me these beautiful roses and cards.

Sweet hubby says there's more to come, but he's not feeling well today, so my festivities will continue on another day. Keep my honey in your prayers.
There's so much sickness going around. As one of my favorite gospel songs says, "You pray for me, I'll pray for you and watch God change things!"

Show & Tell Friday - Garage Sale Finds

2009-09-18T21:23:00.003-05:00

Today I'm joining in Kelli's Show & Tell over at her wonderful blog, There is No Place Like Home. A few weeks ago my neighbor had a moving sale and I found these oil bottles for $2 a piece.

Everywhere I've seen these bottles, they are normally at least $8-$10 each, if not more. Macy's had some for $20!!!! All they needed was a little wiping down and I made a nice little top of the refridgerator display. I got the planter for free from a friend, whose daughter had a garage sale and this was left over. I love FREE Home Interiors items! (Ignore the plastic ring from the juice container that hubby left on top of the fridge! lol)

I also got this cute organizer for the boy's room. I've always wanted one, but they were a bit pricey. Of course this one is a little worn, but what isn't in their room! lol I got it for $8, which wasn't too bad. The family that had the sale was selling everything, trying to get enough money to go home to Hawaii. Things were kinda overpriced, and I know I probably could've gotten them cheaper, but I wanted to help them out.

Garage sales are so much fun!!! You never know what you might end up with!

Be Blessed!

I'm Baaaaack!!!

2009-09-16T18:01:00.005-05:00

I am back from my much needed vacation! I thoroughly enjoyed vacationing ALONE and being pampered and treated like a princess! I went to visit my godparents in Atlanta and when I go there, they treat me like I'm their birth child and I come back more spoiled than I was to begin with! lol

For those of you that haven't been, Atlanta is sooooo pretty! I'm from Texas, and although our surroundings are beautiful too, Georgia has us on the trees and landscaping! The trees were abundant, the grass was soooo green and flowers were everywhere! I mean you could pass a broke down looking automotive shop and they had flowers out in front! No kidding! I enjoyed having doors opened for me, riding in beautiful cars and eating, eating and eating. Oh yeah, and SHOPPING, SHOPPING, SHOPPING! I got to go to America's Mart in downtown ATL, where they have the sample sales from the designers. Then I got to go to Lenox Mall and Belk at Phipps Mall. It was nice to see another Belk, and especially a bigger one, to compare to the one I work at. Labor Day, I got to go to the outlet mall and do some more shopping!

We ate out everyday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. My godfather's church's hospitality department gave us (his sister, her friend and me) fruit baskets that weighed a ton! Aunt Becky said she just knew there was a brick in the bottom of the basket!!! lol I ended up bringing fruit home for the kids to eat! I'm talking about humongous Georgia peaches, oranges that looked like grapefruits, pears, apples and grapes galore! I tried to eat some while at the hotel, but we ate out so much that I didn't get much of a chance. We ate at Spondivits, Tavern on the Green, Landmark Diner, Piccadilly's, Fat Matt's BBQ, just to name a few! I know I'm probably a tad fluffier than I was before I left! hee hee!

Anyway, even if they hadn't spent a dime on me, I would have been just as thrilled. It was a honor and a priviledge just to be among the saints of God! Everyone was so sweet and I had an awesome time at church. My hubby and Cedraya want to move to Atlanta now! Deondra is undecided because she doesn't want to leave her friends or boyfriend, but it was funny how they were suddenly interested in moving when I told them how much I enjoyed myself!

As far as I'm concerned, I have the most amazing godparents! They were good friends of my parents (Bishop and my dad started out in the ministry together),and when I lost my parents (best in the world, I might add), they told me that they were my family now. Not as replacements, but to continue with the love and support where my parents left off. I always appreciated the fact that they are very down to earth people that haven't let money or position affect them. Just truly sweet people!

I really enjoyed myself and look forward to seeing them again. It was wonderful to get much needed rest and have fun at the same time, but I really did miss my family. Glad to be back home with my hubby and kiddos!

Oh and you would think that being the daughter of a professional photographer would mean that I would have pictures galore of my trip......WRONG! I enjoyed myself so much that everytime I left the hotel room, I would accidentally leave my camera in the suitcase!!! As Bugs Bunny used to say, "what a maroon!" I didn't actually think about it until Sunday evening, so I have a few pictures from church that night.

Aunt Becky (my godfather's sister), Mother Owens (my godmother) and me!

Me being cute! hee hee!

Aunt Becky, Regina (our hostess and driver for the week) & Miss Nadine (Aunt Becky's friend)

An awesome painting of the former presiding bishops of the Church of God in Christ, with the pastor of the church where the convocation was held, in the middle. My godfather, Bishop Chandler Owens, is on the bottom right corner.

Since I had my moments in giddyness and forgot to get a picture with my goddaddy, I pulled one from when he preached in Dallas a couple of years ago.

Much Needed Break!

2009-09-02T00:23:00.004-05:00

I know I haven't posted a lot lately, but I'm about to take a much needed break from EVERYTHING!!! I am going BY MYSELF to Atlanta to visit my godparents and enjoy their church's jurisdictional state meeting (my godfather is a Church of God in Christ bishop). I'll be leaving in the morning and will be back next Tuesday. They're excited that I'm coming, and I'm excited to be going! Join me in praying that my dear sweet hubby can handle everything (as he says he can) and that my dear sweet children don't give him a hard time! Hubby was sweet enough to give me his free airline ticket built up from his American Airlines awards points. He could've easily used it for himself and flown to Kentucky to see his family, but a few months ago he told me to call and find out when the meeting dates were and see about going. What a guy! Gotta keep him! lol

Anyway, it's after midnight and I still have lots to do before I leave. Stay blessed and I'll be back with you soon! Luv ya lots!

~Chondra

Back in the Swing of Things!

2009-08-24T23:21:00.000-05:00

Today school started and I'm so happy! Oops, I'm not supposed to show such emotion. (smile) Anyhoo, the kiddos were excited and very happy. Everybody got where they were supposed to be without any mishaps, thank the Lord! Deondra is a senior this year and her cosmetology class is in the afternoon this year. Cedraya is a freshman this year and very excited about being in choir. DJ is in his last year in elementary, so he refers to everything now as the "big" kids and the "little" kids! lol Darian and Davon are now third graders and very quick to tell little brother, Christian what to expect in second grade! They don't notice that he ignores them while they are talking!

Well, I'll be heading back to work tomorrow. Thank God for the day off to get everybody situated! I'm looking forward to a blessed school year! Here's a couple of pics of the kiddos. Deondra told me to wait until tomorrow to take her pic because she wanted one in tomorrow's outfit! Too funny!

Happy campers!

She's a freshman now!

Hectic Life!

2009-08-21T00:22:00.005-05:00

My life has been so hectic lately, it's been really hard to slow down to even enjoy looking at a computer! Trying to be supermom, superwife and superemployee is not working well at all. I. AM. TIRED. There never seems to be enough time in the day, or enough hands to handle everything. I have yet to figure out how to handle the behavioral outbursts/verbal attacks/undermining and manipulations of a behavior-challenged child, while trying to pacify the other five siblings (two who are highly annoyed with said child) and husband, who travels frequently and needs attention too when he's home. This isn't exactly the life I imagined when we signed up for foster care & adoption classes. The best thing I've figured so far, is to PRAY.

Now school is about to start (whoo hoo!), so I'm pushing all the drama aside to buy school clothes, school supplies and pick up schedules, meet teachers and so forth. Perfect wife, mother, employee, and blogger, I am not. A woman who loves God, her family and friends, I am. While there may be gaps in my blogging, know that I'm here trying to keep afloat in the sea of life, and being uplifted by my blogging friends posts during the few minutes of computer time that I may get each day!

Love you guys! Be Blessed!

Short Break

2009-08-07T00:22:00.004-05:00

I'm back from taking a small blogging break that I didn't mention before taking. Sorry! My cousin passed away in Houston last Tuesday, and we decided that I would go and the girls rode with me. God blessed us to have a really good trip, despite the circumstances of our going. I was able to see relatives that I hadn't seen in years and some for the first time. That was really great. I'm going to miss my cousin's over the phone speeches about life that he would give whenever I talked to him. I always got off the phone with a big smile on my face, because he was humorous and really sweet and meant well, even if his speeches didn't make a whole lot of sense! lol Since I'm an only child and was born late into my parents lives, my first cousins are all a lot older than me. Wayne was more like a big brother than a cousin, so he will really be missed. Please keep his son and daughter in prayer, and all the grandchildren (12, plus 2 great-grands), and the entire Smith clan.

I Love Shoes!!!

2009-07-27T13:56:00.005-05:00

Ok, what diva doesn't love shoes???? Nancy over at Southern Lady had a shoe show on Thursday, and my laptop was having issues in retardation, so I didn't get to participate on time. Hopefully, Nancy doesn't mind me be a late add-on. She's a sweet southern belle, so I'm sure she'll cut another southerner some slack! lol Well, I counted my stash and I have around 75 pairs of shoes. I might have missed a few that my daughter probably has in her room, so I might be a little under. I narrowed my favorites down to three (in the name of brevity), with a little write up on each.

Here I am at age 7 weeks! My shoe obsession started early! lol This is the only baby picture I have with black patent leather shoes on, because my mom didn't like them for babies and since these were a gift, she had my dad take a picture of me in them! I had pastel or white shoes only!!! She "made" me buy the same for my girls and quickly turned her nose up when I neared a pair of black shoes! Needless to say, they never got any either until they were pre-school age!

These are my all-time favorites! I call these my "livin' life like it's golden" shoes! These shoes were $86.00 at Foley's (now Macy's) and I drooled over them for several months. They finally went on sale for $59.99. I still drooled until my pastor gave me a $25 gift certificate for helping out at a women's conference. I quickly made my way to the mall! When I got to the counter, the sales lady told me that if I waited two days there would be an additional 15% off coupon that I could apply! Two days later, I went back to pick up my shoes and plunked down a whopping total of $28.13!!!!!! Yay me! Oh, yes the pantyhose are gold too!

Last, but not least, are my Fergalicious Easter shoes!!! Have you ever walked by a pair of shoes that stopped you in your tracks??!! These stopped me! I looked at them several times, and then set out to find the perfect outfit to go with them. They debuted on JCPenney shelves in early spring, so I quickly named them my Easter shoes. Finding the outfit was the next thing! They started off at $59.99, but finally went down to $34.99 around easter time. They were worth the wait!

Thanks for letting me share my shoes!!! Be Blessed!

Show & Tell Friday - Awesome Comforter Set!!!

2009-07-17T23:57:00.005-05:00

Wow! I'm on a roll today! I've done two posts in one day! Yay me! I wanted to participate in Kelli's Show & Tell Friday, but have let time slip away from me so many times. Well, I made a point to find something today to show off. Last year, when we decided to combine the girls in one room and split up the boys two to a room, a friend told me her neighbor had bunkbeds for sale. When she contacted her, the neighbor told her that if someone would be willing to come and get them that they were free! Well, of course we quickly cleaned out our van (at the time) and headed over to load them up. First, she wanted me to come see them and make sure they were what I needed (like I was going to say no?). So, I went to check them out and lo and behold, I got more goodies! She was trying to get rid of as much stuff as possible before moving, so she offered me two boxes of movies for the kids and two small containers of army men and action figures. But, the best was this comforter set and five extra decorative pillows to match (I had the purple ones already)!!!!! She said they were downsizing to a full size bed, so it had to go. The only thing wrong with it, was the dust ruffle was torn. My aunt fixed it for me, and it's good as new! Not to mention, it's a Croscill comforter, which are well made and really expensive! What a blessing!

When the boys' room looks decent enough to take pictures of, I will post them so I can show off the solid wood bunkbeds that we got for free!!!!

Feminine Friday - July 17, 2009

2009-07-17T23:35:00.004-05:00

Once again, I'm thrileed to participate in Valencia's Feminine Friday post over at Buildeth Her House . This has been really fun and I love the compliments I get from my children and the people at my job. This skirt was purchased from Belk (where I work---orig. $40, but paid $16 after coupon and discount!), and I paired it with a sweater that I've had forever (and never worn)and a camisole. I think it's rather cute, if I do say so myself! lol

Keep up the good work, Valencia! I'm having fun!

Feminine Friday

2009-07-10T01:31:00.000-05:00

I finally got to participate again in Valencia's Feminine Friday post over at Buildeth Her House. I love wearing dresses and skirts and I'm having fun wearing them to work. I get lots of compliments and I feel so classy! I'm glad Valencia is doing this and hopefully more will join in!

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Happy 4th!!!

2009-07-04T21:22:00.009-05:00

Hope everybody had a blessed fourth of July! We went over to my cousin's new house (out in the boondocks!) and enjoyed family, friends and BBQ! We had ribs, chicken, beans, potatoes, and pineapple & 7up cakes! Plus, plenty of sodas to keep the kids wired! They also enjoyed a wet bounce house, and were sent straight to the shower when they got home after sliding around in muddy water! Eeeewwwww!!!!

I forgot all about taking pictures (too busy keeping up with kids and what hubby was not supposed to be eating), so I'm sharing some from last year that I forgot to post! By the way, I've been posting for a year now! Yay me! My first post was July 2, 2008!!! Time sure does fly! Hope everybody enjoys their weekend!
Be Blessed!

These aren't in order, and I'm too tired to change them around! lol

Deondra & her best friend, D'Najwa (and Darian)

Me & My All-American man!

Ced & Cedraya (the twins!)

I wore the same outfit today! lol

The boys having fun!

Pretty fireworks!

Shout Out!

2009-06-29T23:38:00.004-05:00

I just want to give a quick shout out to my blogging friend DeNeice from Organized Homemaking for Christ. She is doing a summer giveaway and I just wanted to share her blog, because she is a sweetie! She is a beautiful lady who loves the Lord and her family. I am inspired daily by her, Valencia at Buildeth Her House, and Hadias at The Proverbs Wife & The Wife at Home, because they are awesome women with large families, who show what it means to have the love of the Lord in your heart and how to love and take care of your families and homes. I still haven't figured out how to link names and blogs on my posts, but you can check my sidebar for links to their blogs. There are others on there too that are truly awesome women too! I was just giving some love to my "big family" girls! If I've left out any great women, who daily chase many children, charge it to my head and not my heart! I love all my blogging friends and have learned so much from all of you! Go forth and blog well! (Smile)

Be Blessed!
~Chondra

Memories

2009-06-28T22:13:00.005-05:00

This past week has left many mourning the losses of television pitchman and sidekick to the late Johnny Carson, Ed McMahon, actress Farrah Fawcett and pop icon Michael Jackson. I've heard tributes and memorials to all three, which were in order, but I was really annoyed by people complaining about who should be honored the most. At work on Friday, I listened to a new co-worker complain to a customer about how Michael Jackson was being talked about "too much" and more than Farrah and even Ed. She was mostly concerned about how he was overshadowing Farrah. In my opinion, that's like comparing Elvis and Anna Nicole Smith, but that's just me. There's always going to be someone more popular than someone else, but why should there be comparisons about posthumous remembrances anyway? They all held different titles and added contributions to society in totally separate ways. I'm not one to get misty eyed over people that I never knew, but I will miss seeing them, being that I grew up watching all three. I enjoyed Ed McMahon on the Tonight Show, especially when he assisted the amazing Carmac! They were quite funny together. I'll miss Farrah Fawcett from her role on Charlie's Angels, which was one of my favorite shows. Yes, I tried to feather my hair like her! Didn't work too well because I put too much curl in it, but I tried! lol Although I wasn't that big of a fan of Michael Jackson as a person (my loyalty was to his little brother Randy, who I thought was much cuter!), I did love his music. Yes, I knew the moves to Thriller, but danced in the den in the back of the house, when Momma and Daddy weren't awake! Hee Hee! My heart goes out to all of the children of each one, young and older, who have lost a parent and to the other family members as well. Also, as I was typing this, I just learned of the death of TV salesman, Billy Mays. He sold me on OxyClean, Kaboom and Orange Glo cleaners. I always enjoyed his excitement about the products he pitched. God blessed each one to touch lots of lives in many ways and I pray that each one knew Him as their personal saviour.

Happy Fathers Day!

2009-06-21T23:04:00.004-05:00

Just wanted to say Happy Fathers Day (before it's over)to all the wonderful men out there that are being role models and setting examples for their children. Anyone can be a father, but only special men can be real dads! I was blessed with the true example of a great father! My dad was one-of-a-kind! He was the coolest man, but also the most spiritual. He was my ultimate superhero and I love him forever and miss him like crazy. It's been 17 years since he went home to be with the Lord, but his legacy lives on. Happy Fathers Day Daddy! I'll forever be your little girl!

I married a special man that is a truly extrodinary dad. Not only did he want to be a dad biologically, but has taken on the task of being a great adoptive dad to our four sons. I love him for that and pray that God continues to add many years onto his life so that we all can enjoy him! Happy Fathers Day Honey!

Here's a few pictures of my hubby with his troop! lol

The men in my life

Daddy & his little princesses (ages 3yrs & 7 months - 1996)

Me and my daddy (I was 9 months old!)

Feminine Friday

2009-06-19T23:46:00.006-05:00

I'm so glad I read this post on Valencia's blog at Buildeth Her House. I was raised to only wear dresses, and when I got older and married I started wearing pants, but still wore dresses too. After ending up with psoraisis on my legs and dealing with the not-so-fun comments people would make, I started to wear more and more pants and jeans (during the week) and kinda got away from the dresses. After reading her post, I started to feel differently about hiding behind pants and felt so pretty and feminine wearing a dress. The psoraisis is barely noticeable now, and the scars left behind are beginning to fade. God sent this post at the right time. Now I need to add more dresses and skirts to my wardrobe for weekly wear since I have plenty for church! I actually had on one today and took a picture in it, but my phone is in mental retardation mode and won't let me download it. I should've used my camera, but whatever.

Here's a picture of me in one of my favorite outfits for church. I know it wasn't taken on a Friday, but I desperately wanted to join this post! Gotta luv me!!! lol

Beware - Google Fraud

2009-06-17T00:58:00.003-05:00

I was recently online and whatever site I was on had a pop up about people that were making money part-time working for Google. Thinking that it was actually about Google, which I figure to be a reputable site, I read the whole thing. They were offering a book that "helps" you learn how to make the money for only $1.95. I figured it wasn't much to lose if it didn't pan out. WRONG!!!!! After a month or so, I never received the book and just chalked it up as a loss of $2.00. The other day I called my bank to check my credit card info and I was informed of a charge that was denied (not enough on the card). The CS rep made it seem as though it were no big deal, but I politely explained to him that even though it wasn't his account, he should at least act concerned that I was denying the charge. He finally told me that he'd transfer me to the fraud dept. They cancelled the card and said they'd issue me another. Anyhoo, to make a long story a tad shorter, I went online and looked up the charging company, and it brought up a chat discussion about the fraudulent charges!!!! It turned out to be a $72.21 charge for a subscription, which started if you didn't cancel the original charge. I messed up, but God blocked it!!! He is so awesome!!! I just wanted to warn anybody about this supposed "great" deal!

Be Blessed!

Rudy's Story

2009-06-15T00:42:00.004-05:00

Here's the video about Rudy's recovery, that I mentioned in the previous post. Next time I have a video to post, I'll do the video first, then write the blog on the same post. I'm still a diva blogger in training! lol

Video On Demand: Latest News Video | WFAA.com

Cosmetology Photo Shoot

2009-06-14T23:50:00.006-05:00

Saturday, we spent most of the day at Deondra's much anticipated photo shoot. Her cosmetology class worked with make-up artist to the stars, Rudy Sotomayor, to create a fashion show and photo shoot that was prepared by the students with his help. It was really amazing and the students got to see the behind-the-scenes work for a fashion show. The students were put into groups (before school was out) and selected a themes for the models. My daughter's group had two students that modeled and one that did make-up and helped the photographer. They also had five models from an agency, plus one little girl from our church. Their group picked themes that included a child model who was dressed to mimick the older model. Trust me when I say, we had a time trying to find someone that looked liked Deondra as a child! One little girl that we know really well, would've been perfect, but she is too unpredictable to rely on (tantrum diva). Last minute we remembered that Mi'Kenzy had hair that was a tad darker than Deondra's and skin tone that wasn't much darker than her. She did a really good job for never having modeled before or being around us other than at church. Only problem we had was mom didn't send her shoes as promised, so I had to make a quick run to Kohls to get a pair (took them back afterwards). My store manager at Belk, let us borrow clothes and accessories for our group. I was in charge of keeping up with them, which was a job and a half, but I tackled it! lol
Here's Deondra and Mi'Kenzy strutting their stuff! So pretty!

She was so thrilled to follow Deondra around!

Finishing touches on Deondra's makeup

Mi'Kenzy getting her big girl look! Such a professional 5 year old!

Robyn doing her thing!

Rudy was pretty much there to oversee what they did and help where necessary. He has really been a huge blessing to their class. He was in a car accident in New York a couple of years ago that almost took his life. Doctors had to remove part of his skull, which left him in a coma for two months. He was brought home to Fort Worth, where he has been in therapy and recovering quickly. He is amazingly regaining his skills and decided to use this second chance at life to help others by volunteering at the school. This is an amazing opportunity for the girls that they probably wouldn't have had otherwise. He loves the girls like little sisters and I have to say Deondra is one of his favorites. She made him a mousepad in her Communications class that has his picture on it, and he proudly tells everybody about it! God has truly blessed this young man, and I hope he continues to use his gift to help others. Of course, being caught up in the moment, means I forgot to take a picture of him, but I found one on his website. I couldn't figure out how to link the video to this post, so I have a separate post that shows the video about his recovery.
Rudy Sotomayor

Show & Tell Friday - Garage Sale Finds

2009-06-05T22:18:00.004-05:00

It's been a hectic day, but I had to try to join in Kelli's Show & Tell Friday! It's been a couple of weeks ago, but my next door neighbor had a garage sale and when she does, she usually gets rid of Home Interiors items (she's a consultant) at ridiculously low prices.

I had always wanted the fruit candle shade, but didn't want to pay the $12.99 price for it. She had a different one out (rooster, I think) and I asked if she had the fruit one. She went in the house and found it and sold it for $2.00!!! Brand new, in the box, still available through Home Interiors!!! I was too thrilled! But, it gets better. The candle is usually about $5.00 each, but she was selling them for $1.00! Her sister-in-law sells Mary Kay and had the lipgloss for $4.00. Retail price is $14.00, so I saved $10.00! Whoo-hoo! Yay me! :)

I saved the best for last........

I've always wanted this table, but didn't want to pay the whopping price tag. I don't even remember exactly how much it was originally, but she sold it for $15.00, which I knew was a steal! It's sitting in the kitchen right now, but I plan on staining it to match the cabinets. I've been using it to hold school papers and homework items, like notebook paper, pencils and crayons. I'm so thrilled with my finds!

Soooooo Sorry I Haven't Posted!!! :(

2009-06-03T02:07:00.002-05:00

Life has been a little more hectic than usual, so I haven't gotten to post like I wanted to. Amidst the usual keeping up with children, home, hubby and working and going to church, my oldest son has had some worse than "normal" behavioral outbursts. These have drained me and left me feeling a little depressed and out of sorts. Keep our family in your prayers that we will conquer this and come out victorious!

Be Blessed!
~Chondra

The Simple Womans Daybook - May 11, 2009

2009-05-11T22:27:00.004-05:00

Stop in and visit Peggy over at Simple Woman's Daybook.

For Today... May 11,2009

Outside my window...soft patter of rain

I am thinking... about the blessed day I had yesterday. The sweetly prepared breakfast from hubby & kiddos, the awesome church service and the delicious meal afterwards (family took me to Zio's Italian Restaurant).

I am thankful for... my wonderful family and the blessing of being chosen by God to be a mother

From the kitchen...preparing to bake a cake to say thank you to my neighbor & friend for watching the kids while we went to the marriage retreat last weekend.

I am wearing... blue jean capris and a black print sleeveless top.

I am hoping.... a stress-free week!

I am hearing...the chiming of the washer as it finishes a load and the rain beginning to pick up outside my window.

I am praying...that the children have a good week at school and that my hubby has a safe trip on his inspection this week.

Around the house... catching up with laundry and switching out seasonal clothing for the boys.

One of my favorite things...enjoying the Godiva chocolates that my family gave me yesterday. Yay chocolate! Yay me!

A few plans for the rest of the week... tidy up the house before hubby comes back in town.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...*

One of the reasons I'm blessed!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T21:25:00.001-05:00

Just a quick note to say Happy Mother's Day! I hope everyone has a blessed day and enjoys their children and families!

The Simple Woman's Daybook - April 27th

2009-04-27T22:54:00.003-05:00

I finally get a chance to participate again in "The Simple Woman's Daybook", which is originated at Peggy's blog, The Simple Woman's Daybook. Check her out!

For Today...

Outside my window... rain and lots of it!

I am thinking... of the tasks that need to be done this week

I am thankful for... my hubby feeling better!

From the kitchen... preparing to finish off leftover BBQ neckbones from yesterday's dinner that hubby cooked. I'll add corn and white rice and hopefully they will finish it all!

I am wearing... jeans (Baby Phat) and a green top with a lace design with scattered sequins on the design. Oh yeah, and green flip flops.

I am reading... Beth Moore's wonderful book (chosen by our pastor's wife) "Get out of that Pit" and "Raising Lambs Among Wolves" by Mark I. Bubeck

I am hoping... to one day get caught up on my laundry (yeah, right)!

I am creating... a schedule for myself and the kiddos to follow, so there can be a little sense of order in our home (yeah, right)

I am praying... that God will remove the generational curses in my oldest son brought on by his biological family

Around the house... enjoying my new living room set. It's gorgeous!!!

One of my favorite things... sleeping during the rain (had to take a short nap after the kiddos left this morning)

A few plans for the rest of the week... getting my nails done today (rare occasion), working tomorrow morning and Wednesday morning, preparing for our trip to Temple for the church marriage retreat, turning in my Avon order and enjoying church Wednesday night!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

I'm learning!

2009-04-15T14:49:00.005-05:00

A friend sent me a text message today to vote for a group online, which reminded me of an earlier text she sent a couple of months ago about coming here for a visit. Or should I say, coming to Dallas. Since moving to Fort Worth three years ago from San Antonio, I've learned some interesting things.

I've learned that most people think that Fort Worth is a suburb of Dallas, a small town on the outskirts of Dallas, or simply just another word for DALLAS. I say this because people from my former life (as a San Antonian) tend to ask how we are enjoying living in the Big D, or Dallas or DFW. I wouldn't know, being that I don't live in any of those places!

I've also learned that people from the DFW area (that I've encountered) don't know how San Antonio is spelled. I say that because when I say where I'm from, they excitedely tell me about their visits to "good old San Antone." I badly want to end it by saying "io", but I just smile (inside it's driving me nuts).

The Riverwalk in San Antonio

I've also noticed that whenever any town or city in Texas is mentioned nationally (like on HGTV), there is automatically some banjo music that starts playing in the background. Then they show cows and horses as if we all live on farms. My personal favorite was the recent (March) episode of Extreme Home Makeover that was shot here in Keller (a suburb of Fort Worth....yes, we are big enough to have suburbs). Ty Pennington walks down the middle of the Stockyards area with a herd of longhorns behind him and the bus trying to get through them. That was extreme. Now when Dallas is shown, the exclusive downtown area is shown, but they make sure they show the cattle statue that is downtown too. Too funny. There was also an episode of Split Ends on the Style Channel that was filmed in Fort Worth. Of course, the banjos started playing (they must all have the same tape) and they find the only beauty salon in town that is off of a dirt road. It's actually on the outskirts of town (I hunted for it), but they failed to mention that part. Go figure.

We do actually have a skyline.....

And beautiful botanical gardens....

Lastly I've learned that when you are driving and want to insert your car in a lane in front of another vehicle and you wave your hand to the driver in thanks for allowing you to do so, it really is equivalent to flipping them off (pretty much). My husband and I have concluded that when someone does actually thank you for letting them in or wave back when you wave at them (rarely happens), they must be from another city or state.

Anyhoo, it's interesting the things you learn when you adapt to new surroundings! BTW, Fort Worth is really beginning to grow on me, so that's why I felt the need to give it a little luv!

Be Blessed!

Resurrection Blessings!

2009-04-14T00:02:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was spent enjoying the blessings of God. We spent the first part of the day at church in an awesome service and then came back yesterday afternoon for the children's play. We enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by my wonderful hubby. Wonderful me forgot to take pics of the feast, but we had a spiral ham, mashed sweet potatoes, mustard greens, and corn on the cob. Later, before the kids went to bed, the girls hid eggs for the boys to find throughout the downstairs. It was funny watching them! They got a ton of candy from the egg hunt at church on Saturday, but I started having one at home a few years ago when we attended a church that didn't have one. The tradition stuck and the kids have so much fun.

The hunt.....

Hope everyone had a blessed day!

Shopping Humor

2009-04-10T01:38:00.002-05:00

I know I haven't posted in a while, but life has been pretty hectic around here, as usual. I'm forever running errands and chauffeuring kiddos on a daily basis, and have little time for much else. Today, I did grocery shopping at Wal-Mart Supercenter. For a change, I actually remembered to use my reusable bags that I've collected. I'm so proud. Normally, I either leave them at home or in the car! Now when I empty them out, I either put them by the front door or run out to the car and throw them in the back. Anyway, today I remembered and when I got to the checkout, I handed them to the cashier. As I was putting my groceries on the belt to be scanned, the cashier stopped and told me that she had to tell me something. First she asked if I had noticed the look on her face when I handed her the bags. Honestly, I hadn't. I purposely hadn't looked at her, because the other day when I used a couple of the bags at the Neighborhood Wal-mart Market, I didn't hand them to the cashier fast enough before she started slinging everything into the plastic bags. When I did hand them to her, she sighed "loudly" and gave me her best annoyed look! I apologized and ignored her from there on. Well, today I didn't look up for that reason, but I did get them to her before she started scanning. She told me that she looked at me funny because people usually hand her nasty bags with dirt and dog hair on them! EEEWWWWW!!!! She said she was so shocked to get such clean ones that she had to say something to me! I had to laugh out loud! Even after scanning my kajillion coupons, she thanked me again for having such clean bags and making her day! Even told me to come to her line next time I come in! Too funny!

Show and Tell Friday - I luv shoes!!!

2009-03-20T23:39:00.003-05:00

Although I've missed a couple of weeks, I'm joining Kelli's Show and Tell Friday today! I was gone most of the day and evening, so I'm trying to get it in so it's still on Friday! LOL

Just wanted to show off the great sale that I got in on at my job. I work part-time at Belk Department store in the shoe department (of all places), so I scoped out my finds and put them to the side. The shoes are by Kristin Davis (actress/designer from Sex & the City) and they were originally $82.00, but after the 75% off clearance sale to get rid of the fall and winter shoes, plus my 20% discount, they were a little under $13!!!!

I got the boots a couple of weeks earlier when we had a 50% off sale off of the already 50% off price, plus my discount = a little over $15!!! Those boots are BCBG Girls, which were regularly $155!!! Even though I only got to wear them for a day (last week it was actually cold all week), I have them for next year.

Belk rocks!!!!

Happy Anniversary!!!

2009-03-16T23:50:00.005-05:00

Today was our 18th wedding anniversary, thank the Lord! Our day started with a wonderful breakfast prepared by our awesome kiddos! We were escorted into the kitchen and then served scrambled eggs, bacon, heart-shaped toast (2 cute!) and cran-grape juice. We were so thrilled! They are just too sweet!

The happy couple looking our morning's best! lol

Later in the day we went to Grapevine Mills Mall and walked around and enjoyed window shopping and saw Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail. The movie was too funny! We stopped at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for some goodies. You have to try the pretzel sticks dipped in caramel, nuts and white and milk chocolate and the chocolate covered potato chips! We got to taste-test some chocolate covered orange peel, which was deliciously different (not enough to buy, though)!

This evening we stopped at Southlake Town Square and ate dinner at Copeland's New Orleans restaurant. Check it out at www.nmrestaurants.com/copelands. If you live near one, you gotta go!

Here's a back-in-the-day shot of us on our wedding day eighteen years ago! Weren't we skinny? lol

I think I'll keep him another 18 years!!!
Be Blessed!

The Simple Woman's Daybook - March 9

2009-03-09T22:23:00.004-05:00

This is the first time I'm joining Peggy at http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/ and I hope I linked it up right! I think this is a wonderful way to share insight into your day and with others and to possibly make some new blogger friends!

FOR TODAY Monday, March 9th...

Outside my window... I hear the sounds of the cars and trucks going down the freeway behind my house. I've always loved the sound of the trucks going down the freeway, because it reminds me of when I was younger and traveled with my parents. That's the sound I would hear as I layed in bed at the hotel, late at night and early in the morning.

I am thinking... about my role as wife and mother and how I can better serve my family and God.

I am thankful for... my family. I'm blessed to be the mother of six outstanding children. I'm still amazed that God gave me the opportunity to be a mommy.

From the kitchen... I'm preparing shrimp scampi with garlic cheese bread for dinner.

I am wearing... A fuschia & multi-colored print top, jeans and socks and pink and white Adidas sneakers.

I am going... to the bank to deliver Avon and to the carwash to wash and vacuum our SUV.

I am reading... Get Out of That Pit by Beth Moore. It's my reading assignment for our women's group at church. Great book!

I am hoping... to be blessed with a job that provides the income needed, and not be painful.

I am hearing... washing machine and dryer. Thank you Lord for clean clothes!

Around the house... I'm straigtening up papers in our bedroom and vacuuming downstairs.

One of my favorite things... is reading other blogs and enjoying what others are accomplishing in their lives.

A few plans for the rest of the week: recuperate from each day of work (Tues-Thur) and try to continue cleaning.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Not having a care in the world!

Be Blessed!

Happy Belated Valentines Day!!!

2009-02-15T20:58:00.008-06:00

This was a whirlwind of a weekend, leaving me not able to post like I had planned. I had planned on sharing a few Valentine's party pictures and decorations on or before Valentines Day, but of course that didn't happen! I was partying at the boys' school all day on Friday (whoo-hoo), which consisted of FOUR parties! Then Friday night they had their first Valentine's dance at their school (too cute) and I also had to drop Deondra and her best friend off at one of her cosmetology classmates' birthday party! Whew! Saturday, Deondra and I had to be at the salon at 7a.m. for me to get my hair done by her!!! Her stylist was sweet enough to let her come in and do my hair while she watched her to make sure she was doing it correctly. Of course, my picky child wasn't completely convinced that she did a good job, but I liked it! I think my opinion is supposed to count? Right?!!! LOL

Later that morning, I had to take her to dance rehearsal at church and then to work that evening. Davon had his birthday celebration (will post pics later) at Incredible Pizza, which was incredibly crowded! I'm getting way too old for so many bodies in one place! Eeewwwww! I love kids, but there was a definite overdose of them in that place!!! OMGosh! Now we are finishing up DJ's biography project due tomorrow, that we all should get an "A" on! He chose Tony Hawk (diehard skateboard fan), and trust me when I say my hubby and I know more about the man than his own mama does!

Anyhoo, that's our weekend in a nutshell! I'm still trying to recuperate! Hubby and I will be celebrating Valentines tomorrow, since he's off. Somethings have to be delayed when you have so many kiddos! Here are a few pictures of my decorations before I take them down. Hope you had a great Valentines weekend!

I got this wreath at Wal-Mart last year. I actually forgot I had it! That's me in the glass reflection, juggling the mail and my phone trying to get a good pic!

This is one of my mother's towels. I think she just bought it because it was pretty (she loved pink), but I have added it to my Valentine's collection in her memory!

These are some towels I found at Target. I think I paid $5.00 total for all three, but I'm sure they are probably on clearance now, so be sure to hit Target if you like them! I wanted the rug, but had already spent too much. I might go back and see if it's still there.

Yes, my tablecloth is a little short! I grabbed it at Dollar General and didn't pay attention to the size! It was $1.50 and after I already opened it, I saw one at Wal-Mart for $1.00 that was bigger! I'm going to go back and get it!!!

I ordered these hearts from Avon (I buy more than I sell! lol) last year. One constantly fell off and was held in place for a few days by the blinds!

Davon's class needed cookies and I was asked the day before if they could be individually wrapped! Arrrggggh!

After some carefully torn sheets of Saran Wrap and some ribbon from Dollar General.....The end result!

Marriage Blessing - Show and Tell Friday

2009-02-13T23:41:00.004-06:00

Today for Kelli's Show and Tell Friday, I wanted to share this cute print that I got at Texas Thrift store. Yes, the price in the upper right hand corner is correct---$1.49!!! Then to top it off, it was 50% off!!!! You heard me! I paid more for the easel that it's sitting on ($1.00 @ Dollar Tree), than for the framed print! The mat is a lighter shade of plum that matches my bedroom (one day I'll clean it for picture taking purposes), which is plum and gold. The best part is the poem itself, which reads:

A Marriage Blessing

We thank you, O God, for the
Love You have implanted
in our hearts.
May it always inspire us to be
Kind in our words,
Considerate of feelings, and
Concerned for each other's
needs and wishes.
Help us to be Understanding
and Forgiving of human
weaknesses and failings.
Increase our Faith and Trust
in You and may Your
Prudence guide our
life and love.
Bless our Marriage, O God,
with Peace and Happiness,
and make our Love Fruitful
for Your Glory and our Joy
both here and in eternity.

How beautiful is that?

My Dream Machines

2009-02-06T23:27:00.005-06:00

For this week's Show & Tell Friday post, I finally get to show off my "dream machines" that I got earlier this week!!! Having a large family means doing a lot of laundry. So much that it was too much for my washer & dryer that came with the purchase of our house. It's only three years old and still in good working condition, but the supposed "extra large capacity" dryer couldn't handle the extra large loads I put in it. I would have to dry the clothes at least twice, if not
three times. This would cause a HUGE backlog of laundry. I researched several brands and read countless reviews. The majority of the excellent reviews belonged to the Electrolux brand, as well as Samsung. We went with the Electrolux set and I couldn't be happier! Although I wanted the turquoise sky color, I settled for white because it was cheaper (hubby's suggestion). For consolation purposes, I had the room painted turquoise instead! Once I get the laundry room (if you want to call a closet a room) decorated, I'll take pics! Happy Friday!!!

OMGosh!!!! It's Cold!!!!

2009-01-28T00:54:00.004-06:00

Okay, you're probably wondering what in the world is in this picture. Well, it's 24 degrees outside and that is the ice on my front window!!! I took this a few hours ago, and had planned on getting a picture of the ice on the tree. That would've required going outside (not happening), since ice had formed on the window and you can't see out! Yesterday morning, when I got up around 5:30am, it started off at 36 degrees and dropped to 31 by 10:30am, when I had to take Dee-Dee's algebra book to her that she left in the car! Anyhoo, it stayed that way until I picked my hubby up from work about 3:20. He got out early because of the weather. Then we went out to Sears to get the TV to replace the one upstairs in the gameroom that shuts off by itself. Hubby was anticipating the kids being home due to the ice, so we were going to get it, but none were in stock in our price range. Sooooooo.......they'll be watching our spooky TV (they are out of school today) until we can venture out into the frozen tundra again.

Our trip to Sears was not in vain, because darling hubby purchased my dream machines!!!! I'm getting my much awaited and dreamed about Electrolux Steam Washer & Dryer! Yay me! Thank you Jesus!!! I really wanted the Turquoise Sky ones, but Island White was $100 cheaper for each piece, or so we thought. I say that because, when I got home I checked the website to get the dimensions for laundry room planning, and lo and behold, I discover that the saleslady ordered the wrong one!!! Actually, the price for the turquoise and the white are the same. The cheaper one doesn't have the steam! Hubby was really impressed with the steam feature on the dryer, since he's ex-military and is a serious iron-er! I compared the item numbers with the ones on the internet, and she ordered the steam dryer with the no-steam washer. Weird part is that the steam washer is the same price for both colors, but the non-steam one is cheaper in white than in the dark blue! Well, needless to say, later on this morning I'll be calling Sears back! I'm so thrilled and feeling very blessed right now! Hubby can really be amazing! Once we get the right ones ordered, we'll get the right delivery date and I'll be posting pics!!! I want to have my laundry room painted aqua (compensates for not getting the turquoise color) and have cabinets installed above them.

I'm getting off the computer now and going to bed! Two o'clock in the morning....pityful!

Sorry it's been a while!

2009-01-20T23:22:00.002-06:00

I really didn't think I was going to take this long to post, but it's been a long month already! I feel like I've fallen so behind in so many areas, but my desire is to catch up with everything, including blogging. I'm new to this and didn't realize how quickly I could get behind! First, I want to thank Regina from Regina's Family Seasons, who was so sweet to give me two awards! Wow! I never imagined I'd get an award for this and especially so soon after starting my blog! I just want to say thank you, Regina, for making me feel so special! You are truly a blessing and I hope to get to meet you one day! Now if I can only figure out how to accept them! I have no idea how to do a link (not that advanced yet!) or get the awards from her page! Arggggggh!!!! I hate being a newbie! LOL

Second, this past weekend has been a blur at my house! We finally decided to have the boys' rooms painted so we could set up their rooms and get all four out of one room! My aunt's ex-husband (my uncle?) is an awesome handyman (can do it all!) and was able to come from Frisco, where he lives, and paint both rooms. I know a lot of you are probably great at painting, but I am so not a painter! I've given it my best shot, but it usually has to be redone or finished by a professional. I figured, why bother this time going through the motions? Just hire someone!!! We had been quoted exhorbitant prices and then I remembered he had done a lot of work for my aunts and cousin, so when I saw him a few weeks ago, I asked how much he would charge. He told me $30 a room, which was a steal (gave him a little more though for the great job)! He even said he'd come back and paint my laundry room when I get my new washer & dryer. Of course I'll be posting about that after income tax time! He just finished today (three days total) and I will post pics as soon as I get things situated.

So, that's what my month has been like! Thanks for putting up with my delays!

Taking it all Down!

2009-01-04T23:35:00.008-06:00

First of all, Happy New Year to All!!! My new year has gotten off to a stellar start, with my hubby going to the ER twice (he's home and doing better, Praise the Lord!) and me having wonderful sinus issues. It's not full blown yet (not trying to claim it), but my eyes feel funny and I'm sneezing up a storm. Claritin isn't working, so I'm going to the store tomorrow to get some Allegra-D! My decorations are still up, due to no energy this weekend after the hospital trips. I intended to post my decorations before Christmas and even join in on at least one of the Tour of Homes posts, but it didn't happen. I worked just about everyday up until Christmas and the day after. Plus, I had to squeeze in shopping and wrapping gifts along with six kids being home! Things just didn't go as planned, but such is life! Anyhoo, I'm showing off my decorations even though they are late. This is my first year at blogging, so hopefully by next Christmas I'll have it (and everything else) down to a science!!! (ha ha!)

Welcome....Our entryway

My Kitchen Table with my mom's tablecloth...wish she was here :(

Cute candy "trucks & airplanes" from my hubby's Christmas party at work (sorry, had to add them :)!)

Powder Room

Living Room

So many stockings! Mine and hubby's are at the bottom!

Kitchen counter display

My Christmas refrigerator!

My kitchen towels that I found at Dollar General

Our master bathroom

This is what thrills the kids the most.....outside decorations!

Thanks for stopping by! Now to take it all down.....arghhhhhh!!!

Christmas Thrills

2008-12-27T23:35:00.009-06:00

Here are a few photos of my family enjoying ourselves Christmas morning. It was a joyous morning which started out with our oldest son reading a scripture and then my hubby leading us in prayer. Then it was time to rip open the paper that I so carefully wrapped (I keep telling myself it was worth the effort), and have a screaming fit over what they got! I can't say anything about screaming, because I broke a few decibels when I opened mine and discovered that after almost 18 yrs of marriage, my hubby FINALLY bought me a Dooney & Bourke bag!!! I've bought all the others myself, although he "claims" that he was going to buy one of them a few years ago, but I beat him to it! He's so funny! He even got his toy that he's been hinting to for a while....his prized GPS system. Working my little dept. store job paid off bigtime!!!

Before the attack

The aftermath

Me and my newest addition to my Dooney family!

Hubby and his toys!

Davon showing off his Leapster and prize-winning smile!

Christian and his Cars laptop (wanted a laptop like Daddy!)

Darian and his favorite action figure!

DJ and the LeapFrog Didj that he's bugged us about for months! Is the smile priceless or what?

DeeDee & CeeCee with the much talked about phones and their Daddy who reluctantly has to pay the extra bill! At least he's still smiling! LOL

Hope everybody had a blessed day filled with family and fun!

Christmas Blessing!

2008-12-25T17:52:00.003-06:00

Just wanted to wish everyone a joyous and blessed Christmas! I hope everyone got what they wanted (or at least close!)! I got my Dooney (I'll include pics later), hallelujah!!!!! It's been very hectic with me working part-time and trying to shop (at the last minute) and then wrap everything. My girls were a big help in wrapping their brothers' presents and helping keep the house looking presentable. Before everything is over, I will post pics of my decorations and the kids attack of the presents! LOL Right now, I'm just going to chill from eating way too much good food!!!

Be Blessed and remember, JESUS is the reason for the season!!!

Show and Tell Friday - Snowman Pillows

2008-12-12T23:13:00.002-06:00

Hey there ladies! My tootsies are killing me from working today, but I couldn't go to bed without posting! Earlier this week my oldest daughter had to help out at her Cosmetology class' late night class and I had to kill an hour waiting for her since driving back home and coming back was pointless. I stopped at Texas Thrift Store which was down the street from her school. I had just planned on looking around, but of course something had to catch my eye! These snowmen pillows were so cute and the price was unbelievable......$0.95 each !!! Then to top it off, everything except for green ticket items were 50% off! So that's a little less than fifty cents each! I brought them home and febreezed them to death and they reside on the couch now!

I'm Still Around!

2008-12-07T23:53:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to say hi to everybody and let you know that I'm still around. I've been working a part-time job at a department store to help with Christmas, and I'm totally worn out when I get home. Keep me in your prayers that I don't have to do this long, because I'm tired of hurting! LOL Hopefully, later in the week I can post some pictures of my decorations. I'm still putting them up, since I'm too tired to do them all at once! Have a great Monday!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T21:02:00.000-06:00

Life's been a little hectic, so I haven't had a chance to post in a while. I didn't get to participate in Kelli's Giving Thanks post, like I wanted to, but I'll put a few pics on here of my decorations before I take them down. Today was filled with a lot of family and food (we stuffed ourselves!). We ate at my cousin's house and I think everyone really enjoyed themselves a lot! Christian's (my baby boy) birthday was yesterday, and one of my little cousins was this past Saturday, so they got to enjoy singing in their honor and a cake too! I'm so thankful for my family and God allowing us to enjoy each other's company today! Hope everyone had a great day also!

Giving Thanks - My Blessings

2008-11-17T18:09:00.000-06:00

These are my greatest blessings and I thank God for them everyday! Not only were we blessed to have two lovely daughters by birth, but then we received four more blessings by adoption. There is never a dull moment in our household! We might not get invited to many houses because of our size, and people in restaurants and stores may stare trying to "figure" us out, but that's okay, because this was God's plan! I wouldn't trade it for the world!!!

Not The Brightest Idea!

2008-11-15T16:58:00.000-06:00

Being the only day that was feasible, I decided to have a yard sale this morning. Why did I pick the only day in North Texas that it decides to be 43 degrees with hideous winds???? I pulled out all my daughter's stuff (she moved in a room with her sister because of new little bro), and proceeded to sit outside wrapped up in a blanket (with my orange creme cappucino) and sell, sell, sell! I sold $2 worth of stuff, which caused me to break even for the $0.97 signs I bought at Wal-Mart, that blew off into the sunset. Hence, only one sale, because my advertisement is somewhere in the prairie fields of North Texas by now!!! Anyhoo, now I know to only have garage sales when the whole subdivision has one. You live and learn! :)

Show & Tell Friday: Fab Fall Find!

2008-11-07T23:21:00.000-06:00

I went to the mall last Saturday and I couldn't resist going in one of my fav stores, Kirkland's. Much to my surprise, they had Halloween/Fall decorations on sale for 75% off! This wreath was regularly $29.99 and I got it for $7.50!!! Made me want to cut a step!:) My door is ready for Thanksgiving now!!! If you have a Kirkland's nearby, check them out for decorations! They had some awesome Christmas goodies too!

Did You Vote? I Did!!!!

2008-11-04T23:25:00.000-06:00

I'm so proud of myself and my hubby! Today was our first time ever voting! Yeah, I know, we are sheltered "kids" who don't get out much! Hee Hee! On a serious note, though, my parents didn't vote for religious reasons (as my mom put it), so I was never interested. My hubby felt like it didn't matter if he did or not, so he never did. Well after 43 and 44 years, respectively, we both got out there this morning and did it! Of course it had to be a comical undertaking for us, or it just wouldn't have been right! After dropping our oldest off at Cosmetology class, we passed a fire station where they were voting. Hubby forgot his medicine that I was going to have to go home and get after dropping him off, so he said we could come back to that one. Well, when I came back to pick him up (an hour later), I passed another fire station right across the street from his job and he said we could just go there. We parked, got out and were greeted by the sweetest little old ladies! We told one that it was our first time and she was so happy and told us it was her first time working there! After searching for our names, which were not there, we were told that we were supposed to go to a different location closer to our house! Hence, the journey to find the unknown, never heard of elementary school where we were supposed to be! After following directions on my iPhone and making a few wrong turns, we made it!!! It was a painless process, in which I learned to color in the boxes instead of checking them off as I initially started to do!!! Wow, if the candidates only knew the trauma involved in filling their offices! (Smile)

Sorry my picture is blurry! My camera kept giving me an image with a hideous ghostly glare (Halloween is over, ok), and this was the best one I could get with my phone.