11 Years Old Already???

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!!!

""/> 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!

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 Thanks to the economy, my SAHM status has been revoked!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

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!!!

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

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!!!

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!!!

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.

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

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!

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

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!!!

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!

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

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!!!

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!!!