Wordless Wednesday

Love my baby girl!!!

I can feel God's hand reaching out!!

for more Wordless Wednesday visit: 5minutesformom.com

Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Back the truck up ~ and TOSS!!!

Oh to live the simple life and not have a care in the world!!!

"Frugality is one of the most beautiful and joyful words in the English language, and yet one that we are culturally cut off from understanding and enjoying. The consumption society has made us feel that happiness lies in having things, and has failed to teach us the happiness of not having things." ~Elise Boulding





“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” ~ Leonardo DaVinci



photo credit: jdcow

Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Knees ?!?!?!

Eleven is a TOUGH age! I have been trying to look back and remember what it was like....did I have growing pains??? I do not really remember any that I can think of . . . I just remember that at age 13 I was all done growing.

Last week I finally broke down and took Bailey to the Ortho because she was complaing of her knees hurting. Since she is a year round swimmer, she really needs her knees NOT to hurt!! But...I think we are hitting the age for growth spurts and the aches and pains that go with them.

I take her to a Sports Medicine Ortho - momma always told me too. Once we are escorted back to the room, the nurse begins to take Bailey's history. I just sit there and let her answer herself....I can only snicker when they get to the "have you used any drugs"...{I know that anything is possible - but Bailey is still so innocent} After all the questions have been answered, the nurse informs Bailey that she will have to put on a pair of shorts since she is wearing a skirt or the Dr will not see her. I am liking this Dr. more and more - but laughing my butt off to watch Bailey pull on these BLUE XL shorts onto her small frame {only size they had...ADULT XL} She had fun pulling them up to her nose like Urkle.

After examining all the images of the "BODY" on the wall and playing with all the "toys" {the hip and knee joints} in the room - in comes the Dr. who seems very nice - haven't seen him before {yes...Bailey has had shoulder problems and a broken wrist before} He proceeds to talk to Bailey and inquire to where the pain is exactly. Now - for all those TICKALISH people...you may know what my daughter is feeling. He pressed on either side of her knee and asked if it "HURT" Among the giggles...she said it did {Not sure how one can Laugh and Hurt at the same time!!!} Then he had her lay back and he proceeded to move her leg around to see how the knee joint was doing - NEVER have I EVER seen a knee rotate or move like that....FREAKY!!!! made my skin crawl...but he said it was all normal. He then requested x-rays - so off she goes with a nurse....seems there was a clicking in her knee.

X-rays done, in comes the Dr....with the conclusion. Tired Knees!!! Yup...my daughter has OVER Worked knees. I just paid gosh knows how much to find out that my daughter is perfectly healthy....just has tired knees!!! So now what do we do??? This is the part that broke my heart. Very calmly the Dr. looked at Bailey and told her that she would have to CUT her weekly activity by 60% {yes...SIXTY} Bailey's jaw dropped at first in shock...then you could just see her heart sink. You have to understand that Bailey is a SWIMAHOLIC!!! Swimming is her life and is determined to make the 2012 Olympics. So for this Dr. to tell her that she could NOT swim but about 4 hours a week....{out of the normal 10-12 hours she normally swims} was NOT COOL in her book. After the Dr. left the room to get her a note for school and her coach, Bailey broke down in sobs....it broke my heart to see her HURT!!! Big ole Meanie Dr.!!!

So with note in hand, she is officially out of PE for 4 weeks, using an elevator pass at school {try explaining Hurt Knees to those kids} but SWIMMING everyday!!! she has a meet this weekend. I guess somehow we will rest her knees and get her better - without giving up swimming for now {she does more pulling in swimming to alleviate the pressure on her knees}

I just hope all this HARD work pays off and she realizes her DREAM!!!


Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Sunday Stealing.....The Mud Meme

The Mud Meme:

1. What are your current obsessions? sparkling water....trying to get off coke zero....

2. Which item from your wardrobe do you wear most often? my new york & co jeans

3. What's for dinner? well....pretty bad...it was fend for yourself night...kinda been snacking all day since it was such a lazy day.

4. Last thing you bought? that would be lighbulbs, cheese and corn dogs - gotta love those Sam's club runs :)

5. What are you listening to? My hubby watching some WEIRD movie....just put Bailey to sleep

6. If you were a god/goddess who would you be? That would be Goddess of CRAZiness ~still trying to figure out if I am a sane girl in a crazy world...or an crazy girl in an insane world...

7. Favorite holiday spots? TOPSAIL ISLAND every June with the family and friends!!!

8. Reading right now? man...just finished "Hold Tight" by Harland Corban...need something else..

9. 4 words to describe yourself. CRAZY...Outgoing...Amazing....Stubborn

10. Guilty pleasure? Chocolate peanut butter ice cream.....

11. Who or what makes you laugh until you’re weak? that would be my daughter....she comes up with some crazy stuff sometimes...sooooo creative

12. Planning to travel to next that would be the beach in June

13. Best thing you ate or drank lately? I am on sparkling water and cranberry juice...

14. When did you last get tipsy? well...since I has sworn off alcohol...it only took one beer and a shot of vodka Thursday {at the Buffett concert} to get a lil light headed

15. Care to share some wisdom? No matter how busy your life gets...you have to learn to take some ME time {something I am trying to learn to do}

16. Nicest thing anyone’s ever said to you? that would be my momma....she told me that she was proud of me and I was a very strong person.....this was about a month before she passed...





Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!

AWE~Summm Sunday

This next award was given to me by Alisha from Confessions of a Moody Mommy....She is honest, funny and HAPPY she has her "SASSY" red laptop BACK!!!!! You most deff have to stop on by and check out her quest for finding her sanity in this insane world!!!

List 7 things that make you Awe-Summ and then pass the award on to 7 bloggers you love.

Make sure to tag your recipients and let them know they have won!

Also link back to the Queen that tagged you.

7 reasons I am AWE-SUMMM

1. I am SOOOO AWEsomely great at procrastinating when it comes to cleaning!!!

2. I have sung to my daughter EVERY night before bed since BIRTH!!!!

3. I have a soft spot for REALLY cute stuffed animals and they seem to always come home with me {I blame it on my daughter :) }

4. Give me a problem....and I will stick to it until it is SOLVED!!!

5. I wake up HAPPY {dont ask how...it just happens}

6. I will do ANYTHING for my family and friends {have a very HARD time saying NO}

7. Without my friends.....life would be DULL!!!! they help make me who I am ~ THANKS ya'll

1. Live, Love, Laugh with Leslie

2. I need a Martini Mom

3. Cheaper than Therapy

4. Parenthood for Me

5. The World according to Me

6. Riding the Short Bus

7. Is There Any Mommy Out There?

Hope everyone has an AWE~Suuummmm Sunday!!!

Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!

The Voca People

Ok...my daughter has been wanting me to see this group ALL week. Her Bible teacher obviously likes to SURF YouTube ALOT!!!! and he came across this group of singers {if that is what they are classified as} and showed it to the WHOLE 6th grade...{gotta LOVE Mr. Gardner} Anywhoo...I thought they were awesome and wanted to share them with ya'll:





Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Count your Blessing - Quotable Quotidian

Last night Keith and I were able to see Jimmy Buffett in concert with friends. This was Keith's b'day present ~ really a treat for both of us since I have never seen Buffett in concert. I have to say that it was AWESOME!!!!! I wish that I could have a laid back attitude like him....I found this quote and it seems to embody what he is all about.....

"Take it all in, it's as big as it seems. Count all your blessings, remember your dreams." ~ Jimmy Buffett

Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Holy Alphabet

Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without His love...
J oy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee
Move out of "Camp Complaining"
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To "thank" is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We'll run the race with gratitude
Xalting God most high
Yes, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...
Zion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!

"I AM Too blessed to be stressed!"
The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor.
The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything.
Love and peace be with you forever, Amen.


Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Lost my Marbles

I must need a VACATION!!! or maybe a TALL glass of something!!!

Let me give you some background to the situation:

Bailey has a Dr.'s appt TODAY at 2:30 pm {ortho - for her knees} {she normally gets out of school at 3:05 pm}

Bailey has PE LAST period of the day.....begins at 2:05 pm

Keith and I are going to the Jimmy Buffett concert TONIGHT!!!!!

Anywhoo.....the day began like any normal school morning. Bailey and I joking around and getting ready. I am packing her lunch when I turn to her and tell her "I'll get you at regular time 3:05 b/c you have to pack and do homework before we leave for the concert"

Bailey turns and looks at me "MOM.....remember....I have a Dr.'s appt....you are getting me at TWO O'CLOCK!!!!"

Me: "Oh yeah....I forgot....yeah - I will be there at 2pm"

Out the door we go...trying to beat the 2 school buses that pass our street so we do not get stuck behind them. I reach in the back seat and hand Bailey her PE bag:

"MOM....HELLO.....TWO O'CLOCK!!!!! you are getting me EARLY ..... REMEMBER....NO PE??? great, my own mother will forget me!"

Me: "Right - yeah - I knew that....just testing you"

As we are turning into school I pulled in front of a friend of mine and as we rounded the school we rolled our windows down. Her daughter swims with Bailey. I asked Maria if she would be there tonight at practice and she said yeah.....I told her we could chat later at swim practice.

Bailey: "MOM....HELLLOOOO ......Jimmy Buffett...do you not remember that you have a concert to go to tonight!!!!???? You have had the tickets for OVER 3 months!!!!! When will you see her???"

Me: "Oh yeah...right.....No..I remember" {we are going with Bailey's swim coaches} "wait...I will see her later....we are picking up your coaches from the POOL!!!" {GREAT SAVE!!!}

As Bailey exits the car she turns and looks at me "PLEASE do not forget your DAUGHTER TODAY!!!!!!"

SOOOO...if any of you find my MARBLES...... PLEASE forward them back to ME !!! AND HOPE I DON'T FORGET Bailey!!!!

THANKS

Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Tuesday Toot

Ok...this is my first Tuesday post....it is a GREAT idea! I love to see what other moms have been up to! However, trying to really come up with a "Toot" for myself....hhhmmmm.

Over the weekend ~ I condtructed a Diaper Bag {pics to follow} in about 3 hours.....hey - nothing like waiting until the last moment to come up with a baby shower gift!!! The momma to be LOVED it....as well as her sons :) That made me feel warm and fuzzy all OVER!!! I love to create and even LOVE it more to make people SMILE!!!!

To see what other moms are up to....check out momm community!!!



Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!

WOW...where did that come from????

For the last several weeks, my family has been wrestling with letting Bailey go to Bush Gardens with her choir group this Saturday. Typically her choir events are MANDATORY....but since this one would actually COST me something....the teacher was so KIND to make it elective!!!



Bailey has never been and we were all excited to send her ~ that was until we found out that out of about 100 kids.....only SEVEN signed up. And of the SEVEN that signed up {one being Bailey} only one was really good friends with Bailey.....{ya know how those tween girls are}



Over Easter break we talked about her going and made the dicision that we would go as a FAMILY with some friends later on this summer ~ would be more fun. Bailey was fine with this....just as long as she gets to GO!!!



Bailey, me and my friend Michelle were riding home yesterday.....we were talking about the Bush Gardens trip and I was trying to explain to Michelle about the other group of girls that was going. I told her that they were the type that does NOT like to sweat, has perfectly combed hair, nails AND toes are painted and OMGosh....do not forget the BOYS!!!! They actually talk about boys and who may like them....for those just joining us ~ my daughter is a PURE ATHLETE!!! she EATS, SLEEPS and BREATHS swimming.....and is totally at home in soffe shorts, a tee and flip flops....and BOYS....yeah ~ they are fun to play games with on the play ground.



So in the middle of this conversation......my wee lil Bailey pipes up from the back and says "yeah ~ they are the ones I will be tutoring later on!!"



WOW - never thought my lil one was thinking on that level ~ rock on!!!!





Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Graces in my LIFE 4 & 5/365

Ok...call me a little slack!!! I have had a busy week creating and hanging with the kid {she has had spring break} and playing a TON of cards.

1. that my momma gave me a sewing machine for graduating college

2. the weather was awesome to ride the 4 wheeler and go kart

3. that Bailey and I could watch a M*A*S*H marathon!!!

4. I have the chance to cook with my mother-in-law

5. getting to pet lil chickies and duckies today!!! {soooo soft and sweet}

6. that not doing laundry wont stop the world

7. winning my first BLOG award...means a lot - I LOVE my readers!!!

8. being able to go to the rest room {that can be a whole other post}

9. eating dinner with the family

10. knowing that the LORD will provide what I NEED!!!


Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Sunday Stealing....havin FUN!!!

Sunday Stealing: The 40 Meme

The following questions were answered by my 11 1/2 year old daughter....she had FUN!!!


1. My uncle once: bought a cheeseburger at Golden Corral {inside joke}

2. Never in my life: will I ever steal

3. When I was seventeen: not there yet....

4. High School was : I'll let you know when I get there....

5. I will never forget : my momma on a surf board {no pics were taken - thank the LORD}

6. I once met : Cullen Jones {Olympic Swimmer}

7. There’s this girl I know who : can take a swim cap off her head using her feet

8. Once, at a bar : wait....I am only 11 ~ don't make me grow up yet!!!

9. By noon, I’m usually : bored to death at school

10. Last night : I watched the saddest M*A*S*H episode EVER {the very last one}

11. If only I had : my own computer I would not have to share with my momma

12. Next time I go to church : work in the nursery with my BFF

13. Susan Boyle : who???

14. What worries me most : when I have too much homework and it may mess up my swim practice

15. When I turn my head left, I see : the wall and soap container

16. When I turn my head right, I see : the toilet {yeah I am in the restroom!!!}

17. You know I’m lying when : I can't keep a straight face

18. What I miss most about the eighties : is the MUSIC {yup...me and the 80's ~ and I am only 11}

19. If I was a character in Shakespeare, I’d be : Juliet

20. By this time next year : I want to be fast enough to make the olympic trials in swimming

21. A better name for me would be : EXPLOSIVE

22. I have a hard time understanding : why the Wii is not a elective in school

23. If I ever go back to school, I’ll : SCREAM - wait....I still have atleast 10 years to go!!!

24. You know I like you if : I talk to you

25. If I ever won an award, the first person I’d thank would be : God

26. When I compare 80’s rock to 90’s rock : do 80's and 90's pop count???

27. Take my advice, never : cut the wiskers off your cat...you know ~ they really use them

28. My ideal breakfast is : NOTHING

29. A song I love, but do not own is : the Fast & Furious Soundtrack {the newest movie}

30. If you visit my hometown, I suggest : you come when the state fair is here in October

31. My favorite Beatle is :who are they????

32. Why won’t people : hang up their guns and quit fighting

33. If you spend the night at my house : you never will want to leave {my friends don't}

34. I’d stop my wedding for : NOTHING

35. The world could do without : stupid people

36. I’d rather lick the belly of a cockroach than : cow manure

37. My favorite blonde is : my friend Hannah

38: Paper clips are more useful than : string

39. If I do anything well, it’s : SWIM

40. And by the way : I answered this for my momma....



Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!

The REAL Me....

I dont think I have really introduced myself or my family..the ones in my life who inspire me!!!

I am 38 {but like to think of myself as being Forever 29} and married to the LOVE of my life. I was born in the SOUTH, and currently reside in the South ~ NC {I try not to claim the 8 years I spent above the Mason Dixon Line}

You see...my parents must not have loved me {or they loved me too much} and sent me to boarding school in CT. It was an all girls school. I met some wonderful friends there ~ but now that I look back on things...I really would much rather have gone to the local school here in NC. Leaving home at 14 was REALLY tough ..... we will get back to that subject in a minute.

I met my hubby in my last year at NCSU {got my degree in Accounting} at the local country western bar ~ The Longbranch {now closed ..boohoo} took about a month - but after that we were inseperable and have been together for 16 1/2 years...married for almost 13 {in June} When we began to plan the wedding....my parents didnt really want anything to do with it...they claimed it was my soon to be hubby...and that I was making a mistake. Getting married without your parents there is ...well...HARD!!! {I learned much later on that my momma had NOTHING to do with it all...it was my FATHER ~ who has chosen NOT to be a part of our lives}

Our wonderful daughter came into this world 11 1/2 years ago and has been a BLESSING to us everyday!!!! Along with her came PPD!!! I kinda ignored it for a year or so...but when I got tired of being angry all the time and very moody...I decided to do something about it.

After 2 years of hit or miss therapy....I finally found a therapist that TRULY helped me. After talking with me for about a month...she came to the conclusion that I acutally had been clinically depressed since I was about 15. {back to being shipped off to school} The lack of a relationship with my father did not help it any.....sooooo ~ she put me on Effexor XR. Now..I have tried several other types of meds with no real effect.....but within a few weeks...I felt like a new person. Combined with therapy and meds.....I finally feel like I am learning WHO I AM!!!! and what I WANT in this life. {not that I was put here to please my father's every whim}

When my momma was diagnosed with cancer....well...depression HIT HARD again ..... I now knew what those people felt like on those commercials about depression {can't really function} my therapist UPPED my meds to the highest level.....and I FELT as normal as could be. In her last year in half - my momma taught me so much about LIFE.....and we became so close....I got to know my momma in a whole new light.

My family has been so supportive and been right with me everystep of the way. I lost my momma in October '08.....it was a struggle but I am making it. Life has its ups and downs ~ but I am learning to let the small things slide. I need to be more patient, learn to say NO and take more time for ME! I hope to one day come OFF the meds....and do it on my OWN!!! My mother and father in law have been a HUGE blessing in my life too!!! even more so since my mothers' passing..I credit my mother in law for teaching me how to "WING IT"

Now you have a little insight into WHO I am .....and this BLOG is my way of dealing with LIFE!!! It helps me keep my sanity :) Besides my family....my friends are a TRUE GIFT and help make life sane and FUN!!!

Depression is REAL.....listen and look for the signs. Not just YOU suffer...but everyone who touches your life. Want to learn more....check out this SITE


Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Thanks Moody Mommy!!

I am dancing on the ceiling!!! I have received my FIRST award!!!! I am a newbie to this blogging world and have wondered if anyone would really read.....but I am thankful for all my visitors!!!!



The SPLASH award:
was given to me by Moody Mommy....it means so much to me that she finds my blog; Alluring, Amusing, Bewitching, Impressive, and Inspiring!





Just as Moody Mommy says...I hope I can be Inspiring with my blogs....sharing thoughts and quotes from life.....Impressive by how open I am about what is happening in my life ..... and I hope that I can be Amusing by sharing the wacky things that happen in my life.

Winning this award requires me to share it with 9 of my fellow bloggers....... this is SOOOO Difficult to do because there are some great reads out there!!!!


1. Live,Love,Laugh with Leslie

2. Naturally Nina

3. Life is Sweet

4. Riding the Short Bus

5. Seriously, so Blessed!

6. Pink Lemonade

7. Tranquility ... and Turmoil

8. Kathy B

9. Parenthood for Me

Stop on by and check these GREAT blogs out....and have a BLESSED weekend!!!


Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Graces in my Life 3/365

wow....so much to be thankful for!!!

1. All the wonderful memories I have flooding into my heart about my momma....missing her terribly!!!

2. The sun is shining!

3. My daughter has the chance to fish with her Papa

4. having the best hubby in the world...one who has been there every step of the way and held my hand through all my tears over losing my momma

5. GREAT books!!! must read author - Therese Fowler!!!!



Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!

MUST Read: Souvenir: by Therese Fowler

Last night while my hubby watched a movie, I sat curled up and finished reading my book Souvenir by Therese Fowler. I was in TEARS!!!!!! Therese is a LOCAL author ... living right here in good ole Raleigh, NC.!!!!!

This is from the back cover:

Meg Powell and Carson McKay grew were raised side by side on their families’ farms, bonded by a love that only deepened. Everyone in their small rural community in northern Florida thought that Meg and Carson would always be together. But at twenty-one, Meg was presented with a marriage proposal she could not refuse, forever changing the course of her life.
Seventeen years later, Meg’s marriage has become routine, and she spends her time juggling the demands of her medical practice, the needs of her widowed father, and the whims of her rebellious teenage daughter, Savannah, who is confronting her burgeoning sexuality in a dangerous manner, and pushing her mother away just when she needs her most. Then, after a long absence, Carson returns home to prepare for his wedding to a younger woman. As Carson struggles to determine where his heart and future lie, Meg makes a shocking discovery that will upset the balance of everyone around her.

The story begins in the prologue with Meg on the eve of her wedding. You feel the love between Carson and Meg, and the decision that Meg made almost had me hurling the book against the wall....but I am so glad I did not!

This novel is about a young woman choosing a life that she thought was right for her family who had come to rely on her for a lot. Meg did not want to let them down, even if it meant letting her own heart down. This novel is about a woman's journey to finding herself again and the inner peace that she gave up for her family. A journey to reclaim the relationship with her daughter and make amends.

Meg's life is filled with many things that I myself have had to cope with or will have to. There are issues about regret, coping with illness and death, teenage sexuality, shades of abusive relationships....issues that are so real. I was so drawn into this book that I could not help but cry. I lost my mother last October to cancer and I am so thankful that she began journaling about her life. It helped me see a side of her that I did not know as a daughter. Friends have even sent me letters they received from her....all windows into the woman that my mother had become. I am definitly running out to get a jounral....I have so much to say to my daughter!!!

This was Therese Fowler's first novel and the first one of her books for me. It will draw you in and make you part of the story! Read this book. It's well-written with a lot of emotional depth. The characters are likeable for all that they're a little messed up (who isn't?). And most importantly, it's the kind of book that doesn't leave you after you've turned the last page.

Check out her blog Therese Fowler or you can find her Here on Facebook.

Reunion is now out in Hardcover - running out to get it TODAY!!!!

Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Wordless Wednesday......

I know that this is "wordless" Wednesday....but I am so thankful to ALL of the people that put themselves in harms way to protect us. My hubby has been a volunteer firefighter for about 15 years and his turnout gear is somewhere in the middle there.

{photos taken with my good ole reliable FILM camera....LOVE it even if the auto focus is broken}

For more *wordless wednesday* head on over and see www.5minutesformom.com

Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Graces in my life 2/365

Happy Hump day to all.....



1. having peace and quiet to read my book this morning



2. spending the day with my daughter while she is on spring break



3. snuggling with our cat - she loves to lay on your chest and PURR!!!



4. that my plants are still LIVING...I do not usually have a green thumb...and this is actually the longest I have kept a plant....6 months!!!



5. that tonight I will be able to sit down with my family for dinner.....YEAH!!!



Hope all have a blessed day!!!!

picture credt: unlucky.puppy

Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Graces in my life 1/365

WOW - I am so exctied that I found this group GiST. I am thankful for so much and over the past several years have been blessed tenfold. I will do my best to post everyday....but .....life does have a funny way of getting in your way sometimes!!!

So.....this is what I am thankful for today:

1. phone call from my daughter while at work today

2. hearing my nephew call for me when he can't find me {Elizabeth is hard to say for a 2 year old}

3. the soft and snuggly sheets that went onto my bed right out of the dryer last night

4. for my co-worker LOVING my new haircut and telling me it looks EXPENSIVE....woo hoo {still trying to get used to the shorter hairdo}

5. the extra 45 minutes of extra sleep that I got due to spring break!!!!



Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!

He has RISEN!!!!

Happy Easter!!!!

Jesus Christ made entirely out of Lego construction bricks in a church at Vasteras, Sweden. The 1.8 metre (5.9 feet ) tall statue, a copy of Thorvaldsen's "Resurrected Christ", has taken parishioners 1.5 years to construct out of 30.000 tiny plastic pieces. A true piece of ART!!!

photo credits: Jonas Ekstromer

Sunday Stealing: The Green Meme

1. What is your current obsession? photography

2. What’s a good coffee place? welll.....since I do not drink coffee....I think the best HOT Chocolate is in NYC!!!!

3. Who was the last person that you hugged? Bailey

4. Do you nap a lot? I wish....but not enough time

5. Tonight, what’s for dinner? hhhmmm..not sure...might be creative :)

6. What was the last thing that you bought? film {back to my new obsession} - Target had a STEAL!!!! 4 rolls for 1.98 {regularly 7.99}

7. What is your favorite weather? about 70 degrees with NO humidity...with big puffy clouds {makes for great cloud watching on the trampoline}

8. Tell us something about one blogger who you think will play this week? honestly....not sure

9. If you were given a free house that was full furnished, where in the world would you like it to be? about 5 miles from my daughter's school on about 5 acres and NOT in a subdivision...hhmmmm pretty close to where I am NOW....

10. Name three things that you could not live without. 1. family 2. friends 3. lip stuff

11. What would you like in your hands right now? to hold my momma's hand one more time

12. What’s one of your guilty pleasures? chocolate peanut butter ice cream

13. What would you change or eliminate about yourself? I would like to be more patient

14. As a child, what type of career did you want? a dancer

15. What are you missing right now? I am missing my momma

16. What are you currently reading? The Souvenir

17. What do you fear the most? Death

18. What’s the best movie that you’ve seen recently? Fireproof {acting was ok...but LOVED the movie}

19. What’s your favorite book from the past year? ALL Jodi Picoult books!!!!!

20. Is there a comfort food from your childhood that you still enjoy? Hot milk and crackers

This meme was stolen from Sunday Stealing. Head on over and give it a whorl....leave your link so we all can see!!!! Happy Easter to ALL!!!!


Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Good Friday

Today is Friday.....and not just ANY Friday....but GOOD Friday! Jesus gave HIS life for us...the ultimate sacrafice.

As any holiday, it has become so commercialized. When you say Easter to a child....and ask them what is the first thing they think of....you will most likely hear CANDY, Baskets, Eggs, or Bunnies. The Bible makes no mention of a long-eared, short-tailed creature who delivers decorated eggs to well-behaved children on Easter Sunday; nevertheless, the Easter bunny has become a prominent symbol of Christianity's most important holiday. But some do say that bunnies are an ancient symbol of fertility and new life.....from a Christian perspective, Easter eggs are said to represent Jesus' emergence from the tomb and resurrection....and you can not forget the Easter Parades ~ after their baptisms, early Christians wore white robes all through Easter week to indicate their new lives with Christ.

I hope everyone has a BLESSED Easter! Spend time with your loved ones and remember the true meaning of Easter {while you are digging into that Easter basket FULL of candy} My daughter LOVES her baskets every year....and usually has candy for breakfast on the way to Easter Service.

I found this painting which filled my heart with LOVE and HOPE....that we are in God's hands!

Easter Means Eternal Life
A perfect God demands a perfect justice;He cannot let us get away with sin.We used God’s gift of our free will to trespass,So heaven’s gates were closed; we couldn’t get in.
Our sin required our blood, a sacrifice,To atone for all the wrongs that we had done."But I love them!" cried our Father, filled with sorrow;"I’ll send my only Son to be the one."
Good Friday marks the slaying of our Jesus,The unblemished lamb, the perfect sacrifice.He took our guilt and blame upon Himself,So we could be with Him in paradise.
On Easter morning, he came back from death;He vanished from the tomb, the empty grave.His resurrection means eternal lifeFor us, the ones he came to earth to save.
This summarizes all the Easter storyAnd because of it, we’ll be with Him in glory.
By Joanna Fuchs

picture credits: pingec, junglefrog, stephen whatley

Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Rushing Life........

The golden moments in the stream of life rush past us, and we see nothing but sand; the angels come to visit us, and we only know them when they are gone. ~ George Eliot

We are surrounded by Angels.....and too many times life does go rushing by us. I snapped this photo one morning ....... it made me stop and take a breath! To be thankful for the beauty that surrounds us...God's beauty!!!!

Want to find other quotes or share you own....check out Parenthood for ME blog!!!

FAITH

Several of my friends are going through some tough times......and I think we all at times feel that the weight of the world is on our shoulders. We just need to have FAITH and believe in that faith so that we can face tomorrow!!!

Faith is not contrary to the usual ideas, something that turns out to be right or wrong, like a gambler's bet: it's an act, an intention, a project, something that makes you, in leaping into the future, go so far, far, far ahead that you shoot clean out of time and right into Eternity, which is not theend of time or a whole lot of time or unending time, but timelessness, the old Eternal Now. Joanna Russ

Prayer releases the power and wisdom of God into a situation

Frequently remind yourself that God is with you, that He will never fail you, that you can count upon him. Say these words, "God is with me, helping me." - Norman Vincent Peale

Faith is daring the soul to go beyond what the eyes can see. - William Newton Clark

Ack...Ye gosh....

Ok.....I am on a mission to reduce the amount of stress in my life b/c my body is reacting and not in a good way. So I do what I normally do in a situation like this and need answers...I GOOGLE!!!! soooo....this is what I have found:

Guided Imagery - OK...since I really have a HARD time controlling my mind as it is {one reason I am stressing} how am I supposed to GUIDE it!!!!

Self-Hypnosis - Zzzzzz

Autogenics - And what is THIS????

Journaling - Does this Blog count????

Meditation - I try and meditate everyday {oh - not on the toilet- my bad}

PMR - I have PMS...is that close ???????

Yoga - I can get into this!!! I know the greatest teacher!!!

Breathing - HELLO - don't I need to do this anyway ??? nothing new here

Playing Games - and this relieves stress how when you are competitive????

Sex - yup - I am female.....

Laughter - Trust me I am giggling...still trying to figure out PMR...

Biofeedback - from whom ???

Music Therapy - Finally something I do EVERYDAY!!!!! I listen non stop!!!

Take a Walk - does walking to and from the car count???

Plant a Garden - I would....but I have to get rid of the weeds first

Time Management - HELLO - that is part of my problem...managing the LACK of time that I have in my life!!!

Listen To Music - didn't we already address this ???

Eat a Balanced Diet - WHAT - cookie dough and pop sicles are not a balanced diet???

Learn Assertive Communication Skills - I am assertive in my communicating...MY WAY or the HIGHWAY!!!!

Enjoy Aromatherapy - I dont think my hubby's poots is exactly what we are shooting for here...

Reduce Caffeine Intake - HELL NO!!!! gotta have my coke zero or the stress of a HEADACHE will be out of this WORLD

Drink in Moderation - FINALLY something I am good at.....I dont drink :)

Don’t Procrastinate - PROCRASTINATE.....hello - I am stressed b/c I do not have time to put anything OFF!!!!

Drink Green Tea - not into the whole tea thing....

As much fun that list was....there were a few ideas I could actually work with. I also found some items to add to it:

1-massage therapy - NOW WE ARE TALKING!!!!

2-have fun! It's not a dirty word! Play! Do something you used to do as a child or long ago before you had all of the commitments, such as play with an electric train or eat cotton candy at the fair.

3-do something you like, such as shopping or go to a movie or dancing

4-treat yourself, a new outfit, a haircut, all day spa, buy a new outfit or if you're a guy some new power tools! - SHOPPING

5-talk to someone, talking relieves stress, esp. for women, knowing someone else understands and hears you without judging or necessarily offering advice.

6-sleep more. Lack of sleep leads to stress, this is a viscious cycle. more sleep can leave you stress free.

7-take a multivitamin

8-stretching. very important, it releases stress out of your body

9-time for yourself. you're giving and giving. take time for yourself.

10-faith. get closer to God, faith is a big stress reliever, cast your cares.

11-look at things in a more positive light

12-cut down on bad news on tv and other media - HELLO!!! tell them to produce HAPPIER NEWS!!!!

13-don't let your imagination run away with you, don't dwell on negative things that could happen, such as distasters or tragedies, don't imagine the worst. - Harder than ya think!!!

14-smile more

15-lighten up(your colors that is) Whites and yellows and light blues are proven to be happy colors, as opposed to reds and blacks and brown and gray and dark blues.

16-don't let people get to you, they may have a problem and they're taking it out on you. It's not you.

17-read. get caught in a love story or in a "who done it" story, escape for a little while.

18-get away take a trip, a vacation

19-find your passion in life, a hobby painting, gardening, writing, cooking, etc

20-nature can be very relaxing

Life is a GIFT

Difficult times have helped me to understand better than before, how infinitely rich and beautiful life is in every way, and that so many things that one goes worrying about are of no importance whatsoever...-- Isak Dinesen

Wonder~mous Dinner!!!!

Ok.....as you read in an earlier blog I was going to use recipes from Campbell's Kitchen and create Sunday dinner for the fam. I decided to make Fiesta Chicken Casserole for the main course and to end the evening..... Fudgy Brownie Cups....with vanilla ice cream of course!!!

Here is the Fiesta Chicken Casserole just as it came out of the oven:

and this is what was left after me, keith, janie, bailey and cheyenne got finished eating:

and actually ~ when lisa and joe ate...NONE was left!!!!

It was sooooo easy to prepare ~ about 1o minutes prep and 40 minutes to bake!!!! YUMMY!!

To finish off the meal we chose the Fudgy Brownie Cups. I have never really worked with unsweet chocolate before, so this was a treat!!! Next time I will read the directions ahead of time and while the dinner is cooking, thaw out the dough.

Other than that ~ they turned out wonderful and were scrumptious with nilla ice cream!!!

I am already off to see what I can do for my next BIG meal!!!

What a DEAL!!!!

Good friends of ours told us about Campbell's web page for good dinners. Soooo....I decided to mosey on over and check it out. I figured why not plan a whole meal and give it a whirl. This is the menu that I found and will try tomorrow evening {Sunday} Based on other recipes off this page...the main meal should only cost about $15 total...what a deal if you are feeding 8!!!!

Go and check it out {Campbell's Kitchen} and let me what sounds good to you....or if you have tried any of the recipes! please let me know!!!!!!!! Always looking for quick and easy meals that don't cost alot!!!!!

Fiesta Chicken Casserole
From: Campbell's Kitchen
Prep: 15 minutesBake: 40 minutes
Serves: 8

Ingredients:
1 package (15 ounces) refrigerated pie crust (2 crusts)
1 jar (16 ounces) Pace® Chunky Salsa
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)
1 cup sour cream 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)
1 package (24 ounces) frozen whole kernel corn
2 cans (9.75 ounces each) Swanson® Premium White Chunk Chicken Breast in Water, drained
1 can (about 15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained

Directions:
Heat the oven to 400°F. Let the pie crusts stand at room temperature for 15 minutes or until they're easy to handle.
Stir the salsa, soup, sour cream, cheese, corn, chicken and beans in a large bowl. Spoon the chicken mixture into a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
Unfold the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Lay the crusts side-by-side so that they overlap by about 3 inches in the center. Press the seam to seal. Roll the pie crust into a 14 x 10-inch rectangle. Place the pie crust over the chicken mixture. Trim the excess crust from the edge. Cut several slits in the crust.
Bake for 40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.

Nutrition Information

Using Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Calories 657, Total Fat 36g, Saturated Fat 14g, Cholesterol 70mg, Sodium 1508mg, Total Carbohydrate 59g, Dietary Fiber 7g, Protein 29g, Vitamin A 19%DV, Vitamin C 10%DV, Calcium 26%DV, Iron 14%DV

Using Campbell's® Condensed 98% Fat Free Cream of Chicken Soup: Calories 642, Total Fat 34g, Saturated Fat 13g, Cholesterol 70mg, Sodium 1459mg, Total Carbohydrate 59g, Dietary Fiber 6g, Protein 29g, Vitamin A 19%DV, Vitamin C 10%DV, Calcium 26%DV, Iron 14%DV

Fudgy Brownie Cups
Thaw: 30 minutes

Prep: 25 minutes

Bake: 18 minutes

Ingredients:
1/2 package Pepperidge Farm® Puff Pastry Sheets (1 sheet)

4 squares (1 oz. each) unsweetened chocolate

4 tablespoons butter OR margarine

3/4 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Confectioners' sugar (optional)

Directions:
THAW pastry sheet at room temperature 30 min. Preheat oven to 400°F.
PLACE chocolate and butter in large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH 1 min. or until butter is melted. Stir until smooth.
STIR sugar into chocolate mixture. Mix in eggs and vanilla until well blended. Stir in flour.
UNFOLD pastry on lightly floured surface. Roll into 15"x12" rectangle. Cut into 20 (3") squares. Press squares into 3" muffin-pan cups. Spoon about 1 tbsp. chocolate mixture into each cup.
BAKE 18 min. or until golden. Remove from muffin-pans and cool on wire rack. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar, if desired. Makes 20

Ribbed TEES!!!!!

OMG....check out Amanda's great give away!!!! These are GREAT Tee's and I would most deff want ALL colors...can NEVER have too many!!!!

Fan~ta~bulous FRIDAY

The BEST climbing trees can be found in Durham at Duke Gardens!!! I grew up 2 blocks from the gardens and spent many days there. I remember when I was younger those old magnolias looked HUGE. But their swooping branches are stair steps up into the unknown. Unfortuately, all that climbing may have damaged them and they now have signs up requesting that you refrain from climbing. I understand....but a part of me wishes my daughter could experience the freedom and mystery of climbing those majestic trees.

picture: Magnolia tree at Duke Gardens

Joyeux anniversaire

Today.....39 years ago....my wonderful hubby made his entrance into this world. If you ask him ~ he will say he was the "BEST" birthday gift EVER for his brother. See....his brother James was ALSO born today about an hour earlier....EXACTLY one year before! Guess we all know what momma was doin :)

Anywhoo.....since I am having my procedure tomorrow ~ I am on an all liquid diet {which totally is SUCKING!!!} which means we are having to put off the family dinner. But that is alright....Bailey is going to make brownies today. Tomorrow I will grill steak, make corn pudding and cook some yummy lima beans {Bailey chose the menu} Then on April 23rd...we are off to see Jimmy Buffett with some friends!!!! So this birthday will actually strecth over several weeks....which makes it more FUN!!!

I hope that Keith and James have a BLESSED day with many more to follow!!!!

Joyeux anniversaire

Blog Design Giveaway!!!!

Do think that your page needs a face lift?

Want a color change, added pictures, nifty designs???

then check out what Tara is doing....

go to Her page and check out what Trendy Mommy is giving away on Tara's page.

Jen does some GREAT work and her page designs are AWESOME!!!

I am trying to break~out and begin my own business making/designing handbags and Tee's. Would LOVE a great NEW blog to get my stuff out there!!!!! I am trying to get my business off the ground....visit me HERE

Wonderful Wednesday!!!

The Simplicity Of It All..

Simplicity...

It is when something is stripped

down to its very essence..

each facade removed

in order to display a message..

It is when a person is

stripped bare of ornaments

embracing individuality

and quickly conform to it..

It is when everything

falls directly into place

creating a perfect scene

in a stretch of empty space..

It is when there is nothing

to disrupt the eye and the mind

but what is real and honest

visible even to the blind..

It is when lies are broken

down to unmask the truth

brushing away the synthetic

uncovering the sincerity of youth..

It is when nothing else

exists in one moment of time

except for the knowledge

that you are truly mine..

Simply put, simplicity is simply beautiful.

Marcus Lomboy