Randomly Elly

Which way is up????

2010-08-06T13:17:00.003-04:00

Ok....so I am not that good at this blogging yet. I would love to be able to stop in....read everyone's pages....post on my blog and gorw my page!!! BUT.....motivation and time are slowing me down.

I started this blog as a window into my world.....but I am not sure which way I want to go. I have so many interests....which way to spread my wings. I even have a blog that I am creating for my daughter....yeah - well.....that is not going to well either.

So bear with me as I slowly find my way. I hope to get serious about blogging....it is FUN!!!!

Have a GREAT weekend all!!!!

Summer Storms

2010-06-14T20:23:00.003-04:00

That time of year has come again. Each day is a little warmer than the next....the humidity thickens the air so it is hard to breathe. As the flowers bloom and reach toward the sky, they beg for relief. As the afternoon wanes.....the clouds roll in and the wind begins to blow. You hear the rumble of thunder far off slowly moving your way. Then there is a drop....and another ....and then a deluge. As quick as it moves in......it runs away leaving behind a fine mist making everything beautiful and vibrant....sometimes you can even find a rainbow.

photo: strange charm's

My Beautiful Daughter

2010-05-09T16:15:00.003-04:00

My Beautiful Daughter

My beautiful daughter
You cannot know
How much my heart breaks
As I watch you grow

In time you’ll become
Independent and free
Always my daughter
And special to me

As you grow older
You will see
Through the eyes of a mother
Reflections of me

Past, present and future
All intertwined
My mother, your mother
All daughters you’ll find

Our reflections, not vanity
Mirrored lives we share
Always a daughter
Your mother, who cares.

~Julie Copeland

My mother is not with us anymore, she is smiling down on me from Heaven. There is a small part of me that is crying out, missing her very much. But to have my duaghter smile and hug me fills me with much joy. Being a mother is a TRUE BLESSING.

Happy Mother's Day to all you mommas out there!!!

make them move.....

2010-04-05T21:13:00.008-04:00

Spring break was last week and the weather was AWESOME!!!! So Bailey decided she wanted to go to the Museum of Life and Science in Durham...and take her little cousin Noah. So, off we went to see the space crafts, dinosaurs and butterflies.

Nothing is cuter than watching a 3 year old trying to catch a butterfly. Noah ran around the butterfly house determined to have one land.

But the funniest part came later when we made it to the dinasaur area. No matter how hard Bailey and I tried....we could not make Noah understand that we could NOT make those dinasaurs move. "Why" became his favorite word.

The afternoon was so much fun...full of running, jumping, digging and laughing. So much fun....that we wore poor Noah out.....

LORDY Lordy...loOk wHo is FORTY!!!!

2010-04-01T22:06:00.004-04:00

Happy Birthday to my loving hubby!!!!!

Taking the next step

2010-03-28T20:11:00.011-04:00

She started walking when she was around 10 months old. The weather was getting warmer and the grass was growing....she explored everywhere. Mostly she ran around barefoot...but once in a while I squeezed her foot into those cute kids shoes.

Basically, we tossed her in the pool upon birth. She has been swimming ever since. The required attire for a swimmer...FLIP FLOPS!!!! It cracks me up to see all the kids in the middle of December fall out into car line all wearing them.

Today.....was another mile stone in our baby's life. There comes a time when you have to let the lil one begin to spread her wings. My baby girl who used to be at home playing play dough...is now wanting converse in every color and running off to the movies with her friends. She is giggling like crazy and swapping Silly Bandz. One second I see my little girl and then ....I glance back and see a teenager ready to burst out.

I love watching my little flower grow and bloom. Each milestone that is reached is awesome...but part of me is so not ready!!!

Walking on Sunshine

2010-03-18T21:02:00.005-04:00

Guess being happy has paid off........my nickname at work is "Sunshine". I love my job!!!

"Spring" Forward

2010-03-15T08:04:00.003-04:00

I am so ready for Spring to be her.........just not liking the time change. Wonder how long it will take for my body to adjust.

Kid at HEART!!!

2010-03-12T11:48:00.005-05:00

For some reason I have this sudden urge to jump on a merry go round, lean back and feel the wind rush all around me. now....all i have to do is find one!!!

Railroad tracks....

2010-03-08T17:30:00.003-05:00

Well....it is official. After following Bailey for 5 years, the ortho has made the call....BRACES!!!

The good news...yup here actually is good news....she probably wont have to have her wisdom teeth pulled....AND she will be getting braces on the front part of her mouth. . . . . guess we can call that the silver lining.

Bailey...she is moaning about what she wont be able to eat....ME....is crying because my house renovations are on hold for atleast 18 months while we pay off her teeth. I am skeptical about braces myself....I had them for about 3 years and when I was about 27....my bottom jaw grew which in turn caused my lower jaw to move out of allighment...yeah me!!!

So....in 2 weeks...Bailey will have a BRIGHT green smile with a little metal tossed in.

Ready . . . Set. . . Go!!!

2010-03-07T16:47:00.003-05:00

Today is BEAUTIFUL!!!!! The sun is shining and it is a balmy 63ish. A perfect day to go door to door and raise money.

Ya'll know that our Bailey swims for a year round swim team...New Wave Swim Team. Every year they have a "swim-a-thon" ~ which wording we can not use...so we have a "Laps for Cash" and 5% of the money raised will be going to the Duke Children's Cancer Center.

This year, Bailey and several of her swim friends decided it would be fun to do it as a "GROUP". So last week, the parents put our heads together and figured since this was the only weekend that our children DID NOT SWIM {but there was a meet this weekend....just not for our swimmers} and the weather was GORGEOUS!!!

The plan was to have a about 5 of them all together go out in a neighborhood.....only 3 were actually able to make it. N, H and our B were really excited and had been practicing their opening lines all night. I have to say I am proud for them to want to actually do this....it is kind of intimidating.

After 3 hour and tons of walking and knocking...the 3 trooped back to the house.....with $380. They had so much fun and it was also a great learning experience....it takes guts to get shot down not once, not twice....but several times and keep on going. They found their rythym and worked as a team.

I am so proud that these kids were enthusiastic to help out and raise money for a good cause. They truly have become a family and back each other no matter what.

Spring Fling

2010-03-06T16:29:00.004-05:00

After weeks of rain, and several threats of snow, and one actual snow storm, I believe that spring is around the corner. We may be done with frigid mornings, being spent sprinting to the car in your pj's to crank your car so it can warm up so the ride to school is WARM!!! and do NOT forget to turn the seat warmer on for your daughter!!!

Today - the sun is shining ......my spirits are high. Tomorrow, the weather people are teasing me saying it is going to get to SIXTY!!!! Ya know what that means?????? The trees will begin to bud and within a week or so....LEAVES will come out!!!!!!!!

I get the "winter blues" I am so ready for the warm weather and SUNSHINE!

So please join me in doing the "Spring Fling" ...shake your tail feathers and welcome in Miss Spring.

Silly ....with a side of Banana

2010-03-05T08:02:00.004-05:00

Yes....It has been a VERY long time since I have posted. Life has a way of tossing you curves and I seem to have been manuvering those curves lately.

Here is a little recap:

* a most compassionate boss gave me the "you are laid off" the week of Christmas. Merry Christmas to me!!!

* 3 weeks of job searching....landed me a new job with a GREAT company working only 3 days a week.....so even though a curve was thrown......I was able to straighten this one out!!!

* Bailey has had more swim meets that I am not sure what pool I am supposed to be at. We have been to GA, Charlotte, NC and we are headed BACK to Charlotte next weekend.

* The "yucky" bug seems to like this family....Bailey has battled an inner ear infection, a double swimmers ear infection and a BAD cold....which she so kindly "shared" with me.

* My loving and wonderful hubby is on a mission....to get a Jeep. I am all for this ...now do not get me wrong.....but he was trying to do it without selling his truck!!! NOT HAPPENING!!!! soooo....if anyone is in the market for F250....give ma a buzz.

I have come to a decision. Most people make their New Years Resolutions on Jan 1st.....well......I guess I am a little slow. Most people choose to get in shape {which I swear I am going to do}, me.....I am going to SSSSSLLLLLOOOOOWWWWW down. Life seems to be swimming by at an alarming rate and I am not ready. I want to slow down, make more time to smell the roses.

My first step ......well...to post here. Second....tidy up my house today so that I have free time with the family tomorrow and Sunday. Third.....go on a date with my hubby tonight.

So ~ while life can toss you a curve ball....hold your head high, give a little giggle and press on.

"Where's the Beef?

2009-10-21T13:05:00.003-04:00

Well...I have made it to 100! My ONE hundredth post that is. And for reaching this mile stone ~ I am feeling a little nostalgic....take a walk down memory lane to the 80's. I LOVED the 80's and last weeka friend and I got to reminiscing about old times. For any of you from that time....do you remember:

1. You've ever ended a sentence with the word "PSYCHE".

2. You watched the Pound Puppies. {had to have one}

3. You can sing the rap to the "Fresh Prince of Belair " ...and can do the "Carlton".

4. Girls wore biker shorts under their skirts and felt stylishly sexy.

5. You yearned to be a member of the Baby-sitters club and tried to start a club of your own.

6. You owned those lil' Strawberry Shortcake pals scented dolls. {erasers were the best}

7. You know that "WOAH " comes from Joey on Blossom.

8. Two words: Hammer Pants.

9. If you ever watched "Fraggle Rock ".

10. You had plastic streamers on your handle bars... and "spokey-dokes" or playing cards on your spokes for that incredible sound effect.

11. You can sing the entire theme song to "Duck Tales". (Woo ooh!)

12. When it was actually worth getting up early on a Saturday to watch cartoons. {SO TRUE}

13. You wore a ponytail on the side of your head. {GUILTY}

14. You saw the original "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles " on the big screen... and still know the turtles names.

15. You got super-excited when it was Oregon Trail day in computer class at school.

16. You made your mom buy one of those clips that would hold your shirt in a knot on the side.

17. You played the game "MASH ". (Mansion, Apartment, Shelter, House) {still waiting on my Mansion}

18. You wore stonewashed Jordache jean jackets and were proud of it. TOTALLY}

19. L.A. Gear... need I say more.

20. You wanted to change your name to "JEM " in Kindergarten. (She's truly outrageous)

21. You remember reading "Tales of a fourth grade nothing " and all the Ramona books. {Ramona was the BOMB}

22. You know the profound meaning of "WAX ON, WAX OFF". {saw them ALL}

23. You wanted to be a Goonie.

24. You ever wore fluorescent clothing. (some of us... head-to-toe) {what....so we glowed in the dark}

25. You can remember what Michael Jackson looked like before his nose fell off and his cheeks shifted.

26. You have ever pondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf. {nope never really thought of it....and actually - she isn't}

27. You took lunch boxes to school... and traded Garbage Pail Kids in the schoolyard. {so did this}

28. You remember the CRAZE, then the BANNING of slap bracelets. {YUP}

29. You still get the urge to say "NOT " after every sentence.

30. You remember Hypercolor t-shirts.

31. Barbie and the Rockers was your favorite band.

32. You thought She-ra (Princess of Power!) and He-Man should hookup.

33. You thought your childhood friends would never leave because you exchanged handmade friendship bracelets.

34. You ever owned a pair of Jelly-Shoes. (and like ..24, probably in neon colors, too) {AND THEY ARE BACK!!!!!}

35. After you saw Pee-Wee's Big Adventure you kept saying "I know you are, but what am I?"

36. You remember "I've fallen and I can't get up" {what about "where is the beef"}

37. You remember going to the skating rink before there were inline skates. {I remember the FIRST rink in our town}

38. You ever got seriously injured on a Slip and Slide.

39. You have ever played with a Skip-It. {mine was a lemon}

40. You had or attended a birthday party at McDonalds.

41. You've gone through this nodding your head in agreement.

42. You remember Popples.

43. "Don't worry, be happy"

44. You wore like, EIGHT pairs of socks over tights with high top Reeboks.

45. You wore socks scrunched down (and sometimes still do...getting yelled at by "younger hip" members of the family)

46. "Miss MARY MACK MACK MACK, all dressed in BLACK BLACK BLACK " {I like the elephant}

47. You remember boom boxes. and walking around with one on your shoulder like you were all that. {the bigger the better}

48. You remember watching both "Gremlins" movies.

49. You know what it meant to say "Care Bear Stare!"

50. You remember watching "Rainbow Bright" and "My Little Pony Tales "

51. You thought Doogie Howser/Samantha Micelli was hot.

52. You remember Alf, the lil furry brown alien from Melmac.

53. You remember New Kids on the Block when they were cool... and don't even flinch when people refer to them as "NKOTB".

54. You knew all the characters names and their life stories on "Saved By the Bell ", the ORIGINAL class.

55. You know all the words to Bon Jovi - SHOT THROUGH THE HEART.

56. You just sang those words to yourself.

57.You remember watching Magic vs. Bird.

58. Homemade Levi shorts. (the shorter the better)

59. You remember when mullets were cool!

60. You had a mullet! {nope...but I had the flip bangs}

61. You still sing "We are the World" {and what about the Coke commercial}

62. You tight rolled your jeans.

63. You owned a bannana clip. {fashion baby}

64. You remember "Where's the Beef?" {YEAH ~ WOO HOO...what happened to that lil ole lady}

65. You used to (and probably still do) say "What you talkin' about Willis?"

66. You had big hair and you knew how to use it. {Aquanet}

67. You're still singing shot through the heart in your head,aren't you! {YUP}

ENJOY

It has been HOW long???

2009-10-13T11:42:00.005-04:00

It was your typical girl meets boy at a country dance club. Back in September of 1992, my friend Jennifer dragged me out of my dorm room for a girls night out to the Longbranch which has recently closed its doors. Well.....needless to say, I met a guy. I began going to the Longbranch at least 2 nights a week.....hey ~ I wanted to DANCE!!!!! But it was nice to "run" into our group of friends. We kept "running" into each other for about a month. Then on Tuesday, 10/10/92 I went there looking for Keith and Keith came looking for me. We exchanged numbers. We talked on the phone for 2 hours the next evening and by Friday {10/13/92} on our FIRST date ~ THE STATE FAIR!!!!

It is now 10/13/09 ~ and we are happily married !!! It has been 17 years that we have been together...and I would NOT trade a day away!!!

I love you Keith ~ now and forever!!!

Funnel Cake or Fried Snickers?

2009-10-13T11:34:00.005-04:00

It is that time of year again. Fall is in the air {for now at least!!!}. Every year in October, the State Fair arrives with all its trucks and equipment for a FUN FILLED WEEK!!! Not to mention some AWESOME food {which I can not partake in b/c of my fructose malabsorption crap!!!} which any of it will automatically add 20lbs by simply looking at it!!!

I can not tell you over the past 38 years how many times I have gone....but it is probably up to at least 20 something! I know I have not missed on since 1990 and actually had my first date with my husband on Oct 13th, 1992 ~ the day the fair opened that year =)

So you can see that the fair has sentimental value ~ and I plan to have "A Whole Lotta Happy" this year!!!

Oink Oink

2009-10-04T13:08:00.003-04:00

It begins with a stuffy head, a runny nose and a cough that rattles your brain. No fever yet....but you go through a whole box of tissue. A day off school...should have been two.....a few days off from swim practice and you begin to recover ~ except for that darn cough.

I dropped Bailey off at a birthday party ..... cake, lasagna, soda and FUN!!! Walk in to pick her up and I am confronted with a child who went from Happy to SAD within a few hours.

A few Tylenol and off to bed only to have her spike a fever of 101.2 this morning. I pack her in the car and off to the Fastmed we go. In walks the Dr. with mask and gloves to take the "swab". He was back faster than you could say Ahchoo!!! POSITIVE!!! The piggy flu has struck our home.

Back home on the sofa, box of tissue, bottle of water, a tsp of cough syrup, a dose of tami-flu and the TV remote....should help for a speedy recovery. According to Bailey...this will so not help her social life ~ having to hold up in the house for a few days!!!

So wish us luck and many prayers that Keith and I stay piggy free. {I am on tami-flu}

Oink Oink

Her memory lives on....

2009-09-29T07:12:00.004-04:00

On October 7th, it will be a year since my momma passed. I am doing better...I don't seem to be crying all the time....but my heart strings still tug at all the memories. I was able to get my families photo albums from my father {took a lot of patience} and it is WONDERFUL!!! I now find myself sitting here reliving so many great moments with my momma.

I have thought of getting a tattoo long before my momma passed. I knew that whatever I was going to get would be with me forever, so I was taking my time in choosing the design....also, I admit...I was chicken!!! I also have been wanting to get my nosed pierced....yup - call me CRAZY!!!

So......what changed??? Bailey and I met my friend Jen at the mall on Saturday for a girls day. Over lunch, she asked if I wanted to go with her the next day...she was going to get a new tat. I figured that I may not be ready for my tat...but I would get my nose done.

Sunday - Jen and I head off to Warlock's to meet Mark. Jen new what she wanted...I was determined to get my nose pierced....but ~ it was not in the cards for me. The piercing person was not there.....so.....where did that leave me? Getting a tattoo. Standing there in the lobby surrounded by TONS of images....what to choose. I figured it was time....time to get my guardian angel. I asked if they had cancer ribbons....they were all pink, purple, multi color....but I new mine would be pearly. {lung cancer} I found the image above and new.....this was the one. I had it placed on the inside of my left wrist so that I can look at it every day, place it close to my heart and kiss it....knowing that my momma is always with me. It hurt like HELL...I can not lie...but I am so happy that I got it. no regrets!!!

So....what about the nose piercing...that will have to wait until another day.

Choo Choo.....chugga chugga ...Choo Choo

2009-09-22T09:46:00.004-04:00

Anyone up for a game of Mexican Train game??? It was sevearl years ago while at a Thanksgiving retreat that I was introduced to this game....and may I say that it is totally addicting!!!!! Last Friday evening we had a "girls" night and played. AWESOME!!!! I met new friends, gabbed with my old friends and played a fun game of dominos. I am so ready for nest month :)

Heartache

2009-09-16T13:44:00.003-04:00

Would you give up your relationship with your spouse and child just to have a relationship with your parents? {more so just one of your parents} Is having the biggest house and all the newest toys what is most important and truly needed to make one happy? Supposedly to my father you do.

My father does not know how to "love" unconditionally. Over the years, I have learned that my father is the type that likes to keep up with the "Jones". Because it is name brand or cost a lot "MUST" make it better than the rest. My momma on the other hand, loved unconditionally. She welcomed my hubby right into her family, unlike my father. During my momma's illness, I learned that my hubby was not welcome into my father's life. I have struggled with my feelings and wanting a relationship for my daughter with her grandfather. But I do not believe in sacrificing my family just so I can have a relationship with my father. My husband does not beat me, does not belittle me, provides a home for us and does what he loves ~ runs 2 companies and is a volunteer fire fighter} We may not live in a huge home {yes...it is a doublewide}, our cars are paid for, my daughter is in private school, my daughter swims year round, we have a Wii, ipods, cameras, do not mind shopping at consignment shops and vacation at the beach every year. Ask my daughter and she would tell you that she is happy. I work part-time so that I can be there to pick my daughter up every day....yet my father is embarrassed of me and feels that I am not providing for my daughter. My daughter is caring and compassionate and loves to give to others. To me, this is providing!

I grew up in an affluent family and lived in a 4000 square foot home.....and honestly don't care. That is just stuff...FAMILY is what is important to me and if you feel you need to judge me on "WHAT" I have or do not have, then I actually feel sorry for you. I have finally come to the conclusion that I will NEVER have a relationship with my father.....because my husband and daughter mean the world to me!

When you look at your life, the greatest happiness's are family happiness's. ~Joyce Brothers

ps. can you tell which pair of jeans actually cost over $800?

You found WHAT ......Where???

2009-09-15T08:22:00.003-04:00

Last week was 9/11. I did not know anyone personally that was lost that day, but my husband is a fire fighter and I am so proud of all the people that serve this country. I was listening to a local radio station yesterday morning and what I heard was alarming ~ but not so very surprising. A woman had called in. She was traveling by plane from the RDU to I believe somewhere on the west coast and even had to change planes. She had a laptop {her sons} that was her carry-on ~ here at RDU she pulled the laptop out from the bag and placed both on the conveyor belt at the security stop. Everything looked good and she boarded her plane. Her trip was great. As she prepared to pack up to head home, she began to pack up the laptop. She opened one of the side compartments on the laptop bag and found a SIX inch pocket knife!!!! This bag had not left her side during her whole vacation....which means that it was there when she went through security in RDU...and their X-Ray machine did NOT pick up on it. THIS FREAKS ME OUT!!!! If this got through....what else is getting through???? I truly do not believe that after 8 years, we are any better protected from an attack. Next time I fly, I will most definitely be praying the WHOLE flight.....

Happy Birthday

2009-08-26T10:41:00.003-04:00

Today is a WONDERFUL day {yes...each day is wonderful if we are aloud to see the sun rise!!} but today would have been my momma's 72nd Birthday. A lot of you know that I lost my momma to lung cancer last October ......but I know she is forever watching over me and my family. I want to wish her a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! I love you momma and miss you....

Photo: picture taken at dinner on my momma's 70th Birthday...the last one we were all able to celebrate {she was too ill last August to know anything}

Can you kick the Addiction?

2009-08-17T10:42:00.001-04:00

I sent my baby off to middle school today {7th grade} and yes it is a Christian school, I know that she will not be shielded from all that scary stuff out there. What we did for fun back in the day is NO WHERE near what children do now. I am watching The Doctors this morning and they are dealing with teens and drugs and alcohol. It is becoming CRAZY out there and many teens are going to end up DEAD!!!!

I have dealt with many alcoholics in my life, my grandfather, my uncle, my father, my brother-in-law and friends. I have also seen what drugs can do to a person first hand..... What is hardest is that most of my family is in denial of their alcohol problems. The fact that someone has to have a glass {or 2} every day ....that is an alcoholic....you do not have to become "drunk" to be classified as an alcoholic.

What else is heartbreaking is when your family does not support those that are trying to help themselves. Once someone has admitted to having a problem and even makes the effort to get treatment, they have to make the biggest change by re-organizing their life. They have to find new friends and do things that help them to support themselves to stay "clean".... even if that means going to a meeting EVERYDAY!!! I have heard of someone who ended up back in treatment AFTER 22 YEARS clean!!! Addiction is a disease ..... and tempatations are always out there....but your family should be the BIGGEST supporters and REMOVE ALL temptations. . . . that means NO alcohol in the house!!!

I guess this show has hit me pretty strongly. I never have tried any drugs except alcohol thankfully, but I know that now a days, kids are trying more and more things. I often wonder where they come up with some of these ideas {who would have thought of putting vodka over dry ice and inhaling it????} I know my daughter is getting closer to her teen years and closer to becoming MORE independent and full of secrets. I just hope she can look back at her family and see what can happen when alcohol and drugs become the most important thing in your life. I think this is one of the greatest fears of a parent, along with your child becoming sexually active {thankfully we are not anywehere near that one!!!!} I can only talk with Bailey and be honest and open and PRAY everyday!!!

Even though my grandfather is no longer with us, my uncle and father are and I hope that one day they wake up and see what is happening to themselves before it is too late. I am very proud of my brother - in- law and I am proud to say that he is doing very well!!! We are supporting him in every way possible and he is CLEAN!!!!

Please....talk with your children and be open as much as possilbe.

Where did my lil girl go?

2009-08-17T09:34:00.003-04:00

Today .... my baby stepped out of the car and began her 7th grade year. So many feelings for me....not sure what is going on in Bailey's mind other than "uuuuggghhh....6:30 is WAY to early!!! Where did my summer go?" I should be a "pro" at sending of my child to school ... I have been doing this since she was 4 ~ but I still want to grab her and not let go.

Rewind to 2001.....you were age 4 and getting ready to go off to K4 at Faith Lutheran. Cute bob, new uniform and a HUGE smile ~ you didn't even look back as I dropped you off in front of the school. That was one of the hardest days to go through.....watching my baby take her next step to growing up. Now it is 2009 .... and it still is hard to see you step out of the car and go off to your first day of SEVENTH grade!!! You now have contacts, a cute new haircut, a great new outfit and you are now OVER 5 feet tall!!!! AAAAHHHHHHH.....where did my little girl go????? I am so not ready for these TWEEN years. Not ready to see you "blossom"!!! Can I totally lock you in the closet until you are 30????

I hope today is GREAT for Bailey! I am still trying to figure out what to do with myself since I have lost my playmate. As it will take Bailey a few weeks to get back into the swing of school....I will have to get back into my life .... my house may actually get cleaned now!!!!

Happy First Day of School my sweet.....YOU ROCK!!!

Oh to have a pony!!!

2009-07-21T11:39:00.004-04:00

The annual Chingoteague Pony swim is coming up. This year it is on Wednesday, July 29th. I remember when I was younger reading Misty of Chincoteague - and forever wishing I too had a pony. My parents took me to the pony round-up one year......and what I can remember most was not the hot sun and bugs....but watching those heads bob up and down as the ponies swam toward the island. The foals would struggle to keep up with their mothers. I would love to take my daughter to see this event that has been going on since 1925 - but I think she might enjoy it more if we went in the off season and toured the island .....so we can see these creatures at their best.

I think it would be awesome to be a wild pony....free to run the beach!!!

photo credit: laura travels, tviolette

Have you Hooked lately?

2009-07-15T20:05:00.002-04:00

My momma was one that thought you should always learn to sew, knit, crochet and latch hook. Growing up I made so many latch work rugs.....I am surprised they did not cover the house. Sewing came fairly easy .... my momma was always sewing and I had a class in 8th grade. For my college graduation - my momma gave me my very own machine!!!
But ~ it was not until after I had my daughter that I took up knitting. Not sure why it took this long....I know that I had learned when I was younger...but it took a while to catch on. My daughter is a year round swimmer ~ therefore, many hours are spent sitting at a pool. Several of us moms decided knitting would be a good thing to try and many a scarf came out of our group.....never could make it to the next level ~ a hat! Of course the kids had to get into it and so we have MANY half done scarves or "doll" scarves.
Next came the latch hook kits from grandma. My momma thought it would be something fun for Bailey to work on in her free time. Bailey was about 5 or 6 years old......and she loved "hooking" as she called it. After we peeled ourselves off the floor from laughing, we told her NOT to refer to it as "hooking" outside the house.....she might get a few looks. Nothing like a 6 year saying she has been "hooking" ~ yup - I started her young :)
Now - we have decided to take up crocheting. My momma made Bailey a lovely pink blanket and she made herself a KING size comforter!!! So as a tribute to my momma, I thought it would be fun to take it up again. We bought the beginner book, a pack of needles and found my stash of yarn from my momma......and our journey has begun. We are off and running hoping to make a blanket.....ok...maybe a pot holder. But just like her "hooking" ....we are not crocheting....we are crotch-et-ing. Not sure where her mind is...remember, she is only 11 ....but I think we are in trouble. She is the only person I know that can take sewing and creating and turn it into a sexual reference. So for the time being....Bailey and I will be crotcheting and hooking our creations away.

sucking air through a straw

2009-06-25T10:56:00.003-04:00

I think I have finally figured out what is going on with ME. For the last couple of months I have just not "felt" like myself....a little off. I go through the motions of each day, but can't seem to get motivated fully. I now know what is happening....I am swimming under water trying to "suck air through the straw of life" You know when you look up toward the sky under water and everything is distorted....and looks distant....well...that is how I feel. I want to climb back to the top and grab hold of life.

Part may be that after losing my momma and having my father disown me...kinda left me floundering for "who" I am. I have a GREAT & AWESOME hubby and daughter...and my in laws are the BOMB! but, {yup - the illustrious "BUT"} I seem to be at a loss for "WHO" I am. Over the past several years I have been in therapy and been able to look back and study my childhood. I am not a fan of "blame the parents" .....but your parents are who shape and mold you and are supposed to "guide" you. Please do not get me wrong...I do NOT blame my parents for who I am today.....every experience I have gone through has brought me to "who" I am today.

A little history - my mother and father were of the era that the wife was "devoted" to the husband. He said breathe and she did. He gave her an allowance - because he did not want her to work. They held their monthly bridge parties, and she was the glamorous host at his business get togethers. Times have definitely changed!!! But about 16 years ago, my mother LEFT my father because she was tired of that life and wanted to become her own person. Have her own life and do what she wanted when she wanted.....plus - she was tired of dealing with his bouts of depression {he did not get dressed for a whole year}

Coming up - I honestly can say I was a good kid. I never have tried drugs, I never snuck out or broke curfew. - now that is not to say that I did not drink, mess around and play pranks. My father had me studying ALL year, attending the best prep school all in the hopes to attend DUKE ~ HIS undergrad school. {as well as my mommas} Since birth it was drilled in me that I would go to Duke. Every ball I kicked, every day I volunteered at the hospital, every book I read was all for DUKE. Guess what....I went to NCSU!!!! go Wolfpack!!!! {could not get into DUKE}

I do not regret the life I have lived, but I do wish that I could have been allowed to follow my dreams. I loved to dance and did so for 14 years, but that was not something that I could pursue. I played soccer with reckless abandonment as well as fast pitch softball. I even was on a year round swim team for a while. I guess you can say I am VERY VERY competitive. I have always wanted to live at the beach, live a summer in Europe, and get in a car and just "GO". But...I has a "PLAN" - my father's plan. DUKE. {a little in site into my father....what he says goes, he gives advice, but if you do not listen to it and use it, you are WRONG}

I am now 38 and trying to figure out what I want to do. I am happily married {I married who I wanted to} and have a beautiful daughter. Yes I have many dreams, and one day they may happen. But I have a new outlook on life - I am not letting anyone dictate my life {except GOD} - squish my dreams and tell me that I am worthless. I even want to take more classes so that I can attempt a new career. GO ME.

So, now you can see how I can be in this "funk" I am trying to come up for air, and my hubby keeps reminding me that I am a GOOD and caring person. I guess it is time to visit my therapist again....register for classes next fall and begin the slow assent to the top of the "pool". I will find myself one day.......but until then, I am slowly "sucking air through a straw"

TIME Flies...wish I could

2009-06-23T09:15:00.004-04:00

WOW - it has been FOREVER since my last blog!!! Sorry....I know that you all were sitting on the edge of your seats waiting!!! So much has seemed to pack itself into the last 2 weeks. Where to begin....giving the short version:

1. Second CAT scan came back inconclusive about the "growth" on my liver. They "THINK" it is nothing....but can not SAY for sure. soooooo.....what to do??? HELLO!!!! BIOPSY - DUH

2. 3 days later - laid out on the CAT scan table having a biopsy of the liver.....thinking that "I am too young for this" {said the same thing about the colonoscopy!!!} {June 8th}

3. TEST results - hemangioma - YEAH!!!!!! {still not happy to have it though}

4. My momma's estate lawyer gives me good news that I may actually get some of my momma's items from my father - seems we struck a deal - YEAH!!!!! {this was about JUNE 10th}

5. Leave for the BEACH!!!! - this is a GREAT thing!!!!

6. JUNE 17th - get email from the lawyer that my father basically is NOT going to cooperate and refuses to share ANYTHING!!! and even wants me to hand over anything that was my momma's {ie. the furniture} - TOTALLY NOT what he and the lawyer talked about....and to boot - he has taken me out of his will and will take his grand-daughter out too if I dont "get my shit together" {this is coming from a man who has spoken to his grand-daughter about 4 times since OCTOBER 2008} So basically I have NO access to any pictures or anything that may be related to my mother. He is trying to cut me out totally.

7. Based on all the "fun" stuff going on with my father {and I use the term loosely} you can assume that I DID NOT contact him for Father's Day {I didn't last year either - when my momma was alive}

SO...you can see there have been ups and downs. The Beach vacation was much needed and a welcome adventure. We go every year and meet up with friends ...... so relaxing!!! I will update with pics hopefully by tomorrow. Getting back into the swing of things is SLOW!!! Please bear with me.....

picture credit: ang brinker

Paitently Waiting....atleast trying!!

2009-06-08T21:16:00.000-04:00

Anytime I look up and see a full moon....I am in awe!!! I love viewing that HUGE orb ~ especially while we are at the beach. Well.....we leave for the beach this coming Sunday - so I know that we will NOT have a full moon this year......We are having it right now - and it is GORGEOUS!!!!

I am kinda in a cloud with life going on around and around. Today I had a liver biopsy and I am trying to be paitent about the results. I reach age 38.....and it seems my body has decided to go to Hell !!!! So....my posts have been and probably will continue to be sporadic. I am trying to get some organization ~ but it is not high priority at the moment. I do come on and LOVE reading everyone's blogs....they do keep my spirits up.

picture credit: blondierox4u

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

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Thankful Thursday - growing up

2009-06-04T10:48:00.002-04:00

Today {and everyday} I am THANKFUL to God for giving me a daughter!!!! Today marks the end {*tear* tear*} of her 6th grade year.....and the beginning of a new adventure in 7th grade. I can not believe that we have 1 year of middle school under out belt. We are in the onset of puberty and I can tell I am NOT going to have a FUN ride!!!!! Girls really should come with a manual!!! I know I was a tween once....but that was soooooo LONG ago :)

A daughter is the happy memories of the past, the joyful moments of the present, and the hope and promise of the future. -- Author Unknown

What I wanted most for my daughter is that she be able to soar confidently in her own sky, whatever that may be.-- Helen Claes

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 ~ "Squirt"

2009-06-03T19:28:00.002-04:00

Meet our newest family member ~ Squirt {not sure of the sex} ~ a Painted Turtle. I found it outside Bailey's school while she was swimming. Now "Squirt" is happily sun bathing on a log in Bailey's bedroom.

for more Wordless Wednesday ~ head on over to 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!!!

Tasty Tuseday

2009-06-02T08:41:00.004-04:00

Not sure how many of you out there know - but I am Fructose Intolerent {my poor body can not metabolize certain sugars} Woo Hoo for me....because Fructose is in A LOT OF food that I LOVE!!!!!!!! It takes "reading labels" to a whole new level!!!! Thankfully my daughter is game and actually is my helper.

So ..... I will be featuring FRUCTOSE FREE recipies on Tuesdays. If you have any that you would like to share - please SEND THEM ON!!!!!!

Today's pick is:

Monterey Shepherd’s Pie

From the recipe collection of Doris Yield: six servings

6 medium potatoes

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1 cup Cheddar cheese

1 egg, slightly beaten

1 pound lean ground beef

1/3 cup celery, finely chopped

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1 cup beef broth

2 Tbsp. cornstarch

Preheat oven to 3500 F. Peel and quarter potatoes, then simmer in water for 20 minutes or until tender. Drain and mash until fluffy. Add beaten egg and cheeses until combined; set aside. Brown ground beef; remove from pan to colander to drain excess fat. Sauté celery until tender; add seasonings. In separate bowl gradually mix cornstarch into beef broth until well blended; add to vegetable mixture, stirring constantly over medium heat until thickened. Add cooked beef. Stir tocombine. Place meat and vegetable mixture in bottom of a 10-inch pie pan. Spread potato and cheese combination on top of meat mixture. Bake at 3500 F for 30 minutes until light golden brown.

For more information and to see what type of restrictions that face us Fructose Intolerent people ~ check out this site: Fructose Restricted Diet Basics.

photo credit: varf

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

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Thankful Thursday

2009-05-28T08:12:00.003-04:00

Laughter -makes the world go round!

Have a little laugh at life and look around you for happiness instead of sadness. Laughter has always brought me out of unhappy situations. Even in your darkest moment, you usually can find something to laugh about if you try hard enough.-- Red Skelton

The best thing in the whole world is to hear a child laugh....it seems to come from their toes. I could be having a horrible day ~ but to hear my daughter laugh makes my DAY!!! I am so THANKFUL for the laughter they give.

photo credit: valco

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

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Firsts ~ so NOT ready!

2009-05-26T09:19:00.011-04:00

I will not forget the day Bailey decided that diapers where DONE!!! She would take a stack of books and enter "her" domain and not come out for like 1/2 hour! We were so excited that we had reached this mile stone.....becoming a "Big Girl"

Or how about the day that your daddy let go of the back or your bike and you peddled off on "Your Own" ~ not needing the support of extra wheels or a daddy's hand.

When you went off to school for the first time ~ not even turning your head as you ran off to join the other children......My heart cried out because I knew this was only the beginning ~ each year would bring her closer to "Growing Up"

There have been MANY mile stones over the years ~ but you have reached one that I am SO NOT READY FOR!!!! I knew it was coming, but I am in denial. You have threatened me ~ NOT to speak about your "boobies". I even have to pay you $10 each time I may have mentioned the "word". Last Friday you made the decision ~ it was "TIME"....we had to venture into unkown territory ~ in search of that "First Bra" {there I said it!!!}

My lil angel who will be 12 this August....is wearing her "FIRST" bra today to school. Wonder if the boys will notice??? {hope not!!!} Does she feel different??? Am I ready for the next step ~ you know ~ puberty {I am definitely NOT ready for that step} I think I can deal with the zits and attitude....but explaining ~ you know ~ THAT.....thank the Lord that American Girl has a book all about "your body".

So I sit here in shock today.....knowing that my sweet lil baby is making another step toward becoming a young lady. HELP!!!!!

photo credit: thejbird, rskoon, lcso72, rob2bobbie64

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

Thank you for stopping by!!!

What to do with my Elephant now....

2009-05-20T21:49:00.002-04:00

I was watching Arsenio Hall's show "funniest moments" and they had a segment about Dumb Laws. I wondered what was still out there for NC....so I did some googling and here are few that I found: {check out other states...pretty funny ~ Dumb laws}

The mere possession of a lottery ticket is illegal in North Carolina and may result in a $2,000 fine. {ok....so I guess that since we now have the lottery..this gets kinda tricky!!}

In north Carolina it is illegal to hunt on Sunday without a dog.

Elephants are not allowed to plow cotton fields {ok...I guess I will have to put my elephant out to pasture since I am not allowed to work him}

Singing off-key in the state can get you busted. {damn...will ya'll come visit me in jail?}

Topsail Beach ordinance that says hurricanes would not be permitted within the town limits {yeah right!!!}

A Charlotte ordinance requires women to cover their bodies with at least 16 yards of cloth at all times. {don't see that happening!!!}

Two people who check into a hotel room, pretending to be married, may not raise any eyebrows today, but it is still against the law, It is also a misdemeanor for two unmarried people to co-habitate. {guess you will have to arrest A LOT of people!!!}

While having sex, you must stay in the missionary position and have the shades pulled. {go ahead...tell on me...I dare you}

A marriage can be declared void if either of the two persons is physically impotent {ok....so does that mean if I say I cant orgasm...then I am impotent??? }

Chapel Hill, people can not ride their horse on the town's sidewalks

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 Crack~Up"

2009-05-19T13:25:00.004-04:00

"Of course all life is a process of breaking down, but the blows that do the dramatic side of the work - the big sudden blows that come, or seem to come, from outside - the ones you remember and blame things on and, in moments of weakness, tell your friends about, don't show their effect all at once. There is another sort of blow that comes from within - that you don't feel until it's too late to do anything about it, until you realize with finality that in some regard you will never be as good a man again. The first sort of breakage seems to happen quick - the second kind happens almost without your knowing it but is realized suddenly indeed. Before I go on with this short history, let me make a general observation - the test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function. One should, for example, be able to see that things are hopeless and yet be determined to make them otherwise."

-F. Scott Fitzgerald, essay: "The Crack-Up", February, 1936

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: 29'er Meme

2009-05-17T19:24:00.002-04:00

1. What bill do you hate paying the most? Really ALL of them!!! but if I have to pick one ~ it would have to be my cable bill..highway robbery

2. Where was the last place you had a romantic dinner? hhmm...that would be Kanki

3. How many colleges did you attend? ONE...good ole NCSU

4. Why did you choose the shirt that you have on right now? It is my Team Parent shirt ~ Bailey had a swim meet today...GO WAVE!!!

5. First thought when the alarm went off this morning? 5:45 is way too early ...and we were not even going to church...but a SWIM MEET

6. Last thought before going to sleep last night? That I wish I could sleep in

7. What do you miss being a child? Not really having any responsibilities....and really no worries

8. What errand/chore do you despise? LAUNDRY

9. Have you found real love yet? totally....I am married to my best friend...the love of my life

10. What do you get every time you go into Wal-Mart? usally a book or some clothes

11. Do you think marriage is an outdated ritual? heck NO!!! it is a sacred institution ..but I think that some people can make it more about "things"... and less about LOVE and a union of two families.

12. What famous person would you like to have dinner with? Reba...she is so facinating

13. Ever had to use a fire extinguisher for its intended purpose? nope..that is why I married a firefighter....he can do it for me

14. Somewhere in California you've never been and would like to go? I have friends that are from Carmel...I hear it is beautiful

15. At this point in your life would you rather start a new career or a new relationship? heck - a NEW career..bring it on!!!

16. Do you have a “go to” person? Usually my mother-in-law....or my friends Cliston or Michelle

17. Are you where you want to be in life? Life is an ever evolving thing. I have many things that I would like to accomplish....I am very happy with where I am at.....each day is an adventure...

18. Over the years, what about you do you think has changed the most? That I look at life totally different. I am living life for me and my family.....and that no matter how much I try...my father will never be happy with who I am

19. Looking back at high school were they the best years of your life? uuuhh...not really

20. Are there times you still feel like a kid? pretty much all the time...except when my joints pop

21. Where was the hang out spot when you were a teenager? that would be the Farm Shop..

22. Who do you think impacted your life the most? Honestly...my momma

23. Was there a teacher or authority figure that stood out for you? no ...not really

24. Do you tell stories that start with “when I was your age”? All the time..Bailey is sick of hearing them

25. What is the scariest thing that has happened to you as an adult? having my daughter...Heck ~ it scared me to death to think I was responsible for another human body....but I would not trade this experience for ANYTHING

26. What advice would you give to someone about to get married? Listen, Communicate, be HONEST and do not try to change them.

27. What advice would you give someone starting their first job? pay attention and relax...you will be fine. Learn as much as you can...one day you will be the BOSS!!!

28. If you could go back and change one thing you did, what would it be? that I should have gone to Europe and played soccer for the USA...had the chance and like a dodo brain...passed!!!

29. If you could go back and change one thing someone else did, what would it be? I would love to see my father accept me for ME...actually spend time with me and my family and really get to know me.

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

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Remember when?

2009-05-14T21:04:00.000-04:00

Looking at this picture brings tears to my eyes. It looks just how my mother pictured it would look. This picture is of my childhood home. However, it looks TEN TIMES BETTER!!!!

My father sold this home about 3 years ago - my parents had purchased it in 1972. I cried to see it pass on to another owner...but my father COULD not keep it up. He could not afford to put it back to its GLORIOUS state. It most deff did not look like this 3 years ago.....similar...but minus a garage and a covered front stoop. I hope to do a walk through next week...pics to follow!!!

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

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Anyone for a Drink?

2009-05-13T09:26:00.006-04:00

Can anyone please explain why fast food restaurants have the need to fill my home with all these plastic toys???!!! Yes ~ some are cute....but MOST have NO use what so EVER and end up in my bathtub, or all over my car.

Remember the good ole days??? A new movie or show would come out and the fast food chains would create GLASS SETS!!! I remember telling my mom that I HAD to eat a hamburger EVERY day because I HAD to get ALL the McDonald's Star Wars glasses...or head over to Hardees and get the SMURFS!!!

They ARE cool....you can USE them on and on and on!!! {unlike those cute lil toys you get now} I would LOVE to head to McDonald's and see Charlie Brown staring back at me.

Or the Muppets!!! These are all classic movies and shows.

So I am off to DIG through my cabinets and attic or rummage through the flea market and see if I can salvage just ONE glass.... THEY ARE AWESOME!!!

{photo credits: powerbooktrance, jasonliebig

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

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Ya can't say NO

2009-05-11T14:26:00.006-04:00

Mary Ruth over at "Momma Ruth Says..." has some new puppies and I LOVE puppies. During my childhood, my parents used to raise afghan hounds. When I was born, my parents had about 15 dogs in our home {that included 1 litter of puppies} ~ so try picturing a new mommy caring for her newborn as well as tending to a litter of puppies in a house of about 1200 sq ft....with ALL dogs living INSIDE!!! {can't have SHOW dogs living outside!!}

But seeing momma ruth's page made me really think that seeing a puppy can brighten up the blahest of days!!! How can you not SMILE at their sweet faces....those BIG eyes!!!

Just wanted to SHARE some "SMILES" ~ Have a beautiful week!!!

photo credits: ladyoz, scott kinmartin, believer9, hella.vella, love and luck

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

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T13:19:00.000-04:00

Momma, I miss you very much! You are and always are in my heart!!! To my daughter ~ you are a true blessing in my life!

Happy Mother's Day 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!!!

The 2 for 1 Meme ~ Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-09T21:23:00.003-04:00

1. What is on the walls of your room? wallpaper...we have not gotten around to decorating b/c I plan on redoing the room...

2. What type of music do you listen to? all kinds...I love dance, pop, country

3. What do you want more than anything right now? to talk with my mother

4. Do you get scared in the dark? depends...sometimes it is peaceful...but if I hear "Bumps" in the night...yeah maybe

5. What's you worst fear? death

6. If you could anything right now, what would it be? pay all the debt for my hubby's companies

7. What’s the most meaningful gift that you’ve received? the last 2 years of my momma's life were a TRUE gift!!! the time we shared together

8. Do you have a crush? yeah - sshhh...don't tell my hubby :)

9. Who is your favorite celebrity? hhmm....Johnny Depp

10. Could you fall in love with someone that you know must leave? love happens and knows now boundries

11. Share a favorite quote of yours. Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at the time. ~Oswald Chambers

12. What’s your weakness? I am soooo impatient

13. Do you believe that we all have a soul mate? I believe that there is someone out there for everyone.

14. What were you doing before Sunday Stealing? creating a card for my mother in law.

15. What do you get complicated about the most? that would be family...life with them can be soooo complicated sometimes

16. What turns you off the most from a potential partner? body odor

17. What is you worst habit? being LOUD

18. When was the last time that you were jealous? been awhile

19. Have you ever had a “friend with benefits”? yeah - haven't we all???

20. Do you use sarcasm? sometimes...

21. At the moment, what’s you favorite song? don't have 1 in particular...like a lot of songs

22. What is you favorite day of the year? EVERYDAY!!! that the Lord blesses me with another sunrise

23. Describe your love life. I am married to the sweetest man in the world...he is my hero and my shinning knight

24. When was your last one night stand? goodness me...well over 20 years!!!

25. How many past lovers are too many? when you begin to forget how many b/c the list is so long

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

Thank you for stopping by!!!

oohhh....strawberries GALORE

2009-05-09T15:43:00.008-04:00

Today was the BESTEST day....sunny, warm and perfect for picking strawberries! {one of the fruits I CAN EAT - has the lower amount of fructose} Me, Bailey and her friend went off on a mission.....lots and lots of berries. I wanted to create a strawberry pie, and the girls were all for strawberry/banana smoothies, chocolate dipped strawberries and a chocolate/strawberry cake. Boy was I in for a FUN afternoon!

I called my mother-in-law and got her recipe for her strawberry pie. {she has made 11 of them in 2 days} It is TOTALLY easy.

1 1/2 cup water

1 1/2 cup sugar

3 tbsp corn starch

mix ingrediants over heat until thick

mix in 1 Large box of strawberry jello~make sure everything dissolves

use either graham cracker crust or frozen crust ~ fill pie crust with cut strawberries

let sugar mixture cool a little ~ poor over strawberries and place in fridge

will make 2 pies

The girls had a BLAST mixing the cake {and especially LICKING the bowl} Once the cake had cooled, I sliced each half ...giving us 4 layers.

The girls decided that the layers would go as follows:
Cake

Icing

Strawberries

The girls had fun {I think more icing made it into their mouth than the cake!!!} here is the finished product: {it lasted about 10 seconds....and then we watched as the layers slowly slid in all directions.} Oh - it may NOT look pretty now....but it is DELICIOUS!!!!

Saturday fun and SMILES ~ the BEST!!!

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

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Pac Man is running loose

2009-05-09T09:34:00.002-04:00

I get "THE" call from my Dr. I have been having gastro issues and last week I had a breath test done {testing to see if I was lactose, fructose or luculose intolerant}

WELL....{drum roll please} Pac Man is running around my colon and NOT in a good way!!! I have a FRUCTOSE intolerance which means that fructose sugar is not being absorbed correctly and causing a build up of BAD bacteria which eats the good bacteria {atleast now I know what is causing me to look bloated and pregnant!!!!}All I can picture is a lil pac man running around my instetines gobbling all the "good" bacteria.

I sit here stunned.....ME....not being able to digest Fructose sugar! Me....who LOVES fruits and veggies GALORE!!!! The Dr. really knows how to make my Mother's Day weekend a good one! Here is the call"

Nurse: "Mrs. Murray? this is Dr. Herschlmens office. we have gotten your breath test results."

Me: "good. Ok. ~ that was quick"

Nurse: "the tests show that you do have a high amount of "bad" bacteria in your intestines. this is due to your intolerance to digesting Fructose sugar. We have prescribed a 7 day course of strong antibiotics to treat the bacteria."

Me: "Ok...so what does that mean over all?"

Nurse: "You will have to begin a diet free of Fructose Sugar"

Me: "Can you give me some suggestions?" {I am in shock and was hoping they had a list of Do's and Don'ts}

Nurse: "you can google fructose intolerance and that should help you with finding a diet"

Me: {in shock still} Ok.....thank you

Nurse: "we will see the first week of June for a follow up. call if you have any questions"

I DO HAVE QUESTIONS and you told me to GOOGLE!!!!! I go to pick up my killer antibiotics and ask the pharmacist if she could help. She basically told me that sugar comes in many forms, but that I was only tested for fructose intolerance. I will need to READ all the labels of my food and stay away from Fructose Sugar {which is in pretty most ANYTHING!!!!}

So here I sit on this sunny Saturday, GOOGLING my future.....wondering how bad my body will get if I eat that ONE cookie or drink that one glass of fruit juice. I am thankful to finally have an answer {we hope} to why I look 5 months pregnant. I am hoping my clothes will fit again!!! I will trust in the Lord that He has a reason for this - even though I still think it is a cruel joke.

So - everyone out there....please have a HIGH FRUCTOSE SUGAR day for me.....while I enjoy my meat and white potatoes and finally {hopefully} get my figure back!!!

{photo credit-waynesutton12}

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

Thank you for stopping by!!!

With me FOREVER

2009-05-08T09:53:00.002-04:00

71 years!!! I hope to reach that milestone. This week, in honor of Mother's day, I want to share my momma. As you know, this will be my first momma's day without my momma. I know she is with me in spirit...but it is still very emotional. I want to reach for the phone and call.

To all you mommas out there ~ Happy Mother's Day!!!!

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

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

Thank you for stopping by!!!

El Shaddai

2009-05-06T18:30:00.004-04:00

Any time I am having a "tough" time....I close my eyes and lift my heart to the Lord.

My sister in law is in need of Prayer.....I lift her up to the LORD!!!

Amy Grant has always been able to give me a sense of peace when my heart is hurting.

El Shaddai, El Shaddai, Elyon no Adonai [God almighty, God almighty, God in the highest, oh LORD)
Age to Age your still the same
By the power of the Name
El Shaddai, El Shaddai, Erkamka na adonai
(God Almighty, God Almighty, I will love you, oh LORD)
We will Praise and Lift you high
El Shaddai

Through Your Love and through the ram
You saved the son of Abraham
And by the power of your hand
Turned the sea into dry land
To the outcast on her knees
You were the God that really sees
And by your might you set your children free

El Shaddai, El Shaddai, El Elyon na Adonai
Age to Age your still the same
By power of the name
El Shaddai, El Shaddai, Erkamka na Adonai
We will praise and lift you high
El Shaddai

Through the years you made it clear
That the time of Christ was near
Through the people failed to see
Whatmessiah ought to be
Though your word contained the plan
They just could not understand
Your most awesome work was done
Through the fraility of your son

El Shaddai, El Shaddai, El Elyon na Adonai
Age to Age your still the same
By power of the name
El Shaddai, El Shaddai, Erkamka na Adonai
We will praise and lift you high
El Shaddai

El Shaddai: by Amy Grant

{photo credit: ^i^heavendarkangel2}

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

Thank you for stopping by!!!

uuumm.....forgive me for the TEARS

2009-05-05T11:19:00.003-04:00

Tears in Heaven

This week is really difficult! It all comes down to ONE day....Sunday. The one and only Mother's Day. I am a mother and LOVE it when my daughter makes me a card. It is filled with love and created from the heart!

I am a daughter-in-law and LOVE my mil so very much. She is a TRUE Blessing to have in my life ~ so wise and caring.

But I am also a daughter......however.....my momma is with the Lord. This is my first Mother's Day without my momma....and well....I am beginning to feel a bit overwhelmed. I can cry at anything one minute and laugh the next. I will probably be really snappy by this weekend.....not sure why that happens. I know my momma is with me always....and she knows that I LOVE her very much!

photo credit: meme

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

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Call 911

2009-05-04T20:29:00.000-04:00

HELP!!! we have 1/2 a container of playdough...and NO ingrediants to make any!!! When you are home sick from school and bored out of your gourd....playdough comes in handy. I guess I am off to the store tomorrow for some ingredients.....gotta replenish our playdough stash!!!

Nature's Playdough
1 cup flour

1/2 cup salt

1 cup water

2 tablespoons oil

2 tablespoons cream of tartarbeet, spinach, and carrot juice
Mix flour, salt and oil, and slowly add the water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until dough becomes stiff. Turn out onto wax paper and let cool. Knead the playdough with your hands until of proper consistency. Use as is, or divide into balls and add a few drops of the vegetable juices to make green, pink, and orange.

Playdough
4 cups flour

1/4 cup powdered tempera

1/4 cup salt

1 1/2 cups water

1 tablespoon oil
Mix together flour, powdered paint and salt. Mix water and oil, and food coloring if desired. Gradually stir the water and oil mix into the flour mix. Knead the playdough as you add the liquid. Add more water if too stiff, more flour if sticky.

Alum Playdough
2 cups flour

1 cup salt

2 tablespoons alum

1 cup water

2 tablespoons oil

liquid food coloring
Pour dry ingredients into large pan. Stir together to mix. Stir oil and food coloring into the water. Pour liquid into the dry ingredients while mixing, squeezing and kneading the playdough. If too sticky, add more flour. Keeps best in the fridge.

Just Like the Real Playdough (so they say)
1 cup flour

1 cup water

1 tablespoon oil

1 tablespoon powdered alum

1/2 cup salt

2 tablespoons vanillafood coloring
Mix all dry ingredients. Add oil and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until reaching the consistency of mashed potatoes. Remove from heat and add vanilla and food coloring. Divide into balls and work in color by kneading the playdough.

Oatmeal Playdough
1 cup flour

2 cups oatmeal

1 cup water
Gradually add water to flour and oatmeal in bowl. Knead until mixed (this playdough is sticky, but unique in texture.) Model as with clay.
Tip: Add cornmeal or coffee grounds in small quantity for texture.

Nutty Butter Playdough
1 cup peanut butter

1 cup powdered milk

1 cup honey

1 cup oatmeal
Mix together and play.

Kool-Aid Playdough
2 1/2 to 3 cups flour

2 cups boiling water with

1 package Kool-aid (any flavor)

3 tablespoons corn oil

1/2 cup salt

1 tablespoon alum

photo credit: jimmiehomeschoolmom

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

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Refined Flour

2009-05-02T09:30:00.002-04:00

Ok...I have been having....uumm...let's just say gastro problems and I am having a breath test done {testing for lactose, fructose and laculose allergies} Well....the day before I am to perform the test, I have a restrictive diet that is VERY restrictive. I am allowed to eat REFINED Flour, COOKED veggies, MEAT, EGGS and down ALL the water I can swim in!

Now - I have been searching on the world wide web of google....and have come to find that REFINED flour is NOT the healthiest. So off I go to my cabinet in search of something to eat for breakfast.

I first grab the sourdough bread I bought yesterday {makes the best toast!!!} and flip to the label....NOPE - it is made with UNBLEACHED flour {darn those health nuts}

Off to the regular white bread....NOPE - same thing.

OK...let us try the saltine crackers.....MAYBE - it has ENRICHED flour....getting a lil closer.

I can eat CORN FLAKES - but guess what...I DO NOT HAVE ANY!!!

Sooooo - I reach for the grits and guess what - I CAN HAVE THIS...only 1 cup. YIPPIE!!!!!

I guess I will have to OD on grits, bacon, eggs {minus the cheese and milk} and STEAK!!! All in the hope to find the reason I am having "ISSUES" in my gastro system.

Wish me LUCK!!!

photo credit: gabo

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

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Blah!

2009-05-01T07:47:00.000-04:00

Everyone has those days when they feel BLAH. For me, it is when the sun hides and the weather is yucky. All you feel like doing is curling up on the sofa, snuggled under a blanket, watching or reading.

As adults, we have so much going on in our lives with family, work, and friends. Children, are smaller images of ourselves, and I think we sometimes forget that they too can have issues. When Bailey was a toddler and I noticed she was sad, I would tickle her or make goofy faces. Now, at age 11 1/2, that does not really work.

Bailey has been having issues with her knees lately {previous post} and it seems the Spring allergies are getting to her. She woke up today BLAH. It breaks my heart to see her mope around.....and all I want to do is make her LAUGH!!!! I keep forgetting that she is human, and is ALOUD to have BLAH days too. . . . but as a parent....you just want to wiggle your nose and make it all better!

So....I am spending the day worrying about my lil boo, trying to think of ways to break her out of this BLAHNESS. Maybe a snuggle on the sofa in front of the tv will do the trick.

photo credit: sirkus

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

2009-04-29T14:47:00.001-04:00

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!!!

2009-04-28T13:23:00.003-04:00

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 ?!?!?!

2009-04-28T10:14:00.005-04:00

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

2009-04-26T21:01:00.001-04:00

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

2009-04-26T12:16:00.004-04:00

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

2009-04-25T21:08:00.002-04:00

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

2009-04-24T09:26:00.001-04:00

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

2009-04-23T08:55:00.003-04:00

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

2009-04-23T08:05:00.005-04:00

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

2009-04-21T22:01:00.000-04:00

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????

2009-04-21T08:27:00.005-04:00

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

2009-04-19T21:29:00.001-04:00

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!!!

2009-04-19T20:38:00.001-04:00

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....

2009-04-18T19:56:00.002-04:00

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!!

2009-04-17T21:49:00.003-04:00

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

2009-04-16T09:49:00.001-04:00

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

2009-04-16T08:42:00.007-04:00

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......

2009-04-15T10:26:00.003-04:00

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

2009-04-15T08:50:00.002-04:00

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

2009-04-14T13:18:00.003-04:00

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!!!!

2009-04-12T11:59:00.002-04:00

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

2009-04-12T11:23:00.002-04:00

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

2009-04-10T13:50:00.005-04:00

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........

2009-04-09T10:06:00.005-04:00

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

2009-04-07T13:06:00.006-04:00

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....

2009-04-07T08:19:00.007-04:00

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

2009-04-06T21:08:00.003-04:00

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!!!!

2009-04-05T19:25:00.006-04:00

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!!!!

2009-04-04T20:34:00.003-04:00

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!!!!!

2009-04-04T09:02:00.007-04:00

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

2009-04-03T08:07:00.002-04:00

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

2009-04-02T08:02:00.002-04:00

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!!!!

2009-04-01T09:41:00.007-04:00

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!!!

2009-04-01T08:17:00.005-04:00

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

Woe as me....

2009-03-31T20:13:00.006-04:00

You wanna shriek...yell...collapse. Drama....it sneaks into every corner of your life. We try and run from it, some embrace it, me ~ I abhor it!!!!! welll...at least when I am overwhelmed with it.

For some reason ~ this week has started off with TONS of drama...causing the "oh woe as me" feeling!!! {letters from my lawyer, car issues, money issues and upcoming procedures} Emotions running the gamut from estactic...to wanting to crumble up into a ball.

Tomorrow is another day....the sun will rise {may be hidden by those stinkin clouds} to shine down on my face to remind me that I am "ALIVE" for another day!!!! so BLESSED!!!

pic from: Sally Weiner

Your Tummy will LOVE these!!!!

2009-03-30T17:40:00.003-04:00

looking for a healthy yummy snack that the kids will LOVE.......

Peanut Butter Balls:
1 cup honey
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup non-fat dry milk
1 cup wheat germ

Mix all ingrediants in a bowl.
Make T-spoon size balls {place on wax paper}
Refridgerate {helps set them ~ if not...can become very soft}

Take it up a notch...roll them in chocolate and let set...SCRUMPTIOUS!!!!!

Sun Kissed by the Rain and Wind.....

2009-03-29T10:08:00.002-04:00

“May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow. May the soft winds freshen your spirit. May the sunshine brighten your heart. May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you, and may God enfold you in the mantle of His love.” ~ Irish Blessing

"Am I pissing you Off~fafa"

2009-03-28T11:09:00.002-04:00

Just learned that Jeff Dunham is coming back to Raleigh. Spark of Insanity!!! If you like a good laugh....you HAVE to go see him!!! Peanut is my favorite, but Walter is easy to relate to. Achmed - just makes you laugh...the undead terroist.

Good TIMES!!!!

Date Night

2009-03-28T10:40:00.002-04:00

Last night I was able to go on a date with my hubby.....now this is special because we are always busy doing something for our daughter {they always say that swimming may get in the way of your child participating in other activities.....not the case....it gets in the way of OUR activities} So, when a chance arises, we grab it and run!!! Off to Kanki we went. Not only is it a great place to eat, but you can meet new friends since you are seated at a large table.

When we get to our table, there is already a family there. {mom, dad, and 17 year old} We soon learn they are from Bermuda. Did you know that Bermuda is the 3rd riches country???? So that is where all the money is!!! Then another couple is seated next to Keith and then a mother and son join us. We make introductions and I know that this will be a good dinner.

Over the course of dinner, we learn that in Bermuda, a teen can earn $25 just for babysitting!!! Now...if that is the case, I KNOW I could make a killing with an accounting degree!!! Each family is only allowed ONE car, that at 16 you are given a BIKE!!! Love it!!!! Each house has a 35,000 gallon well under the house to catch RAIN water.....they do not have a water system!!! soooo If ya don't get rain for a while...ya better cut those showers SHORT!!! And then there is the fact that the drinking age is 18....but then again, the island is only 21 miles long, so how much trouble can they get in because it will make it home before they do!!!

This family is here for 3 years {they came because of the special schooling needed for their son- who was not at dinner} So, in 3 years, WE are picking up and moving to Bermuda. Keith will work for this guy and we can live on the beach!!!! MY dream come true!!!

No, it probably wont happen...but just listening to them, it seemed that life would be so much simpler. You can get anywhere in under 15 minutes, your child is surrounded by friends, and life just seems calmer. We left dinner after exchanging names and numbers...promising to take their daughter horseback riding. I love forging new friendships....there is so much to learn out there.

I LOVE DATE NIGHT!!!!

Bring Ziggy Back!!!!

2009-03-27T21:12:00.002-04:00

OMG....you never see Ziggy any more!!! Saw this and thought it was appropriate to today's economy. Bring back the Zig~miester!!!!

Not Ready.....

2009-03-27T16:17:00.004-04:00

Remember how toddlers hug and we thought it was cute??? WOW....I am soooo NOT ready for the next stage in my daughter's life. I just dropped my daughter off at a friend's home for a sleepover that leads to a boy/girl party tomorrow evening!

My daughter is 11 1/2......this will be her second boy/girl party. As we get closer to age 12 {August} and the ever present "puberty" ~ I begin to FREAK!!!!! I am not ready for any of it...I know that it is coming and there is not a SLOW down button {why can't we control everything with a remote?} ............

soooo I have to breath slowly, trust I have done my best and let my daughter blossom and grow. I try and look back when I was going through this phase.......and remember that my momma never was really there. That is my promise to my daughter ~ I will be there no matter what to guide her and answer any questions. But it does not make that gut feeling any less......excited to hear about her first kiss....but soooo NOT ready at the same time!!!!

Dreaming

2009-03-26T17:35:00.002-04:00

This morning we were surrounded by a shroud of fog. Todays forcast: cloudy, rainy, with a high of around 60. Now, the 60 degrees is ok, but I have had my fill of blah weather! Rain today, and rain tomorrow......uuugghhhh.

To get through these days, I am dreaming of laying in a hammick, surrounded by the clear ocean with a soft breeze. This picture says it all...can't you just picture yourself laying there?

Dreams - what make the world go around :)

2009-03-25T17:56:00.003-04:00

Need a wedding photgrapher? A maternity, newborn, school, or even that boudoir photo? Tina can help you with all your photo needs. Check out her site and give her a call. You wont regret it one bit!!!!!

Click on her picture and it will take you to Loebach Studios

Unexpected Kindess and Generosity

2009-03-25T08:23:00.003-04:00

Life is wonderful and a true blessing. I woke this morning and I am continuing on my journey....Day 2 of the Love Dare. Not only am I applying this to my relationship with my hubby....but to all relationships in my life....my daughter, in-laws...friends.

Hope all have a Happy Hump Day!!!! My gift to ya'll today is a quote that I found. Thank you for being a part of my life...and helping me grow.

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.-- Marcel Proust

How long will it last????

2009-03-24T18:48:00.003-04:00

Today I have been truly BLESSED!!!! My baby ~ well...11 year old ~ has finally recovered from all ailments and had a GREAT weekend. She is a happy, chipper thing and I was able to spend time just hanging out with her at the mall. Mother/Daughter time...I treasure these moments...and grab them when I can because I know a time will come when she will be fighting for her independence. But for now....she is still cool about hanging with her momma.

2009-03-24T12:40:00.001-04:00

http://www.mommadethat.com/2009/03/personalized-market-tote-giveaway.html

OMG - this is too cute!!!! Great Tote ~ gotta wanna HAVE one!!!!!

Takin the Dare....

2009-03-23T16:07:00.003-04:00

Not sure how many of you have seen the movie "Fireproof"....but I watched it last night with the family, and boo hooed like a big baby! This movie is awesome and EVERYONE who is married or not....or in a relationship.....should watch it.

Today ~ while shopping with my mother in law, I found the book "The Love Dare"....the journal that Gabe uses in the movie. I want to begin the 40 day journey!!! I have a wonderful, kind and loving husband...and only want to strengthen our commitment and bond.

I challenge all to take the "Dare"

Take your mark....BEEP

2009-03-22T16:45:00.004-04:00

This weekend marked the final meet for the short course season. With the beginning of May comes the long course season. Bailey rocked this weekend having a total time drop overall of 33 seconds. TOTALLY AWESOME!!! Her biggest coup was the mile. She dropped a total of 20 seconds to achieve her Sectional cut...and we also learned that it is the BB time for a 13-14 year old. Bailey is FLYING HIGH!!!!

We are SOOOO PROUD of our Fish!!!

Spring has Sprung

2009-03-20T13:36:00.002-04:00

Happy first day of SPRING!!! Windows up, a gentle breeze, sun shining and birds singing. . . . oh what a wonderful day!!!

Here is your SIGN

2009-03-19T17:34:00.005-04:00

I have been driving a rental car for the past 3 weeks while my car gets repaired. I love driving rentals because you can test out different models. Well....this Dodge has the Sirrus radio. I am now spoiled!!! Unlimited 80's, 90's, Dance, or Comedy. Can you say HEAVEN!!! Bailey has a new found love for the 80's now. Keith had me listening to the 60's last Sunday on the way to church.

On my way to work today I was on the Comedy station. I was lucky enough to catch Bill Engvall...one of my all time favorite comedians. It was from the Blue Collar Comedy Tour: The Movie 2003......I was rolling on the floor.

Bill: She's online with her friends, and little boys are starting to call the house. Oh, my God, we had a kid call the house at two in the morning. Oh, I lost it. 'Cause first of all, I'm off in La-la land with Shania Twain in the mountains somewhere. I hear a phone ring and I'm like "Who's got a phone in the mountains??" So when I realize it's my phone, I'm already a little miffed, so I go, "Hello!" And this little voice says "Uh . . . is Emily there?" And I go, "Dude, if you have a brain in your skull, you will hang this phone up right now!" Click. Then my wife turns to me and goes, "Bill, you've got to be nice." And I go, "No, ma'am. "Nice" stops at midnight!"

Then of course he proceeds into his "Were's your sign" skits....I am laughing so hard by now that I am getting looks from other drivers while at the stop light.

On the phone with his wife when the plane he was on stopped after hitting a deer.

Engvall's wife: Oh my God! Were you on the ground?
Engvall: Nope, Santa was making one last run. Here's your sign

Truck driver gets his truck stuck under an overpass, with Engvall watching.

Cop: You get your truck stuck?
Engvall: God bless that trucker, without missing a beat, he goes: "Nope, I was deliverin' that overpass and I ran outta gas." Here's your sign.

Engvall pulls his car into a gas station after his tire goes flat.

Attendant: Tire go flat?
Engvall: Nope, I was drivin' along and the other three just swelled right up!
Attendant: Well, the heat'll do that.
Engvall: Here's your sign.

Hope everyone is having a HAPPY day! Laughter is a wonderful medicine and makes the world a better place.