Top Blessings of 2008

As My Memory will Allow

1. Kori's broken arm. It healed in half of the time enough to make the doctor ask how could this be- and he researched it and took xrays again to make sure.. 3 weeks total from time of clean break until last xray as she told the Dr. and staff her arm had already been healed- her and her friends prayed over it and Jesus already healed it- so they checked it to make sure and sure enough!And Her very happy Thanksgiving

2. Dewaynes ripped bicep also healed & without surgery. Now we are praying for the muscle to go back where it is suppose to be and not down by his elbow!

3. Our move from North Carolina. Considering it was where we were going to raise our children and was looking for a more rural place in SC or some where besides Charlotte proper. The search ended us back in Texas. The blessing was not the move back but the swiftness and quickness that it took place with no planning on our behalf. It was all totally taken care of for us. I was not happy about it considering I had worked for the very same corporation for many years and did not trust what we were doing- it was a bad summer. The Blessing comes from I have renewed love for this company and its a very good thing and a very God thing.


View Larger Map

4. With the ripping out of my heart w/my first born going for a visit to his dads and never returning- I believe there has been a supernatural peace bestowed upon me and the blessing as come from "letting go".

5. Reflecting.... We are entirely blessed to have been called to the Carolina's. Loved loved living on the border between NC/SC- I miss the Tega Cay area as well as where we lived in Charlotte/Lake Wylie side. I miss our community. I feel nothing less than a blessing to have had the opportunity to live in such an awesome place and to of met such wonderful people. We pray Antioch Interntl' Church in FT. Mill, SC continues its amazing growth and the Lords work. We are thankful that very glimmer of Hope is what brought us to follow that ministry and experience all we did.



6. Melyssa was a personal blessing to me. Being a great neighbor and an awesome hairdresser! You blessed me beyond words! Thank you!

7. Blessings of Homes. Oh Boy this is a biggie! as the Lord totally provided for us- awesome homes- Griers Fork, Autumn Blaze(Withers Grove) and now Skyline- all were extreme challenges turned total God Blessing! Thank you Lord! Not to mention the moving of our herd each time was smooth and miraculous.



8. Jhabba the pup- he is really a good dog. He has been thru alot and the huge blessing of him not dying when they thought he would this summer after being bit by a snake.

9. Our truck- Lord, Thank you for another year with this awesome Yukon thing- we are very blessed and thankful!


10. Good Health- all things considering for our family. a blessing of no major illnesses or harm while not having insurance- we once again are/were totally dependent on the Lord and as reflected once again HE came through and never failed us! Happy New Year! May 2009 Be a Blessing to you and your family!

Its a Wonderful Life!

CHRISTMAS EVE headed to church .
CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER

CHRISTMAS MORNINGThe Only way now I know to keep the boys out of things while I am cooking- put them on the counter and let them crush candy or something- it turns them cocky as one might not have thought it would.

Ahhh the Easy Bake- when little girls grow up! Do we not remember how big we thought we were making those easy bake cakes!

As Christmas just sprinted past us, and now on to a New Year- All I feel like I can say is whew and Whoa and Wow and whoopteedo!

Not to mention- I am sooo mad at this freakin side bar crap that keeps happening! Oh well whoopteedo- right?!

Today is clean-up day after a long and wonderful Christmas and traveling weekend.

We went to grandparents and then on to another grandma's a very nice time at both- tho we nearly died in the 85 degree day after Christmas weather! It was only Late Saturday nite when it finally dropped 40 degrees and got cool!



I love my kids. They have been sooo excited and yet have done so well. There are a few things I am writing down in a little Christmas Card journal I have of the not to forgets..... Like Don't forget to use your Christmas Dishes- perhaps I will display them so I won't forget next time- Ode to Spode. I am sure I am the only one in the whole entire World that forgot Batteries!!!!!!!!! How could I have done that.... We finally get to Christmas morning with a road trip in a few hours and the promise to be gone for at least 4 days and a small amount of time for kiddos to play with theri loot and I have ZERO batteries!!!! Who does that? For this very reason to I love my kids- not a gripe- even though I know it was dissappointing. Just yesterday I made it to the store and bought $35 dollars worth of batteries- I bought all the large hugo packs out of pity of my wrong doing. But how could I have know Santa would bring things that needs gazillion batteries!

Everything closed down like gang busters by noon on Christmas EVE. I was most surprised- I am not sure I have ever lived anywhere where that has happened- we had really planned to eat out- but thank goodness we had the ol' cajun stand by of corn, potatoes and shrimp boil! So that was our Eve dinner after we came back from Church. It was a good thing because I nearly passed out that no one dressed up for new years eve service-- Isn't that a staple, a requirement- LOL? Or perhaps I need to remember we are starting over and we have landed in a different time zone and to get used to it. for this is why also I am holding off on my real christmas present- Front and back Grill guards- perhaps now that the NC license plate is no longer with us that we will get to see TX hospitality if they see TX plates- if not, on with the guards- they will fit in right nicely with nearly a 6000 lb. truck.

I just realized that I never wrote anything on all the Christmas cards I sent out. I can't help but wonder if the days of tons of cards will be in the past- especially after the 2 rate hikes we will be seeing after the first of the year- as I told Dewayne- before too long- it will take two solid quarters to mail a letter! (it irritates him that I would think that quarters were anything else other than solid..)

Last but not least....... Lookie Looky- I got 3 really nice orchids for Christmas! They are amazing! I have a bare house and this certainly livens things up a bit! After Pouting about leaving about 25 plants in Charlotte to a friend and not being able to take them with us- I have nearly refused to start over once again- not to mention all the concrete I am surrounded by.. Plants, flowers-gardening are my passion- and when something has got to go- what do you think it is? It really was unrealistic to think of the cost it would have been to get them to Texas and to keep safe for the 2 months we were hotel bound.

So I have decided to take a small area- my bathroom and turn it into a garden area with real plants- this is the Start.. Though, now I am thinking the window is not going to give enough light=(

Merry Christmas To My Wonderful Blogger Friends!

Christmas Comments Online Mall




I really hope Everyone has a very Blessed Christmas and an awesome New Year!

Because I have become an addict....

Do we know the Real Meaning of a Place of Honor, Integrity anymore? Anyone?
Since my night time enjoyment once was blogging, it has since taken a back seat to night time news crap. Yep, I said it, I know it- but I am addicted. I have taken the first step- I have admitted it! I love FoxNews and CNN- Nancy Grace and Greta, Hannity and who ever else you name it! Oh my Fav..O'reilly factor! Anyway, I am thinking AUDACTIY right now- how about you with hearing the latest on giving the First Lady a SALARY- since she HAS to give UP Her Career to come live in the WHITE HOUSE? What you say? Yes, you heard this correctly. Seems that they are in need of a high end legal expert, an attorney from Chicago - Michelle O'. Hillary- Pu....Leese come to the great America's defense on this girl, PUH LEESE! tell them how you never Made a dime in the white house for 8 years! Then stack up the other 43 First ladies paycheck stubs from there as well- whaaaa- they didn't get paid either? Besides having to change the name of the White House, besides having to get Tye in there to do a make-over and an new home edition to add quarters for mother, auntie, uncle and cuzzins and the best friends- Washington will not have time to protect us and keep the insurgants out- we have other things that are far more important. Its called Change.
Why does this stir something with in me? Because I have best interest of People on my mind.
Because of our economy. Because of the BAILOUTS and what that will cost US, because of the Car industry and how that will affect our nation. Because we have bad guys that can't wait to come in and take over since we HAVE forgotten 9/11! Thats why.... Shouldn't we all take a hit for our Country? Perhaps these things should be considered in tallying up her salaried worth. You know like What is in the Best interest of the United States of America and exactly how are we going to pay for that and move toward a better life for us all..
Before you think I am anti-Michelle- I am not entirely. Perhaps I feel she is more qualified than her hubby. Here is some interesting info on why she is qualified for a salary.
I just have questions- like WHY DOES HER MOTHER STILL LIVE IN THAT SHANTY APT WHEN HER DAUGHTER DOESN"T- and only lives COUPLE OF MILES UP THE ROAD IN MANSION in Chicago? I would just like to know why they didn't move the relatives in their home before now? My wondering mind would like to know thats all.

MICHELLE ROBINSON OBAMA'S BIOGRAPHY

* MICHELLE ROBINSON OBAMA - THE EARLY YEARS


Born on January 17, 1964, Michelle Robinson was raised in a one-bedroom apartment on Chicago's South Shore.

Of note is that she shared a "bedroom" with her brother, but it wasn't much of a bedroom. It was actually the living room with a divider down the middle. Michelle's father died in 1990 two years before she married Barack, but her mother is still alive and living in the same one-bedroom apartment, protected by a burglar-proof wrought-iron door and secured windows.

After high school Michelle Robinson majored in sociology at Princeton University, graduating with cum laude honors in 1985. From there she attended Harvard where she earned her law degree in 1988, one year ahead of her husband-to-be, Barack, whom she hadn't met yet but attended the same law school.

Just Spreading some Cheer!

I think this is cute! Of course, I am the one that would do this not remembering how EASILY my nail polish Chips!!!! wonder if she sealed it with a top coat? Should I write and tell her? hahaha I love someone who shows what type of character they are- their true colors you might say- hers I would say a bit abstract! I have attached the story below...Of course seeing the South Carolina emblem on the side brought warm feelings to me- I notice she had a small little texas in there as well- awww. sweet girl..

Mon, 12/22/2008 - 10:00am by bellasugar
480,001 Views - 51 comments
What would you do with approximately 250 bottles of nail polish? Why, painstakingly paint a giant colorful quilt on your car, of course.
According to The Maryland Gazette that's just what Urbana resident Jill Bell did. After finding a dent in her car's hood, she cleverly painted a Band-Aid over the unsightly bump. Chuckle. She liked the idea so much, she decided to paint her entire car with nail polish! I'm guessing (and hoping) she didn't use one of those $30-a-pop lacquers from Chanel's Moscow Collection.
Nope. What she did use? The help of others. "Lots of ladies in my church donated nail polish, and lots of ladies at Weight Watchers, too," she told the newspaper. Bell estimates that 100-250 bottles of nail polish were used to accomplish this feat — a feat that took 13 months to finish. Whoa.
Photo courtesy of The Maryland Gazette

Fixed hair for only a minute!

I had to take these pictures- it may be the only time I have witnesses this event. Fixed hair! Not a single rat or messy bundle hiding under the nap- just pure straight smooth hair. So for this is a paramount moment- I basked in ahhhhhh- then good feeling gone- she moved! She has a half of head of hair with coarse wavy hair and the other hair thin and straight and limp- Don't ask me- I don't know where it comes from! but when you mix the two- NOT GOOD. She is a very fortunate girl who has a daddy who has the patience to brush the tangles out at night and after a shower- something he has done for her since she has had hair- otherwise, if it were momma- baby girl might still be bald!JK!

Coolest idea's on these Blogs....

Fantastic Idea's sites- I am so sad that I didn't know about these two blogs until mid Holdiay Season- its a must to go and visit and see the simple yet elegant and beautiful things these gals come up with! They have lots of other blogger friends listed on there that do the same.


http://www.thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/

http://www.buzzingsofaqueenbee.blogspot.com/


Wonderful Ideas!

Fear Not Factor Christmas Program

Universe Command Center was quite entertaining place this morning at church. We had our childrens Christmas program w/ the theme of "Fear Not For the Lord Has Come" as the whole gest of things. Josh got to be a shepherd, Kori was an angel with 2 solo parts and Matthew was a once again a "surprise!" We had No idea the Pre-Kers were going to be in this thing and totally didn't dress him in the white shirt like everyone else had on- so him and his spiderman glove , his green Bumbly, Clondike & Rudolph with his blinking lighted nose I might add T-shirt got to be up on stage as well. which I was glad, it offset Kori usually the only one standing since she didn't hear them say SIT as she flipped with her hair lifted her shirt- oh lets say nearly above her head a dozen times!!!!!!!! Yes... Lifting her shirt way up high while up there in front of the church- lovely... I know between the spidy glove and her motions kept the Youth entertained! The whole program was so sweet and it was a joy getting to see 3 of mine up there at the same time! It was kinda a pre school high school musical- if you can get that in your head!!!!! Or OUT OF IT like I am trying to do with the catching songs like get your head in the game only our version- Bring it on!

My side bar is messed up

the Day the gingerbreads were made. Kori in front of her class.

THANK YOU Mommie Tullotes it was the footer! I don't know how the snow globe got down there- but it sure messed things up! It caused me to download and delete many things- so I kinda have a whole new face lift- whew! Thanks for your help!

A Wholotta Gingerbread!

Well...... We attempted our first Gingerbread house at home. Not my thing... I could make a really cute one- but not with kids present. It crumbled, it fell apart, we argued and cried, he stole my candy, she took my icing so and and so forth... Probably won't do that again- but I did get some non dramatic pics(I think).

Next..... An amazing site I did see today.. An entire cafeteria turned into a Candy smorgishboard paradise! Nothing but floor and candy! Very cool idea I must say. Today at Kori's school they took all the tables out of the cafeteria and layed down rows- I means rows of butcher paper- covered in piles of candy gallore! This was cool. Hundreds of kids sat down and made their very own gingerbread houses w/ tissue boxes and graham crackers and a tub of icing- I like this method better- matter of Fact its giving me another birthday party idea!!!!!! Since I have another one coming up here in Jan.

This makes me smile!

I know I know... All the warm fuzzy stuff going on this time of year and this makes me smile! Once upon a time I had been to Vegas so many times I lost track of exactly how many- I love it, beautiful buildings awesome shows- love the excitement! This made me smile thinking of the irony of the whole snow thing in the desert- they had to shut down the airport because they do not have anything to plow snow or to deal with ice on the run way- for they are not equipped for snow. Sin City & the slogan when hell freezes over is just plain funny- in a hummmm. kinda way.

My last memory of Vegas was back when Kori was teenie and Dewayne and I were still fresh. Back when I thought my life would still stay fun and happy forever - the beginning phase one might say of disillusionment. I picked the right place to go for that! Anyway. I have great memories and this picture revived them- Anything can happen and usually does.

The Top 5

Top 5 New Years Resolutions that Have Always Managed to go by the waste(way) side

1. The promise to do Spell Check and be Grammatically correct

2. To Loose that couple of hundred pounds I just gained from having kids back to back

3. To be a better person

4. To get my act together and get this SAHM thing down

5. Last but not least, to be a better wife and to be thankful for what I have no matter
how I got it!

The Heaviness of Cheer

As I stayed wrapped up in a cozy warm home today- refusing to do anything that would mean the door would have to come open (20's all day)it began to weigh on me- what about the homeless? Will all of them be in somewhere warm today? Even the night time news focuses on this. I have battled this so often to where I think it makes me sick- I always say if your heart acknowledges it- you can do something about it- type thing.... Dewayne and I have talked about bringing people into our home & helping them- its our hearts desire- but what about the safety of our children- for this reason is why we just can't. We have to help thru other means. There are awesome organizations out there to sow into and they are equipped in handling this very thing. I know the one here is incredible its Loving Care Ministries- I am always so amazed at what is done thru this place to help and minister thru "life-happenings" to others.

I always seem to do the roller coaster thing around this time of year- I am sure I am not the only one- the season has a tendency to bring about more giving than usual. I think its the sacrifice that we remember thru the birth of Jesus- coming to this earth as man. We recall His entire life during this season- because you can't think of the birth without thinking about His death. We all want to prove our love and allegiance to Him- so what better time to give- subconsciously of course.

We really feel we stepped out this year just by placing 4 gifts under our tree. We usually try to keep the focus off the presents and on His Presence and onto others- by physically doing things with our children to help them be apart of the giving and not so much the decorating & the me me's per say. We thought it might be a little more exciting to have gifts under the tree and have the kids get anxious about the Christmas season. It worked, they won't leave them alone! But it also provoked something we did not expect. We thought this would be a distraction. But their desire and habit came thru- all they want to do is get gifts and wrap them for other people-even just a box with handmade drawings and stuff cut out. Something about that wrapped gift under a tree or giving someone a wrapped gift- makes you feel warm inside. We have usually saved this for the very few days before Christmas due to them raiding anything under the tree. We have watched them and heard them make comments this year that is surprising once they see other trees such as "wow- do you think all those gifts are real?" It triggered a thought today about the Heaviness of Cheer. Theres a heaviness that comes with the excitement- why is that.. The perception of having much, as those that look upon with out any or little of what we may take for granted everyday; electric, a roof, food and warm clothes- a wrapped gift. We are keeping in check this season thanks to the innocence of our kiddo's- may you find someone you don't know to bless.

A Winner for contest #2

I really liked Ang's idea of letting her thing pick a name for the winner- so that is what I did! I am almost sad though- only three had stories of how someone affected/effected their lives positive! Its busy this time of year isn't it- crazy actually!

Here it goes- Great story about the slouchy shoulders there Amanda! Kori picked your name as the Winner! Yay!!!!!!!!! If you got your Christmas card thats your prize- hahahaha JUST KIDDing! However I do have to get on the ball this week and send out some of my new creations!

MY Bad for notifying the wrong Amanda- hopefully this is the Correct One!

Go by and say hi-Visit Amanda @
http://abcampbell.wordpress.com/

A week WithOut Red Bull!

Perhaps I should call this confessions of an addict! I am not sure if I covered my Red Bull story or not- but in short form- The boys were sneaking drinks out of them in the refrigerator and I had to resort to hiding them! I hid them so well- I Couldn't find them!!!!! So not a good week! I am dependant on energy in a can or in a bottle- This is what happens with out it- crash and burn and alot of work piled up( as pictured)!

Yes a week or so ago- it took me wondering what the heck was going on at Fazoli's when my boys were stalking a young man who was by himself trying desparately to eat his lunch- they were going crazy over him( I was a tad bit concerned- considering the young bearded jeffery dahmer look!) Very crazy- anyway- they ran up to him touching him and doing their hand and fingers in a strange way- he was clueless as I. At some point during this horrible display of kids(luckily we, along with him were the only ones in there eating) As we started to leave they started crying and took off and ran back to this kid and said "Peter peter we don't want to leave until we see your suit" Yes, thats right they called him Peter the entire time- as I grabbed them kicking and screaming thinking they have been drugged they said "Please let us see Spiderman one more time- Please.........." you got it- they thought he was Peter-Parker!!!! So being totally freakin confused at that- we went straight home and that is when I found they had together drank a Red-Bull! So No its DOESN"T give you wings just WEBS!

Also- after I found and drank the red bull today- I cleaned up the kitchen and made what am hoping turns out well- Jalapeno Cherry Jelly- This is my second try this season- I have tweeked it a little- still missed my mark- but hoping it taste good- Thank you red bull!