Getting to Know Me Monday

Here it is...does it really need an introduction?

"Getting to Know Me Monday"

41. I like to get in the car and just ride around.
42. I have been to Las Vegas. I was like 15.
43. I love to go on vacation.
44. I am not very smart technology wise but I have good friends that help me along.
45. I am a little bit OCD.
46. I am a germ freak! I hate the thought of germs.
47. I am a self proclaimed red-head even though my hair is now a brownish red color.
48. I have blue/grey eyes and Hubby loves them.
49. I am blessed with a wonderful family…on my side and Hubby's.
50. I hate to sweat.

Half way there people! Half way there!

Sent by a Friend

This was sent to me by a friend this morning and it sums up so much...I love it!

"If you will take the time to read these. I promise you'll come away with an enlightened perspective.

The subjects covered affect us all on a daily basis: They're written by Andy Rooney , a man who has the gift of saying so much with so few words. Enjoy.......

I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.

I've learned .... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.

I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class.

I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I 've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only Letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned.... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned.... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them. I've learned... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.

I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned.... That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.

I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done."


It's so true! Love yall!

I'm Sorry

Sorry guys! Posts are coming soon! I have alot going on right now. New responsibilities, growing in my relationship with God, improving my family and their life, meetings, get together's and the like. Don't have too much time to blog anymore. I will try and blog when I can but I am not making any guarantees. I hope each of you are doing well.

PS I have "Getting to Know Me Monday" posts scheduled so at least you will have those to read until I can find a few minutes to post.

Nothing Else Matters...

because Jesus loves me! And that's more than enough for me!

God has been working in my life alot here recently by way of blessings and with me as a person. One of the recent things that I have come upon is that nothing else really matters but His love. God is going to love me no matter what. He knows I am not perfect and that I make mistakes and yet He forgives me and loves me anyway. Alot has happened over the last few months that has really made me turn to Him more and more everyday and you know what...God has been there...He held me when I was down, He provided when we needed, He gave me comfort in everything, and He has guided my path to make me who I am today. I am not the same person I was this time last year. I am bettered because of God's infinite love. I have done alot of growing over the last year; Spiritually, emotionally, as a person...all because of Him...He has showed me who I need to be. I don't want to be a negative person (see below) and I know in the past I have hurt people and done things that I should not have done (who hasn't...we all make mistakes). I am ashamed of some things I have done in my life time...but God has showed me these things and I have used them as "lessons learned" to help me grow. And you know what else...He forgave me of those sins. I feel His love everyday and I can see Him in my life. He truly is amazing.

Here are a few of the other things I have realized and I want to share them with you...

Lesson Learned #1: I don't need "things"...while designer jeans or shoes would be nice, does that really make up the meaningful things in life? I may not have a top of the line car, or live in a mansion, or eat out everyday of the week, or have Ralph Lauren clothes hanging in my closet...but I have a car that runs, Hubby still has his job, my family and I have a roof over our heads and clothes to wear and we have food to eat and money to pay our bills. That's more than enough as some people don't even have that. God has blessed us immensely with what we have and we are so grateful.

Lesson Learned #2: Be happy and seek joy in all things. This one is rather easy when you think about it. Jesus created every thing and person around us. Why not see the good in everything? God put so much time and effort into creating our wonderful surroundings...why not rejoice in a flower blooming, or the rain falling, or a smile from a stranger, or waking up this morning? To me happiness is a choice...you can either choose to be "half-full" or "half-empty". I choose to be a "glass half-full" kind of girl.

Lesson Learned #3: I don't need for everyone to like me. (This one was hard for me to swallow because as humans we, by human nature, want to be liked and accepted, but when I thought about it, why would I want to surround myself or be affiliated with someone so hurtful or negative?) I know Jesus loves me and so does my family and friends...and nothing else matters. Say what you want and feel anyway you want about me...I am happy with my life and it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks or says. Yes, I have flaws and I am by no means perfect, but I am loved by those who are the most important to me...and that is ALL that matters. God loves me for who I am and always will.

Lesson Learned #4: Be thankful always. This one is hard for me. Sometimes I just have those "woe is me" days to where nothing seems to go right. It's easier sometimes to ask God "why me?" than to thank Him for what ever the situation may be. What's the old saying...that which doesn't kill us only makes us stronger...or something like that. I know for me it's hard to thank God sometimes in situations...Peanut not listening (thank You God for my child), a mistake I made (thank You God for helping me grow as a person and as a Christian), an argument with Hubby (thank You God for Hubby and for helping us make our marriage glorify You)...you get my point. Sometimes it is hard to thank Him but without Him...we wouldn't be here and we wouldn't have these blessings.

I have decided that with my new found knowledge, I will surround myself with positivity (is that a word?). Negative things, situations, and people bring you down and the only thing we can do for negativity is pray. Pray that the situation will change, pray that things will get better, pray for those who are negative. And I chose to do just that...and to not be affiliated with good ol' Mr. Negative. I will thank God for everything because He is a generous and loving God!

I am so blessed to have wonderful a wonderful Hubby, daughter, parents, in-laws, sisters, cousins, grandparents, and friends...I thank God for each of you. Thank you ALL for loving me for who I am and supporting me no matter what. And to all those reading my blog...I hope that something that God has laid on my heart to share with all of you may in turn help us all become better people. Tomorrow isn't promised...so we need to make our "todays" as glorifying to Him as possible.

Thank You Jesus for forgiving my sins. Thank You so much for blessing my family immensely and thank You for Your undying love. Thank You for showing me my flaws and helping me work on them and thank You for loving me no matter what I might say or do. Thank You God from the bottom of my heart! You truly are an awesome God! Amen!

I will leave you with the lyrics to one of my favorite songs...it is actually one of the songs at the bottom of my page.

In Christ Alone

In Christ alone my hope is found;

He is my light, my strength, my song;

This cornerstone, this solid ground,

Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.

What heights of love, what depths of peace,

When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!

My comforter, my all in all—

Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,

Fullness of God in helpless babe!

This gift of love and righteousness,

Scorned by the ones He came to save.

Till on that cross as Jesus died,

The wrath of God was satisfied;

For ev'ry sin on Him was laid—

Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay,

Light of the world by darkness slain;

Then bursting forth in glorious day,

Up from the grave He rose again!

And as He stands in victory,

Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;

For I am His and He is mine—

Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death—

This is the pow'r of Christ in me;

From life's first cry to final breath,

Jesus commands my destiny.

No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,

Can ever pluck me from His hand;

Till He returns or calls me home—

Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.

Getting To Know Me Monday

Is it Monday already? Well, you know what time it is...here is the next installment of the "Getting to Know Me Monday" series...

31. I like to shop off season. SALES!!!
32. I know all the words to the theme songs of Peanuts favorite TV shows. Dora Dora Dora the Explorer…
33. I am a furniture hoarder. I love buying random pieces from antique stores for next to nothing and keeping them “just in case”. Need an end table?
34. I love pictures but very rarely do I get them developed.
35. I like sweet tea with lemon.
36. I like my glass of water completely filled with ice.
37. I love eating out at super nice places. (Although this doesn’t happen often...really it only happens when we receive gift cards) We have been to Copper Grill, Ruth’s Chris, Flemings…
38. My favorite TV show is Jon & Kate Plus 8.
39. I like to read when I have time.
40. I no longer carry a purse. I throw all my junk in Peanuts diaper bag.

K Mommy Ramblings

Whew! We made it home in one piece and boy are we exhausted! The graduation went great...I cried as soon as the music started and the men started walking from behind the smoke. Very moving...I will do a detailed post about it later...right now we are still recovering from the long night we had and the long day that followed.

We have been kinda lazy today. We went outside and played a good bit but nothing too big. The weather has been so nice here lately and I am going to be sad when Mother Nature decides to throw us another cold spell. Peanut loves to play outside and I honestly love just sitting there taking it all in (and taking pictures, too!).

We all are recovering nicely from our sickness. Peanut is 100% better and Hubby and I still have a little bit of a lingering cough and some drainage (which is probably causing the cough).

Big things to look for: Sing-A-Long Time, Update on Graduation, The Life and Times of Hubby and K Mommy, More Pictures from our Family Pictures...and other exciting things (maybe a contest to bring all of you lurkers out of the woodwork)!

I will close with this...What are your plans for Valentine's Day? I heard Whitley's Life got something sweet...hop on over and check it out...And Chickie over at I Love You To Pieces is getting to spend time with her Huggy Hubby...nothing could beat that!

We have no big plans for Valentine's Day...we're boring, I know...We are not big on celebrating our love in one day when we could celebrate it everyday...Hubby does plan to cook us some steaks (a rare treat for us) and Peanut will be celebrating with us. I can't wait to show you what we got her.

Anyway...love and kisses to you all!

I'm Proud to be an American

Far too often we take our freedom for granted. It's easy to do. Simple things like going to Church, wearing the clothing of our choice, and other things we do everyday that people in other countries have no control over. Freedom is a wonderful thing. Recently I have gained a new perspective on freedom. My brother-in-law joined the Army Reserves back in November. He has been in Boot Camp since then learning how to serve and protect our country. And tomorrow...he will graduate Boot Camp as a squad leader and with a slew of supporters there for him. Thank you to each and every soldier...active, inactive, disabled...all soldiers past, present, and future! Thank you for your selfless love for our country! We are so proud of each and every one of you!

This man...this soldier...has made the choice to help serve and protect our country...and for that I am eternally grateful. This, by the way, is my brother-in-law. You can continue to follow his story over at my sisters blog, I Love You to Pieces.

Oh the Warmth!

Saturday was absolutely beautiful here! The high neared 70 and it was so nice to be able to go outside and not have to have 5 layers of clothes on. Ah...warmth!

We made use of the warmth by going to the Botanical Gardens for some pictures. We all still felt like poo but I wanted pictures of all of us since it has been awhile since we have had pictures made. Hubby and Peanut were such troopers. Here is a little peak at some of the pictures...Love yall!

This last one cracks me up...Peanut is all about making silly faces right now and some of the things she comes up with are hilarious!

More to come...check back soon!

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend! And we're praying the warm weather keeps on coming!

A Giveaway Over at "An Island Life"

I am sure I could put this to good use with all the remodeling that is coming up around these parts. Hop on over to "An Island Life" and check out her drawing for a $50 gift card to The Home Depot. Go on...what are you waiting for...I am sure you could think of a thing or two that you could use that $50 for...Take care!

Getting to Know Me Monday

Because I know you are dying to know more about me! Here is the next installment in the "Getting to Know Me Monday" series.

21. I have no pets.
22. I LOVE chips and Barber’s French Onion dip. (It’s an Alabama company.)
23. I love the color yellow. Just recently have I switched from pink.
24. I would love to volunteer more.
25. I like to plan things...birthday parties, a nice sit down dinner, functions at church, a day of girl stuff, holiday functions...
26. I want to start a business. (Any thoughts?)
27. I love pedicures and manicures but rarely do I get them.
28. I love spending time with Hubby and Peanut.
29. I am a little less than 5 years younger than Hubby. (He’s old…j/k)
30. I like to shop sales. I feel like I have accomplished something when I get $158 worth of merchandise for only $66.

There you have it...take care!

Friday Frustrations

Happy Friday All!

Don't let the title fool ya...we have had a fairly good Friday. We ate lunch with Nonna (Hubby's Mom) and her friend at Cocina Superior...YUMMY!!! I lurve me some Mexican food! I had never been and was pleasantly surprised with it! Definitely a new go-to place.

Anyway, on to the frustrations...Hubby is sick. You all knew that, right? (Why is it that when men are sick they act like babies?) Well Hubby laid in bed last night hacking up a lung and blowing his nose so hard that at one point I honestly thought he might have blown his brain into his tissue. He tossed and he turned and he grunted and he sniffled...I thought I would never get to sleep. I feel bad for him but buddy I have been sick to and all I wanted to do was go to sleep. Finally at 1 am he decides he is going to Wal-Mart to get some nose spray. I told him we had nose spray so he tried it but it didn't work. How does nose spray not work? Whatever! Long story short...he went and I zonked while he was gone. Don't even remember him getting back home.

On another note but still keeping with the frustrations...my driver's license is expired. Apparently it has been for a little bit but I had no clue until I bought my new cell phone and he asked to see my license to verify the name on my debit card. He told me it was expired. I don't use my license at all since I don't write checks and hardly anyone asks to see your license anymore and I don't drink so....anyway...it's expired! I decide today that I am going to get it renewed. We have a county satellite right up the road for "convenience". I call to see what kind of payment they take (God forbid they be up with the times and take debit cards!). Here is how the conversation goes:

Satellite Lady: County Satellite

Me: Um, yes ma'am...I was calling to see what type of payment methods you take for renewing a Driver's License...

Satellite Lady: Check and Money only...

Me: Ok...thank you!

And we hang up...

I am on my way to the DMV from lunch with Nonna and now I have to run by the house to get a check. No big deal. I get to the house and get the check...and then head to the Satellite office. I get Peanut out of the car and we walk in. I look over at the DL line and there isn't one...HECK YEAH! I head that way and notice that it is completely roped off...dang it...a man stops me and asks me if I need my DL renewed. I say yes and he tells me that the system is down. What the heck? I just talked to a lady why couldn't she have told me that! I told the man that and his response...maybe she didn't know!!! Those of you who know that satellite isn't that big and for her "not to know" is full of baloney! Whatever! Frustrations!!! I just turned around and walked out. Oh what a day!

Hope yall have a great weekend!

Hello Lovers!

I love many things...my family, my life, my friends, a good salsa :o)...but here are a few of my loves when we have a little extra cash on hand...

I am so in L-O-V-E with Vera Bradley! Chickie (my Twinkie) got me the Raspberry Fizz Laptop Tote. She introduced it to me and I shared it with Ms. Manna (as Peanut calls her), my friend in Hunstville. We have fell head over hills in love with it and I can't wait to make my next purchase, the Large Backpack to use for Peanut's Diaper Bag in the Capri Melon print. (Capri Melon is a retired color so everything is on sale!) Forewarning: She is kinda over-priced...well ok alot over-priced...but if you can catch things on sale...JACKPOT!!! I love me some sales!
I am also in L-O-V-E with Levi's 512 Jeans. I posted about these a few days ago. They are the best Jeans I have ever found and they are soooo comfortable!
I L-O-V-E antiques. We have an antique store near by and I love to just go and walk around and look for random junk. I have several pieces of furniture from there. Hubby calls me a furniture hoarder (is that a word and if so I am sure I butchered the spelling...) My logic is someday I might need that piece. And we have the space to hold onto it so why not keep it? Anyway, Love me some junk!

My Mom and Dad got me this when we moved into our new house (we've lived here almost 4 years and I still call it our new house)

Hubby despises this chair...I must agree that the orange is awful but it has good potential...you have to look at the bones of the chair to really appreciate it. Who knows, one day I might recover her and you might find her proudly displayed in our living room...but for now she is the catch-all in our bedroom (and no, my room in not decorated in orange and yellow).

I found Peanut this bed at a flea mall in a nearby (and nasty, might I add) city (I totally made my Mom go with me because it isn't exactly the best city to be in by yourself). It's a twin bed. Right now she sleeps in a double bed but it takes up so much room in her bedroom that we decided to down size. Now I just have to save up so I can redecorate! I love me some decorating!

I L-O-V-E monogrammed outfits for Peanut. I have made several little dresses and had them Monogrammed! It is just too cute! They only down fall is that when all of Peanut's outfits say "Peanut" or "xYz" it kinda makes it hard to resell them...Oh well! We'll call them family Heirlooms and box them up for her. :o)

I did manage to make this one say "Yea Alabama" but that isn't always the case...

I L-O-V-E consignment sales! I love to sell and shop them! Last Fall I sold several items of Peanuts in a local consignment sale and made $175! I have also purchased some good bargains. Last year at one of the consignment sales I attend I got Peanut an Old Navy Denim Jacket and a nice Jogging Stroller for $35! Not too shabby, huh?

Don't misread this as I shop too much...I am a SAHM after all! But when we do manage to find a few extra dollars and I manage to find a few extra hours, these are the things I choose to spend them on. Hubby buys for his Motorcycle and I buy a little of everything!

Anywho, I just wanted to share some of my favorite things with you! Who knows...maybe one of you will find a new love too...or just need a piece of furniture and now you know where to look first! Take care!

The Sickies Have Hit Us Hard...

Peanut and I both are sick. Head colds. I have determined that they are of the devil! My head might explode today and Peanut sounds like she has a bunch of change rattling around in her chest. It's fabulous! Hubby said this morning that his throat was a hurting a little. Oh joy, oh bliss! The only thing worse than being sick is trying to take care of your sick kiddo while being sick yourself and the only thing worse than that is trying to take care of a sick kiddo AND a sick hubby all while being sick yourself. Pray we make a quick recovery!

To make this post worth reading (because I know she is why you are here) I have included some pictures that we have taken recently of Peanut...ENJOY!

Cheese!

What?

Taken with my phone...not great quality but it captures her personality!

We are so lucky to have such a happy daughter. She really is like this all the time. She is funny and she knows it! She is sweet and sincere...she is loving and kind...and is sooo smart! Anywho, take care!

Getting to Know Me Monday

Here is the next installment in the "Getting to Know Me Monday" series...

11. I like to cook new things.
12. I have a sewing machine and an embroidery machine.
13. I love Milky Ways. (The candy bar)
14. I love fried rice and have a fabulous recipe for it!
15. I love sweet surprises (roses just because)
16. I LOVE to decorate.
17. I look for reasons to redecorate.
18. I like to think I am always right. Ask Hubby.
19. I have amazing friends.
20. My first trip to Disney was when I was 23. (It was my 2 year old daughters 1st trip too!)

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Life's a Circus!

The circus is in town! We went friday night and had a blast! Peanut loved everything about it...I was very nervous about how she would react but she did very well!

The Grand Finale!

Tigers (and NO I would not be caught dead in that cage...or alive either)

The Elephants Showing Off

And Again!

The Family at the Circus

We can't wait to go back!