Oh Fiddlestix

Need bridal party gifts??

2012-02-15T08:42:00.000-06:00

If there is one thing I love about our Thirty-One products...it is that there are so many ideas for gifts. I wanted to share a few photos with you of different bridal party ideas.

Why not give the Bride a Survival Kit for her big day. The All in One Organizer is PERFECT for this...and you can even include a small black rosette clip to add some SUPER CUTENESS to it.

The ruffled zipper pouches are PERFECT for the bridal party to carry all their goodies to and from the wedding and reception. They make a GREAT gift for them helping the bride on her special day.

The picture here...I LOVE. First..I am such a RED color fan! This organizing utility tote makes the perfect gift for the new bride. It comes with 7 pockets and I love that they have added the new MRS. name to the bag. How excited the bride must have been to receive this!

And then finally....our umbrellas....well....they are just the best! SUPER BIG...and the fact that they can be personalized....they just make the PERFECT bridal party gift.

So there you have it...some bridal party gift ideas. Need more?? I would love to help you out??

I am back to blogging..but will be blogging about what I love. And what I LOVE is my job with Thirty-One Gifts and all the products that we carry!! Want more info?? Message me!

All is well in our house hold. Hubs and I just celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary! Can you believe it?? These 7 years have FLOWN by! We are trying to decide where and when to take our FREE Carnival Cruise...it's a toss up. I would really love to go somewhere warm in the next few months. However, he wants to wait and go on an Alaska cruise later this summer. Hoping we make a decision soon as we have to use it by November!

Hope you all have a FABULOUS Wednesday!

Let the planning begin

2012-01-19T15:41:00.000-06:00

I am happy to report that we are NOT moving!! Praise the LORD! The offer came back for Hubs..and it was better than expected. He still had a hard time making the "FINAL" decision...was it the right thing to do, what if Texas was better, etc. I knew in my heart that God had truly answered our prayers and am SO thankful to each of you for praying for us. I was so at peace about the entire thing...and trusted God that he had it under control.

So....now I feel like we can start PLANNING our next year. FINALLY! We are heading to St. Louis this coming weekend to meet our newest nephew..and I can hardly wait. My poor brother has been having some issues with his stomach and back...so hoping that he begins to feel better soon and is able to enjoy being a daddy to his new little boy.

I packed the final Christmas items away last night. I had left some on Y's bed...and happily stuffed them into his closet till next year. What a relief! And I now have the urge to deep clean the house...it's time.

Lots of changes have been happening at my FT job. The company I work for depends on cold weather..a lot...and for most of us..it hasn't been as cold as is needed to help things stay a float. Many of my friends were let go a couple of weeks ago...and I honestly feel like I am hanging on by a thread.

My prayer is that I can hang on till next December/January. At that time, we will be able to switch our insurance from my company to Hub's company. At that time, I hope to be two leadership levels higher with Thirty-One and will be working full time from home. I am so excited about this! Less than a year left! WOO HOO!

I am blessed with an amazing group of women on my team. I am so thankful for each and every member of my team. I can hardly wait to meet many of them who live far away at our National Conference in Atlanta, GA this fall. It is going to be one big GIRLS WEEKEND! Now with a larger team, I have started to see many of our fabulous ladies fulfilling their dreams and goals. Many are paying off debt, getting some much needed mommy breaks, donating to amazing organizations, and I believe we even have a couple who are going to be quitting their full time jobs to stay at home with their kids. What a blessing Thirty-One is! I am honored to be called their leader and I LOVE helping them achieve their goals no matter how big or small they are.

Hubs and I are now in the planning stages of our FREE cruise! Really...yes! It's FREE! We haven't decided if we want to do the Caribbean or a cruise over in Europe. (Yes...I know..stay away from the cruise line that just sank!). I hope to get this finalized by the end of the month. The Europe cruise would be longer....and not till the end of June. The Caribbean cruise we would be able to take sooner...so we'll see what decision we make.

That about wraps it up from here! I am still drinking 1-2 Body By Vi shakes a day. I crave my Mocha Latte in the morning...and always feel better if I have an Orange Julius for lunch. Down 4 lbs and holding steady..I have let myself slack a little...but still feeling great!

Hope you all are having a wonderful week!

Do we go right or left?

2012-01-06T16:39:00.001-06:00

"It is precisely because we do not know what the next turn of the page will bring that we nourish our hearts now." ~John Eldredge

Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. ~1 Chron. 16:11

Focusing on this right now. This next week is a BIG week. If you could stop for even just a brief moment to pray for us,we would appreciate it. I have put this out in the Facebook world to our family and friends, but wanted to share it here as well.

As many of you know, Hub's company has been sold. The acquiring date is the end of this month and we have been in limbo for nearly three months now...not knowing if he can apply...not knowing if he has a job...what his salary will be...etc. During this time, he has taken steps to try and come up with a back up plan, in case the current job doesn't pan out.

He interviewed and was offered two jobs...both in TX. The first job..he declined. The second job...well the company is willing to wait on Hubs and find out what his current job offers before he has to accept/decline their offer. It is a good offer...that comes with lots of new excitement and adventure. The killer is that it is away from my family......from everything we know and have grown to love...including our home, neighbors, co-workers, 31 team, etc.

So...here we are...the weekend before the "official job offer/job decline letter" is delivered to him next week. We have no idea what it will say, however we are pretty hopeful he will be offered a job. HOWEVER, the big kicker is that we are really worried that this new job offer will be a DRASTIC cut in his salary.

If the cut in his salary is BIG...he will be accepting the TX offer. If the salary is the same, we will be staying put. I have been relatively calm and ok abut the entire thing..until just a few days ago. Reality of trying to pack up and move set in. The truth is that he would go before me and we would be making the long distance relationship work again until we could get our home sold. Sounds like so much...sounds like more than I can handle...but I am praying for God's will. For his plan, is far greater than mine.

Will this take us to a new place? Or will it keep us here? Will you just pray that we will both be at peace with the decision that is made and that we will both know right away what the right decision is.

Thank you. I appreciate it more than you will ever know.

I promise to keep you posted as soon as we know something.

PS- Our weightloss challenge is going great!! I am really loving the shakes!

Want to follow us day to day! Check out our Facebook page! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mike-Danas-Body-by-Vi-90-Day-Challenge/351433391540409

2012 Journey

2012-01-03T20:51:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year to you all! I hope that you all had a wonderful time celebrating New Year's Eve! We spent the weekend in NYC! No..we aren't at Times Square for the ball drop, but we did enjoy seeing some friends and sightseeing, as well as doing some Thirty-One business while we were there.

We are not settled back in at home. I still have yet to take down the Christmas decorations. Gasp!!! I have thought about it this evening and think I may wait another week. We have at least that long to find out if we will choose to stay in our current home or move to a new city. I figure, why pack things up until I know for sure what our plans will be.

Now that we are back into the swing of things at home, we have made the decision to work on getting fit and healthy in 2012. So...beginning tomorrow we are joining a 90 day weight loss challenge. I have decided that since I have been horrible about blogging...this might help me also get back into the swing of things...if I blog about my experience.

So you can look for my first posting tomorrow about what I eat, experience, etc...and little tid bits about our lives here too.

If you are interested in joining the challenge, you can check out my husband's website for more info.

http://www.michaeltracy.bodybyvi.com/

Have a great evening!!

New direction

2011-12-04T17:06:00.001-06:00

Today I am sitting on a plane flying back from Tampa, Florida. It is December and Christmas will be here before we know it. Obviously when you are in mid air, you have lots of time to think. That is what I am doing.

God is moving in my life. I can feel it. I finally feel a since of direction with what I am suppose to be doing in my life. And today is when I wish my Grandma was still around. I would have called her from the airport and shared my excitement with her. I would have told her about the amazing women I spent the weekend with and how supportive and encouraging they are. How I learned so much about myself and what type of leader I want to be for my ever growing team. How his company I am a Director for is changing lives and all about the virtuous woman. How I desire to be just like that and how I much admired her and how when I think of the virtuous woman in the bible I am reminded of her.

Instead, I have decided to write it down for you all to read.

I left on Friday morning for a director's retreat and am coming back home feeling refreshed, renewed, connected and excited about 2012. God has lead me on a path with Thirty-One that I once only dreamed of being on. I have met new friends and leaders that I am forever grateful for now having in my life.

You see this journey I am on is so much more than just selling handbags and totes. It is growing me into who God has called me to be- Dana Tracy. I do not have to be like anyone else, I don't want to be like everyone else. I want to be my own unique self. He is molding and shaping me into who he desires me to be.

Life has had its ups and downs lately. It always does. God doesn't promise it is going to be easy. What he does promise us is that he is with us always. He has been with me through each and every step and has brought amazing women in my life to pray for me, love me, listen to me, mentor me and more.

If you are not familiar with Thirty-One, our name is based off of Proverbs. Our motto is to Celebrate, Encourage and Reward those around us. I have never been a part of anything like this, but my time I have with my team members, fellow consultants, leaders and home office staff continues to put me in awe. God is using Cindy Monroe, our founder and her husband and this company in BIG ways.

I am so excited to be a part of this! I am blessed beyond words and will be forever grateful.

I look forward to 2012 and what is in store.

Trying to remodel...in a weekend

2011-08-08T12:34:00.000-05:00

So if you haven't noticed by now...my Thirty-One Red Hots team has been growing like crazy...and with that being said...I have outgrown my "green" office. Hubs and I talked about it as soon as I got back from conference and decided that I needed to move my office into the largest of our 3 extra bedrooms and make my office the "guest" room, as well as switch out my stepson's bed...and give him the queen instead of the double.

ANYWAYS...that is what we started working on Friday night. It took two coats of Primer to get the green to go away...and the chalkboard...oh my! What a mess that made! I will never use chalkboard paint again...at least..not directly on a wall.

It took forever to get this room to looking good....and I hid lots of the blemishes/flaws with things on the wall. As you can tell, the room is jam packed...but I think it turned out really good. Please excuse the blurry pictures...as I used my phone for all the pictures.

I will have room in the closet to store my sewing machine and all of my sewing material.....no more a combined office/sewing room.

Then it was onto moving the queen bed into "Y" room....fits nicely in there..and I know he will appreciate the bigger/comfier bed. :)

I had to find a home for a few more items...so I thought this turned out well in the hallway. My grandparents mirror that hung in their home...I spray painted it and turned it a different direction. And then their cute table that they had too. Such a warm reminder of them...going to their home and seeing them.

After that was all done..I was exhausted...and Hubs started feeling sick. Our allergies really took a toll on us yesterday..it was lounge around...blow your nose kind of day...the office is not complete...but the painting is at least done. And I love it! It is call Light French Gray. Very soothing and pretty.

The desk is still sitting out in our hallway and I have to move all the Thirty-One stuff I have in "Y"s closet into this closet...This room will be my Thirty-One office. Nothing else will be in here...and I am SUPER excited about that! Hubs has also offered to build me a set of 6 ft by 6ft shelving to go along one wall...

I really can't wait to get this room organized and decorated. Plus..I love the vaulted ceiling and having two windows that look out to the front of our house..I am kind of in my own private wing of the house.

So..there you have it...still have lots to do...but progress is definitely being made! My goal is to be working from this office full time next year at this time. Cannot wait!

Oh..and the best part about all of this.....it cost me $37.00 to do this switcharoo! Can't beat that!

Hope you all had a great weekend. :)

Vacation Update

2011-08-04T11:26:00.000-05:00

Well we got back from vacation several weeks ago and I have been in a whirlwind ever since! National Conference was AMAZING!! One of the most amazing experiences I have EVER had.

Before conference, we headed to St. Louis to see this sweet girl. Miss P...is just wonderful! Auntie D & Uncle M love her to pieces! She was so good while we were there and I loved watching her try and walk around and make all her fun noises. My sweet niece is just precious!

Of course..it was great to be at my brother's house...they have done a great job with decorating and making it feel nice and cozy.

Of course...it was great getting to see my brother and sil too! Aw....there little family of three...soon to be four!

Her red hair is getting long...and I see her looking like both my brother and sil. When she wrinkles her nose it is my favorite!

After a fun weekend with them..we headed on to Columbus, OH for Thirty-One Gifts National Conference. Here is part of our team from all over! Our shirts say..."We are all about the WOO HOO!".

Above is my only team member that was able to attend....Jodie was one of my very first consultants!! Hard to believe that in a year...I now have 30 fabulous ladies under me...WOW! Feel super blessed!

While at conference I learned a TON and met some wonderful women...Thirty-One sisters. My favorite part though was meeting my LEAD coach from Home Office. Sara helps me every Monday on our call together...goodness...she helps me sort things out that I am going through....and I am SO thankful to have her on this journey with me. I had to just run up and give her a big ole hug....loved meeting her face to face!

Another person I was so excited to meet was the founder, Cindy Monroe. She was so sincere and genuine...I look forward to having my picture taken with her many many more times in the years to come. :)

Of course...conference wouldn't be amazing without the new reveal of our Fall Catalog! IT IS AMAZING! If you haven't seen it yet...let me know..I will mail you one!! LOVE IT ALL! They just keep getting better and better! You can also view it by going to my website at: www.mythirtyone.com/danat

We also received TONS of great amentities for FREE just for attending conference...I felt truly spoiled when we left...

Above are just a few more pictures...we were taken on a Home Office tour...which was fascinating to see the HUGE warehouse that we ship out of....truly awesome to see the thousands of boxes!

I could go on and on...but I wanted to document this all and share a bit about my experience.

A couple more of my favorite parts:

1. The Praise and Worship music we had between our breaks at the Nationwide Arena...almost seemed like a Women of Faith conference....I absolutely LOVE the fact that this is a Faith Based company....and that they take that very seriously....God is doing amazing things...he is on the move with this company for sure!

2. Despite not wanting to really go....my Husband was a TROOPER...he was one of two guys on the tour bus with 40 some other women....He sat at our banquet table and was the only man there....he met other men...and socialized a bit....and was just supportive of me and my endeavor. He knows how much this means to me...and he did it all for me...yes he may have grumbled a bit about it...but he was there..and he stuck it out. In fact...he has more ideas now than ever for my business!

3. The training at conference was worth every moment and penny I spent. They had the most amazing speakers....
I am still reviewing all my notes and trying to put them into practice.

I have been on cloud nine since we got back! The catalog is amazing....my team is growing...and my calendar is almost completely full for the fall! WOW!

I told Hubs last night...58 days till Cancun...thanks to Thirty-One...and I am going to need a vacation after my busy month of parties in September! I can hardly wait!

Loving every minute!

Hope you are all having wonderful day...and that it is cooler where you are!

Coming this weekend...office remodel....more to come on that...but it is going to be some work...for sure!

Happy Thursday!!

I don't talk about this much

2011-06-29T15:31:00.000-05:00

But I am going to call on all you prayer warriors right now. You see...in just a couple of weeks, Hubs and I will be loading up our car and heading towards Ohio for Thirty-One Gifts National Convention! The fact that my Hubs is going with me and willing to participate in anything that is available to him at the convention is and of it's self such an answer to prayer.

You see...Thirty-One is a faith based company..and I am praying with everything I have right now that Hubs would meet some amazing GODLY men while at the convention. Men that he could bond with and become friends with...maybe a man that could be his mentor...he is searching right now...and the fact that he has taken an interest in going to church with me.....is another huge answer!

I know that God is in the business of answering prayers...no matter how many years I have prayed for my husband to find Jesus...I know that one day he will....and I can see small changes in him that give me hope.

So I just ask for all of you to lift us up in prayer...that this convention would be life changing for us both. We will be traveling again with some of these folks later this fall for our FREE trip to Cancun...so I pray that friendships and bonds could be developed.

He is even taking a Husbands only class that will be lead by the founder's husband and other husband's of the top leaders in the company! Friends...this is HUGE....this is exciting!

Pray anyway you feel led.....I just thank you from the bottom of my heart. :)

My excitement can hardly be contained......I am so thankful that God led me to Thirty-One...it is truly life changing..... I can't wait to share more with you after we return!

1st day of summer

2011-06-21T09:29:00.000-05:00

The weather is BEAUTIFUL here today! Happy first day of summer to you all! Our weekend was good, we spent Sunday with my family at my sister's house and I loved just hanging out and playing with my nephew. He is the greatest! Of course, seeing my parents and sister and bil was wonderful too. We are all getting excited for the baby to arrive....will it be a boy/girl is the question?? My guess is Girl......but I was wrong last time..so who knows!

My SIL (brother's wife) is also expecting again! She is due in January...so two babies in a matter of months. Auntie D can't hardly believe it!! Love how our family is growing!

Have you heard about all the flooding taking place in NW Missouri? My prayers are with all of those who have had to move out of their homes and have lost farmland due to the rising waters. I was very distracted yesterday looking at all of the pictures on facebook. The town of Craig has been evacuating...this small town is just 10 miles from where I grew up. Praying for everyone affected!

Received some sad news yesterday too about our neighbor three houses up our street. He passed away at such an early age of 39. He had been sick this past winter with cancer and had just come home from the hospital after finishing his chemo treatments. Things were starting to look up for him and then this past weekend he developed a blood clot on his leg and passed away on Sunday. We had only met him twice, but seemed like such a nice guy. My prayers go out to his family and friends.

Last night, I had a Thirty-One party. The hostess decorated with the 4th of July theme and I thought it was so cute I had to take a picture!

She also made a yummy dip that I wanted to share with you all. So easy...so good! She made it last fall when she hosted a party...and I was hoping she would make it again...and she did!

Benno's Dip

1 16 oz. sour cream
1 pkg. Knorrs Spring Vegetable Soup (dry)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Jalapeno's to taste (marinated)

Mix all ingredients together. Cool for 1 hour or more. Then set out a while before serving. Serve with pita chips or the flat pretzels. SO GOOD!

I love yummy dips in the summer time!!

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T09:48:00.000-05:00

I have been blessed with three amazing men in my life. Above is my Grandpa K. He was such a tender hearted man who loved to sing. I can still hear his voice as clear as day even though he has been gone for many years. I loved going to just sit with him in his living room and watch baseball, Jeopardy or the Flintstones with him. We didn't have to say much of anything...just being with him you knew how much he appreciated the company. He loved my Grandma and always said that the secret to being married for so long is answering "Yes Dear". He loved to tell jokes and make us laugh and loved his family dearly.

Above is my Grandpa B. He has only been gone a short time and I miss him alot. This man was one of the hardest working men I know. He loved God more than anything and was such an amazing man of faith. He was a farmer all of his life and had an amazing carpentry talent. He loved spending time with each of his 5 grandkids and keeping up with where we were on any given day.
And last but definitely not least...above is my Dad and family. My Dad is an amazing man of faith. Through the good times and the bad, my Dad has been the rock. He loves the Lord and is such a great example to my siblings and I. I love spending time with him and wish it could be more often. I love you Dad! Happy Father's Day!

Thank you dear God for bringing three of the most amazing men into my life. I am forever thankful!

The accident

2011-06-17T09:36:00.000-05:00

So I realized I never really blogged about being rear ended....probably one of the reasons I had stopped blogging for awhile...it so put a kink in my mood and outlook.

I was just a few miles from our house on the last Saturday of April. Hubs and I had planned an actual date day for the two of us and I was running to Kohls that morning. I was coming to a complete stop as there were cars in front of me when the guy behind me was paying any attention and slammed into me. He hit me hard enough that I hit the car in front of me. Needless to say, it ruined my day/weekend/week/month. I was very thankful that Bella and I were not hurt, just some whiplash. I was devastated. We had just bought our new car a little over a month ago and then this happened.

Thankfully, the guy that hit me was totally at fault and received a ticket. I had to go to court as a witness just a few weeks ago and he plead guilty. And we were also very thankful that he had insurance. However, they have not been the best to deal with. I can never get a hold of the claims adjuster and she has been very rude on the phone. Will be so thankful when this is all over.

The vehicle was not totalled, but had $13,000 in damage which just sickens us. The adjuster had to go to the body shop three times because they kept finding things that were broken or in pieces when they took the car apart. The body shop was kind enough to give me pictures of the car and the pieces they took off, so I thought I would share just a few.

After a month and half in the shop...we finally went to pick her up on Tuesday evening. She looks as good as new. Hubs found some paint over spray on the driver's side...but I took it back and they removed it right away.

It's good to have my car back and be out of the rental. I admit, I am nervous driving it now. We are still waiting to settle with the medical portion of the claim and I have been told that we should claim diminished value for the car. I was really hoping to be done with the insurance company...but looks like a few more issues we need to work out with them. Nothing like leaving a message for the claims adjuster and her never returning my phone calls. I know what insurance to never get for car insurance..that is for sure!

Happy Friday to you all! May you all have a safe weekend!

Ok ok

2011-06-16T15:46:00.000-05:00

I'm here! And I am blogging! Surprise! This spring and summer has already been super busy and the end of April/May was very stressful to me with being rear ended. I can tell you that I don't like dealing with insurance companies AT ALL!

We finally have our car back after a month and a half in the body shop. From what we can tell..she looks like new...and she does have the new car smell still..but it kind of has a paint smell too...so that is a little disappointing...but I will get over it. I am just thankful to be out of the rental car!

I am still wrapping up all the issues with insurance company. I think sometimes it is never going to end. And they are the hardest people to get a hold of!

Our birthdays came and went...all in all it was a great weekend. I got to see both my niece and nephew which was wonderful! And of course seeing my Sissie and SIL was an added bonus too! :) My mom made us (or should I say...ME) ha! a Chocolate Angel Food Cake...which was DELICIOUS!

I am staying busy with my full time job and my team is a growing with Thirty-One! I will more than double my team in the next month or two....UNBELIEVABLE! AND I earned the Leadership Trip to Cancun in October for both Hubs and I...and I also earned us a $2000.00 cruise of our choice! Super excited about both...I am dreaming of October already....I just look at pictures and can hardly wait!

Doesn't it look amazing!!!!!!!!!!!! The best part is the entire trip is FREE! We won't pay for one thing...not even parking at the airport or gratuity! I guess...we will pay for Bella to be boarded..but that's it! AMAZING!

We now have a computer that works at home....and I just won a wireless keyboard and mouse at work yesterday...so I hope to get myself back into a routine of blogging at night. It has been hard to find time during the day while working both my FT job and keeping up with being a Director with Thirty-One...but I wouldn't trade it for the world! Next goal...Senior Director by December....I have my eyes set on it! God continues to bless my team and I and I am SO VERY THANKFUL!

Our neighborhood is changing. We have new neighbors that have just started moving in across the street and one final home is going up on our block. Can't wait for this construction to be over! Can hardly believe how much it has changed in 3 years! We are even planning our first block party for August! One of our neighbors is retiring from the military, so his wife is throwing him a party...should be lots of fun in our cul-de-sac. :)

My family is all doing good! My sister is due in September...can't wait to meet my new little niece/nephew! We will be heading to my brother's in July to stay with them a few days before driving on to Columbus, OH...excited to see them and their house and spend some quality time with Little Miss P. She came and stayed with us for one night last week. Growing up so fast! She even cried when hubs tried to give her back to me...she wanted Uncle Ike to not let her go. Too cute!

Hope you all are having a wonderful summer!! Enjoy your evening!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-25T16:15:00.002-05:00

Do you have a favorite cookbook?

2011-04-25T15:52:00.000-05:00

I love cookbooks!!!!In fact, I LOVE collecting them! I have two shelves of cookbooks in my pantry!! I know that you can get pretty much any recipe online...and I do get recipes from there when I am in a crunch. However, to me there is just something special about looking through an actual cookbook. It brings back memories to me of special times with my family. I also enjoy reading any notes/stories that is put into a cookbook...ahhh...the history of recipes...fascinates me.

I have several cookbooks from my hometown....that I pretty much use almost weekly.....and then I have some that I have purchased or received as gifts. Here are a few of those:

The Pioneer Woman cookbook is one of my favorites. I love her pictures, stories and recipes. So does my Hubby....he says you can never go wrong when you use one of her recipes. Maybe he likes the fact that she lives in Oklahoma...which is where he was born....so he is a bit partial...but the recipes are AMAZING!

The Gooseberry Patch Cookbooks are also ones that I use all the time. My sister was telling me that their Crock Pot Cookbook is one of her favorites...that will be the next one for me to get on my list. The recipes are simple and yummy!

Anyways...just wanted to share a couple of them that I love...

Do you all have any favorites....if so what are they?? Or...do you prefer finding recipes online?

Where or where have I been?

2011-04-21T11:48:00.000-05:00

Goodness! It's been almost a month since I have last blogged! I have been a busy gal! My stepson was in town for a week....so that kept us busy and I have had lots of Thirty-One Gifts events to go to. Love my business and the gals I am meeting at each party!

Thanks to my amazing customer support and team...I have earned a trip for my family to either Disney World or a cruise of our choice! The program actually doesn't end until the end of May..so I still have a possibility of even going up another level. So thankful and blessed!

I am also very close to earning a Leadership Incentive Trip to Mexico in October! I won't know for sure until next month...but my goal is to get there! I can't hardly wait!

I am just so excited about my team and the adventure we are on together! God is up to something good and I am very thankful for his many blessings!

So...with that said...I have been very busy! And with the lack of having a working computer at home...I have spent my evenings next to my Hubs on the couch watching movies.

My goal this weekend is to really get a hold of my calendar and to get organized with everything I have to do. May is SUPER busy......and I can hardly wait for July....as that is when we will be leaving to go to National Conference!

Can you tell I love Thirty-One Gifts?? Cause I truly do! It is changing my life and my husband's.

Ok..enough said about that.

I have started running hardcore again. Got to get myself in shape! And....my running partner and I have signed up for another 5K in June...so got to get a moving!

Lots of ideas rambling through my head to write about...will post more soon. I promise! Got to tell you all about our landscaping ordeal! But right now the sun is shining for a brief moment or two...so I am going to take advantage of it and go get some lunch.

Happy Thursday to you all!

Check out these cupcakes!

2011-03-22T21:56:00.000-05:00

My sweet friend, Angela, made me these amazing cupcakes for my Branch Out & Blossom Director's meeting I held on Saturday. I gave her the name tags that we would be using and she matched the apples to them.

Aren't they the cutest!?

She has started her own business and it is called O-Sweetcakes Bakery Boutique. You can check out her website by clicking HERE.

What new product have you tried lately?

2011-03-21T21:29:00.001-05:00

Have you heard of Lemongrass Spa products??

http://www.lemongrassspa.com/

One of my sister's MOPS friends sells these products and I bought some foot creme a few weeks ago. Come to find out I won some free samples too....so I have been trying them all out.

I receive a full size container of their Tangerine Body Polish...UH...HELLO! Love love love! Even my hubs has complimented me after getting out of the shower and how glowing I am! He thought maybe I had tanned! I typically use Bath and Body Works Salt Scrubs....but this is even better! At least in my opinion!

Then...they have this Pomegranate Face Polish...oh my heavens!! I am IN LOVE with this product! My face feels AMAZING after using.

I just can't say enough about these amazing products! I must admit...I was hesitant at first...but now that I have tried them...oh dear! I want them all!

My skin has never felt or looked so good! What new products have you tried lately??

Taking a new approach

2011-03-18T09:09:00.000-05:00

Well it's Friday and I haven't blogged in forever. While I have taken some time off from the blog world...I have been doing some thinking/searching about what I want to blog about. I have decided to take a new approach to the topics that I cover.

I am going to spend less time talking about my personal life and spend more time talking about things I love such as food, fashion, reading and travelling.

So there you have it...something you can expect to read about.....all starting Monday morning.

Happy Weekend to you all!

How long has it been?

2011-02-25T21:20:00.000-06:00

Goodness! I haven't blogged in how long?? Our desktop computer is gone...they were unable to recover anything...as much I as upset that all of my pictures and documents were gone..the truth is...the images are still in my mind. I mean..I can't take them with me one day....so I decided to get over it and move on...despite how much I wish I had a copy of them all.
Netbook is still acting up...it gets so moody....sometimes it works...sometimes it doesn't....obviously..right now it is working...so I am doing a quick posting.
I have not been feeling like myself lately. I came home Monday aching all over and had a fever. I took a few days off from work...and finished out the week feeling better than ever...and feel like my ole' self again.
I would post pictures..but honestly..it is just of some snow...and I am at this point...over the snow topic. Is it March yet?
I received the best gift tonight when I got home. My girlfriends from Jersey mailed me a package full of popcorn, movie candy and gift certificates to the movie theater...needless to say..I was ECSTATIC! I honestly thought the Fed Ex man was delivering another Thirty-One package...but nope....it was even better coming from my two besties in Jersey! Did I tell you?? They are coming to stay with me in June on my birthday! I can't wait to spend time with them both!
I have been neglecting blog reading and I have been failing at twittering....goodness sakes...I need to get back on track. When life seems to get me down...I just close up and stay away from everything. I felt overwhelmed this last week....I let the stresses of life get the best of me....and I was disappointed in myself for doing so.
And then I read this...
1) TAKE ONE THING AT A TIME! God’s grace really is sufficient and He really does meet all our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. As much as we want to see all that manna heaped up in a mountain of provision a week in advance alongside those upcoming demands, His promise in Philippians 4:19 is to meet each one AT THE TIME WE NEED IT. Thank You, Lord. If we could learn to live in this present moment with this present provision, oh, man, life would be so much less stressful, wouldn’t it?Isn't that amazing??? It is from the LPM Blog....thank you Beth Moore...I needed to be reminded of this. Anywho...just a short posting from me. I am here and doing much better than a week ago..THANK YOU for you prayers.
I am going to watch some Harry Potter while Hubs sleeps on the couch next to me...and I may just dive into some chocolate snowcones. Yum!

CRASHED

2011-02-12T08:34:00.000-06:00

What a way to wake up on a Saturday! Our desktop computer has CRASHED! I knew it was on the outs a few days ago...and yet I decided to ignore the fact that it might be sick. Probably shouldn't have done that...all my pictures are saved on that computer...other important documents......ALL OF THEM. I have a few of them backed up...but not all of them. UGH! I should have known better.

That is part of the reason I haven't blogged lately...nor have I been commenting/reading other blogs or tweeting! The desktop has been giving us problems and my netbook...it can be awfully moody at times. I have a love/hate relationship with them both!

I will have to try and have it repaired this week...and see what we can recover from it. Praying it is more than expected. It won't even boot. It keeps telling me there is no hard drive. LOVELY!

Other than waking up to that this morning...my morning has been wonderful! Doing laundry and drinking some coffee in my favorite room of the house. Hubby is still asleep so it is nice and quiet here in our house. I love the sound of quietness......ahhh.....well I guess at this moment I can hear myself typing away...and Hubs is snoring. ha!

It is our SIX year anniversary today! WOW! Time sure does fly by! Happy Anniversary Babe! I love you! (even though he won't get on my blog to read this..thought I would put that out there!) :)

No big plans in store for us today. He asked me what I would like to do...and I requested to eat PIZZA tonight at one of my favorite places and I have asked to go see the movie The Kings Speech. Pretty exciting I know! I want today to be low key.

He has been super sweet the last few days...and I have been picking the movies to watch at night.. Last night we watched You Again and the night before Life as We Know It. Two chick flicks in two nights!!

Thirty-One is definitely keeping me busy. I am learning my new role as Director and am SUPER excited about my team and how it continues to grow. God continues to bless us and I am so thankful for this opportunity! My goal this weekend is to get my office in order and get my planner on track. I am needing to get myself organized so that I don't get stressed out. :)

Other than that....that pretty much sums up this morning. Have a wonderful weekend! The sun is shining!!

Little I's 3rd birthday

2011-02-03T09:02:00.000-06:00

This past Saturday, we met everyone at Applebee's for dinner to celebrate Little I's birthday. All 17 of us gathered together to celebrate and he sat right in the middle of the big group. Of course, everyone was super excited to see how much Miss P had grown too.

After dinner was over, we headed back to I's house to watch him unwrap presents and have birthday cake and ice cream.

Check out the cake my sister made for him! Super cute!!!

It was so fun to watch him get all excited about unwrapping presents. At first, he tried handing them out (like it was Christmas)...had to help him understand that this time it was all about him!

He had quite the audience as he was unwrapping. :)

We gave him Tom and Jerry dvds. He and Uncle Mike love to watch that show when he comes to spend the night with us. And since they don't have cable, we thought it would be something he would enjoy watching at home.

I also made him a Superman Cape...well...you could call it a Cowboy Cape....I have been thrilled to hear that he has been flying around the house being a Super Hero. :)

His best friend Mason and parents came over to the party too...it was quite fun to watch the two little boys together.

And just a few more pictures from the evening....loved spending time with everyone!! Thankful that it didn't snow and no one was sick! YEA!! I know this is a lot of pictures...but my sister didn't get pictures taken that night...so wanted to make sure everyone could see what I took.

He had an announcement to make after he opened presents....here he was saying ATTENTION EVERYONE...

It's snowing...

2011-01-19T14:24:00.000-06:00

and I'm at work. NOT FUN! Ha! And this will be another random posting..

I don't know if you are anything like me, but I love to be wrapped up in my blanket, all snuggled on my couch with a great book or watching a movie with the fire going. Now that is a wonderful moment for me...sounds like I might just get to do that if it snows as much as they are thinking tonight!

Last night I got home and I was in a cleaning frenzy! I just couldn't stop. Our master bath was...well..just downright disgusting to me....so I cleaned EVERYTHING....boy is that a wonderful feeling! I had neglected it for too long! In my next house...I will not have white counter tops or white cabinets! The hardest things to keep clean.

Oh and then this morning while I was getting our trash together for trash day...I went through our pantry and did a little reorganizing, dumping of food containers....who knows what I will hit tonight!

Went food shopping at lunch today...had to beat all the crazies that will be there after work. Thankfully, it wasn't too terribly busy. I wouldn't have even gone...but...when you need milk, bread, the basic necessities...it's time to go. I signed up for E-Mealz.....a meal planning system. Have any of you heard of itor use it?? I am using the lowfat menu......I can tell you that I already saved a fortune at the store today by sticking to the plan. AMAZING!

I am hosting my first Arbonne party on Saturday. I have never used the products, but have heard great things about them...any of you recommend a certain product?? The consultant, Megan, contacted me and asked me if I would host one for her if she hosted a Thirty-One party for me...sounded like a good trade for me. I guess we may do foot soaks...excited to see what that is all about...WARNING to all of you who are attending...I haven't had a pedi...in a REALLY LONG TIME and I won't be getting one before Saturday...so you have been warned...don't look at my ugly feet! ha!

I am hosting a giveaway on my 31 blog for a FREE THERMAL TOTE. Be sure to enter HERE!

The snow is really falling now...sure is pretty!!

I'm behind

2011-01-17T10:33:00.000-06:00

I am...really behind on keeping you all up to date on what has been going on.

Little "I" spent the day and night with us on Friday night...and after that...I crashed the rest of the weekend. I did get the laundry done...and cleaned the kitchen..but after that...nothing else got accomplished besides me laying on the couch and working on some Thirty-One things.

Thank you to all of you and your sweet comments and prayers for "Y"...we continue to take things one day at a time and pray that we are doing the right thing.

I made an amazing chicken recipe yesterday!! SOO GOOD and easy! I found it on Jenna's website, but have also posted it on my recipe blog.

I don't know about the rest of you...but I am ready for some sunshine and warmer weather! I know we are only still in January...but I have had enough of the white stuff and cold. There are times I really like it, for instance, when I have a day off and no where to go, but getting out into it every day to go to work..no fun!

I think I am going to try another new recipe tonight for Shepherd's pie....I am in the mood for some comfort food.

We watched the movie Inception yesterday. Wow! What a movie...I think I need to watch it again to try and figure it all out! lol!

As far as the NFL playoffs go..things have not been going my way...I mean...every team I have wanted to win...end up losing...HOWEVER...things started looking up yesterday afternoon...the JETS WON!!! FINALLY...I have someone to cheer for! Good grief...I could have almost placed bets and won with the way my record was going. Now...don't get me wrong...I am a CHIEFS fan and always will be....but I need to cheer someone all the way to the Super Bowl...and I am thinking it's the Jets this year. I mean..they are from New York...gotta love that! And they beat the Patriots...THANK YOU....one team I can't stand!

So I mentioned on Twitter..I am craving donuts...seriously...don't know why...except it may be about that time of you know what! Ugh...no Krispy Kremes or Dunkins near us....may have to make a stop at Lamar's....something sweet sounds divine about now!

I am trying to get myself in the mood to read more...so my goal tonight is to go through all the books that I have a pick out three to read this winter....a good goal...right? I will let you know what I find!

I think that about wraps up my update for now....I didn't take many pictures of Little "I"...I was to busy playing games with him. :) So you will have to wait until next time.

Happy Monday!

Randomness of 2011

2011-01-10T08:49:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I made chocolate chip cookies....I used the same recipe as I always do...and I don't know what happened...my cookies were flat and chewy...not the normal puffy cookies I make. I added the baking soda...so strange. They are still good...just not as pretty.

Hubs and I are trying to make some tough decisions right now in regards to "Y". Unfortunately, we have found out about some very disturbing issues that have been going on and are having to practice tough love right now. We are hoping and praying that we are doing the right thing. My stomach has been in knots since yesterday and Hubs didn't sleep at all last night. I now understand what my parents must have gone through with me. Sorry Mom and Dad for putting you through such difficult times. The question has now become, do we have him sent to our house and remove him from the environment that he is in, or do we try and wait it out and see how well his Mom and Stepdad handle the issues. Either way...it isn't going to be easy. So prayers are appreciated right now.

It is snowing here...and I'm not sure when it is going to stop. I made it to work..making it back home may be another issue. It's not bad once I get on the main road. The hard part is getting out of our subdivision and up the hill on our street. The snow sure is pretty though...wishing we had a snow day here.

Started running again. Yes....I am doing a 5K at the end of the month...need to start a great workout regimen. Can't say I am loving it yet...but when your pants start getting tight...it's time to do something. Buying new clothes is not an option for me right now.

Thirty-One Gifts just revealed their new Spring/Summer Catalog. I must say it is probably my FAVORITE one yet! I can't wait to get my hands on some of the products!!! It just keeps getting better and better. Aren't these fun colors??? Check out my blog on the right hand side to find out the special I am offering for all new consultants who sign up on January 15th!

I didn't make any New Year's resolutions this year. Did you? I have some goals that I have set for myself...but I set them this past fall. So not sure they technically count as New Year's resolutions!?

Excited for this Friday! I have a date with Little "I". His birthday is later this month and his birthday present choice was to go see Sesame Street Live again. So this Friday I am taking off of work and spending the day with him and we are going to go see Elmo and all his friends! I can't wait to see what "I" does when he sees them in person. Should be lots of fun!

It is breafast time and I am already thinking about dinner tonight. Thinking minestrone soup sounds really good. I was watching the food channel over Christmas and one of the chefs was making this.....going to have to try a new recipe tonight.

I think that is enough of my randomness for now. Happy Monday to you all!!

Been thinking about it

2011-01-05T12:51:00.000-06:00

I am sitting here today and am SO THANKFUL for my husband and the support he gives me with my Thirty-One career. I went to a networking group last night for the first time. I met some wonderful ladies..there was almost 50 women there! I wasn't sure what to expect, but I took a lot away from it and am looking forward to getting to know these women better.

I was standing there at the end of the evening chatting with a couple of the ladies and realizing how blessed I am to have a husband who stands beside me and wants to see me succeed with my own business. He doesn't complain about me going to 31 parties, attending events or networking meetings. In fact, he encourages me and is interested in what happens.

A few of the ladies last night were talking about how there husbands gave them guilt trips for being away from them and their families to go do this type of work and network...it was so depressing and I just felt bad for them. They kept checking their phones as their husbands would call and wonder when they were coming home. I drove home last night and realized even though I might complain about my husband and how he doesn't do things I want him to or think he should ....he does support and love me more than I can imagine. He wants the best for me...and I am thankful for that.

Now...I must admit, when I first started this adventure, he wasn't too crazy about it and the whole direct sales idea. However, our deal when I started this July was that I was going to make this work and I needed two years to prove to him I can do this full time. Well...6 months later and he is already seeing the results...he has become my cheerleader. This is a big month for me....I am working toward being a "Director" and getting that extra bonus. I am nervous/excited and just hoping and praying that it happens. God is totally paving the way...and I stand here today going...it seemed impossible two days ago...but I should have never doubted you...as I know you are opening doors that I would have never thought of looking in. I am amazed...thankful and excited to see what he has in store for my future.

Thanks for listening.

Christmas #3

2011-01-03T22:17:00.000-06:00

The final celebration of the year...and first celebration of the new year happened this past weekend at my parents house. I hadn't planned to go and spend the night at my parents house....but my hubs encouraged me to go so that I would miss any bad weather that might be headed our way and to just spend some time with my family.

Boy am I sure glad he did. I really need a night away from our house and needed some good old family time. I texted my sister to tell her I was coming up...but no one else new...boy you should have seen my parents faces when I walked inside the house. They were surprised! And the bonus was surprising my brother, sil and niece! I was so happy to spend some time with everyone!

I didn't take any pictures on New Years Eve.....I spent at least an hour sitting in the recliner rocking Miss P....I was soaking up my time with her...and we enjoyed rocking as we listened to the conversations going on at the dinner table. Yes..I totally have baby fever after being around her this weekend.

My sis, bil, brother, sil and I spent the late evening hours playing Apples to Apples. I had never played...and it was really fun and we got some great laughs out of the game! I loved every minute...even though I was ready for bed and stayed up way past my bedtime!

Little "I" and I shared the same bed together. He tosses and turns all night and his feet ended up in my face on New Years morning. I loved having him wake me up and ask me if after our nap we could unwrap presents. :) He had waited patiently all night to have Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

It was pretty much just like Christmas morning...Mom made breakfast casserole and cinnamon rolls and we unwrapped presents and sat around in our pjs all morning. I loved it! It was so much fun watching Little "I" unwrap his gifts...he definitely got distracted...but it made it last longer...and I loved that.

Here are some pictures of our morning...WARNING!! Picture OVERLOAD!

I loved snuggling with my little princess. She is so snuggly! I am going through withdrawals!

I had a bloggy friend make a couple of items for my niece and nephew...and they turned out SO CUTE! We even played dress up with Miss "P"....the pillowcase dress is a little big...but she looked adorable in it! And I loved watching my sil's reaction when she opened the gift!

Check out Brandy's etsy shop at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/sunfirecreative. She did SUCH a wonderful job! Thank you Brandy!!

And just a few more snap shots of our time together...

So thankful for Christmas with family a great way to start 2011!

My Friday

2010-12-30T09:02:00.000-06:00

Well today is Friday for me again! We get tomorrow off and I couldn't be more excited for a long extended weekend again!!

This weekend is a bit busier than last! I still have Christmas shopping to do! Say what?? That's right.....my family isn't celebrating Christmas till Saturday...so I still have presents to wrap and gifts to get....hey...at least I wasn't out last week with all those that waited last minute!

I am really excited to see my family on Saturday. I love giving presents and this year I am especially excited again. We drew names this year, which made it even easier. Hubs and I have my brother and sister. I took my sister...as I was hoping I would get her...I can't wait for her to open her present. Surprise Kid if you read this! You know it is coming from me! lol!

I also got two of the most precious items for my niece and nephew...I promise to show you pictures once they open them!

So...that is on my agenda for the weekend...I am also gearing up for a new year with Thirty-One Gifts. My business and team just keep on growing! I just got my first recruit from Virginia! I love having girls on my team all over the US!! I am so excited!! We also just received our Dream Reward info for this next year and I gave my goals to my Hubs....I am working towards two FREE trips and going to National Conference in July. I love this company and the support it gives me. God is truly blessing us all!

With that said..I am looking for two things. One I am wanting to find someone to help me design my 31 blog...and give me some type of cute button logo..for just me...so if you know of anyone who can do this...for a great price...please let me know!

And...I am also looking for other bloggers out there who would like to host a giveaway this next year?? Please let me know if you are interested. I would love to give away a few of our new items that are coming out this spring....I mean...check out some of these cute bags....Aren't they fun for spring and summer??

So if you would love to host a giveaway...please let me know through the comment section and I will get in contact with you! :)

Have a wonderful day!! Enjoy the rest of 2010!! hehe!

Christmas 2010 - #2

2010-12-25T18:21:00.000-06:00

We have spent the day at home...just the two of us and Miss B. At first, I was sad about not being with my family, but after staying in my pjs all day, opening gifts, eating yummy brunch, and watching 2 of my favorite Christmas movies, I must admit that I have SO enjoyed today and how quiet and simple it has been.

I look forward to spending next weekend with my family and celebrating Christmas then...but today...I enjoyed just relaxing at home and not going anywhere.

My Hubs totally surprised me this year. He is not a huge Christmas fan at all...and usually grumbles about everything he has to do...including buying me a gift. But not this year...in fact he shopped early...and totally thought about what to give me.

Remember I told you that we had a deal of just getting each other one gift? Well.....not until last night at 10:00 did I realize that didn't mean we wouldn't not get stocking stuffers for each other. OOPS! HUGE OOPS! I only got him his 2 DVDs he wanted....I didn't even do stocking stuffers and I realized after talking to him...that he did! I shed some tears and told him I would go out to Walmart and fill his...but he told me not to worry about it...he was so happy that he out did me in the giving dept this year. He says I am always the biggest giver and this year he was excited that he beat me. (LOL! Mr. Competitor)

So...here is my wonderful gifts that he gave me...if you know anything about me..I LOVE the KC Chiefs and the Missouri Tigers....so he did really good...Here is our tree this morning..with Bella's new items in front from Santa. :)

My new watch...which is so much more beautiful in person

And....the rest of my items....

It has been a great Christmas. Most importantly...I am thankful for God sending his son, Jesus. Merry Christmas to you all!! Happy Birthday Jesus!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T09:27:00.000-06:00

Wishing you and your families a very Merry Christmas!

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Christmas #1

2010-12-23T15:42:00.000-06:00

This past Sunday, my Dad's side of the family gathered together at my parents home to celebrate Christmas. Unfortunately, we did not have a very big crowd due to some illnesses, but those of us who gathered together had a great time!

Here are just a few snap shots from the day...Miss P...ready for everyone to arrive....

Little I playing with Mr. Potato head's moustache.

My cousin's girls and my nephew....waiting to unwrap presents...

Still waiting...and being patient...

My uncle, sister, bil and cousin...waiting as well....

Another view....my brother is included in this one...

Hanging out and playing...

We had a great time together and missed those who couldn't be with us...now just two more Christmas to tackle. :)

Christmas Card

2010-12-22T14:39:00.002-06:00

So I sent out a few cards this year...but in case you didn't get one...

Merry Christmas from our family to yours.

Frosty

2010-12-21T08:56:00.001-06:00

Frosty the Snowman from Dana Tracy on Vimeo.

My Christmas List

2010-12-17T10:48:00.001-06:00

So I was asked this past weekend what I wanted for Christmas. And in all honesty...I am just thankful for what I have and trying to keep my "WANT" list to a minimum. Hubs and I have cut WAY back this year and only getting what we have asked for. His is easy. He only wants two DVDS...can't complain about that! I have asked for a new watch..I saw a Fossil Watch before Thanksgiving that I loved...so I pointed it out to him.

My family though asked me..and I didn't know what to tell them....so here you go folks!

I want a CHI straightener...not until I looked at my sister's Amazon list did I remember this! LOL! Thanks Kid for the reminder!

I think of things all year long and then forget...I need to start putting a list together year round. My memory isn't as good as it use to be! lol!

Another item I have had in mind is some Tervis Tumbler's with the letter "T" on them....We go through cups like crazy!

I have prolonged trying on the skinny jeans and skinny leggings for quite a while now..but yesterday while I was out shopping during lunch I decided to try on a pair. OH MY GOODNESS! What was I waiting for!?? The most comfortable thing I have put on in months AND...Stretchy....need I say more! I felt so skinny in them......

So...on my list are these...cord stretch skinny leggings from www.hue.com..

Or these skinny jean leggings from gap/old navy.....

And some tunics and cute belts would be great....

I would love new perfume...or any products from the one and only Bath and Body Works...

I do not have Season One of I Love Lucy

Or...Season Two

And...lastly....gift cards are always wonderful too.

What is on your lists???

2010-12-15T11:11:00.000-06:00

So I am a few days late...but still wanted to participate!

Our home...Holiday Style..

As you enter our front door....

Our tree...this year I have kept it to just one tree...

Coffee table in our front room.

Wall along the stairway...

My small tree in the kitchen...

Above our hutch...

Isn't this wall hanging the cutest??!! I received it as a gift from a co-worker my very first job out of college!

Mr. Snowman...Bella loves this one because he jingles..

There you have it...all the pictures I have taken. Be sure to check out all the rest of the homes on the tour!!

Cookie Day 2010

2010-12-11T08:46:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was a wonderful day! My sister, sister in law, mom, niece and nephew came to my house to make cookies all day long! We had a great time together! Here are some pictures from our day! We ended up making Gingerbread Cookies, Sugar Cookies, and Christmas Wreaths...YUMMY! I have 4 containers full!

I think by the end of the day we were all tired...and a little slap happy. I am so happy we could all get together and hang out! Can't wait for next year! :)

Misc Monday

2010-12-06T15:44:00.000-06:00

Ending Monday with a bunch of randomness...

1. I am in a mood today...that I just can't seem to get out of...a lot of it has to do with work...and I am hoping that a restful night at home tonight will put me in a better mood for tomorrow. Why does it seem like December sometimes brings out the worst in people instead of the best!? I am trying not to let the downers that I am having to talk to on the phone today at work get the best of me...but it is seriously almost too much!

2. My final Thirty-One Gifts party is tomorrow night -final one before Christmas/the New Year that is.... And wow what a year it has been! I can't believe I should be a Director next year! Woo Hoo!!

3. I want to watch Christmas movies tonight...I need some holiday cheer.

4. My sister's MIL, sent me a package of Mocha Mint Dunkin Donuts coffee...and I am loving it! Thank you!! :) We are enjoying it at work!!

5. I need to clean our bathroom...I know..RANDOM....but it is on my To Do list tonight.

6. I wrapped 4 Christmas presents last night...progress is being made!

7. I would really love for it to SNOW...it's true...I need some SNOW.

8. I am SO excited for Friday!! It is our 2nd annual Christmas Baking Day with the ladies in my family...plus Little "I"...can't wait to hang out with all of them for the day!

9. I am wondering if anyone out there has a Cookie Ornament recipe??...after looking back all my old ornaments from the past...there is one that I wish I had that someone had made me when I was young..it looked almost like a sugar cookie. I would love to find the time to make some...SOME DAY.

10. And finally...I need to start working out again...I am suppose to be running a 5K again at the end of January...so hard to hit the gym in the dark and cold...Thank Goodness for my friend/neighbor that is keeping me motivated.

Happy Monday!!

My favorite Christmas Ornaments

2010-12-06T08:27:00.000-06:00

When I was growing up, Santa always brought my brother, sister and I an ornament for one of our Christmas presents. He always did such a good job in hopes that one day we could use them all on our own trees one day. And that is exactly what I do now! :) I love getting them out each year and looking at them and remembering back to when I was younger.

It was always one of the first things we did when we woke up in the morning. We would first get up and see our Santa present under the tree, grab our stockings and then hunt for the ornaments on the tree. Loved every part of that tradition!

I wanted to show you all some of my favorites from back in the day...

I love this one as you hook it up to the Christmas lights and it sets the background...

A music box that plays music and the ballerina dances...

Way back from 1987....

This one is one of my favorites...as I have a whole bunch of these that my parents made when I was just a baby I believe....(correct me if I am wrong Mom) :)

Now this one didn't belong to me...it was my Grandma and Grandpa B's. They had one of each of their five grandchildren on the tree...wasn't I a cutie!!? Look at the hair! lol! I love it just because it came from my Grandparents tree...sweet memories of them and how much they loved us.

So there you have it...some of my ornaments from the past...and they warm my heart.... Happy Monday!!

Lunch date

2010-12-02T09:20:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I had a lunch date with Little "I" and my sister. They were on their way up to our parents house to spend a few days and I had some things I needed to give them. So we decided to meet at the new Freddy's restaurant here in town. Nothing like a good burger and fries.

Little "I" is quite the crack up. He is always being silly and I just love his personality! When I first got there he politely asked me if I would like to go to Grandma and Grandpa's house with them. I unfortunately had to turn him down. :(

I love being able to have a quick lunch date with the two of them. Always makes my day better!! Thanks Kid!! Hope you two are enjoying your time at Mom and Dad's!!

Here is one more picture of the two of us acting silly....I love my nephew!!

And then I just had to share a few pictures of Miss P. (my niece) My brother sent me a bunch of pictures (which made me happy!!!) She is starting to smile and I can't wait to spend some time with her!

Can you tell I am a proud Auntie??? Hope you all are having a wonderful Thursday!!

Our Christmas Mantle

2010-12-01T08:48:00.001-06:00

One thing I love this time of year is all the blog linky parties! I love peaking into everyone's homes to see how they decorate for the holidays. I have tried to be a little more simple this year with our decorating...and our mantle just goes to show it isn't too fancy. I did have stockings hung, but decided to take them down as I don't believe Hubs and I will be filling our stockings this year.

So...here is our Christmas Mantle...I would love to have a large picture of Santa kneeling and praying to Baby Jesus...but have yet to find one that would work...so this will have to do this year. I have been decorating pine cones...which I will post about later....I have yet to fill the cylinder with the glittery ones yet...this will have to do for now.

Be sure to check out the Linky Party HERE.

Thanks for stopping by!!

The Tree

2010-11-30T08:49:00.000-06:00

Remember this??

Well now....it looks like this!

I nearly cried when i got home and saw this last night. I called my Mom immediately and was just devastated. The tree that had been across the street from our house since we moved in was ripped from its roots yesterday. I loved sitting out on our front porch and just staring at it and watching the birds gather to it. Even Miss Bella enjoyed going over to it and sniffing around it.

We had high hopes set that they wouldn't tear it down. Across the street are two large empty lots. The tree was on the dividing line and we thought it just might survive the home building. Apparently not! The home to the right is nearly complete. And it looks like they will begin digging for the other home very soon.

On a positive point, if they do begin the other home....that means we are almost finished completely with all the construction around us! YAHOO! No more construction workers out and about on our street!

Extended weekend

2010-11-28T15:23:00.000-06:00

I am hoping you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends!

My weekend started out great on Wednesday. I took the day off and spent the day at home putting up our Christmas tree and decor and making a yummy Thanksgiving meal for my Hubs and I. It was wonderful being at home all day! I could SO get use to that!

Thursday, however took a turn for the worse. I won't even go into the details.....but let's just say, I took a long 3 hour nap that day and ate crackers and drank some sprite. Of course, it didn't help matters that my Hubs decided to be in a not so wonderful mood...and it just was hard being around a downer that day. I missed seeing my family....but am so very thankful for the times I have had with them and will have with them around Christmas time. :)

After a rough day on Thursday, Friday turned into a much better day. I however did not get out of my pjs until about 4:00 that day. I enjoyed the no makeup/pj look. And enjoyed watching a movie, football and just being a bum. ha!

Saturday...I began feeling more motivated and I baked a Pecan Pie for my first time...I will put recipes and pictures up on my recipe blog. It turned out really yummy! I also finished up the outdoor decor...as it was so nice outside...I couldn't resist getting some fresh air!

Today has been GREAT! Church was just what I needed this morning and the sermon was SPOT ON with what I am feeling and going through. God amazes me how he speaks to me when I feel like he isn't listening to me and become frustrated. Thank you God for never giving up on me or those I pray for!! So thankful for my church, pastor and church family. :)

This afternoon, I am taking it easy. I am not looking forward to going back to work tomorrow...but am thankful for the time off I have had. Got to finish up some MORE laundry and finish up some 31 orders! Business is booming! I was even promoted the day before Thanksgiving! My next goal is to be Director by Feb/March! And then one day...to work at it Full Time so that I can work from home and make my own hours! I can't wait till that day!

I am thankful for all you blog readers out there! Thanks for sticking with me! I haven't been the best blogger in the last few months....haven't felt like anything exciting enough is going on in my life. Decided to start making it a priority again. It is good to write and share. :)

Time to watch some KC Chiefs!! Happy Sunday!

Girls Night this Friday

2010-11-10T11:02:00.000-06:00

This Friday night I am hosting a Girls Night Shopping Extravaganza! It was suppose to be in our backyard..but due to the weather not sounding like it is going to be cooperating, it will be held in our garage. I am SUPER excited about this event! Even if it may be raining! We will be warm and dry inside!

I wish all of my blog friends could join us! I have invited all of my neighbors..even those I don't know and friends! So should be interesting to see who all shows up!

I will be displaying my Thirty-One Gifts, Pampered Chef, Sweeetcakes, Dove Chocolates (did you know they have a direct sales company? I didn't), Willow House, Scentsy, Arbonne and Tastefully Simple will all be there to participate. Can't wait!

Now I just have to get the garage in tip top shape! Hoping that the rain holds off so that we can set up the pop up gazebo and have room outside too...but we'll see.

So if I am a bit distracted this is why! lol! Plus, my brother-in-law has been staying with us for a week now. He leaves this Saturday. As great as it has been having him here...I am ready for Hubs and I to have the house back to ourselves. We have been having him do some odd jobs around the house...and he has worked on the basement a bit. In fact, he actually got all the drywall hung! One of these days our basement will be finished.

Anyone have any good appetizer/dip recipes to share?? Would love to serve something different on Friday night!

Back to work I go!

A few more from the weekend....

2010-11-08T16:36:00.000-06:00

I shared these on facebook...but realized not all of you can see them! So wanted to share here too! Happy Monday! Stew in the crockpot for dinner. Can't wait to get home and have some!

Wonderful weekend

2010-11-07T15:41:00.000-06:00

Have the rest of you enjoyed that extra hour of sleep as much as me??? Boy! I sure feel like today has been lasting forever....LOVE IT! Getting ready to watch the Chiefs play the Raiders..but wanted to show you the latest pics I took of my niece this weekend. She is just wonderful, adorable and so good. I loved spending some time with her and my brother and sil!
Oh yes..seeing my parents was great too! :)

Here are pictures from when she arrived on Friday night...she was so sleepy we had a hard time keeping her awake! Still wonderful to snuggle with her!

More pics to come in another post.. :)

Being an Auntie is the best!

2010-11-05T16:43:00.000-05:00

My sister downloaded some pictures to her blog...but since most of you do not have access to it, I just had to share a few! I love being an Aunt! I get to see my niece tonight and can hardly wait!!!

Being Thankful

2010-11-04T11:06:00.000-05:00

I have been terrible about blogging lately and even worse at commenting on the blogs I am reading! Forgive me! Life has been up and down lately and at this moment I am SO THANKFUL that things seem rather calm. Praise God!

If you get my Thirty-One Gifts newsletter, you will have noticed that their are 31 Reasons that we as consultants are thankful to be a 31 consultant. If you haven't read the reasons...it is such an inspiring peace of how the company is changing our lives....click here to go to the newsletter.

I thought I would give you all 10 things I am thankful for...in no particular order....at this moment...

1. A warm home to come home to each night.
2. A loving husband who is my best friend.
3. A family that is AMAZING - I don't know what I would do without my, step-son, parents and siblings, spouses and niece and nephew. I love you guys!
4. Two jobs that I love
5. My friends - both those that I know in person ..near and far...and those I know from online. What would I do without you all!?
6. My Puggle - Bella - she is always eager to greet me or sit on my lap and snuggle.
7. Clothes to wear
8. PLENTY of food to eat
9. My church and church family - I am becoming more active all the time. I am assisting with Sunday school class for 3rd-5th graders, serving communion every other month and am now on the Leadership Committee for church. Thank you God for leading me there.
10. Living in a free country - where I can read my bible and pray daily wherever and whenever I want.

I don't want to celebrate Thanksgiving just one day of the year........I am feeling very Thankful and Blessed today...

2 Timothy 1:3
... I thank God for you—the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.

The Pirate

2010-11-03T11:02:00.000-05:00

Even though I didn't not get to see my nephew on Halloween...I did get to see pictures...and I just had to share this one with you....he melts my heart!

I get to see my niece this weekend! It has been too long and I can't wait to see how much she has changed!

The Chair

2010-10-20T22:10:00.000-05:00

Well...as promised..some pictures! My mom stopped by my house before meeting me for lunch and dropped off this chair and some more pumpkins! This chair belonged to my grandparents and I believe my Mom said today that she can remember her grandma using it too. It actually rocks! My hope is to paint it this spring...but will have to think about a color. I was so excited when I got home...I just put it on our front porch.

I love it!

I wanted a chair/bench on our front porch.....and it looks like it fits in just right! Even my neighbor noticed! Hmmm...wondering how I will use it for Christmas decor! :)

And...a couple of pics of Little "I" from lunch today...CUTENESS ALERT!

Lunch

2010-10-20T16:38:00.000-05:00

Today I had the chance to meet my sister and little "I" and my mom for lunch. What a treat! We don't get to do that very often...so I loved every minute. Of course little "I" was very entertaining!

Tonight I am suppose to go running with my neighbor...ugh! I don't want to! However, what is motivating me to do so is the fact that I am going to be taking a break this weekend from running...ahhh...a little down time! I have two 31 parties planned this weekend and I am so ready for them both. I could use some girl time!

Not much else to report here....my blog has been rather boring lately! Sorry! Guess I need to take some new pics soon.....I think I know what to take a picture of as soon as I get home this evening. My mom left me something at our house. Stay tuned...

Another 5k

2010-10-18T21:57:00.000-05:00

Well the 5k was this weekend. My neighbor and I participated and did well...especially since it was her first one! :) She did great! She is a big motivator to me...when I want to stop...she motivates me to keep going...so that is a huge help!

We started out the first mile running with the marathon and half marathon runners....only 11,000 of them! Thankfully, after the first mile we turned right and they all turned left and we separated from part of the crowd. We finished by doing our miles in 10.10 minutes....not bad at all.

I tell ya...my neighbor is just what I needed. We took 1 day off yesterday and were back out there this evening running again...and this time it was 4 miles! We have a goal of working up to a 10k by this coming spring. No time for resting around here!

We are both nervous about the winter time....the cold season will be here before we know it...and it keeps getting dark earlier and earlier...ugh~ I will have to start going back to the gym and the treadmill.

I took some pictures...but haven't been able to download them from my phone yet...will get to that some time this week.

The rest of our weekend was spent just relaxing at home....we are trying to save our money...Hubby's brother is headed out here again in November....and our goal is to get the drywall complete in the basement...one day...we will finish it! What is great is that we can take our time like this!

Hope you all had wonderful weekends!

Something for you

2010-10-18T08:44:00.000-05:00

This weekend I spent some time going through all the books that I own. In some of the books I found old bookmarks and notes...I loved going through them all and remembering about each one. One in particular stood out to me. If you have never read the book Just Give Me Jesus by Anne Graham Lotz....I HIGHLY recommend it. In the back of the book I found a CD...I had completely forgotten about it. I listened it to on my way to work this morning...here it is....find a quiet moment...and just listen......

They held a conference years ago called Just Give Me Jesus....my Mom and I went to it in Minnesota. During that conference my life was changed...I found Jesus...I felt him like never before. There are no other words to say...this clip says it all....Just Give Me Jesus today. A simple reminder that nothing is impossible for my God. He hears and answers every prayer. Thank you God.

May you all have a blessed day!

3 more days

2010-10-13T21:54:00.000-05:00

And I will be completing another 5k. Wow! Time is flying by! We have been working hard this week running. I am hoping my team will be much improved on Saturday morning. Hopefully, training on all these crazy hills has done me some good! Now if I could just stop eating junk and work on eating more healthy.

My neighbor has been encouraging me with that, as she and her husband have cut out all the sugars and bad carbs in their diet. They have both lost some weight. So Hubs and I are working on doing that now...sometimes easier said than done. ha!

My neighbor and I have our focus on another 5K in January and then hope to accomplish a 10K this spring. Baby steps!

I had the best lunch today! My sissie and Little "I" met me at my house for lunch. He is just growing like a weed! Love them both and had a great time with them...never long enough! They even stopped by my office on their way home. Little "I" was a HUGE hit with all the ladies! After they left, I said...he is the reason I asked my Hubs to leave Jersey and come back home. Wouldn't trade it for the world! :)

This is just a bit random..but as I write...I am listening to Susan Boyle being advertised on TV. Oh my goodness...what a voice! I think I need to order her Christmas CD....yep...I do!

Anyways...back to my thoughts. ha! One of my blogging friends joined my Thirty-One team today! SUPER excited to have her join us! I know she is going to do so well and be a big hit with her family and friends! My team just keeps growing and growing. God is up to some amazing things and I am so excited! I love Thirty-One Gifts!

If you know nothing about the company, it is all about Celebrating, Encouraging and Rewarding other women. I have really been trying to study Proverbs 31 and living each and every day celebrating, encouraging and rewarding those around me. When I look around I see so many people suffering and going through difficult situations. What if everyone took a little time to make others smile....or speak a kind word....what a difference that could make in someone's life. You just never know those you encounter each day...just what they might really be going through. So anyways...I am working on being better at this. :)

I think that about wraps it up for me right now. Almost time for some sleep. Can't wait for the weekend!

A good weekend

2010-10-11T08:45:00.000-05:00

Weekends tend to just fly by now a days! Is that happening with any of you? Our Friday evenings are usually pretty laid back at our house. We are both exhausted from the week of work and we just crash on the couch. This Friday was a little different as I prepped all my items for the vendor event I did on Saturday.

It was the PERFECT weather day on Saturday. I travelled about an hour north to attend a Wine Fest as a vendor. It was a wonderful afternoon and evening. I enjoyed being outside and watching and meeting all the people that attended the event. I received several leads...it AMAZES me how no one has heard of Thirty-One Gifts. It is what gets me excited! Even though we have 560 some consultants in Missouri...it is still not heard of in SO many areas! The opportunities are ENDLESS! I love it when those looking at my booth say that they can't believe how affordable and cute everything is! That is one of the reasons I joined!

So yes...the event was successful. And I am so happy I attended and the best part was that my parents came and helped me set up and stayed throughout the entire event and even helped me load my car back up that evening. What great parents I have! I enjoyed every minute with them! It doesn't happen very often anymore..love you Mom and Dad!

Yesterday, Hubby and I made it a goal to have ourselves a date. So we went to see the movie Secretariat. It was good! I enjoyed it....but I am a sucker for true stories...my favorites! It was truly inspirational to me too. Had me all fired up last night at setting my eyes on the goals I have in my life. :)

So now it is Monday and it is back to work. Oh how I wish I worked for the govt so I could celebrate this Columbus Day!

Hoping you all have a wonderful day!

Construction

2010-10-08T10:57:00.000-05:00

Y'all I have been so out of touch here! I have been really trying to focus not being on the computer for a few hours during the evening...and instead just spending the time with my hubs. By the time I get into bed, I grab my netbook and check a few things..then I am out!

So I am behind on posting pictures and updating you all on life in general.

For now, let me tell ya that we are halfway done with the construction going on around our house! YEA!!! They are completely done with everything behind our house! I took some pics to prove it! So happy to sit outside on our deck and not see dirt or construction workers!

Here we are looking to the left....

Straight behind us....

And to the right....

Boy does it feel good to see everything GREEN!

However, in the front of our home is a different story...but they are moving right along with the first house and we are waiting for the other lot to be flagged and dug. The positive point about the two homes on the other side of the street from us is that neither house is directly across! The big tree that is right across from us is staying....so that is what our view will be! YEA!!! And then there will be...this house to the right....

And then another home to the left...oops...didn't take a picture of the empty lot!

So there you have it...that is what is going on in our neighborhood! At this time next year we shouldn't have to deal with any of this! YEA!

Happy Friday!

My two favorites

2010-10-05T16:31:00.000-05:00

Sunday for lunch we met up with my family at my brother's house to welcome Little "P" home and have a late birthday celebration for my Mom. It was a great time hanging out with everyone....and of course..I just couldn't get enough of these two!

Don't mind the crazy hair I was sporting! haha!

Can't wait to get my hands on the two of them again!! I love being an AUNTIE!

Snoring

2010-10-05T10:05:00.000-05:00

Just a couple of videos of my cute nephew from this past Sunday. I could listen to him talk all day...:)

Let's rhyme

2010-10-05T09:50:00.001-05:00

In love...

2010-09-30T22:38:00.000-05:00

Yes...Auntie D is in love again....with this sweet face! Piper Mae...is well....just PRECIOUS! :) I left the house around 7:30 this morning and headed to Columbia to the hospital....I couldn't get there fast enough! I had tried and tried to get Wednesday off at work and thankfully God knew she wasn't going to arrive on Wed and I would have missed out on meeting her! She arrived early this morning and I actually got to meet her before my sister and little "I" and...what was even better...is I was there when the two cousins met for the first time. What a blessing! God knew I wanted to be there...and I wouldn't have traded the moment for ANYTHING!

Here are a few more pics of the day...I only have like a hundred! I am tired...but it was worth EVERY MINUTE to snuggle with her!! Bare with me you all....LOTS of pics posted!

At this point...we have a red head!

My favorite photo of my niece and nephew!

Auntie D and Baby P

My family...minus my hubs and my sister's hubs...and my stepson Y

Grandkids on Grandma's lap

ahhhh...how could you not love this??

Spending some quality time this afternoon....

The Aunties........from one side of the family...

Daddy, Baby P and Mommy

Grandpa and his grandkids....

That's it for now....was such a great day! I am pooped!

Auntie D would like to introduce to you.....

2010-09-30T05:16:00.000-05:00

My new niece, Piper Mae!!!

I am heading to the hospital this morning to meet her! I can't wait! Pictures....brought to you by Daddy. :)

No baby yet

2010-09-29T09:13:00.000-05:00

That is the news here this morning. Darn it! Oh well...maybe Baby Girl is just waiting for Auntie D to arrive tomorrow morning! Ha! I hope it doesn't take that long!

My SIL's water broke around 7:15 this morning, however she is dilated to a 1 and 75% effaced...so we'll see how this goes. I can hardly wait!!

I am loving the weather this week! It has DEFINITELY turned to fall around here! I heard on the news last night that the trees will be turning colors by next weekend. Can't wait!

I have been SUPER busy with Thirty-One Gifts. I can't hardly contain my excitement at times!!! I truly feel God has his hand on this and am excited to see his blessings and where he is taking me. My team is growing and I have 4 new recruits just this week! My goal is to be Director by the first of next year...so we'll see what happens!! I also have 5 parties booked in October. I have 2 openings open....so if you are interested...let me know!

My goal this weekend is to play some golf with my Hubs and get my office organized...it is a HOT MESS! I think I should show you before and afters..it is that CRAZY!

Running is still going good. Just a few more weeks and our 5K will be here! I am thinking of attempting a 10K next spring....WHAT!? Yes..I did say that...we'll see how courageous I get! ha!

Hoping you have a wonderful day! The sun is shining and God has blessed us with another amazing day!

Waiting is the hardest part

2010-09-28T20:09:00.000-05:00

So tonight I wait...and wait and wait....my SIL is at the hospital....and "we are hoping" being induced right now. We haven't heard any news yet....so WAITING is hard! I keep texting my sister...the Aunties are wondering what the latest status is. ha!

I will be sure to keep you all updated.....

If you want a chance to win a great tote...be sure to enter on my Thirty-One website!! The contest ends soon!!

http://adorable31handbags.blogspot.com/2010/09/want-to-win-this.html

Have a great night y'all!!

I am hosting a giveaway

2010-09-22T09:24:00.001-05:00

HERE

FOR THIS:

Be sure to check it out!

Wordless Wednesday...

2010-09-22T08:31:00.000-05:00

Our Family Room/Living Room

2010-09-22T08:22:00.000-05:00

So I participated in this last year and since our family room has changed since last year. I thought I would show you all some updated pictures of what it looks like as of this morning. I am a little behind...as this was suppose to be for Friday!

I just love checking out all the different living rooms on Kelly's blog...it is fun to see inside everyones homes and check out the way you all live. So here is ours....

I was really hesitant on getting a sectional. For some reason I have always had it in my head that I don't like them....WELL...I was wrong! I LOVE IT! Both Hubs and I can fit on it and lay on it at the same time....the best purchase we have made in a long time!!

I was also hesitant with carpet on carpet....but it is nice to have and adds to the room. Now if I could just find some textured pillows for the sofa. I am in the hunt!

Thanks for stopping by! I can't wait to check all of yours out!!

Loving Fall Decor

2010-09-16T11:13:00.000-05:00

While the Hubby was away this weekend....I decided to get all the fall decor items out! I did run out on Saturday and find a few more items...just had to share a few with you.

You can barely see the little critters that I have on the mantel....I think I showed them to you last fall when I got them on clearance at Hallmark. The orange pumpkin on the right I found at TJMaxx for $10.00!

I found Spooky and Boo at a store off of our downtown square....it is a consignment shop...and I thought they would go great on both sides of our tv!! Then I went to another store on the square that had the candy corn twig wraps and I fell in love! They had them wrapped on the top of pumpkins...which was really cute! But then I put the two items together...and love them like this! :)

Bring on FALL!

Never Forget

2010-09-11T07:35:00.000-05:00

A Friday in Jamesport

2010-09-10T20:30:00.000-05:00

Today I met my three best friends from college for a fun girls day! It only took us a few months to find a date that worked for us all! ha!

It was great spending times with these ladies! We headed to Jamesport, MO (an Amish community) to do some shopping and have some lunch. Despite the cool and dreary weather we all had a great time together!

We bought some yummy breads, pies and more! I am saving the pie for tomorrow evening when my parents arrive. But I did end up having a piece of the jalapeno cheese bread we bought as well as one chocolate crinkle cookie. SO SO GOOD!

We also had a WONDERFUL and FILLING lunch at the Country Cupboard Restaurant. I was so excited about our meal that I had to take pictures of it! Check out this homemade meal...CHICKEN FRIED STEAK!

Oh and you better believe I saved room for dessert! Banana Cream Pie!

Oh goodness were we all full afterwards! It was so good to hang out with these girls! Just what I was needing today...a little "girl" time. :) Thanks ladies!! I had a wonderful time catching up with you all!

We got home this afternoon just in time for the rain to begin. I did get outside this evening with my neighbor and got a short run in during a light rain...but then the thunder and lightening began...so we called it quits...so...I worked it off a little.

Hubby is off on his "guy dirt bike trip". So it is just me and Bella hanging out this evening.....we have been watching Say Yes to the Dress and listening to the Thunderstorms.

Hoping to get some fall decor out tomorrow! My Mom and Dad are also coming to spend the night with me tomorrow evening! I can't wait to hang out with them too!

I love a rainy night

2010-09-09T21:53:00.000-05:00

I do! It has been raining/misting since early afternoon. It has cooled down quite a bit and I have my FAVORITE candle burning....I ordered it online last year...or wait....maybe it was the first year we moved here. Anyways....I can remember my MIL talking about how good it smelled. Yes..must have been two years ago...anyways...it has lasted me this long and smells SO GOOD!

Wish I could remember what store I bought it from. I am thinking Piper Classics...but I could be wrong.

Anywho...glad I got that all figured out? The house smells AMAZING (singing in my amazing tune). lol!

We had soup for dinner....Hub's is leaving on a dirt bike trip tomorrow and I am hanging out at home for the weekend. I do have something special planned for tomorrow...but will email about that tomorrow night after my run!

Oh yes...took the night off tonight....just didn't feel like raining...been watching the FOOTBALL GAME! WOO HOO! So happy fall is almost here! I am putting out my decor this weekend. I refuse to wait any longer! Watch out...pictures will be on there way soon!

OH and an another exciting thing that happened today....my open house shipment for 31 shipped TODAY! I had to wait on a few outside orders...which delayed me submitting the order...but they did great at turning it right around. I can't wait to see what all everyone ordered! Will share pics definitely on that too!

Have a great Friday!!! :)

Day 2

2010-09-08T21:36:00.000-05:00

of running with a partner. I like it. It makes the time go faster and we both encourage one another to finish. Before you know it we will be all over the subdivision. However, for now, we will continue to make it around the block...well kind of a block...no matter how many times we go by and get strange looks from the neighbors....(uh...yes we have been by before...and yes we are still huffing and puffing). Ha!

Just a little over a month till the 5k! We have also partnered with our husbands and are cutting down on the eating....and it is 9:30 and I am hungry! I must say it is nice to have someone who is going to hold me accountable...cause honestly...if I wasn't going to meet her (Jam) then I wouldn't be running in the evenings. FOR SURE!

Ok..time to try and go to sleep my friends..here is to a peaceful night of sleep!

Sneak Peak

2010-09-07T22:49:00.000-05:00

First..I know! Two posts from me in one day! LOVED running with my neighbor this evening! Made the time go so much faster! Now I just have to adjust my diet!!

After I returned home, I had a video message from Corporate office of Thirty-One. They shared with us all the new products that will be featured in the Holiday Gift Guide that comes out October 1st! All I can say is wow! This company continues to amaze me! Not one thing did I not love! However, two specific items caught my eye...one being the new skirt with RUFFLES!!!!! (I LOVE RUFFLES...my heart melted!) and the new pattern for the big utility tote. Great for Christmas!

I normally just blog about my Thirty-One business here. But tonight...I just had to share a sneak peak picture of just a few of the items that are going to be featured in our 2010 Holiday Gift guide!

See why I am excited!!! No wonder we keep growing so fast! I LOVE THIRTY-ONE GIFTS! :) And I am now in the Holiday mood! lol! Good night!

Broken glass

2010-09-07T18:59:00.000-05:00

This weekend was quite the weekend in our house for broken items. A vase came crashing down off our fireplace on Saturday morning...and broke into several thousand pieces...later on that morning...our glass cylinder with potpourri came tumbling down...and broke into a MILLION pieces..UGH! I have never cleaned up so much glass! We have fixed the problem and replaced both pieces, but boy was it frustrating!

Last night, Hubby's eye glasses broke. So I headed to the eye doctor after work to have them fixed. Thankfully, they were able to. Then just a few minutes ago while I was loading the dishwasher, I broke one of our wine glasses.

SERIOUSLY!?? Enough with breaking things around here!

I am wondering if I should stay home this evening instead of going running with my neighbor. Oh well...I will get out and see how it goes. ha!

We have signed up to be in a 5K next month. So time for me to get my butt in gear. Not sure how I feel yet about running with someone else, but figure it could be a good thing. She will keep me motivated to doing it every night.

I must admit I would rather sit here on the comfy sofa and eat some ice cream! I tell ya...me and the sweets lately....I must have gained 10 lbs over the weekend! Time to work it all off!

So..off to run I go. Hope you all had great weekends!

Sneezing

2010-09-05T12:28:00.000-05:00

That is pretty much all I did yesterday. Was SNEEZE! I couldn't stop.....I hda taken a Claritan before heading to the golf course with my Hub's...and it did not help! Talk about frustrating! I just kept sneezing and blowing my nose. I hate to say this...but I am ready for it to FREEZE! I just can't hardly take being outside sometimes...even if it is so nice!

Today, I am happy to report that I am MUCH better! I ran to Walgreens before church and picked up some Zyrtec. I took one as soon as I got to church and now I can breathe!!! And NO SNEEZING! You all are happy to know all this...right?

Ha! So we are headed back out to the golf course in a few hours. Hoping I can enjoy the day a little more than I did yesterday!

We have nothing planned for this weekend. Just hanging out at home...love that it is a 3 day weekend!

Hope you all are enjoying your weekends too!

Sew busy!

2010-08-31T14:59:00.000-05:00

I have been spending my down time sewing....Here are a few items I have completed for one order. They all turned out really cute. I hope my cousin likes them all! :)

Not very often

2010-08-31T14:55:00.000-05:00

do I get the opportunity to hang out with my sister three nights in a row! Last week was SPECIAL! I usually call my Sis during my lunch hour to see how her and Little "I" are doing. On Wednesday, I did just that and we started talking about both our Hubs' and how they both were not going to be home for the evening.

So...her and "I" drove up to my house Wed evening after I got off work and hung out with me. We played water balloons, made pizza soup and just enjoyed being outside in the nice weather.

I didn't get very many pictures....put here are just a couple. Loved every minute I spent with them both!

Preseason Game

2010-08-31T09:37:00.000-05:00

Hold tight everyone! These next few posts are going to be kind of random. Trying to get pictures uploaded and having quite a time....so just going to randomly select things to talk about over the past week or so.

This past Friday, Hubby and I attended the Chief's preseason game at the New Arrowhead Stadium. I must say that the Hall of Honor was really neat to walk through! I wish I had more time and it had not been so crowded as I would have loved to have looked more closely at everything.

The company I work for was one of the sponsors of the game and gave two free tickets to every employee as well as offered us a GREAT ticket price for additional tickets. I was not going to pass this offer up! I invited my sister and bil to join us and they did! Our company even let us off early for tailgating! Hubby and I enjoyed some delicious bbq and socializing with my coworkers. The weather was perfect too!

Unfortunately, the Chiefs lost...but we still had a great time with 700 of my fellow coworkers. lol! Here is the only picture I have of our staffing team and our spouses. None of us brought our camera..we just had our cell phones...so this picture will have to do!

Hopefully, we can make it to a regular season game this year too! We realized after the game why we don't attend more...because of the horrible traffic! Lol! Oh well..we still had a great time!

Lots happening

2010-08-19T13:50:00.000-05:00

This week has been flying by and I just haven't found a second to sit down and blog! I miss it! Even more...I miss reading all the blogs I follow! I am SO BEHIND! Oh well...maybe I will catch up one day soon!

I am hosting my Fall Open House this Saturday and trying to get the house in order as well as all the products. I am IN LOVE with all the new products and patterns that are out! I just can't get enough of it! So far my absolute favorite is the City Skirt Purse....it is so me! And you all know how I love handbags! lol!

I have been busy working with Thirty-One and am excited to be back in full swing. Lots going....my SIL joined my team and I already have another gal looking into joining too. Just can't say enough about the excitement I share with this company! They just keep growing and growing!

If you want to find out more about Thirty-One or want to be kept up with the latest news...be sure to check out my blog http://www.adorable31handbags.blogspot.com/ or you can also follow me on Facebook...Dana's 31 Gifts. My goal is keep the blog updated once or twice a week and the facebook fan page...I will be posting something almost every day! Be sure to check it out. :)

I have also been sewing a few baby quilt orders that I have. I have two complete and am finishing up an order of pillows tonight all for my cousin. All her items turned out really cute! I will post pics...I promise!

After this..one more order to fill! And I am thinking it is going to be my most challenging one. We'll see! It is a beach themed baby quilt!

So as you can see...lots going on...never a dull moment! Hubby is playing golf this Saturday with some friends from work as they are going to practice before they play in a tournament the next weekend. Two Saturday afternoons to myself....wow! That never happens! Maybe I will take a nap! lol!

Enjoy your day!

The mail

2010-08-09T21:12:00.000-05:00

Today was such a treat! I got our mail! I sometimes wait two or three days before getting the mail...and since it has been so hot...I decided to wait on walking up the hill. However, today in the 104 degree temps I braved the heat and walked to the top of our hill.

I received a box in the mail with my order from the twins from Twice as Nice Lettering. I follow their blog and we have been blog friends for a while now. Their stuff is so cute! So be sure to check out their etsy site! I had emailed them a while back about making something for our front door. I sent them an idea I had and away they went in designing it for me.

Check out the finished project! I LOVE IT!

Everyone seems to have their initials on these flag pole type of things in their gardens. I wanted to do something different for our door......and didn't want the normal...Welcome.

I apologize for the lighting....but just had to take pics as soon as I put it up...I just love it and am so happy with the color they helped me choose! Thank you Fran and Fern!

Be sure to check out their site! www.twiceasnicelettering.etsy.com.

If only mail was this exciting every day!

Fun Weekend

2010-08-08T22:35:00.000-05:00

What a great weekend we had! Friday night we hung out at home and I worked on some projects and Saturday we drove to my brother and sil's home which is a little over an hour drive. We got to see all the projects they have worked on. They have done a lot on their home and it looked great. Of course we had to check out the nursery....which was just precious!

Check it out! They did such a great job and are ready for our niece to arrive!

They did such a great job on the room! My brother painted all the squares on the wall! He did such a great job! :)

Just a few more shots I took...my SIL got this cute little cow outfit for her! Can't wait to see her in it! Is this not the cutest? Even leg warmers! :)

And then of course...can't go without posting Stash the dog. He has gotten so big! His life is about to change once baby arrives!

We had a great weekend...missed my Sis and BIL...but hoping that they had a great time at the 5k today!

My parents also came down with Little "I". My dad, bro, hubby and I played 18 holes of golf...and then they made us Pork Chops for dinner. Had a WONDERFUL time hanging out with them all!

Today we decided to try and golf 18 holes again...just Hubby and I. OH MY GOODNESS! It was SOOOOO HOT! I thought I was melting like butter...seriously painful!

Busy week ahead with work and prepping for my Thirty-One fall premier! I will post more about that later.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!!

Finally got around to it

2010-08-05T10:53:00.000-05:00

Yes...I finally completed the look for the top of our hutch....I tried several different ideas how...and this is what I came up with. I really like it! Thanks for all the tips! :)

Behind on posting

2010-08-05T10:37:00.000-05:00

Well..I am behind as usual. It's summer time....I guess I will use that as my excuse! lol!

Last weekend, my nephew came to stay with us the entire weekend. We had such a fun time! I loved every minute! I was a busy Auntie and didn't have much time for pictures....however, I did take a few while we were at the zoo on Saturday.

Uncle M and Little I had a great time together. We would walk by the signs and Little I would say...what's that say? So Uncle M would read it to him. Such a smart boy! hehe!

When we looking at the gorillas Little I walked right up to where they were on the other side of the glass and said "Hello...can you say Hello...I came to see you"

It was a really hot day...but we had lots of fun and came home and swam and splashed in the water that afternoon. A great way to cool off! However, Auntie D didn't get any pictures...as I was participating in the getting wet part. lol!

Had tons of fun! Thank you for letting him stay! :)

Prayer Request

2010-08-02T09:05:00.003-05:00

FINAL UPDATE - Thank you to all of you for your prayers. Mommy and baby are doing fine. The doctor thinks that she just had a pocket of fluid leave her body yesterday. Baby girl is moving around just fine and looked good on the ultrasound. My SIL even went to work this afternoon. Thank you thank you thank you! Praise God!

UPDATE -10:15 am The baby is moving ok....heartbeat is good. They are doing an ultrasound to double check everything. Thank you for your prayers!

My sister in law is headed to the hospital this morning. She has lost fluid and the baby has not been very active. Please lift them and my brother up in prayer. I will keep you posted as I know more.

Thank you.

Explanation of exciting

2010-07-27T14:36:00.001-05:00

So I mentioned on my FB account that I was so so so excited last Friday! It's true...I was and am! For a couple of reasons that I felt I should list out for y'all!

1. I spent the weekend with my sisters, nephew and parents. Can't get better than that!

2. I gave my SIL the baby quilt I made for her and she loved it.

3. The baby quilt was such a success that I now have a couple of orders for more!

4. My nephew is coming to my house this weekend to stay and I can't wait to play with him!

5. After taking some time off from my Thirty-One business....I'M BACK! And in full swing and feeling more prepared and ready to go! The company is doing exceptionally well and have made TREMENDOUS improvements on a couple of issues I had before. I just can't wait to show everyone their new Fall Catalog....the BEST YET! I have started up a blog again.....be sure and check it out....I will be updating it with specials, etc. http://www.adorable31handbags.blogspot.com/. Also, if you want to join my newsletter. Let me know. It is a great way of staying informed and up to date on the latest items. Oh yes, and the best part is that all the items are now in ONE catalog..which makes life much easier! I would love to share more with you. Want to know more about Thirty-One Gifts....you can find my site here.. www.mythirtyone.com/DanaT. I just can't say enough! Want to host a party to go, online party or at home party...contact me. Would love to set you up! Or...sign up under me for $99.00 and get almost $300.00 worth of product AND you don't have to sell another item if you don't want too.....the best deal yet!

6. I love my church. Love it and the people who go there. I am starting to volunteer for a few things and feeling more confident in myself. This past Sunday, I served communion for the first time ever. Needless to say, this was stepping WAY out of my comfort zone. However, God sure knew what he was doing as he partnered me up with the sweetest lady that introduced herself to me the first time I attended. So that made it so much easier. I am also getting so much out of Pastor Jim's messages. I have been feeling pretty down on myself lately, hopeless....frustrated with life in general. And low and behold I go to church Sunday, and he says that just because life isn't turning out the way we planned it or HOPED for it too doesn't mean it is bad, in fact it is probably pretty good compared to others in this world. Ok....ok....I get it....there are so many people worse off...that I must be thankful for what I do have in life instead of having a poor me pity party. So I felt renewed and reminded of God's love after church Sunday. Praise the Lord for his blessings!

7. I love golfing. I do! After spending a week consistently golfing with hubby and son....I love it! It is relaxing to me....and I love that we can do it together as a family. It has only taken me several years to finally understand it. lol!

8. My neighborhood is growing and it makes me excited!

9. I have really enjoyed all the sunshine and heat that we have been having. Yes, it has been EXTREMELY HOT! However, I just remind myself of all the days I was SO COLD this winter....and I will take the heat any day over those dreary days!

10. And last but not least, it is almost August...and I just love that fall is approaching. Where has the summer gone?

So there you have it...may not seem to exciting to anyone else....but to me it is VERY! Happy Tuesday!

Baby shower

2010-07-27T10:40:00.000-05:00

My SIL's baby shower was a success and we all had a great time hanging out together. Auntie D tried several times to feel Baby G kick....but it was a no go. She better be ready to meet me soon! We (my sis and SIL's sis) tried and tried to get the name out of my SIL, but she wouldn't share with the Aunts. So we will have to wait to see what it is. I have a feeling I may know...but not going to mention it until the day arrives.

The baby quilt I made was a huge hit too and I now have orders from family and friends. I love making them! So easy...so I can't wait to get started!

Here are some pictures from the weekend....the Hostesses....

We were served Ice Cream Sundaes....SO GOOD!

My SIL with both sides of the family...and Little I...in the front. lol!

Little I and I being silly.....

The presents....

My gift....

We all enjoyed the time together! Can't wait for Baby G to arrive!

Thoughts

2010-07-22T09:05:00.000-05:00

Well vacation has come and gone. BOO! I so enjoyed my time off from work and as much as I had hoped to catch up on blogging, I instead took some time away from the computer. I am loving all this HEAT and SUNSHINE and I just can't pin myself down to sit in front of the computer at night.

My stepson is definitely a teenager now. It is so fun to hear him talk about girls. I as a stepmomma don't want to see him get hurt, however Hubby has warned him that some girls may break his heart and that is okay...there are more fish in the sea. The first girlfriend I believe has already come and gone. Oh to be young again. I don't wish to be that age ever again!

We spent 7 days golfing in the heat, a day at the local amusement park (Worlds of Fun) and a day at the K watching baseball. I have never sweated so much in my life. I kept telling them that we had to be loosing weight with all the sweat we were perspiring. LOL!

Our house is all quiet now and we miss him horribly. However, our visit was great and we look forward to being together again....hopefully soon. Y has a baseball tournament at the end of the month and if they win they will be playing in Texas (which would be great for us as we could take a drive down that way and watch him play...so praying this happens!)

Now we are both back to work and trying to get back into the swing of every day living. I am heading home this weekend for my SIL's baby shower and look forward to seeing family and friends. Bought a cute dress at Target yesterday for it! I can't wait to show you all! I just love Target!

I also spent the past week making my gift for my SIL and niece. What do you think? No...she doesn't read my blog...so I think I am pretty safe posting pictures here...I love making these things!

Another hot day today... I will leave you with a couple of my favorite photos of our week together (ignore how sweaty they look...it was HOT outside!) ....

Happy Thursday y'all!

Construction Construction Construction

2010-07-17T11:44:00.000-05:00

It's going on all around our house....thought I would update you all with some pictures.

The home on the left is directly behind us and is still for sale. The one on the right is sold...and I have seen the couple and two little girls who bought the houes..but not yet met them yet. I believe they will be moving in anyday. Notce the fence....it's the first one in the entire block....

Here are the homes looking to the left of our backyard. The one to the right and far left are both sold...the one in the middle is still for sale. Not sure who all is moving in..but should be interesting.

And then...here is the marker we noticed the other night when we came home....the lot across the street from us is now in the beginning process...

And the lot is HUGE! Basically it is all that you see in this picture...practically half the block. We all believe that the trees in the center will have to come down as their are markers all around it...

The markers you can barely see...they are the hints of red in the grass...and the the wood was another sign that the digging will be beginning soon.

Lots going on....hopefully it will all be over soon!

Overdue Update

2010-07-13T20:46:00.000-05:00

I have been horrible about blogging lately. I have been super busy at work and been feeling stressed out. However, the great news is that I am taking a MUCH needed vacation and began at 4:00 today. My stepson has arrived and I met him and Hubby at the golf course for a round of golf. OH MY was it HOT! I don't know if I have ever sweated so much! (like you all needed to know that!)

We are now hanging out at home...watching a movie and just relaxing. We definitely have a teenager in our house...the texting is constant and we have found out that he now has a girlfriend. Oh my! We have our hands full!

I am looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow....catching up on some reading...sewing....and of course spending time with the guys in my house. I have been invited to sub for my neighbors Bunco group tomorrow evening. So it will be nice to just walk down the street and have a girls night.

We arrived home this evening and there are flags all over the empty lots across from our house.....so looks like our trees are going to be coming down and we will be now having houses soon. We honestly can't wait to have all the construction done behind and in front of us.

Anyways...that is what is going on with me....I think I might make some chocolate chip cookies...I am craving them.

Hugs to all my blogging friends!

4th of July Weekend

2010-07-06T21:28:00.002-05:00

Our weekend was jam packed full of things to do. Before the weekend began, I asked Hub's to hang our new flag outside our house. I had wanted one last year, but never got around to getting one put up. It looks pretty good.

Friday, we started out the weekend right with a round of golf in the evening and homemade omelets for dinner. Saturday, we were both up early and running around doing errands before a wedding celebration that afternoon and evening. If you follow me on twitter/facebook, you know that I was just having the time of my life...ha! (spoken sarcastically)

Sunday morning was another early morning as I drove home to spend time with my family. I met my family at church and got to sit by this little guy. He is so grown up!

He and Papa read some books in the afternoon....and it was nice to just hang out and look at old photos....I hope to share some soon.

I loved every minute! I got to spend some time with my cousins and Aunt and Uncle too....just wishing our visit could have been longer. Here are just a few more snapshots.....Little I and Miss C (my cousin's little girl)....playing together...

And Little I could not wait for AZ to wake up.

I didn't get any pics of Baby E....and obviously none of the rest of the gang either....but loved hearing all the laughter and talk with everyone. Grandpa and Grandma would have loved listening to us all visit!

I drove back Sunday evening in a Thunderstorm...it was horrible! Thankfully, I made it back safely. No fireworks for us and I was fine with that. There was enough going on around our neighborhood that it filled the void of a big celebration.

Monday was a day of relaxation in our house. I did some laundry and took a nap! It was wonderful until last night when I was trying to sleep and then couldn't. Now I remember why I rarely take naps!

One week and we will be on vacation. Where to? We are staying home. "Y" is coming to see us for a week and we are going to enjoy our time at home and do some golfing. Can't hardly wait!

Hoping you all had a wonderful holiday! So thankful for the country we live in and those who fight for our freedom! Special thanks to my cousin Bud who is now in Afghanistan. Keeping him and all others in my prayers!

Extended Birthday

2010-07-01T08:38:00.000-05:00

On Friday night when I arrived home, there was a box sitting at our front door. It was my birthday present from my Jersey girls. I was THRILLED when I opened it up. See what they got me!

The cutest candle holders, napkin holder and salt and pepper shaker. They are to use out on our deck....but I have actually been using them inside on our bar. They go so well with my kitchen decor....if you haven't seen it...or don't know what I love...it is Mason JARS...or maybe just jars in general. Anyways...I can't wait to use them outside one night when we eat...but for now they are working PERFECTLY in our kitchen!

I also received my birthday gift from my Sister and her family on Friday night when I met her for at the musical. She let me pick it out....but I am LOVING it! Yellow totally makes me happy! :)

So I guess you could say that my birthday lasted almost 3 weeks....gotta love that!

Little House on the Prairie

2010-07-01T08:32:00.000-05:00

For Mother's Day this year, we gave our Mom a ticket to the Little House on the Prairie Musical. The plan was that my Sissie, SIL and myself would join her for a fun girls night out. Unfortunately, something came up last minute for my SIL, so my sis's old roommate,Ab, from college joined us for the evening.

Despite the humidity and heat, it was a great night. Our plan was to meet early enough at the theater to grab a bite to eat and see all the extra activities that they had set up. Due to traffic, my Mom and Sis were delayed a bit, however we still had plenty of time to eat.

I loved watching Little House on the Prairie growing up and still to this day if I see it on tv, I stop to watch. I have all the books and love learning more about the life that they lived on the prairie. It fascinates me. Maybe one day I will make it to her home to visit.

Melissa Gilbert played Ma....and did a great job.

And the girl that played Nellie was AWESOME. Sounded and looked just like her...but I couldn't find a picture. (by the way...these pictures are from their website...they even have a blog!)

The musical was great, even though the music I was not familiar with. It was just fun hanging out and having a night out with the girls!

Here is our view of the stage.....they wouldn't let us take pictures during the performance..

My Mom, Sissie and I!

Kid and her friend Ab

Me and my Sissie

Can't wait to hang out with them again!

What did you do today?

2010-06-23T15:15:00.001-05:00

Since this week is Safety Week at work, we had a picnic at our office today that included a dunking booth, water balloon toss, propane gas demonstrations, seat belt convincer and more! It was a great time - despite the HEAT!

Our COO couldn't make it to the event, so they had a life-size cardboard cut out made of him and all the employees had the chance to have their picture taken with him. Some of the employees came up with some great ideas for pictures..me...not so much. However, I did wear the safety goggles and one of our hats...so I thought I would share. It was a nice break from being inside all the time in the air conditioning.

And one of my favorites another co worker took with him....

Boy does it feels awesome to be back inside the air conditioning! Oh my goodness it is HOT!

Bloggy update

2010-06-22T08:54:00.000-05:00

The heat of summer has arrived! Wow! It is HOT! And I am loving it! No complaints from me....I will take it! You may have noticed that I have been neglecting my blog.....or better yet...I have even been neglecting my computer at home. Hard to believe...but true!

I thought I would update you on a few things that are going on with us. Thanks for the tips for the top of the hutch! I have moved the candles to one side and the plate to the other...now just have to find the right greenery to go up there. Once I find the right item..I will be sure to post a picture. I see things throughout our house that I would love to change to add more height, now that we had a little assistance in our family room. It is amazing to have a fresh perspective on things. However, we are trying to cut the spending way down...so I will cool it for now. Just thankful to have a home to be in!

I am still making rag quilts and other items and my goal this weekend is to post some on etsy...so be on the lookout. I have no idea if they will sell online..but worth a shot. I have also joined a ministry team at church that gives baby blankets to families that have a baby. I am really excited to be a part of this. My first rag quilt is going to be given in July to a baby girl! I am also looking forward to helping out with vacation bible school in July. I have wanted to get more involved in my church, but a number of things just kept trying to hold me back. I really look forward to being able to serve more. The more I attend this church, the more I know God placed me in the right place. I am so thankful!

I finished the book, So Long Insecurity. Loved loved loved it! Beth Moore is amazing and I got so much out of it. I recommed to anyone out there who struggles with insecurities!

I am trying to spend my summer reading other books as well. I have a closet full of them and some I have read, some I have not. So my goal is to get through a couple of them this summer.

We are trying to get my stepson out here and are having a difficult time making it work. He is playing on a baseball team and his schedule is so busy it is hard to find a week that is free. And when his schedule is free, his mom is making excuses as to why he can't come. This is becoming very frustrating to my Hubs...and I hate that he misses him so much and struggles with their relationship. If you all could just lift this matter up in prayer. I have no idea what we are going to get worked out. Just very frustrating and I am the negotiator between the two parents...and it's not a fun position to be in at times.

This week I planned our dinner menu for the entire week. I try to do this...but never seem to stick to the plan, however I am on track this week! I can't wait to share with you some of the recipes. The salmon recipe we had last night was REALLY good!

That about wraps up my bloggy update. I am sure I have more to share...but at this point I am still waiting for the coffee to kick in! Busy day at work. We are having a Safety Fair today and a big picnic tomorrow. And the bonus is we get to wear jeans all week! Love being comfy at work!

Have a blessed day!

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-20T12:18:00.000-05:00

To My Dad-

Thank you for all that you have done for me.

Thank you for loving me.

Thank you for being such an amazing Daddy!

I love you!

Love,

Your first born

The plate

2010-06-18T16:19:00.000-05:00

So last Friday night, I went on a hunt for a big plate to put above our hutch. I searched about 5 stores...and finally found this one...at Hobby Lobby. What do you all think? I can't decide if I want to keep the candles up there with it or not...but I think it adds height to the room and balances out that wall. Maybe I just need different colored candles.

However, I have thought about going and buying these really BIG and CHUNKY candle stands that you can use with the candles that plug in...I will have try and find a picture of them...I saw them in a local store and they are so cute! I could plug them into a timer and they would light up on their own at night....

Anyways....still going to think on it...who knows..maybe I will just keep the plate up there.

Suggestions...ideas???

Monday Monday

2010-06-14T09:16:00.000-05:00

Another Monday is here and I find myself wishing I just had one more day to the weekend! Why are they never long enough?

Our weekend was WONDERFUL. We didn't even do that much...just hung out at home. I deep cleaned our master bath and organized every drawer/cabinet I could find. Such a great feeling to have that all done!

I spent some time in the kitchen making spinach rolls, frozen fruit cups and black bean and corn salsa....all of which we have been enjoying. The fruit cup recipe is on my recipe blog now...I will put the other two up tonight or tomorrow.

We also went to see the movie the A-Team...it was pretty good. At least it kept my attention!

Oh..and I faux tanned my legs....I am ready to do it again already! I must say that using a brush is the best thing ever...cause you don't get your hands all messy...I have no streaks...I put it on lightly (thanks to the Twins tip!), it dried fast and no smell! And the best thing is that my letgs were instantly tan....as you can see where you are putting it on. SO....this I definitely recommend!

Besides hanging out and watching movies....and just avoiding the rain and humidity...that about wraps up my weekend! Hoping you all had great ones!

Oh...and I found a plate for the top of our hutch...will have to take a picture and show you all...still nothing above the fireplace....might take us a while to figure that out.

Happy Monday!

Another year gone

2010-06-11T08:13:00.000-05:00

I had the best day yesterday! I was wished Happy Birthday by so many friends and family...it was simply wonderful! My two favorite people met me at my house for lunch and Jimmy John's. I could have spent all afternoon with the two of them! My sister told me that Little "I" remembers that I call him my " My Bobba Lou"...and he wanted me to say it again...love that!

My sister also had me pick out my birthday gift....so excited to show you...but will wait till it arrives!

My boss gave me the cutest makeup bag and chocolate truffles and one of the ladies I work with gave me a bag of Mary Kay goodies...so I felt pretty spoiled at work!

Last night Hubby surprised me by not going to the gym after work and coming home to take me out to eat BBQ! I was so excited and ate every last bite....ribs and fried mushrooms...SO GOOD! I was STUFFED! However, I still got my wish having an ice cream cake too!

It was a Chocolate cake from Baskin Robbins with cookies and cream ice cream inside....SO GOOD!

To top off the night we hung out on our new furniture and watched the movie Extraordinary Measures. I had been wanting to watch it...but Hubs wasn't sure....he caved in with it being my birthday and all. lol! It was a good movie...inspiring.

And one of the best parts of the entire night is that we both actually fit on our new sectional. He can lay and be comfortable on one end and I on the other. That is a first for us since we moved into this house! To see my hubby comfortable is a great sight to see!

Looks like it might start raining here this morning. I am off today during lunch to find a round plate to put above our hutch.....hoping I can find one.

And tonight...I am FINALLY Faux Tanning....my legs at least. My arms are pretty tan from golfing. But my legs are WHITE. Will let you all know how it turns out.

Happy Friday!!

My early birthday present

2010-06-10T08:52:00.000-05:00

Well our new furniture arrived yesterday........and we love it! We have a couple of things we want to tweak....one is above the fireplace...the piece is just not us nd we want something different there....and then we plan to hang a huge round plate above the hutch...but other than that....it is comfortable and us....so I am loving my new birthday present!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

And...just a few more shots for you all to see! Can't wait to have family and friends over!

And most importantly....Hubby's new chair. NO MORE RECLINER!!

HOT

2010-06-04T15:19:00.000-05:00

Yes it is HOT here...and I LOVE IT! Lot's going on this weekend....NOT! I am excited to be at home this weekend and work on some flowers and do some deep cleaning....and of course GOLF!

We are heading to the course tonight after work and I am excited! We are trying a different course though as our reg course is closed for a tournament. Always interesting to see how well I play at a new place.

Hubby's birthday is Sunday and so that day is going to be pretty much whatever he wants to do that day.

Nothing else really planned. Just a wonderful summer weekend....enjoy yours!

Photo shoots from our trip...

2010-06-02T10:09:00.001-05:00

Little "I" is at the point now where he will pose for you if you ask him too. So...Auntie D had fun taking some pictures of him doing all kinds of stuff...

He loved the pool and dancing at the pool!

And he had a great time at Silver Dollar City! Papa even road a ride with him!

And he was JUST tall enough to ride all by himself!

Here are just a few more of my favorites from the week...I promise this is it!

A wonderful time with family!

We also found out that we will be welcoming a baby girl into our family this fall!!

Yes...I am going to have a NIECE!

My SIL and brother had an ultrasound and they are 90% sure is is a SHE!

Can't wait to spoil her rotten too!

Riding the Ducks

2010-06-01T13:44:00.001-05:00

Our first afternoon in Branson - we decided after nap time that it was a good time to go and Ride the Ducks before the rain came through.

We ended up only having to wait about 20 minutes...so not bad at all. As you can see, Little "I" was very patient sitting with each of us! He loved being with his grandparents....

And of course his Mommy and Auntie! :) He wanted to make sure that he had his ticket (we had to put it in his shorts pocket).

The trip was fun....windy and a little hot. But we survived and saw some great scenery of the lake. Little "I" even got to drive the both with Papa.

By the end we were tired and hungry. So we headed down to the landing to eat at a Mexican restaurant.

Of course we had to check out the fountains while we were there!

The Cabin

2010-06-01T11:22:00.003-05:00

I spent most of this past week down in Branson with my family. It was WONDERFUL to get away. We arrived at the cabin on Wednesday afternoon and were so surprised at how big and roomy it was! The outside of the cabin looked so small...but once you entered it you were pleasantly surprised. Here is the main living room and kitchen area...

Looking at the loft above....

Off the main living room was a screened in porch with a swing and table we enjoyed eating breakfast at and also a bedroom and bathroom....

Downstairs....there was another living area, two more bedrooms and bathrooms, and another deck. (Pardon the messes.....we made ourselves at home! LOL!)

And finally...the loft area....another great place to hang out...and there was another bedroom and bath..which worked out perfect for my sister and nephew!

And the view from the loft....

All in all...it was the PERFECT place for our family to stay....more pictures to come...

I will leave you with one of my BobbaLou.... (AKA Little I)