Merry Christmas! Happy Birthday Jesus!

So I am a little late in saying this, but Merry Christmas to all!

Thanksgiving Blessings

I am thankful for many things this year. I am thankful for God's grace, love & mercy. I am thankful for my husband and son. I am thankful for my family and friends. There truely are so many things to be thankful for.

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I am thankful for this guy right here. Bingo is a new addition to our family and we all just love him. He has a slight problem with jumping up but it is because he is just so in love with us as well. He gets incredibily excited when he sees Alex. They are amazing together!

Love this picture! Yes....that tongue landed...right in Alex's mouth! He loved it though. Ewww..
I love my little tree climbing man! Alex was playing in the front yard with Bingo. We looked out to check on him and found him like this.


Super funny boy!
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Our prayer is that all of our loved ones and friends have a Thanksgiving that is blessed beyond belief! Happy Turkey Day!

Trina's Shower Cake

Oh...the ways I love this cake! I am so pleased with how it turned out. I can not even begin to share all of the lessons I learned while making this cake! I will share one that I learned the hard way though:
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I thought it would be super smart of me to order the cakes premade from Brookshires and then just decorate them myself. I thought this would guarantee me a cake that tasted good as opposed to one I might make myself. I have never made a cake from scratch before and I doubted using a box mix so I figured this to be the next best thing to conserve time. BIG MISTAKE!
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While the cake did taste good, I learned a very interesting fact. Did you know that Brookshires charges the same price for a cake whether they decorate it or not? Yeppers, they sure do. What that translates to is about $47 smackers in UN-decorated cakes! Not gonna lie...I just about fainted. Not to be too caught up on the money aspect of it or anything but I had already spent $18.00 on colored M&M's and rock candy alone so another $50 made an impact on me.
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Moral of this short story...Trina & Baby Kenze are soooo worth it! Trina was super happy with her cake and I gained some experience...win win situation!

Homemade Apothecary Jars

Recently, I came across a super cute blog, Shanty2Chic, that I am obsessed with. One day, hopefully in the near future, I will learn how to link from my blog to another but for now, all I can do is give their website {A HUGE thank you goes out to Joy for teaching me how to link. You can not imagine my level of excitement over this!! Whoooo Hooo!} They are incredibly talented and use alot of the same stuff that I like to work with.

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Needless to say, I have been inspired. So much so that I kinda sorta in a way copied one of their projects. I just love apothecary jars but there is no way I can pay the kind of money people ask for them. I can however make some like the Shanty Sisters did. I made the 3 shown below and I love how they turned out! I made them using unfinished wood candlestick, wood rounds, wood finials and mason jars. Ok, one is an old olive jar I had in the cabinet...but you get the point) Again I say....TOTALLY IN LOVE WITH THEM!

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I have been letting my mind wander and come up with all sorts of seasonal things to fill them with. Whooo hooo! So excited!

David & Goliath

When your child has about a trillion things that he could be for Halloween, as a parent, you get pretty excited when they decide on something sweet. Alex literally wanted to be *everything* and *everyone* this year.

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For a while, the most consistent option was Jonah. This was wonderful in my book! My mind went wild thinking of all of the cute ways to make his costume. He threw me for a loop when he said that he only wanted to be Jonah if he could be inside the whale's belly.

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Excuse me?

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How in the heck am I supposed to do that??

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Oh no! You are serious!?

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Time for Plan B! Operation Let's Change His Mind & Talk Him Into Something Do-able officially began!

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Enter David, the Shepherd boy. Alex loves David. He is one of his favorite people from the Bible. Countless hours have been spent pretending to be David and using Tripp as his Goliath. This could work! All I had to do was convince Alex that he wanted to be David for Halloween.

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Here is what I did: I came home with the material for his costume and made a REALLY.BIG.DEAL.ABOUT.IT. Like, a big deal! So did Tripp.

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Worked like a charm! Leave it to our wonderful son to come up with the best 'prop' ever....his very own Goliath....Tripp! He asked in his oh so sweet voice if his Daddy could be Goliath and if I could make his Goliath a costume. Naturally, we both obliged. See below for proof....

No, I did not make Tripp do this. He did it totally on his own for his little boy. BIG KUDOS TO TRIPP!!! He really got into it too. It was so precious!

We took Alex to a sweet festival at ETBU in Marshall and had a blast! The boys were so cute together! So cute in fact, that a worker for ETBU at the festival asked to take their picture! Talk about making a momma smile!! Alex was sure to tell everyone who he was that night and to tell David's story. He said numerous times that he was not afraid because he had the Lord on his side. Awh!!! How amazing that his sweet spirit was able to shine for Christ even though he was surrounded by all of the worldly costumes of today's time.

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We made some wonderful memories as a family that night. Thank you Jesus for giving our son a heart for you. Thank you allowing us to raise him and teach him to love you with all of his heart! As you love us....with all of your heart!

It's the Most...

Wonderful time of the year!

I love this time of year! I just makes my heart soo full of joy! Thanksgiving & Christmas are filled with such wonderful times with family and friends. As Alex gets older, he gets more "in" to holidays like most other kids and it is so amazing to watch him evolve with it. Though he is fully aware that Santa Clause is just pretend, he loves to talk about him and play imaginary games with him. So Precious!!

On our rides to school in the morning we have been talking about all that we are thankful for. It is so amazing to listen to the heart of a child as they describe all that they are thankful for. Things that as an adult we take for granted....at least I do anyway. For example, when was the last time I actually showed thanks to my car tires? Pretty important items don't you think? I can honestly say that I have never said thank you to my tires. Alex did. He even gave them a sweet little pat and tried to kiss them before I intervened. (being thankful is one thing...but a nasty tire kiss? I had to draw the line!) I learn something from my sweetie everyday!

I am so excited about Christmas and the true reason for the season. God has been so amazing to me and in my life that I just find tremedous joy in being able to celebrate him and praise him. I am even moreso excited to share this love with Alex.

So....here's to the Christmas season....yes, before Thanksgiving has arrived!

Fall Blessings

Alex & Nana

*Indescribable*

It is just impossible to put into words how crazy Alex is about his Nana. (I would be just as fond of someone who doted on me non stop and loved me the way that she does..so who can blame the boy?) :)

I have said it before that they have a bond like no other. He calls out for her randomly, says that she is his best friend all of the time. wants to talk to her in the middle of the day and straight up loves it when she is at our house or he is at hers. It is just so precious!

I am so privileged to get to witness this love and bond grow stronger. What a blessing!

Custom Artwork for Tanner

Baby Tanner will be here before we know it!!! My friend Tami is expecting her first grandbaby and I couldn't be happier! Her precious daughter Becka chose *adorable* bedding for her son that was so much fun to paint. (these photos were taken at two different locations so the color looks a bit off...urgh!)

I am super sad that I have to miss the shower but soooo look forward to seeing the pictures asap.

Congratulations Becka! Your life is about to be forever changed in such an amazing way!

Little boys rock!! :)

Birthday Invite for Miss Saidie

My friend, Kristie, asked me to help design her daughter's birthday invites this year. Her bday is close to halloween so they are having a themed rollerskate party. I wanted to come up with something sweet and girly but still a little on the edgey side. Kristie was very happy with them and can now mark them off of her list....a full month early! Go Kristie! HA!
Have I mentioned how much I just love scrapblog.com? :)

Bleach Tee Tutorial

I made this shirt for Alex using a freezer paper stencil (which I must admit that I am addicted to...) and bleach. The bleach made a super cool hazy effect that looks awesome. In this photo, it looks pinker than it actually is. It is more of a maroon color in person. So simple, so easy & so cute!

Materials Needed:
Plain black tee (washed and dried with no fabric softener)
Freezer Paper (found at Wal-Mart by foil & Ziploc bags)
Clip art image of your choice
Xacto Knife
Iron
Spray bottle with 50% Bleach & 50% Water solution
Piece of cardboard
Large towel or drop cloth

Directions:
1) Iron shirt flat
2) Trace clipart image onto the paper side of freezer paper (waxy side down)
3) Using xacto knife, carefully cut design out
4) Place piece of cardboard between your tee layers to prevent sticking
5) Situate your design where you want it on the shirt. Iron on med setting until it is completely adhered all around
6) Leave the cardboard between your layers. Be sure the drop cloth is under the tee and that any areas that you do not want the hazy effect to appear are covered with your towel.
7) Lightly mist spray your bleach solution over the stencil, spraying heavier around the focal part of your stencil. Wait a few minutes for the bleach to start lifting the color of your tee. I used a blow dryer to help it dry because I am not very patient. J Apply more spray if you want it to be lighter.
8) Allow shirt to air dry. Once dry completely, rinse the shirt thoroughly. I recommend washing it separately for the first time turned inside out.

This project takes no time at all and gives instant results! My kind of project!

Cuties Neck Tie Shirt

Hey there! Is this boy not the cutest thing!? He just loves his neck tie shirts! They were so fun to make but it was even more fun to watch Alex enjoy wearing them. He calls them his wedding shirts and says it is what he is going to wear when he marries me.....AAAAAWWWH! I fall for this boy every single day! I got some more shirts and material to make him a few more this weekend. Whoo hoo!

Happy weekend to all! :)

Nerdy 30 P.A.R.T.Y!!

So guess who pulled one over on me? That's right! I was punked! Kindof! Tripp and Julie collaborated and pulled off an AMAZING SURPRISE PARTY for me. Words cannot even express how special it was to me to have two of my favorite people plan something so amazing for me. Thank you Tripp & Julie!

The theme of the party was naturally Nerdy 30. Attendents were asked to dress in their best Nerdy attire. Emily & Shane went above the call of duty! They were hilarious!!!!

Tripp & I trying to strike our nerdiest pose!
*everyone brought something nerdy for me to wear. I had to change out of my super cute new dress from Canton and slip into the *mess* above. Very Funny!!

I came in and was totally surprised!! I could not quit laughing at everyone! So stinkin funny!!!


These guys were having a Nerd-Off. How appropriate that Quentin & Randy were 1st and 2nd place in the nerd style show!

This guy is awesome! Thank you again Tripp for stepping out of your comfort zone and doing this for me. It really meant alot to me!

Coolest Part of the party? Tripp surprised me with a little something/something that I have been wanting for a looooooooooooooooong time......

A NEW CAMERA! WHOOOOOOO HOOOOOOO!

I am so excited to have a nice camera now! I have already taken some pictures of my boy that just make my heart melt!

THANK YOU ..THANK YOU..THANK YOU..THANK YOU..THANK YOU..THANK YOU!!

Funny words:

Alex is constantly saying the funniest things. In an effort to try to remember them always, I am going to compile a list and continue to add to it as they come.

1) Skirp-translation = scrape. Alex says, "I went in da forrest wif my dad and fell. I skirped my leg Momma!'

2) Umrumptin-translation = interrupted. Alex says, " Momma, you umrumpted me when I was talking to my Daddy. Say you sorry!"

3)Movieator-translation = Movie Theater. Alex says this when we drive past the theater. So Cute!

4) Bittsa Bittsa Boom Bah-translation= NO CLUE! When Alex was smaller, he would randomly say this to make us laugh. He usually did this hilarious little dance move with it that would crack us up! Every once and a while he does it now...just for giggles! :)

Going to the Chapel..

...and we're going to get married!

Alex has been beyond precious lately. Ever since his aunt Ami got married last month, he has wanted to 'pretend marry' me. It is the cutest thing! Usually we play this sweet game at night right before bed. He holds out his pointer finger for me to slide a ring on and does the same to me. Then he says, "Momma, repeat after me, I pledge allegiance to Alex!" So funny! Then he says, "I may now kiss my bride" and smooches me all over my face & not just with a peck! He gets serious!!! He even sings the dum dum da dum song...you know the one! After we are 'married' he says, "I now pronounce you husband and life." He said husband and knife one time and Tripp got a pretty good kick out of that! He said Alex hit the nail on head. What is he trying to say I wonder? Ha! Though the day will come when this story will totally embarrass Alex, I am soaking it up as much as I can! He never ceases to make me smile!

Introducing.....

...the beautiful Miss Kayloni May Allen. Kayloni is my next to youngest brother Bobby's new little one. I had the pleasure of keeping her this past weekend and let me just say that I am in love! She is beyond precious! She was born on Father's Day, June 21st. What better gift could any dad ask for!

Please keep this precious baby in your prayers, as she is going to need to be covered by them. She has a big brother, Corbin who just turned one year old on Aug. 3rd. They are both adorable!

Alex is just as in love as I am. Several times this past weekend, he asked to keep her. He said that if we pray to God, he will give us a baby. Not just any baby though, God would give us Kayloni. He wants her to be his sister. I had to explain that she is his cousin and that we would be able to get her as much as we wanted but that she doesn't get to be his sister unless God's chooses that. It is kinda funny how they resemble each other somewhat. Little Sweetie Pies!

Who knew....

...that this little guy could melt my heart the way he does?!?

NERDY 30!

Just a quick little post on my actual bday. Today has been wonderful. I am so blessed to have so many wonderful people who go out of their way to make me feel special on my bday.

Beyond Blessed!!

Alex sang Happy Bday to me this morning in his sweet voice. I HAVE GOT TO GET THAT ON TAPE! I never want to forget the sound of his sweet singing voice. I just love it!

Tripp is giving me 30 kisses spread out throughout the day. My idea, but still, he is passing them out. I still have 10 more to collect! Yeah for me!!

Thank you Lord for the abundance of blessings you have poured out on me!

Last Day of my 20's...WHOO HOO!!!

So, I know I have mentioned my love of birthdays. Not just my own birthday but birthdays in general. I love to go all out for Alex's special day and I think he loves it too. So much in fact that he is already telling Tripp and I that we are not invited to his birthday when we upset him. Of course, we quickly remind him that Sassy Pants don't get bday parties and he better watch it. Gets his attention for sure.

Anywho, I figured that to commerate the last day of my 20's I would list the things I am most thankful for from the last decade:

* my husband, Tripp. We were married when he was 22 & I was 21, almost 22. During our marriage, I have learned alot about myself through him. I guess I didn't realize before just how stubborn I really was and still am at times. That has been humbling in a sense. I truely have a wonderful husband. Even though he totally overcooks my grits at times, he is still my one true love.

* my son, Alex. Where to even start with this little guy....he is by far one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me. These past 4 years that have included him have been the most amazing of all of my soon to be 30 years! I feel like I am at a loss for words as to how grateful I am to have him. He is my heart.

*my friendships. I have been blessed to have 'retained' a few special friendships over the years as well as form new ones. Be it the girls I went to high school with to the girls I worship with, I am blessed. Most importantly, I am blessed by the friendships that allow me to share my heart. Julie has been an amazing friend to me over the last few years. I just know that our friendship will last a lifetime and I pray for this. She is a wonderful person who allows me to be myself and holds me accountable. We all need that. Tonya, that girl is just hilarious! I laugh so much when I am around her. She has the BIGGEST heart and a willingness to do anything for anyone. LOVE HER! Erin, o-how I miss that girl! I could really kick myself for taking the time we had here in the same town for granted. Now that she is in Forney, I realize how much I love that bond. I can call her up anytime and pick up right where we left off. It is like that with Tiffany & Ramonia too. I think that is awesome in a friendship!! Trina, we go waaay back! Though our friendship has been through it's tough times, we still know each other like no other. I think it is b/c we are so alike. God has blessed me with such a diverse group of friends. From the newcomers (Nikki, Sara) to the Oldies but Goodies (Paula, Brittney), I am blessed!

* my family. Though what I consider to be my family is a bit spread out, I am so thankful to have them! I married into a wonderful family through Tripp. Vicky and Walter are some of the best grandparents out there. They love Alex so much and covet the time they spend with him. Alex likes to tease Big Daddy with his kisses and hugs but thinks that Big Daddy hung the moon. Nana's bond with Alex is out of this world. So much so that Alex sleeps with a special Nana Bear. To attempt sleep without it is a mistake unless he has the real thing, Nana herself! Aunt Brenda is flat out amazing! That woman loves like no other! Charlie & Pam are wonderful!!! Such a large part of our hearts involve them. We just love them so much! My mom, Grammy to Alex, is great. She has a big heart for her grandchildren. She has so many that need more of her attention than what Alex needs so they don't chill as much, but when they do, it is constant, "Grammy, watch me! Grammy look at this!" When she leaves, he asks when she is coming back. So sweet! Jim & Debbie are good with Alex too. Alex and Papa have a special connection that is pretty tight given the amount of time they have spent together. Apparently, those that love Alex in turn get loved even more so by me! Ha!

*my job. WOW, how blessed am I to have the wonderful job that I have!? I feel like I am working with my family. RB has become a surrogate father for me. Though he is my boss, he is also an amazing source of guidance and wisdom for me. I have so much respect for him and what he stands for. I am grateful to have a strong role model to look to. Julie, the sister I never had. As mentioned above, soooo amazing as a friend and work mate. Clint, big turkey! I kid. Clint is an amazing person. Tough shell on the outside, heart of gold on the inside. Whoever is able to crack the shell so to speak is going to be one loved wife! God has someone special for Clint and I pray that He reveals her soon. Clint deserves to be happy and have that special someone. I work with several other great people who have made an impact on my life. Just so blessed to be in this company!


*my faith. The number one that I am most grateful for. I feel like my connection with God has gotten so much stronger during the latter part of my 20's. It has been such a joy & priveledge to teach Alex about Jesus & learn more about Him through that process. I have been saved by Jesus and that is really all I could ever ask for. Though I don't deserve it, God has chosen me and allowed me to be His daughter. He has planned great things for me through Him. What a blessing!! He forgives me for my short comings and guides me daily. Thank you Jesus!

Yes, my 20's are about to come to an end. Am I sad? NO WAY. Am I super excited about the future? YOU BET! I am so thankful for all of the blessings in my life. I strive to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord with Him first and my family second.

Whooooooo hooo! Tomorrow is my Bday!!!!!!! Yippeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nerdy 30, here I come!!

My Sweet Pirate

Isn't he just slap-dab precious?!?!

No matter that I am slightly partial.

Even sweeter is when he tells me to

Walk the Plank

or

Swiver me timbers

P.R.E.C.I.O.U.S!

Blog Header

Like my new blog header? I made it myself!

Professional? Not by any means.

Beginner with lots of room for growth? You bet!

I am straight up in love with scrapblog.com! I am officially hooked!!!

A Collection of Thoughts & Happenings...

Wow, have the last few weeks been super crazy or what! So much has been going on that it is hard to know where to start...

The girls & I got to enjoy our 1st Annual Girls Trip. It was Erin, Trina, Nikki and I for the weekend in Dallas. We had a really good time and had lots of laughs. We learned, or should I say relearned, a lot of valuable information about prego women.(Nikki & Trina)
#1) Feed them the instant their eyes pop open in the morning.

#2) Feed them at the 1st sign of irritability.

#3) Keep some type of food item on your person at all times. Keep it handy so that at a moments notice it can be pulled out, opened and inserted into hungry prego mouth and shipped straight down to awaiting baby bird ASAP.

DO NOT HESITATE! To do so only guarantees a hungry and tired pregnant mommy who wants nothing more than to eat and sleep.

I kid, the girls did great but I did feel bad for them for waiting so long between meals. I know how hard that is. All in all, the weekend was a wonderful time of girl talk, goofy games, makeup & hair and practical jokes. I can't wait for next years trip! Hopefully I will be the pregnant one then!!

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While I was away, Alex was sick. Talk about mothers guilt! I have been laying in on thick too, let me tell ya. I found out that he had a fever once I arrived in Dallas. He basically ran a fever the entire weekend. Tripp did wonderful with him. I truely think they enjoyed the time together one on one with out me. I just hate that Alex was sick and that they were not able to do anything. Boo!

We took Alex to the dr. Monday afternoon. We requested a full blood & urine workup to pin point the problem. Six vials of blood later [insert nightmarish time here] Alex was pretty pitiful. I think I promised him the moon during that ordeal! AND I WILL DELIVER! Poor baby! Our tears mixed and you couldn't tell who's tears were who's. Come to find out Alex has and has had Mono. Not the end of the world by no means, but enough to tick a mommy off. This whole year, we have been saying that something was wrong. That it wasn't normal for a baby to run such a high fever this often and it just be a viral infection. There had to be something else. Each time, it felt like our concerns were kind of ignored. I feel like we had to insist on more testing. Is that how it is supposed to be with your childs' doctor? Maybe I am confused. I am not saying that he gets 100% total crappy care. Personally, I love his doctor and his nurses. Personality wise, we all click. I just don't get why this diagnosis could not have been discovered sooner. Sure, you treat Mono in the same manner as you treat a viral infection by maintaining the symptoms but from all that I have read about Mono, changes to the childs schedule need to be made. He is a carrier for this disease now. I just think that an earlier diagnosis would have made a big difference in his health. Whew, that was a soap box!

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Tripp's sister, Ami, is getting married this weekend. Alex and I are supposed to be in it. I am not sure of what to do now that he is sickly. Is all of the activity going to be too much for him? The dr. says it is fine to continue normal activity but to just make sure he gets plenty of rest. Lots to think about....

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Ok, guess that is all of the rambling I have at the moment to document. Happy week!!

Godspeed Lyrics by Dixie Chicks

This song just melts my heart. I literally teared up listening to it.

Dragon tales and the "water is wide"
Pirates sail and lost boys fly
Fish bite moonbeams every night
And I love you
Godspeed, little man
Sweet dreams, little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed
Sweet dreams
The rocket racer's all tuckered out
Superman's in pajamas on the couch
Goodnight moon, we'll find the mouse
And I love you
Godspeed, little man
Sweet dreams, little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed
Sweet dreams
God bless mommy and match box cars
God bless dad and thanks for the stars
God hears "amen," wherever we are
And I love you
Godspeed, little man
Sweet dreams, little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed
Godspeed
Godspeed
Sweet Dreams

Family

F A M I L Y

I ran into a stranger as he passed by,

'Oh excuse me please' was my reply.

He said, 'Please excuse me too;

I wasn't watching for you.'

We were very polite, this stranger and I.

We went on our way and we said goodbye.

But at home a different story is told,

How we treat our loved ones, young and old.

Later that day, cooking the evening meal,

My son stood beside me very still.

When I turned, I nearly knocked him down.

'Move out of the way,' I said with a frown.

He walked away, his little heart broken.

I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.

While I lay awake in bed,

God's still small voice came to me and said,

'While dealing with a stranger,

common courtesy you use,

but the family you love,

you seem to abuse.

Go and look on the kitchen floor,

You'll find some flowers there by the door.

Those are the flowers he brought for you.

He picked them himself:

pink, yellow and blue.

He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise,

you never saw the tears that filled his little eyes.

'By this time, I felt very small,

And now my tears began to fall.

I quietly went and knelt by his bed;

'Wake up, little one, wake up,' I said.

'Are these the flowers you picked for me?

He smiled, 'I found 'em, out by the tree.

I picked 'em because they're pretty like you.

I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue.'

I said, 'Son, I'm very sorry for the way I acted today;

I shouldn't have yelled at you that way.

'He said, 'Oh, Mom, that's okay.

I love you anyway.
I said, 'Son, I love you too,

and I do like the flowers, especially the blue.'

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FAMILY

Are you aware that if we died tomorrow, the companythat we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family we left behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than into our own family, an unwise investment indeed, don't you think?

Wow, do I feel convicted or what? Often times, I find myself being short with the ones I love the most. Seeing as how I am super tone sensitive, you would think that I would try to be aware of how I speak to others. I am strongly convicted about this and make a vow to be more aware and speak kindly to all.

Cowboy Man & new card program

Howdy Folks!

So, it has been while since I have posted. LOTS has been going on. I can't even think of a decent place to start so I will just say, WHEW, crazy summer so far!

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Alex is precious, as always. Everyday he melts my heart. I find myself constantly asking why me? Why do I get the honor of raising this sweet boy? He never ceases to amaze me. Be it his love for **all** things cowboy or his new found affinity for The Backyardigans, he just amazes me! He told me yesterday that Jesus is the greatest of all super heroes. Righty-o! Again, just amazed! Constantly!!

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Tripp and I are doing wonderful! After what has seemed to be a pretty rough patch in our marriage this year, it appears that we are on the way out of it. Counseling has been wonderful and I can't speak highly enough about it. We are finally on a good page with each other on many issues. God has worked wonders with us and I give him full credit. I feel like he led us to a wonderfull Christian man who is full of God given wisdom. As they say, marriage is hard, but it is worth it!

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I have been a crazy mad woman with my painting this summer. Business is good. Beyond blessed! I am so fortunate to be able to do this painting from my home at my leisure. I love it!

****I have been informed about a wonderful website to create my own cards and scrapbook pages. I posted an example above of one of my samples. I think I am in love!! It is sooooo easy and FREE! My favorite part!!!! Feel free to check it out if you are interested. http://www.scrapblog.com/ I'm sure it has been around for a while, but it is new to me so again, I am in love!!

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Pray all is well for everyone! God Bless!!!!!

Alex Kisses

Brace yourself for a super sappy post... ( I have to blog about it though so that it will be forever embedded in my brain...)

Today was like any other day in which I drop Alex off at school. I sat him at his place to eat breakfast next to his friend (J) & kissed him goodbye. As I was walking out of the classroom, his teacher stopped me to tell me about something Alex did yesterday. While we were talking, Alex suddenly started crying....very hard!

I went to him and asked him what was wrong. At first, I was unable to make out what he was saying but finally he calmed down a bit. He said, "J said that your kisses were no good!"

I said, "Do what?"

Alex said, "J said you don't have good kisses but you do!"

After I chuckled a bit, I said, "Baby, it's ok. J has never had my kisses before so he doesn't know if they are good or not. He gets his kisses from his mommy and daddy. My kissses are special and just for you. It's ok if my kisses are not good to him because you know they are good for you. Ok, Baby?"

Alex finally relents and says ok. I kissed him goodbye again and turned to leave.

As I did, this is what I heard, "See! I told Ya! Her kisses ARE good!!!!"

That baby just melts my heart! I could gobble him up with a spoon! It amazes me at how protective and defensive of me he is. He sure does love his momma! But nothing compared to how much I love and adore him!

I've said it before and will say it as long as I draw breath, Thank you Lord for choosing me to be Alex's mommy!!

Alex's Room

Inspired by Whitney's sweet post about her childrens' rooms, I decided to document Alex's room as well. For Christmas this past year, Alex was given a "Big Cowboy Man" room upgrade. He had a super cute room before with a sports theme, but seening as how he crazy about all things cowboy, this change seemed right. I really got into making his room over in a different and unique way. I made his 'shutters' and did a few paintings for him, which he says looks just like him.

As soon as someone new comes to the house, the very first thing Alex says to them is "Wanna come see my awesome cool room? C'm on, I show you." He then proceeds to drag them down the hallway. Such a cutie!
I do have hopes of finding him a cool rug for his open space but that has been a little tricky. I may end up just making him one.

Alex, it is such a joy to see you enjoy your room so much! The pride you have in your own little space is adorable! To think, we thought the cowboy thing was just a fad! If so, it has been a **really** long lasting fad! Going on 2 years now! You are such a sweet, creative little man!

Disney (World) on Ice!

OOOO the fun we had a Disney on Ice! Alex calls it Disney World on Ice...cute little thing!

It was our first trip to the CenturyTell center in Bossier City. It was

AMAZING!

Alex was beyond good! He was so excited to be there. We let him wear his Buzz Lightyear costume and boy, was he cute! Look at how his beautiful blue eyes were just a shining! We could barely get a family picture because Alex didn't want to look away from the ice. I should have known that!

Tripp, so funny! I was a little worried about Tripp because, well let's face it: Disney on Ice is not really his thing. He went for Alex and that was very much appreciated. By his own account, he said that he really had a good time and was impressed by the show. Kudo's for Tripp!

We ended up with a Dash/Buzz Lightyear crossover Super Hero when all was said and done!

Such a great family time! Alex is still talking about it and asking when we can go again. I would love to take him anytime we could! We went to the Boardwalk after and had lunch at Joe's Crabshack. Alex loves coconut shrimp so he was in heaven.

Alex spent the night with his Nana & Big Daddy and his favorite cousin Marshall. They got the boys Super Hero capes with their initials on them.

ALEX LOVED IT!

Pictures of that to come!

Cookie Delight

One night as Alex and I were preparing for bed, he asked me if he could make cookies. Due to the time, I told him that we would make cookies another night. He promptly asked me the next morning if we would be making cookies that night. Naturally, I obliged!

I set out a good variety of different decorations for him to use and iced the cookies for him. (I tried to let him do that but the super controlling part of me had to intervene. It was turning into a HUGE mess that even Alex was not enjoying. I am getting better in my controlling ways...but I had to step in on this case) :) Alex was SO dedicated to each cookie. We decided we would take them to school the next day for his class so each school mate had a special cookie. (No, I did not remember who got what cookie and failed to mention that fact to his teacher the next day. Only a small mishap. Surely the teachers will forgive me.Ahem.)
Every good cook has a little sampling of his goods. Alex just had several samplings!

I think they turned out beautifully! Great job!

Don't you think he did a great job?