live, love and laugh!

2011-01-01T21:17:00.000-08:00

2011!!! wow!!! Today is a new day...a new year...a new time!!! I am glad to see 2010 gone and a little excited, a little frightened and a lot in awe of 2011!!! Let's see what happens...

2010-09-06T21:34:00.000-07:00

Today...i was able to spend some time in the word and was drawn to Psalms. It hit me real good. I felt the word and it spoke to me. I need to stay focused on Him and through everything I need to make sure I am Praising Him. From the heart. I may to feel like it all the time but I need to Praise Him. If I can do this I think I will feel so much closer to Him and more at peace. I need that peace so much right now. I need to feel like everything is going to be ok...that everything is going to work out. I need that. I need to feel Him close to me. I KNOW He is there but in so many ways I am the one who stops. I stop believing. I stop hoping. I stop having faith. I STOP. I need to stop doing that (teehehehe...stop stopping!!). Today i did and tomorrow...well it is not here so I need not concern myself with it...right? HA!! that is another story. So for now...I praise Him for loving me and mine and for looking down and watching over us. He told me a few months ago..."my ways are not your ways..." Help me to remember that everyday....

2010-09-06T00:02:00.000-07:00

wow!! it has been forever...so much going on...so much that my mind is overwhelmed at least 18 hours of the day....so much!!! i rarely stop and smell the roses let alone get on the Internet, and blog...PLEASE!!! when do i have time...*sigh* well...i am here right now and i have this site i follow on my facebook and i just started following on my blog...it focuses on you and that is a good thing right? hmmmmmmmmmmm...anyway...it says we should list 10 blessings so i am going to list them (it has you do this every Sunday, and there should be no repeats). *sigh* let's see if i can find 10 blessings today...

1/ Genesis...here at home with us
2/ Bridgette...she has been a rock during this time
3/ Hunny Bunny...he has been my island...my core
4/ God...even though I don't speak to him everyday just knowing He is there is a blessing to me...
5/ My church family...i have not been able to see them b/c of work but knowing they are praying for us is a blessing.
6/ My job...with everything the way it is I know I am blessed to have one right now
7/ My sanity...as weird as that sounds, it is a blessing...
8/ Our home...it is ours and I am so blessed to have one
9/ My health
10/Hunny Bunnies health

*sigh* that took some thought...and when i look at the list i realize i am truly blessed...thank you LORD!!!!

2010-02-28T20:14:00.000-08:00

Friday Fill-In's

1. A cup of tea is something I do not find on my to do list.
2. Family makes a place feel like home.
3. Everything has its beauty if you spend the time to look for it.
4. I love the taste of strawberries?
5. Art makes me want to CREATE.
6. LOL I just noticed I forgot to take some time to breathe today.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing, tomorrow my plans include relax and Monday, I want to relax!

2010-02-23T17:58:00.001-08:00

I was so singing this song all day...it is stuck in my head and will not leave!!!!!

"Leaving On A Jet Plane" Ringtones to Cell

All my bags are packed I'm ready to go
I'm standin' here outside your door
I hate to wake you up to say goodbye
But the dawn is breakin' it's early morn
The taxi's waitin' he's blowin' his horn
Already I'm so lonesome I could die

So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you'll wait for me
Hold me like you'll never let me go
Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane
Don't know when I'll be back again
Oh babe, I hate to go

There's so many times I've let you down
So many times I've played around
I tell you now, they don't mean a thing
Every place I go, I'll think of you
Every song I sing, I'll sing for you
When I come back, I'll bring your wedding ring

So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you'll wait for me
Hold me like you'll never let me go
Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane
Don't know when I'll be back again
Oh babe, I hate to go

Guitar Solo

Now the time has come to leave you
One more time let me kiss you
Close your eyes I'll be on my way
Dream about the days to come
When I won't have to leave alone
About the times, I won't have to say

So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you'll wait for me
Hold me like you'll never let me go
Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane
Don't know when I'll be back again
Oh baby, I hate to go

Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane
Don't know when I'll be back again
Oh babe, I hate to go

2010-02-22T18:55:00.000-08:00

I was in Yahoo and came across this article. I tend to me the french nail girl, how about you?

Work Like Your Nail Color, Even if It's Nude

Posted Feb 22nd 2010 4:46PM

By Lisa Johnson Mandell

With all the negativity and depression clouding the working world these days, author/radio host Mary Foley thinks it's time to lighten up a little -- or at least to add a little color. She's been through all the ups and downs the economy has had to offer, and she chooses to look on the bright side, which is an inspiration to us all.

Freshly graduated from Virginia with a degree in engineering, Foley took an $8 an hour customer service rep job, "just to pay the bills." That was with the then-unknown AOL, and she moved up, up, up with the company, eventually heading up corporate training, then getting out of the company back when the getting was good.

Since then she's earned a master's degree in organization development from Pepperdine University and authored two books, including Bodacious! Woman: Outrageously in Charge of Your Life and Lovin' It, and Live Like Your Nail Color. She currently is the co-host of the fabulously friendly "Girlfriend We Gotta Talk" radio show, which is broadcast live in Richmond, VA, and can be found online at GirlfriendWeGottaTalk.com

For AOL DimeCrunch, Mary applied her colorful concepts to the working world:

What does your favorite nail color – or naked nails – reveal about you?

Your fingers (or toes) are really mini-indicators into your personality!

If you usually have a French manicure, you are one classy, sophisticated and incredibly practical gal. Your nails are neatly manicured, without going to extremes, and the look goes with every outfit.
Are you wearing mocha or a shade of brown? These earth tones mean you're a woman who is grounded, approachable and someone we can share our deepest thoughts with.
How about pink? Pink is the quintessential girlie color, and one of the most popular colors for nails. If you choose a light to medium pink, you are friendly, happy and lighthearted. For those who prefer the wilder side of pink – aka, the hot pink and fuchsia tones – then you are known to be on the talkative, fun, and exciting side.
Wild about red? Considered to be the wildest nail color of all, women who love red nails are usually leading the "Passionate About Life Parade" with their energy, enthusiasm, and confidence.
And if your nails are naked? According to a recent survey, only about 35 percent of women paint both their fingers and toes, which means most women paint only one or the other, the most popular being their toes. There are a lot of reasons why women don't paint their nails; but one thing is true: having naked nails means you're willing to be your true, authentic self and show it to the world.

What does your nail color say about your career?

Because fingernails are always visible, they communicate more about your career than do toenails. Sixty-one percent of women surveyed have naked fingernails. It's considered by many that well-manicured naked nails are the mark of a confident, modern woman. However, naked does not mean neglected! Far too many women in business have ragged, bitten, unkempt nails that can communicate to co-workers or a potential employer nervousness, incompetence, and lack of confidence.

Then there are the gals who take the time to color their fingernails. Gals who wear a French manicure or mild nail color usually like their career and feel comfortable with how it's going. They literally look and feel polished! Gals who sport a brighter nail color are usually excited about their career and have found a personal sweet spot of success. Their confidence is high and they are willing to take more career risks because of it!

2010-01-03T11:07:00.000-08:00

Today is the third day of 2010!! wow!!! I am thinking 2010 is going to go as fast as 2009!! Maybe even faster... I have been thinking about the new year and the things I want to accomplish this year. I have a few "words/theme" but I am not sure which one will be my 2010 word. I know last year was suppose to be a continuation of the year before but that changed in June. I believe I was just existing after Mom passed away. I sure do miss her. Well, one thing I want to do is be more grateful so I am wanting to have 5 things I am grateful for every week. I am not sure how it will go but I have to start to find out, right? *grin*

5 things I am grateful for...

* My family...they complete me.

* The support I am getting on my new resolution (my family ROCKS!!)

* Having both girls with us (it will not last forever!!)

* My job (especially at this time in America)

* My home

2009-11-29T18:14:00.000-08:00

I am so trying to figure out how we are going to do this holiday. We usually have a huge Christmas (3+ trees, gifts galore, baking, visiting different holiday spots and more...). I spoke with my family and I am so not in the mood this year. My hunny bunny was trying to delve in and see what is was all about and the "deep" reasons for my feelings and I became frustrated and yelled out "My Mother died!!". There was silence and then I knew he "got" it... and I "got" it...it really seemed to make sense and there was silence. As we were silent I felt this relief...this pressure was released and it felt good. It felt good to say...MY MOTHER DIED!!! There does not have to be anything deep or profound...there only has to be that for my. I don't have to apologize, I don't have to try to make sense of these feelings, I don't have to do anything but know...know that this is hard and I am not sure how to handle this holiday thing this year. I told the girls about not having a holiday this year and they were silent. I can understand that. After speaking to hunny bunny and getting somethings out there I think we will find a happy medium. A place where we can all be content (happy is to strong of a word right now...at least for me...). I am not sure what type of holiday we will have but at least we are talking about it and I am confident we all reach an agreement...who would have every thought this would be a bridge we would have to cross at this point in our lives...*sigh*

2009-11-26T19:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving. I hope everyone had a wonderful day and did not forget to stop and be thankful for all the blessings in their lives. My hunny bunny and the girls felt it would be best if I did not cook so we went to a restaurant with my dad and in-laws. I am so thankful for such a thoughtful family and even though I did not enjoy the meal, I did enjoy being with my family. Hunny Bunny is so wonderful and thoughtful and I am soooo thankful for him! He completes me. In the end I was glad I did not cook, I was able to enjoy my family and think of my Mom and remember her and yes...miss her. This was the first Thanksgiving without her and I truley missed her so much! I am so thankful for knowing her and the many special memories I have of her.

We went to see the Movie "The Blind Side" this afternoon (hunny bunny, the girls and myself). It was such a great family movie! I loved it. I loved how a family took in a stranger and loved him as one their own and how "family" counts!!! I also loved how love can do so much when applied to people and in people! The acting was good and I loved the "little brother"...he was adorable! If you get a chance please see it!!! It is a great movie!!!!

2009-11-16T17:40:00.001-08:00

i have been thinking about life changes lately for myself...no not those changes that we have no control over...i have had my share of those this year and an still dealing with those. No, I am speaking about those things i can control...and as i have been thinking about that i am discovering some things about myself...interesting things, things that have stopped me in my tracks, things that i want to walk away from but feel i need to look at. i must confess, this life changing thing has taken me to a new place. i know i am here for a reason but i am not sure what to do. i know i need to make some changes and i know in the end it will be for the good but boy, oh boy...i am really just starting to realize...I DO NOT LIKE CHANGE!!!! ok...why would that be a shock...i am a traditional person who will have the same breakfast every morning and do the same thing every night if i allowed myself to. Yes, that same person is shocked at how much i do not like change...but more so i do not think i like the fact that i could be a change agent...me!!! I believe I am at that place in life when I need to become my own CHANGE AGENT. I need to make changes. I need to take those steps to change things in my life that are not healthy for me. I need to do this...not my hunny bunny, my girls or even God...ME...MYSELF...I!!! And guess what...it scares me crazy to see that let alone believe it. I know what I need to do but I don't want to be the one to do it...interesting!!! I need to "marinate" on this and see what becomes of it...

2009-10-25T19:03:00.000-07:00

1. What is your favorite written work of horror fiction?
I do not like horror....

2. What is your favorite work of science fiction/fantasy?
Aliens....it scared me sooo much when i was a teenager!!!
Matrix (all of them)

3. Who is your favorite monster?
Does Elmo count???

4. What is your favorite Horror movie?
don't do horror

5. What horror movie gives you the most chills?
I hated then all (my dad made me see them when I was young)...Amityville Horror was horrible!!!

6. What character from any horror film would you most like to play?
No thank you!!!

7. Freddy or Jason?
UUUGGGHHHHH!!!! to both

8. What is your favorite Halloween treat?
anything with chocolate!!!

9. Ghosts or goblins?
Ghosts.

10. Friendly-faced jack-o'-lantern or scary one?
Friendly (of course)

11. What is your scariest encounter with the paranormal?
does seeing myself at 3am in the mirror count?

12. Do you believe in ghosts? Why or why not?
no...there are only one of two places we go after death and earth is not one of them

13. Would you rather be a zombie, alien, or psycho?
Alien (the thought of flesh grosses me out!!)

14. Favorite Halloween costume?
A bee or pumpkin...

15. Best thing about Halloween?
the costumes and decorations

16. Person in your family who most likes Halloween (not counting yourself)?
It use to be my Mom...now it is me!

17. Are you superstitious?
hmmmmmmm.....

18. Share an unusual Halloween story.
don't have one...sorry

19. What did you do for Halloween as a kid?
dress up and go out trick or treating with my cousins

20. What's the best Halloween party that you've attended?
when i was a teenager we had one with our youth group...it was fun (me, angie and bobby were stopped by the police and he was a clown and i was a pregnant woman with Noxema on my face...teeehehehehe)!!!

2009-10-04T21:52:00.000-07:00

Sunday Stealing: The Starrlight Meme

1. What was the last thing you put in your mouth?
a piece of apple pie from KFC

2. Where was your profile picture taken?
bathroom

3. Can you play Guitar Hero?
if i try hard enough and practice (we do own it)

4. Name someone who made you laugh today. What was it about?
my baby girl. she said "listen here" while we were all in the car and we thought about "Bacon is good for me!!"

5. How late did you stay up last night and why?
12:30 am...watching QVC and on Facebook (weekend!!)

6. If you could move somewhere else where would you and why?
a small town...more family/community feeling

7. Ever been kissed under fireworks?
yes...4th of July

8. Which of your friends lives closest to you?
Lechelle...a few blocks

9. Do you believe ex's can be friends? With benefits?
yes...no

10. Do you like Dr. Pepper?
yes

11. When was the last time you cried really hard? Really hard as opposed to just sniveling?
this summer...when we buried my mother

12. Who took your profile picture?
me!!!

13. Who was the last person you took a picture of?
the girls and Reggie

14. Was yesterday better than today? Why?
no...we went to church today and had family time

15. Can you live a day without TV?
yes, as long as I have a DVR waiting for me the next day

16. Are you upset about anything now?
yes

17. Do you think relationships are ever really worth it?
ALWAYS!!!

18. Are you a bad influence?
yes

19. Night out or night in?
Night out!!!

20. What items could you not go without during the day?
computer, a coke, DVR

21. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital?
my dad

22. What does the last text message in your inbox say?
don't text...don't have a cell phone (by choice)

23. How do you feel about your life right now?
like i am caged in a box and can't get out...

24. Do you hate anyone?
no

25. If we were to look in your Facebook inbox, what would we find?
lots of unread messages

26. Say you were given a drug test right now, would you pass?
yes

27. Has anyone ever called you perfect before?
yes

28. What song is stuck in your head?
Apple bottom jeans...

29. Someone knocks on your window at 2 a.m., whom do you want it to be?
if he is not beside me...my husband

30. Do you (or did you) want to have grandkids before you’re 50?
yes

31. Tell us your Saturday night.
dinner out with family, shopping, later catching up on some shows (DVR)

32. Do you think too much or too little?
too much

33. Do you smile a lot?
more than i did last year...a work still in progress...

2009-09-28T19:27:00.001-07:00

Today was an interesting day...for some reason it was a day to remember my Mom. I seemed to see her in so many things in my life today and the result was a point where I was melancholy and it was hard to go on. Who knows maybe I need more days like this...i sometimes feel like I do not grieve. I do not cry. I do not remember. I just...exist. When it comes to my Mom I exist. Is this natural? Normal? Abnormal? Wrong? Right? I don't know. I have never done this before. I did not read a manual. And let me tell you for someone who strives to do everything perfect and must have order this is horrible!!! I feel like i should make a list and when i have done everything on it and mark it off i will be done with this grieving this. Is that not sick? Am i not sick to think this? I think so and I hate it. I hate not knowing how to process my mothers loss. I hate not knowing if i should scream. Cry. Hate. Go into a depression. Yell. I hate not know what to do. I want to grieve and I do not know how!!! Maybe i really don't want to? Maybe I am afraid of the openness I will have to have. The vulnerability. I remember when she left us I walked out of the room and into the bathroom down the hall. I remember standing in the dark and then bending over and screaming into my hands. A scream no one could hear. I remember standing there and feeling so many things and just as fast as they came I pushed them down. I knew there was family waiting and I knew i was needed. I remember taking a deep breath and walking out of the bathroom and back into her room. I remember. I have not gone back to that moment, those feelings, that pain. Instead I went through the motions to bury her and assist my family. Time is going by and I am moving with it...I am not grieving...I am existing when it comes to her. Time will tell how this pans out....they say time heals...i am hoping that is the case...

2009-09-20T19:21:00.001-07:00

wow...where does the time go??? I am sooo horrible for neglecting my blog...i could give so many reasons why and they are all legitimate. I miss blogging and I have been thinking about it but I am not ready...I feel guilty...and I am not sure why??? This is something I need to look at and "marinate". Just know I am here but in thought only....

2009-07-19T11:59:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon...i have a few minutes so i thought i would sit down and write...maybe an update...maybe not. I am amazed at how quickly time has passed since June 11, 2009. It is crazy...life continues to go on...

* I returned back to work....code red!!! *grin*
* I am trying to get my mothers home cleaned out and failing in every area (it is sooooo hard to go through her things...so hard).
* a pug puppy was left in our backyard and we had no idea why!!!
* I helped someone out and they have still not paid back the $500.00 they promised.
* My basement has a minor mishap and flooded
* Mid-years are due and we have a week to complete them!!
* We almost lost my father...he was in ICU for 2 days and a regular room for 2 more days (it was the same hospital my mom has passed away in 4 weeks earlier)
* My Aunt Dorthy passed away 1 week and 1 day after we buried my mother.
* The 4th of July and Fathers Day came and left without my mother.
* People are dieing all over the place...Michael Jackson, Farrah...
* Baby girl is still away from home and I worry that she did not have enough time at home to grieve for her Grandmother (she has never experience death this close to home and she was forced to leave is the day after we buried her Grandmother).
* I am still in denial...

*sigh* As you can see life still goes on and the sun still rises and sets everyday....

2009-06-23T15:01:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I last visited this blog. It is with deep sorrow I must say my Mother has passed away. She is with the Lord and for that I am so grateful however...my heart is sad and my soul is hurt. She went to be with the Lord on June 11nth. We laid her to rest last Wednesday and I truly believe she would have loved her funeral (the doves and my baby girls singing Amazing Grace would have made her so proud!!). It has been exhausting and at this point I am talking a few steps at a time (before this week it was only one step and that was every few hours). My family has been incredible and I love them more this week than 2 weeks ago. They are truly amazing! I am still raw so I believe I will end this with a beautiful piece of writing Boo did for her Grandmother (it was passed out at the funeral and I took this from her facebook entry)...

In Loving Memory

Monday, June 15, 2009 at 11:33pm

On Thursday my grandmother passed away in the hospital just four days after being diagnosed with cancer that had progressed to stage four. She died in her sleep, like she wanted, and didn't suffer, which was a blessing. We were very close and despite a relationship that was sometimes bumpy, I loved her more deeply than I can express. The service is taking place Wednesday morning and I wrote the obituary/biography to be handed out at the chapel. I'm sharing it here for anyone who would like to read it because I want the whole world to know about the woman my grandfather loves with all his heart, who raised my mom to be as strong as she is today, and who loved my sister and I from the day we were born until the day she died.

♥ ♥ ♥

On June 11th, 2009, the world lost a beloved wife, mother, sister, daughter, grandmother, aunt and friend in Linda Griego. She was preceded in death by her father, Guadalupe Ruiz, and four younger siblings: brothers Pete and Ferdie and sisters Mary and Bea. She is survived by her mother Maria Ruiz, her husband of thirty-nine years John B. Griego, her daughter Antoinette Marie (son-in-law Reggie Burgess), her sisters Virginia (brother-in-law Frank Herrera) and Suzie, and her brother Alex (sister-in-law Colleen Ruiz). She will be leaving behind two granddaughters, Bridgette and Genesis Burgess, goddaughter Jessica Agosta, her nieces Angela Montoya, Joline Lopez, Shannon Ortiz, Jamie Muniz and Amy Ruiz, and her nephews Frankie Montoya, Robert Montoya, Lloyd Herrera, and Phillip Herrera.

Linda was born in Denver, Colorado in 1948 on August 24th to Lupe and Maria Ruiz. The eldest of four girls and sister to four brothers, she was always a bright girl and a hard worker. Although she was something of a talker in school as a little girl, she was fairly quiet in general and grew up to be fairly studious. She enjoyed reading, got good grades, and counted Presidents Lincoln and Kennedy as two of her favorite people. She cooked often growing up but it was baking she fell in love with. When her siblings would pick cherries for her, she would use them to bake pies and that was just the beginning; later in life she turned to cake decorating as a hobby and excelled at it, providing delicious and beautiful cakes for numerous occasions (who can forget the delicious four layered chocolate confection whose recipe she guarded with her life?). She was a unique young woman who worked hard for most of her life to help provide for her family, who she loved very much and who remained a part of her life long after she left home. She took care of her sister Mary when she was sick, invited over many family members on holidays like Halloween for several years (and provided plenty of candy goodies for the kids and savory dishes for the grown-ups), and loved to spend time with her mother, who she admired and adored.

Despite an epic and passionate love for Elvis Presley, Linda's true love was her husband John (we know this because she let him take her on a date to look at pigs in a stinky stockyard). They met at a club called The Mambo and, after marrying each other on Christmas Eve in 1970, enjoyed thirty-nine years of marriage. They were an active couple who took many trips together and liked to spend times with their friends and family (she had fond memories of Echo Lake and endless games of Rook). They spent their holidays with Linda's family and, as they got older, devoted much of their time to their granddaughters. John spoiled his "Tootsie" (a nickname he gave her for her love of Tootsie Rolls) during all of their years together. Anyone who spent any time with Linda and John could see how much they adored each other, from their playful banter, to shared stories about mixed up song lyrics ("bowl o' chili", anyone?) and serenades, to their constant physical closeness and all of the time they spent together.

Linda also loved her family, especially her daughter, Antoinette. She worked hard to take care of her daughter for many years and always provided for her; Linda loved to dress Antoinette up and had her in the cutest clothes and hairstyles. She made her daughter's Halloween costumes and took countless pictures of her doing everything from celebrating birthdays to hopping on a bus to camp. For a woman who found as much joy in taking pictures as Linda did, one would be hard-pressed to find a subject she liked capturing more than her family.

Her granddaughters, Bridgette and Genesis, were two even greater joys in her life. She was blessed to be with her daughter when both of her granddaughters were born and spent every year from that day on supporting them in their many creative, athletic, and academic ventures, and loving them unconditionally. She was around from 3 v. 3 soccer games to high school junior varsity matches; from Mestizo dancing to ballet; from kindergarten graduation to high school graduation, and she was proud every step of the way.

Always creative and caring and up-to-date on the latest fashions and trends (she rocked the beehive hair-do, may or may not have had to fight someone off for a Tickle Me Elmo, dressed to the nines even at Disneyland, and welcomed her first granddaughter into the world wearing diamonds and heels), Linda was also resilient and had a bright smile that told anyone looking how much she loved life. She has left behind a hole that cannot be filled in the lives of her loved ones, but she has also left behind memories of a woman who was exciting, extraordinary, and deeply loved. She left this world in exactly the way she wanted: surrounded by those she loved most, peacefully sleeping.

Dearest Tootsie, Mom, Grandma, Sister, Auntie, and Friend, you will be missed and while we struggle to live a life without your physical presence in it, know that we will always love you and take comfort in knowing that you are dancing with the Lord (and this makes us happy because we know how much you loved to dance).

2009-06-07T11:11:00.000-07:00

Last night we went to see Boo in her recital (Dance Boulevard). Once again she was AWESOME!!! She had a real busy scheduled this year so to have her keep up with dance on top of that was great!! She was only in 2 dances because of her schedule but she was faithful and it showed! Hunny bunny and I cheered the loudest and longest when her group was up there (there is no way anyone will ever out cheer me when it comes to my babies...teeehehehehe).
As she was dancing I was thinking about how long both of my babies have been dancing! Wow!! They have always loved music so I would say they have been dancing since they could walk!!! Boo started ballet when she was 3 and Gigi started Mexican dancing when she was 4 so they have been dancing most of their lives and I can see how much they love it when they are on stage. Gigi has been away this year and she is performing. When I see the pictures I can see the joy in her. Both my girls love dancing and I am glad for that. I was thinking that when they are 80 I will get no less thrill from watching them dance. I love it!! They bring me joy when they are dancing!! And I hope they will be dancing when they are 80!!! One thing I have taught them...do what you love and never give it up....Passion!!!! That is one of the keys to a happy life...living your passions, and I see passion when they dance!!! *sigh* I am blessed to have 2 daughters who bring me so much joy!!!

2009-06-05T21:10:00.000-07:00

I follow another blog and I love the way she makes list and if you know me I love lists!! I feel I am at my best when I have list to "guide" me...and who does not love highlighting when something is completed??? So I though I would make a few lists!! teeeehehehehe

5 things I love about my life right now...

1/ the puppies "ruling" the house. They have brought so much joy into the house (as well as some "stress"...but one look into their eyes and you forget the that).
2/ my work hours...they give me more time with the family and more time to do things (that is another story).
3/ God...He brings so much joy into my life and blesses me beyond what I deserve.
4/ Couple's Night...I enjoy planning these events with hunny bunny and Boo. It is such a fun and crazy time for all of us (I will not mention the stress but...)
5/ my outlook on my health and what I should be doing to change some things (more water, walking more...)

4 things I am wanting to accomplish this weekend...

1/ take the puppies baths (aaauuughhhh).
2/ cut puppies nails.....(triple auuuggghhhhh).
3/ see Boo dance at her recital.
4/ take the in-laws to dinner

3 things I love about being a MOM...

1/ That feeling I get whenever I think about them (happy and thankful and content...)
2/ Knowing I have raised 2 incredible, intelligent and loving individuals.
3/ The knowledge that my hunny bunny and I were allowed to come together and be a part of the creation on these wonderful people.

2 Things I hope to loose this week...

1/ my moody attitude (yes, i am in a mood and i am not sure why???)
2/ at least 2 pounds!!! (i am serious!!)

1 word that describes my life right now...

1/ Transition (i really do feel like i am in transition and i am not sure when it will be done...)

2009-06-05T20:59:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 4, 2009

#127

And...here we go!

1. There is no place like home.

2. My favorite thing for dinner lately has been anything with meat.

3. Mr. Snuggles and Ripley are puppies who go... bark! bark! bark!

4. A nice long walk is what I hope to be doing next week during the mornings.

5. I could use some good news.

6. When all is said and done, it is what it is.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to getting out of this moody feeling, tomorrow my plans include Boo's recital and Sunday, I want to take the in-laws out to dinner to say thank you for fixing the car!

2009-05-31T23:50:00.001-07:00

Sunday Blessings (a little late...)

* twilight....i love that time of the day.

* sunshine!!! when you can feel the warmth of it on your face...delicious!

* a slushy maker that does not slush!!! teeehehehehe...

* hearing my daughter laugh on the phone hundreds of miles away...

* Chinese food!!! yummy!!!

* teaching hunny bunny how to work facebook and seeing his excitement when he hooked up with an friend from high school.

* being able to lead Couple's Night (and doing silly skits with hunny bunny!!)

2009-05-30T21:12:00.000-07:00

#126

And...here we go!

1. It's cold and slushy and good (hint: we were not able to make them at couple's night last night).

2. I love cottage cheese and tomatoes.

3. My favorite health and beauty product is chocolate (it makes me feel good so that has to count for something...right?).

4. Next month we are planning a road trip which will include a nice long ride.

5. Well, first of all I am still not convinced Obama looks like the President.

6. Jumpy people; those were the cast of characters in a recent dream and it was a very hectic and "fast" dream.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a long hot bath, tomorrow my plans include Chinese food and Monday, I want to get some laundry done.

2009-05-25T09:13:00.000-07:00

REMEMBERING...

this weekend I have been remembering my loved ones. The special things about them. The things that made them unique and special in my life. I am truly blessed to have had them in my life and I believe they have impacted me and helped to make me the person I am today. I love them and today I am remembering them...
a special thank you to my Uncle Alex who fought for our country and was able to return to us after the Vietnam War. He taught me what courage and sacrifice was. He is alive and I remember his love of country and home. He is an incredible man!!!

2009-05-24T13:19:00.000-07:00

Sunday Blessings...

* the rain...it makes things grow and washes away dirt...

* family get togethers....love my family

* feelings...they may not always be good but if I pay attention I can grow and learn...

* Memorial Day...a day to remember those who have fought for our country...

* My Aunt Mary, Uncle Pete, Aunt Bea and Grandma G..... they were a blessing to me while they were here....

* cell phones...i was able to speak with baby girl yesterday...*sigh* miss her....

* August....baby girl graduates and comes home!!!!

2009-05-22T20:13:00.000-07:00

125 And...here we go!

1. Moving to a huge home with a huge yard and a wrap around porch is something I dream about.

2. Only when you are in Jesus are you free.

3. My best quality is my ability to make others laugh, even when they are feeling low.

4. I am sooooo about the small and the huge details.

5. In nearly 10 years, I hope to be a grandmother (teeehehehehe...hint...hint).

6. A three week vacation to focus on me and mine is what I need right now!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to dinner and looking for a jersey for Mister, tomorrow my plans include work and 2 grad parties and Sunday, I want to rest!

2009-05-17T18:32:00.000-07:00

Sunday's Blessings

* my husband...good days, bad days and those "want to do over days" he is mine and I am blessed!!!

* education...it is a privilege and blessing to live in a country where education is allowed and encouraged.

* His love!!

* the desire to praise HIM!!

* photo's ...they help us to remember moments in life

* family...they are the binding of who I am

* walking the dogs...it is a nice time to be outside enjoying the spring weather!!

2009-05-15T17:38:00.000-07:00

124

This week, I chose quotes having to do with spring...as always when I do this, feel free to fill-in whatever you'd like; it's more fun that way! Of course, if you know the quote, feel free to fill that in, too! The quotes will be on my blog, should anyone want to see what they are.

And...here we go!

1. If we had no winter i would never get to catch snowflakes on my tongue.

2. Life is a perpetual astonishment.

3. If I had my life to live over I would not frown so much when i was younger (I am sooo hating the frown lines right now!!).

4. I am trying to figure out what the following is attached to.... inside of four and twenty hours.

5. If you've never been thrilled by a quick 7 floor drop you don't know what you have been missing.

6. To be interested in the changing seasons is to enjoy life to the fullest.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to catching up on some DVR programs, tomorrow my plans include 2 graduation parties and a church event and Sunday, I want to relax but have another graduation party to attend.

2009-05-13T18:43:00.000-07:00

We went to see Star Trek on Mother's Day! I loved it!!! It was a great movie and we all enjoyed it (Boo, hunny bunny and myself!). Boo was new to the whole Star Trek world but she really enjoyed it. It was action packed and the characters were all so believable! If you get a chance you need to see this movie!!! I recommend it!!!

http://www.startrekmovie.com/

2009-05-13T18:28:00.000-07:00

65 Things bout' me....blah blah blah............

Tag people in this note (including the person who tagged you!) to learn more about people. Also, try to tag people who you've tagged in other notes, sometimes you learn things in new notes that you didn't know before about them.

1. First thing you wash in the shower?
my arms

2. What color is your favorite hoodie?
orange (go Bronco's!!)

3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
over and over and over and over again!!!!

4. Do you plan outfits?
Always!!

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now?
bad...I did not have enough time to get ready for church so hunny bunny went alone (c #4)

6. Whats the closest thing to you that's red?
a layout I uploaded

7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having.
it was weird...and fuzzy so not many details...

8. Did you meet anybody new today?
Yes.

9. What are you craving right now?
something sweet!!!

10. Do you floss?
is my dentist going to read this???

11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage?
the cute little dolls (I had 2 of them!!)

12. Are you emotional?
YES!!!!!

13. Have you ever counted to 1,000?
YEP!!

14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?
i am a licker!!!

15. Do you like your hair?
today it looked great!!!!

16. Do you like yourself?
Please...I RULE!!!! teeehehehehe!

17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush?
I would!!!!

18. What are you listening to right now?
The Nuggets in game 4.

20. Would you go sky diving?
YES!!!

21. Do you like cottage cheese?
yes

22. Have you ever met a celebrity?
yes

23. Do you rent movies often?
yes...VOD

24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in?
do I count????

25. How many countries have you visited?
2

26. Have you made a prank phone call?
yes

27. Ever been on a train?
yes

28. Brown or white eggs?
white

29.Do you have a cell-phone?
NO!!!

30. Do you use chap stick?
no

31. Do you own a gun?
no

32. Can you use chop sticks
only if I want to feed the floor some rice!!!

33. Who are you going to be with tonight?
hunny bunny, Boo, Mister Snuggles and Ripley

34. Are you too forgiving?
hmmmmmmmm....

35. Ever been in love?
YES!!!!

36. What is your best friend doing tomorrow?
working

37. Ever have cream puffs?
yes

38. Last time you cried?
Sunday

39. What was the last question you asked?
Is that pee????

40. Favorite time of the year?
Autumn

41. Do you have any tattoos?
no

42. Are you sarcastic?
sometimes

43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect?
no

44. Ever walked into a wall?
yes....teeehehehehe...

45. Favorite color?
black

46. Have you ever slapped someone?
sure did...

47. Is your hair curly?
yep

48. What was the last CD you bought?
Nickleback

49. Do looks matter?
hmmmmmmm....do i give the truthful answer or the politically correct one???

50. Could you ever forgive a cheater?
as long as it was not on me....

51. Is your phone bill sky high?
it was until we changed companies...

52. Do you like your life right now?
LOVE IT!!!!!

53. Do you sleep with the TV on?
depends in how tired I am

54. Can you handle the truth?
YES!!!

55. Do you have good vision?
in the day time

56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?
hate is a strong word...no

57. How often do you talk on the phone?
all day

58. Last person you held hands with?
Boo

59. What are you wearing?
brown "comfortable" clothes

60.What is your favorite animal?
Lions

61. Where was your default picture taken at?
home

62. Can you hula hoop?
one time around

63. Do you have a job?
sure do

64. What was the most recent thing you bought?
tampons (today as a matter of fact!)

65. Have you ever crawled through a window?
sadly...yes

2009-05-10T19:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day!!!
Today was a fun day. We went to service at church and they put on a very special Mother's Day service. It was meaningful and sweet. I missed Genesis but I was able to speak with her last night so it helped a little. Hunny bunny took me to dinner and it was yummy (love Outback Steakhouse). I enjoyed spending the day with him and Boo. It was interesting to have my first Mothers Day without one of my babies here. It made me realize how blessed I an when they are both home. I love my girls. I really do. I am soooo blessed to have had two incredible and wonderful daughters. They are both unique in their own way and that makes them that more special. I love being a mom. I love loving them and seeing the young ladies they are today. I am so proud of them. They are respectful, nice, funny, loving girls and I am in awe that I am their mother. I thank the Lord everyday that He gave them to me. He blessed me when each of them was conceived. That He would look down and pick me to mother them is incredible (I sometimes think what was He thinking???? but them I remember He is God and He knew...) He knew they would bring me joy (and grey hairs!), He knew the would keep me grounded (and up late nights worrying if they would make it through high school), He knew they would make me laugh (and yes pee in my pants...that is another story for another time...), He knew I would wake up every morning and thank Him for giving them to us and end every night with a sigh of pleasure for the happiness they bring into my life...HE KNEW. I love my girls and I love being their mother and I am sooooo blessed to have them in my life.

2009-05-09T18:02:00.000-07:00

This year the ladies group at our church had their Mother's Day Tea at a British Tea House. It was a fun time of fellowship and eating some new foods...

Boo and Nina Lucy
The ladies said the strawberry tea was great...

Yummy....
Boo and her Spotted Dick....

Our waitress was awesome and a native of Britian...

Enjoying eachother...

Fresh baked scones...yummy

Boo enjoying some time before tea...

Tea time...

more layouts!!

2009-05-08T22:32:00.000-07:00

2009-05-08T22:25:00.000-07:00

And...here we go!

1. Apples are to oranges as pugs are to snow (teeehehehehe).

2. I am a republican and that's all I have to say about that.

3. I think I hear the trees blowing in the wind tonight.

4. I love the red, white and blue flag.

5. Do what you want to do, but remember to own whatever you do.

6. I saw a young boy with holes in his jeans and behind him was a Radio Flyer wagon; in the wagon was a bucket filled with dirt and worms.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to resting after the Sports Banquet, tomorrow my plans include a Mother's Day tea and Sunday, I want to celebrate being a MOM!

2009-05-03T20:22:00.000-07:00

Some layouts I uploaded...wahooo!!

2009-05-03T08:40:00.000-07:00

Sunday's Blessings

* Puppies!!!

* "Thinking Big" @ work

* A job that allows me the freedom to be me!!!

* cloudy skies and rain!!!

* MUSIC!!!!

* Christian music!!!

* the sound of puppies eating their food and then their little paws on your thigh as they try to get your attention!!

2009-05-02T23:49:00.000-07:00

I love this song. The words are amazing and lately I find myself singing the lyrics (I am not sure if it has to do with the rain or the way life has been going...*grin). We were very blessed to see Mercy Me in concert last month and they are great!!! When they sang this song it was awesome. My prayer remains that in the rain and in the sunshine I will PRAISE HIM and give HIM glory!

"Bring The Rain"

I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray

Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty

If you would like to see the video and hear the song...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8HgAVenbUU

2009-05-01T19:38:00.000-07:00

And...here we go!

1. The first rule of working in an office and getting along is to leave personal stuff at home.

2. I can eat fried clams.

3. When I think of carnivals I think of clowns and the rubber duckie game.

4. Tulips are my favorite spring flower.

5. Things on my desk include pictures of my family, scrapbook pages, books and plants.

6. Pecan cinnabons makes me wanna jump up and down with excitement.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing, tomorrow my plans include Senor Rics and Sunday, I want to go to the Barnes!

I was tagged

2009-04-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

ABC's of me Share
Today at 1:22pm
Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with the ABC's of YOU. At the end, choose 26 people to be tagged. You have to tag me so really you just need 25 more people. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you, but not in a creepy stalker kind of way.

A - Age: over 18!!

B - Bed size: King

C - Chore you dislike: cleaning the toilet

D - Dog's name: Mr. Snuggles and Ripley

E - Essential start your day item - computer

F - Favorite color: Black

G - Gold or Silver: depends on my mood

H - Height: 5'4"

I - Instruments you play: wow!!! i took guitar classes once...does that count???

J - Job: Management

K - Kid(s): Boo (21) and Gigi (18)

L - Living arrangements: Own our home

M - My name: Antoinette

N – Nicknames: babe, Nette, yeller-pup,

O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: yes

P - Pet Peeve: people who do not wash their hands after going to the bathroom

Q - Quote from a movie: "You can't handle it!!!"

R - Right or left handed: right

S - Siblings: no...only child

T- Time you wake up: around 7am

U- Underwear: whenever possible!

V - Vegetable you dislike: Beets! (scary!!!)

W - Ways you run late: husband and puppies

X - X-rays you've had: ankle

Y - Yummy food you make: Chile with cornbread

Z - Zoo favorite: Elephants

2009-04-26T20:01:00.000-07:00

Today we went to see 17 AGAIN (reggie, boo and myself). I only had one day off so I wanted to make sure I had some fun. It was a real fun, feel good movie. Love wins in the end!!! If you get a chance...see it. Zach is such a cutie...teeehehehehe...he will bring out the COUGAR in you. *grin*

2009-04-26T19:56:00.001-07:00

Sunday Blessings...

* the rain...i love it when it rains, it seems to make everything clean and new.

* remembering Him though communion.

*hunny bunny and everything he does for me (we could not have done Couple's Night without all his hard work!!)

* manna that comes everyday (this helps me to look upward each day to acknowledge Him who send the manna to us).

* great friends (we had lunch with Lucy and Elena after church and it was fun!!)

* happiness....it is soooo important!!!

* the couples who came to Couple's Night...they are such a blessing to us.

2009-04-25T20:43:00.000-07:00

1. Apparently there's some sort of new contraption out there that let's you have a phone for $19.99 a year...and it hooks up through your internet.

2. I love a sunny day.

3. 2009 has been a very spiritually insightful year so far.

4. I decided to love life and that was it.

5. For too long I've been in the dark and without a true relationship with HIM.

6. I am not obsessed with FACEBOOK; I am not!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to resting after Couple's Night, tomorrow my plans include resting and Monday, I want to stay home but I have to work!

Boo...

2009-04-23T19:15:00.000-07:00

2009-04-23T17:00:00.000-07:00

This week has been an odd week. My hunny bunny had a client whose niece hung herself (she was only in her teens). It was horrible to hear about and i cannot imagine how much it shook the family up. I had an agent whose father had a stroke (he is in his 40's!). This news came within hours of each other and it was sad and it made me think of how fragile life is. How fleeting it can be. I think we treat life like it is hearty and able to withstand anything but in reality...it can't. Life is fragile. Life is not a guarantee. Life is...*sigh* it is...life. There is no magic potion, no fountain of youth, no time warp, no immortality that can make life last longer. Life is something we are blessed with but there is no "expiration" label on it (boy, would not life be more simple if there was!). We live life, we should try to enjoy life, we need to treat it with respect and we need to participate in it. If we fail to do these things we will have missed out on LIFE! Noone but the Father knows when are time here is up and because of that ignorance we MUST embrace this life we have and treasure it (but don't put it on a shelf). We MUST respect the life that is in those around us. Treating your neighbor as you would yourself...they are living life along with us so should we not treat them with love? Anyway...as you can see these two life changing situations made me think....and i hope I can treat my life and those around me with love, respect and like they are the true treasure they were meant to be.

2009-04-20T11:27:00.000-07:00

REMEMBERING COLUMBINE HIGH SCHOOL...

2009-04-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday's Blessings

* the wet snow...we need it!!!

* Peace...it passes all understanding.

* August....Gigi will be coming home then!!

* creativity...i feel blessed to have some in my bones (smile)

* a daughter who is respectful and loving

* music...it can make me feel so good to wake up with a Praise song in my heart

* the privilege to Praise Him!!!!

Easter Eggs...

2009-04-18T20:12:00.000-07:00

2009-04-17T18:12:00.000-07:00

1. Join me in smiling at everyone you meet.

2. Put a little laughter in your day!

3. Happiness is the smell of puppies paws.

4. When I take my eyes off the Lord I feel lost and confused.

5. I'm waiting for the day I will have "everything" together. (teeehehehehe)

6. My hunny bunny's smile is hard to resist even when I am mad at him.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to catching up on AI and DWTS , tomorrow my plans include work and Sunday, I want to go to church and eat Chinese!

2009-04-15T20:31:00.000-07:00

Wow!!! When did it happen...when did we start getting so busy (again). I turned around and BOOM!!!!! So many things on my to do list....so many things accomplished this week...yet so much to do!!! I am not sure if I am excited or bothered? I mean on one hand I like (ok...LOVE) having things to do but on the other hand I would love to go back to "existing" and nothing more....hmmmmmmm. Interesting thought! I know...it is called laziness....i LOVE being lazy. Ok, I admit it. What is wrong with that...coming home and doing nothing but spending some time with family, dinner, tv, facebook....that all sounds good. Doesn't it? hmmmmmmmmm... interesting. Life is interesting that way. *sigh* Well, I guess I better get back to being busy.....buzzzzzzzzzzzzz....

* purchase "sides" from Kings for Team Pizza Party on Friday (soda, salad stuff, something sweet and plates)
* make the huge red hearts for Baseball Charades
* make flyer for Sports banquet
* call Ann and Jasmine and see if the will help with the banquet
* make questionnaire for Couples Night
* get by Sams on Thursday (after work) for ...hot dogs, buns, chips, cupcakes, condiments
* upload pictures from church for poster board
* make "agenda" for Couples Night and Sports Banquet

2009-04-11T20:28:00.000-07:00

Reflections of this week....

* I broke down and balled in the middle of the Easter aisles at Target (hunny bunny looked so sad cuz he could do nothing to get me past the "Gigi will not be here for Easter" moment)

* I decided to make the plunge and purchase my wide lens!!!! Thanks to Comcast for a great bonus this year!!!!

* My "something new" this week was ...nails and hair!!! wahooo...it felt good to be about me this week

* Sent Gigi's Easter box to her this week...

* took thousands of escalated calls this week (ok...not thousands but when they are screaming and cursing it feels like thousands!!!)

* made a date for Couples Night

* massive drama at midnight last night in the front of the house (RTD bus, COPS, "cousins", screaming, fast card...)

* discovered the puppies are going to make great "watch dogs" (see above)

2009-04-11T20:23:00.000-07:00

And...here we go!

1. Anonymous...I have to respect your voice but it would have more merit if you left your name.

2. Easter is a time to reflect on what HE did for us at the cross.

3. Let me embrace thee, sour adversity, and thank you that life is not always sweet.

4. Sunny days and beautiful flowers are what I look forward to most about Spring.

5. Who needs therapy when we have FACEBOOK. :)

6. Colored PEEPS MUST go into the Easter Basket!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to dyeing Easter eggs, tomorrow my plans include family time and Sunday, I want to enjoy the holiday!

2009-04-05T07:58:00.000-07:00

Sunday Blessings...

* security in the Lord...there have been some scary things happening this week and I am so blessed to know the Lord and know He is watching over me and mine.

* a loving hunny bunny...he was so sweet this week and went out of his way to complete some things on the "hunny do" list. :)

* being busy at work...it sure makes the day go faster.

* my job...in these times I am truly blessed to have a job.

* music...it brings such comfort to me and there are times I will need something to help me and a song will come on and...it makes things a little better.

* a warm home...it has been cold and blustery this week and it has been wonderful to know I have a home that is warm and living.

* cars that work...one of them is still down but we have been able to survive and get where we need to go!!!

2009-04-04T21:44:00.000-07:00

1. Angel or not, I will always be the type of person who tells you what I feel and if I am angry you will know it.

2. Love me or hate me take me any way you want me.

3. As my mother used to say, you're full of "it if you think you can fool me".

4. I am always sweaty and excited after I'm done working out or doing something strenuous.

5. Even in the most crowded of rooms I am able to find a corner spot and breathe.

6. A day without laughter is a day fraught with peril.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to tasking a hot bubble bath, tomorrow my plans include Chinese food and shopping for Gigi's Easter stuff and Sunday, I want to scrapbook!

2009-03-30T10:39:00.000-07:00

MONDAY!!!!!
the start of a new week. A blank slate, a whole new week...what to do this week...what new adventure? lists to complete, groceries to buy, decisions to be made, puppies to be trained and cards to be sent. I can think of all these exciting things I would like to do but...well the end of the week will let us know. A new week...a time to start new...or will it be the same thing that was done last week and the week before.... My choice, my decisions...what will it be???

2009-03-29T20:06:00.000-07:00

HUMAN....is it so wrong to want more that that? Is it wrong to want people to be "above" that? I know we are "human" and we make mistakes, but should that be the reason for everything? Should we just chalk life up to being human? What if we want more? What if I expect more? Is that wrong of me? Wrong to expect people to act kind towards others, not gossip, respect each other and treat each other as we ourselves want to be treated? Is that so wrong? Or does one set themselves up for disappointment after disappointment when they do this? Does one then live with that feeling of being "let down"? As you can probably guess...there were some "human moments" today and I am sitting her sad because of them. So then who really is at fault in the end? Me for expecting something more than humanness or them for acting human?

2009-03-29T13:59:00.000-07:00

Sunday's Blessings...

* Choice...it is something I value and am so glad I have the freedom to do...make choices.

* My eyes...I love being able to view the world and see all the incredible creations God has created.

* Love...to be loved by my family is such a wonderful blessing.

* Internet...i love that i can communicate with my girls on this thing...teeehehehehe...

* hugs...a friend let me hung her this week and it felt good...

* puppies...they love you no matter what and can make a bad day not so bad...

* sunny days....especially after a blizzard!

2009-03-27T17:58:00.000-07:00

This week, I took the first sentence in 6 of my favorite books...you fill them in...with the right words or even better, ones of your own.

And...here we go!

1. "In a hole in the ground there lived a rabbit who loved to play ."

2. "I've been plowin' all day but that ain't no matter."

3. "After dark the rain began to fall again, this would make the seventh day of this."

4. "Pirates came and stole the ship and fellow pirates from the hold of the Spanish galleon."

5. "There was a hand in the darkness, and somewhere i knew there was light."

6. "Accidents ambush the unsuspecting, and make them feel exposed."

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing, tomorrow my plans include working and Sunday, I want to work on my 365 project!

And...here we go!

1. Why do we have to go to work on cold blustery days?

2. Facebook and twittering are now habits.

3. I have always wanted to be free to do whatever I wanted whenever I wanted and have the money to support me while doing this.

4. I had never heard the phrase "love the bad in people" and it makes sense because it would be weird.

5. No one will love my family the way I always do.

6. How was I to know having daughters would be so much fun.

2009-03-26T19:01:00.000-07:00

Thursday and i have lots of thoughts....

* it is snowing... i thought winter was over.
* maybe i will be able to make a snowman...
* Gigi left yesterday and i am missing her...
* really missing Gigi...
* i need to blog more...i love facebook but i should be blogging more...
* Couple's Night...the snow is bad so i think we will cancel it....
* i am not sure if i am happy or sad about that...
* pot luck this sunday at church...we need to bring chicken....
* we had a SNOW DAY at work...left at 1:45 arrived home after 3:00...
* Mr. Snuggles hates the snow...and I hate that he refuses to poop outside
* i hate cleaning up poop!!!
* i love my family....

Sunday Afternoon

2009-03-15T15:58:00.000-07:00

1) What is your salad dressing of choice? Blue Cheese
2) What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? Senor Rics and Casa de Manuel
3) What food could you eat for 2 weeks straight and not get sick of it? anything Mexican!!
4) What are your pizza toppings of choice? sausage, mushroom and pepperoni
5) What do you like to put on your salad? mushrooms, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggs
6) How many televisions are in your house? 2
7) What color cell phone do you have? do not own one
8) Are you right-handed or left-handed? right handed
9) Have you ever had anything removed from your body? gallbladder, tonsils
10) What is the last heavy item you lifted? Mr. Snuggles (teehehehehe)
11) Have you ever been knocked unconscious? no!
12) If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? hmmmmm...that is a hard one....hmmmm..yes...wait no....hmmmmmm...
13) If you could change your name, what would you change it to? love my name!!!!
14) Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000? yes!!!
15) How many pairs of flip flops do you own? at least 60 pairs!!!
16) What’s your goal for the year? surviving with my baby girl in another state for the year!

17) Last person you talked to? hunny bunny
18) Last person you hugged? a sister at church
19) Favorite Season? Autumn
20) Favorite Holiday? Valentine's Day and New Years Day
21) Favorite day of the week? Sunday
22) Favorite Month? August
23) First place you went this morning? Sonic (before church)
24) What's the last movie you saw? the one where the guy goes to the house on the beach and they fall in love and he goes to see his son and she goes home and they are in love and there is a hurricane and he dies when he is visiting his son....*sigh* sad!!
25) Do you smile often? i try
26) Do you always answer your phone? rarely
27) It's four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it? do not own a phone
28) If you could change your eye color what would it be? hazel
29) What flavor drink do you get at Sonic? Coke...straight up Coke
30) Have you ever had a pet fish? yes and they have all died *sigh*
31) Favorite Christmas song? Little Drummer Boy and Mary, did you know
32) What's on your wish list for your birthday? anything "scrappy" or a new lens
33) Can you do push ups? teeehehehehehe...
34) Can you do a chin up? teeehehehehehe...
35) Does the future make you more nervous or excited? excited
36) Do you have any saved texts? remember...no phone
37) Ever been in a car wreck? yes
38) Do you have an accent? no
39) What is the last song to make you cry? hmmmm...i think it was one that was playing in the movie where the lady met the man who went to see his son and died and there was a house on the beach....
40) Plans tonight? scrapbook, clean and count the hours until baby girl comes home!!
41) Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? unfortunately yes
42) Name 3 things you bought yesterday. 2 crosses (secret sister), a dictionary for hunny bunny and scrapbooking paper!!
44) Current hate right now? the whole thing going on the the countries "money issues"
45) Met someone who changed your life? yes...many people
46) How did you bring in the New Year? with hunny bunny, Gigi, Boo and Ripley
47) What song represents you? I will survive
48) What were you doing at 12 AM last night? watching Miami CSI with Boo.
49) What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? We only have one car right now...should I go to Sunday School with hunny bunny or stay home???

2009-03-15T15:37:00.000-07:00

Sunday Blessings...

* His love for us.
* a home that we can call our own.
* a great bible study in Sunday School!
* health!!! feeling good is sooo good!!
* seeing life through rose colored glasses at certain times.
* Gigi!!! she is coming home tomorrow!!
* beautiful sunny afternoons....

2009-03-13T18:27:00.000-07:00

#115

And...here we go!

1. When I look to the left, I see a mirror and a reflection of the office.

2. My kitchen is the room that has the best view in my home.

3. Let it work this thing called love.

4. If my van could be fixed I would want it done dirt cheap!

5. Voting is a responsibility that all qualified citizens must share.

6. If you have any courage feel free to dance in the aisles of your grocery store.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing, tomorrow my plans include cleaning and shopping and Sunday, I want to do some scrapbooking!

2009-03-08T06:38:00.000-07:00

Sunday's Blessings

* We were able to get the van home without having it towed.
* Good Health.
* Sickness (we were sick this week and I know this sounds odd...but sometimes being sick helps me remember how blessed we are when we are healthy!).
* a good review in 2008.
* my job.
* The ability to make decisions.
* lists (they help me get through the day!).

2009-03-06T18:13:00.000-08:00

Friday Fill-Ins

#114
And...here we go!

1. Smiling at a stranger was my last random act of kindness.
2. Another place that I love to visit again is NEW YORK.
3. I am a softy in matters of the heart.
4. Coffee, tea or COKE.
5. It does not matter where we go or what we do we are never on separate paths.
6. Our love reminds me that there is hope for any marriage.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to resting (i have been sick!), tomorrow my plans include working and Sunday, I want to go to church!

#113

And...here we go!

1. I'm in love with my hunny bunny, I'm thrilled to be married to him, I think he is the most incredible hunny bunny out there.
2. Why do I have to be a perfectionist and not stop and smell the flowers more often.
3. How does this thing called life work, anyway?
4. Every morning, I put my purse on my shoulder before I leave the house.
5. I consider myself lucky because I have the most understanding and loving family.
6. One day we’ll see it snow in Hawaii.

2009-03-03T19:20:00.001-08:00

Flowers for Boo!!!!

Miss. Amie and Jessica bring Boo roses (right after Parade).

Boo....

2009-03-03T19:10:00.000-08:00

Tuesday's List...

* 4-6 loads of clothes
* mail 2-3 cards
* 3-4 homemade meals this week
* Puppy baths!
* put my lo's in books
* work on the family room
* start planning some March days (birthdays, couples day)
* complete my reviews (work)

* upload some pictures and order them

2009-03-01T17:13:00.001-08:00

Sunday's Blessings...

* Time with Boo (she has been so busy today!).

* Age...I know this sounds odd but age helps one to mature and not take so many things so serious!!

* Weekends...what would we do without some "down" time.

* Talent...we were able to see Boo in Parade this week and the Lord has blessed her and her sister with such great talent (Gigi is performing their MC dance in OK this week).

* Miss. Amie...she has been in our lives a long time and she is such a "fan" of the girls. I love that about her.

* Change...sometimes change is good...as Poppy says "Boils the blood...get's it going and that is good!!"

* Church Family...they are an extension of our family and we love them!

2009-03-01T17:02:00.000-08:00

wow!!! Today is the first day of March!!! wow!! Where did February go??? I did not plan on it being such a busy month but it was!!! wow. This week went just as fast if not faster. I did not have time to update so I will do a quick review...

* Boo had her musical open this week...Parade. We were able to see it last night and it was wonderful!!! Loved it! I had not seen it before so the story was intense and sad....*sniff* *sniff*. Boo was kept busy this week with all her practices so we did not see her much.

* Monday was sooooo busy with puppy stuff. We were able to get them signed up with insurance (is not anything free anymore???). So when we did this we had to take them in for their shots and Dr. visit. Mr. Snuggles likes to bark so he spent most of his time barking.... *sigh*

*Preparation for Couples Night...boy did that keep me on my toes!!! Couples Night was Friday and we had 11 couples show up! It was a blessing and I am hoping everyone had fun. I enjoyed it and my only regret was I did not get pictures (well...we took 3...*sigh*). Well...there is nothing I can do now.... We played games including "Spouse-ology" and we had a nacho bar (that went real well) and strawberry shortcakes which they made themselves. All in all I think it went well.

* New schedule at work...I am not coming in later so that is a whole new way of life! This week was so busy so I am not sure it I like it or not...time will tell...

***upcoming things....another Couple's Night, Hunny bunny's birthday, Gigi comes home for a week, Ann comes home, Year end Reviews delivered.... I guess I will be a busy bee again...*sigh*

2009-02-22T13:35:00.000-08:00

SUNDAY'S BLESSINGS...

* my mind...I am so blessed to have a sound and open mind...

* laughter...it can make your day seem shorter and the sound of laughter is so encouraging...

* my home...it's my home and I love it!!

* His Word...it guides us and lifts us up when we need lifting

* 2 daughters who are incredible talented and a blessing everyday to me

* Sunday's...a time to worship with my hunny bunny

* Ben and Jerry's New York Fudge

* a great job!

* the ability to interact over the Internet (wow!!! a whole new world opens up!!)

* CedarWood

2009-02-20T17:11:00.000-08:00

#112
1-3 are courtesy of Mar this week.And...here we go!

1. Give me some free time and I'll read a good book or blog.

2. Whenever I feel stressed I start "freaking" out, get angry and if prolonged a cold sore will break out.

3. I wish change was easy and fast.

4. Chocolate cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory was the last thing I ate that was utterly delicious.

5. To live in this world it to take each day and savour it and make as many "Kodak" moments as possible.

6. Other than this one, facebook (does that count) is the last blog I commented on.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing, tomorrow my plans include going to work to change desks and Sunday, I want to catch up at least 40% of our DVR shows!

2009-02-19T16:13:00.001-08:00

Thursday...we had a great team building today. It was fun. We went bowling!!! I know...bowling infront of people who are not your family...hmmmmmm. Well...yes i was conscious of it and had to get passed it and i bowled!!! My high was 75 and my low was 42...hmmmmm...can you tell i don't bowl often. teeehehehehehe. It was fun.
i think i am caught up with my 365 pictures to date. i need to download them and then upload them to SAMS and then get them processed. *sigh* I want to take some time and work on my book and i am hoping i will have some time this weekend (3 days off!!!). I can hope.
we are in the middle of planning a Couple's Night. I have done some work on it and i need to so much more...i have not caught my "vision" and when that happens it is kind of hard. maybe real soon...
we are getting ready for some changed at work and one of them involves moving desk....*sigh* I hate this time of year!!! I am going to have to go to work on a day off just to move. *sigh*
love...i am in love and loving it....teehehehehe

ok...just some updates.

2009-02-17T13:52:00.000-08:00

Boo and one her favorite things...chocolate!!
Hunny bunny and me!!

Love...

Mr. Snuggles and Ripley in there Valentine clothes

Boo and the "babies"
Boo and Ripley (love her new hoodie)

2009-02-16T15:19:00.000-08:00

Manic Monday #155

Of all your favorite foods, which one would you find the most difficult to give up for the rest of your life? does Coke count?? if not...then chocolate would be the one...life without chocolate?? wow?? is there life without chocolate???? IS THERE????

Which month of the year do you thing best describes your personality? August...it is sunny but it is hot!!! It is also that transitional month...from "fun" to "more fun...holidays coming up!!"...teeehehehehe...

If you could be a contestant on any game show, past or present, which show would you pick? I would be contestant on "Family Feud" and would love to take my family with me and have fun winning money!!!!

last week...

Manic Monday #154

What is your favorite candy? hmmmm...i love Snickers, M&M's (peanut) and Zero's...yummy

Name one thing that you'd want to receive as a gift for Valentine's day. Anything that was well thought out and from the heart...

Can we truly love someone who loves another? yes...the sad truth is yes you can....

2009-02-14T11:25:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!! May you have a fun and "delicious" day!!!

2009-02-13T16:34:00.000-08:00

and...here we go!

1. It seems like the weekend gets here and then "poof" it is gone.

2. Could you remember to wipe your feet when you're done, please?

3. If I thought you would whisk me away for 3 weeks of fun in Europe next month I'd dance around the house naked all weekend (teeehehehehe) !

4. Love and happiness is what I think of most when I think of you.

5. To me, Valentine's Day means celebrating the day with my family, going to Casa Bonita and sharing Valentine gifts.

6. The Lord have mercy gives me strength.

2009-02-12T16:56:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Mr. Lincoln!!!!!!

The Gettysburg Address
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
November 19, 1863

On June 1, 1865, Senator Charles Sumner commented on what is now considered the most famous speech by President Abraham Lincoln. In his eulogy on the slain president, he called it a "monumental act." He said Lincoln was mistaken that "the world will little note, nor long remember what we say here." Rather, the Bostonian remarked, "The world noted at once what he said, and will never cease to remember it. The battle itself was less important than the speech."

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Source: Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, edited by Roy P. Basler. The text above is from the so-called "Bliss Copy," one of several versions which Lincoln wrote, and believed to be the final version. For additional versions, you may search The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln through the courtesy of the Abraham Lincoln Association.

2009-02-12T15:41:00.000-08:00

Random Thoughts....

* wow! I was just thinking about the weather...another nice day...hmmm where is Mr.Winter?
* speaking of winter I need to make the hot cocoa we received for Christmas...I would hate for it to go to waste (thanks Auntie Virgie and Uncle Frank!!)
* i am remembering the pictures we took when we went to Starbucks over Christmas vacation (Gigi was home). I need to get those uploaded and printed.
* gigi...i hope she is having fun in Seattle.
* i know her..she is probably concerned (as we are) with the tornado's that past through there...we are praying for everyone and hope all is ok...
* she needs to return my call...i need to know her vacations dates so i can order her ticket.
* *sigh* I am liking facebook....i think it is fun but i want to stay committed to my blogging. fun stuff...
* tomorrow is my "fish friday" but i am not really in the mood...i wonder why?
* Valentine's Day is Saturday and I have not even planned....wow!!
* where the heck is time going?
* speaking of time..Reggie was running late last night so we did not get to church...who knew I would miss it so???
*....hmmmm time sure goes fast...i need to get the puppies outside (they just ate)....

2009-02-11T14:56:00.000-08:00

FEEL YOUNGER (i found this in Woman's World)

1/ Drop six years with grapefruit
Its scent is proven to make men perceive women as much younger than they are. So dab some grapefruit lotion or spray on scented body mist, and feel the years drop away!

2/ Subtract years by lightening your hair!
Beauty experts agree that changing your haircolor to at least one shade lighter than your natural color instantly makes fine lines less noticeable.

3/ Re-energize while sleeping!
Shut off the tv and dim the lights a half hour before bed, and you'll enjoy deeper, more restful sleep. You'll feel more energized and less stressed in the morning, two keys to feeling fabulous whatever your age!

4/ Dazzle in the color!
Pink!! Choose a bright shade and the cheerful color will reflect a healthy glow onto your face, making you look gorgeous.

5/ Think positive to feel younger!
Researchers found that just thinking happy thoughts keep our bodies young by balancing the chemicals in our brain. You'll smile more and spread that joyful outlook to other people, which can help them stay youthful, too!

6/ Revive your little-kid spirit!
Throw off your routine and do something unexpected, like playing ping-pong or a video game, going to the zoo or watching cartoons!!

i enjoyed this article and to be honest i do lots of these things on a regular basis (i need to buy a pink shirt!!). I think 5 is so necessary in life!! Don't you? Now as for the grapefruit....hmmmmmmmm...do they sell that in the store???? I have been wanting to do something with my hair....hmmmmmmmmm Who knows when i am done i may look 18!!!! teeeehehehehehehehehe!!!!

2009-02-10T16:38:00.000-08:00

TACKLE IT TUESDAY

* get my work related items completed by Friday
* 3-5 loads of clothes
* real good cleaning for the living room (change furniture)
* snacks for Boo
* dental treats for puppies
* work on some pages (i have not worked on them for 2 weeks)
* look into my scanner and make it work (smile)\0
* follow up with hunny bunny on van
* order more pictures (which means downloading)
* start planning for the couples night

2009-02-09T15:24:00.000-08:00

random thoughts...

* why is monday such a hard day to get through?
* why are the puppies taking up so much of my time?
* who's idea was it to get 2 puppies at once? hmmmmm...mine?
* why? why? why?
* the Lord is good and it feels good to hear his voice and respond.
* i am missing gigi
* is boo singing right now?
* i bet she is glad to be a way from the puppies...
* dinner is starting to smell good...rigatoni and Italian sausage
* when will hunny bunny be home?
* will it snow tonight?
* why oh why do i volunteer for things??
* i am loving facebook...teehehehee..it is like chocolate...an indulgent
* yummy...we received out girl scout cookies today...
* hmmmm...did Chris Brown really hit HER??? (i cannot get that out of my mind...
* i would break all hunny bunnies fingers if he ever did that...
* i love my hunny bunny...
* the sausage smells like it maybe burning....
* *sigh* time to go...

2009-02-08T14:19:00.000-08:00

Sunday Blessings

1/ My hunny bunny (he may be frustrating at times but he is still my hunny bunny)
2/ My baby girls...i love them soooo much
3/ Worship time...there is nothing sweeter than worshiping the LORD!!!
4/ Secret Sisters...it was fun shopping for her this week.
5/ Puppies...yes they are a pain but they bring so much joy!!!
6/ God's ability to speak to us...it is so incredible to listen to HIS voice
7/ Friends...they add so much to our lives.

2009-02-07T20:11:00.000-08:00

today is Saturday and what a day!!! lots going on and boy oh boy will i be glad to go to bed and start a new day tomorrow! Mr. Snuggles has been a handful and he has been having lot's of "poo" accidents lately! He had 2 baths today and one of them was because of an accident! I love him soooo but...i am sooooo thinking of diapers!!! I mean poo is poo and if i have to clean it up i might as well have it contained instead of everywhere! His poor bear...this is the 2nd washing in 24 hours!!! aaauuughhhhhh!!! and i was recently told potty training can take 6 months!!! That means 3.5 more months of this!!! AAAUUUGGGHHHHH!!!!! and he just put a hole in a pillow and we have fluff everywhere!!!!

***on the good side...i found a great Christian Store and bought a Mercy Me CD I have been looking for and I was able to shop for my secret sister...wahoo!!!!

2009-02-06T21:31:00.000-08:00

January 2009 Highlights

* Gigi was home for the holidays!

* We added 2 new members to the family!

* We were able to see The Color Purple

* I started my 365 project

* A new President went into office (i cried all day!!)

2009-02-06T18:02:00.000-08:00

AUUUGGHHH!!!!! it happened...i went and did it!! i erased my original layout when i tried something new!!! I am sooo frustrated!!! I have to start new....auuughhhhh!!! I lost all my favorites, my pictures...everything!!! auuuuggghhhhhh!!! this is turning out to be a horrible...not good...aauugghhhh...evening!!!

2009-02-06T17:18:00.000-08:00

Questions courtesy of YellowRose this week; thanks, friend! And...here we go!

1. Please don't tell anyone that I think I am getting addicted to being online.

2. Can you wake up with a smile in the morning?

3. The color yellow makes me want to go out and but fresh flowers!

4. I have a craving for Chipolte.

5. If my life had a pause button, I'd pause it when I get stressed.

6. Eyes are the the mirror to the soul.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to being bummed, tomorrow my plans include puppy baths and Sunday, I want to Praise the Lord in worship service!

2009-02-05T15:06:00.000-08:00

teeehehehehehehehe...

I went and did it....

i made a myspace...

teeehehehehehe...

and....

teeehehehehe...

a facebook page....

teeeeeeeeehehehehe!!

2009-02-03T18:10:00.000-08:00

Tuesday list...

* laundry...i so have to catch up...

* take the puppies baths...

* make dentist appointments

* send 2 cards

* order some more pictures (for 365 project)

* finish tree downstairs (i know....)

* find a plan for the van (yucko)

* date with hunny bunny on Friday (wahoo!!)

2009-02-02T18:50:00.000-08:00

My little man and his new letter jacket....teeehehehehe

Mr. Snuggles has discovered there are some good things on tables....

Isn't he adorable...

2009-02-02T18:47:00.000-08:00

Manic Monday #153

What's the most embarrassing song on your iPod (or music collection)? *sigh* I do not have an iPod...

How much time do you spend each day in your commute? (Or if you don't work outside the house, how much time do you spend in your car or other preferred mode of transportation?) I spend around an hour a day commuting (it will change in a few weeks when I have to start going to work during "rush" hour).

What's your favorite wardrobe item and why? My jeans!! I sooo love my jeans!! They go with everything!!

2009-01-31T17:53:00.000-08:00

Obama to Host Democrats, Republicans at White House Super Bowl Party
President Obama is set to host a group of Democratic and Republican lawmakers at a Super Bowl party Sunday at the White House. (you can read more on foxnews.com)

hmmmm...i am wondering if this is going to cost us another 150 million dollars?

2009-01-31T17:33:00.001-08:00

My daughter was telling me about this story and I thought it was AWESOME!!! This is what winning is all about!!!!

Good Sport Sprinter gives Olympic silver medal to man who beat him but was disqualified
By DAVID HOGARTY

American sprinter Shawn Crawford finished fourth in the finals of the Beijing Olympics 200m sprinting event, but was awarded the silver medal when it was determined that the 2nd and 3rd place finishers behind gold medalist Usain Bolt strayed from their lanes during the event. It was a medal that hung too heavy around Crawford's neck, so he gave his medal to the disqualified second place finisher Churandy Martina.
Crawford won gold at the 2004 Olympics and figured that honor among athletes was more important than having a shiny piece of metal attached to a ribbon.
“I’m like, if a guy is 10 meters in front of me, I don’t care if he stayed in the middle of his lane,” Crawford told The Associated Press on Friday after finishing third in the 60 at the Millrose Games. “He was going to beat me anyway. He didn’t impede in anybody’s race.”
Martina filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, but it was rejected due to a lack of timeliness--ironic for an athlete focused solely on physical speed.
That didn't matter to Crawford, who left the Olympic silver medal at Martina's hotel when they competed in a track meet after the Beijing Games. “Me being an athlete, I know how he feels, so I feel like it was to me to give it up to him.”
First Published: Jan 31, 2009 6:13 PM CST

2009-01-31T17:27:00.000-08:00

Weekly Wrapup # 25: Everyone Have Fun Tonight!
January 26, 2009 by weeklywrapup

In the past week have you played ant games? no...i don't believe so...
What were they? ????
Do you often play games? yes (and according to my boss every day!!)!!!!
What are your favourite types? (Board, card, video, other) Anything that involves laughter and people!!
What is your all time favourite game? hmmmm...i do like "footsies"...teeehehehehehe
Have you ever set/broken any game records? *sigh* no
Are there any games which are a family tradition? We use to play Scooby Clue on New Years Eve

2009-01-30T16:05:00.000-08:00

friday fill-in

1. I'd really like to go out for a great dinner and movie with hunny bunny right now.

2. CRUD is the word you'd most often hear me say if I stubbed my toe.

3. Possession is a 10 letter word.

4. I LOVE Captain Jack Sparrow.

5. Marshmallows and fire go together like hunny bunny and me.

6. I love the reality tv keeps going on and on.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a hot bubble bath and a good book, tomorrow my plans include getting a pooper scooper (puppies...need i say more!) and Sunday, I want to watch the Steelers win the Super Bowl!

2009-01-27T16:14:00.000-08:00

Tuesday...my list day!!! wahoo!!!

* do some laundry (3-5 loads would be awesome!!)
* get baby girls box mailed off
* get the defected necklace mailed off
* pick up pictures from Sams
* order some more pictures
* work on MY SPACE (I KNOW!!!! SICK!!)
* start my 365 book
* start getting ornaments off trees (I know!!! it is January!! SICK!!)

2009-01-26T18:11:00.000-08:00

Monday...a new week and my "full puppy custody" has started!!! 5 days of puppies from the time I get home until the time hunny bunny comes home!! Ripley misses her mama and I know her mama misses her. *sigh* It is a good thing Friday comes as quick as it does...

Here are some pictures of the babies first baths....

Ripley loving the warm water...

Ripley...all clean and pretty!

Mr. Snuggles letting me wash his dirty little feet (oops..paws)....

Mr. Snuggles all warm and "snugly".

2009-01-26T18:07:00.000-08:00

Manic Monday #152

What gives you hope? My Savior.

How often do you get your haircut? Once every two years....teeeehehehehe (it use to be once every 10 years...)

Describe your worst haircut. hmmmmmm....i think it was when i was real young and wanted bangs (I did them myself.....EEEEEEEKKKKKK!!!)

What's your most treasured piece of jewelry? A pair of earrings. Why? My oldest baby girl bought them when she was in kindergarten and I did not wear earrings. She was so happy when she gave them to me (she picked them out herself). I wore them once and they now sit on a shelf in me bedroom.

2009-01-23T18:27:00.000-08:00

Some Christmas Pictures...Boo was in a Christmas Parade this year...

2009-01-23T18:18:00.000-08:00

And...here we go!

1. Oh, I am so multi personality right now!
2. I love what they can bring but I often despise most changes, big and little.
3. During that time of the month, I become horrible horrible horrible and bloated to boot.
4. The new President; are you kidding me???
5. Right now I'd like to be on a 3 week vacation in Europe.
6. My DVR is my favorite gadget.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to some rest without the puppies, tomorrow my plans include reading and getting a salad made and Sunday, I want to squeeze every moment out of it because the next say if Monday!

2009-01-21T17:00:00.000-08:00

What do you want to teach your (Current, future, or fictional) children.

I want happiness and passion for my two daughters. I want them to find their soul mates and have long and passionate lives together. I want them to wake up each day doing what they want to do not what they feel they have to do. I want them to have an incredible relationship with God. I want them to be successful at whatever they decide to pursue in life. I want them to love themselves and laugh every day. I want them to have a close relationship with each other as well as with me and daddy. I want them to always speak what they feel and NEVER take any type of abuse from anyone. I want them to have the courage to say yes when needed and no when necessary. I want them to dance...dance...dance...and yes if the mood strikes dance in the grocery aisle (mom does it and it is fun!). I want them to have joy deep within and find goodness in the world. I want them to have a few good friends and always make time for themselves (life can get selfish and leave us in the background). I want them to "taste" each moment in life and always end the day "full"!!!!!

2009-01-20T16:17:00.000-08:00

Today in Inauguration day...they say it is history in the making....well...*sigh*...i guess i will show some pictures I took downtown of my baby girl...

2009-01-19T16:55:00.000-08:00

Manic Monday #151

What do you do to make yourself feel better when you are sick? I take sleepy tylenol and knock myself out for hours at a time...and then take a hot shower!!!

What is the most amazing weather you've ever seen? Hawaii!!! Beautiful!!!

Do you listen to music or talk radio in the car? MUSIC!!!!

2009-01-19T16:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday!!

We were so honored when we were able to visit the historical sites surrounding Martin Luther King Jr. (his place of birth, the church he preached at, the last place he was alive, where he is buried). This speech was given the night before he was assasined (April 3, 1968). Gigi did parts of this speech for a Speech meet one year and it was beautiful (there were tears in some eyes...sniff...sniff). It is a wonderful speech...

Thank you very kindly, my friends. As I listened to Ralph Abernathy in his eloquent and generous introduction and then thought about myself, I wondered who he was talking about. It's always good to have your closest friend and associate say something good about you. And Ralph is the best friend that I have in the world.
I'm delighted to see each of you here tonight in spite of a storm warning. You reveal that you are determined to go on anyhow. Something is happening in Memphis, something is happening in our world.
As you know, if I were standing at the beginning of time, with the possibility of general and panoramic view of the whole human history up to now, and the Almighty said to me, "Martin Luther King, which age would you like to live in?" — I would take my mental flight by Egypt through, or rather across the Red Sea, through the wilderness on toward the promised land. And in spite of its magnificence, I wouldn't stop there. I would move on by Greece, and take my mind to Mount Olympus. And I would see Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, Euripides and Aristophanes assembled around the Parthenon as they discussed the great and eternal issues of reality.
But I wouldn't stop there. I would go on, even to the great heyday of the Roman Empire. And I would see developments around there, through various emperors and leaders. But I wouldn't stop there. I would even come up to the day of the Renaissance, and get a quick picture of all that the Renaissance did for the cultural and esthetic life of man. But I wouldn't stop there. I would even go by the way that the man for whom I'm named had his habitat. And I would watch Martin Luther as he tacked his ninety-five theses on the door at the church in Wittenberg.
But I wouldn't stop there. I would come on up even to 1863, and watch a vacillating president by the name of Abraham Lincoln finally come to the conclusion that he had to sign the Emancipation Proclamation. But I wouldn't stop there. I would even come up to the early thirties, and see a man grappling with the problems of the bankruptcy of his nation. And come with an eloquent cry that we have nothing to fear but fear itself.
But I wouldn't stop there. Strangely enough, I would turn to the Almighty, and say, "If you allow me to live just a few years in the second half of the twentieth century, I will be happy." Now that's a strange statement to make, because the world is all messed up. The nation is sick. Trouble is in the land. Confusion all around. That's a strange statement. But I know, somehow, that only when it is dark enough, can you see the stars. And I see God working in this period of the twentieth century in a away that men, in some strange way, are responding — something is happening in our world. The masses of people are rising up. And wherever they are assembled today, whether they are in Johannesburg, South Africa; Nairobi, Kenya; Accra, Ghana; New York City; Atlanta, Georgia; Jackson, Mississippi; or Memphis, Tennessee — the cry is always the same — "We want to be free."
And another reason that I'm happy to live in this period is that we have been forced to a point where we're going to have to grapple with the problems that men have been trying to grapple with through history, but the demand didn't force them to do it. Survival demands that we grapple with them. Men, for years now, have been talking about war and peace. But now, no longer can they just talk about it. It is no longer a choice between violence and nonviolence in this world; it's nonviolence or nonexistence.
That is where we are today. And also in the human rights revolution, if something isn't done, and in a hurry, to bring the colored peoples of the world out of their long years of poverty, their long years of hurt and neglect, the whole world is doomed. Now, I'm just happy that God has allowed me to live in this period, to see what is unfolding. And I'm happy that He's allowed me to be in Memphis.
I can remember, I can remember when Negroes were just going around as Ralph has said, so often, scratching where they didn't itch, and laughing when they were not tickled. But that day is all over. We mean business now, and we are determined to gain our rightful place in God's world.
And that's all this whole thing is about. We aren't engaged in any negative protest and in any negative arguments with anybody. We are saying that we are determined to be men. We are determined to be people. We are saying that we are God's children. And that we don't have to live like we are forced to live.
Now, what does all of this mean in this great period of history? It means that we've got to stay together. We've got to stay together and maintain unity. You know, whenever Pharaoh wanted to prolong the period of slavery in Egypt, he had a favorite, favorite formula for doing it. What was that? He kept the salves fighting among themselves. But whenever the slaves get together, something happens in Pharaoh's court, and he cannot hold the slaves in slavery. When the slaves get together, that's the beginning of getting out of slavery. Now let us maintain unity.
Secondly, let us keep the issues where they are. The issue is injustice. The issue is the refusal of Memphis to be fair and honest in its dealings with its public servants, who happen to be sanitation workers. Now, we've got to keep attention on that. That's always the problem with a little violence. You know what happened the other day, and the press dealt only with the window-breaking. I read the articles. They very seldom got around to mentioning the fact that one thousand, three hundred sanitation workers were on strike, and that Memphis is not being fair to them, and that Mayor Loeb is in dire need of a doctor. They didn't get around to that.
Now we're going to march again, and we've got to march again, in order to put the issue where it is supposed to be. And force everybody to see that there are thirteen hundred of God's children here suffering, sometimes going hungry, going through dark and dreary nights wondering how this thing is going to come out. That's the issue. And we've got to say to the nation: we know it's coming out. For when people get caught up with that which is right and they are willing to sacrifice for it, there is no stopping point short of victory.
We aren't going to let any mace stop us. We are masters in our nonviolent movement in disarming police forces; they don't know what to do, I've seen them so often. I remember in Birmingham, Alabama, when we were in that majestic struggle there we would move out of the 16th Street Baptist Church day after day; by the hundreds we would move out. And Bull Connor would tell them to send the dogs forth and they did come; but we just went before the dogs singing, "Ain't gonna let nobody turn me round." Bull Connor next would say, "Turn the fire hoses on." And as I said to you the other night, Bull Connor didn't know history. He knew a kind of physics that somehow didn't relate to the transphysics that we knew about. And that was the fact that there was a certain kind of fire that no water could put out. And we went before the fire hoses; we had known water. If we were Baptist or some other denomination, we had been immersed. If we were Methodist, and some others, we had been sprinkled, but we knew water.
That couldn't stop us. And we just went on before the dogs and we would look at them; and we'd go on before the water hoses and we would look at it, and we'd just go on singing "Over my head I see freedom in the air." And then we would be thrown in the paddy wagons, and sometimes we were stacked in there like sardines in a can. And they would throw us in, and old Bull would say, "Take them off," and they did; and we would just go in the paddy wagon singing, "We Shall Overcome." And every now and then we'd get in the jail, and we'd see the jailers looking through the windows being moved by our prayers, and being moved by our words and our songs. And there was a power there which Bull Connor couldn't adjust to; and so we ended up transforming Bull into a steer, and we won our struggle in Birmingham.
Now we've got to go on to Memphis just like that. I call upon you to be with us Monday. Now about injunctions: We have an injunction and we're going into court tomorrow morning to fight this illegal, unconstitutional injunction. All we say to America is, "Be true to what you said on paper." If I lived in China or even Russia, or any totalitarian country, maybe I could understand the denial of certain basic First Amendment privileges, because they hadn't committed themselves to that over there. But somewhere I read of the freedom of assembly. Somewhere I read of the freedom of speech. Somewhere I read of the freedom of the press. Somewhere I read that the greatness of America is the right to protest for right. And so just as I say, we aren't going to let any injunction turn us around. We are going on.
We need all of you. And you know what's beautiful tome, is to see all of these ministers of the Gospel. It's a marvelous picture. Who is it that is supposed to articulate the longings and aspirations of the people more than the preacher? Somehow the preacher must be an Amos, and say, "Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream." Somehow, the preacher must say with Jesus, "The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to deal with the problems of the poor."
And I want to commend the preachers, under the leadership of these noble men: James Lawson, one who has been in this struggle for many years; he's been to jail for struggling; but he's still going on, fighting for the rights of his people. Rev. Ralph Jackson, Billy Kiles; I could just go right on down the list, but time will not permit. But I want to thank them all. And I want you to thank them, because so often, preachers aren't concerned about anything but themselves. And I'm always happy to see a relevant ministry.
It's all right to talk about "long white robes over yonder," in all of its symbolism. But ultimately people want some suits and dresses and shoes to wear down here. It's all right to talk about "streets flowing with milk and honey," but God has commanded us to be concerned about the slums down here, and his children who can't eat three square meals a day. It's all right to talk about the new Jerusalem, but one day, God's preachers must talk about the New York, the new Atlanta, the new Philadelphia, the new Los Angeles, the new Memphis, Tennessee. This is what we have to do.
Now the other thing we'll have to do is this: Always anchor our external direct action with the power of economic withdrawal. Now, we are poor people, individually, we are poor when you compare us with white society in America. We are poor. Never stop and forget that collectively, that means all of us together, collectively we are richer than all the nations in the world, with the exception of nine. Did you ever think about that? After you leave the United States, Soviet Russia, Great Britain, West Germany, France, and I could name the others, the Negro collectively is richer than most nations of the world. We have an annual income of more than thirty billion dollars a year, which is more than all of the exports of the United States, and more than the national budget of Canada. Did you know that? That's power right there, if we know how to pool it.
We don't have to argue with anybody. We don't have to curse and go around acting bad with our words. We don't need any bricks and bottles, we don't need any Molotov cocktails, we just need to go around to these stores, and to these massive industries in our country, and say, "God sent us by here, to say to you that you're not treating his children right. And we've come by here to ask you to make the first item on your agenda fair treatment, where God's children are concerned. Now, if you are not prepared to do that, we do have an agenda that we must follow. And our agenda calls for withdrawing economic support from you."
And so, as a result of this, we are asking you tonight, to go out and tell your neighbors not to buy Coca-Cola in Memphis. Go by and tell them not to buy Sealtest milk. Tell them not to buy—what is the other bread?—Wonder Bread. And what is the other bread company, Jesse? Tell them not to buy Hart's bread. As Jesse Jackson has said, up to now, only the garbage men have been feeling pain; now we must kind of redistribute the pain. We are choosing these companies because they haven't been fair in their hiring policies; and we are choosing them because they can begin the process of saying, they are going to support the needs and the rights of these men who are on strike. And then they can move on downtown and tell Mayor Loeb to do what is right.
But not only that, we've got to strengthen black institutions. I call upon you to take your money out of the banks downtown and deposit your money in Tri-State Bank—we want a "bank-in" movement in Memphis. So go by the savings and loan association. I'm not asking you something we don't do ourselves at SCLC. Judge Hooks and others will tell you that we have an account here in the savings and loan association from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. We're just telling you to follow what we're doing. Put your money there. You have six or seven black insurance companies in Memphis. Take out your insurance there. We want to have an "insurance-in."
Now these are some practical things we can do. We begin the process of building a greater economic base. And at the same time, we are putting pressure where it really hurts. I ask you to follow through here.
Now, let me say as I move to my conclusion that we've got to give ourselves to this struggle until the end. Nothing would be more tragic than to stop at this point, in Memphis. We've got to see it through. And when we have our march, you need to be there. Be concerned about your brother. You may not be on strike. But either we go up together, or we go down together.
Let us develop a kind of dangerous unselfishness. One day a man came to Jesus; and he wanted to raise some questions about some vital matters in life. At points, he wanted to trick Jesus, and show him that he knew a little more than Jesus knew, and through this, throw him off base. Now that question could have easily ended up in a philosophical and theological debate. But Jesus immediately pulled that question from mid-air, and placed it on a dangerous curve between Jerusalem and Jericho. And he talked about a certain man, who fell among thieves. You remember that a Levite and a priest passed by on the other side. They didn't stop to help him. And finally a man of another race came by. He got down from his beast, decided not to be compassionate by proxy. But with him, administering first aid, and helped the man in need. Jesus ended up saying, this was the good man, this was the great man, because he had the capacity to project the "I" into the "thou," and to be concerned about his brother. Now you know, we use our imagination a great deal to try to determine why the priest and the Levite didn't stop. At times we say they were busy going to church meetings—an ecclesiastical gathering—and they had to get on down to Jerusalem so they wouldn't be late for their meeting. At other times we would speculate that there was a religious law that "One who was engaged in religious ceremonials was not to touch a human body twenty-four hours before the ceremony." And every now and then we begin to wonder whether maybe they were not going down to Jerusalem, or down to Jericho, rather to organize a "Jericho Road Improvement Association." That's a possibility. Maybe they felt that it was better to deal with the problem from the causal root, rather than to get bogged down with an individual effort.
But I'm going to tell you what my imagination tells me. It's possible that these men were afraid. You see, the Jericho road is a dangerous road. I remember when Mrs. King and I were first in Jerusalem. We rented a car and drove from Jerusalem down to Jericho. And as soon as we got on that road, I said to my wife, "I can see why Jesus used this as a setting for his parable." It's a winding, meandering road. It's really conducive for ambushing. You start out in Jerusalem, which is about 1200 miles, or rather 1200 feet above sea level. And by the time you get down to Jericho, fifteen or twenty minutes later, you're about 2200 feet below sea level. That's a dangerous road. In the days of Jesus it came to be known as the "Bloody Pass." And you know, it's possible that the priest and the Levite looked over that man on the ground and wondered if the robbers were still around. Or it's possible that they felt that the man on the ground was merely faking. And he was acting like he had been robbed and hurt, in order to seize them over there, lure them there for quick and easy seizure. And so the first question that the Levite asked was, "If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?" But then the Good Samaritan came by. And he reversed the question: "If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?"
That's the question before you tonight. Not, "If I stop to help the sanitation workers, what will happen to all of the hours that I usually spend in my office every day and every week as a pastor?" The question is not, "If I stop to help this man in need, what will happen to me?" "If I do not stop to help the sanitation workers, what will happen to them?" That's the question.
Let us rise up tonight with a greater readiness. Let us stand with a greater determination. And let us move on in these powerful days, these days of challenge to make America what it ought to be. We have an opportunity to make America a better nation. And I want to thank God, once more, for allowing me to be here with you.
You know, several years ago, I was in New York City autographing the first book that I had written. And while sitting there autographing books, a demented black woman came up. The only question I heard from her was, "Are you Martin Luther King?"
And I was looking down writing, and I said yes. And the next minute I felt something beating on my chest. Before I knew it I had been stabbed by this demented woman. I was rushed to Harlem Hospital. It was a dark Saturday afternoon. And that blade had gone through, and the X-rays revealed that the tip of the blade was on the edge of my aorta, the main artery. And once that's punctured, you drown in your own blood—that's the end of you.
It came out in the New York Times the next morning, that if I had sneezed, I would have died. Well, about four days later, they allowed me, after the operation, after my chest had been opened, and the blade had been taken out, to move around in the wheel chair in the hospital. They allowed me to read some of the mail that came in, and from all over the states, and the world, kind letters came in. I read a few, but one of them I will never forget. I had received one from the President and the Vice-President. I've forgotten what those telegrams said. I'd received a visit and a letter from the Governor of New York, but I've forgotten what the letter said. But there was another letter that came from a little girl, a young girl who was a student at the White Plains High School. And I looked at that letter, and I'll never forget it. It said simply, "Dear Dr. King: I am a ninth-grade student at the White Plains High School." She said, "While it should not matter, I would like to mention that I am a white girl. I read in the paper of your misfortune, and of your suffering. And I read that if you had sneezed, you would have died. And I'm simply writing you to say that I'm so happy that you didn't sneeze."
And I want to say tonight, I want to say that I am happy that I didn't sneeze. Because if I had sneezed, I wouldn't have been around here in 1960, when students all over the South started sitting-in at lunch counters. And I knew that as they were sitting in, they were really standing up for the best in the American dream. And taking the whole nation back to those great wells of democracy which were dug deep by the Founding Fathers in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. If I had sneezed, I wouldn't have been around in 1962, when Negroes in Albany, Georgia, decided to straighten their backs up. And whenever men and women straighten their backs up, they are going somewhere, because a man can't ride your back unless it is bent. If I had sneezed, I wouldn't have been here in 1963, when the black people of Birmingham, Alabama, aroused the conscience of this nation, and brought into being the Civil Rights Bill. If I had sneezed, I wouldn't have had a chance later that year, in August, to try to tell America about a dream that I had had. If I had sneezed, I wouldn't have been down in Selma, Alabama, been in Memphis to see the community rally around those brothers and sisters who are suffering. I'm so happy that I didn't sneeze.
And they were telling me, now it doesn't matter now. It really doesn't matter what happens now. I left Atlanta this morning, and as we got started on the plane, there were six of us, the pilot said over the public address system, "We are sorry for the delay, but we have Dr. Martin Luther King on the plane. And to be sure that all of the bags were checked, and to be sure that nothing would be wrong with the plane, we had to check out everything carefully. And we've had the plane protected and guarded all night."
And then I got to Memphis. And some began to say the threats, or talk about the threats that were out. What would happen to me from some of our sick white brothers?
Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land. And I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.

2009-01-18T18:00:00.000-08:00

Sunday Stealing: The Cannon Fodder Meme

1. Is there someone you'd like to be kissing right now? ...yes...my hunny bunny
2. When you're being extremely quiet, what does it mean? ...i am observing
3. What are you listening to right now?...Boo telling Ripley NO! and the Eagles game...
4. Are you a big fan of thunderstorms? ...not really
5. Do you believe in perfect? ...yes
6. Are you a jealous person? ...yes
7. What was the first thing you thought this morning? ...pee
8. What do you think about when you are falling asleep? ...my "to do" list for tomorrow
9. Are you satisfied with what you have in life? ...yes and no
10. Do people ever think that you're either older or younger than you actually are? ...younger (smile)
11. Do you think men truly understand women? ...no
12. How about women understanding men? ...no
13. Did anybody ever call you handsome or beautiful? ...yes
14. What is one fact about the last person that called you? ...she is my mother
15. Other than your current one, what’s the longest relationship you have had? ...this is the one and only one!!!!!