New Layout - Missing U & 300th post

I know you're shocked...2 posts in one day...that's SO unlike me :-).

Well, I've been working on a layout and I wanted to share it. Doing this LO, I think, has been part of my "therapy", so to speak, in working through this. I thought it would be best to make it a little more upbeat and not so depressing.

Anyway, here it is:

I'm actually very pleased with how it turned out. I had a hard time deciding what I wanted my journaling to say. Like I said, I didn't want this LO to be depressing or make it sound morbid or anything. I've had to come to grips with the fact that, the good news in this "transition" is that Markell has only left my house...not my life or my heart. I'm sad that we haven't spoken with him since the 4th. But I hear that he's doing well.

SO...I said all that to say that, in thinking about what I would say in my journaling, I found this quote that fits perfectly. It says:

"Missing you is my hearts way of reminding me that I love you".

I thought it was very appropriate and fits the LO perfectly.

Well, hopefully, I'm on a roll with my scrapbooking. I've done 2 other LO's for a friend. But I can't share them with the world yet...as she wants me to let her see them first :-). So, as soon as I get done with the other 2 I'm working on for her and getting them to her, I'll share.

Lastly, guess what? THIS is my 300th blog post!!! I've still got quite a ways to go to catch up with some of you. But I'm on my way...not to worry...I've got plenty more to say. Just not at the moment, LOL.

Have a groovy weekend!

What's up for the weekend? Friday Flower Fix

Top of the mornin everyone!!!

Ok, you know what I'm gonna ask...got any big plans for the weekend? We do! We didn't make it to the Georgia Aquarium last weekend (or was that the weekend before?) I dunno...but either way, I KNOW we're going tomorrow because I've already got the tickets. Hubby works for AT&T so we were able to get a 10% discount. Not much in the whole scheme of things. But you know me...a discount is a discount.

Jayla and I have been to the aquarium before. But I'm not convinced we picked the best day to go. Markell's 5th grade class went there for a field trip 2 years ago, so we tagged along. And I think EVERY SINGLE SOLITARY school in Georgia was there that same day!!! Sheesh! Talk about crowded. Jayla was still in a little stroller then and it was KA-razy!!!

So we're hoping that tomorrow it won't be SO many people there. I know being on a Saturday, it's bound to be busy. But I'm thinking that a Saturday busy is a little different than 1000 schools busy! Not to mention, daddy/hubby has never been to the aquarium and I really want him to enjoy it.

ANYHOO...that's all we've got planned for the weekend. But we're really looking forward to it. I'll be sure to take the camera...maybe I can get some better pictures than I got before.

Alrighty...you have been such patient boys and girls :-). So here's your FIX!

"One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon - instead of enjoying the roses blooming outside our very own windows today."

Looking forward to hear what everyone did for the weekend. It's almost time for school to start back...so ya'll get out there and have some fun, quality time with the little kiddies!!! Have a beautiful weekend!!

Tax FREE weekend!

Ok, does it mean I'm just down right CHEAP, because I look so forward to this weekend EVERY year? I mean, who doesn't want to save some money? ESPECIALLY when you don't have much to save in the first place...lol.

Today is the first day of the Georgia Tax Free Weekend. I'm telling you, this should be a Federal Holiday! Oh wait, maybe not...can you imagine the people that would be out???

As I've mentioned in previous posts, my Jayla will be starting Kindergarten in a little less than 2 weeks. Every year, we budget an amount to spend on back to school clothes and supplies. This year, it's Jayla's turn. I was given the money about 2 - 3 weeks ago to start her shopping. THEN, the day before I'm about to hit the stores, Daddy asks me to wait until the Tax FREE weekend. ARGH!!! That money has been burning a hole in my pocket for WEEKS :-).

We got an early start this morning and were walking back in the door at 12:15pm!!! (NOTE: and we even sat down and had lunch!) I should get an award for SPEED SHOPPING!

And thank GOD for friends with kids the same ages as mine. My friend Marie, called me and Jayla over yesterday to look through some clothes that her daughter could no longer get into. Her daughter, Ashlee and Jayla play soccer together. Ashlee is about a year older than Jayla and wears THE cutest clothes. Imagine my excitement when we got to look through them! Jayla is a tiny little thing and fit in about 3/4 of Ashlee's clothes. Marie has NO CLUE how much money she saved us today! Miss Re...you ROCK!!! Some people don't like hand me downs...but like I said above, who doesn't like to save money.

ANYWAY...back to the tax free weekend. I spent only $63 in Target today and was only taxed on about $5 of it!!! How cool is THAT??? Most of which were school supplies. And again, speaking of saving money...my dad works at Staples and is getting the bulk of Jayla's school supplies for us. Boy, it sure pays to know people!!! LOL

Before I go, let me tell you this. Do you know my FIVE year old daughter asked me if I thought SHE needed a bra? Are you KIDDING ME??? Too funny! Thankfully, she was very easy to convince that she didn't need one. Remember our bra shopping trip a few days ago? She does! She reminded me that she won't need a "big ole" bra at LEAST until she's 6! Gotta love this kid!!

Ya'll have a great day!

Weekend recap & Inspired to Inspire

Happy Sunday, everyone. (See 7/30 update below)

So, how was your weekend? Do anything fun and exciting?

As I mentioned in Friday's post, my hubby fired up the ole grill and we had some family over. For the first time in a while, Jayla was able to play with her 2 cousins, Madesan & Haidyn. My goodness, when I tell you that girls really do know how to scream and have fun...trust me on that one. Now, it's loud enough around here with just Jayla running around laughing, screaming and dancing. But when you add 2 more girls to the mix, it's unlike anything you can imagine. :-)

Needless to say, Jayla was...how you say in the South?...PLUM TUCKERED OUT!!! :-)

This actually worked out well for us though. Marque and I were able to go out on a date last night and my MIL watched Jayla for us. Mom told us this morning, that Jayla was asleep probably before we got off of our street...lol. Poor thing was exhausted from all that playing.

Back to this date...Some of Marque's high school buddies invited us to get together last night. We've been planning this for about 3 weeks now. There were about 20 of us at this little pub and we had such a great time. His classmates are the sweetest people. And guess what? We even did a little Karaoke. I've never done it before, so it was fun to do it with a group of people. We sang, "We are Family" by Sister Sledge. Remember that one? One of the girls that was there did a few solos for us. TOO FUN!!! Anyway, we had a ball. I think we got home a little after 1 this morning.
We had Jayla take a couple pictures of us before we left. This first shot, she took of me. She said that she just LOVED my dress; because I NEVER wear dresses :-). And just a little note for all you mothers out there with daughters in the kindergarten age range....it is NOT a good idea to take them with you to buy a new bra to wear with your new dress. EVERYONE in (or in close proximity outside) the dressing room WILL know what size bra you wear. AND they will be advised that, 5 year olds do NOT have boobies as big as their mommies....but they will as soon as they turn 6! LOL

And here's me and my good lookin' husband. Jayla said she could NOT believe that daddy was wearing a yellow shirt...because it does not go with a single thing that mommy has on. But that the black pants were PERFECT! :-)

I'm sorry folks, I just HAVE to say...we make a pretty cute couple :-). I love when we get to go out together and just enjoy eachother. We have a ball.


UPDATE: One of Marque's friends took a picture of us at the pub we were at. And he sent us a copy. Thanks, Mike.Well, that's about all we did this weekend. And being 40...that's enough...hee hee.

This weekend leads me to todays "Inspired to Inspire". As I mentioned, we had a really nice time with some of Marque's friends from high school. I have a hard time calling them HIS friends. As over the years, they have become very good friends of mine as well. So I dedicate this Inspiration to them.

" The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him."

Have a beautiful week and Be Inspired...I AM!!

SURVEY SAYS.....

Hey, I need ya'lls help.

As you are all very aware, Markell is no longer living with us. Which means, there is an empty room in our house. My DH was very adement about getting rid of the furniture that was left in there. And as of today, the bunk beds have been sold via Craigs List.

I've been a little hesitant about inquiring about making that room into my craft/scrapbooking room. As, DH may have other plans for it. What? I have no idea. We have a room, that we affectionately refer to as the playroom, where we spend about 80% of our family time. DH's computer desk is in here, my scrapbooking/craft area is in here, Jayla's toys are in here and there's a TV in here for Jayla to watch. Even the dog, Trae takes an ocassional nap in here.

Speaking of the TV, that leads me to my reason for wanting to move out of this "common area". Tell me...how much of Dora The Explorer, The Wiggles, Hannah Montana, High School Musical and That's So Raven is a mom supposed to take??? (there's more too, but I don't dare mention them ALL) I mean REALLY!!! lol Daddy has it good...he's playing shoot 'em up games on his computer with headphones on (Saving the world, as he calls it). So he doesn't get the pleasure of hearing all of the aforementioned shows. Jayla could fall out the window, get hit by a bus, get chased by wild boar, I could yell for him to call 911 as I dive out after her and he'd NEVER hear any of it! Two hours later, he'd say, "Dawn, did you say something?" LOL Not to mention, he's at work during the day. (Note: none of this regarding Jayla has the possibility of happening. Merely trying to make a point.) Ok, moving on...now where was I?

I would REALLY love to, "spread my wings", so to speak, with regards to my scrapping and crafting. I would REALLY love to have my printer at arms reach, and not have to walk around the table, step over Trae and risk Jayla missing one second of The Suite Life of Zach & Cody, as I walk by. I would REALLY love to be able to listen to MY oldies music...and sing out loud, while I whip out some fabulous scrapbook layouts. All without having to hear, "MOM! Look at this!!! It's my favorite part!" ARGH!!

I have tip toed around the subject of relocating--literally, across the hall. However, I have yet to get an answer. Let it be known, that he has not said, "No!" But he hasn't said, "Yes" either. We have even discussed the paint color for the room. Which he likes & approves of. I have gone so far as to draw up a floorplan, to scale, mind you...hee hee. And I've made cute little furniture pieces so I can see how to set up said room. (And some how, my sewing machine has already made it's way in there...weird! )LOL. I honestly think I can do the room, in it's entirety, for about $250, maybe even less. But again, I have yet to do my presentation for the Mister.

Ok, this is where you guys come in. PLEASE tell me the best way to present this to my hubby. I'm not real good with rejection. So I think that's why I haven't brought it up again. I can't bear the thought of him telling me no. And then I'll probably question him if he says yes. (Remember, I'm a worrier by trade) I am open to any suggestions you may have.

I'm sure you guys will come up with some great suggestions for me. I can't wait to read your thoughts.

Oh well, I'm off for the evening. Tomorrow, we're having some family over for a little BBQ. Then DH and I are going out mingling and dancing with some friends. Can't wait! I'll show pix either Sunday or Monday. Ya'll have a great weekend!!!

Friday Flower Fix

"The grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love and something to hope for."

And I HOPE you all have a beautiful weekend!!! So get started....

Now THAT's something you don't see everyday...

Happy Thursday everyone!

I FINALLY went and got my hair done today...and I stepped out on a limb. Let's put it this way, my hair stylist knows me so well, that she doesn't even ask me how I want my hair done anymore. I'm a very simple, straight hair kinda person and she knows I don't want her doing anything that I can't recreate tomorrow, lol.

But today, I told her I wanted something different. Do you know, she didn't believe me?? Well, I decided to do a few curls this time. Jayla was so surprised and excited that I got my hair in "curly's", that she wanted to take a picture of me. And she did really well too. See my profile picture?

So, what do you think? Curls or NO curls? I kinda like the picture, so I may leave it for a while. But I'd love to hear what ya'll think...not to worry, I can take it :-).


Enjoy the rest of your day!

I KNEW IT!!!!

Ok, I must admit, I was a little scared to take this test! I found this on Laurie's blog and when I saw that she was a "COKE"...I just KNEW that if I did it, I wouldn't "be" what I wanted to be.

But I went ahead and took my chances and...DRUM ROLL PLEASE....I'm a PEPPER!!!! LOL You all have NO idea how excited I am about this! :-)

You Are Dr. Pepper

You're very unique and funky, yet you still have a bit of traditionalism to you. People who like you think they have great taste... and they usually do. Your best soda match: Root Beer Stay away from: 7 Up

What Kind of Soda Are You?

That SUSIE Q!!!!

I can't believe it...that Susie Q has stumped me!! She CLAIMS that I'm the only "Dawn" whose blog she reads. And therefore, she tagged me on this list. Normally, I don't shy away from a quiz or a list...as I really enjoy doing them. But again...like I said...she stumped me.

Ok, I'm not gonna shy away from this one either. But I will say that I really struggled trying to come up with EIGHT random facts/habits about myself. During this struggle, I've come to the conclusion, that I'm a very uninteresting person...lol.

Well, Susie...because it's YOU...I did it :-). Hopefully, what you're all about to read about me won't stop you from continuing to read my blog. lol...I promise, it's not that bad.

Alrighty, Here are The Rules!

1. We have to post these rules before we give you the facts. 2. Players start with eight random facts/habits about themselves. 3. People who are tagged need to write in their own blog about their eight things and post these rules. 4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.

1. When I was about 7 years old, I met Muhammed Ali in LaGuardia airport in NY. He pointed at me and said, "HEY...I know you!" Then he came over and took a picture with me. I have NO idea where that picture is. But I'm sure he has a big poster of it somewhere in his home. I was kinda scared of him because he was so LOUD. And I thought he was gonna punch me :-).

2. I absolutely LOVE oldies music. Most of which, music that's older than I am. My hubby enjoys testing me by turning the TV to the oldies music stations, telling me not to look and tells me to guess what the song is. I "get it right" by either knowing the name of the song, who sings it or knowing some or all of the lyrics. 9 times out of 10, I'm right. He swears that, I'm neither "only" 40 or black :-) LOL.

3. I DO NOT like Doritos! However, I only eat them ON ham sandwiches. NO...not WITH ham sandwiches..ON them. There's just something about that cheesy crunch.

4. I was once in a car accident a with telephone pole...immediately followed by a minor fendor bender with the car of the police officer that stopped to assist. "But officer, that telephone pole came out of nowhere...and so did you!" Can you believe he let me go with a warning? I was a new, inexperienced driver. And somehow he noticed that and just let me go.

5. I read the same magazine about 4 or 5 times before I put it aside. The first time, it's just to skim the pages. 2nd time, I read SOME of the articles that caught my eye during the skim. The 3rd time is to read articles thoroughly and look at every detail of the photos. The 4th time, I glance through the magazine backwards (from the back cover, forward) this is where pages get dog eared for future glancing. What can I say? I have to make sure I get my moneys worth.

6. When I was a teenager, my mom always told me that, due to my constantly being on the telephone, I was gonna, one day, work at the phone company. Well, what does she know? So what I worked at BellSouth/Cingular Wireless for a little over 14 years!! LOL.

7. I am the biggest worrier I've ever known. NO...I didn't say WARRIOR....I said WORRIER!!! I can't help it. I am overly concerned about everything that's even worthy of a 2nd thought. I totally realize that more than 1/2 of what I worry myself sick about, there's nothing I can do about it. This in turn, makes me a very emotional person and a person who has a hard time sleeping. I cry VERY, very easily. I'm a mess....I know. But THIS is the kicker...I am also a very HAPPY person. I love to laugh and smile. I just happen to worry alot. So sue me...no, don't...it would just make me cry.. :-).

8. When my oldest daughter was about 2 years old, I accidentally locked her in the car in the dead of winter. Back in 1986, it wasn't the "law" that a child be in the backseat. But they did have to be in a carseat or booster. So, she was in her booster seat, in the passenger seat. I was on my way to take her to a babysitter so I could go to work. I'd forgotten something in the house, so I left her buckled in the car, heat on, radio on and doors locked. Well, I thought I'd left at least one door unlocked. I run in the house, come RIGHT back out and find the drivers side door locked. So I go to the back doors...LOCKED. Lastly, I go to the passenger door...LOCKED. Briyanna (my daughter) is sitting in her little seat, all bundled up, laughing at mommy running around the car. And what do I do?? I WORRY!!! I PANIC!!! It's about 7:00 in the morning and I have to be to work in an hour. A few days prior to this, Briyanna had learned to unlock the car doors. But oddly enough, she only knew how to unlock the drivers side (reason this is so odd is, all the locks are the same...go figure!) ANYWAY...I run in the house and wake up my step-father. He comes out into the cold with a hanger to try and jimmy the locks. My mother has decided to call 911! Back at the car...Briyanna is in there dancing and singing whatever is on the radio...LOL. She taps on the window, saying, "Hey mom...your song is on!" She has no clue that we're in the middle of a minor crisis. Finally, I remember that she knows how to unlock the door. So I go to the drivers side and call her to me. She looked so cute. She scrunches up her little face and says, "WHAT? Can I hear you???" I said, again..."Honey, come to mommy!" Somehow, she manages to climb out of her seat...even with that big ole winter coat on :-). So she's now kneeling in the drivers seat, grinning and kissing me through the glass...still singing and dancing. I say, "Baby, unlock mommy's door!" "WHAT?" she says. "UNLOCK MOMMY'S DOOR!!!". Then she says, "Wait a minny...I can hear you, mommy!" And what does she do next??? She rolls down the window! And then says, "What you say, mommy? Bri Bri can hear you good!" LOL And just as this all comes to an end, we look up and see this big red fire truck screaming down the street....at the same time that my step-father is about to smash out my back passenger window! What a funny morning THAT was.

WOW, finding EIGHT semi-interesting things about myself, was quite a task. But I did it. Hopefully, you all are still my friends...lol. Ok, from what I understand, I'm now supposed to select 8 fellow readers to do the same. Alright ladies, you're on: Adrienne, Diane, Veroncia, B.E.M., Jude, Leah, Cheryl, Gretchen & A Brasilian in Atlanta (Colleen). (Ok, I know that's 9 people...I kept thinking of more names) However, if there is anyone else who'd like to join in...please do. I'd love to read your list.

WHEW...I'm exhausted! Thanks SUSIE!!! lol

What Year Do you Belong In??

Ok, now this is just the cutest thing. A friend of mine shared this with me and I just HAD to share it with all my readers. I love stuff like this.

My hubby has been telling me for as long as he's known me, that he SWEARS I was born in the 50's! LOL. I LOVE oldies and know songs that are YEARS older than I am. He's gonna get a kick out of this.

Why don't you guys try it too? Click on the link below. I'd love to know which year you REALLY belong in...LOL.

You Belong in 1957

You're fun loving, romantic, and more than a little innocent. See you at the drive in!

What Year Do You Belong In?