Inspired to INSPIRE...

Happy Monday everyone!

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Ya know, I think Spring is FINALLY here!!! Yay!!

You can anything foolish to a dog and the dog will give you a look that says, "my goodness, you're right...I never would've thought of that!"

Be Inspired...I am!!!!

Friday Flower Fix

"Beauty is the promise of happiness."

Have a beautiful weekend.

New Layout - Like Father, Like Daughter

Happy Thursday everyone. It's almost Friday!!! Yay!!

Last night was my weekly Girls Night and I FINALLY got this one layout done. I've been working on it for 2 weeks. Amazing how it can take so long to do a layout that only contains 2 pictures, huh? Well, I've gotta make sure everything looks good together before I commit, right?

Anyway, here it is. (But first, a word from our sponsor: It's time to stop apologizing for the crappy scanning jobs. It's not our fault and not a thing we can do about it. Outside of purchasing a new scanner with a larger bed...which ain't happenin no time in the near future). Now, back to our previously scheduled posting.

Supplies:

Patterned paper - MM Cosmopolitan Downtown Dot Blue & Silk Scarf Blue

Cardstock - DCWV Spring Stack

Embellishments - Mini brads & MM pastel brads

Computer font - "Blake"

I love these pictures. My DH is always "saving the world" at his computer (gaming to me and you). So this is how you will find him when he's at home. Jayla, obviously sees her daddy doing this on a daily basis. So she decided she wanted to be like daddy. Funny thing about this is, these exact poses were not staged. The pictures were actually taken 2 years apart. Maybe the title should've been "Mini Me", huh? lol

Thanks for looking.

Take a seat...this is gonna be a long one

YES...it's another list! Just relax, it'll be fun.

Ya know, if you really want to blame someone for "making" me do all of these, blame Susie Q.! I do! lol But I can't help it, between her and Cheryl, they have some really fun questionnairs and lists on their blog. And I'm just a sucker for them.

So without further ado, let's get started!

1. Introduce yourself.
"Hello there, my name is Dawn. Thanks for stopping by my blog."
2. It's Wednesday during the afternoon, where are you usually?
Well, that depends on what part of the afternoon. Prior to 2pm, I can be found at either Walmart, Target, JoAnn's, Hobby Lobby, a scrapbook store, lunch with a friend or at home cleaning. At 2pm, I go pick Jayla up from school and 2 hours later, I pick up Markell.
3. What kind of laundry detergent do you use?
You're supposed to use detergent when you do the laundry? Who knew!! Actually, I use Tide Cold Water with Febreeze. Ummm, smells like spring.
4. What brand of shampoo is in your shower right now?
Some clear stuff by Suave and Cream of Nature.
5. Did you ever get into a bar and drink before you were 21?
Nope, sure didn't. Wasn't my style. Didn't drink then, don't drink now. Unless you count a Dr. Pepper every now and again.
6. What were you doing last night?
Probably what I'm doing now...sitting at my desk reading emails and blog updates. Oh, and probably chatting with someone on Yahoo IM. They don't call me a party animal fer nuthin!
7. Do you watch MTV anymore?
ANYMORE??? I'm just wondering when they're gonna drop the "M" and just call it TV. They don't play music videos on there anymore, do they?
8. What do you think about Oprah?
Nothing actually. I'm not a fan at all. Personally, I think she's too much of a people pleaser. She's SO interested in relating to her audience & guests that she puts across that she's been through any and everything. She's fake if you ask me. However, I did enjoy the role she played in The Color Purple.
9. What color are your bedsheets?
My goodness, what a question. You're not stopping by soon, are you? Today they are a tone on tone Sage color.
10. You need a new pair of jeans...what store do you go to first?
Where ever they have some big enough and cheap enough to fit me! I guess I'd have to say Lane Bryant. But I recently found some really nice fitting ones (both on me and on my wallet) at Kohls.
11. HEY, WHAT'S UP WITH THAT? THERE WAS NO #11 QUESTION.
12. What kind of car do you drive?
A navy blue/grey Nissan Quest. YES...it's a minivan..UGH!!! Fully equipped with TWO soccer ball magnets on the back, a folding chair, a soccer ball and cleats in the back.
13. Honestly, is that car insured?
Well DUH!!! Of course. SOMEBODY's got to replace those magnets in case of an accident. Are YOU in good hands?
14. Do you like sushi?
I don't even know who she is! My husband talks about her alot though. Ok, no...I don't like sushi.
15. Have you ever been to Tiffany & Co. or Saks 5th Ave.?
Can't say that I have. But I have been to my friend Tiffany's down the street. That's not the same thing, is it?
16. Did your parents spoil you?
Not hardly. I was an only child for 10 years and my "needs" were met, but I didn't always get what I wanted, if that's what you mean by spoiled. I was expected to do my chores and do well in school. When my sister came along, things changed a little...like our mother! Enough about that :-).
17. Do you like roller coasters?
Yes, I do. Although I haven't been on one in YEARS!! Wonder if they're still fun....hmmmm.
18. What magazine(s) do you buy regularly or subscribe to?
Family Circle, Womans Day, Creating Keepsakes, Scrapbooks, Etc., Simple Scrapbooks, Memory Makers, Chadwicks of Boston, Jessica London and Brylane Homes. Reading IS fundamental you know!
19. Do you remember the WB show, "Popular"?
Guess they didn't put much thought into naming THAT show, huh? It obviously wasn't that popular...I've never heard of it.
20. When you go out do you prefer to go to dance club or to a bar?
Go out....hmmm, I've heard of people doing that.
21. College graduate?
Yes, thank you, I'd love one! OHHHH, am I a college graduate? Silly me. Uh, no! It was enough to get me out of high school. Reading IS still fundamental though...
22. Who do you think will be the next president?
VERY tricky...you're not getting ME into this conversation!
23. Are you registered to vote?
Absolutely!!
NOTE: Ok, who numbered these questions? What happened to numbers 24, 25 & 26?
27. Do you like Carrie Underwood?
WHO?
28. Been to "The Vegas"?
I assume you mean Las Vegas? Uh, no...I don't get out much.
29. How far away do you live from your parents?
1100 miles from my dad (NY), 300+ miles from my mom (AL), and 17 steps from my mother in law (downstairs)
30. Are you happy with your job?
Without a doubt! Being a SAHM is the hardest job I've ever had. But I wouldn't change it for the world.
#31...WHERE ARE YOU???
32. What did you get in the mail today?
American Express "you have been approved" application (if I've been approved, why do I have to fill out an application?) and junk.
33. How do you like your steak cooked?
Medium
34. Britney Spears...ready to have a nervous breakdown or just having fun?
Ok, now how do I say this nicely? Uhhh, WHO FREAKIN CARES??? Too harsh??
35. What do you usually order at Taco Bell?
I think nachos. Honestly, I haven't been to Taco Bell in EONS!!
36. Have you ever sat all the way thru Gone With The Wind?
Not on purpose!
37. Have you ever been to Mt. Rushmore?
No, but I'd love to go one day. Again, I don't get out much.
38. Is it just me, or was The Marine (w/ John Cena) a really horrible movie?
Uhhh, who's John Cena? What's The Marine?
39. Are surveys/lists like the cocaine of my space/blogs?
WHAT??? I enjoy doing lists and surveys, but not cocaine. And I don't know a thing about myspace. MY space IS my blog!
40. Where is your favorite place?
Where ever my family is, Destin, FL and in bed.
41. What is your favorite candle scent?
Fresh Linen.
42. Do you believe places can really be haunted?
Not really.
43. Do you smoke cigarettes?
Nope. But I "tried" one DAY when I was a senior in high school. Not my style.
44. Have you ever been to NYC or LA?
Yes. I was born in NYC. And if you mean Lower Atlanta...then yes, I've been there. :-) But if you mean Los Angeles, nope...never been there.
45. How many states have you been to where all you saw was the airport?
None that I can think of. Remember, I don't get out much.
46. Do you think 50 questions is enough?
Ha Ha!!! If there actually WERE 50, it may be a BIT over the top. But I can handle it. Keep 'em comin....
47. Are you currently planning a trip?
Actually, yes. DH and I are going to try and go to Savannah, Ga for an extended weekend together. I sure hope we can pull it off. We need some "couple" time.
48. Is Ryan Seacrest gay?
Tell ya what, hold on a second and let me call and ask him. WHO CARES!!!
49. Do you take anti-depressants?
Are you trying to tell me something???
50. Have you ever googled your name and found out something?
Actually, yes. The WORLD has access to my blog!

WHEW!!! I need a nap!

7 things I betcha didn't know about me...

I had actually planned NOT to blog today. I was attempting to give everyone a break from me...if only for a day. But Noooooooo, Cheryl will have NONE of that!!! She tagged me today. Seriously, she did! I wouldn't make that up...she reads my blog :-P.

Ok, this is how it works. I'm supposed to share 7 random facts/tidbits/habits about myself that most people don't know. And in turn, tag 7 more people to do the same. Now, this is gonna be a stretch...because I divulge SOOOO much about myself on this blog already as it is. But I'll see what I can do.

1. When I was younger, I use to want to be a nun. But then I quickly discovered that that's exactly what I'd get....NONE!! And being that I ALSO wanted to be a mother, that "career path" wouldn't work out. I mean, I enjoy wearing black & white and I think doning a habit would be kinda fun...especially on those frequent bad hair days. But, since I've been married almost 19 years, I have kids, AND I'm no longer Cathlolic, I had to rethink my choice of occupation :-).

2. I HATE yardwork!!! I told my DH when we first married, I'll take care of the inside...YOU take care of the outside! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the look of flowers and pretty bushes in a yard...I just don't wanna put it out there! I enjoy being outside and all that...but just not doing yard work. Personally, I don't see a problem with plopping silk flowers in the yard...you know, for effect! lol But my family acts as if they'd be embarrassed by that, go figure! I mean, c'mon...I'll pull 'em up when they start to fade...DUH, I'm not THAT tacky! :-)

3. I eat Doritos on my ham sandwich - ONLY! I don't like Doritos by themselves. And these days, ham doesn't like me too much. So as of right now, this little delicacy is a mere memory.

4. Every since I had Jayla, 5 years ago, I can no longer fall asleep on my right side. I can ONLY fall asleep on my left side. Something about that being better for the baby when you're pregnant. Oh well, I guess it was better for mommy too...still is!

5. Contrary to popular belief...ALL black people CANNOT dance! I mean, I've got rhythm...I just can't dance. I hear and feel the beat...I just can't dance. I'm by no means a "frog in a blender"...but I CANNOT dance!!! So, having said that...Don't believe the hype! LOL

6. I LOVE watching "who done it" type shows on TV. You know, shows such as American Justice, City Confidential, The First 48 and Cold Case Files. All of which come on A&E TV. It is way beyond interesting how they do forensics type stuff. They find people who "done it", years and YEARS later. It's amazing to me. My husband is a little concerned though. He asks if I'm considering doing something to him and/or the kids...LOL. Shoot NO I'm not gonna do anything to ANYbody!!...those detectives would find me for SURE. My hair is ALL over this house, my car, my kids, the dog, my friends :-). And I'm sure it would fall out where ever I'd be. So there's your DNA!!! Not to mention, I tell on myself all the time.

7. I'm a scrapbooking, blogging JUNKIE!!! Enough said!!!

Well, there you have it. I'm sure there's more I could add to this list too. But Cheryl asked for only 7...so 7 is what you get!

Now, it's time to tag 7 folks to do the same. Ok, Jude, Lynilu, B.E.M., Leah, Diane M., Veroncia & Tanisha...you're ON!!!

Oh HAPPY day...

I'm back....

While doing my daily blog reading, I came across, yet another fun "list" by Susie Q. On Saturday, she did a fun list of things that make her happy. And asked everyone to do the same. We all know, well, we hope anyway, that our families and just our lives in general make us happy, so those aren't being added to this list. We're talking about ALL those OTHER things that just ADD to our happiness.

Here are some of the things I came up with that make me happy(er). They're in no particular order...

Laughing

Dr. Pepper

A&E TV

Kool Aid (Watermellon Cherry is my FAV!)

Popcorn

The Carol Burnett Show

Magazines

My computer

Shrimp & Pasta

Tulips

Chick Fil A

Handsome men (Denzel Washington)

Photography

Love & sex (or making love...that covers both)

Handsome men, Take II (Alonzo Mourning)

Music

Scrapbooking

Chevy Tahoe

Spring

My cell phone

The color purple (the movie too!)

Handsome men, Take 3 (Sean Connery - then)

Handsome men, Take 4 (Sean Connery - NOW!!)

Chocolate Mousse

The Beach

Flip Flops

Soccer (especially youth)

Chocolate bars (Snickers w/ Almonds are my fav!)

Handsome men, Take 5 (LL Cool J...Now)

Handsome men, Take 6 (LL Cool J...NOW!)

Welp, that's about all I can think of right now. I'm sure you're saying, "That's ENOUGH!!!" There are a LOT of things that make me happy...what can I say. I'm pretty confident I could come up with more. :-)

Ok, it's your turn now. What things and/or people add to your happiness (or WOULD if you had them)? Be sure to add pictures.

Have a HAPPY day!!!

First things first...

Hello everyone. I hope everyone had a nice weekend. Ours was pretty busy, as always, due to it being soccer season. But it was totally alright with me, as the weather was BEAUTIFUL!!!

Jayla had a game at 10am on Saturday. And I found out how anal I REALLY am. I had no idea I was that way. NORMALLY, this soccer clubs colors are some combination of red, black & white. The kids have ALWAYS worn black shorts and had one red shirt (w/ black & white) and one white shirt (w/black & red) and one pair of black, and pair of red socks.

But this year, for the U6 teams, they changed it up a little...which was fine. This year, they have the standard black shorts, black socks and white shirt...AND a navy shirt (w/ red design) and RED shorts and socks. Ok, I'm cool with that. It's really cute together. HOWEVER, when we picked up the uniforms, NO one told me that the red shorts were REPLACING the black ones.

And recently, they've been wearing the navy and red uniforms. But this weekend, we were to wear the white shirts. So OBVIOUSLY, they're supposed to wear the black shorts & socks...RIGHT??? WRONG!!! We get to the field and Jayla's ENTIRE team has on their white shirts with RED shorts & socks. She was the ONLY one on the field with black on. I was SICK!!! A couple of the moms tried to "comfort" me and tell me that it's no big deal...well of course it's not, YOUR daughters have on the correct uniform! I'm telling you, had the game not been about to start 5 minutes after we got there, I would've gone back home and gotten Jayla's red shorts.

Oh well, it turned out ok. I don't think Jayla even noticed :-). Oh, and with only 2 games left in the season, our coach decided to "officially" change the name of the team :-). Now, instead of the Cheetahs, they are now the Lil' Stingrays. More than half of the girls on the team have brothers that play on Markell's team, the Stingrays. So it only seems fitting, doesn't it?

Speaking of the Stingrays...they are KICKIN SOME HYNIE this season. They've only lost one game and that, only by 1! They are doing AWESOME!!! Markell has been playing goalie for the last few games as our starting goalie broke his finger.

Let's see, what else did we do this weekend:
~went to some friends house for a cook out. Talk about DEElicious!!! For some reason, I'm always the one to bring dessert...what's up with that? lol I made Dump Cake this time...YUMMY!
~went to Sunday School yesterday. My DH worked until after midnight on Saturday, so he was a little tired yesterday. So we didn't go to service.
~Jayla had a photo shoot yesterday at a local park. Friends of ours have their own photography company and needed Jayla to update their website and portfolio. That girl is a natural! She had a ball.

Welp, that's about it for our weekend. How was yours? Did you do anything fun? Tell me about it!!! Enjoy your week!

Inspired to INSPIRE....

"Laughter is like changing a baby's diaper. It doesn't permanently solve any problems, but it makes things more acceptable for a while."

Be inspired...I am!!

Friday Flower Fix

May your stems stand sturdily against the wind and rain, and may they reach high toward an open sky.

Have a beautiful weekend!

One word....

Happy Wednesday everyone.

This morning, I was doing my usual blog reading and I came across a fun quiz on Cheryl's Blog. You just never know what you'll find there...she's always asking her readers to join in on something fun. And I must say, I love it. I really enjoy doing these little quizzes. She says that she has several she's gonna share over the next week or so....Can't WAIT!!!

Well, here's the one she posted today. The object is to see if you can answer all of these with just one word. As chatty as I am, this is gonna be interesting :-). Here goes:

1. Yourself? Overwhelmed
2. Your boyfriend/girlfriend? Husband
3. Your hair? Frizzy
4. Your mother? Sweet
5. Your father? Silly
6. Your favorite thing? Love
7. Your dream last night? Strange
8. Your favorite drink? Dr. Pepper
9. Your dream car? Tahoe
10. The room you're in right now? Playroom
11. Your fear? Failure
12. What you want to be in 10 years? Thinner
13. Muffins? Thanks!
14. Who you hung out with last night? Family
15. What you're not? Organized
16. Time? MORE!
17. What you're wearing? Comfy
18. Your favorite weather? Warm
19. Your favorite book? Magazine
20. Last thing you ate? Sandwich
21. Your worst vice? Worry
22. Your best friend is? Honest
23. What you're thinking about right now? Scrapbooking
24. Your car? Dirty
25. Your life? Interesting

Whew, that was difficult. I tried really hard to just answer with one word. I did it!!! Alright now, it's ya'lls turn. Feel free to answer via comment or let me know to check your blog for your answers.

Have a great day!

Inspired to INSPIRE....

A vacation is what you take when you can't take what you've been taking any longer.

(Ok, normally, I'm not real good at throwing hints about what I want or need. But this time, I think I did a pretty good job....I NEED/WANT/HAVE to have a vacation! Send all donations to....LOL)

Have a fabulous day and be inspired...I am!!

CAUTION: Things are not always as they appear

...so, I go pick Markell up from school on Wednesday. And I see all these middle school kids with a piece of paper in their hands. Markell gets in the van and says, "Hey mom! Look at this! We just got this letter from Ms. Perkins (the principal) to give to our parents."

Now the last time we got one of those letters, some 6th grade girl had been caught with a gun at school. But the school "handled" it without incident.

THIS time, the letter was a bit different. It reads something like this....

Dear (name of middle school) parents,
In an effort to continuously communicate with you, I am writing to notify you that a (name of middle school) teacher was arrested this afternoon after an investigation of illegal activity. The teacher was not arrested at school but HR was notified of the teacher's pending arrest by (blank) County Police Dept. You maysee news accounts of this event during the next few days.
......The administration of (name of middle school) was not aware of any problems with the teacher nor had we received any information that related to inappropriate conduct or behavior conducted by the teacher while at school or on school grounds.
This is a very unfortunate event, and you have our assurances that we make every effort to provide a safe and wholesome environment for our students. We take seriously our responsiblity of educating the whole child.

Sincerely,

The principal

Now, needless to say, I was a little...shall we say, disturbed by what I read. So, later in the evening, I happen to see a little bit of the aforementioned story on the news. They showed a quick photo of the teacher, and he looked vaguely familiar. I go to the school quite often...ok, everyday, to pick Markell up as well once a week or so for other reasons. So I do see alot of the same teachers and administrators.

At around 2 the next morning, my eyes popped open because it hit me as to who this teacher might be. I honestly hoped that I was wrong because this teacher, I've actually spoken with on several occasions.

Then yesterday, I went to read the newspaper online. And sure enough, it was the guy I was thinking it was. This is a guy, who coaches lacrosse and football at a local high school, a guy who wears Christian oriented t-shirts, a guy who tells me to have a blessed day/weekend, and a person who, from what I could tell from our brief conversations was a really nice guy. He never knew my name and I never knew his. But we were often times engaged in conversation and were friendly with eachother.

When I read the paper early yesterday, it didn't go into detail as to what he actually did. But when I looked into it again, at the prompting of another parent/friend, I was SHOCKED!!! I won't go into detail here as to what allegedly happened. But I will say that he resigned from the school yesterday.

Today, I can say that I am still shocked. I'd still be a little upset and/or concerned about this if it wasn't someone that I feel I "know". But I DO! Simply because he's from the school my child goes to is cause enough for concern. Fortunately, he taught an older grade than what Markell is in. But UNfortunately, he teaches special ed. This just sickens me!!!

Now, I said all this to say...everyone and/or everything are NOT always as they appear. This is such a sad story to me RIGHT NOW...especially since it closely follows a story with a totally opposite outcome (the one about the pilot and Jayla). I'm glad to say that, other than seeing this teacher in the car pool line every afternoon, Markell doesn't know him.

Am I overreacting to this situation? Should I feel a sense of betrayal even though I didn't REALLY know this guy? How would you feel?

I guess that statement in the side view mirrors is somewhat true, huh?

Friday Flower Fix

"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I intended to be. "

Is this not the cutest picture? I'm not sure what on EARTH the above quote has to do with this photo. But for some reason, as soon as I read it, it made me think of this picture. To me, it's like this beautiful animal was walking "down the street" (of some far away safari) and came across these flowers...and he just HAD to stop and smell them...LOL.

Have a BEAUTIFUL day, everyone!!

Talk about PRESSURE!!!

Don't you just love surprises? I know I do!

I got a really nice surprise today from Cheryl, as she chose me as one of her favorite blogs to read (Thinking Blog Award). I can't say that I remember ever being "awarded" anything. Some people may not think of this as a big deal. But for those of us who are serious bloggers, this ROCKS!!!

Being one of the "award winners", I was put to task to choose 5 of my own favorite blogs to read. Talk about pressure!!! I love reading ALL of the blogs that I have linked on my site. As well as the few that I frequent that aren't linked (they're just in my favorites on my browser). Now let me just say, that I enjoy ALL...and I do mean ALL of the blogs that I read on a daily basis. However, it seems that I'd better set a good example and do as the "rules" indicate. So without further delay, here's my top 5.... (in no particular order)

~B.E.M. - Hopefully, B.E.M. won't mind (this time) if I use her name, Melanie. I have totally enjoyed reading Melanie's blog over the past several months. She often has thought provoking topics on there as well as fun and interesting writings about herself and family. I enjoy seeing pictures of her adorable daughter, Little C. And I must admit, sometimes I find myself pretending that she's reading her posts out loud...in her English accent (she's from London...LOL). Be sure you check her out...it's worth the read.

~Let's give it up for Jude! Oh my goodness, I love reading Jude's posts. Although I wish she updted her blog more (something about being pregant and tired keeps her from doing it more often..lol). But I'll tell you, everytime I read her posts, I'm just cracking up laughing. I love her wittyness (is that a word?) and her humor. I always look forward to her saying something funny. If you like laughing, check out Miss Jude. It'll be worth your time.

~Next we have Miss Susie Q. - Susie has the cutest and most welcoming blog. Everytime I go to it, I almost feel like she's opening her door & heart and welcoming me in. She posts some yummy sounding recipes and tells the sweetest stories. For a warm and cozy blog, check out Miss Susie Q.

~Ok, I know I'm not supposed to choose someone who has already been chosen. But I can't help it in this case. Cheryl's blog has become another one of my favs. I love that she almost always has pictures to share. I love pictures. Not to mention, it comes across so clearly that she truly loves her family and loves to share all the goings on in her life. Stop by and see Cheryl...you'll be glad you did.

~Last, but definitely not least, is my new blogging friend, Lynilu. Oh my, talk about an inspiration. I've only been visiting her blog for a couple weeks. But Lynilu has become one of my daily reads. She comments often that she can't understand why I say she's such an inspiration. I'm not sure I can answer that in the time that I have here, nor in the times when I leave her comments. But just reading about how and WHERE she lives her "BEAUTIFUL" life, just inspires me. In this short period of time, I've learned alot about Miss Lynilu and how she got where she is today. Believe me, her blog is a joy to read. So if you also want to be inspired, go check her out.

Alrighty, that'll do it for me. And for those of you whom I've chosen as my favs, it's now your turn. The "rules" state that you must now do the same and chose your top 5 favorite blogs and post them on your blog. Everyone else, feel free to do the same. I'd love to hear who your favs are and why.

Thanks again Cheryl, this was fun.

She's such a charmer...

Yesterday, after I picked Jayla up from school, I had to get some gas and run to the bank...then to Target, of course :-). When we got to the bank, there were about 3 people standing in line to use the ATM. So we sat in the van for a few minutes waiting on the line to dwindle down. After a minute or so, another gentleman got in line. So I told Jayla that we'd better go ahead and get in line before someone else walks up.

We get out and took our place behind this tall man, fully clothed in his flight uniform. It was clear that he was some sort of military pilot.

Jayla absolutely LOVES planes and immediately noticed that he had planes on his uniform. She pointed at his arm and said...very loudly, "Mommy, he's a plane flyer man!". I said, "Yes, honey I see that, he's a pilot. But please don't point." Needless to say, the "flyer man" heard this little conversation and turned around and smiled at Jayla. He then asked her if she liked planes. She shyly said she did and started to hide behind me. A few seconds later, he turns back to her and asks if she has a favorite plane...not sure what he expected this 5 year old little girl to say, but he was a little shocked by her reply. Jayla belts out, "The C130!" The pilots eyes opened very wide and he said, "REALLY, now?" Then he says to me that it's normally little boys that know the different planes and he was impressed that a little girl knew. I told him that she became interested in planes after seeing the airshow last year.

Anyway, the line is moving slowly...as I'm sure you can tell. The pilot moves up a little, and he's next to use the ATM. Then he slowly turns back around, looks down at Jayla and says, "Hey, I'll tell you what...how bout you have this...", and he reaches across to his right shoulder and rips off one of his flight badges and hands it to Jayla. I think if that girl had smiled any bigger, her head would've been in 2 seperate pieces. She was SOO excited! "Mom, how cool is THIS?" she says to me. I was pretty impressed too. Both of us stood there for a moment and admired the patch...that happened to have a C130 on it.

The pilot walked up and took care of his ATM business then started to walk off. Jayla then yells again, "Thank you Mister!" He smiled, told us to have a nice day and walked away.

I love when stuff like this happens. Especially as a mother, it's nice to know that there are still some nice people in the world. Those people who can still be "charmed" by a cute little kid, and not have thoughts of taking advantage of them or hurting them in some way. It also shows to the kids, that not all grown ups are bad or mean. With all that you hear on the news these days, moments like this are very welcomed, albeit far and few between.

Inspired to INSPIRE -- Happy Easter!!!

I know it's the day before Easter, and my well wishes may be a little premature. However, with wishes such as this, one can never offer them too soon. Not to mention, I probably won't be on line tomorrow.

There's not much more to say when you start a post with a picture as awesome and to the point as the one above.

But I will take a moment to wish all of my readers and your families a HAPPY EASTER!!! If your family has traditions that you share at this time of year, I hope you all enjoy this special time of celebrating, rememberance, and reflection. And if you don't have any regular family traditions, this might be a good time for you to start some.

And now, I'll leave you with this:

"Giving thanks for all the blessings that we have received. Reflecting on the past year and everything achieved. Dressed in Sunday best clothes, family can be found, at the table for Easter dinner with blessings all around."

This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalms 118:24

Friday Flower Fix

"I don't know whether nice people grow ROSES...or if growing ROSES makes people nice."

Have a beautiful weekend.

Spring/Easter Program

Last Friday, me, my hubby and my mother in law went to see Jayla's Pre-K Spring/Easter Program at her school. Talk about cute.

For weeks, this girl has been practicing a few of the songs they were going to be singing. But she had us fooled. We thought they would just be performing the 2 - 3 songs that she was singing around the house. However, those kids (4 & 5 year olds, mind you) MEMORIZED 7 songs!

When we got there, the classroom was full of parents with cameras and video recorders. The kids were in another room getting ready. Finally, they marched into the room and welcomed all of us to their program. They all had on different colored t-shirts, to represent the colors of the rainbow. I was excited to see that Jayla was on the front row. And had you HEARD how loud she was singing and SEEN how demonstative she was, you'd know why her teachers put her right up front...LOL.

Oh my goodness, you guys...it was adorable. One of the teachers was playing the CD and the kids just chimed in, at the appropriate times and (almost) on key :-). A few of the songs, certain kids stood in front of the crowd and "acted out" the lyrics.

Here's a few of the pix...sorry if some are blurry and dark...the room wasn't very well lit and/or I just take terrible pictures :-).

Ok, ok...I'll stop with (these particular) pictures...lol. She just looked so cute up there singing. Not a care in the world and just excited to be performing for her family.

After the performance, the kids were filing out of the room. Some of the kids were waving and yelling to their parents. Once all that commotion was over, Jayla yells out, "I LOVE YOU, MOMMY!!!" Oh my goodness, talk about an instant tear jerker! Through my tears, I told her that I loved her too and everyone in the room said, "AWWWWW!!!". It was the sweetest thing. She tells me that she loves me all the time. But it was something about her choosing to say that to me in front of "her world" that made it so special. And the fact that she said it FIRST. Of course, after the other kids saw the audiences response, they all told their moms that they loved them too. Too cute!

The kids went back into the next room to change their t-shirts and then came back to have a quick little snack with their parents. Jayla ran right to her daddy...and THIS is what she did....

Talk about priceless! I saw a little tear in daddy's eyes too. After hugging daddy, Jayla asked me why I was crying. She was happy to find that she hadn't upset me in the least...but made mommy cry happy tears.

After the snack, the kids had a little Easter egg hunt on the playground. They had a blast. Nothing like a bunch of 5 year olds running around screaming and looking for colored plastic filled with candy. What a life!!!