Twenty-six years ago today, God blessed me with my beautiful daughter, Briyanna.
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| Newborn December 7, 1984 |
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| 18 months old Not sure why I'm posting this one, I just think it's SUPER cute :-). |
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| TODAY (well, a week ago,lol) |
11 years ago
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Day...ummmm....Be Thankful extended a few days :-)
I realize that the "Thankful" posts were for the month of November. But I thought today was another day to be thankful.
Twenty-six years ago today, God blessed me with my beautiful daughter, Briyanna.
And I'd like to take a(NOTHER) minute to wish her a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Love you, Bri!!
Twenty-six years ago today, God blessed me with my beautiful daughter, Briyanna.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Day 30 - Last, but not least, Be Thankful
Today, Tuesday, on the last day of my Be Thankful posts, I am thankful for - ANSWERED PRAYERS!
Most of you know that I catch a bunch of slack from my friends (and family) about being (or WANTING to be) first in the carpool line at Jayla's school. :-) Well, I'm STILL that way :-).
Today, I was first in line. It's been raining off and on today (mostly ON!) So I wanted Jayla to be one of the first ones out. But I failed to realize that today, being first wasn't that great. Reason being, there are 5 "stops" in picking up the kids at her school. And #1 is the furthest away from where the kids are actually dismissed. So being that it was raining today, she'd get REALLY wet having to walk all the way down to the #1 spot. (Lesson learned by mommy)
Anyway, as I sat in my spot waiting for school to let out, the sky just OPENED up and it was POURING down raining. I could hardly see out of my windshield. So I said a little prayer, asking God to please, either stop or slow down the rain until all the kids were in their vehicles. The rain continued to fall and the wind picked up. But just as the last child walked into the gym (which is where car riders are dismissed from) and the final bell rang...the rain...STOPPED! :-) All I could do was smile and thank God for answering my prayer.
I don't doubt or question what God is able to do for those who love Him. But it's not often that a prayer of mine is answered almost IMMEDIATELY! Absolutely amazing!
Most of you know that I catch a bunch of slack from my friends (and family) about being (or WANTING to be) first in the carpool line at Jayla's school. :-) Well, I'm STILL that way :-).
Today, I was first in line. It's been raining off and on today (mostly ON!) So I wanted Jayla to be one of the first ones out. But I failed to realize that today, being first wasn't that great. Reason being, there are 5 "stops" in picking up the kids at her school. And #1 is the furthest away from where the kids are actually dismissed. So being that it was raining today, she'd get REALLY wet having to walk all the way down to the #1 spot. (Lesson learned by mommy)
Anyway, as I sat in my spot waiting for school to let out, the sky just OPENED up and it was POURING down raining. I could hardly see out of my windshield. So I said a little prayer, asking God to please, either stop or slow down the rain until all the kids were in their vehicles. The rain continued to fall and the wind picked up. But just as the last child walked into the gym (which is where car riders are dismissed from) and the final bell rang...the rain...STOPPED! :-) All I could do was smile and thank God for answering my prayer.
I don't doubt or question what God is able to do for those who love Him. But it's not often that a prayer of mine is answered almost IMMEDIATELY! Absolutely amazing!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Day 29 - Be Thankful
Today, Monday, November 29th, I am thankful for - BEDTIME!
What a day!
Today wasn't abnormally crazy or anything. But I was really looking forward to bedtime. Not just for myself...but mostly for my 9 year old :-). Most of the time, she is WIRED in the evenings. And bedtime cannot come quick enough sometimes. All I hear in the play room is singing, dancing, and laughing. NONE of things are bad. It's just after a while, it just gets...um, loud :-).
I realize I should embrace these moments as they will be over in a few years. I've been blessed to hear these sounds from 2 other kids prior to Jayla.
And there are no sounds as pleasant as hearing your child enjoy life and having a good time. I guess, when you think about it, her having this "fun" in the evenings, makes an easy bedtime. By the time 9pm rolls around, she's BEAT! :-) We have never had any trouble with Jayla going to bed when it's time. For that, I am also thankful.
MY bedtime is the time I look forward to spending with Mister M. Although I "call it a night" soon after Jayla goes to bed, Mister M. and I are either talking & catching up with eachother or watching TV. So we may not even go to sleep ourselves until 11pm or so. Gotta love winding down at the end of a busy (or not so busy) day!
What a day!
Today wasn't abnormally crazy or anything. But I was really looking forward to bedtime. Not just for myself...but mostly for my 9 year old :-). Most of the time, she is WIRED in the evenings. And bedtime cannot come quick enough sometimes. All I hear in the play room is singing, dancing, and laughing. NONE of things are bad. It's just after a while, it just gets...um, loud :-).
I realize I should embrace these moments as they will be over in a few years. I've been blessed to hear these sounds from 2 other kids prior to Jayla.
And there are no sounds as pleasant as hearing your child enjoy life and having a good time. I guess, when you think about it, her having this "fun" in the evenings, makes an easy bedtime. By the time 9pm rolls around, she's BEAT! :-) We have never had any trouble with Jayla going to bed when it's time. For that, I am also thankful.
MY bedtime is the time I look forward to spending with Mister M. Although I "call it a night" soon after Jayla goes to bed, Mister M. and I are either talking & catching up with eachother or watching TV. So we may not even go to sleep ourselves until 11pm or so. Gotta love winding down at the end of a busy (or not so busy) day!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Day 28 - Be Thankful
Today, Sunday, November 28th, I am thankful for - MY TRANSPORTATION
Ok, here's the thing...I cannot STAND my vehicle! There, I said it!
I CURRENTLY drive one of these....
Add a couple layers of dirt, a few "dust" pictures on the windows, some door scratches & dings from bicycle handlebars/shopping carts, 3 soccer magnets, 1 school magnet, throw in a few Skittles & french fries, some soccer cleats, folding chairs and remove 2 of the Nissan lug nut covers off of one front and one rear tire, and this one would look EXACTLY like mine :-).
I USE to drive one of these....
However, mine had some SEXY rims on the tires and NO giant scratch on the passenger door :-).
And I WANT to drive one of these... :-)
Do we see a pattern here? No?!? Well, I'm kinda partial to a Chevy Tahoe. I LOVE being up high and let's face it, this is SO much sexier than a...than a...(I can't even SAY it!)...than a...m...mi...minivan!!! ARGH!!! :-)
But I must say, although I'm not fond of my Quest, I am SOOOO VERY thankful that I have a dependable mode of transportation. I do miss my Tahoe. But I DO NOT miss having a gas guzzler and a car payment. We purchased the Tahoe the month after we found out we were expecting J'Bear. And we kept it for almost 2 years. We traded it for the Quest because we found out we were expecting AGAIN (J'Bear was 14 months old). The Tahoe had a chunky monthly payment. And we had to quickly cut expenses somewhere considering we were about to have another baby. Getting rid of the Tahoe and getting the Quest was the best move for us.
Sadly, the week after we bought the Quest, I miscarried. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't wonder if the Tahoe was still at the dealership :-).
Good news is, we paid off the Quest in 8 months and for the past several years have had NO car payments. The Quest may not be visually appealing. But it is very dependable, doesn't guzzle gas, has (almost) enough room for all our STUFF. AND...has a VCR in it! LOL
I always said I didn't want to be one of those moms, that not only drove a minivan, but had magnets on it and spent my weekends chauffeuring around soccer players. But ya know what? I AM one of those moms! I'm a soccer mom/coaches wife...and I LOVE it! My minivan is not WHO I am...it's WHAT I drive! Although people honk their horns at me now, I'm thankful that I have something to safely drive my family & friends around in.
I'm still holding out for that new Tahoe though. Please send all donations to.....:-) LOL
Ok, here's the thing...I cannot STAND my vehicle! There, I said it!
I CURRENTLY drive one of these....
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| 2002 Nissan Quest |
I USE to drive one of these....
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| 2001 Chevy Tahoe |
And I WANT to drive one of these... :-)
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| 2010 Chevy Tahoe |
Do we see a pattern here? No?!? Well, I'm kinda partial to a Chevy Tahoe. I LOVE being up high and let's face it, this is SO much sexier than a...than a...(I can't even SAY it!)...than a...m...mi...minivan!!! ARGH!!! :-)
But I must say, although I'm not fond of my Quest, I am SOOOO VERY thankful that I have a dependable mode of transportation. I do miss my Tahoe. But I DO NOT miss having a gas guzzler and a car payment. We purchased the Tahoe the month after we found out we were expecting J'Bear. And we kept it for almost 2 years. We traded it for the Quest because we found out we were expecting AGAIN (J'Bear was 14 months old). The Tahoe had a chunky monthly payment. And we had to quickly cut expenses somewhere considering we were about to have another baby. Getting rid of the Tahoe and getting the Quest was the best move for us.
Sadly, the week after we bought the Quest, I miscarried. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't wonder if the Tahoe was still at the dealership :-).
Good news is, we paid off the Quest in 8 months and for the past several years have had NO car payments. The Quest may not be visually appealing. But it is very dependable, doesn't guzzle gas, has (almost) enough room for all our STUFF. AND...has a VCR in it! LOL
I always said I didn't want to be one of those moms, that not only drove a minivan, but had magnets on it and spent my weekends chauffeuring around soccer players. But ya know what? I AM one of those moms! I'm a soccer mom/coaches wife...and I LOVE it! My minivan is not WHO I am...it's WHAT I drive! Although people honk their horns at me now, I'm thankful that I have something to safely drive my family & friends around in.
I'm still holding out for that new Tahoe though. Please send all donations to.....:-) LOL
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Day 27 - Be Thankful
Today, Saturday, November 27th, I am thankful for - JUNK MAIL (aka "good mail")!
Ya know what? It really is the highlight of my day to hear the mail truck drive down our street. Seriously! I love checking the mail. And my favorite thing to receive is JUNK MAIL, or good mail! Some people hate it...I love it! Why, you might ask? First, let's define what exactly is meant by JUMK MAIL.
Junk Mail consists of advertisements, coupons, magazines, credit card offers, catalogs, etc. So basically, anything BUT bills. I also enjoy receiving letters/cards (GOOD mail). You know....LETTERS, it's a handwritten "email" of sorts from a friend or family member. A letter!! :-) I don't receive them much, but I do enjoy getting them. J'Bear has recently become a Pen Pal with my friends son. And she just loves it! It's so cute to see the things they write about and how "to the point" they are. Nothing long, just quick questions & answers. Love it!
I need to find myself a pen pal.
I remember a while back when me and another friend chatted quite a bit, she would tell me how she had such a "good mail day". Good mail days included her receiving a new magazine or a visit from the UPS man :-). I mean, she's got a point...let's be real. Almost ANYTHING that the UPS man brings is GOOD, right?
Anyway, I think I defined it appropriately above...Junk mail is ANYTHING EXCEPT BILLS!!! :-) Ok, to some people bills may be junk mail, LOL. For the record, today was a good mail day...NO BILLS!!! :-)
Ya know what? It really is the highlight of my day to hear the mail truck drive down our street. Seriously! I love checking the mail. And my favorite thing to receive is JUNK MAIL, or good mail! Some people hate it...I love it! Why, you might ask? First, let's define what exactly is meant by JUMK MAIL.
Junk Mail consists of advertisements, coupons, magazines, credit card offers, catalogs, etc. So basically, anything BUT bills. I also enjoy receiving letters/cards (GOOD mail). You know....LETTERS, it's a handwritten "email" of sorts from a friend or family member. A letter!! :-) I don't receive them much, but I do enjoy getting them. J'Bear has recently become a Pen Pal with my friends son. And she just loves it! It's so cute to see the things they write about and how "to the point" they are. Nothing long, just quick questions & answers. Love it!
I need to find myself a pen pal.
I remember a while back when me and another friend chatted quite a bit, she would tell me how she had such a "good mail day". Good mail days included her receiving a new magazine or a visit from the UPS man :-). I mean, she's got a point...let's be real. Almost ANYTHING that the UPS man brings is GOOD, right?
Anyway, I think I defined it appropriately above...Junk mail is ANYTHING EXCEPT BILLS!!! :-) Ok, to some people bills may be junk mail, LOL. For the record, today was a good mail day...NO BILLS!!! :-)
Friday, November 26, 2010
Day 26 - Be Thankful
Today, Friday, November 26th, I am thankful for - LEFT OVERS
...enough said! LOL
...enough said! LOL
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Day 25 - Be Thankful
I'll be honest, I was a little nervous about our Thanksgiving get together this year. Last year, we had Thanksgiving here at our house. And as in the past, we "discussed" who would host the festivities the following year. My SIL was the chosen one this year. My SIL is a single woman, she lives alone and quite frankly, isn't use to or accustomed to having a house full of people. Especially young kids running around. So needless to say, I was a little nervous about it. And from what it sounds like, she wasn't really looking forward to it.
BUT...we got to my SIL's house and she had it so beautifully decorated. Along with us bringing most of the main Thanksgiving staples, she also asked me to make 3 centerpieces for the tables. She was so excited that I chose to use fresh, Fall flowers and candles for the centerpieces. It just added to how nice everything was.
You guys, there was SO MUCH food! It all looked DEEElicious!!! My MIL (Bless her heart) cooked for 3 days prior to the big event. And good LAWD did my house smell DEVINE!!! :-)
The 20+ family members that were there all joined hands, forming a giant circle. And my husband said the most beautiful blessing. Making sure to not only bless the delicious food. But the preparers of the food, the hostess, and the FELLOWSHIP of family.
Doesn't get much better than that. Well, maybe if the Cowboys had won...LOL!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Day 24 - Be Thankful
Today, November 24th, I am thankful for - DOWN TIME
Ok, most people who know me, know that I am NOT one to just...BE! If I'm not sleeping, I'd much rather be in my craftroom doing...SOMETHING! Or I'm out and about running errands or volunteering somewhere.
But I'll be honest, I do enjoy my down time. That's the time that I'm either laying in bed watching my many "guilty pleasure" shows. Or reading a magazine. Or doing a word search puzzle. Or just lying in bed talking and laughing with Mister M.
DOWN TIME...ROCKS!!
Ok, most people who know me, know that I am NOT one to just...BE! If I'm not sleeping, I'd much rather be in my craftroom doing...SOMETHING! Or I'm out and about running errands or volunteering somewhere.
But I'll be honest, I do enjoy my down time. That's the time that I'm either laying in bed watching my many "guilty pleasure" shows. Or reading a magazine. Or doing a word search puzzle. Or just lying in bed talking and laughing with Mister M.
DOWN TIME...ROCKS!!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Days 21, 22 & 23 - Be Thankful
SERIOUSLY??? I'm 3 days behind?
Trust me, it's NOT because I'm NOT thankful...it's because I'm FORGETFUL!! :-)
Ok, let's see....
On Sunday, day 21, I was thankful for - GORGEOUS WEATHER!!
Sunday was an absolutely gorgeous day! Our U16 boys had a soccer tournament over the weekend and the weather couldn't have been more perfect. I won't even get into the actual game, as that's not what this post is about. I will just say that this weekend was a one that I was glad that we are a soccer family :-). Nothing better than being outside, enjoying friends/family & a beautiful day.
On Saturday after the games, we went to my sisters house to visit with my mom & her husband who were in town. My sister made a big ole pot of chili and I made a big ole pot of Santa Fe soup. The food & the fellowship were AWESOME! We didn't get home until 1am on Sunday morning! A great time was had by all.
(I will share pix soon.)
On Monday, day 22, I was thankful for - MISTER M. BEING ON VACATION
My hubby usually works from home on Mondays. He's been doing that for quite some time now. But for some reason, it seems a little different, a little more fun, when he's on VACATION as opposed to "working". He'll be on vacation all this week...and he makes sure that we know it! :-)
Oh Monday, me, Mister M. J'Bear and my MIL all ran errands together. Usually it's just me & my MIL (unless J'Bear is out of school). Our first stop was to the doctors office for my MIL's monthly bloodwork. Afterwards, we headed to the first grocery store. I'll tell ya, Mister M. & J'Bear do NOT make a good mix at the store :-). He's just a big ole kid!
Anyway, I just love that he's home with us this week and choosing to spend his vacation doing stuff with us. Although vacations when we get to travel somewhere are THE BEST...Mister M. being home with us is an awesome vacation too.
Today, Tuesday, day 23, I am thankful for - NAPTIME
Ok, if there's nothing else in the world that I'm good at, NAPS has got to be my #1 :-). I LOVE taking naps. And I'm not one of those sissy, 15, 20 or 30 minute nappers either! lol I nap for 2 - 3 HOURS!!! Especially when the weather is like it was today...kinda overcast, kinda gloomy, kinda chilly...you know what I mean! It's PERFECT napping weather.
I try very hard not to take naps during the work week. But I'll be honest, sometimes it's all I can do to stay awake. But on the weekends...or when everyone is at home (like this week) and there's nothing but lazy lounging going on around me...I'm ALL OVER taking a nap!!
Yeah, I'm a good napper! In fact, I think I'm gonna go take one now :-).
Trust me, it's NOT because I'm NOT thankful...it's because I'm FORGETFUL!! :-)
Ok, let's see....
On Sunday, day 21, I was thankful for - GORGEOUS WEATHER!!
Sunday was an absolutely gorgeous day! Our U16 boys had a soccer tournament over the weekend and the weather couldn't have been more perfect. I won't even get into the actual game, as that's not what this post is about. I will just say that this weekend was a one that I was glad that we are a soccer family :-). Nothing better than being outside, enjoying friends/family & a beautiful day.
On Saturday after the games, we went to my sisters house to visit with my mom & her husband who were in town. My sister made a big ole pot of chili and I made a big ole pot of Santa Fe soup. The food & the fellowship were AWESOME! We didn't get home until 1am on Sunday morning! A great time was had by all.
(I will share pix soon.)
On Monday, day 22, I was thankful for - MISTER M. BEING ON VACATION
My hubby usually works from home on Mondays. He's been doing that for quite some time now. But for some reason, it seems a little different, a little more fun, when he's on VACATION as opposed to "working". He'll be on vacation all this week...and he makes sure that we know it! :-)
Oh Monday, me, Mister M. J'Bear and my MIL all ran errands together. Usually it's just me & my MIL (unless J'Bear is out of school). Our first stop was to the doctors office for my MIL's monthly bloodwork. Afterwards, we headed to the first grocery store. I'll tell ya, Mister M. & J'Bear do NOT make a good mix at the store :-). He's just a big ole kid!
Anyway, I just love that he's home with us this week and choosing to spend his vacation doing stuff with us. Although vacations when we get to travel somewhere are THE BEST...Mister M. being home with us is an awesome vacation too.
Today, Tuesday, day 23, I am thankful for - NAPTIME
Ok, if there's nothing else in the world that I'm good at, NAPS has got to be my #1 :-). I LOVE taking naps. And I'm not one of those sissy, 15, 20 or 30 minute nappers either! lol I nap for 2 - 3 HOURS!!! Especially when the weather is like it was today...kinda overcast, kinda gloomy, kinda chilly...you know what I mean! It's PERFECT napping weather.
I try very hard not to take naps during the work week. But I'll be honest, sometimes it's all I can do to stay awake. But on the weekends...or when everyone is at home (like this week) and there's nothing but lazy lounging going on around me...I'm ALL OVER taking a nap!!
Yeah, I'm a good napper! In fact, I think I'm gonna go take one now :-).
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Day 20 - Be Thankful
Today, November 20th, I am thankful for - JAYLA!!!
On Tuesday, November 20, 2001, after 11 LONG years of prayer (and trying), God sent me & Mister M. a beautiful blessing....
And here we are, 9 years later...and He continues to bless us with this BEAUTIFUL little lady!
On Tuesday, November 20, 2001, after 11 LONG years of prayer (and trying), God sent me & Mister M. a beautiful blessing....
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| 24 Hours old. |
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| 3 Months old. |
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| 1st Birthday. (Look at that face! I LOVE it! She did NOT wanna touch that cake, lol) |
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| Pre-K (Age 4) |
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| Kindergarten Age 5 |
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| 1st Grade Age 6 |
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| 2nd Grade Age 7 |
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| TODAY! ...well, almost today :-)...she was 8 in this 3rd Grade picture, taken about a month ago. She still looks like this :-). |
Love you bunches, J'Bear!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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